Trespassing on Hallowed Ground (The Tes Simms Anthology, Book 3)

A Museum Trip

"I've only been a handful of times," Dwight says, leading the way to the museum. "They haven't really updated it since I was a kid. Not to mention, it's been closed for the last three years because the Necromancers claimed it as one of their bases."

"On Alpha Centauri, there was a museum that showcased human history and technology throughout time. That's where we found the steam generator to get us out of that universe. Do they have something like that?"

"Maybe for Carmsborough history, but I doubt if you'll find anything as complicated as a steam generator. That would likely be at the tech museum, while this is just the history of the earth, period."

"Yes, that would just be too easy," Holly says, experimenting with her materia. She's discovered the ability to make things like necklaces, bracelets, and rings with her power, all that shimmering gold color of the aura atoms.

"Glad to see you're figuring out how your aura works."

"Is there a way to make this permanent?"

"Yeah, but you can only do it with one item. For example, Lady Maxima had a shield made of aura atoms. I think someone gave it to her, but it would allow her to use her negation aura to shield herself from attacks that normally wouldn't be protected by materia. In her hands, that shield was indestructible."

"What all auras did she have?"

"Maxima, her main one, which let her grow and shrink, negation, which prevented her from being affected by a lot of intrusive auras, and aura boost, which made the auras of everyone else around her more powerful."

"Well, that sounds a little overpowered."

"Yeah, it's no wonder she became a Champion."

We walk another block before Dwight stops. "This is as far as I can take you. If you continue to walk straight, you'll run into the museum. Assuming museums look like what they did a thousand years ago, it should be pretty obvious to figure out which one it is."

"That is a very large assumption."

"Remember the plan."

"Of course." Holly flashes the watch she'd been given this morning before hiding it in her sleeve.

We march forward as Dwight slips behind. The museum building isn't immediately obvious, but we figure it out without too much worry. It helps that the word "MUSEUM" was written in bold on multiple signs out front.

As we approach, two Necromancers watch our steps, likely guarding the place like the one with the gathering at the mausoleum.

Right as we are within discussion range, I show off my materia wall, and they let us through with a nod.

As little as I have been to museums before, the immediate interior matches exactly what I would've expected. Multiple flashy signs show off the main attractions they were advertising three years ago. Most are overrun with new Necromancer banners, talking about events, meetings, and re-purposed exhibit areas.

Where do you think we're going to find the neutralizer exhibit? Holly asks.

Heck if I know, I answer. It would be too easy if there was a section specifically labeled for the Atom Smasher neutralizer.

Then I guess we play the guessing game.

Holly leads the charge, heading off in a random direction. We passed what used to be an exhibit for the Industrial Revolution, meager in size, which has since been repurposed into some sort of food kitchen. Whether or not it's for homeless people or just for Necromancers passing through, I guess I'll never know.