Secret War III

8/2/2019 Secret War III

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SidebysidetheMimicandIexitedtheelevator.

Silentlywewalkeddownthecorridor,mewithmyhandsinthepocketsofmyflakjacketandanothersmokingLhohangingfromthecornerofmymouthandItstillintheformofOlinthre,Itsexpressionutterlydevoidofanyemotion.

Ihadexpectedthefeartoappearasweascendedintheelevator.Thatitwouldcomeinasuddenrush,whichwouldcausemetoclenchmyteethtofightitback,butstill,Ifeltnothingevenasweapproachedthoseglassdoorsandourfootfallsechoedontheshiningmarbletiles.Justaclarityofmind,justanemptiness.

Ihavefeltlikethisbefore,manytimesinfact,itwasthefeelingIgotwhenIwasinafight.Ifeltgood,nomorethangood,Ifeltgreat.DespitehowbadlyIachedallover.

Withoutfurtherwordweshovedthedoorsopenandsteppedinside.

OfcourseGlaitiswasstillinthatroom,withthecoldblackmarblefloorandstarkwhitewalls,whichmadeforaharsh,almostunnerving,contrasttome.Behindherwasahugewindowmadeofreinforcedonesidedglass,affordingheranamazingviewofthedark,dank,depressinghivebelow.Ihaveneverseenhereverlookoutitbefore,whichinallhonestyIcouldntblameherfor.Andstillshesat,withherfeetonherdesk,recliningbackinherchairwhilecasuallyapprai

singadataslate.

Ahh,shesaidwithfalsefriendliness.Iseethatyoutwohavejoinedforces,youngone,youseemtohaveaskilltogainalliesinthemostunlikeliesto-

Shutup.

Shewasinterruptedinmidword,leavingherjawhangingopenslacklyassheseemedtotrycomprehendandIignoredtheequallyshockedlookoftheOlinthre-thing.

Foragoodsixsecondsshewaslikethat,hermouthworkingasshestruggledforwords.

D-didyoujust...Shemanagedthroughclenchedteeth,thenahideoussmilesuddenlycurledherlips.

Yeah,Ijusttoldyoutoshutup,Iconfirmedsoftly.Imnotinthemoodforyoursalltalk.

Shegrinnedandglaredatmefromunderahoodedbrow,adisturbinglyfamiliarexpression,thatsentshiversupmyspinedespitemyself.

Andpraytell,youngone,whyisthat?Shequeried,layingherelbowonthetableandplacedherheartshapedjawintothepalmofherhand.

Iclenchedmyteethandclenchedmyfists,because...Itrailedoff.

Becauseyoureangryarentyou,youngone?shefinishedthesmilesomehowturningevnmoreinsane.Becauseyouaresofullofrageandhatred?ForwhatIhavedone?ForwhatIthaddone?Shesaid,indicatingtheOlinthre-thingwithawaveofherhand.

Ismiledthenbegantolaugh,IthrewbackmyheadandbellowedoutatthetopofmylungsandGlaitisandtheOlinthre-thingsconfusedexpressionsmademelaughalltheharder.IevenlaughedsohardthatwhenIfinishedIhadtowipetears


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awaywithmyforearm.

N-no,itsnotthat,Igiggled,asIsawGlaitisglareatme,herjawtwitchingwithbarelycontainedrage.Itsnotthatatall.

Whatisitthen!Glaitisdemandedassheangrilyslammedherhandsontoherdesk

NoGlaitis,ItsnotbecauseIhateyou,Idonthateyou,Isaidandmyfacehardene.HowcanIhateyou,whenyouarentevenworthhatinginthefirstplace.

Glaitiseyeswidenedandforafewsecondswestoodsilent,ourattentionslocked.

Ismiled,abouttocontinuewhentheMimicfinallychosetointervene.

Mamzel!Itcried,steppingbetweenus.W-wehavemuchtoreport.

Thatmademegrinallthemore,yes,yeswedoindeed.Iagreed.

Yes,Iam...sure,thatyouhavemuchtosay,shesaidhaltingly.

Isighed,well,whereshouldwestart,ehXenos?

I-

Iknow,Iinterrupted.Letsstartrightatthetop,rightatthemeatoftheissue,shallwe?

Yourtheatricsarebeginningtogetonmynerves,youngone,shegrowled.

Ismiled,onlyjustnow?Youtrulydohavethepatienceworthyofsainthood.

Attelus,saidtheMimicthroughclenchedteeth.

Youvebeenoutplayed,mamzel,Isaidsimply.

What?Glatisgrowled.

Youvebeenoutplayedandbetrayed,Glaitis.InquisitorEdracianisonOmnartus.

Fearslowlycrossedherface,realfearthatalmosttookmybreathawaywithitspotency.

Heshere?Now?How?!sheyelled.

Iraisedamockingeyebrow,youreallydidntknow?

Tellmeeverything,child,tellmeeverythingyouknow,now!

Igrinned,asyouwish.ThenItoldherandenjoyedeverysecondofit.

F-Feuilt?shestammered.H-hewasEdraciansspy?

Itseemsso,yes,Ianswered.

Shesighedheavilyandplacedherfaceintothepalmsofherhands,howwasthisnotforeseen?Icannotbelievethis,how?

Ishrugged,notsurewhattosay,neverhaveIeverseenGlaitissopaleandtak


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enabackbefore.

Soyoumustseemamzel,saidtheMimic.Wemustspeakwiththecaptive,weneedtofindEdracian,evenifthatmeanswemustreleasehimandallywithBrutisBones.

D-doyoureallythinkthathewoulddothat?askedGlaitis.Hewouldallywithhisenemies?

Ifwecanconvincehimthecircumstanceshavechanged,Itsaid.Maybe.

Ifrownedandfoldedmyarms,onthatthought,whydidntwejustallywithBrutisBonesinthefirstplace?Isighedandshookmyhead,Icouldhazardmanyguessesonthatbutjustcouldntbebotheredanymore.

You-youstillhavethemeanstocommunicatewiththeArbitesandMagistratumleaders?saidGlaitis.

Yes,mamzelandsodoesKarmenKons.

Glaitisrolledhereyes,ofcourseshedoes.

Ifurrowedmybrowandtookastepclosertothedesk,theAdeptusArbitesandtheMagistratum?

Yes,saidGlaitis.TheyhavebeenonTarystspayrollfromtheverystart,thatiswywehavebeenabletoworkwithouttheirinterference.

Thecornerofmymouthtwitched,Ishouldveguessedthat,frigit.EstelladidmentionearliertheyhadinterceptedBrutisBonesbecauseofinformationgiventothemfromcontactsinsideoftheArbitesandMagistratum.

SowhatshouldIdoaboutyou,Attelus?saidGlaitis.Youhave,forallintentsandpurposes,betrayedme.

AndyouhadElandriakilled,Igrowled.Ithinkwecanjustcalluseven.

ShemovedsofastInevergotanychancetoblinkletalonereact,shewasoutofherseat,herfingerswrappedaroundmythroatandsheslammedmeagainstthewall.

No!sheroaredrightinmyfaceasIgaspedinvaneforairandfeltthestingingpainofherfingernailsdiggingdeepintomyskin.No!Wecannotevercallitevenchild!Ihavehadenoughofyournewfoundinsolence!Youhavebetrayedme,youhavecooperatedwithourenemyandIwillnotletthispassasIdidwithyourincidentwithVexCarpompter.Youmustfacetheconsequencesofyouractions.

MyteethclenchedastheangersuddenlyragedthroughmeandwithoneviolenttugItoreherhandfrommyneck.

That...Igaspedandclutchedthepainful,formingbruiseonmythroat.That...ThatisallIhavebeendoinglately,master!Facingconsequences,theconsequenceofhurtingVex,theconsequencesofbeingtoooverberatingtomyselfandforgetful!InallhonestyifIhadntcooperatedwithEdracianwewouldntknowwhatweknownow.

Shejustsneeredandglared.

Y-youtaughtmethatImustdowhatImusttosurviveuntilthemissioniscomplete,Iwasjustdoingasyourteachingsdemanded,IdidwhatIhadto,toosurviv


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e.

Andthatleadsustoanotherquestion,Attelus,saidtheMimic.WhydidEdracianletyoulivewhenyouknowsomuch?Whydidntheinjectyouwithlegitimatepoisonandjustnotgiveyouthecure?

Ishruggedandsighed,whyhadntIthoughtofthat?P-perhapshesalreadyoffworld?Iventured.Orperhapshesjustinsane,frig.Hecertainlyseemedtobe,toome.

Orwhoistosaythathedidntjusthaveyouinjectedwithanotherpoison?saidGlaitis.Onethatisfarslowertoact.

ExceptfortheachesandpainsfromthebeatingyourpetXenosdealttomeearlierandbeingbarelyabletobreath,Isaid.Ifeelfine.

TheXenospunchcamefromnowhere,smashingintothesideofmyface,knockingoffKarmensbandageandsentmestumbling,clutchingatmyalreadybeatenandbruisedface.

Donot,evercallmeanyonespet,everagain,Itsaiddangerously.OrsohelpmeeatingIgaveyoubeforewillbenothingcomparedwhatIwilldotoyou,youunderstand,Attelus?

Mysmilewashiddenbehindmyhand,hittheberserkbuttondidI?Ithought,if

onlyIdknownofthisearlier.

ItscertainlysomethingIcouldexploitinthefuture.

Islowlypickedupmybandageandplaceditback,thenstoodbackup.

Frigit!Isnarledwithfeignedanger.Whyiseveryonehittingmetoday!

Itsbecauseyoudeserveityoungone,statedGlaitisasshereturnedtoherseat.

ImettheThingsangerriddenattention.Imsorry,Isighed.Iwaswrongandidio,Ishouldnthavecalledyouthat,Iapologise.

Olinthresfeaturesjustsneeredandglared,inanexactechoofGlaitisbefore.

So,youwanttotalkthemanwhonamedhimselfNoOneofConsequence,totryandgethimtoleadustoBrutisBones.SoyoucannegotiateanalliancetotrackdownEdracianandstophimamIcorrectinthat?Shesaid.

Essentially,yes,Isaid.Assuming,ofcourseheisntoffworldbynow.

Shesmiledwithoutwarmthandcurledherfingerstogetherinfrontofherface.

Heisstillhere,youngone,ofthatIhavenodoubt.

IraisedaneyebrowandglancedbrieflyattheMimicwholookedbackjustascon

fused.

Andhowthehelldoyouknowthat,mamzel?

Sheshookherheadandreclinedbackonherseat,nowassmugassmugcanbe.

Itisprettyobviouschild,andexplainswhyheletyoulive,this,quitesimply,isatrap.

Myeyeswidened,what?


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Glaitisrolledhereyesandswivelledinherseat,bothusandBrutisBonesarehismainenemies,wearetheonlyoneswhoknowofhisconspiracy,wearetheonlyonestryingtohunthim.He,obviously,likeus,doesntknowwhereBrutisBonesissoheiswaitingforustomakeanalliancesohecanambushandkillallhisenemieswhilewearealltogetherinone,convenient,location.

Istoodforafewseconds,myjawworkingasIstruggledtomakemynextsentence.Shewasright,damnitwhyhadntIthoughtofthat?

S-sowhatarewetoodo,mamzel?stammeredtheMimic.

Sheshrugged.Whywearegoingtofallforit,notdoingsowouldbe...Shepausedandsmiled,...Inconceivable.

ThatjoltedmeoutofmystuporandIglaredatherhard.

Weare?askedtheMimictimidly.

Ofcourse!sheyelledabruptly,causingboththeMimicandItoflinchinfright.WellplayEdracianathislittlegame.

Thatsstillassuminghesstillplanetside,Igrowled.Hecouldvejustlefthismtoambushusandleft.

Glaitissighed,couldyou,justforonceinyourmiserablelife,trustme,youngone.EdracianisonOmnartus,thisIknowwithoutdoubt.Nowyoucangobackdowntoyourfriendswaitingdowninthelobbyandtellthem,theyhavemypermissiontotalktoNoOneofConsequence,IwillsentwordtoHayden,CastellaandDarrance.Youarebothdismissed.

TheMimicimmediatelyturnedtoleavebutIstillglaredatherbalefully,IhadnevermentionedofEdracianscatchphrasesduringmyreport.

DidtheEldartellherofthemorwastheresomethingelsebehindit?

Shejustlookedback,mockingmefrombehindherglasses.

Uhh,Attelus?askedtheMimic.

Whatever,Ionlygrowledandleftwithoutfurtherword.

Westeppedoutoftheelevatorandintotheblackmarblewalledlobbytofindeveryonewaitingforus,includingmuchtomysurprise,GarraksonandthetwostormtrooperswhoTorrishadsenttohelphim.

Well,thattookawhile,saidKarmenwithoutgreeting.Didyougetpermissionornot?

Ionlymanagedaslightnod,myattentiononGarrakson,whostrangelyonlyseemedhisnormalgrim,unreadableself.

StandingnexttoKarmen,Torrisfrowned,thatayesthen,Attelus?

InoddedagainasGarraksonslowlyapproached.

IfyouwonderedwhereIwas,kiddo,IwaslookingformedicaeFeuilt,saidGarraksonandIcouldbarelyhidemyrelief.ThatwouldexplainwhyKarmenKonswassocalm.


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OrhecouldveactuallymetwithVexandwaslyingaboutit.

FromnowonIcertainlyhadtokeepaneyeonJeuratGarrakson.Perhapsitwouldhavebeenabetterideatojusthavetoldthetruth?

Iwasntsure,butitwastoolatenow,wedliedsonowIneededconcernmyselfonhowtoreinforcethatlie.

Andletmeguess,saidtheMimicforme.Hewasnowheretobefound?

Garraksongrimacedandlookedaway,yeah,Ievencheckedthesurveillancerecordings,andgotnothing.Idontknowwhatthatimpliesbutitcannotbegood.

A-andnosignofElsbody?Iaskedhaltingly.

Garraksongrimacedevenmoreandshookhishead,nothing,sorrykid,hemighthavehidhersomewhereIhadnotimetolook,itsabloodybigtower.Ortookherwithhim,either/or,Idunno.

Ifurrowedmybrowandsuckedairthroughclenchedteeth,whythehellwouldEdracianwantElandriasbody?Thiswastrulygettingweirderandweirder.

Alright,saidTorriswithasmileandanod.Ithinkitstimewegottodoingthis,then.

WerodetheelevatoruptothefifthfloorallofusbarelyfittinginthesmallspaceandIsuspectedtheweightourcombinedweightswaswelloveritslimit.

JustthenIcouldnthelpwonder,howmanytimeshaveIriddenupanddownelevatorsthisdayalone?Andbeganaquickcalculationinmyhead.

Mathematics,hasneverbeenmystrongsuitsoittookalittlelongerthanitreallyshouldve,butwhatIcamewithupwithwastwelve,Ivebeenupanddownelevatorstwelvetimestoday,sincemymiraculousrecovery.BytheEmperorthatwasahellofalotanditseemedaftereverytimeIfoundsomenewtidbitofinformation,somenewrevelationthatturnedeverythingonitshead.Sacredfrig,today

wascertainlyaneventfulday.

IsmiledtomyselfandturnedtomeetKarmenKonsimpassivegazeasshestoodrightbesideme,nowthatwastheunderstatementofthemillennia,Ithought.

Shelookedbackunflinchinglyandweplayedwhocanstareattheotherthelongestfortherestoftheride.

Finallytheelevatorfoundthefifthfloorandimmediatelywequicklyfiledoutintothedark,brownwalledcorridor.

WaitingforuswasCastella,DarranceandHayden.

Hayden,abigfigurebarelyabletofitintothethincorridorstoodwithDarranceandCastellaathissidesjustinfrontofhim.

Iwasoneofthefirsttofileoutandallthreecouldnthidetheirshockwhentheysawthestateofmyface.

W-whathappenedtoyourface?DemandedDarrance,withwideeyes.

Ilookedatallthree,alittlesurprisedthatGlaitishadneglectedtotellthemwhathappened.


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I-Ifelldownsomestairs,Ilied.

ImmediatelyDarranceeyesturnedintosuspiciousslits,evidentlyseeingstraightthroughmyfib,butheleftitatthat.

Garraksonsjawclenchedwithimpatienceandhestartedforward,growling,alright,alrightenoughmuckingaboutwere-

Haydensoutstretchedhandinterruptedtheexguardsmaninmidsentenceandmidstride.

No,saidtheex-arbitratorinatonewithsomuchfinalityitwouldveenviedMajorOlinthre.Thatwasnttotheconditions,thosethreeandthosethreeonly.

WithabriefwaveofhishandHaydenindicated,Olinthre,Karmenandmeashesaidit.

GarraksonwhoIneverthoughtcouldbeintimidatedbyanyone,flinchedbackfromTresch,whostoodwithsuchstabilityhecouldvebeenaadamantiumbulwark,thentheex-guardsmandirectedawitheringglareatme.

Whydidntyoutelluswecouldntcome?Hedemanded.

Ididntknow,Isaidwithwideeyes.MamzelGlaitisneglectedtotellusthiswhenemether,right,Olinthre?

Yes,yesshedid,confirmedthemimic,itsvoicesodeadpanneditcould veechoed.

GarraksonturnedbacktoTreschhisfistsclenchingopenandclosedandforafewscaryseconds,itseemedthathewasgoingtostrikeoutatHayden.DespitethisTreschstayeddeathlystill,butintheblinkofaneyebothCastellaandDarrancereachedfortheirweaponsasdidTorrisandthetensoldiersescortingus.

Iwatchedon,withmyheartinmythroat,unsurewhattodo,orevenifitcametoblows,whichsidetotake.

Finally,Garraksonturnedawayandsnarledoutafrigit!

Thenheturnedhisglarebacktome,Iknowwhenwerebeinghoodwinked,letsleavethisfarce.letsgo.

Withthattheyleft,filingbackintotheelevator,allthewhileGarraksonglaringaccusinglyatmeandIcouldnthelpwonder;whatthehelldidIdo?

Wewalkedinsilencethroughthecramped,brown,dulllitcorridor.TreashwasatfrontwithCastellaandDarrancejustafterhim,thenmeandKarmenandlastwastheOlinthrething.

IhadmyhandsintheirpocketsandeveryfewmetresIhadtorubmyeyeswithmyfists.

Ifelttiredandassickasallhellandmyfacestungandthrobbed.

ShackingawaythedizzinessandwhileavoidingEstellawhowalkedbesidemeIsaid;Darrance?

Darrancefrowneddeeplyandlookedoverhisshoulderatme,What?


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Iforcedmyeyestostayopen,Ineededsomethingtodistractme,soIcankeepmyeyesopenandIhadaquestionIwantedtoasktheveteranassassin.

WhenIwokeup,medicaeFeuilttoldmesomething.

Darrancegrimacedandturnedaway,IassumehementionedthatIvisitedyouwhileyouwereinacoma?Isthatwhatyouarealludingto?

Thatsexactlyit,yes,Isaidthroughgrittedteeth,notlikinghistoneatall.

Withoutlookingback,heshrugged,andyouarewonderingwhyDarrancethecompletefrighead,whoseemstohateAttelusKaltosdeignedtobothertovisityou?AmIagain,correct?

Myjawtwitched,yes.

Heshruggedagain,wellitwasyourbirthday,IthoughtImightaswell,asitmayverywellhavebeenyourlast.

Myeyebrowsraisedwithbemusement,m-mybirthday?

Darrancelookedbackoverhisshoulderatme,donttellmeyouforgot?Youturnedtwentyfourstandard,didyounot?

Y-yeah,butwitheverythingthatshappening,surely,Icouldbeforgivenforforgettingmybirthday?

Darranceshookhisheadandsighed.Thatiswhereouropinionsyetagaindiffer,apprentice.Whenoneisinourlineofwork,onemustappreciateeverybirthdaytheylivetoseeasthenextisfar,farfromguaranteed.IsntthatcorrectCastella?

CastellaseemedtosuddenlyflinchandandhunchforwardsasDarranceturnedhisattentiontoher.Y-yesthatsright,Darrance!Shesaidthenshelookedoverhershoulder,givingmeanervousgrin.Anassassinmustappreciateeverybirthdaytheylivetosee!A-andhappybirthday,Attelus!

Icouldonlypursemylipsandlooktothefloor,unsurewhattothink,neverdidIevercomprehendthatDarrancewouldcareforsuchasmallthingor,anything,forthatmatterandCastella,wellIdidntknowwhatIshouldsaytoherorwhyshehadreactedtoDarrancesquestionsostrangely.Wasitbecauseofmyreactiontohertreatmentoftheprisoner?

Youneednotlooksoperplexed,apprentice,saidDarrance,shakinghishead.BelieveitornotIhaveapersonalityaswell.

Yeah,growledHayden.Happybirthday,kid.

ThiswasechoedinturnbyKarmenKonsandtheOlinthre-thing.

Th-thanks,everyone,Istammered,rubbingmyeyesagain.

Imsofriggingtired,Ithought.

Wecametothedoorsoonafterwardsandtheguards,lookingasboredastheydidearlieragainnoddedrespectfullytoCastellaandHayden,whobothreturnedthenodsandabsentlytheyopenedthedoorforus.

Weallfiledinsideandgazedthroughtheonesidedglass,intothecellbeyond,wheresatthemanthatwehadbeatenandhurtbrutally,butwhowedependedon


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somuch.

Wouldhehelpus?AndifhedidntcouldIblamehim?Idecidedacertain,no,onthelastquestion,noIwouldntatall.

NexttomeKarmenKonswithherarmsfoldedgrimacedandgrowled,Iknewweshouldnthavegivenyouthisbuilding.

Treashturnedtoherandsmiledalthoughitlackedanyhumour,well,itsabitlateforthatregret,mamzel,Hesaid.

Karmenshrugged,Ineversaidthatweregrettedit,assassin,justthatwewilllearnfromit.

Likeyoualsolearnedhowtonotfallsoeasilyfortraps?saidCastelladarkly.

KarmensattentionsnappedstraighttoCastella,herfaceashardasstone,yes,wehavecertainlylearnedtonottrustsupposedlytrustworthyallies,everagain.

Thatcausedallmycolleagues,andDarranceincluded,tosuddenlyburstoutinalmostriotous,contemptuousandcruellaughter.

KarmenKonsgrimacedwithbarelycontainedrageandballedherhandsintofists.

Ihadgotthatone,theyfounditincrediblyamusingthatTarystandhisgrouphadevenslightlytrustedusinthefirstplace,whichonhindsightwas,actually,kindoffunny.ButIhadnointentiontolaughalongwithmycolleagues,theirlaughterwasharshontheearsandhorrifiedme.ItwasthelaughterIcouldimaginefromagroupofpredatorswouldlaughoncetheyhadcorneredtheirprey.

Canwetalktotheprisonernow?growledtheOlinthre-thingwithsuchforcemyfellowassassinslaughterwascutshort.Orarewegoingtojustwastetimestandingaroundexchangingpettyjokes?

Castellasmiledandshrugged,well,Ienjoythepettyjokesmore,personally,butifyouinsist,Mrmajor,shesaidwhilegivingtheOlinthre-thingamockingsaluteandaplayfulwink.

Treashfrownedun-approvinglyatCastella,alright,wellgoin,andtalktohimfirst,youthreejustwaitouthereforawhile.

Withthattheassassinswalkeddownthecorridorandintothecellwhileweapproachedthewindowtowatchon.

So,saidnooneofConsequence,afterCastellagavehimalongsipofwater.Youheretoaskmorequestions?ThenheglaredaccusinglyatCastella.Orjusttobeatthecrapouttameagain?

Whydontyoutakeaguess?SaidCastella.Ibetyouwontevencomeclose.

Igrimaced,tunedoutandturnedtoKarmenKons.

Youdoknow,Attelus,thatyouarescarredforlifenow,shesaidbluntly.ThatwoundElandriagaveyou,willnevergoaway.

Ifrownedandabsentlytouchedthebandagecoveringthewound,Iknow,Idthoughtso,Isaidsadly.

ThiswasfollowedbyashortsilencebeforetheOlinthre-thinggrimacedandturnedtous,Ivegottasayifyoutwoweretryingtoconvinceeveryonethatyoudontk


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noweachother,youaredoingoneterriblejob.

WebothglaredatItandsaidsimultaneously,what?

Itreturnedourglaresunflinchinglyandshrugged,well,thewholestaringintoeachotherseyesthingduringhalftheelevatorrideup,yourlittleconfrontationbeforeweenteredthemamzelsresidence,yeah,theywerentcluestowardapriorrelationshipatall.

IimmediatelyturnedawayasIfeltmyfaceflushwithembarrassment,butKarmenKonsremainedunfazed.

Weneverhadapriorrelationship,Xenos,shesnarled.Itwasa...friendship,nothingmore.

TheOlinthre-thingsmiled,soyoutwodidknoweachother,beforetheseevents,then?Thankyoufortheconfirmation,thenItshrugged.Well,fromthevibeIgotfromyoutwo,itseemedlikeapriorrelationshiptome.Iapologizeforthemisunderstanding.

KarmenKonsgrittedherteeth,abouttoreplybutwasinterruptedasCastella,TreschandDarranceenteredintotheroom.

Heisyours,saidDarrance,withaneviltwistedgrinthatchurnedmyguts.Wewill

stayouthere.

Karmentreatedwithhimadarklookbutgaveaslow,deliberatenodded.

Thankyouforthehonour,assassin,shegrowledsardonically.

Darranceonlyrepliedwithabrief,mockingbow.

KarmengrimacedthenturnedtotheOlinthre-thingandmeandmotionedustofollow.

Letusseehowthisgoes,shallwe?Shesaid.

WefiledintotheinterrogationroomandthebeatenandbrokenformofNoOneofConsequencelookedoverhisshoulderatus.

SoTarystsbitchpsykerfinallydeignstoseemepersonally,hegrowledandIcouldnthelpbuthavemyattentionsnapstraighttoKarmenwithsurprise,howdidheknowabouther?

Andyou,kid,Iseesomeonegaveyouonehellofabeatingsincewelastmet,believemeIknowhowyoufeel,withthathesplutteredoutlaughterathisownhorridjoke.

Wehavecometonegotiate,saidKarmenthroughclenchedteethasshewalkedaround

tofacethecaptivedirectly.

Negotiate,huh?saidNoOneofConsequence,whoseemedgenuinelyperplexed.Negotiatewhat?

WeneedyoutoleadustoBrutisBones,shesaidsternly.

WiththatNoOneofConsequencethrewbackhisheadandbellowedoutabriefbarkoflaughter.


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Well,well,wevegonefromtorturingtonegotiatingwhatmakesyouthinkitllmakedifference?

Because,nowthesituationhasbecomevastlymorecomplicated,saidKarmen.Nowwefindourgoals,coincide.

NoOneofConsequencesniffedandclearedhisthroat,thesituationwasalreadyvastlycomplicated,howcoulditgetevenmorecomplicated?

Karmenlookedatmebriefly,thentotheonesidedglassthatmycolleaguesstoodbehind.

BecauseTarystisdead,shesaidsimply.AndwithhimtheintenttohidethetruthyouandBrutisBonesknow.

IflinchedathoweasilyKarmenhadgivensuchasecretoverandwassuddenlysupremelygladthatGarraksonandTorriswerentheretohearit.

Nowthatbroughtagenuinelookofshooktothethroneagentsbruised,destroyedface.

Tarystis,dead?How?

KarmenKonsshrugged,ifItoldyouthedetailsitwouldtakeallday,letsjusts

ay...

Shetrailedoffandglancedoverhershoulderaccusinglyattheonesidedglass,thatitwas,an...internal...conspiracy.

NoOneofConsequencesniggeredandshookhisheadwithuttercontempt,ofcourseitwas,helisped.

Karmensmiledcoldly,notjustthatwealsohaveirrefutableproofthatInquisitorNoninEdracianisplanetside.

Oh?saidNoOneofConsequence,disarminglycalmaboutit.Hasthatfriggerfinallydecidedtoshowhisface,huh?

Yes,anditisoureveryintentiontostophim,asitisyours,saidKarmen.AndifweareabletocooperatewithBrutisBones,thechanceswouldincreaseexponentially.

Oh.Imsuretheywould,thatsifweactuallycooperateandyoudontbetrayus.

Youhavemyguarantee,saidKarmenassheraisedinfrontofhisfacetherightoftrade.AslongasIholdthis,theorganizationisminetocontrol.

NoOneofConsequencetiltedhisheadforwardandsighed,IcantfriggingbelieveImdoingthis,but,alright,ifEdraciansonOmnartusandyouretrulywillingtoforgeanalliance.Illtakeyou,despiteallthedeathsandhorridactionsyourorg

anizationhasdonetomypeople.Butononecondition.

Giveusthecoordinatesofwherehisbaseofoperationsis,saidKarmen.Thenleadusthere.

NoOneofConsequencegrimaced,why?

SowecansendintheMagistratumandtheAdeptusArbites,tomakesurethatitisntanambushbeforehand.


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Ha!Somuchfortrust!

Showusthatwecantrustyou,NoOneofConsequence,thenwewill.

Alright,alright.Iwill.ButyouneedtotellmeexactlyhowyouknowEdracianisplanetsideandtheeventsthatleduptoyourealizingthisstuff,Hesaid.

Wedonthavethetime-!triedKarmen.

Thenmakethefriggingtime!heinterruptedwithaforceonewhodbeensobadlybeatenshouldn

tbecapableof.JustlikeIneedtoearnyourtrust,youneedtoearn,mine.

Karmensighedandturnedtome,okay,alright,Attelus...?

Igaveherawideeyedlookthatasked;whyme?

Shejustfurrowedherbrow,shookherheadandimpatientlyusheredmeforward.

IsighedandwalkedpastKarmentoletNooneofConsequencelookatmedirectly,wonderingwhatexactlytosayandwhatnottosay.

Heykid,longtimenosee,wasitInquisitorEdracianwhodidthattoyourface?

Ishookmyhead,no,noitwasnt,Ipausedtothink.I-itstartedjustafterItalkdtoyouIwas...ambushed.

Ambushed?Ambushedbywho?

Itwasagroupofwelldressedhammerswhowieldedaxes,theyambushedmeandafterIfoughtthemforawhile,Edracianchosetoshowhimself.

Okay,whatdidhelooklike?

H-heworebluepowerarmourwithabrowncloakonhisshouldersandalargeIemblazonedonhischest.

NoOneofConsequencenoddedbutdidnothingelse.

Itriedtoescapebuttheycapturedme,injectedmewith...poison,poison,Ifoundoutlaterwasfakeandheorderedmeintheexchangeoftheantidoteto...InfiltrateTarystscondoandtakeapictoftheInterrogator,ifshewasdead,theInterrogatoryoutoldusofearlier,withthis...

Itookoutthepicttakerfromoneofmyflakjacketpocketsandshowedittohim.

DespitetheirswollenconditionNoOneofConsequence

seyeswidenedwithdistinctfear.

Andtellmeboy!Heyelledsoloudanddesperatelyitcausedusalltoflinchinfright.Didyousucceed!

Y-yesIdid,Istammered,takenabackbyhissuddenferocity.

Oh!Youstupid,stupid,stupidboy!Nowyouvedoomedusall!HeroaredandhelookedtoKarmen.YeahIllcooperatewithya,Illgiveyathecoordinatesyaneed,theneturnedbacktomewithanintense,accusingglare.

ButthankstothislittlefoolsactionsIthinkitllbetolittle,toolate.


13/62

IcouldntcontendareplyatNoOneofConsequencesstatement,Icouldonlystandaroundmyjawdumblyagape,myheartlodgedinmythroatandmyeyeswide.

W-whatdoyoumean?askedKarmenforme.

Heletoutafrustratedgroanandhunghisheadforward,typical,frigging,mercalwaysthinkingabouthowtosaveyourownbloodyhide!Typical!Friggingtypical!

Whatthehelldoyoumean!Karmensnarled.

NoOneofConsequencesigheddeeply,whatImean,psyker,hespatoutpsykerasthoghitwereacurse.Thatseeminglyinnocentpicthasspelled-

Iknowthat!roaredKarmen.Youhavesaidthatalready!Telluswhy!

ImnotsureIshould,yet,saidtheman.BrutismightwanttoknowthisbeforeIdo

Oh!You!andshedrewherhandbacktopunchthecaptiveinthefacebuttheOlinthre-thingcaughtherfistinmid-airbeforetheblowcouldland.Youmeanthatthis...Simplepict,AttelustookisgoingtocontributetoInquisitorEdracians...Goal?saidtheOlinthrethingasKarmenstruggledtobreakfromIts

grasp.

Morethananysimplepicteverbloodywellshould,answeredNoOneofConsequenceahespatmorebloodontothefloor.ThatpictwasntjustofmymastersInterrogator,shewasmorethanjustthat,shewas...Hernamewas,AmandaHeartsa,God-Emperorresthersoulandshewasmorethanjustaninterrogator,shewashisdaughter.

MyattentionsnappedtotheOlinthre-things.andItsback.

And,well,frigit.Itgetsworsefromthere,butyouregonnahavetowaittillweindBrutisbeforeyoufindthatout,saidNoOneofConsequence.

TheOlinthre-thingnoddedandletgoofKarmen,wearewillingtomakesuchacompromisearentwenot,Karmen?

Shegrimacedandrubbedherwrist,yeah,whatever,shegrowledandsheturnedtothecaptive.Sonowwillyougiveusthecoordinates,throneagent?

Whyofcourse,mamzel,saidNoOneofConsequencewithmockingpoliteness.AndIdlkeyoutoknow,ifyoung...Attenlusorwhateverhisbloodynameis.HadnttoldmehedtakenthatstupidpictIwouldnthavetoldyoutherealco-ordinances.

TheOlinthre-thingfoldeditsarmsandsniffedloudly,Ididnt,thinkthatyouwouldve,thatwaswaytooeasy.AndIcouldnthelpbutagree.

NoOneofConsequence,pursedhislipsandshrugged,ohhh,Iwasthatobvious?WasI?Ohh,goshdarnit!

TheXenosshrugged,betterlucknexttime,Iguess.

Would.You.Please.Tell.Us.Thecoordinates,nooooow!RoaredKarmenrightinNoOneofConsequencesfacethroughclenchedteeth,herattractivefacenowbeetredwithrageandIcouldseetheoldmanclosehiseyestoshieldthemfromherspittle


14/62

Okay!Okay!ThisiswheretheywillgoafterwhathappenedattheTwilightbaritsintheunderhive,its20036by33299,itsanoldFactorium.

Myeyeswidenedatthat,wait!Iknowthatplace!Itwasoneofthefirstweinvestigated!Iexclaimed.

Yeah,well,theywouldnthavemovedtheretillamonthago,saidNoOneofConsequece.Sodontfeelbad.Theresotherthingsyoushouldbefeelingbadabout,rightnow,kid.

Isighedandfacepalmed,thesearchforBrutisBonesseemedreally,reallypointlessnow.

Alright!Herestheplan!SaidKarmen.Olinthre!IneedyoutogetincontactwithAlathanKarkinattheMagistratumandTamlorstTorounoftheAdeptusArbites,tellthemwevefoundBrutisBones,hesat20036by33299andtellthemtosurroundthearea,butnottogoinsideuntilwemeetthemthere!

TheOlinthre-thinggrinned,shookitsheadandsaid;finally,theyllhavetostartworkingforallthosebribes,huh?Bettheyllbefuming!AndItreacheduptoItseartostarttuningitslink.

Karmenreacheduptohers.

Garrakson,Ineedyouandyourmenbackhere,now.Weneedanescortbacktothemaintower.

ShenoddedatthereplyIcouldnthear,thenloweredherhand.

Youresurewecantrusthim?Iasked,hesitantly.BecauseIknowhedoesnttrustu

Karmenshookherheadandgrinned,JeuratGarraksonisamanofhonour,Attelus,youknowthat.HewillfollowwhatIsayaslongasTarystorderedhimto.

Ifrownedfeelingshewas,again,vastlyunderestimatingGarrakson.Buthe,didntIpointedout.

Wellwehavesomethingthatcanrectifythat,sherepliednoddingoverhershoulderattheOlinthre-thingashequietlyspokeintohislinkinthecorner,inwhatIguessedtobeTarystsvoice.

Ishruggedandlookedcuriouslyatthemantiedtothechair,wonderingwhathethoughtofthatbriefbitofdialog,butheimmediatelyturnedawayoncehesawmyattentionwasonhim.

Sowhatarewedoing,now?IaskedKarmen.

Wearetakingpoor,poor,NoOneofConsequenceheretobefixedupatourmedicae,saidKarmenasshebegantountiehim.Wedontwantourguidetobeinbadshape.

Youjustdontwantthemtoseetheconditionyourlackeysleftmein,growledNoOneofConsquence.WhichIalsoknewwithoutdoubttobetrue.

Karmenleanedherheadoverhisshoulderandbrieflypulledtheropestighter,causingNoOneofConsequencetogaspoutinpain,

Same,difference,really,shesaidsweetly.NowAtteluscanyouhelpmehere.

O-okay,Istammeredandmovedtocomply.


15/62

IthadstoppedrainingwhilewewalkedbacktoTaryststower.ThegoingwasslowasGarrakson,TorrisandthetenStormtrooperescortcheckedeveryinchofeveryofeverycornerofthemazeoftwistsandturnswhichmadethosealleywayswithazealthatwouldputeventhemostoverzealousMinistorumpriesttoshame.AlsowithuswereCastella,HaydenandDarrancewhowatchedtheback,butinafarmorecasualfashion,Castellahadherlefthandlaidonherthehiltofoneofhersheathedswordswhileinherrightwasherraisedplasmapistol,HaydenheldhisLongLaslow,thebarrelpointedatthegroundwhileDarrancehadhisornate,curvedpowerscimitardrawnbutcarrieditcasuallyathisside.

Iwashappytoletthemguard,Iwastoopreoccupiedwithmychurningstomach,mypainfulthrobbingfaceandmythoughts.

Thethreeassassinswere,easily,farmoreintimidatingandprofessionalthanTorris,GarraksonandtheStormtrooperscombined,theircasualconfidencejustaddedtoitsomehow.Theywereskilled,I

veseenallthreeatworkduringmysevenyearsunderGlaitisemployandknewthiswell.

Butyet,despitethis,Ikneweventheypaledincomparisontomyfather.SergharKaltoscouldeasilyslaughterallthreebeforetheycouldevenblink.Withthismythoughtswanderedbacktomydream,theoneinwhichIhadfoughtmonoamonoagainstmyfatheranddefeatedhim.

Ilookeddownandclenchedmyglovedfist,couldonedayIbethatgood?BytheEmperor,itwouldtakeawhile,although.

Again,Iglancedovermyshoulderattheseniorassassins,althoughIhadsparredagainstmyfatheroncountlessoccasion,Idnevereveractuallysawhimathisfullstrength,hewasalwaystoyingwithme,butstill,hedalwaysdefeatmewithease.

Whilehewasnodoubtgood,but,perhapsIwasoverestimatingSergharKaltostrueskill?

PerhapsIwasevenunderestimatingmyown?WhileIdoubtedIwasasgoodasSerg

harKaltos,perhapsIwasonparwithCastella,DarranceandTresch?InthelastsixmonthsIdseenmoreactionthanmanyveteranguardsmenwouldseeinyears,Imustvekilleddozensofhammersontheedgeofmysword.Imustvelearnedsomethingfromallofthatcrapevenifthosemonthsoftoilandkillingnowturnedouttobeutterlyuseless.

ThenIlookedtoNoOneofConsequencewhostumbledhandcuffedandblindfoldedalongsideme.Ihadalsogoneoneononeagainsthim,amanwhomustbeaveryexperiencedthroneagentandalmostcameoutontop,thenIhadheldoffarampagingArcoflagellentlongenoughtoalloweveryoneintheTwilightbartoescapewiththeirlives.

Ihadnodoubtofthatnow,thatIdsomehowaccomplishedthatseeminglyimplausib

lefeat.Notashadowofadoubt,Elandriawouldnthavelied,especiallyifitwereherlastwords.

Iclosedmyeyesandtookadeepbreaththroughmynose,Imissedher,wouldIevergetoverher?Iwould,Iwould,onedaywithoutdoubt,IdgetoverheruntimelydeathbutIwouldntforgether.

Myheartsuddenlyhurtandmyhandreacheduptotouchthebandageonmyface,Idsurelyneverforgether,especiallywiththisforevermarringmyface.


16/62

Thismademequietlysighandshakemyhead,nowwasntthetimetobelostinthought!OrasElandriawould

vesaid;lostinmyownlittleworld.

IsmiledsadlyatthethoughtandthenInoticedKarmenwaslookingoverhershoulderatmeherlargeblueeyeswidewithconcern.

Imethergaze,givingheraslightsmileandanod.Inallhonestyofallthepeopleinvolvedinthis,Iunderstoodhermotivationstheleast.DuringourtimetogetherinthewarravagedVelrosia,whilewetravelledsouth,IdgottentoknowEstellaErithwell.Shewasakindwoman,withgreatcharismaandintellect,butwasextremelypassionateandproud.Itdbeenthatpridewhichhadalmostdrivenhertothrowherlifeaway,once.

Butnow,asIstatedbefore,IthinkKarmenKonsisacompletelydifferentcreature,surethepridewasstillthere,infactIdsayitwasevenworsebutshewasalsofarmorecruel,ruthless,manipulative,controlling.

Asuddenshiverwentupmyspineasanotherrealisationhitme,shewasjustlikeGlaitis.

Butyet,sometimes,IdseehintsofEstellaErithbreakthroughtheKarmenKonspersona,whenherdialogbecamemoreformalisedorattimeslikethis.Theconcernwithwhichshelookedatmenowwascompletelygenuine.GenuineinawayGlaitiscouldneverhopetobe.IcouldtellthisbecauseitwasntKarmenlookingatm

e,itwasEstella.HowIknew,Itrulydidntknow,Ijustdid.

Estellagavemeagreatbiggrinthatmademyheartflutter,thenturnedbackforward.

Therestofthetripwentwithoutincident,whichIwasgenuinelysurprisedat,iftherewasatimethatBrutisBonesandhissecretsquadofcrackcommandoswouldstrikeitdhavebeennow,whiletheirerstwhileallywasbeingescortedoutintheopenanddespiteeverythingIfeltlikeIneverwantedittoend,itdidofcourse,butitwasthelasttimeofpeaceandcontemplationIhadbeforeeverythingwenttohellinahandcart.

AndbytheEmperornowthatwastrulytheunderstatementofthemillennia.

Isatstrippedtothewaist,sittingonagurneyinthemedicalfacilitythebigblackbruisescoveringmytorsoastarkcontrasttomypalewhiteskin,andItriedhardtoignorethepainasmedicae-assistant,Hasinstitchedupmyface,forallthefrigginggooditddo.

Therewerefivemedicaes,hiredbyTarystexcludingFeuilt,thefourotherswerenowbusyattendingtonooneofconsequence,whileGarraksonandeveryoneelsestoodwatch,everyonebutKarmen,whohadsaid;Ineedtoretrievesomethingoftheutmostimportance,thenleftalone.

Iamsorrytosay,saidHasinashecarefullyaddedanotherstitch.Yourfacewill

bepermanentlyscarred,nomatterhowmanystitchesIdo.Youwouldhavebeenscarredpermanently,evenwithoutthetraumayousufferedtoopenitandmakeitworse,canIask,howdidithappened?

Myjawtwitched,mycheekwascutbyamonomolecularenhancedblade,Iinformedwithforcedneutrality.ThenIwaspunchedintheface,ahellofalot.

Hasinnodded,hewastallandthinandcouldnthavebeenmucholderthanIwas,withagauntsallowfaceandlargebulging,thyroideyeswhichlookedevenlargerfrombehindhisthickglasses.Ihadntmethimbefore,asFeuiltwastheonlyme


17/62

dicaeIhadcontactwithuntilnow.

AndIamassumingthatisalltheinformationyouaregoingtogive?heasked.

Yes,Iansweredsimply,Hasinhadgivenmesomechewytabletstohelpwithmysickstomach,butiteitherhadntkickedinyet,orwasntworkingatall,asanotherstrongwaveofnauseahitme.

AndthenIamgoingtoassume,again.ThatyouwonttellmewhathappenedtoheadmedicaeFeuilt,afteryou,himandmajorOlinthreleftsuddenlyaroundsixhoursago?

Yes,Irepeated.

Hasinsighed,Ihadthoughtasmuch,Ishouldbeusedtoitbynow,everythingisasecretaroundhere.

Ifurrowedmybrow,Iwouldvethoughtofsomethingdeadpannedandironicto...Think,onHasinstatingtheobvious,butfelthimjustsayingitwasenough.

Well,hesaidon,well,evenifyourescarred,youcanstillwearalayeroffalseleshoverthescar.

Ishruggedslightly,beingcarefulnottodisturbHasinsworkwiththemovement,

inallhonestyIdidntmindthescar,untilnowIhadbeenabletoavoidbeingheavilyscarredduringmycareerevenaftergoingthroughsomeparticularlyheavyengagements.

ThenthedoorslidopenandinwalkedKarmenKons,herlongblondhairwaspulledbackintoaponytail,shewasgrinningfromeartoearandnowworebatteredblackflakarmourwithwhitetrimandcarryingbehindherbackalong,blueornatebox.

Iimmediatelyrecognisedthearmour,itwastheuniformoftheVelrosianbranchoftheElbyranPlanetarydefenceforceinwhichshehadonceservedasasergeant,itwastheverysamearmourEstellaErithhadwornthefirsttimeIdmether,alifetimeagonow.

Shenoddedtomeandquicklyapproachedthegurney.

Almostdone,Harsin?Sheasked.

Harsinpausedinhiswork,glancedatherandblusheddistinctly,j-justfinishingnow,mamzel.

Karmensmiled,placedherhandsonherhipsandnodded,thankyou,IwishtotalktoAttelusinprivate,please.

O-ofcoursemamzel!hecriedandafterquicklyfinishingthestitchesandplacingonanewbandage,said;Itseemsthatnoneofyourribswerebroken,MrKaltos,a

lthoughIcantellbythedensityofyourbruisingthattheimpactsofthosepunchesshouldhavebrokenatleastafewofyourbones.Ireallydonotknowwhatthatpsykerdidtoyou,MrKaltos,butitdidnotjustre-nityourbones,italsosomehowmadethemstronger.

BeforeIcouldmakeareplyHarsinhurriedlyturned,noddedtoKarmenandwalkedout.

Myeyeswidened,notsurequitewhattomakeofHarsinswords.Mybonestructurewasenhanced?Buthow?Why?JustasIthoughtthiscouldn

tgetanystrangerit


18/62

justdid.

Karmenpouted,stilllookingatthedoorthenturnedbacktome.

Heisaninterestingone,that,Harsin,shesaidabsentminded,thensuddenlyshovedtheblueboxrightinfrontofmyface.

Foryou,shestated.

WithanervousgrinIhesitantlytooktheboxandlookedoverit,itwasmadefromahighqualitywoodandwasornatebutnotoverlyso.

Arentyougoingtoopenit?Sheasked.

Idid,quicklyunclaspingthemetalclipsandopenedit,insideIfoundtomyverylittlesurprise;asword,asheathedlongsword,inasimplescabbard,withabasicbutpracticalhandleandguard.

Ilookedupather,wideeyed,Iuhh...

Unsheatheit,shesaidencouragingly,anddontworryAttelus,itsyours.

Nodding,Islowlytooktheswordoutoftheboxandimmediatelycouldtellitwaslightweightandbalancedevenbeforedrawingit,whichintheblinkofaneye

,Idid.

Itwasaswordofmasterfulmake,Icouldtellthatataglance.ItalsowasofVelrosiandesign,theblacksmithsofVelrosiahadalwaysadheredtosimplicityindesign,butqualityofmakeandthisonewasofthehighestqualityeventoVelrosianstandards.

Itwasalsoold,very,veryold,yetextremelywellmaintained.

Butthatwasntwhatgotme,whatmademeblinkwasthatitwasalsoapowersword.

Itwasmyfamilys,informedKarmen,knockingmeoutofmyreverie.IthadbeenhandddowntheErithlineforgenerations,evensincethetimeofKingRoydAntares.

Ilookedathertakenaback,this,thisisoverathousandyearsold?

Shenodded,thatitis,Attelus,orthatiswhatmygrandfatherandfathersaid,anyway.

I-I,Imanaged.Icanttakethis,thisisyours!Thisisyourfamilys!

Karmensmiledandshookherhead,no,Attelus,itsyours.IamthelastaliveoftheErithline,andIgaveupalongtimeagoonpractisingValisuth.Itdeservessomeonewithskillenoughtowieldit,andIbelieveyoutobemorethanqualified.

H-howdidyou-?

Sheshrugged,IhadTarystretrieveitforme,itsomehowmanagedtosurvivethebombardmentthatdestroyedmycityandkilledmybrotherandwaskeptuntilafewmonthsagoinamuseuminVarander,soTarystpulledsomestringsandgotitforme,somehow.

Idontknowwhattosay.Thankyou...Estella.

Karmengrinnedandraisedaneyebrow,ohIamsureyouwillgetampleopportunity


19/62

touseitsoon,Attelus.

Inoddedsadlyandsheathedthebeautifulsword,Ijusthope,IjusthopethatpictItook,thatitisntasbadastheThroneagentsaiditwas.

Karmensfacedarkened,ImsorryAttelus,butIhaveverylittledoubt,itis.Youwilljusthavetomakeupforitbyhelpingstopit.Thatiswhatlifeisabout,dealingwiththeconsequencesofouractions,whethertheybegoodorbad.

Inoddedagain,gotoffthegurneyandbegantoslipmybodyglovebackon.

Youreright,Estella,Isaid,andwiththispowerswordIwill,evenifitcostsmeylife.

Me,Karmen,theOlinthre-thing,GarraksonandTorrisquicklygotoutoftheoldHersuitor89,andIslammedthedoorshutasIsteppedout,ontothebeaten,badlymaintainedunderhivestreet.AroundthebuildingshadfallensofarintodisrepairtheydisturbinglyremindedmeofthewartornruinsofVelrosia,rustedandramshackle.Icouldnthelpwonderhowmanypoorlostsoulsscrappedalivinginthishellhole.

Theothertwoescortlimousinescametoahaltasideusandthetwentytotalstormtroopersgotoutandfannedouttosecuretheperimeterdoingthisdespitethe

many,manyMagistratumtroopsalreadyabout.

Isniffedandspatontotherockcreteasthestenchoftheunderhiveassailedmysenses,watchingasontheothersideofthelimoGarraksonandTorrispulledthehandcuffedNoOneofConsequencefromtheHersuitor,doingitalittlemoreroughlythatIwouldveappreciated.

IturnedawayandeyedthesurroundingMagistratumtroopers,wholookedbackatuswithamixtureofapprehensionandcuriosity.IdidthiswhilenonchalantlypoppingoutastickofLhofromitsceramiccase,placingitintomymouthandlightingit,thenIslippedmyhandsintothepocketsofmyFlakJacket.

Karmencameuptome,Youknowthosethingswillkillyouoneday,shepointedout

.

Ishruggedandexhaledsmokepointedly,Thereareplentyofthingsthatwillkillmeahellofalotquickerrightnow.SoImnottooworriedrightnow,inallhonesty.

TorrisandGarraksoncamearoundthebackoftheLimowiththeThroneAgent,whosfacewasalittlelessbeatenandbrutalizedthanearlier.Hisbrokenteethhadbeenreplacedbyapairofhighqualityfalseones.Themedicaeshaddoneanexcellentjobeveninsuchashorttime,Icouldnthelpbutbeimpressed.

NoOneofConsequencegotenoughtimetobrieflyglareatuswithundisguisedhatredjustbeforeTorrisandGarraksonhandedhimovertotwoStormtroopers.

Ah!Soyoufinallydecidetoshowup!cameadeep,mockingvoiceandweturnedtoitssource.IwasbeginningtobelieveyoudcalledusjustsoyoucouldhavemymenandIdawdlinguselesslyintheunderhive.

ApproachinguswasabigmaninhismidthirtieswhowasflankedbytwoMagistratumtroopers.HeworetheblueuniformofahighrankingMagistratumofficerheverywaspalelikemanyhiveworldersandhandsome,hisshortpitchblackhairwasslickedbackandhegrewthebeginningsofabeard.HeeyedKarmenfromheadtotoewithahungrylookandsmiled,alargeconfidentsmilethatwasmoredist


20/62

urbingthanfriendly.Icouldtellataglancehewasasnake,someoneevenlesstrustworthythanTarystwas.

Yes,saidKarmensteppingforward,andyoureArlathanKarkin,Iassume?

Stillsmilingheheldouthishand,correct,andyouretheliaisonTarystmentioned,Iassume?

Yesagain,answeredKarmentakingtheprofferedhand,shakingit,hesitantly.Iseverythingallinorder?

Karkingrinnedwolfishly,turnedandbegantowalkon,beckoningustofollow.

Ofcourse,hesaidasKarmenfellintostepwithhim,whileTorris,theOlinthre-thing,Garraksonandmeshadowedbehind.ThemanyMagistratumtroopersandofficersfillingaboutgivingusalotofroomWevegotthebuildingcompletelysurroundedandtheauspexconfirmsthere

satleastthirtytofortypeopleinside,theresnowayinoroutforthefriggers.

Karmenshookherhead,rememberArlathan,thesearentjustanynormalgangers,thesearehighlytrainedthroneagents,wecannottakeanychances.

Karkinsighed,Wehavent,mamzel,whydoyouthinkImsoconfidentaboutit?

Karmenstoppedinhertrackswhichcausedhimandtherestofustofollowsuit,because,Icantellatoneglancethatyouarethetypewhoisextremelyoverconfident,ArlathanKarkin,evenattheworstofcircumstances.

Hegrinnedevenwider,shruggedagainandsaid,withrespect,mamzel,overconfidenceisonlyoverconfidenceifitisntjustified.

Karmengrimacedwithextremedisdain.Ofcourseitis,shesaid,deadpanned,thentheymovedon.

Well,saidKarkin.IhavesixhundredmenreadyandwaitingtostormthebuildingtocaptureBrutisBones.Atyourword,ofcourse.

KarmenstoppedagainandlookedatKarkinwithwideeyedsurprise,herexpressionmimickingmyown,sixhundred?

Karkinnoddedandgrinnedenthusiastically,see,Itoldyoumyconfidencewasjustified.

AndwherearetheArbites?demandedKarmen,annoyed.

Theydecidednottocome,saidKarkinwithananimatedshrug.Theygaveustheschematicsofthebuildingfromtheircogitatorbanks,butapparentlytheydidntwanttohavefirsthandinvolvement,thatswhatmybosssaid,anyway.

Karmenletoutalittlegrowloffrustrationthenwalkedon.

WhilethiswentonIlookedovermyshoulderatGarrakson,whowalkedjustbehindme,heimmediatelyturnedaway,thenovermyothershoulderandgaveTorrisagreatbiggrin.

Torrisonlyrepliedwithanodandtheslightestofsmiles.

Icouldnthelpbutwonder;whyweretheybothsoangryatme?Whatdidtheyknow,exactly?


21/62

Isighedoutsmoke,theyweremyfriends,wedbeenthroughhellandbackoverthepastsixmonths.Idhavethoughtusgoingthroughallthattogether,wouldvebeenenoughforthemtogetoveritandstillbemyfriends.

Wellyourmendontneedtoworryaboutstormingthebuilding,ArlathanKarkin,saidKarmen,knockingmefrommyreverie.

NowitwasKarkinsturntostopinhistracks,andwhatdoesthatmean?

Thingshavechanged,informedKarmen.WenolongerwanttocaptureBrutisBones,wewishtonegotiatewithhim.

Karkinseyeswidened,andwhatexactlyhappened,tocausethischangeofmind?

Karmensmiledandsniggered,shakingherhead,youreallydontneedtoknowthat,ArlathanKarkin,thenshewenttomoveon.

No!Ithinkwedo!saidKarkincausinghertoabruptlyhalt.Aftereverythingweveoneforyouoverthepasthalfayear.Ithinkyouoweusasmuch.

KarmensuddenlywheeledonKarkinherindexfingerrightinhisface,herexpressionamaskofanger.No,Ireallydontbelievewedo!InfactIwouldsayifanyoneowesanyoneanythingitsyouwhoowesus!Arlathan,howmuchdoesaseniorMag

istratumdetectivesuchasyourselfearnayear?

Around-

Thatisarhetoricalquestion,Arlathan!Shesnapped.Ialreadyknowtheanswer,eversinceyoucameunderourpayrollyourpayhasnotdoubled,nottripled!Butquadrupled!Andyouknowwhatwerepayingyoufor!Soyoucansitaroundonyourarseanddonothingwhilewedoallyourworkforyou!

Well,whataboutthatcrapthathappenedattheTwilightbar!SnappedKarkin.Doyouknowwhatwewentthroughtocoverthatmessup!

Karmenlaughedcontemptuously,Idhardlysaythatyouearnedevenatenthofwhat

wepayyoufromthatincidentalone,faceit!Detective!Youhavenogroundtostandon!Youcantdemandanything!Sorry!

WiththatsheturnedandcontinuedonwithGarrakson,OlinthreandTorriswordlesslyfollowingafterher,leavingKarkinalonewatchingthemwalkthroughthecrowdofMagistratumtroopersanddetectives,stillwiththatwarmlesssmile.

AsIexhaledsmoke,ImovedtocatchupandKarkinfellinstepwithme.

Hey,kid,hesaidconversationally.

Ididntrespond,onlythecornerofmymouthtwitched,Ireallydidntwanttohaveanythingatalltodowiththisslimeball.

CanIhaveasmoke?Heasked.

Myjawtwitchedandmymusclestauted.ButdespiteloathingitwithmyverybeingIstillhesitantlyreachedintomyjacketpocket,pulledouttheceramiccaseandofferedhimone.

KarkintooktheLho,putitinhismouth,lititwithhisownlighterandaftertakingalongdragaskedme;Whosshe?


22/62

Ifrownedandanswered;Shes,KarmenKons,shesTarysts...secretary.

Karkin,exhaledthesmoke,seeminglyhardlyhearingwhatIdsaidandgrinnedapervertedgrinfromeartoear.

I,like,her,hesaid.

Karkinleadustohiscommandcentre,whichwasalarge,boxy,darkbluetruckparkedinaalleywayaboutablockfromwerewedparked.Karkinslidopenthebackdoorandbeckonedusin.

ItwasonlyKarmen,theOlinthre-thing,Torris,GarraksonandmewhoclimbedinwithKarkinwhilethetwentystormtroopersstayedoutside.

So!saidArlathanasheslappedthesidesofhisthighsandturnedbacktous.Whattheplan?

Theinsideofthetruckwassurprisinglysmall.Starkandspartanonlyaroundthreemetreswideandfivelong,withmetalseatsliningthewallsandtherewasalargecogitatorunitonattheend.

Karmenshrugged,Idoassume,theyknowofyourpresence?

Ofcoursetheydo!Karkinexclaimed.Itssorta,kindahardtomisssixhundredmagitratumenforcersmovingthroughtheunderhive,theonlyreasonwhytheydidntalreadyescapewasbecausewecamefromeverydirection.Ifrowned,tookanothersmokeofmyLho,thenfoldedmyarmsandleanedagainstthewall.

Well,Isaid.Thatsassumingtheyrestillinthere.IntheTwilightbartheyhadacret,tunnelout,Idthinkitdbesafetoassumethattheyveoneinthistoo.

Karmenlookedatme,herbrowfurrowingheavily,didntyouinvestigatetheplaceearlier?Didyoufindone?

IturnedtoTorrisandGarraksonwhojustlookedbackunderhoodedbrows.Theon

lyreasonwhyIdrememberedthatwedinvestigatedtheplacewasthatwedlostthreeofournumberthere.Fightingthehammersguardingit.ItdbeensolongIdashamedlyforgottenthenamesofthosedeadmen,butIdsomehowrememberedtheplacesco-ordinates.IvealwaysbeenprettybadwithnumbersandfiguressoIfounditstrangeindeed.

NotfromwhatIcanrecall,Isaidaftergettingnoresponsefromeitherofthem,theyknewitwas20036by33299andknewwedbeentherebefore,astheOlinthre-thinghadgiventhemaquickbriefingonthedriveoverhere.

Karmenshrugged,iftheplaceisjustabackup,maybeitsnotaswellpreppedasthetwilightbarwas.

Perhaps,Isaid.

Karkinssmilelessenedalittle,welltheauspexsaid-

Idsuggest,Iinterrupted.Nottotrustsomuchinyourauspex.Therearemany,manwaystofoolthem.

Karkingrinnedwidely,well,itsneverfailedusbefore.

Idonotknowifyouhavetrackedthroneagentsbefore,saidKarmen.Butyoumustk


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now,theyhaveaccesstothebesttechnologytheImperiumcanprovide,thatswhyIvetakencertain,liberties...

Karkingrimaced,suchas?

Wevegotagentsofourownscoutingtheplace,saidKarmen.

AndthoseagentswereTresch,CastellaandDarrancewhodleftstraightafterwedarrivedatTarystsbuilding.TheMedicaeshadtakenfourhourstohelpNoOneofConsequenceandwedtakenanhourtodrivedownheresoIcouldonlyassumetheydbeenhereforawhileyet,althoughwehadyettohearbackfromthem.

Karkinseyeswidened,mymenneverreportedanybreachesinthecordon.

Karmengrinned,showsjusthowsecureitreallyis.

TheMagistratumdetectivesfaceturnedugly.

Withalldorespect,saidtheOlinthre-thing,steppingup,everthediplomat.Theyareagentsofthehighestcalibre,iftheygotthroughyourcordon,itsnotthefaultofyourmen.

Andyouaremoreinvestedinkeepingpeople,in,detective,ratherthanout,saidTorris.

Arlathangrinnedbuthiseyesglazedwithbarelycontainedrage.

Ofcourseweare,hesaidslowly.So,whatstheplan?

Werestillwaitingforthescoutstoreport,saidKarmen.But,aftertheydoIplanonsendinginthreepeople,openly,alongwithourcaptive.Onerepresentiveforeachfactioninvolved.OneforTaryst,onefor...Shepausedtoglanceatme.Oneforyou,andonefortheMagistratum.

Andwhatdoesopenlymean,exactly?askedKarkin.

Ohyouknow,theusual;unarmed,handsraised,soonsoforth.

Iclenchedmyteethandmyeyeswidenedwithapprehension,thiswasthefirsttimeIdheardKarmensplanaswellandcouldnthelpbutguessthatIwasgoingtobeeofthethreesentin;unarmed,withhandsraised,soonandsoforth.

ArlathanKarkin,facepalmed,sighedandsatheavilydownonthechairatthecogitator,great,justgreatandIamtheMagistratumrepresentative,Iassume?

Youarethehighestrankedhere,statedKarmen.

Yeah,yeahIknow,hegroaned.Ijusthavealittletroublewithapproachingabuildingfulloftwitchy,wiredHammerswithoutanyweapons,isall.Ifitsanyconsolation,Illbecomingwithyou,saidKarmen.

ArlathanKarkinlaughed,wellyoudbloodywellbetter!IfyoudidntIdberatherpisedoffaboutit!

Karmensmiled,abouttoreplywhenshestoppedandreachedtoherear.

Excuseme,thisisthemnow,shesaidandturnedtowalkaway.

GarraksonandTorriseyedherasshewalkedpastthem,Garraksonsgazeoverflowedwithbarelycontainedcontempt.


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Well,shetrulythinksshesinchargenow,dontshe?saidGarraksonwithagrimace

Torrisshrugged,although,Iwouldnttrustherasfarascouldthrowher.Ivegottaadmitsheisntdoingtoobadajobsofar,atleastshespreparedtogoandriskherselfwiththerestofus.Unlikesomeoneweknow.

GarraksonsneeredandturnedtotheOlinthre-thing,so,boss.Whatdoyoumakeofthis,woman?

Ijustpassonorders,Jeurat,Itsaidblandly,ItsattentionwasstillonKarmenasitunashablytriedtooverhearherwords.Makingthebigdecisionsinsecretwarslikethis,isntsomethingImgoodat,soImhappytolethertakethereigns,sergeant.

IcouldnthelpsmileattheMimicsresponse,suchalie,suchanironiclie,thatwastoldsostraightfaced,soboldlyandsoconvincingly,IcouldnthelpbutadmiretheThingsskillalloveragain.

Andwhataboutyou,kid?askedGarraksonsuddenly.Whichmademeinvoluntarilyjumpinfright.

BeforeIcouldcontendaresponseTorrisgrinnedandleanedneartoGarrakson,weallknowtheresnopointinaskinghimabouther,Jeu.Weallknowwithwhathes

thinkingwith,anditisnthisbrain.

Ifeltmyfaceflushandtheybellowedoutlaughter,thesoundalmostdeafeningintheconfinedcompartmentandeventheMimicjoinedinheartily.

Willyouallshutjustthehellup!roaredKarmenoverhershoulder.Imtryingtofrggingtalkhere!

Immediately,theydidastoldandanotherchucklecausedusalltoturntoKarkin.

Well,Idsayshetrulyisinchargenow,ain

tshe?heechoedmockingly.

GarraksongrimacedabouttoreplywhenKarmenapproached.

Alright!Itsconfirmed,therearehammersinthebuilding,shestated.Thehammersreonhighalertandarewellfortified,althoughtheycouldntgetagoodvisualonhowmanythereare,theirauspexalsoconfirmsfortytofiftylifeforms.

ThatmadeKarkingrin,placehispalmsbehindhisheadandleanbackonhischair,see?WhatdItellya?

IbrieflylookedathimwithcompletecontemptbeforeturningbacktoKarmen.ChoosingnottopointoutthatifhisauspexhadbeeninterferedwithsocouldveHaydens.

KarmentreatedKarkinwithawitheringglare,beforecontinuingon;theyareinagoodpositiononthenorthsideofthebuilding,readytobreachandbackusup,ifanythinggoeswrong.

Speakingofwhich...saidKarkinashesatbackup,swiveledinhischairtofacehiscogitatorandbroughtuponscreenforus;theschematicofalargebuildingthatIguessedtobeBrutisBonescomplex.Hereyougo,butifwereonlygoingintonegotiateyoureallyshouldntneedthem.

IshruggedasIleanedforwardtolookcloser,evenso,itdoesnthurttoknow.Ju


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stincase.

Itsastheysay;Knowledgeispower,addedKarmen.

Forsomereason,bothTorrisandGarraksonbehindusletoutderivativesnorts,andIswearIheardTorrismutter;see?theyrefriggingperfectforeachother.Orsomethingalongthoselines.

Ifurrowedmybrow,turnedbacktotheschematicandquicklybegantomemorizeit.

Westood,studiedanddiscussedovertheschematicforanothergoodfifteenminutes;theplacewasofsimpledesign,acompletecontrasttothetwilightbar.Justalarge,twostorymanufactorum/warehousewithareaspartitionedfortheofficesofthesupervisorsandeatery.ItwasexactlyasIremembered,butwhatchangesBrutisBonesandhishammershadwroughtsincetheirarrival,Icouldntsay.

AllthewhileArlathansatathischair,tappinghisfingersagainstthecogitatorcaseimpatiently,whichmademeclenchmyjaw.

OnceweddoneArlathangotupfromhischairandasked;so,whatnow?

Karmenpoutedandshrugged,well,wegothroughwiththeplan.Nowweknowtheschematics,itsastheysay;knowingishalfthebattle.

AmItheonlyonewhohasreallyabadfeelingaboutthis?saidTorris,whichcausedmyattentionsuddenlysnapathim.ItmademerecallGlaitisearlierwords;Itisprettyobviouschild,andexplainswhyheletyoulive,this,quitesimply,isatrap.

Ashiverwentupmyspine;Icouldnthelpbutbelieveher,thiswaswaytoeasy.Butwhatwouldthistrapbeexactly?AndshouldItellmyalliesthatitwas?Glaitishadsaidthatshewantedustofallforit,somaybeshewouldntwantmeto.

Arlathanshookhisheadcontemptuously,ohno.Ohfrigginghellno,yournot.HowdoyouthinkIfeel?Ivegottafacedownthosehammers,unarmed.Offriggingcou

rseIhaveabadfeelingaboutthis.

Torrissatonthesteelseatandshookhishead,no,notjustaboutthat,but,everything,somethingswrongaboutthis,allofthis,Icanfeelit.

Arlathansniffedandhisseeminglyeternalsmilesomehowdisappearedintoanexpressionofgenuineworry,yeah,maybeyoureright.Heyyouarentfromlawenforcement?

Torrisnodded,aslowdeliberatemovement,yeah,IwasintheAdeptusArbites,fifteenyears,backonMalfi.

Arlathanletoutalongwhistle,thoughtso.Whydyouquit?

Alright,Ithinkthatsenoughprattle,saidKarmen.Wevewastedenoughtimealreadletsgetonwiththis,shallwe?

Arlathansighedheavily,yeah,yeah.

Withasourexpressionhepushedthroughusandslidopenthebackdoor,alright!Everyoneout!Heexclaimed.

Wedid,asArlathanheldthedoorforuswefiledoutintothethinalleywayou


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tside.

KarmenandIwerethelastonesoutbutaswesteppedontothebeatenbrokenalley,Karmensuddenlygrabbedmebythearmandpulledmeaside.Herhoodedblueeyesintensewithconcern.

Areyouokay?Sheasked,oncecheckingwewereoutofearshotfromeveryoneelseastheystoodwaitingforus.BecauseyouhaveseemedtohavetakenNoOneofConsequenceswordsextraordinarilywell.

Alumpimmediatelyappearedinmythroat,tearswelledinmyeyesandwithmyshakinghandsIreacheddownintomypockettogetoutmoreLhos.Itdbeenyearssincemyhandsshooklikethis,notsincethewar.DuringthattimeIddevelopedahabitofhidingtheshakingbyslippingmyhandsintotheirpockets.Idbeenfightingagainsttheshakingeversincethethroneagenthadgivenushisrevelation,butnowIfeltIreallydidntneedtohideit,IknewEstellawouldunderstand.

No,ItoldherbluntlyasIclumsilylitmyLho.No,Imnotalright.Estella.WhydyouthinkImsmokingsomuch?WebothknowEdraciansagendaandifmyactionsaregoingtoaidethatagendaasmuchasthatmansaiditwould,wellthen...Idontknow.Imreallyfriggingclosetobreakingpointhere,Estellabut...

Isniffedandexhaledsmoke,blinkingbackthetears.

But?

But,asmuchasIdliketobreakdownandreally,whocouldfriggingblameme?Nowwouldbetheworsttime,asyousaid;IneedtodealwiththeconsequencesofmyactionsandifIallowmyselftobreakdown,well,thenIwouldntbeabletodealwiththem,wouldI?

Estellasmiled,thensuddenlyleanedforwardandgavemeakiss.

W-whatwasthatfor?Iaskedwithwideeyedsurpriseandblushinglikehell.

Itseemsyouarefinallybecomingaman,Attelus,shesaid.Ithastakenyouawhile,though.

Gee,thanks.

Noproblem!Shesaid,obviouslyignoringmysarcasmassheturnedandbegantowalkaway.Enoughdillydally,letsgetthisshowontheroad.

Thefourofusslowlyapproachedtheoldmanufactorum,wewalkedrightdownthemiddleofthestreet,makingsuretokeepoutinplainsitewithourhandsraisedtheentiretime.Iwasalittleannoyed;forthisnegotiationIdgivenoverallmyweapons;myAutopistol,throwingknives,powersword,evenmyfriggingbootknife,luckilytheyhadanotherpairofshoessoIdidnthavetowalkaroundwithoneshoeon.Butthatwasntwhatannoyedme,whatdidwasthatIdjustgotthis

new,sweet,highquality,powerswordandjustasIfrigginggetit,straightawayitgetstakenawayfromme.Someoneshouldmakealawaboutthiskindofthing.

WeeffectivelyusedNoOneofConsequenceasahumanshield,hewalkedametreorsoinfrontofussothefirstpersontheHammerssawwouldbehim,Arlathanwasrightbehindhim,usingtheThroneagentasaliteralhumanshield,theMagistratumdetectivehadhishandclenchedtightlyontheThroneagentsshouldertopreventtheThroneagentfromtryingtodroptotheground;allowingthehammersaclearshotatus,soitwasntallbecauseofKarkinscowardice.


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MynervousnesswasalmostoverwhelmingandIhadtofightagainsttheconstanturgetoputmyhandsinmypockets.Thewalkmustvetakentwoorthreeminutesbutitfeltlikeafrigginglifetime,everysinglesecondIexpectedthemtoopenfire,tocutusalldowninawitheringhailofshots.

IglancedatKarmenasshewalkedalongsideme;shewasascalmascalmcouldbe,herbrowfurrowedinsetdetermination.

Ifrowneddeeply,notatallcomfortedbyherconfidence,thenathoughtstruckme,likeafisttotheface.

Karmen!Ihissedthroughclenchedteeth.Karmen!

Butsheseemedtoignoremecompletely.

Karmen!Karmen!

What?shesnappedsuddenly,herattentionsnappingtome.

C-canIaskaquickquestion?

Well,youdidjustthen,butsure.Fireaway.

Iswallowed,W-whenImetwithTarystthatnight.HeaskedmetospyonGlaitisforhim,butifyoucouldreadmymindsoeasily,hereallydidntneedto,sowhy?WhydidheaskmetospyonGlaitisforhim?

Shesmiledandshrugged,goodquestion,Attelus,maybehesawpotentialinyou,orsomething.

Igrinnedwidely,orperhapshediditbecauseyouaskedhimto,didntyou?

Karmensighed,alright,alright,nopointindenyingit,Iguess.

Well,thanks,Isaid.Iappreciateit,andIcanthelpwonder,ifanythingwouldventdifferentlyifIdacceptedtheoffer.

Shepoutedandshruggedagain,anothergoodquestion,theysayitsourchoicesthatshapeus.Itcouldhave.

Igrimaced,trulydoubtingitwouldvemadeanydifferenceatall.PerhapsIwouldnthavehurtVexbutGlaitisplanwouldvewentthroughnomatterwhat.

But,Attelus,shesaid.Imayhaveaskedhimtodoit,butheonlydiditbecauseheactuallydidseepotentialinyou,believeitornot.

Immediately,Ibelievedherandcouldnthelpbutbeamatthecompliment,butalso,Icouldnthelpwonder;Ihadpotentialforwhatexactly?PotentialtobecomeyetanothersycophanttoadyinTarystsorganizationmaybe?Ifrigginghopednot.

IletoutaslightsighatmycynicismandsuddenlyreallywantedasmokeofLho.

Buttheydeventakenthemoffmetoo.Bastards.

Wewalkedtherestofthewayinsilence,duringthattimeIdexpectedsomeonewouldexittogreetusorsomething,butevenwhenwecameclose,thedoorstayedfirmlyshut.


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Uhh,saidArlathan,ashescratchedthebackofhishead.So,whatstheplannow,pincess?

Karmenjustrolledhereyesandturnedtothethroneagent,theyhaventrunhavethey?

Heshrugged,Idontknow,maybe.

KarmenclenchedherteethatNoOneofConsequencesincompetencethenturnedandsmashedthepalmofherhandrepeatedlyagainstthedoor,muchtoallourbemusement.

Letusthefrigin!Sheroaredatthetopofherlungs.Weneedtotalk!

Shedidthisforagoodsixsecondsbeforefinallygivingup,clutchingatherred,hurthand.

Thatstheplan?saidArlathan.How...Inventive.

Shutup!shesnarled.Whydontyou,youknow,actuallytrytocontributeinsteadofjuststandingaroundsnarkingandbeinggenerallyuseless.

Heysister-

Arlathanwascutoffmidsentenceasthedoorsuddenlyopenedandjustinside,stoodtwohugehammerswhohadautogunsheldinourfaces.

Shutit!yelledone.Stopyafrigginyellinandpoundinbeforewemakeyoustop!

Please,saidKarmen.Weneedtotalktoyourboss.

TheHammersignoredher,turningtheirattentionstoNoOneofConsequence.

Youokay,Jeksen?saidtheotherHammer.

Seenbetterdays,answeredJeksen.

TheHammersmiled.

Isaid-!startedKarmen.

Weheardyou!InterruptedtheHammer.Werenotdeaf!Andyourefrigginluckythewantstotalktoyoutoo.Orwewouldvejustshotyouonsight,evenwithJeksenwithyou.Nooffence,Jeksen.

Nonetaken.

Getin!saidtheotherHammer,beckoningusinsidewithhisautogun.Andnofriggingfunnybusiness!

Wewalkedintowhatwouldveoncebeenthebuildingsreceptionareawithourhandsraisedoverourheadsandfoundovertwodozenmorehammerswithanlargeassortmentofgunsaimedsquarelyatus.

Theycertainlywerenttakinganychances.

Keepagoodeyeontheshortone,saidoneoftheHammersthatdletusinside,indicatingmewithathumb.ThatwastheonethatattackedtheTwilightbar.


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Iseemyreputationprecedesme,IwhisperedtoKarmen.

Yes,well,dontletitgotoyourhead,Attelus,shehissedback.

Checkthem!yelledanotherHammerandimmediatelyafewHammersmovedforwardandpattedusdown,evenJeksenwasincluded.

Clear!Theyallyelledoneaftertheother.

Well,well,saidoneHammerasheemergedthroughtheothers;hewastallerandolderthantherestandseemedtooozeleadershiphewasperhapswellintohisfiftieswhichcouldvemeanttwothingsintheunderhive,hewassmartandskilledasonlytheverybestlivedthatlong,ortheluckiest.Cominintothelionsdenunarmed,youmustbedesperate.

Hegrinnedandfoldedhisthicktattooedarmsacrosshisbarrelchest,orjuststupid.

Wewouldhavebeenmorestupidifwehadtakeninweapons,pointedoutKarmen.

Heshruggedandpursedhisdrylips,goodpoint.So,whatbringsalittleprettyboy,afancy,seniormagistratumdetectiveandababelikeyoutoourohsohumbleabode?

Karmenclenchedherteeth,wewishtotalk.

Buttotalkwhat,exactly?saidthegangleader.Whatcouldvebroughtourenemysoowthattheywishtotalkinsteadofshoot?

Icanttellyounow,saidKarmen.WeneedtospeakwithBrutisBones.

ThehugeHammerroundedonus,suddenlyangry,NotuntilyoutellmewhatIwanttoknow!heroared.

Calmdown,Tevith,triedJeksen.

OhfriggingshutitWesley!roaredTevith.Weallknowthereasontheyfounduswas

becauseyousquealed!AsfarasImconcernedyoureafriggingtraitorwhoswordsdontmeancraphere!Youknowhowmanygoodmenhavediedbecauseoftheseidiots!Tofriggingmany!Butstillhereyouare!Nowfriggingworkingwithem!

AndImsorrytosaymanymorewilldie,ifwedontlistentowhattheyhavetosay!yelledbackWesleyJeksen.

TevithpulledoutahugehandcannonandaimeditrightatJeksenshead,hisexpressionnowadeadlycalm.

Itoldyoutoshutit,WesleyandIfriggingmeantit,saidTevith,deadpanned,andIdontcareifyoureathroneagent.Yourestillafriggingtraitor.Andyouknowwhattraitorsget.

Theshotrangdeafeninglythroughtheroom,causingeveryonetoflinchinpainandfrightandahorridscreamofcompleteagonyimmediatelyfollowed.

ButJeksen,whostoodrightbesideme,wasunharmeditwasTevithwhoscreamed,asheclutchedathisbloody,destroyedhand.

AnotherfigureemergedfromthemassofHammers,holdingaraised,smokingstubrevolverandIimmediatelyknewthiswastheBrutisBonescharacterwedbeenlookingfor.


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ThebluepowerarmourheworemadehimdwarfmostoftheHammersintheroomandoverhisshoulderslayafurcloakoffinemake.Sheathedathishipwasanornateswordandslungoverhisshoulderwasaboltgunwithanunder-slunggrenadelauncherattached.Hedidntwearahelmetsowecouldseehisshortredhairandhispail,freckledfacewhichseemedpermanentlysetintoanexpressionashardashell.

BrutisBoneswasantrulyanInquisitorthroughandthrough.

GethimtomedicaeAheth,BrutisBonesorderedcasuallyasheholsteredhisstubrevolverandtwoHammersimmediatelymovedtocarrythewhimperingTevithaway.

Brutisshookhisheadandapproachedus,pleaseforgiveTevith,hesrightfullypissedoffaboutallthecrapyouvedone.

Th-thankyouforsavingus,stammeredKarmen.

Brutissmiledslightlyandshookhishead,noneedtothankme.Ifhewasgoingtoshootanyofyouotherthree,Iwouldnthavestoppedhim.Youokay,Wesley?

Y-yeah,boss,butIvebeenbetter.

ImsureyouhaveandImsuretheresafethinggoodreasonwhyyouvebroughtthemh

?Right?

Ofcourse,boss,but,heglancedaroundtheroom.But,Ithinkwellneedtotalkabutallthisinprivate.

Brutisnodded,turnedonhisheelsandwaveduson,alrightthen,followme.

ImmediatelyHammersapproachedusandgrabbedusroughly,shovingusafterBrutisBonesasheledusfurtherintothecomplex.

Brutistookusuptoasmall,separateofficeonthesecondfloor.AlongthewayItooktheopportunitytolookaround.Ifoundthattheentireplacehadbeenf

ortified,therockcretewallswerereinforcedfurtherwiththickbitsofflakboard.ManyofthewindowswerecompletelyboardedupandtheoneswhichwerentallhadaHammerstandingwatch.

Butwhatgotmewasonshopflooralltheworkbencheshadbeenmoved,takenawaytoEmperoronlyknewwhere.Insteadthereweresleepingcots,dozensofthemandsleeping,sittingormovingaroundthemwerewomenandchildren,peoplewhoIcouldonlyguesstoberelationstothemanyHammersunderBrutisBonesemployee.BothArlathansandTreschsauspexshadsaidonlyfortylifeforms,wellthatwascertainlyprovenwrongnow.

Aswewalkedthrougheveryoneeyeduswithbigbugeyesandexpressionsofundisguisedcuriosity.Idlookedback,findingmyselfsuddenlyalmostoverwhelmedwit

hhorrifiedapprehension.

Ihadnoideatheydbehere,IdnevergiveneventheslightestthoughtofwheretheHammershadkepttheirwives,theirchildren.Thiswasatrap,thisIknewwithoutdoubtandthembeinghere,thembeinghere,itcomplicatedthesituationvastlyandaswewalkedthroughIfounditveryhardtobreath.

Karmenlookedoverhershoulderatmeasking;youalright,Attelus?

Ihadmanagedonlyanodinresponse.


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Brutisheldthedoorforusaswefiledin,itwasasimple,spartanesqeroomwithonlyalargecogitatorbankinthebackwall,acotinthecornerandlargedeskinthecentreoftheroomwithaofficechairbehindit,althoughBrutisdidntsit,hejustkeptstandingatthedoorway,hisfaceunreadableandfoldedhisarmsoverhischest.

So,werealone,speak,hesaidbluntly.

Thisisatrap,Isaidimmediately.

Brutislookedatme,turninglikehewastargetingme,what?

Thisisafriggingtrap,Isaidthroughclenchedteeth.InquisitorEdracianisplanetside,hesengineeredallofthissowedallbetogether,sohecankillusalltogether.

Butarentyouhisallies?askedBrutis,withaalmostmockingraisedeyebrow.

Notanymore,saidKarmenasshesteppedbesidemeandgivingmeanuncertainlook.AfterwefoundoutfromInterrogatorHeartsatheinformationyouhad,Tarystdecidedtocutalltiestohim.

Brutiseyesnarrowed,sowhydidyoustillwanttocaptureme?

BecauseTarystwantedtohavealltiestoEdraciansilenced,andthisincludedyouandtheinformationyouhold,answeredKarmen.Butthatsallchangednow,nowthatTarystisdead.

ArlathanwhodbeenleaningonthewalleyeswidenedandrockedforwardindisbeliefasBrutispursedhislips.

Dead?How?askedBrutis.

Murdered,thoughaninternalconspiracy,saidKarmen.

Brutisshruggedhisgiganticshouldersandmovedtohisdesk,slidingopenoneo

fthedrawshetookoutanexpensiveliqueurbottleandafewcrystalglasses,doingsowithremarkabledexterityforonewithpowerarmouredfingers.

Damnshame,hesaidashepouredhimselfaglass.IwashopingIdgettothrowthatbastardoutthewindowofhisgrottomyself.Sacraanyone?

EveryonedeclinedexceptJeksen.

Yeahbossthatdbeappreciated.

Brutissmiledslightly,pouredanotherglassandhandedittotheotherthroneagentwhoswiggeditbackwithgreatenthusiam.

Well,saidBrutissippingathisownsacra.IsEdracianonOmnartus,now,huh?Wellthatswhatwevebeenwaitingfor,forallthistime,isntthatrightWesley?

JeksennoddedconfirmationandbothKarmenandIexchangedconfusedglances.

Whatdoyoumean?askedKarmen.

Brutisshruggedagainwellthatswhywevebeenfightingthiswaswithyou,wefiguredifwefoughtitforlongenoughEdracianwouldgettiredofTarystsfailuresowouldcomeandfinishthejobhimself,thenwedbeabletotakecareofbothof


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them.

Brutistookanothersipofhissacraandsaidwithagrimaceofdistinctdisgust;fethingIsstivanianbastards.So,howdoyouknowEdraciansplanetside?

Becauseheattackedme,Isaid.Heandagroupofaxewielding,suitwearing,idiothammersambushedme,capturedme.

Brutistookanothersipofhissacra,so,howdidyouknowitwasEdracian?

Ifrownedandshrugged,well,Idontknow,actually.Heworepowerarmour,hadaInquisitorialrosetteandsaidhewas,soIkindofbelievedhimandhetalkedpsychically,telepathy,inmymind.

ItappedmytemplewithmyindexfingerasIsaidtelepathyandasIsaiditIcouldnthelpbutnoticetheextremelybemusedlooksfromeveryonebutArlathan.

What?IaskedasIfurrowedmybrow.

Attelus,younevermentionedthathespoketoyouviatelepathybefore,saidKarmen.

Iraisedaneyebrow,what?Ididnt?Isaid.Sorry,Imustveforgot,butwhatsthedeal?ArentalotofInquisitorspsychic?ThatswhatGlaitistoldmeanyway.

Hisexpressiongrim,Brutisshookhishead,yes,butItsawellknownfactthatEdracianisjustasbluntasyouandI.

Myjawdroppedandbegantotwitchasasuddenhorrificshiverslidupmyspine.

Thefearalmostoverwhelmedmethenthetemperatureintheroomdroppeddramaticallyandicebegantoformonthewalls,growinguptheflakboardlikevines,thenIheardthegunfireandthescreams.

Lookslikeyouwereright,saidBrutistomeashereadiedhisbolter.Thisisatrp.

Literallyasecondafterhesaidthat,thencameahugedeafeningcrash!Fromoutsidewhichwasfollowedbyahorrid,bloodcurdlingscreamascreamwhichwasimmediatelyfollowedbyanotherandanotherandanothereachoneendingabruptly.

Shiveringinthesuddencoldmyheartthunderedinmychestandmyshallowbreathssteamedintotheair.

Karmenturnedtomewithawideeyed,fearfulgazeandIlookedback.Ourattentionswerelockedforafewsecondsandeachtimetherewasanotherscream,wedflinchinfeartogether.

WewereonlytakenoutofourtrancewhenweheardBrutisdemandinganswersinto

hisvoxlink.

Verenth!Uslith!Answermedamnit!

W-whatthehellsgoingonoutthere?stammeredKarkinatBrutis.

Brutisdidntanswer,hejustshookhisheadandpacedtheroom.

Whatsgoingon,demandedKarkin.


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ThatsexactlywhatImtryingtofindout,growledBrutisthenheturnedtoKarmen.xisdead.

ItremindedmequicklyofmyownvoxlinkgoingdeadjustbeforeIwasambushedbyEdraciansmooks.

So,whatnow?sheasked.

Wegooutthere,answeredBrutissimplyashedrewhisstubbrevolverandtossedittoWesleyJeksen,whocaughtitneatly.

What?yelledKarkin.Goingoutthere?Areyoufriggingcrazy?

BrutistreatedKarkinwithawitheringglareandIcouldtellfromamileawaythattheInquisitorheldnothingbutcontemptfortheMagistratumdetective.

Yeah,saidBrutis.WellmeandWesley,anyway.Imnotforcingyoutocome,butIreindyou,bothhimandmearetheonlyonesarmedhere.Sowhenwegoyouvegotnoprotectionandnowheretorun.

Brutisshrugged,onsecondthought,maybeitdbebetterifyoustayhere,youwillprobablyjustgetintheway.

ArlathanKarkingrimacedandshookhishead,Idontlikethis.

Asthiswenton,Istoodinthecornerinsilencewithwideeyes,wonderinghoweveryonecouldignorethescreamsthatconstantlypiercedthewalls,thescreamsthatstungmyears,thatmademyshouldersshake,thatcausedmyhearttoleappainfullyinmychest,thescreamsthatmademylipquiverandhyperventilateinfear.

Brutisglaredatme,hisbrowfurrowing.

Someonegethimtocalmthefethdown!hebellowed.

ItwasthenIfeltawarm,softhandwraparoundmineandIturnedtofinditwasEstellaErith,whosmiledatmereassuringly.

ButIwashardlyreassured,asIsawthegiganticbloodvesselsthatbuldgedfromherfaceandforehead.Herblankbluegazeandherteethwerehideous,sharpenedincisors.

ThefearfinallyovertookmeandIscreamed,tearingmyhandfreeandretreatedfurtherintothecorner.

AsIran,theroomaroundseemedtodevolveintoablurofblackandwhitenothingness,butKarmen,Brutis,ArlathanandWesleywerestillvisible,astheyapproachedmewithwildblankeyes,sharpenedsmilesandfingersthatcurledintoblackelongatedtalons,reachingouttotearmetoshreds.

Myheartwashammeringsohardandpainfullynowitfeltlikeitwasabouttoburstandbloodthunderedthroughmyears.Thentherewerethescreams,thescreams!Theywerenolongerintermittentbutcompletelyconsistent,justahugecacophonyofhundredsofvoicescryingoutinutteragonyandterrorandArlathan,Karmen,BrutisandWesleywerestillcomingcloserandcloserandastheirclawscamerightinfrontofmyface

Iclosedmyeyes.

Immediatelythescreamsweregone,disappearingsosuddenlythatitshookmeto


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myverycore,butIkeptthemclosed,hopingifIdidtheywouldntcomeback.Itwasthecontemptuoussighthatcausedmetoopenthemagain.

Ifoundmyselfbackinmoreblacknothingness,butstandingovermenowwastheEldar;herthin,litheformtoweredovermeandtheredglowingeyesofherhelmlookeddownonmewithdistinctdisdain.

Iyelpedoutinfrightandthrewmyselfback,scramblingtogainasmuchgroundfromtheXenosaspossible.

Ohdonotbesopathetic!ItsnarledsostronglyIimmedietlystoppedinmydesperateretreat.IfIwantedyoudead,Iwouldhavekilledyoualongtimeago!

W-whoareyou?Imanagedthroughmygasps.Whathappened?WherethehellamI?

Shesighedevendeeperthanbefore.YouaretheoneIamgoingtoworkthrough?Ithought,perhaps,youmightbeabitlesspatheticthantherestofyourkind.Butalas.

Ilaythere,onlyabletogapeupather.

TheEldarsighedyetagainandshookherhead.

Well,wemaybeworkingtogetherforawhilefromnowon.So,ifyoutrulymustkno

w,mynameisFaleaseen,Iamafarseerofthecraftworld;Dalorsia.Whathappened?Youwerealmostturnedintoamindless,slaveringdaemonintheserviceoftheruinouspowersand,whereareyou?Youarenowinthedarkrecessesofyourmind.Anymorequestions?

I-I-I-I.

Itseemsthat,InquisitorNoninEdraciandidnotjustinjectyouwithanerveagent,ashehadclaimed,butwithsomeprimitivesortofwarpsorcery.IfIbelievedinyourracesprimitive,abstractconceptofluckIwouldsayyouwereluckyIheretosaveyou.

You...savedme?Iaskeddumbly.

Faleaseenattentionturnedslightlytotheleftandittookalongtimebeforeshefinallyanswered.

Yes,Ijusttoldyouthat,andhereIwashopingyouwouldbesomewhatsmarterthansomeofyourkind.Butalas.

B-but...Why?

Faleaseengroaned,loudly.Because,human,Ihaveplacedmuchtimeandeffortintoyou,lettingyoudienowwouldhavebeenawaste.

Iwasntsurehowtoreplytothat,allthishadhappenedsofriggingabruptlytha

tIshouldntbeblamedforbeingtakenabackandfrightened,yetherewasthisXenosholdingsuchcontemptformeforhavingaperfectlyreasonableandhumanreactionandnowhereIwasbeholdentothisfarseer?

ThisnewrevelationIdidntlike,thisIdidntlikeatall

Sheshookherheadagain,contemptoozingfromhereverypore.

TheInquisitorhassethistrap,saidFaleaseen.Aswespeakdaemonsareslaughteringyourpeople,itisablood-fest,outsidethatbuilding.Whenyouawakeyoune


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edtobeready,youneedtoescape.

Nahh!Isaidsarcastically.

Faleaseentiltedherhelmetedheadsuddenly,Imeanthis,therearethoseyouwoulddeemasinnocentsinthatbuilding,donotthrowawayyourlifeprotectingthem,theyarenothing.Notworththeeffort,youhavefarlargerproblemsyouneedtolivetoattendto.Donotbeafool.Timetoawake,MonKeigh.

But-!

BeforeIcouldsayanythingmorethe,darknesswasengulfedinasuddenblazeofblindingbrightwhitelightandIawoke.

Thelightcleared,revealingthegrey,rockcreteceilingabovemeandslowly,theimagesof,theconcernedKarmen,theconfusedKarkin,WesleyandBrutisstandingoverme.

Brutishadthebarrelofhisbolterleveledrightinmyface.

D-dont!Dontshoot!Icried,quicklyraisingmyarmstocovermyhead,foralltherigginggooditddo.

Whathappened?demandedBrutisbluntly,hisbolternotmovinganinch.

I-Idontknow,Ilied.I-Ijust,Ijustwaslisteningtoyouguys,th-theneverythigturnedblack!Imustvefainted.

Youforgotaboutthegoingmad,andscreaminglikealittlegirlandhidinginthecornerpart,saidKarkin.

I-Idontrememberthat.

Beforeanyoneelsecouldsayanythingmoretherewasanothersudden,horridcrash!Thatseemedtoshaketheentirebuildingaroundus,thenfollowedbythebloodchillingscreamswiththeintermittentroarofdesperategunfire.

Frig!Thatcamefromtheinside,saidKarkin,voicingwhatweallthought.

Alright!saidBrutis.Werefethingmoving!Gethimup,weregoing!

But-!

ButwhatdetectiveKarkin?AsfarasIseewellhavetofacedownwhateveritisouthereeventuallyanyway,Idrathernothavetowithawallatourbacks.

Karmenwastheonlyonetoofferherhand,whichItookwithanappreciativesmileandshepulledmetomyfeet.

ThatsnotwhatImeant!saidKarkin.Iagreewithyou,butyouveseemedtohavefotten,wereunarmed.

NoIhavent,statedBrutis,andnoyourenotgettingone,either.Idonttrustanyouenough.Soenoughofthismeandering,letsgetmoving.

Helookedatme,andyou.YouItrusttheleast.Imkeepinganeyeonyou,understood?

Inodded,thinking;fairenough,Iwouldnttrustmeeither.


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Good,thenwithbolterraised,heopenedthedoorandsteppedoutside.

Onebyoneweslippedoutoftheoffice,intowasoncethebureaucraticarea,thelongroomwasdividedoutwiththinwhitedividingwallsaroundametreandahalfhigh.Twentyofthemoneachside,eachheldasmallworkareawithin.Thelightswhichhungfromtheceilingblinkedonandoffominously.

Whenwedwalkedthroughherebarelytenminutesagothereweresixhammerswanderingaround.NowIcouldseenosignofthem,neithercouldIseeanysignofastruggle,nothing,whichscaredmemorethaniftherewasbloodandgutsandbodyfluidsliningthewalls.Iwassomewhatexpectingthatbutnotthis,notthis.

Myheartthunderedinmythroat,myclammy,sweatyhandsshooksohardIcouldveswornitwastoofastforthenakedeyeandIshiveredinthecoldasweslowly,silentlyfollowedBruti,hisboltersweptleftandrightprofessionally,checkinginsideeveryofficewithacalmIcouldnthelpbutenvy.

Myjawclenched,ifIwaswearingfriggingpowerarmourandwieldingafriggingminimissilelauncherIdbeprettyfriggingcalmto.

AswewalkedIhadtofightconstantlyfromslippingmyhandsintotheirpockets,nowwouldbetheworsttimeforthat.

Afterwhatseemedlikeeonswefinallymadeittotheothersideoftheroom.

ThedoorwasclosedandwithonequickmovementBrutisopeneditandsteppedintothethincorridor,hisbolterswitchingleftandright.

Istopped,haltinginmytracksasIrealisedsomething,somethingthatmademyshiveringjawdropandmyfingernailstodigdeeplyintomypalms.

Thescreams,IsaidsuddenlyandlouderthanIdintended.

Yeah?saidBrutis.Whataboutthem?

Theyregone.

Brutissbrowfurrowedandheglancedatme.

Attelusisright,saidKarmenasshesteppednexttome,herattentiontotheceiling.Itssilent.

Andwhatbythegoldenthronedoesthatmean?saidArlathan.

Karmenshruggedandpouted;notsure,detective,itcouldmeanamyriadofdifferentthings...

Sheletithang,butmyimaginationgavememany,manypossibilities,allsomeho

wmoreterrifyingandhorrificthanthelast.

Isighedandlostthefighttokeepmyhandsoutoftheirpockets.Wherethehellwaseveryone?Whatsgoingon?

Brutisjustgrimaced,turnedaway,signaledtheallclearthenmovedoutofsight.

Wefollowed,Wesleygoingfirstwithhisborrowedstubrevolverraised,thenme,KarmenandArlathanfilledintothecorridorafter.


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Brutishadalreadymadeitafewmetreson,thebackofhislargearmouredformblockingmyviewfurtherdownthecorridor.

Thelightswerentblinkingonandoffinherewhichmademyadvancealittleeasier.

Butsomethingseemedodd,somethingIcouldntputquiteputmyfingeron.Ifurrowedmybrowtryingtodiscernwhatitwas,thenithitme.ItseemedthatBrutiswasntwalkingforwardbutbacktowardus,extremelyslowly.

No,infactBrutisdidntseemtobemovingatall,hewasjustwalkinginoneplace.Thisrealisationsentcoldfearcoursepainfullyupmyspine.

I-Ibeganbutwascutoffasthescreamscameabruptlybackandthelightsbegantoflickonandoffsofastithurtmyretinas.

Somethinghappened,somethingIcouldntquitedescribe,butitseemedthattimesped,thescreamsandthemeatydisgustingexplosionscamequickerthanbeforeasthoughonsomehorrificfastforward.Ifelltomyknees,clutchingatmyhead.Thescreamstoreintomymind,causingutteragonytocoursethroughmyskull.

ThelightswerenowflickeringsofastitdidntseemphysicallypossibleandIfoughttheurgetoscreamandtheoverwhelmingneedtothrowup.

WhatbrokemefromthiswasanotherscreamandIturnedtofinditcamefromKarmen,whowasinafarworsestatethanme.Herattractivefacewasnowscratchedandtornassheclawedatherselfwithwildabandon,herteethwereclenchedsohardIwasafraidtheydshatterorburstoutofhermouthandherlargeblueeyesseemedtobulgeintheirsockets.

Itwaseasilythemosthorrific,sickening,terrifyingthingIdeverseen.Iwasinenoughagonybutshewasapsyker,whatshewasgoingthroughIcouldntevenbegintoimagine.Ihadtodosomething,Ineededtodosomethingbutthepainandthescreamsseemedtoparalyzemeinplace.

ForhowlongIknelttherewatchingKarmenIhadnoideabutitfeltlikeforeve

rasIfoughtdesperatelytoregainmyself,butfinally,painfullyIdid.ItwasoneofthehardestthingsIdeverdone,itwasharderthangainingthecouragetofacetheArcoflagellant,itwasharderthantryingtomovewhilebedriddenandbroken,theonlythingharderwasthefighttostopmyselfwalkinginmyearlierdream,andIsuspecteditwasonlybecauseofthatdreamIhadenoughwillpowertodoit.

Ireachedout,tookKarmenintomyarmsandpulledherclose,shetriedtoresist,butIwastoostrong,asIeasilypinnedherhandsathersidessoshecouldonlyfeeblyclawatme.

WewerelikethatforalongtimeandthenIeasilyignoredtheflickinglightsandtheconstantscreams,infactIcouldnthavebeenmoreatpeace,whateverthi

swasIddefeatedit,IdwonandnowIwasntafraid.

Thescreamsdisappearedandthelightsfinallybecameconsistent.

AlmostImmediatelyKarmenwentlimpandsheslippedoutofmygrasp,slumpinglifelesslyontothefloor.

Ireacheddownbutahandgraspedmyshoulderroughly,causingmetoalmostjumpoutofmyskinandIturnedtoseeitwasBrutis,wholookeddownatmewearily.


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Youalright?heaskedwithgenuineconcern.

Y-yeah,butsheisnt,Igasped,tearswellingandnoticingtomyhorrorthatmyentirefrontwasnowcoatedinKarmensblood.W-whatthehelljusthappened?

I-

Brutiswasinterruptedasthewallbehindhimsuddenlyexploded,thethickrockcretethatwasreinforcedwithflakboardseemedtojustevaporateintoathickcloudofdustanddebriswhichsmashedineffectuallyagainstBrutisBonespowerarmour,ifhewasntthereIwassureIwouldvebeenkilled.

Twoofthememergedfromthefallingdust,snarlingandslaveringdaemonsofchaos,theywerehuge,standingatwellovertwometrestalldespitebeinghunchedforwardsandalmostaswide.Theirskinwaslikethepinkmuscleandtissueofaskinnedhumanandaroundthemrealityseemedtowarpandwaver.Theirhuge,gapingjawsemergedagoodmetreoutoftheirstrangelycirculartorsosandwerelinedwithuneven,razorsharpteeththatseemedtojutoutineverydirectionpossible.Theirarmswereunnaturallyelongatedbuttheirlegsweretooshort,likethehindlegsofacaninebutsomehowtheywerestillbipedal.Butwhatgotmewasthelackofeyes,noeyes.

Iwasmeanttohavechangedintooneoftheseabominations?IfoundIcouldnol

ongerfightthenauseaandIspewedviolently,makinganefforttoavoidKarmensproneformasIdid.

Stillascalmascanbe,Brutisdidnthesitateheimmediatelyopenedfire.

UntilthenIdneverheardBolterfire,thesoundwasbeyonddeafening,seemingtoshakemyverybones,itwasliketheroarofagod.Thefirstcreaturewasbarelyafewmetresaway,theboltershotswerepracticallypointblankanditwasthrownback,thehighexplosiveroundsgorginghugeholesdeepintoitstorso.

Butitwasbarelyfazed,thedaemonquicklyrecovered,snarledandbegantochargeforward,thenBrutisshotitinthesnoutwiththeunder-slunggrenadelauncher.

Theexplosionsentitflying,smashingfulltiltintotheotherdaemonbehinditandtogethertheyfelltothefloor,snarlingandwrithing.

Brutiswasrelentlessheimmediatelyrainedroundafterroundonthem,asIcoveredmyearsandcoweredbehindhim.Hisboltersoonclickeddryandashereachedforanotherclip,oneofthebatteredbeatendaemonswassuddenlyupandfasterthanIthoughtpossibleitbarrelledintoBrutis,sendinghimcareeningtothefloorandcausingtheclipflyfromhisgrip.

ItsjawsimmediatelyclampeddownonBrutis

torsowithsuchforceitwouldveeasilypulpedanunarmouredmanandslowlyitbegancloseitsmouth,causingBrutisarmourtocrackandbendundertheenormouspressure.Brutiscursed,strugglingto

freehimself,butthedaemonwastoostrong.

Iclimbedtomyfeetandwatchedoninhorror,unabletodoanythingasbothBrutisbolterandhisswordhadbeenpinnedunderhimwhenhedfallen.

Itwasthentheotherdaemongotfinallygotup,thethingwastorn,butstillsomehowverymuchalivethenturneditseyelessattentiontome.

ForagoodfewsecondsIstoodfrozeninplace,mywateringeyesplasteredonth


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edaemonasmynumbedmindworked.

Myfirstinstinctwastoturnandflee,butwhere?IdjustrunbackintothatofficeandgetmyselfcorneredandIcouldntbringmyselftoleaveKarmenandevenBrutisbehind,IfoundtherewasnothingIcoulddo,thisthingcouldtakepointblankbolterroundsandgrenadesandstillkeepgoingwhatcouldIpossiblydo?Iwasunarmed,trappedinthiscorridorwithnowheretogo,Iwasutterlyuseless.

Iwasdead.

Thedaemonsgapingmawseemedtocurlintosomethinglikeasmile,asthoughitcouldsensemyrealisation,thenitwenttocharge.

Theroundsmashedintothesideofitsskullwithsuchforceitsentthedaemonhurtlinghardagainsttherockcretethenanothershotfollowedandanotherandanother,eachwithpinpointaccuracy.

AtfirstIcouldntcomprehendit,ittookmeawhiletofigureoutthattheshotswerecomingfromoutside,throughthehugeholethedaemonshadcausedcrashingin.

ItwasHayden,theywerehotshotsfromalongLas,Ihadnodoubtandonlyhecouldreplacethebarrelthenreloadsofast.

Iwasknockedbackintoreality,flinchinginfrightasanothergunroaredinthecorridor.TheshotsflyingpastmesocloseIcouldswearIfelttheparticlesofgunpowdercoatme.TheyhitthedaemonthathadpoorBrutisinitsjawssquareon,butitmayaswellhavebeennothingforallthedamagetheydealt.

Startled,Ilookedovermyshoulder,itwasWesley,whokneltoveranunconsciousArlathanKarkin,hisstubrevolverraisedandsmoking,hisweathered,agedfacepinchedwithrageandhedanalarmingamountofbloodrunningfromhisnose,coatingmuchofhisthick,greybeardinred.

Kid!Getdown!heroared.

Iclenchedmyteethandimmediatelythrewmyselftothefloor,wishingWesleyhadwarnedmeearlierandwatchedashisfirepepperedineffectuallyagainstthedaemonwhilethenowdesperateBrutissmashedhisfistsrepeatedlyagainstitsimpervioushide.Itsteethhadalmostbrokenallthewaythrough,soonit

dbitestraightintothemuchsofter,squishierBrutisBoneswithin.

Iglancedattheotherdaemon,Haydenwasstillkeepingitoffitsfeetwithhisfire,hemustveshotitdozensoftimesnow,andIcouldnthelpwonder.Howmanyroundsdidhehaveleft?Andwhatthefrigdidittaketokillthesethings?

Asifoncue,abrightbluelightengulfedthecorridorandamillisecondlaterthefamiliarblindingbeamofplasmahitthedaemonthatheldBrutisinitsjaws.

Theaccurateshotcompletelycookingitsupperjaw,meltingitblackbeyondrecognitionandthestenchofburntfleshfilledtheair.

AnothershotfollowedandutterlyvaporisedtheupperhalfoftheotherdaemonasitwrithedfromHayden

sconstantfire.

EyeswideIscrambledtomyfeet.Castellaapproachedus,hersmokingplasmapistolheldcasuallyathersideandinherother;mysheathedpowerswordandbehindherwerefiveextremelyconfusedlookingHammers.


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Attelus!sheyelledandthrewmemyswordwhichIcaughtoutofmidairneatly,despitemydazedstate.Youalright?

Ididn

tanswerasCastellabroughtmebacktoreality,makingmerememberandwithastartIspun,kneltnexttoKarmenandcheckedforapulse.Myheartthunderedinmythroatandpanicthreatenedtoovertakeme,IdalreadylostElandria,IhopedtohellIhadntlostEstellatoo,nomatterhowmessedupshedbecome.

IsighedloudlywithreliefwhenIfoundit,herpulsewasweakandweakeningrapidlyalongwiththeexpandingpoolofbloodthatwetmyknees.

She-!Iscreamedbutcutmyselfshort,seeingthatBrutiswasonhisfeet,hisdamaged,beatenpowerarmournowcoatedinthickblacksludgeashe,WesleyandalltheHammersbehindCastellahadtheirgunsfirmlytrainedonher,whohadherhandsraisedi

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Secret War III