The Starlight Lancer

Chapter Fifty-Four: The Third Heretic of Kaado

"It has been found, in rigorous study of the incoming lancer candidates over the years, that Riiva's wisdom is perhaps more nuanced than even we may have believed; there is a recognition of their mortality in the speed with which a lancer masters their gifts. Most take no longer than a week, if focused enough and given the proper guidance, to achieve operational readiness, maximizing the decade or so in which a lancer is able to undertake assignments."

—Former High Scholar and Scholar Suprema of Lancer Development Ylfra Bontour, in a report to the Council of Scholars on lancer readiness

Zaina spent the night in a tiny, white polysynth cell that wasn't even long enough for her to fully stretch out; the accommodations were spare, with only a doorless hygienic stall and a blanket. Otherwise, her prison was empty.

It reminded her of the cell on Otmonzas, except this one was weirdly clean—too clean compared to the grim, dimly lit bowels of the Celestial Sanctuary. Based on how pristine it was, she guessed the Order rarely had prisoners. For all Zaina knew she was the first person to ever be held in this room.

Morning came with little fanfare. The cell door slot hadn't budged an inch—Zaina's stomach loosed a pathetic gurgle. She hoped the Order's plan didn't involve starving her.

They wouldn't do that, right? She gulped. Not unless they thought I had killed two lancers and a High Scholar. Which they might.

A wave of dread and guilt mixed in her chest, forming an empty, sinking sensation. Why would I kill him? He was one of the only two who even seemed to like me. But why would anyone else kill him?

After another agonizing hour of staring at the wall, the cell door trembled and shook. With a groan, it swung open—Zaina jumped to her feet and was met by two lancers, neither of whom made eye contact. She didn't resist, putting her wrists out to be bound. The lancers led the way.

Zaina was still in disbelief. A High Scholar had died on Zaina's first night on Kaado. It was related to the Eldritch somehow—it had to be.

Either that or someone's trying to frame me. But why?

One of the lancers shoved her back, nearly making Zaina stumble over. She regained her balance and scoffed, then walked faster.

The lancers led Zaina to the same open library complex as before. They took the winding path to the room's zenith, riding the magnet stairs and circular lift in complete silence. Despite her company, Zaina was alone with her thoughts.

So I'm getting a trial, at least. Right? Is that what this is?

Finally, their lift reached the underside of the scholars' platform. It slipped into one of the lift-tubes and ascended to the surface, Zaina's heart roaring in her ears the whole time. For the second time in as many days, her fate depended on a meeting with a bunch of strangers, some of whom hated her, going well.

Their lift rose to the surface and lurched as it locked in place. Zaina stepped down—the scholars, perched atop the antler-tree, were already assembled. Something caught Zaina's eye—her "mentor" stood not ten feet away. Her arms were crossed, but not bound; an exceptionally hateful expression was plastered on her face.

Murmurs broke out amongst the High Scholars. Elest Vae was already shouting accusations. "The girl is responsible—I know she is! This heretic appears to join our ranks, having stolen a High Lancer's ship and murdered another—and now, High Scholar Nash has been found dead, a heretic's black fang in his chest! She has come here to tear us apart, and every second we waste with inaction will spell further doom for the Order!"