(… continuing)
With the students gone, Teacher waved Mentor, Marr, and Luna into the seats in the circle.
With everyone seated, she spoke.
“There will be a time when we will sit together and talk of the events that were set in motion today. We will talk about how no one else will need to suffer what I have suffered, to have their implants removed and be free of the observers constant monitoring. Now is not that time.”
With that the Teacher nodded and rose. She walked over to the door. They all watched her approach the door.
At the door, she turned and spoke as she shifted her gaze between Marr and Luna, “Come visit me tomorrow, before you leave.”
Mentor smiled as the door closed behind Teacher.
“The ego is strong in that one. She can’t stop herself hinting that she knows more than everyone else,” Mentor shared as Marr and Luna tried to take stock of what was going on.
“What does she mean, before we leave?” Luna asked.
“The day after tomorrow, you embark on a new adventure,” Mentor replied.
“It’s happening?” Marr exclaimed excitedly. “Yes, Marr, it’s time to use the training. This evening, you will interview for crew roles on an intergalactic hauler. It will be arranged such that you will get those placements. Tomorrow, the rig will arrive, load, and depart with you two on it,” Mentor shared.
Luna stared. Her mouth hanging open.
“A Rig? What? Space? What? And what do you mean, training?” Luna demanded.
“You both are highly skilled technicians, warriors, and covert operators. What further training would you need?” Mentor replied.
“But I have no experience in space or using the systems on those rigs?” said Luna.
“Luna, you are applying for a role as an apprentice. You will be trained on the job into everything you need to know. Marr has been studying the systems used in these rigs for the last five years. She will still be on a steep learning curve; however, I’ll be there to help with that,” Mentor added.
“You are coming too?” Luna asked in a daze.
“Of course, someone has got to keep an eye on the two of you,” said Mentor with a brief smile, which faded as quickly as it had appeared.
“Details?” Marr asked sensing Mentor’s mood shifting back to the job at hand.
“The interviews will be held just after nine p.m. at The Triggerarti. Go together. Get there by eight p.m. Chat with the publican about finding a rig. He will suggest to you that captains come in all the time. He will tell you to find a quiet corner and wait. Stay alert but appear relaxed. All conversations must be on record, so bracelets off,” Mentor replied
Luna was still staring. Half in shock.
Marr listened intently.
“When directed, go over, and meet the captain. Share your work history. Tell him you are looking for a new adventure, and that you are hardworking and obedient. Leave it with him to get back to you. The rest will simply unfold,” Mentor continued.
“I will be there too. As always, we don’t let on that we know each other. The day after tomorrow, that will change. Once on board the rig, we will interact as if meeting for the first time and getting to know each other,” Mentor added.
“That will be fun,” Luna added sheepishly.
“Are we clear?” concluded Mentor, ignoring Luna’s input, and finishing the sentence in a manner that showed there wasn’t anything else to share.
“Yes, we are clear,” responded Marr.
Luna took the hint and did her best to smile.
Mentor smiled back briefly, before standing up. Marr and Luna watched him leave. They knew from experience he would find his own way back to wherever he was going, and they weren’t to follow or ask questions.
Marr and Luna made their way out of the base and back through the offices and hanger. They waited for their designated transport and return to the citadel.
They had a few hours to kill before they needed to be in The Triggerarti.
(to be continued...in the next chapter)
[Rule of Twelve, Double Take, Chapter 4 - Cause and effect (Passage 5 of 5)]
All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2021 BJ Allen
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Over the coming months I will be in catch-up mode, building the narration for already published material. Eventually, the aim will be to concurrently release chapters in both written and rich narrative form.
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Read Book 2 right here in Locals.
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Dukk opened his eyes. It was dark.
“A dream. It must have been a dream,” he muttered as he tried to fathom where he was. He tried to digest the pre-dawn excursion with Craig.
He swung himself out of bed. Marr was gone.
He checked the time. Mid-afternoon.
“What in the world is going on?” Craig demanded as the doors to the south banqueting hall, closed behind them.
Dukk, Marr and Emeelie stood before him. Beyond was the atrium bathed in orange light from the setting sun.
On the opposite side of the atrium the doors to the north banqueting hall were open. Music and chatter could be heard from within.
The noise from the others disguised the deathly silence that engulfed the four.
“I am going to need a shower and change of clothes,” Marr announced as she put her helmet and goggles back on the rack in the garage.
“Yes, the dust gets in everywhere,” Emeelie replied. “There are showers near the pool. Change of clothes too if you don’t want to go back to your suite all dusty.”
“That is a good idea.”
“Have you seen the pools below sea level yet?” Craig asked.
“Nope.”
“I was going to shower and change down there. Then use the sauna and take a swim. The pool up here can get quite hot in the afternoons.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Dukk said.
“Absolutely, lead the way,” Marr added.
