Squaring the Earth by K. T. Steele

Author:K. T. Steele [Steele, K. T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-09-04T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

SalNavari

Salasi watched the vehicle coming. unSkilled most often used individual vehicles to make deliveries too large to transport by bicycle. People with disabilities also utilized private vehicles modified with the appropriate accommodations to easily move through town. The vehicles were all battery-operated with interchangeable parts that could be traded out as things wore down, allowing the vehicle to still be operable while the broken part was refurbished or recycled.

It struck her as odd that this one drove over the grass rather than on a vehicle road, and also drove straight towards her. It didn’t occur to her until too late that the driver might be planning to run her down.

<Zumi!> she shouted horrified while her thoughts leapt straight for Navari and the comfort of her partner.

Zumi grabbed Salasi around the waist as she braced for impact and dove into the well. Water closed over her head as Zumi pulled her deep.

Overhead the vehicle hit his Five aught shields with enough power and momentum to shatter them. A moment later the water around her convulsed as the vehicle struck the well. Several stones splashed down, one striking her shoulder as it sank. Silence descended. Salasi held still. The water would be dark to anyone looking down, but she didn’t want to aid them in finding her by thrashing about.

She reached out with her Skills. She could sense people walking around the well, but no one stood directly beside it, waiting for them.

<It seems to be over,> Salasi said quietly, trying to hide the growing strain of holding her breath.

<Yes,> Zumi agreed. Still holding her tight to him, the water around them shifted, delivering them in a blink to the surface.

The vehicle lay on its side nearby, black-suited state agents arresting the driver.

<Thank you,> she murmured respectfully to Zumi. <Please let go so this may be dealt with.>

Zumi loosened his grip on her and she could feel how rattled he was. He was strong and would be stronger still as he aged towards adulthood, but for the moment he was a frightened youth.

Salasi stepped off the edge of the well. As she did, she felt Navari’s presence fill in behind her eyes. Feeling Navari with her was such a relief she could have cried. Navari was bleary and in pain and exhausted, but she was there.

Salasi immediately shared her memories of the last few minutes. Navari’s pain and exhaustion faded marginally as she glared hatefully at the driver.

<What is this?> Salasi demanded, her voice echoed and reinforced by Navari so it came out stronger and more imposing than one alone.

Two of the state agents flinched.

“Unknown Enforcer,” another state agent, a woman, said coming directly over. “We were sent to investigate the circumstances of the body in the well and happened to see this crime being committed.” She gestured to the driver and the vehicle. “Are you two unharmed?”

Navari ignored the question, her attention on the driver. Salasi followed her lead. <What is this?> she repeated, her words focused solely on him.

He

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