The Red Line

XI

"That wasn't very long". Alygon said. He was waiting at the end of the hallway with Jemben. "Did you get the answer you were seeking?"

"Your boss is a b-bitch". I vented while I stormed past.

The smile on his face slipped. "Oh?"

I shook my head. "He took m-me in circles". Than gave me a senseless answer.

Now following me, Alygon asked. "Did he not put your mind at ease?"

A laugh bubbled out of my mouth. It was so cold and unexpected that I nearly tripped.

"I see". Alygon stressed. "Is there any way we might be of service?"

I shook my head. "Unless y-you can tell me which w-way sector 113 is, t-than no".

Alygon fell in step with me. Barely reaching his shoulder, I felt tiny in comparison. "I am afraid that information is beyond my recognition".

"I f-figured as much".

"As a way to express my sincerest apology I invite you to stay for the night". He gestured to the sanctum. "That is, if you have no where else to go".

"T-thankyou, but no". I would rather get as far from here as possible. In hopes that I never saw this place again.

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There were 58 hours between now and the time I had to rendezvous with the Jibok crew. I was confused, annoyed, and mostly disappointed. And with the shuttle gone I had nowhere to go. Except up.

Up.

P
U

The robotic voices. The overflowing crowds. The stream of constant lights flashing from the holograms. I ignored it all.

My thoughts were on a loop. Replaying Frez's words-taking me back to that messy basement room. How can I possibly find something that doesn't exist?

The question was like a gypsum stone in my stomach. Slowing me down as I climbed.

All that time Suvisara and I spent studying the galaxies, he never mentioned a sector past 105. It wasn't on the universal maps. And if it didn't exist on there, than a hyperjump would be impossible without a coordinate key.

Such a key couldn't exist. Not unless someone traveled beyond the known regions. Documenting it.

"Not wise. Think to much". A voice interjected. "You see not around you".

With a start, I twisted around, almost slipping in the process. "J-jemben?!"

The hooded Hived took the steps between us two at a time, moving with an unnatural grace. "You must see the area". He swiveled his head. "Before it see's you".

"W-what are you-what are y-you doing here?"

"Follow". He tapped his chest than gestured to mine. "You not notice?"

My face pinched into a scowl. An expression growing more and more familiar to me. "Of c-course not".

"It bad to disappear in here". He tapped his head. "When you walk in a place like this". He added, "Things can happen".

"Don't w-worry". I relayed harshly. "I'm f-fine. You should go. Yknow, before THEY see y-you". Who ever they are.

He shook his head, knocking the hood back a bit. I caught a glimpse of silver eyes, before he yanked it low. "Trouble". He pointed ahead, to the level above. "Geadas".

"What?"

"Geadas". He repeated. He made a show of hands. Trying and failing to explain the word's meaning. Once he saw I wasn't getting it, his shoulders slumped. He pointed to the level below. "Down".