FORSAKEN IV - Harbinger of Chaos

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

The opening of the arc-shaped space station known as the Glavis Ringworld allowed light through to its inner face. Sections of shadows moved over the surface, creating artificial fast-moving cycles of day and night. A system of elevated trains carried the inhabitants across the station among the square squat buildings, through vast swaths of green areas and plazas, and inside the blue haze of its artificial atmosphere. The walls along the superstructure's edge served as a busy commercial spaceport. The outer face of Glavis glowed with thousands of lights from the station's factories and huge machinery that made life on the manufactured world possible.

"This is Crymorah Syndicate territory," said Theleema, riding up a turbolift. Its windows offered a nice view of the upmarket buildings in the neighborhood. "We should be relatively safe thanks to our affiliation with Black Sun."

"I'd rather trust the Outcast to a Jawa," said Elynn. "I don't understand what we're doing in this place. The homing beacon brought us here and we can sense a cluster of dark side presences on the station."

The Je'daii's Force Concealment technique permitted them to be in Glavis undetected by their dark side enemies.

"We know they're here and that means so is the Shadow Collective," said Syrran. "If this is Crymorah turf, they should have some information about them. We don't want to go in blind. Not with a deadly virus at stake."

"But why would Crimson Dawn come here when they have mobile headquarters?"

"Hence the need for information," said Theleema.

The doors of the turbolift opened into a lavish nightclub. People danced to soft electronic music and grabbed drinks by a long bar tended by droids. Theleema headed to a private room to the side with ample windows and a table where several gangsters gathered around a young Ishi Tib female with blue skin. The mobsters reached for their blasters the moment they saw the Je'daii enter.

"I feel safer alright," said Elynn.

"A little jumpy to be in the hospitality industry, aren't we?" said Syrran.

"Who are you?" said the Ishi Tip in her native language. Her large golden eyes, protruding from stalks on her skull, studied the trio.

"Where's Tomroba?" said Theleema.

"The same place you're going to be if you don't answer me."

"We're looking for the Crymorah, hoping to do some business."

"This is what's left of the Crymorah on Glavis." The Ishi Tip opened her arms. "And the only business we're interested in is revenge."

"Nice line, but we're only interested in information," said Syrran, showing her his Black Sun signet.

"We could have used your help when Crimson Dawn attacked us. There's not much we can do now, let alone help you."

"If you're looking to get back at Crimson Dawn, then we're in the same business," said Theleema.

"Don't make me laugh," said the Ishi Tip.

"Heads up." Syrran said to Elynn with his mind after sensing Theleema's intentions.

The Je'daii drew their blaster and stunned all six gangsters around the young crime boss. Their heads banged on the table as they fell unconscious in an amusing rhythm. The Ishi Tib stared at the barrels of the six blasters. The music stopped and the tense patrons stared in the room's direction.

"I don't know. You find this funny?" said Theleema.

"You made your point." The Ishi Tip showed them her empty hands.