The Music of Creation by Paul J Knight & Chris Allen

Author:Paul J Knight & Chris Allen [Knight, Paul J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shadow Dragon Press
Published: 2025-09-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 30

The Change of the Tide

With the Reillys adrift in a subterranean world beyond contact, Hayden focused his time clarifying the impacts the Abductors had on the Charges and Protectors from Earth. Scrolling through lists of postings and reports, he called to Jasmint, “How can anyone figure this stuff out? All I want to know is how many were taken and how many are missing or dead. We know the planet-wide warning gave many of them time to get to safety, but surely some were caught, wounded, or killed. And we do not know if their Charges were taken.”

Jasmint reached out and removed the tablet from his hands. “This is not going to help. It could be days, weeks, or even never to find out what happened,” she said firmly. “Why don’t you go get some rest?”

“I can’t. Not until we know Miss Rue and the Reillys are safe. So, give me back my tablet. I can wade through these reports and get angry enough to at least distract myself temporarily from worrying about them.”

With a smile she returned it. “To each his own.”

While most of the communication staff helped Hayden gather data on enemy attacks, Shert continued to monitor Abductor communications for any sign of the Reillys and their Protector. “Director, they are still alive and free,” he announced. “But the Abductors appear to be closing in on their location.”

Hayden pushed aside the lists, jumped to his feet, and turned to Shert. “Please contact Councilwoman Zalara. She needs to know.”

He scanned the room. He had been so engrossed in his work, he had not noticed the condition of the staff. They were exhausted. Those in native Thalesian form were faded blue. The dynamic streaks of orange that normally splashed across their faces and chests were replaced by diffuse patches of pink. Those in human form had dark circles beneath their eyes. All looked unkempt, and, seeing himself mirrored in a blank monitor screen, he looked no different.

When Zalara entered the room, he noted she always looked fresh and well dressed. More important, she always entered with a smile on her face. As she approached, he handed her a tablet with the findings of his analysis. “This is a sad day for the Protectorate. So many of our young people have lost their lives, and this is not over.”

The councilwoman dragged her hand across her forehead as she looked at the lists. “So unnecessary. Do we know how many humans have been taken captive?”

“No. I am still working on it, but it is in the hundreds. Earth’s media is in a frenzy of conjecture about what is happening. Hulks of wrecked ships have crashed into North America, Europe, and Asia. I do not see how we can cover this up.” Using another Earth expression, he lamented, “I think the cat is out of the bag.”

Zalara looked down at him. “I have been in touch with the other Protectorate council members, and they are working with the Parliament and the Ruling Council to find a solution to this situation.

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