Page 106 of Stars in Mist

‘The custodians of the Oculus became greedy with their watchful power over the galaxy. So, a King named Selassie took it upon himself to diminish the power of the Oculus so that its caretakers would stop wielding it in this universe. He fought their high priest, won, and banished them to a never-ending purgatory within the Shard. He broke it apart so they would never return and hid its three main fragments. To prevent any one person, people, or ruler from having such great reach ever again.’

Xion gestured to the mass outside. ‘This Shard isn’t behaving like our Eden one.’

‘You’re right,’ Zane said. ‘The Eden entity can see into the future and the past; it can even raise those long gone and bring them to life. Since encountering it, it has found no reason to believe it is dangerous. This one, however, is another story. Something is very wrong with it. It seems devoted to pain and suffering. Its surges have caused great havoc in this region.’

Mirage nodded. ‘My telemetry tells me we may discover a planetoid inside it, caught up in its distress. This is probably where we’ll find Riv and Ankis.’

‘So Ankis found this entity and has entered the nebula in pursuit?’ Xion huffed.

‘He seeks its power for himself, so it’s likely,’ Zane growled. ‘The assumption is that he’s somewhere in it. Also, this is where Riv’s beacon is sending us, confirming he is within it.’

Ki’Remi came alongside Zane. ‘Does this mean we’re going in?’

‘We have to. We’ve got the best shields to attempt entry. Once we find Riv and Ankis, I can work on the Shard. I might have enough pull to speak to it.’

‘Use some of that nigh-high omni psi juice,’ Xion quipped.

Mirage interjected. ‘Zane, I’ve also detected warp signatures from a fleet of ships about two to three days away from us, even sooner if they accelerate. They’re coming from the Far Rim of Pegasi and headed straight here. My data tells me they’re Katánian.’

Ki’Remi jerked at the news. ‘The Katáne?Fokk nada.’

Zane gave the medic a sharp look. ‘Pray to tell.’

‘I came across thousands of their victims when I was on the relief medical ship in these parts,’ the Sable medic murmured. ‘They’re a most aggressive, obscure race who’ve pillaged the outer reaches in their quest for power and glory, oppressing weaker settlements and planets.’

Mirage spoke up. ‘I can confirm that. My database labels them as apocalyptic, conquest-drunk beings.’

Ki’Remi shook his head. ‘I once met one. Tall mofos, lethal-looking, who transform into giant hawks with laser-sharp feathers capable of firing thunderbolts. They’re also malevolent and cunning, and their culture has a reputation of being a repressive, misogynistic travesty.’

‘What the hell do they want here?’ Xion asked.

Zane turned to the view outside. ‘The Shard, perhaps. Or something inside it. Either way, we must move fast and solve this puzzle of a taboo talisman before they’re upon us. Mirage, send word to Kainan about the Katánian marauders as well. The last thing we need is to be caught up in an ambush without backup.’

‘Agreed,’ the AI intoned.

Zane strode back to the captain’s chair. ‘Also, Mirage, ready the ship for entry into the nebula. While you probe the area for any sign of Riv and his gunship.’

He settled into his seat with a sigh. ‘Everyone else, strap in. I sense gnarly times ahead.’

18

The Unforeseen

RIV

Devansi’s pale moon shone over a rocky expanse, the silver tendrils touching down through the open apertures of the Räk House.

Something woke Riv. He jerked awake to find Élisa pacing her bedchamber, her body hunched and her hands holding her head,

He strode to her, pulling her close. ‘Angel, what’s wrong?’

‘It’s the migraines. They’re back.’ Tears streamed down her face. ‘Something’s disturbing the Ka’SHärd. My head hurts so bad, it’s the only explanation.’

He glanced outside the large open window at the pulsing aurora in the distance, lighting the night sky. A shiver trailed down his spine, his metanoids discerning a quickening.

‘I’ll take care of you,’ he promised.

Knifing out of bed, he prowled into the kitchen to fetch the painkillers she’d directed him to find.

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