The Sands of Time Ch. 21

 

"Mallory, how close are we?"

There was static for a reply. 

Joon switched off in frustration. They'd been walking for hours, or so it seemed. Maia was stumbling, clearly fatigued. The guards looked beat too. Only Howie, their new companion, seemed unperturbed. But who knew if a Gaxian could even get tired? 

"Hey, Joon," Mallory's voice came over the comm. "Sorry, crazy here. We had a firefight after Fake Stella had some soldiers go apeshit. This is really getting to be an issue." 

"How close are we, Mal?" Joon asked tiredly. 

"Hang on. Let's see... looks like you're getting closer. I'd say... maybe twenty minutes? Just a guess." 

"Oh, that's close." Joon could see the guards perk up a little. 

"How's your new buddy?" Mallory asked. 

"He's fine. If it is a he. Do they have genders?"

"I have no idea," Mallory replied. 

"Well, he doesn't like it when we approach. Keens a little, moves back. Still follows us though." 

"I think he likes me," added Maia. 

"Yeah, he tolerates her the most, seems like," Joon had to agree. "Anyway- what should we expect when we get to the Hub, Mal?"

"Well, it's got a staff of twelve right about now. As far as we know they're secure. Stella's been talking to them."

"Stella said she was going to send people with us that know the Gate controls, but she hasn't."

"I know- apparently the two she had in mind are incommunicado, so... we're relying on you. I'll walk you through as best I can."

"Alright."

"Call me when you get there."

"Will do."

He clicked off. 

"Sir..."

The guards were holding up their hands and appeared to be listening to something around the corner. 

"What have we got?"

"It sounds like... water. Sir."

Joon passed around the corner and saw what looked like a river ahead of them. They approached and the sound of rushing water filled the corridor. It was probably ten feet across and there was a bridge of sorts crossing it. The river was flowing quite fast. 

"What on earth...?" Maia asked. 

"Mallory. Did you know there's a river on our route?"

Static. 

"Well, we cross." Joon took the lead. 

The rushing of the water receded as they pressed on. Joon could see branching passageways ahead. 

"Mallory, we're at a triple junction. Which way?" 

Mallory came on a few minutes later. 

"What now? Are you there?"

"No. We're at a junction- three possible choices. Which way?"

"Hang on. Pinging you. Alright, go straight. Left goes to...hmm. I don't know where the fuck right goes. Not authorized, it says. How can I not be authorized?" 

Joon led the way down the central passage. Ahead was a strange luminosity... almost like a window in the air.

"Oh, I don't like this," Maia whispered. 

Joon didn't either. As they got closer he could see vines and plant growth emerging from the window. It looked and moved disturbingly like the plant growths that had attacked him earlier. They stepped gingerly around the window, which was about chest height, and Joon peered in, as close as he dared. He quickly stepped around the thing but Howie started keening and got closer. His eyes were rapidly changing color and his tentacles swayed. Then a growth got close and he retreated. 

"Let's move on," advised one of their guards. 

They quickened their pace and kept an eye behind them as they proceeded. Howie seemed to stay nearer as well. A few more turns and then the Hub appeared ahead. A secure looking metal valve and two serious looking sentries who immediately straightened. 

"Mallory, we've arrived."