"The signature of the transport beam indicated a small device, located somewhere in the city," Dradix read from his written report, "but other recent unexplained energy bursts have revealed the possibility of another Portal apparatus, one much larger than our official transport device, located elsewhere on the planet." He put down his paper and addressed the audience directly, his turquoise eyes intense and penetrating. "The confirmation of this large, unauthorized Portal device was given today by members of Clan Alpha."
A collective gasp filled the room. Councilors and advisors turned to each other and whispered about the consequences of having such a device. Olivia observed Caveman Charlie's somber expression and the slump of his shoulders from her position across the room. From Resistance cell leader to acting head of the government, Caveman had never shirked from accepting the challenge of leading a ragtag society, but today... Today he looked like he could use a break. Olivia felt sorry for him.
How did her boyfriend take this news? She couldn't make out Hernando's reaction, as he was turned away from her, conferring with Annara. However, he repeatedly tapped a finger at something written on a paper lying in front of him. Anger—she sensed Hernando's intense anger at something printed in the report he referenced.
"Where is this large rogue Portal located?" Councilor Winn asked as the hubbub began to subside.
Dradix nodded to the councilor and continued, "We are still working on figuring its exact location, but using the data on hand, along with the testimony of the Alphans, it appears to be located near the middle of the Mosaic Desert toward our southern pole."
"Why can't the Alphans give us its exact location?" Councilor Pralx, a brusque Overseer of some notoriety, asked. "They are the traitorous fools who built it, correct?"
"We did not build it."
Heads swiveled. All eyes focused on the interrupter. Olivia gulped. Moreau stood and leaned across on the broad wooden surface, staring daggers at the outspoken Overseer.
"You of all people, Pralx, should know Clan Alpha would never have built another large Portal when we have had control of the only transportation device between BloodDark and Earth for many cycles. Pralx, I am disappointed. You served our house well before this... this... rebellion." Moreau spat out his last word like a bitter morsel of food.
Pralx wasn't one to take things lying down Olivia realized. He stood and returned Moreau's condescending stare with one of his own. "This legitimate government for all inhabitants of BloodDark has the right to know what secret cabals and plots the Alphans have been devising since the days their spineless ancestors first arrived on this planet."
Another collective gasp and cries of outrage followed this outburst. Caveman stood and gestured for the Pure Blood scientist to leave the podium. Dradix nodded, his shoulders hunched as he took his seat, uncomfortable with the dissension which had enlivened his otherwise dull scientific report. Caveman spoke to a young aide who nodded and then ran from the room, before taking his position at the podium once more. He gaveled for the heated discussion to end with the ceremonial stone.
"Sit down everyone and stop talking." Caveman gaveled again and flashed a cross look at several squabblers at the end of the table until they shut up and took their seats. "Thank you. I want to thank Dradix and his team of technicians for working hard tracking this rogue device down. I also want to thank Ambassador Hernando and his staff and our security forces for locating and identifying the missing artifacts, but I also want to thank the members of Clan Alpha for their candor."
The murmuring and arguing began again. Caveman gaveled for silence once more. "I mean it. The Alphans have been honest with us, under a most stressful situation. We will need their help to neutralize and dismantle this threat to our security, and I am sure Clan Alpha will cooperate and do their best for the good of all BloodDark."
Must have had a good lawyer and copped a plea to stay out of jail. Olivia furrowed her brow and placed her chin in hands. What am I missing here? The Alphans are criminals, and yet we need their assistance to defeat a greater evil?
I told you once, my child, nothing is ever quite as it appears. This is the mystery of BloodDark and its people.
Olivia sighed. Valori, you speak in riddles. Can't you tell me outright what's going on?
Watch. Listen.
Olivia opened her eyes and observed the crowded conference hall as its occupants struggled to contain their anger and confusion. Caveman continued to gavel and ask for quiet for the next speaker, but it wasn't until the wide double doors swung open and in floated the high priestess of Clan Alpha that complete silence descended on the gathering.
"High Priestess Drucinda will explain more about the device in the desert." Caveman stepped away from the podium and gestured for the vision in flowing orange-red to speak.
"Thank you, Charles of the Cave Clan, Ruler of the Council of BloodDark." Drucinda's manners and style were impeccable. The long dark hair cascading down her back was kept in place by a simple gold and silver tiara. Her body language spoke of royalty and superior breeding.
Olivia felt like decking the arrogant woman where she stood. There must be some good reason why the priestess had been asked to address the ruling body, so she pushed her itchy fists against her side and listened as Valori instructed.
"My fellow citizens of our world, we have been under a constant threat from far away for many thousands of our cycles, and yet we have survived and prospered. How is this so? Our ancestors long ago wisely moved us to
