Foregone Conflict (Across Horizons Book 2) by Stan C. Smith

Author:Stan C. Smith [Smith, Stan C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-07-29T16:00:00+00:00

12

Modification

Present Time - Day 2

Skyra had never before seen a person like Di-woto. The girl had no fear of anything or anyone. She had led Skyra, Lincoln, and Ripple, with Belol-yan following behind, through chambers and cave-like corridors. Each time the group encountered other guards like Belol-yan, the guards would turn their backs and face the wall, as if they were not allowed to gaze in Di-woto’s direction. Di-woto paid no attention to them, as if she had seen this strange behavior all her life.

After walking for many breaths, Di-woto stopped before a closed door with a spider ornament on it. She turned to Skyra and Lincoln and spoke. Skyra had always found it easy to remember words, so now she could understand some of what the girl was saying, but Ripple’s translations were still helpful. Ripple said, “Beyond this door you will see bolups. Many bolups. You will see things you will not understand. These things will make you afraid and angry. If they do not make you afraid and angry, perhaps you are not suitable to help me with my plan. I will explain these things to you, but first you must see them with your eyes. Hold your anger within you and remember my plan. There are orange-clad scientists beyond this door. You must not show them your anger or your fear.”

Belol-yan spoke, and Ripple said, “You have been lying to the orange-clad scientists. You must continue your lying by pretending what you see here is what you expected to see. Do you understand?”

“Are my friends in there?” Lincoln asked, his voice low. He was already becoming angry and afraid.

Belol-yan spoke, and Ripple said, “Yes. Remember, you must continue your lying.”

Di-woto kicked the door several times with her foot.

Skyra watched Lincoln’s face. His eyes met hers then flicked away. Skyra did not know what they would see beyond the door, and she worried Lincoln would be unable to pretend it was what he expected.

The door clicked and swung open. An orange-clothed nandup woman stood in the doorway. She eyed Di-woto and Belol-yan as if she had seen them at this door many times before, but her eyes grew wide when she saw Skyra, Lincoln, and Ripple.

Skyra blew air out through her nose and covered her face. The area beyond the nandup woman smelled worse than a cave inhabited by hyenas.

“What is this place?” Lincoln asked. “Why are my friends in there?”

“Ripple, do not translate,” Skyra said. She faced Lincoln. “Remember Di-woto’s words. The orange-clothed nandups must believe we understand what they are doing.”

He closed his eyes for a breath. “Okay. I’m trying. I just… this can’t be good.”

Di-woto, Belol-yan, and the nandup woman were watching, waiting.

Di-woto seemed to sense it was time to move on. She spoke a few words to the nandup and pushed past her. Belol-yan motioned for Skyra and Lincoln to enter then followed them in. The smell became even worse.

They were in another cave-like corridor that extended in two directions. Di-woto turned and continued walking.

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