Strandline

Strandline - Episode 15: Lumen

Staying angry at Petra was hard. The thirtysomething woman reminded Kristin of a veteran teacher: composed and unflappable. She’d lowered her mental shields, so Kristin could feel her contrition. Petra had blatantly used Naveen as a weapon against the people-giant, but felt that it had been for the greater good. Kristin grudgingly admitted that she’d been right.

“Five minutes,” Kristin said at last.

Petra smiled and shifted her oversized purse to her other shoulder. “Thank you.” To Craig and Naveen she said, “We’re just going to talk.” She glanced in the direction of the nearest tree shading the landscaped area between office buildings, then looked at Kristin questioningly.

Kristin nodded, and Petra walked in that direction. “Wait for me?” she asked the guys. “Won’t be long.”

Naveen frowned at Petra’s retreating back. “I don’t trust her.”

“I do,” Kristin countered, “to a point. I’ll be okay.”

“We’ll keep an eye on you,” Craig said.

Kristin grinned broadly. “I have bodyguards.” Her friends puffed up and crossed their arms, macho-like. Even Naveen smiled. “Thanks,” she said, and caught up with Petra.

Although the dark-skinned woman seemed to be casually leaning against the palm tree, Kristin could feel her tension. Bryce and I used to be together, Petra stated without preamble.

Kristin nodded. I’d guessed as much.

That was a few years ago. He’s one of the hard-core Greenmen. The ‘humans are a pox upon the Earth’ kind.

Lovely, Kristin drawled.

Petra looked away, tucking one of her dark braids behind her ear. That’s one of the main reasons we split up. I can’t justify destroying polluters’ property in the name of environmentalism.

The Greenmen have done lots more than that, Kristin retorted.

Petra met Kristin’s eyes, her expression almost indignant. No. Bryce swears that they do everything in their power to make sure that people aren’t hurt, and I believe him. He says a copycat group is responsible for the recent casualties.

Kristin shrugged, but chose not to argue. After all of the violence she’d witnessed in the Coalition, she had no love for terrorists.

Bryce said that the Greenmen haven’t attacked any targets in three months. They’re scrambling to figure out who the copycats are, and ameliorate the group’s damage.

Still not caring, Kristin said, shaking her head. I’m not a tree-hugger, and no one has the right to destroy other people’s property for their personal jihad.

Petra frowned, then drew a deep breath. Okay. Forget the Greenmen. I have a hunch that the copycat group is behind the monster we saw yesterday.

Why?

Because most of the victims of the attack were International Polymers employees. Petra’s eyes flashed as she talked. The attack had really gotten to her. The company was having and event at the Waterfront. Someone used magic to possess those people. Even if you don’t believe Bryce, you saw what happened when Naveen, ah, touched them.

Kristin scowled. Not going to forget that anytime soon.

I know. I’m not making excuses for myself. Nevertheless, yesterday’s attack fits the copycats’ pattern. The target—or what seems to be the target—is a known polluter, so it’s easy to pin on the Greenmen.