Friendship Bracelets

Back in the Sanctum, the success of their mission was quickly overshadowed by the planning for the Crane House infiltration. There was no time to rest or celebrate, the deadline was rapidly approaching and every detail needed to be etched into stone.

“I don’t want to undermine what has just been achieved, but the journey is not over,” Ultra said to the group, pacing back and forth alongside the steel table.

“Quick question actually, before we go on. Where did the Phantom Vault go?” Lucius asked, having lost track of it in the return to the Sanctum.

“Don’t worry, I returned it to the storage room. It’s completely secured,” Umbra answered.

“And, um, what’s it exactly like…being inside it? Like, is Petrarch…alive?”

“Oh he’s fine, nothing that torturous. Just think of it like he’s taking a really long nap, a nap that won’t end until you use your resonance to open up the box and wake him up. And when he does get let out, the last few hours will have been completely wiped from his mind, leaving no evidence besides a mild headache.”

That answer was satisfactory enough for Lucius, telling himself that it would all be worth it in the end.

“If there are no other questions, we can proceed as scheduled.”

Umbra, Caesar, and Lucius all nodded in agreement.

“Good. Now, with the auction being held tomorrow evening, I’d like to go over everyone’s roles.”

As no one interrupted him, Ultra continued.

“Lucius, we’ll begin with you. Fitted with a holo mask to project the appearance of Petrarch’s face, along with having his identification card, there should be no issue with you passing the security inspection and entering the front door of the Crane House. You will be our eyes and ears from the ground floor, so your communication will be of the utmost importance.”

Ultra pulled up photos on the screen of artifacts and relics that would be available for purchase during the event, with the Gnomon placed right in the center.

“Every item in the auction will be under complete guard and watch, surrounded by staff right up to the moment it’s brought out on stage. It would be virtually impossible for a theft to occur, let alone go unnoticed. Our only opening will be right after the Gnomon sells, when the staff remove it from the stage and return it back to the vault.

“Which is where, Umbra and Caesar, you will both come in. The location of the Crane House is a dilapidated old building, and even with the extensive security precautions, there is always a way in. Umbra, you and Caesar will enter from the roof, and wait in the rafters until Lucius gives the call. Once the Gnomon is in movement, that’s when the replica will come into play.”

The center of the table opened up at Ultra’s mention of the replica, and brought a one-to-one recreation of the mystical sundial to the surface for all to see.

“This piece will pass all visual inspections, at least for the short term. All that separates this fake from the real one is the lack of power within, but once that truth becomes apparent, we will all have been long gone.”

“So what about you, where do you fit in to all of this,” Caesar asked, recalling no mention of Ultra’s responsibilities.

Ultra gestured his arm towards the screens in front of him. “I will be here, watching from above and creating a line of communication between us all. Applying and sustaining Echo Talk will require a strenuous amount of energy, but it will be the simplest way for all four of us to stay in contact. In the case of my exhaustion, I will at least be safe here in the Sanctum and won’t compromise the mission.”

“Works for me,” Caesar replied, satisfied with the answer.

“And of course, Caesar, you will receive your reward after the success of this mission,” Ultra added in.

“I didn’t doubt it for a second. I know you’re good for it,” Caesar said with a grin.

Walking around the table, Ultra handed out rounded beaded bracelets with pearlescent surfaces, each colour corresponding with their individual resonance.

“Put these on around your wrists, and touch two fingers to the beads to charge it. It will anchor each of you to the Sanctum. Once the job is completed, or in the case of a necessary extraction, touch the beads and you will immediately be transported right back here.”

“Woah, sick! Where were these in all the other jobs? Woulda saved me a lotta trouble getting out,” Caesar exclaimed, enthusiastically popping on the bracelet.

Umbra and Lucius followed in suit, all matching like children wearing friendship bracelets.

“Ultra, you really think this will all work out? I mean, there’s a lot at stake here…” Lucius’s voice was filled with concern.

Ultra sat in the seat across from Lucius, a serious expression painted on his face.

“Umbra and I want Lain and Surazal back as much as you do. We would not have put this all together if we didn’t believe it would work. But, its success relies on our synchronicity. You need to trust in us, and we need to trust in you. Do you trust us, Lucius?”

Lucius felt six eyes focus on him with burning glares, waiting for his answer.

A million thoughts banged at the reinforced door to his mind, ravaging to get inside. But for now, they would all have to wait.

“I’m sorry, please excuse me. I need to lie down for a bit. My head’s pounding.”

Lucius left the group and followed the path back to his chamber, each step bringing on a crashing wave of exhaustion.

Trust. What a funny word, he thought, toppling down onto the floor of his room, shutting his heavy eyes.