“Do we have the supplies for that?”
“We can stay here a month,” Lysa replied. “If we’re lean on rationing. And don’t forget how long it takes to get home even at our maximum speed.”
Kyle nodded. He weighed impatience with practicality, a desire to see the thing with a need to be cautious. We’ve come this far. What’s another few days? But other thoughts bothered him. What if exposing this shield has some sort of unknown effect? What if it all turns off if we don’t hurry?
That felt like justification for something risky and dangerous. But he couldn’t get it out of his head. He turned to Lysa. “Give me your no bullshit assessment. Are you confident you can do what you say? That you can open this up without damaging whatever’s inside? Dead serious now.”
“Yes, I’m certain.” Lysa checked her calculations. “Honestly, these readings are incredible. That shield… I’m more concerned about how we’ll get in once we’ve opened the area up. I don’t think military grade weaponry stands a chance at reducing the thing. But that’s a problem to focus on later.”
“Let’s get some recorded evidence first,” Kyle said. “Video… stills… I want to document as much as we can before we go any further.”
“Good plan.”
The two of them put away their tools before returning with their tablets. Kyle allowed Lysa to stand in front of the camera near the hole she discovered. Once he started recording, she explained the find in the same detail they just explained, going so far as to throw a rock against the shield.
The stone bounced off, making the barrier flare momentarily.
“As you can see, that is not a natural structure,” Lysa explained. “As there is no evidence of humans inhabiting this world, we have truly discovered something new. Our next objective is to clear away the rocks I’m gesturing to so we can get a better look at what’s inside. That will be our next recording.”
“Great.” Kyle lowered the device. “We’ve got to collect all this gear… take it to the camp.” He surveyed the area. The quarry had quite a bit of space some hundred yards off. “You think we can land right over there when you’re done? Make it easier to bring things back and forth as we need them.”
“If we’re not digging,” Lysa replied, “then sure. I can put it down over there. I wouldn’t trust you to do it though.” She winked.
“I nicked a couple trees one time.” Kyle shook his head. “You ever going to let me live that down?”
“No, I don’t think so. It’s funny.”
“At least one of us believes that.” Kyle collected up their gear, stuffing it into bags. He shouldered two of them, waiting for her to finish. “Okay… so begins the long ass walk. I’m starving. Maybe this was fortuitous.”
“To ensure we get some serious cardio.” Lysa drew a deep breath before starting up the incline. “Hey, I know we’re both playing it really cool right now but… I wanted to say something. I’m sorry about earlier.”
“Huh? What for?”
“You know. Getting negative. Losing some faith. That’s not like me. I guess I just… felt grumpy after waking up? I don’t know. Regardless, I should’ve known better.”
“Maybe your opinion helped us with the find,” Kyle pointed out. “Hear me out. A little disbelief can often be met with something to nudge you forward. A clue or bread crumb to keep you going.”
“You ever need that?”
“Nah.” Kyle chuckled. “I’ve been a believer since I was a kid. I don’t know what could shake my faith. Maybe some kind of absolute proof that we’re the only sentient beings in the universe… and that no others came before us. But I mean, what’re the chances of that happening?”
“None now,” Lysa said. “I’m telling you, our technology could not have built that. Unless someone’s hiding a massive secret. But our scans showed no signs of a visit. No one’s been here. At least not in a long, long time.”
“Then I guess we’re about to be famous.” Kyle sighed. “I can’t believe it. After all the time we’ve spent together, all the places we’ve visited… we finally did it.”
“I’m trying to be cautiously optimistic but I’m with you. This is crazy amazing.”
“Okay, enough awe. We’ll run out before the main attraction.”
When we get in there and see what’s hidden away, we’ll have to remain calm. Objective science… that’s what we need right now. Even if the little kid in me wants to start screaming and running in circles. That might still happen, but Kyle figured he could keep things under his hat for another few hours. But only just.
Chapter 6
General Renz Divol despised a summons, even from his father. It made him feel like a common servant, a rank-and-file soldier. Years of service to the Kahl Empire made him feel as if he deserved more. He sought to create his own legacy while waiting for his chance to take the mantel of leadership, to govern their culture.
But his patience wore thin. Some of his personal advisors, the closest people to him, pressed for action. One suggested they might assassinate the Lord Marshal thus allowing Renz to ascend to the position he so desperately craved in that way. The thought tempted him, but deep down, he worried about failure.
If it got back to him, his life may be forfeit. His father did not have any other heirs. His mother had died ages ago. Chances of another rising to take his place were slim. Without strong leadership, the Kahl Empire may not continue, at least not in the powerful position it cut out for itself. I must take control or we’ll lose everything we worked so hard for.
Renz found his father sitting in his office, staring out the window over the
