Rain pelted us from the storm above, and lightning arced over the sky. Wind tousled my hair as I gazed at the crowd, and they began parting a path. Two Velibar guards walked through the locals, long spears in their grips. They frowned and blinked a few times in shock at the sight of a Racer in their street with four humans and a robot.
One of them spoke, garbling his words. He grunted, clicking the spear on the road. The Velibar around the pair of soldiers dispersed, and everyone began to chant as they stared at the building’s entrance.
I tried to see who or what was emerging from the skyscraper. Jade and I stood shoulder to shoulder.
A giant boom erupted seconds after a fork of lightning struck a rod rising from the side of the lake. Another boom carried over the water’s surface, but it sounded different. I looked behind us, toward the forest Zonrial and Trid would be coming from. Blasts enveloped the cityscape as their Pursuers flew into the area.
The beings from Refuge had arrived.
“What have you done?” The human voice hit me in the heart.
I turned around, seeing my grandfather. He wore a brown uniform, matching the armor of his personal guards. His cheeks were smooth and freshly shaved like always, and his eyes were sharp as they stared at me.
“Grandpa,” I managed.
He pointed at the inbound assault ships. “Is this your doing?”
I shrugged. “Not particularly. I’d like to think it’s actually your fault.”
Preston Lewis squinted and shouted orders in the Velibar language. One of the soldiers repeated them into a communicator on his wrist, and the ground vibrated. Something began to breach the surface of the lake, and up rose two spacecraft. They were similar to the Squids in appearance, but smaller, like the others we’d observed flying in the mountains. Ten tentacles hung beneath them as they ascended vertically into the storm clouds.
We watched helplessly as they flew toward the Pursuers attacking the Biks capital.
“Get inside, Arlo. And bring your friends.” Preston turned on a heel, marching into the high-rise.
The crowd scattered as the screaming Pod Sprinter sped overhead, settling on the street next to my Racer. Aster hurried from her Sage Pod, holding a Widowmaker. Luther surveyed the area, keeping his barrel upright.
“What’s the plan?” Aster barked.
“You lower the weapons and we seek shelter from the storm,” I told them.
“Are you—” Luther started.
“Do as he says,” Jade reinforced. “Preston’s waiting.”
The ground was wet, and I took one final glance at the Velibar ships before entering the building.
Preston spoke quietly with a Velibar woman, and she hurried down a corridor. Preston was alone in the entryway, watching me with wary eyes. “You look well.”
“I don’t feel so well,” I admitted. “What the hell is going on?”
“We don’t have long. Come with me,” he said, waving us to follow. R11, Holland, and Jade went first, and Aster and Luther followed with their weapons loaded. The fact that my grandfather hadn’t demanded they drop the guns was promising.
He took us to wide elevator doors and waited outside them while we funneled in. I stopped, not wanting to enter before him. He must have caught on, because he stepped into it a second before me.
“Welcome to Biks,” he said with a faint smile. “I suppose your friends told you some crazy stories about this place.”
“That’s true,” I admitted. “A Hidan informed us we were rescuing their people.”
“The Hidan. Nasty bunch. Are they still running around with those blasted Darlor?” he asked. It was surreal, talking to my grandpa. Every intonation of his voice was familiar. What had once been a comforting sound now felt menacing.
“Nasty?” Jade asked. “What are you saying?”
“The Velibar aren’t perfect,” Preston said.
The elevator was lowering, though I couldn’t feel it. The doors opened a few moments later, and another soldier greeted us. His eyes went wide at the sight of Preston’s guests, but he didn’t speak. It seemed like Preston actually had authority.
“We’re below ground. Twenty stories.” Preston pointed down the hall. “We’ll be safe from the assault here.” His boots clipped against the floors, the sound muted against the dense walls.
None of us moved.
“You must be Holland Kelley.” Preston appraised our crewmate. “Yes, you look just like her.”
Holland stared at the old man, confusion on his face. “Is she alive?” His voice was weak.
“She was the last time I visited Dutis. Alive and kicking, I’d say. They wouldn’t have done her any harm, as she’s an ally of the First Regal of Biks.” Preston smiled, but it was forced, holding a sadness to it. I sensed there was something behind it.
“We have to save her,” Holland said firmly.
“All in due course. Would you like my doctors to examine your friend, Arlo?” he asked.
“Later. We have some things to discuss first.”
Preston turned to smile at me. “Follow me, Hawk. Have I ever steered you wrong? Who was the voice in your ear during all those racing victories? Who believed in you more than anyone else?”
“You… you did,” I stammered, hating that my words broke.
“Then trust me when I say I’m not your enemy.” He walked away, and I impatiently went after him.
The corridor was narrow, the ceilings barely tall enough for a Velibar to stand upright. My crew came with me, and Preston opened another door, using a thumbprint on a keypad.
Inside, the lights came to life, and 3D projections rose from the table. I instantly recognized the planet on display.
Earth.
“I have a lot to tell you. I see you’ve asked the Stin to stop assaulting the drones?” Preston asked.
“That’s right.” The door slid shut behind me, making me jump.
“Good. We’re going to need them.”
“For what?” Luther asked.
“For our attack on Dutis. The Velibar homeworld,” Preston told us. “Have a seat.” He indicated the table, and Aster went with Luther to the far end. Jade stayed near me, and I was glad to have her around for this moment.
I helped myself to a glass of
