Psychosomatic Output: Unavailable

  Synaptic Rank: Unavailable

  Kleth’altho was the most unpleasant place Cyprus had ever stepped foot on. She had heard the stories about the smell, but nothing could have prepared her for the acrid stench that assaulted her nose. She longed to run back to her ship and grab her respirator, but the locals didn’t wear one so neither would she. She needed the Klethonians to respect her, because they needed to take what she had to say seriously.

  Her and Recli walked the streets of Giantry City, built in the winding space of a ravine. Many of the structures had been quarried into the stone itself, burrowing further away from the noxious gas. The occasional elevator could be seen towering to the surface, where a massive refinery dominated the skyscape. It loomed over the ravine like a giant peering into a jar of insects.

  “The Union wishes to absorb this planet into their government?” Recli asked, the distaste in his voice evident.

  He was wrapped in a massive cloak, which was really just a heavy curtain she had found on Terminus 14. Thankfully, the autonomous planet was filled with other giant species. As long as Recli’s race couldn’t be identified, no one would ask any questions.

  “Kleth’altho is powerful and far too close to Hokku.”

  Through the shadow of his cloak, his forked tongue tasted the air, “They are worried they’ll join forces with the Sovereignty?”

  Cyprus shrugged, “The possibility is never out of the question. Like I said, Hokku is closer to Kletho’altho than the core is. They have a greater influence.”

  Recli studied her with his golden eyes, “And the headmaster expects you to convince them to join after a hundred years of autonomy?”

  She sighed, “I’m going to try my best. If we can assimilate them into the Union, we’d stand a better chance in an all-out war.”

  She didn’t tell him that Giantis had practically banished her here. He didn’t really believe that she could convince the Corpos to join. It was just something to keep her busy.

  She risked a glance at Recli, and tried not to flinch when their gazes met. The predatory gleam quickened her heart rate, and she had to wipe her slickened palms on her uniform’s skirt.

  He had insisted that he join her on the surface, and she didn’t know how to argue without the risk of losing her head. If the reptile wanted to follow her into the meeting with the board, she didn’t think she’d be able to stop him.

  “Well, this is it,” Cyprus cleared her throat.

  The municipality building was only two stories tall. Its stone structure was bland, devoid of any color or ornate designs. A yellow flag flew above the door. Depicted on its center were two crossing hammers, and the silhouette of a refinery behind them.

  The flag was the only indication of any importance. If she hadn’t been looking for it, she would have easily missed the structure altogether.

  She glanced over her shoulder. Recli was watching intently, but he made no move to follow.

  Yes, please stay right there.

  It was becoming increasingly evident just how intelligent Recli really was. He seemed to grasp the political intricacies of Dromedar instantly, and she only had to explain something once before he began to ask the right questions.

  He was really good at asking questions.

  She had the creeping suspicion that this wasn’t the first time Recli had infiltrated a protected star system.

  He stared at her, unblinking, unmoving. One tentative step after the other, and she was inside. She risked another over-the-shoulder glance, and was shocked to discover that he had vanished. The stark reality of her powerlessness made her extremely uncomfortable. If he did decide to go on a rampage, there was nothing she would be able to do to stop him.

  You can’t think about that right now. You have a job to do.

  The inside was just as boring as the outside. The foyer was a large, empty room, with stark grey walls. At the end of the room was a desk, and seated behind it was a human female. She had short, blonde hair, and sharp, pointed features.

  Cyprus gave the woman her friendliest smile, “Good morning! I’m Councilwoman Atik. I’m here to meet with the board.”

  The woman raised her eyebrows, “You’re Kaiprus Atik? I was expecting someone’s grandmother.”

  “It’s Cyprus, actually.”

  “Cyprus…” The girl pursed her lips and shamelessly looked her up and down, “You’re really part of that snooze fest in the core?”

  She raised an eyebrow, “It’s hardly as boring as you must think it is.”

  “Really?” She flipped her blonde hair and leaned forward on the desk, hands on her chin and elbows beneath her. “Don’t you guys just sit around a big table and talk?”

  Cyprus’ smile slipped, “It’s more than that, we–we talk about important things.”

  The girl giggled.

  “We do!” Cyprus crossed her arms across her chest, “It’s more than just talking. It’s an opportunity for change—for action.”

  “Seems like they didn’t like the kind of action you were suggesting.”

  She frowned, “Why do you say that?”

  Another giggle, “Well, you’re here. How many parsecs from the core? Seems like this is the farthest place you could get from convincing any of those old geezers to change.”

  Cyprus sighed. Even a random receptionist could see the obvious punishment in her reassignment.

  “I don’t need to convince anyone. I’ll make the change myself and I’m exactly where I need to be to make that happen.”

  The receptionist snorted and pushed herself off the desk, “Well I hope that all works out for you, and if it doesn’t, you can always have my job. It sucks.”

  “I think I’ll pass.”

  “I don’t blame you.” She checked the small holo in front of her and made a line with her mouth, “They’re ready for you. Good luck, grandma.”

  She checked the girl’s name tag, “Thanks, Jessica. I’ll need it.”

  Jessica grinned and motioned toward the massive double doors. They were grey like the rest of the stone walls, but carved in the center were tinted, glass panes. Cyprus quickly checked her reflection, and smoothed her dark green uniform. The pleated skirt fell past her knees, and her collared shirt hugged her neck.

  It was a flattering outfit, and it boosted her confidence.

  You got this!

  She grabbed hold of the smooth, metal handle and pulled. The doors swung open to reveal another large room with a rectangular table. The chairs were empty, except for a male Myrd. He sat on one end of the table and motioned to the empty seat beside him. She flashed a smile and was careful not to rush. Slow and deliberate strides indicated confidence.

  “Miss Atik,” the Myrd said, his voice hoarse from years on Kleth’altho, but not too deep. “A pleasure.”

  The Myrd was the color of dried mud, with leathery skin and six sets of limbs. He was old, but the corded muscles that rippled beneath his hardened skin showed he still posed the strength of his youth. It was no surprise to find one at the head of the table. Their intelligence and vicious tendencies often elevated their careers.

  Regardless, Cyprus’ heart sank. They were almost as stubborn as humans.

  “The pleasure is mine. Thank you for seeing me, Mr…”

  “Siraith.” His business smile revealed rows of sharp teeth. “We would never deny a request from our friendly neighbors. We have not heard from the Union in quite some time.”

  Cyprus smiled, “Well I’m hoping to change that. Terminus 14 is under my command for the foreseeable future.”

  “Yes, I heard about your…reassignment. I hope the outer layers have been kind to you?” The Myrd’s yellow eyes mimicked Recli’s predatory gleam.

  She suppressed a shudder with a forced smile, “It’s not so bad. In fact, I think all this talk of the dangers out here was a little exaggerated.”

  The Myrd’s smile never slipped, “Oh, it usually is, but I can assure you some dangers are quite real. Though, you’re safe here. Kleth’altho is a sanctuary for the outer layers.”

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  She raised an eyebrow, “I can’t say I’ve ever heard that title being thrown around.”

  Siraith bobbed his head, “Oh, you will. The Corpos have worked hard to protect our autonomy. I hope that’s not why you’re here today, Miss Atik. We’ve made our case quite clear to the Union.”

  Damn it.

  “Of course, and we would never do anything to compromise your integrity as planetary leaders, but we would like you to consider a partnership.”

  Siraith’s smile grew deadly, “The Union refused that proposal—our proposal.”

  “That was a long time ago, and the situation is different. Times are changing. I’m sure Kleth’altho has experienced this.”

  The Myrd’s lips twitched, “Perhaps, but we excel at adaptation.”

  “And how are the Corpos adapting, Mr. Siraith?”

  The air in the board room seemed to cool, and the Myrd’s yellow eyes flashed. “I’m not sure I understand what you’re implying.”

  Don’t falter but be smart.

  Her politician's grin made her cheeks ache, “It’s no secret that you have powerful neighbors. I’m sure that can be quite tempting.”

  Siraith’s smile vanished as his lips peeled back in a ferocious snarl, “The Sovereignty is no longer welcome here. We cast them out a decade ago. The day the Corpos crawl back to those spineless vapor rats is the day our planet is obliterated. Kleth’altho is independent, and we always will be.”

  Stay calm. The anger isn’t directed at you.

  The Myrd’s corded muscles tensed, and he slammed two of his hands down onto the table. It was clear that she touched a nerve.

  “Yet, you allow Hokkonians to travel down to your surface.”

  Siraith growled, “We have no desire to start a war. They hated it here, so it was easy to push them out. But to deny a HWND pilot is foolishness. No one refuses them passage anywhere.”

  Cyprus took a deep breath, “I did.”

  Siraith paused, his eyes narrowed. “What?”

  “A HWND pilot that came from Kleth’altho. He wanted to board Terminus 14 and I refused.”

  Siraith’s four arms crossed, “Are you a complete idiot? If the Hokkonian were here on Kleth’altho then it was for good reason. The same can be said for your station. The Sovereignty might be governed by braindead vapor rats, but the HWND pilots operate with some level of properly-guided purpose.”

  “But they are Hokkonian all the same. Like I said, Mr. Siraith, times are changing.”

  Bring it back. Don’t lose the conversation.

  “The Union will adapt, I can promise you that, so it is up to the Corpos to decide where Kleth’altho will stand when that change comes.”

  She was breathing hard, and clasped her hands together to hide the anxious tremors.

  Siraith’s bulbous lips closed over his teeth and he tilted his head, “I can’t imagine that’s an official statement made by the Union.”

  Cyprus let out a shaky laugh, “Not yet, but it’s my goal to make it so.”

  Siraith studied her, before nodding approvingly. “The gap between the Sovereignty and the rest of Dromedar diminishes with each passing rotation. The creation of their HWNDs has crippled them.”

  She leaned forward, “What do you mean?”

  “They’re no longer the pinnacle of Hokku’s Navy. They are Hokku’s Navy.”

  “Hokku’s fleet?”

  Siraith shrugged all four shoulders, “Gone. We haven’t seen a flagship in years. The only patrol our freighters have run into are the Novawolf M-42s. The Sovereignty is pulling back their forces, and we have no idea why.”

  “Do you think they’re planning something?”

  Siraith shrugged, “It’s hard to say, but my gut tells me it’s an act based purely on their own arrogance. They think their precious HWNDs are enough.”

  “Judging by the way you said that, I’m going to assume you disagree with that sentiment?” Cyprus pressed.

  The Myrd scoffed, “We’ve had to construct our own fleet just to protect ourselves from the raiders. Though, I should thank their naval inadequacies. Kleth’altho is no longer dependent on the strength of another nation.”

  Cyprus crossed her arms. If what the Myrd was saying is true, then the Hokkonians were even more vulnerable than she thought.

  “If the Union does make that decision, where will Kleth’altho stand?”

  Siraith licked his lips with a long, flat tongue, “I do not speak for the other members of the Corpos, but I can assure you we have no love for the Hokku Sovereignty.”

  She nodded, “That’s enough for now. Please pass my message along to the other owners. Maybe the Corpos and the Union can come to an agreement some time in the near future.”

  She dipped her head and pushed herself out of the chair. The Myrd did the same and he rose a few heads taller than her. He shook her hand with a surprisingly gentle grip.

  “Thank you for your time, Mr. Siraith.”

  “Anytime. The Union is a friend.”

  Just as she turned to leave, Siraith cleared his throat. “If you’re truly serious, I would pay a visit to Reloculan.”

  Cyprus frowned, “I thought Reloculan was annihilated.”

  “Close, but many survived. They spend their lives fighting now. I don't know if they've made much of a difference, but perhaps they’re the reason the Hokku Navy has been so distracted. They could be valuable, even if used as a means to an end.” A dangerous smile twisted at the corners of his mouth.

  “I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.”

  Siraith waved a hand, “Stay safe out there, Councilwoman.”

  Cyprus closed the door behind her, let out a breath, and relaxed her clenched fists. Her legs wobbled and she stumbled past the desk, holding a hand to her head.

  “He’s so scary, isn't he?” Jessica was leaning against the counter again, her pointed nose wrinkled as she gave Cyprus a knowing grin.

  “He’s definitely intimidating.”

  The girl shuddered, “Myrd’s just give me the creeps, especially the ones that sit behind a desk all day. I feel like it’s more natural for them to be in the pits, tearing arms off of one another.”

  Cyprus laughed and thought of Frayioch, the old Myrd representative back on Gasaan. He had definitely seemed like he wanted to kill some of the other council members.

  “I agree, I–Jessica? What’s wrong?”

  Jessica’s good-natured grin was replaced with a look of terror. Cyprus followed her gaze and whipped her head around. Recli was standing in the doorway, hunched so he could fit through the opening.

  “What is that?” Jessica’s horrified whisper was almost inaudible.

  Cyprus' heart lurched in her throat and she hurried over to the lizard. “What are you doing here?”

  “I gave you an appropriate amount of time,” Recli never took his eyes off the receptionist.

  “I’m not finished.”

  “Do not keep me waiting for your own pleasures, Cyprus.” There was a murderous glint in his orange eyes.

  Cyprus bowed her head in a meek display of obedience. She turned to look at Jessica and saw her obvious fear. Yet, when they locked eyes, Jessica showed genuine concern.

  “A–are you okay?” she called.

  Cyprus wanted to run to her, and confess to everything—who she was and what she planned to do. She didn’t want to sell her soul to the cloaked monster. Yet, despite her instinctual fear, she did want to watch the Sovereignty burn.

  She gave Jessica a tight smile, “I’m okay.”

  ***

  The two of them walked briskly through the streets. It was getting dark, which could only mean the release of the refinery workers. The city would be getting much busier, and they couldn’t risk Recli’s presence being revealed. She was just thankful the reptile didn’t demand the life of the receptionist.

  “Well?” he growled.

  She sighed, “I doubt they’ll help. The Union relies on them for Rylon fuel, but that’s where our relationship ends.”

  “But will they work against us?”

  Cyprus shook her head, and a strand of her hair came loose from her tight braid. “No, that was made clear. But…”

  Recli eyed her, “What is it?”

  “There is another planet, potential allies. They hate the Hokkonians more than anything. The Relocs.”

  “Why did we not go there first?

  “Because Reloculan has no structure. In terms of their identity as a sovereign planet, the Union doesn’t even recognize them. I always thought they went extinct after the crusade. They got hit the hardest and the entire planet burned.” Cyprus pursed her lips as she thought back on that history lesson.

  “Doesn’t sound too promising,” Recli hissed.

  “No, but apparently there’s still some life left. The Myrd mentioned a military group that’s managed to exist since the genocide. It might be worth checking out.”

  Recli was silent for some time as they walked back to the landing bay. Cyprus was thankful for it, but even in silence, his atmosphere was suffocating.

  “If Reloculan is as dead as you say, perhaps there will be room for my people.”

  Cyprus shot him a look, “I think you might be right.”

  The landing bay was just ahead, and through the open gates she could see her ship. But standing beside the open doors was a young woman, who was screaming something inaudible.

  “Sounds like we found another ally,” Recli’s rumbling chuckle turned to a cough.

  She gave him a puzzled look but when they got closer, she heard it.

  “I’m going to kill them, every one of them! The HWNDs must die! Burn them! Burn them all!” a woman’s voice screamed.

  The owner of the screeching had the unmistakable look of torpe abuse. Her bloodshot eyes were sunken into her skull, and her bloody lips were scarred. Her screaming never stopped. The occasional passerby gave her an odd look but never stopped walking.

  On a world like Kleth’altho, it was probably common.

  When the junkie saw Cyprus and Recli, the senseless screaming ended. “You. You’re with the Union, aren’t you?” She stumbled closer, “Take me with you. Take me to Hokku, They need to die. They took something from me.”

  Cyprus dodged the desperate outstretched hand, “I’m sorry. There’s nothing I can do.”

  She swiped for Cyprus’ jacket, “You have to do something—make them pay for what they’ve done to us.”

  Recli stopped walking, forcing Cyprus to do the same.

  She bit back a curse and smiled at the woman, “What’s your name?”

  “Kyrin Ammend. Please, you have to help me.”

  “What did they take from you?” she reached out for a comforting shoulder pat, but retracted her hand before she could touch the scabbed skin.

  The addict’s eyes welled up with tears, and her face went slack, “He took him. He took Jericho away from me.”

  Recli shouldered Cyprus out of the way and knelt so the woman could see his face. To her credit, she didn’t flinch or look away.

  “Are you willing to die for them?” the lizard asked.

  “Yes,” the woman whispered.

  Recli’s reptilian lips pulled back in a fearsome grin, and saliva dripped from his stained fangs. His forked tongue tasted the air a few inches from the woman’s face. “We will come back for you.”

  Cyprus shot him a surprised look. Why would they ever return for this crippled woman? She would only be a hindrance.

  “I’m sorry, there’s nothing we can do for you right now,” Cyprus had to tug her arm away from the junkie’s grasp.

  Kyrin tried to keep up, but she stumbled and fell. “Wait, don’t leave me here! Take me with you!”

  As they left the area, Cyprus could hear the girl wailing, “Don’t forget about me! Don’t leave me here!”

  She looked at Recli. The giant lizard’s face was unreadable.