Travel Companions

--Gatix--

--Two days later--

I heard a flurry of mechanical noises behind me, but I didn't pay much attention. The noises were familiar to the point they could be soothing, but it did feel weird not to be in the center of the activity.

Instead, I focused on the cabinet, finding its contents much to my liking. Reaching in, I wrapped my hand around Scythe's grip and pulled it out. Neither Dax nor Nev informed me of any changes, so I doubted there'd be any. But that didn't mean the weapon didn't receive any care. The scratches along its barrel were buffed out, and the tell-tale sheen betrayed a thorough cleaning.

Excellent. My knees absorbed the weight as I clipped the weapon to my back. The next item on the list was a new version of Fang. “Nev?” I picked up the weapon and held it in front of my face, unable to see any differences except a darker color scheme. “Did Dax make any changes?”

“No, Agent. The weapon is functionally the same as before.”

“Then why did the color change?”

“He thought they would pair nicely.”

“Pair?” I shifted my focus to the inside of the cabinet, where the last two objects brought a large grin to my face. “Remind me to buy Dax some booze again.”

“Yes, Agent.” The mechanical noises started to hiss as the tentacles retreated into the roof, leaving an unarmored Ms. Queen standing on the platform below them. “All good there?”

“Removing the armor is a strange experience.” She turned her attention to her chest after flexing her arms a few times, gently moving her hands as she inspected the scar. “It's good to feel natural air on my skin again.”

“Don't like the armor?”

“Benefits and disadvantages.” She stepped off the platform after giving her stomach a last once-over. “I liked the enhanced mobility, but being covered in metal plates can feel restrictive. I will miss the conversations with your spirit guide, however.”

“Conversations?” I raised an eyebrow. “Keeping secrets are we, Nev?”

“It is appropriate when the conversations are deemed private in nature.”

“Doesn't mean I'm less curious.”

“Then I might tell you, one day.” Ms. Queen grinned as she stepped closer. “Are you ready?”

“Almost.” I picked up the third item from the cabinet before presenting it to her. “Dax has a parting gift for you.”

“Parting gi... oh!” Her eyes widened when she glanced at the object in my hand. We didn't want to give her a weapon she could barely pick up, much less one with enough power to tear her body apart. A compromise had to be made. Give her something she could holster when the situation required magic, but still needed a significant punch when used.

Give her Fang's brother.

“Are you sure?” Her gaze altered between the weapon and my helmet.

“Well, you asked for one.”

“Yes, but I didn't expect the request to be granted.”

“Then it's something to remember your trip to Earth.” She carefully took the weapon out of my hands, her fingers automatically curling in the right places as she inspected it. “Does it work the same way as your Scythe?”

“Even simpler, just point and shoot. Do keep an eye on that button.” I pointed to one on the weapon's side. “That's called a safety. You can't shoot with that enabled.”

“I see.” She nodded. “I'm not quite sure how to thank you, Gatix.”

“Give it a name.”

“Is this a skin-walker tradition?”

“A mercenary one. Your weapon will be your longest-serving companion. Giving it a name is an acknowledgment of that, and claims the weapon as your own. The more superstitious believe an unclaimed weapon will fail when it matters most.”

“I see.” Ms. Queen nodded as she turned her attention back to the weapon. “Then I will name it Quhal.”

“A word in your native tongue?”

“A phrase meaning `fated encounter'.” She smiled. “Thank you.”

“Oh, before I forget.” I reached into the cabinet for the last item. “Wrap this around your waist.”

***

“Hey, Dax.” Boss laughed as we stepped out of the elevator. I couldn't blame him, Ms. Queen's smile hadn't broken since she received her piece. “It looks like your toy has found a loving home.”

“Hmm?” The scientist looked up from his terminal. “I would hardly expect-.”

I silenced him with a raised hand. “This is where you say `I'm glad' and allow yourself to be thanked. You've made the lady's day.”

“That you have.” Ms. Queen lowered her head in thanks, to which Dax returned his attention to the terminal.

“He's always like that, don't worry.”

“Are you all ready?” Boss stepped closer until he stood in front of us.

“Drop off the Queen, go get some trisortium.”

“And come back alive.” There could be a dozen facial expressions behind his visor.

“I will ensure he does.” Ms. Queen answered.

“I'll hold you to that.” Boss turned to her. “And you? How are you feeling?”

“My magic remains insufficient, but I am healed. Thank you once again for your hospitality.”

“A pleasure to serve. I hope your experience on Earth was one to your liking.”

“Indeed. I'll ask you not to throw away the metallic shell I borrowed, I might need it again.”

“Then may our paths cross in the future. Dax?”

“Starting initialization.”

“A question, if I may?” Ms. Queen interjected. “Where will we emerge?”

“I have not programmed a position yet,” answered Dax. “We gained a map only recently, but no landmarks have been identified. All locations are the same as far as I am concerned.”

“Can you please reveal the map?”

“Yes.” A large monitor on the opposite side of the room changed to show the map Nev and I scanned earlier.

“It's an older one.” Ms. Queen narrowed her eyes before looking at me. “Where did you see this?”

“Scanned it before I shot the Seer through the head.”

“That would make sense.” She scanned the map for a few seconds before pointing at it. “There, at the bottom left corner. My castle is located there. Teleport us as close as possible if you can.”

“Entering the coordinates.” We waited as Dax typed on his terminal. “Coordinates acknowledged. Boss?”

“Good to go.” The white star appeared a few seconds after Boss gave the final go-ahead.

“Hey...” I turned to the lady as I unclipped the weapon. “You ready for this?”

“Ready as I'll ever be.”

“Then good luck to you both.” Boss nodded before stepping away. The white star had already expanded into the familiar white halo as the blackened sphere awaited our arrival.

“Let's go get this traitor of yours.” Ms. Queen fell into step behind me as I started running.

Three…

I tightened my grip around Scythe's barrel.

Two…

Blinked my eyes twice...

One…

And waited for the sphere to envelop me.