The Book of Abbadon

Infiltration

The cruiser remains quiet for a while as the three of you head to your next destination. You and Reylesh both look at each other awkwardly as Tom remains focused on the controls, then Reylesh speaks up to break the silence.

" You know... it's kinda hot seeing you be dominant, Tom. I didn't think you'd kick him off his own cruiser like that. "

She says in a flirty tone as she plays with her hair. Tom ignores her, still remaining silent as he focuses on the controls. You then speak to Tom in order to gauge where his head is at.

" I think that kicking him off was kinda harsh. He was only trying to do his job. "

Tom responds to you patiently, keeping his eyes on the control panel of the cockpit.

" His job had nothing to do with this rescue. What we're about to do would be considered a terror attack in the eyes of The High Temple. Getting him involved in this infiltration would only ruin his reputation and jeopardize his relationship with NaxTech as one of their Minders. It makes no sense why he'd want to join us. "

You think about it and what Tom's saying makes sense. If Gareth knew where you were headed and what you planned to do all along, then he should've been opposed to it from the beginning.

" Maybe he was trying to get a confession in the beginning and he never actually intended on going along with it. "

You say to Tom as a possible explanation.

" I wouldn't know. I can't read his mind because it's a digital drive and I can't read his body language because his body is completely mechanical. I only have my intuition to go off of when it comes to reading him, and he's always rubbed me the wrong way. "

Tom says as he looks down as if he's deep in thought.

" So you're saying that you only trust people when you can read their mind? "

Reylesh asks in a teasing voice. Tom spins around in his chair and looks at Reylesh patiently as he answers her.

" No, but it definitely helps. I've been alive for billions of years, so I'd say that I have pretty sharp intuition. I've never trusted Gareth. The fact that he's at the top of Voldoorian society should speak enough about what his morals are and what kind of person he is. I'm grateful for his hospitality, but ultimately everything he does is for his own personal gain, which makes him unworthy of my trust and confidence. "

The cruiser then dings again and the side door opens to reveal a dark alleyway. Tom stands up from his chair and asks a question.

" Looks like we're here. You guys ready? "

You nod before you and Reylesh both stand up as well. Tom leans over and presses a few buttons in the cockpit, powering down the cruiser before the three of you step out and the door seals shut behind you.

" The church is right around the corner. We'll find the server room and plug Pads in, but first... "

Tom then pulls the drive out of his pocket and presses a button on it, which causes a small cartridge to slide out with two earpieces in it. Tom puts one in his ear before offering you the other one. Once the earpiece is snug in your ear, Tom slides the cartridge back into the drive and it beeps before you hear Pads's voice in the earpiece.

" Hello, hello! Can you hear me? "

" Loud and clear. "

Tom says as he puts the drive back in his pocket.

" Hey! Where's my earpiece!? "

Reylesh whines as she looks up at Tom, upset. Tom looks back at her impatiently and she immediately behaves herself before Pads makes a comical remark about what happened in the cruiser.