Antumbra - A Lost Cause

Working In Opposites - Chapter Five

Marcus turned into the parking lot, deciding not to park on the street lest he draw more attention again. He chose a spot fairly close to the building and shut off his car, waiting a moment in silence until he finally stepped out. He was under harsh scrutiny now, he realized this. It didn't bother him one bit, but it meant moving forward every action, every decision, needed to be deliberated on. He wouldn't be surprised if he was being followed, it was one of the reasons he'd chosen this building as their temporary headquarters. It was secure, or at least he'd paid enough for it to be, so he took his chances. After he entered he took the stairwell down as it wasn't monitored, and entered a small room. Several junior officers snapped to attention as he entered, a force of habit and show of respect, but he waved them at ease. They gathered around a table, notes and papers strewn about. Marcus took a seat and began examining the most recent data.

"These are all the sweeps of the Lows?" he asked.

"Yes, Captain," one officer said, "we even conducted scans via drones. They came back negative."

"Interesting," Marcus mused. "We may need to conduct a more thorough scan. I have... a lead, of sorts."

"Captain?" the officer asked.

"Nothing to warrant a follow-up at this time," he explained, "but I met a child from the Lows who seemed interested in our search."

"Should we bring them in for questioning?" Another officer suggested.

"Nothing so extreme is necessary," Marcus replied, "but I do believe the child may have witnessed something she didn't understand."

"And she withheld evidence?" Another, very young officer commented, "that could be considered a capital offense under these circumstances-"

"Remember, people from the Lows are all Hybrids," another, smoother voice came from Marcus's left, and he smiled as he recognized its inherent charm. The same dark-haired man he'd met at the hearing joined him by his side, leaning casually on the back of Marcus's chair. "They have more reason to fear us than the average person. The fact that she came forward with this concern at all does her people credit."

"For all I know it could be nothing," Marcus shrugged, "however, unless anyone has something more concrete, we are running out of options." The officers looked down dejectedly. Nobody had anything, despite the extensiveness of the search. Marcus sighed. "Refocus your search there. Go in person, ask around."

"But... sir," the same young officer from before seemed quite put off by this notion. "I thought humans couldn't go to the Lows? It's not safe, right?"

"Don't be ridiculous," the dark-haired man explained, "nothing will happen to you in a single afternoon." The officer's concerns didn't seem assuaged, but he remained silent as the dark-haired man barked another order. "Now go. I shouldn't have to remind you that we're on a timetable." The officers all snapped straight salutes to both of them, then left the room in an orderly fashion, leaving Marcus and his friend alone.

"I'm pleasantly surprised you came down yourself, Cassius," Marcus said, turning to give his brother a warm smile.

"I did everything I could to keep the mothballs occupied," Cassius took a seat on the other side of the table. "But my efforts were getting too... traceable, and I had to back off. Figured I might as well see if I could help down here."

"I'm sorry I dragged you into such a sensitive situation," Marcus let the smile drop from his face.

"Don't worry," Cassius held up a hand, "I was always behind you on this, just a shame things had to go awry so quickly." He sighed as he leaned into his fist, elbow on the table. "Who'd have thought such a stupid, trivial little mishap could jeopardize so much," he smiled, chuckling with his mouth closed, "it's almost comedic. One digit out of place and the whole equation is compromised."

"A figurative needle in a haystack," Marcus mused, looking at the aerial views of the Lows. "Or a mushroom field."

"Those little houses always make me laugh," said Cassius, "from up on command they almost look like bubble wrap. Just a shame there are those who would want to pop them."

"Such is the fate of those who can't afford the safety of the city," said Marcus, "though the last 'Pale Umbra' inflicted many casualties here, as well. Seems no one is truly safe on the surface anymore."

"Don't look at me, I'm not the one with subordinates who can't follow basic protocol," Cassius said flippantly.

"I don't blame anyone on our side," Marcus said, "as always I blame our enemies. But soon, things will be different."

"Hopefully soon enough," Cassius stretched and stood up, giving his brother a firm pat on the shoulder. "I'd hate for more 'unfortunate accidents' to happen just so we can clean this up."

"Cassius, haven't you heard?" Marcus smiled. "There are no accidents to the people down here, only acts of God."