The interior of the unknown ship was a strong contrast to the luxury they were used to see and interact within the Vanguard. There was no gold on the walls, no plush seating. It was a troop transport, utilitarian, cold, and lit by harsh white strips on the floor. The walls were lined with magnetic racks for weapons, and the seats were hard, molded carbon fiber.
"Sit." The red haired woman ordered, pointing to a bench against the wall.
Gavin and Isaac sat. Four invisible soldiers de-cloaked by the door, their rifles held across their chests, barrels trained on the Celestials.
The woman stood in the center of the bay, holding a strap as the ship lurched. The sensation of lift was, smoother than the Vanguard, almost liquid, but familiar. They were using antigravity technology just like they have in Qorjal.
"Isaac." Gavin whispered, barely moving his lips. "Status?"
"Do not look at me." Isaac replied via their private channel link, his voice echoing in Gavin's ear. "I am scanning the ship. Their tech is... strange but it is not something new. I believe they are using the same technology we use on our floating cars back in Qorjal."
Gavin looked up at the woman. She was watching them like a hawk. "So." Gavin said, crossing his legs and adopting a casual, conversational tone. "You mentioned a Secret Agreement. I'm the President of Qorjal, and I've never seen a document mentioning your people. Who exactly signed this treaty?"
The woman narrowed her eyes. "Your ignorance is not my concern, Mr. Malone. But if you must know... it was signed two thousand years ago. By the First Founder of Qorjal and the High Council of Plekenccy."
"The First Founder?" Gavin frowned. That would mean the very beginning of their history. And who would that be? Chemeris or Kyedoth? "Why would they agree to hide an entire continent?"
"To keep secrets contained." She said mysteriously. She tapped her wrist-comp. "We are approaching the capital. Prepare yourselves."
The wall behind the woman became transparent – not a window, but the hull itself turning clear.
Gavin and Isaac turned to look, and for the first time, they saw the civilization of The Other Country, which now had a name. They were flying over a massive metropolis built near the obsidian cliffs. Enormous crystal spires hung from the canyon walls like stalactites, glowing with bioluminescent blue and green light. Bridges made of transparent energy connected the spires over dizzying drops. It was impossibly advanced. And it was beautiful.
"Oh wow..." Gavin whispered. "The city is beautiful."
"There are millions of them," Isaac noted, his Lenses tracking the heat signatures of the population moving through the glass tunnels. "Look at that one."
In the middle of the city, there was a tower of pure black stone. It looked grown. It pierced the sky, taller than anything in the surroundings.
"That is the Obsidian Spire." The woman announced, a hint of reverence in her voice. "The seat of the High Council and other important people of our nation. That is where you will be judged." The transport ship banked sharply, descending toward a landing platform jutting out from the side of the Spire.
"Judged?" Gavin laughed softly, his eyes were cold. "I didn't come here for a trial, Miss..."
"Captain Elara," She provided the name.
"Captain Elara." Gavin nodded. "I didn't come for a trial. I came for a handshake. Let's hope your High Council knows the difference. You clearly do not."
The ship touched down with a silent hum. The rear ramp lowered. "Move," Elara ordered. Gavin stood up, smoothing his blue suit. He looked at Isaac.
"It's time, Bethervan."
YOU ARE READING
LINKAGE (boyxboy)
General FictionThe adult living of Isaac Bethervan was compromised once an act of immorality occurred, and since then, the existence of his country would depend on his efforts to be taken away from a massive crisis. Inside a frozen planet hidden within the vast ex...
