Above and Beyond by Denny Flowers

Author:Denny Flowers
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FLS
Publisher: Black Library
Published: 2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

The next morning I arrived at Plient’s workshop to find it sealed. I stopped outside, looking for a vox-relay but found none.

Should I knock?

My new Scion escort, who had taken duty the previous night, was quick to step in, hammering the butt of his weapon on the door, until I heard a commotion from within. A series of bolts clicked, before the door crept open a crack, Plient’s face emerging.

‘Ah,’ he said, glancing from me to the Scion. ‘This really isn’t the best time, sir.’

‘Plient? Did you see Cesh’s vid? His challenge?’

‘Everyone did, sir.’

‘…Do you know where Shard is?’

‘Tell him I’m not básking here.’

The voice echoed from the half-opened doorway. A pained look crossed Plient’s eyes.

‘I’m sorry, sir,’ he said, looking once again at my unwanted Scion bodyguard, ‘but we can’t be disturbed. You saw what he said. I must get Mendax Matertera in perfect order so the flight commander can meet the challenge. Plus, there are some adjustments that I still have to figure out–’

‘Stop talking to him and get back in here! That’s an order!’

‘Sorry,’ Plient said again. But before he could withdraw his head, the Scion seized his collar.

‘Scribe Simlex is permitted access to whatever facilities are required to complete his duty. If you do not open this door–’

‘No,’ I said, placing my hand on his shoulder. ‘No, he is quite right. The repairs are the priority. I will… I hope I will speak to you again soon.’

The Scion seemed to be glaring at me, though it was impossible to know through his helm. But after a moment he released his grip, Plient ducking and disappearing through the gap.

‘Plient! Wait! One last thing?’

He hesitated, meeting my gaze.

‘The message Cesh sent. How did it end?’

He frowned. ‘You heard it, sir. He has the commissar and if we want to see him alive then the commander must face him in a one-on-one duel.’

‘Nothing else?’

‘No, why?’

‘Nothing. I just… I thank you, Plient, for–’

He had already vanished, the iron door grinding shut, the lock clicking into place behind it.

Esec offered even less assistance. He permitted me entry to his barge, my escort securing a shuttle. From its viewport, I could not help but note that Edbar’s remaining Hydra batteries and flak missile launchers were clustered beneath the barge.

I thought it hinted at paranoia, and meeting him only confirmed my suspicions. He appeared to be on some sort of stimm, given the pinprick pupils and constant clearing of his throat, but perhaps it was just the pressure. The studio was already festooned with images of Shard, her face occupying every screen. Many were speaking, though the audio had been deadened enough that their voices were whispers, at least to me. But Esec seemed remarkably focused on them. So much so that he did not see me enter, almost leaping out of his chair when I spoke.

‘Kile! How in the God-Emperor’s name did you get in here?’

‘You granted me access.’

‘Ah, yes. Yes, you can help me. Perhaps. You saw the message, I trust? Very bad, very bad form cutting in like that.

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