A Dreamer's Knight

Chapter 34 - In Sleep it Waits

Disguised as members of the Galden Security Force, One and Mikaen had only just reached the post previously occupied by the now-recumbent Biggs and Wedge when a voice called out, "Ah, there you are! See, I told you they wouldn't run off."

"Good timing," Mikaen said in a low voice as he turned to see two Galden soldiers walking toward him. The HUD in his helmet identified them as Sergeant Kevin Jures and Lieutenant Dobbs Jelson.

Sergeant Jures saluted, his lieutenant following suite a few moments later. "Go ahead and get some rest, you two. We'll take the rest of your shift."

"Are you sure, sir?" Mikaen asked, secretly impressed. The illusionary guards and prisoners Jeronem and Rydiana cobbled together with their respective magicks were apparently holding up.

"Yeah, go on," Sergeant Jures said. "I can't sleep anyway; too much noise."

Glancing at Mikaen, One said, "Can do, Sarge!"

They barely made it ten yards before Dobbs called out, "Oy! Wedge!"

Mikaen and One froze instantly, fearing the worst.

Sergeant Jures ran over to One and fished a handful of shards. "Twenty three, twenty four, twenty five shards. Still can't believe you actually asked her out."

"What can I say?" said One said, his voice a perfect imitation of Wedge's as he pocketed the money, "She's adorable."

"In an excited, nervous kinda way? Yeah, I can see it. The Missus was like that when we first met, though don't tell her I told you so."

One shrugged. "Consider my lips sealed, dude."

Kevin gave him an odd look. "Dude?"

"Yeah, dude. Y'know: pal, buddy, hombre, partner."

"He heard it from one of the prisoners, sir," Mikaen said, glaring at One despite the fact that One couldn't see his eyes.

"Uh, right. You're a strange guy, Wedge, you know that?" Still shaking his head, Sergeant Jures returned to his post.

"Nice improv, slang aside," Mikaen said as they walked into the camp. "How'd you know what Wedge's voice sounded like?"

"I didn't. It's a Dreamer trick; I can make my voice change to match what the person I'm speaking to expects. He thought I was Wedge, so I sounded like Wedge. If he was expecting Abe Lincoln, I' woulda sounded like that."

"Ever cause a problem?"

"Once or twice." One admitted. "Bumped into a hidden operative; I was so conspicuous they thought I was their contact. I'll tell you about it later. Right now, we need to get moving."

Most of the camp was asleep. This was fine with One and Mikaen; the last thing they needed was more attention.

"So," One said out of the corner of his mouth, "What do you think this thing they're messing with is?"

"Not sure. I'd bet Truth that it has something to do with those drones that attacked Tirinia and me before you showed up at the cathedral yesterday."

"Drones?"

"Draconian-looking machines, very fast and decently armored. We managed to take them down, but it was easily the hardest fight I've had lately. Well," Mikaen amended, "Except when I met Tirinia."

"Well, she was one of the finalists in last year's Longshore Melee. Those fights can get pretty int-"

"You there!" barked an unfriendly voice. "Halt!"

"This is getting old." One muttered beneath his breath as a figure wearing the robes of the Celestial Church Balance sect hurried toward them.

"Private Biggs! Private Wedge!" The monk snapped, "Where do you think you're going?"