The Gathering Pt.1

Chapter 25

The Gathering Pt.1

He was lost in her eyes, each a different color, shimmered in the setting sun equally beautiful. She made eye contact with him as the two stood patiently at a crosswalk. Her pupils dilated, and her dimples showed as she smiled. She wore a simple dress of muted tones; her shawl made of patchwork fabrics of various colors. She gripped his mechanical hand tight, clutching the present she had for his brother in the other hand close to her chest.

The cars on the street stopped and together they stepped forward. Crossing the road and moving amongst the rush hour traffic, the couple made their way down the city blocks, entering the district known as Central Orchard, the heart of Busaya and home of the mega city’s upper class. Military mechs walked around the city blocks, some patrolling, others helping citizens. She observed the well-kept, well-dressed citizens of Central Orchard. She Adjusted her dress and how it fit her frame, fixing her hair, letting go of Obsidian’s hand in the process. This caught his attention, watching as she tended to her appearance.

He brushed a single strain of hair back behind her ear, she grabbed his hand and the two of them stopped walking. She looked up at Obsidian timidly and let go of his hand. He smiled and started to speak to her in sign language.

“Sandra, you look beautiful, and I love that you’re wearing the shawl your students made you. It is like, plus ten on your warmth stat.”

She let out her unique laugh just for a second, before she caught herself. But she smiled at Obsidian’s encouragement.

“You’re such a nerd, only you would say something like that.”

“Don’t pretend like you don’t still have your character sheets. If anyone is the nerdy one here, it’s you. Sandra of the Piercing Wind.”

Sandra’s face grew bright red reading the name of her paper game character. She hit him across the chest with the present in her hand. Her mouth hung open in shock, he even remembered her character. Obsidian grabbed hold of her hand, but she denied it. Instead, grabbing hold of his mechanical one instead. The two continued on pace down the lively streets of the district. Finally arriving at their destination. An elegant restaurant with a copious amount of outdoor seating, its Guardrails decorated in elaborate floral schemes.

“This is the place alright.”

He spoke out loud to himself as he looked at the security detail posted outside of the establishment. They were in plain clothes and invisible to the average citizen, but he could see them. Why were they there? It was unlike Onyx to keep a security detail. They walked up to the waitress at the podium, giving her the name on the reservation. She grabbed two menus and gestured for the couple to follow her inside of the restaurant. The waitress guided the two of them toward a private balcony, but Onyx was nowhere to be found. Obsidian was thrown off by his brother’s absence, pushing away his curiosity he pulled a chair out for Sandra, pulling one out for himself and taking a seat at the table. The waitress placed the menus in front of the couple and explained to Obsidian that his brother would be with them shortly and to go ahead and start ordering when he was ready. The waitress politely bowed and gave the two of them her name before leaving them to look over the menu.

***

“I apologize for the short notice; the Founder wishes for you to handle his security detail tomorrow night. That is the reason that I’m here, intel would have us believe Capital Ship Augustus has been compromised. With this new development he doesn’t want to take any risks and wants the best.”

Onyx watched his frozen breath dissipate with every exhale, listening to every word the Founder’s advisor was saying. The two officers were confined to the frozen meat locker of the restaurant.

“As you know operations on the outer continent have been picking up and they have allocated a significant number of resources…”

“You tell Mr. Solomon; he has nothing to worry about. He will be in good hands. It’s the least I can do, his son was my best friend.”

Onyx interrupted the advisor’s pitch, giving him a stern look. Making sure his dedication to New Aurora could not be questioned. The advisor smiled, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, buttoning the top button on his suit jacket, he extended his hand toward Onyx. He stared at the advisor’s hand and hesitated for a moment before shaking it.

“Sargeant Mathis was onboard Capital ship Augustus, did he send any messages to command?”

Onyx was curious about his old friend, knowing he was stationed under Augustus.

“The Sargeant’s last transmission came from a remote island, we had a drone unit search the area for several days and they came up with nothing. If there is nothing else, I’ll leave you to your time off.”

The two men shook hands again and parted ways, with Onyx leaving the fridge first and the founder’s advisor staying behind. Stuffing his hands in his pocket he displayed a demeanor of absolute focus as he watched Onyx leave. As Onyx left the advisor’s head of security entered.
He looked over his shoulder, making sure Onyx closed the door behind him on the way out. The head of security turned his attention back to the advisor.

“Are you ready, Allfather superior?”

Waiting staff, and chefs maneuvered around Onyx as if he had a force field while he moved through the kitchen. Pushing the kitchen door open Onyx walked into the main sitting area of the establishment. The dusk hues of the setting Busaya sun draping over everything adding to the restaurant’s ambiance. He walked up the marble staircase to the second level of the restaurant toward his private balcony. The whole time, thinking about Obsidian’s investigation. Ghost tech, those contacts, hyper intelligent coding, he couldn’t wrap his head around it. Things were different now; with his new assignment he had to focus and set the groundwork for his team. He took out his cellphone and began to message his subordinates and by the time he reached his table the message was sent. Stuffing his phone back into the inside pocket of his jacket, he watched as Obsidian and Sandra stood up to greet him.

***

“See Haiden, I told you Auttie was going to be alright.”

Atif trumpeted

“Sorry I had you worrying about me.”

Locke peered over his shoulder, watching the group of young ladies as they chatted amongst themselves. He turned his attention back to the assortment of fruits and vegetables. He looked to his side toward his younger brother.

“There is no point in trying to hunt them down now that Shima knows we’re here, her and Kezonto will reveal themselves to us when the time is necessary. But one thing is for certain, Shima has the same assumption that Autumn is Viyah. She must have been able to extract some type of information out of her.”

Ki looked over in the direction of the group of ladies and then toward Locke.

“How she ran into her still baffles me. In a giant place like this, things are just getting weird now.”

“You guys see anything good?”

Atif inserted herself between the two brothers looking at both and smiling. She turned her attention toward the fruit stand, snatching up a giant red apple. Locke and Ki played into Atif’s comradery, changing the subject of their conversation as Autumn and Haiden joined them at the stand. The vendor was delighted with the crowd forming around his stand. He did his best to engage with the party, showing off the goods he had on sale.

The party paid for their assortment of fruits and continued exploring the central orchard farmer’s market. While Locke and Ki walked ahead, Autumn and the others created the rear of the group.

“I ran into Shisa’s older sister while I was separated from you guys.”

Atif and Haiden looked at Autumn.

“You mean, one of the members of Deathwatch? The ones Locke and Ki are looking for? Why haven’t you told them?”

The ladies slowed down and the distance between them and the brothers grew. Haiden bombarded Autumn with questions and Atif waited in suspense for an answer.

“Yeah, she knows where their brother is, but said something about how the time wasn’t right to tell them. But I have a feeling they already know. It was no accident that I ran into you, she showed me the way. It was as if she knew where you guys were.”

“You think it was essence?”

This new development caught Atif’s attention and was anxious to hear more, the opposite of Haiden who was patient, piecing information together.

“No, I know it was essence, but I still can’t wrap my head around how she’s using it.”

The girls talked amongst themselves, occasionally stopping to look at the various goods on sale. Ahead of them Locke and Ki continued a conversation of their own, looking back at Autumn and the others, making sure they didn’t get themselves lost. Ki tapped Locke on his shoulder to get his attention, pointing over toward Autumn and Atif as they passed the meat vendor. The two brothers watched as the two tamers said a prayer for the beasts that had been butchered.

“They really care about the beasts huh?”

“It’s part of their culture; they protect the ecosystems of their lands. It's custom for them to bless the beast they hunt, giving thanks for the nourishment and materials the beasts provide.”

Locke explained to Ki, having spent some time with Atif and Autumn he naturally learned about them and the southern rainforests their tribe roamed. The two brothers waited for the ladies to catch up before they continued around the market.

“It’s getting late, I think that it’s time that we start making our way back toward the Den.”

Locke announced to the group as it became whole once again. The others looked at one another and nodded in agreement. It had been a long day for everyone, and the comfort of the Den was calling. With their souvenirs in hand, from the new books Haiden found at the library to the chess pieces for Ki’s children, everyone had something to remind them of the day they spent together.

***

He exhaled a cloud of smoke, staring up into the dusk sky. The subtle sound of ancient jazz music playing in the background. Without taking his attention off the sky, he passed the cigarette back to Lorenzo. He pulled on the strap over his shoulder securing his sword bag against his back. Keyon pulled the brim of his cap down concealing his burgundy eyes as a patrol unit of mechs walked down the road. Lorenzo just watched them without a care in the world. He took a hit and flicked the cigarette.

“It was a pleasure watching you work.”

Lorenzo complimented Keyon, he smiled, lowering his head and looking in Lorenzo’s direction.

“I could say the same for you my friend, watching you work over the snobs at the auction house was priceless, you my good sir, know how to move.”

Lorenzo smirked, still unfamiliar with this version of Keyon keeping him company. He stuffed his free hand in his pocket, taking one last hit of the cigarette before passing it back to Keyon. In the process he gazed down the street catching sight of Shima as she approached from the top of the street.

“Here comes your sexy sidekick , I swear that essence thing you guys can do is something else. You’re telling me she really can find you anywhere?”

Keyon smoked the cigarette and looked in Shima’s direction, watching as she approached.

“There is a limit to it, but it’s ridiculous how far she can use it.”

He casually explained to Lorenzo, exhaling a stream of smoke out of his nose, passing the cigarette back to Lorenzo as Shima approached the two of them. She still looked as good as when he last saw her, he noticed that she too had a sword bag strapped over her shoulder as well as a potted plant. Keyon’s essence started to stir as he stared at the potted plant, but not just any potted plant a beautiful flower, and the favorite flower of Viyah. Shima's eyes were focused on Keyon gauging his reaction, knowing all too well that this plant could trigger him. Keyon smiled, taking his attention off the plant and looking at Shima.

“Looks like you found me a sword.”

Shima glanced at the sword bag over her shoulder, then toward the one over Keyon’s.

“Looks like you got one of your own as well.”

She starkly commented, a little pissed off he didn’t trust her to get him his weaponry. Keyon was quick to pick up on this, changing the subject.

“Look who I ran into during my little adventure.”

He pointed in Lorenzo’s direction, who waved, not really paying attention to the two of them.

“Yo.”

That was all Lorenzo had to say, as the door to his safehouse opened and Sidna stepped out. Motioning for the young Mafioso to follow her inside.

“Well Keyon I must admit, it’s been a pleasure seeing this side of you, good luck with everything tomorrow, hope you score.”

“You too Lorenzo, enjoy that painting.”

“Leaving already, I just got here?”

Shima complained, while Lorenzo tossed his cigarette butt on the ground.

“I know, it’s such a shame, but I have matters to attend to and time is of the essence… Can you guys influence time?”

Keyon and Shima looked at each other and grinned. Then they started to laugh and collectively answered “no” to Lorenzo. Who at this point was questioning if essence was involved with everything. Lorenzo laughed, crushing what remained of his cigarette underneath his shoe. Waving goodbye to his old companions he made his exit, entering the main entrance of the safehouse. The streetlights started to turn on one by one. Keyon motioned his head in the direction of Applegrove. Shima repositioned her hold on the plant and followed Keyon as the two started making their way back to the safehouse. Her eyes lowered as she looked at the plant Autumn had shown her.

“Landy and Shisa are here; they got the drop on me. I was surprised to see them; they’ve grown a lot.”

“I told you, Landy is getting good at sensory too, better watch out. So, don’t leave me in suspense, what happened?”

“I fucked them up, felt bad about it afterwards though.”

Keyon was thrown off that Shima was so blunt about it, and her choice of words were interesting to say the least.

“A little tough love never hurt nobody.”

***

The waitress started to collect the empty dishes and silverware from the table on the private balcony. Onyx placed his half full beer bottle on its coaster as he watched Obsidian and Sandra sign to each other. He couldn’t help but grin watching his little brother happy, in love. He was surprised by his temperament when she was around, he was calm, he slowed down a bit. Night and day from the Obsidian he knew.

“She said that after finishing school she went back to the academy, where she felt she could make the biggest impact, helping children the way the academy helped kids like us.”

Sandra smiled and nodded, reading Obsidian lips, occasionally looking over in Onyx’s direction. She started to sign again, and Obsidian laughed, motioning his hands for her to slow down.

“She wants you to open the gift she got you.”

Onyx looked at the neatly wrapped present at the other end of the table. He didn’t want to keep the young lady waiting any longer and reached for the gift. Sandra grabbed Obsidian’s hand tight, and her eyes filled with excitement. She watched as he ripped away at the wrapping revealing a paperback book. Onyx was pleasantly surprised by Sandra’s taste, but he knew Obsidian had his fingerprints all over this. The Brothers Harold , the favorite book of his father and the book he and his brother got their namesake from. Onyx looked up at Sandra and thanked her, having his brother translate just how thoughtful he found the gift, having lost his copy long ago. He gently placed the book down and stood up from the table and approached Sandra. She stood up as well as Onyx opened his arm and hugged her. Obsidian grabbed the book and looked at it for himself. He too was surprised; he never expected her to put this much effort into a first meeting. In his eyes it was a gift for him as well, seeing how much she listened when they conversated.

“This whole evening has been great, and this just tops it off.”

He was going to speak more, but his phone went off, it was his driver. He couldn’t believe all that time had passed, he didn’t want to just leave, not now, but he had to. Both Obsidian and Sandra looked at Onyx, noticing the change in his demeanor. His little brother was keen on the situation, understanding what it was like being in the armed forces. You’re always just one call away and unfortunately it was Onyx’s number.

“Obsidian, Sandra I apologize but I have to go.”

“Don’t worry bro, no need to explain it to us.”

Obsidian stood up and hugged his brother.

“Command has a possible lead on rebel activity within the dome. Might have to do with the ghost tech or the fact his father is in town.”

“Obsidian, he’s dead, and the Founder’s in my hands, nothing is going to happen. Enjoy the rest of your night with Sandra, it’s on me. We can talk more when we get back to New Aurora.”

“Goodbye Sandra, take care of my little brother for me.”

She smiled and nodded at Onyx who towered over the young lady. He firmly slapped Obsidian on the shoulder, pushing in his chair Onyx left the couple to enjoy their night. Walking through the upper levels of the establishment Onyx walked down the giant staircase toward ground level. Buttoning the top button on his blazer, his shoes clicked against the polished marble floor. The doorman held the heavy door open for Onyx as he approached. He tapped his passport gently against the doorman’s ID badge, tipping the man for his hospitality.

Just outside the restaurant, Onyx’s transport vehicle patiently waited for him curbside. A soldier jumped out the passenger side of the car holding the transport door open. Once Onyx was seated the soldier returned to his seat in front and the driver pulled off into traffic. Onyx looked around at his team, each one nodded their head as they looked in his direction.

“Are you going to brief us on the situation or are you just going to keep giving us googly eyes.”

A woman with a short haircut teased Onyx as the other members of the squad chuckled at his expense.

“Patients Daphane, first things first, Black Raven, what information can you tell us about the gathering?”

Onyx and the other members of his squad looked at their deep cover agent who accompanied them along for the ride, finally finding an opportunity to slip away from Roland and the others. Seth then went into the details of what he had learned about the gathering.

“Not much, as a Rebel cell we are kept in the dark about most of the upper-level management. But from what I learned from Roland and his notes is that the meet up is inside the Busaya Southern Nature Reserve at eight O’ clock tomorrow night. Five representatives from over twenty different rebel groups are coming together for something big within the dome. The details of the operation are still in the air.”

The transport continued to move through the streets of Central Orchard, heading further north toward the Embassy.