Page 62 of Taurus's Quest
“No need to panic. Apparently, your star-power thing prevented it from merging with you, but it was able to emit a signal whenever you stepped outside of Tower. It’s how they found me in the maze. They took a helicopter over to Crete to ambush us, only you were gone by the time they made it to the heart of the Labyrinth.”
“I should have never left you,” he growled.
“At least everything turned out well.” A soothing reminder by Aries. “Not only are they gone, but we know more now than we did.”
“Only because they think they’ve won.” Taurus grimaced. “This scout thing Demetrius mentioned? Where would it be attached?” Taurus began examining his hands and arms.
“I don’t think you’ll be able to see it with the naked eye,” Aries murmured. “We’ll have to get you into the med lab.”
“You have a medical facility?” Circe had never been more surprised.
“Yes, because not everyone who lives in Tower or is allied with us can use the Stardust for ailments. Let’s head over there now, and on the way, I want you to tell me everything you learned,” Aries ordered.
“It’s not a lot. As I mentioned to Taurus, Demetrius called the rock an advance scout. Apparently, the rock was one of hundreds carrying scouts, scattered in the universe by another species. These scouts were supposed to notify their masters when they landed on a suitable planet.”
“And we had the misfortune of them landing on Earth,” Aries grimly replied.
As they headed for the stairs, Taurus pulled the stone from his pocket. “I’m guessing he sabotaged this thing before handing it over. Hence why he claimed it was useless.”
“Because the rock wasn’t what we actually needed, but the scouts,” Circe remarked, keeping up with the men’s long strides.
Aries paused on the staircase. “That would actually explain why he wanted Taurus specifically at the meeting.”
“I’m not following,” Taurus stated as they began climbing the stairs.
“I’m thinking this scout thing attached to you was likely the reason. He needed to get rid of it.” Aries’ explanation didn’t help Taurus’ confusion, but Circe understood.
“The lightning.” The exclamation burst from her. “All of them, plus Taurus, were hit by a bolt. They wanted him there to kill it.”
Judging by Aries’ grim nod, she’d guessed right. “They didn’t want us to get our hands on an active scout.”
Circe concluded by saying, “Because it must be the scouts, and not the rock, that the Antikythera needs to destroy the asteroid.”
They trudged up the next flight in contemplative silence.
“Perhaps Aquarius will have a different answer once he’s had a chance to analyze the original plans.” Even Aries didn’t sound as if he believed it.
The third level, which she’d yet to see, was where the men exited the stairs. She followed them into a room that could have belonged in a hospital. She recognized an ultrasound machine. Giant MRI. Centrifuges and more.
Aries glanced at Circe. “We’ll have to step outside while the examination is conducted.”
“Why?”
“Our resident doctor is shy. Even Taurus won’t see them, as they will put him to sleep before they examine him.”
“Oh.” She didn’t immediately leave, clasping Taurus’ hand. “I’ll wait until you’re done.”
“Don’t. This could take a while. Go and eat. I’ll find you when I’m done.” She might have protested but for the kiss he planted that left her breathless. Soon as he set her down on her wobbly feet, he whispered, “We’ve got all night to catch up.”
A warm promise that helped. The food also did much to revive her spirits, even if she ate alone. Aries had gone to check on his wife and child. As for the other warriors, they’d scattered, or at least not come for a bite to eat.
As she sipped on a tea, Asterion entered, and she almost didn’t recognize him. Well, she did; after all, who else had a bull’s head on a man’s body? However, this beast had been tamed. His hair, combed and neatly trimmed, his clothes modern, and the smell? Vastly improved.
“Asterion.” She waved him over, suddenly eager for company.
“Circe. I am pleased to see you didn’t suffer from your ordeal.”
A grimace tugged her features. “I’m fine, but I’m afraid we failed.”
