The Other Side of Beyond, page 25
part #2 of Mitch Mythic Series
“Correct you are, Master Sulvaney,” Holrathu said as he looked towards the other Master. “I propose that we approach the situation through tried and tested methods.”
“Via deception and nefarious subterfuge?” a Master holding a spiked mace asked.
“Precisely, Master Pais,” Commander Holrathu responded. “These methods have never let us down and they are necessary for us to execute our plans with the least amount of damage. Our contact has informed me of the location of the enemy and they have assured me the asset has arrived. A trap has been laid and they are about to fall directly into it. All we will have to do is swoop in and seize that which should rightly be ours as the supreme rulers of the universe. The collateral damage will be minimal and the act will, in fact, tie up a loose end in need of resolving.”
“What resources are required to execute your plan, Commander Holrathu?” a hooded Master asked.
“A few squadrons of our elite soldiers should suffice, Master Rignas,” Holrathu replied. “The asset is currently being kept within a compound capable of withstanding any outward attacks and I’m not interested in getting involved in a siege. But I have been informed that the compound will be compromised by outside forces and it appears the time to strike is imminent.”
Holrathu stepped forward and made a wide sweeping gesture with his hand and a large 3d structure of a tower appeared before him. “This operation will require a little bit of delicacy so as not to damage the package.”
As he spoke, multiple access points were highlighted around the structure. “Although it would be possible to gain access at any one of these points, our source has provided us with a timeline indicating the future position of the asset. We know for certain they will be taken to this location in the near future.” As Holrathu spoke the top of the tower became highlighted on the map. “At the top of this tower is a portal stone we can access through our network. Our source has provided us with an exact time the asset will be present at this location. If this intel proves to be accurate, and I’m sure that it is, we will be able to execute the extraction with precision.”
“How do you plan to contain the asset? If she is as powerful as you say she is?” Master Oktagu asked.
“Our devoted Disciple, Kalis, has developed a plan to isolate the subject. It’s simply a matter of using the strength of the asset against itself. Please tell us how you plan to contain the asset, Kalis,” Holrathu said as he stepped aside and Kalis strode forward.
“The info available on the asset makes it possible to ascertain the precise genetic makeup of the bacteria’s molecular structure,” Kalis said as she flicked her wrist, altering the 3d image hovering in the center of the platform. A glowing image of a bacteria appeared before the onlooking masters, illuminating their faces with a soft green light. “The extensive analyses we have run indicate the molecular structure is sensitive to certain high frequency auditory wavelengths that can be produced using simple instruments. These auditory wavelengths affect the ability of the asset to produce the desired energy, in essence, reversing the assets polarity.” As Kalis spoke the 3d image was bombarded by waves of energy and it’s color changed rapidly from green to a deep blue. “By bombarding the asset with these precisely tuned sound waves we will be able to momentarily alter the atomic structure of the subject. Once this temporary alteration has occurred we will be able to draw the asset into the portal purely by the power of electromagnetic attraction. Once she has entered the portal she will be taken to the holding cell we have designed to contain the asset using the same techniques we used to ensnare her,” Kalis said as an image of a triangular containment cell appeared before the masters.
“How do you plan to bombard the asset with the sound you have described?” Master Sulvaney asked.
“Our great Empress has provided us with the answer we seek,” Commander Holrathu said as he stepped forward. “‘The Horns of strength’ will provide us with the power to produce the desired frequency.”
The image of a long metallic horn replaced the image of the containment cell hovering before the observing Masters.
“Do you mean to tell us this girl and her all powerful mutation can be bested by a few bleating trumpets?” Master Pais said as his face contorted into a scornful grin.
“As ridiculous as it sounds, Master Pais, the effects of sound upon atoms has been tested and proven. While the girl may be impervious to outward attacks she is not without her faults. This is a weak-point we can exploit and it must be done quickly. Our intel informs us the girl and her friends are planning to move quickly. That being said, we will only have one shot at this. The Mutation is capable of learning and assimilating at an astounding rate, therefore, if we are not successful in apprehending her on this attempt we will not be able to use the same approach again,” Commander Holrathu said while moving his gaze to Robert. “Do you understand, my dear, sweet, Robert? One chance, and one chance only. Failure is not an option.”
“I understand, my Master,” Robert said through gritted teeth.
“Do you?” Kalis said from beside him.
“I though I warned you about this bickering and infighting just moments ago, Kalis,” Holrathu interjected. “I’ll need the two of you two work together in order to pull this off. Kalis will be responsible for containing the girl and Robert will be charged with taking out his beloved Mitch Mythic and all of his associates. I think you’ll find Mitch has made some surprising allies.”
“I’ll do it with pleasure, Sir,” Robert said, his heart filled with rage at the mention of Mitch’s name.
“You just get the job done,” Holrathu said before he returned his attention to the onlooking masters.
“My noble comrades, this endeavor shall be a boon to our cause and we will eliminate a known threat. Can we agree to pass the motion and allow for my attack to take place?” Holrathu asked his audience.
“All in favor say, Aye,” Master Sulvaney shouted and pounded his staff into the ground at his feet.
“Aye,” the Masters said in Unison.
“Then it is decided,” Holrathu said. “The Horns of strength will be used to corral the girl and her mutation. Three divisions of our elite soldiers shall accompany Kalis and Robert on their Mission,” Holrathu said before turning back to Robert. “Robert, you are aware of the consequences of failure?”
“Yes, I am aware. Why do you keep bringing it up? It’s almost as if you want me to fail,” Robert snapped back.
“Believe me, my dear, I would relish the opportunity to punish you to the full extent of my powers, but the girl is a far more enticing prize,” Holrathu said.
“If she means that much to you, why don’t you go and do it your self?” Robert asked.
“Robert, sweet Robert. The Emperor believes in your salvation above all else. Redeem yourself to him and all will be well. With the girl on our side no army in the universe shall be able to resist us. And you shall be responsible for bringing this powerful asset into our fold,” Holrathu said as he gazed upon Robert. “I’d also like to provide you with a little surprise, a gift if you like. In the chaos of your failure we were able rescue a few items of value. One, in particular, may bring you some comfort.”
Holrathu made a gesture to the side of the platform and two guards appeared from the shadows. As they strode forward Robert saw a figure between them, bound at the wrists and covered in a dark hood. The guards stopped just short of before they tore off the figures hood and flung him to the ground at Holrathu’s feet. Robert’s jaw dropped when he saw Allan’s frightened face looking back at him.
“We found this little imp wallowing in the aftermath of the wormhole. Our soldiers considered using him for their own amusements, but he kept saying you name over and over again. It appears you two are acquainted,” Commander Holrathu said.
“Yes, we are acquainted,” Robert said as he looked upon Allan’s frightened and disheveled form.
“Thank you for saving me, sir,” Allan said as he crawled over to Robert’s leg like a lost pet.
“It appears tyou two have quite the relationship, Robert,” Kalis said.
“Get on your feet, Allan. You’re embarrassing me,” Robert said through gritted teeth.
“Oh, yes, sir,” Allan said as he attempted to stand.
“We have to much prepare before our operation begins and time is running short,” Commander Holrathu said as he pounded his axe into the solid stone beneath his feet. The platform began to descend back towards the opening below them and Robert felt his guts rise up into his chest as they dropped down.
“It’s so good to see you, sir,” Allan said as he gazed up at Robert.
“The feeling isn’t mutual, Allan,” Robert said as he looked away. “Just keep your mouth shut and try not to get in the way. You may be useful to me yet, but don’t test your luck.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
MITCH COULD FEEL his heart beat returning to a more normal rhythm, but the adrenaline was still coursing through his veins. He reached out and grabbed the rail of the craft with both hands, fingers shaking as he gripped the steel tube. SoHee sat at the back of the ship. Her eyes looked straight ahead, serene and fully aware. Beneath her chin, her thingy sat in its compact form. The soft green glow of the cube lit up her neck and face giving her an ethereal aura. A goddess, indeed, Mitch thought as he gazed upon her.
“Well, did you miss me or what, Mitch Mythic,” She said, catching looking at her..
“No, well, yes, but I …” Mitch tried to respond but she cut him off again.
“You should see yourself sputtering away like that. Earth’s greatest hero stumbling all over himself,” She said while bugging out her eyes. “I think they all gave #epiccrotchshot boy a little too much credit. How is that you always need bailing out like this? Why, without me you’d be . . .”
“It’s good to see you too, SoHee,” Mitch said with indignant eyes. “And, yes, for your information, I missed you. Especially your warm and sincere comments that are always so helpful.”
“There’s the Mitch, I know and love,” SoHee said as she shot him another look. Mitch felt a strange pang of confusion flash over him. He could never quite understand where she was coming from especially when she talked like that.
“And thank you for saving our lives,” Mitch said as he looked away.
“Oh, look at the fire burning between you two,” Kate said from across the craft. “I can feel the passion all the way over here.”
“Nobody asked you, Kate,” Mitch said as he stared ahead.
“Who is your new friend, Mitch?” SoHee asked as she moved to sit beside Mitch.
“She’s annoying is what she is and she’s also the reason we’re all here. Her and her friend over there,” Mitch said.
“Is that right?” SoHee asked.
“If not for these two we wouldn’t be sitting here right now, that’s correct,” Mitch said.
“Should we thank them or throw them overboard?” SoHee said as she looked around. They were still traveling through the long round tunnel, safe for now.
“I’d go with the latter, but Drak seems to think that they will still have some use,” Mitch said as he looked to the front of the craft were Drak stood beside KiGuan.
“Ah, yes, the grinning warrior. He seems rather stoic at the moment,” SoHee said. “What about his friend?”
“Not sure yet, but I’d rather have him and his army on our side than against us,” Mitch said.
“How is it that you’re here?” Mitch asked.
“It’s kind of a funny story, but you see I’ve brought along a few familiar friends,” SoHee said with a laugh.
“Yeah, I saw that. I almost had a heart attack. I was expecting Robert Chapman to show up right behind you,” Mitch said.
“Ha, me too,” SoHee said. The craft came around a corner and another iris Doorway opened as they approached. Mitch could see the soldiers pouring out of the craft and entering into several large doorways.
“It looks like we’re getting off quick. Tell me more about what happened to you when things settle down, ok?” Mitch said to SoHee as their craft pulled up to a stone deck.
“Only if you promise to tell me everything that happened to you,” she said as she stood up.
“Deal,” Mitch said as he leapt off of the ship and held out his hand to help her.
“I didn’t take you for a gentleman, Mitch Mythic,” SoHee said as she leapt off and landed on her feet.
“Is that what that is. I’m just trying to remain useful,” Mitch said.
“Sometimes useful is good enough,” She said as she started towards one of the large doors lining the stone platform. Mitch looked up as he followed after SoHee. He could see more machines hard at work above him as a lattice of interconnected tubes pumped strange objects to and fro.
Drak stepped beside Mitch as they walked towards the doors. “Something strange going on here,” he said under his breath so only Mitch could hear.
“You think,” Mitch replied.
“Yes, very strange and very convenient,”Drak respond. “We must be ready for anything. I don’t trust this prophecy.”
“Neither do I, but we’ve got Miss Science on our side now. We’ll find a way to get out of this mess somehow,” Mitch said as they began to ascend a set of steep spiraling stairs.
“Perhaps, but I wonder if we fall into a trap,” Drak said.
“Fallen into a few now haven’t we? And we got out too. Look, if you’ve taught me anything, then the one thing I know is that we’ve gotta believe, right?” Mitch said as he shot Drak a look.
“Maybe you right, but something’s not right here” Drak said.
“Let’s just keep our eyes peeled and be ready. I’m surprised that we’re still alive as it is. I’ve got no idea what’s going to come next. Unfortunately, we’ve got no choice but to see it through,” Mitch said while climbing the stairs.
“No choice, that’s right,” Drak said. “But be on the look out for any signs of treachery. If we see a chance to escape we take it.”
“Escape to where? We don’t even know where we are,” Mitch said.
“I do and it’s not good place. Not good,” Drak replied.
“How do you know this?” Mitch asked.
“I know the story Mother told us. Bad story and all true. The things that happened on this planet and those people all real. Korridin, Holrathu everything happened. Mother knows much and for that I don’t trust her. How come she knows so much about us and about SoHee?” Drak asked.
“I’ve got no idea. Isn’t she a psychic or something? I thought she was talking about a prophecy,” Mitch said while the stairs climbed higher and higher. The narrow stair case allowed for them to communicate with each other without attracting any attention.
“A prophecy of what?” Drak asked. “We’ve got no Idea what she want with us or with her. In my experience there no such thing as coincidence,” Drak said.
“You may be right, but I’m not sure what we can do about it right now. I’m pretty sure we’re still their prisoners and I’m certain you noticed the walls are coming down on this place. I’m looking around and I’m not seeing any way out just yet, so it looks like we’re just going to have to bide our time and see where this goes,” Mitch said.
“If wait too long it may be to late,” Drak said. “Keep eyes open. If we see a chance take it.”
“Let’s not get suicidal. It’s not like you to take unnecessary risks. What’s gotten you so rattled?” Mitch asked.
“Bad memories and strange feelings, I guess,” Drak replied. “When Mother started talking about Masters I start to remember things.”
“Don’t let it cloud your judgement. We need you to keep your wits about you if we’re going to get out of this,” Mitch said.
“Ha, you sound so different now,” Drak said. “You are good friend, Mitch Mythic.”
“I’m still not sure how I should feel about all of this, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s all happening for a reason. If it weren’t for you none of us would be in this mess, but I’m pretty sure this is exactly where were supposed to be,” Mitch said.
“Well, we soon find out,” Drak said as they rounded a corner. “It looks like we here.”
As they rounded the final turn Mitch could see a wide opening ahead of them. He stepped into the open space and looked upward, awed by the spectacle above him. An immense, round opening towered over him and a series of circular stairs wound towards the summit at impossible angles. Mitch could see a single point of light at what appeared to be the apex shimmering like a beacon in the darkness.
The soldiers had launched themselves into the air using their devices, moving with grace and purpose. The entire column was abuzz with activity and the Jarkadians seemed alarmed and fearful. As the last arrivals entered the column the Irises quickly closed behind them sealing everyone into the column.
Amidst the whirl of activity, Mitch could see SoHee standing at the center of the open space at the base of the column. Nearby stood Gerald Tobero and the other soldiers that had accompanied SoHee through the wormhole. Mitch still shuddered at the sight of Jordan Davis and Natalie Babcock standing before him. Memories of the past stabbed at him and he tried not to let it show on his face.
SoHee turned around as Mitch and Drak approached. Gaelin and Kate followed close behind. Her face was calm yet Mitch could see in SoHee’s eyes she was troubled by something.
“Any plans to whisk us out of here before the lava closes in?” Mitch asked he walked towards her.
“Ha, If only it were so simple,” SoHee said as she looked up above her. “Despite what you may think my powers are still rather limited when it comes to the overall size of the universe.”
“Are you trying to tell me you don’t have what it takes to manipulate the universe?” Mitch said as looked upwards with SoHee.
“Very funny. Although my powers are capable of accessing the energy around us, anything that we would require to get us out of here would require something much stronger,” SoHee replied.
