Lacuna Void by Joe Tarrant

Lacuna Void by Joe Tarrant

Author:Joe Tarrant [Tarrant, Joe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-10-22T00:00:00+00:00


Chapter 18

Aldous arrived back at the banquet to find the party in full swing. Drunk Recruits hammered their fists onto tables as others danced to the rhythm, with alcohol dulling their senses and inhibitions. Wine flowed across the room and excited the complicit into a primal stupor.

Aldous was aware that a drunk hoard could soon erupt into violent debauchery as he searched the room for Evelyn. He saw Dorian and the others mingling with a group of women, with only Gabe appearing to make any progress.

Aldous passed drunken recruits that cheered his name in jovial chorus. He found Evelyn playing with a group of children as Josef watched over them.

“Good to see you back so soon.” Said Josef, who was visibly relieved to see him. “How was the Core?”

“I’m not at liberty to say,” Aldous said with a wry smile.

“Oh, I see, it’s only for captains and generals to know? Are you sure you can still spend time with us peasants?”

Aldous chuckled as he watched the children, with his mind muddled by the events of the day with an overarching disdain for everything and everyone aboard the Lacuna.

“I’m tired. I think I’m going to get some rest.” Said Aldous as he beckoned Evelyn over.

“I think it’s time for Adam to get some sleep as well. We’ll walk back with you.” Said Josef. “Rhea won’t be going anywhere for a while.”

Across from them, Rhea stood upon a canteen table, giving an impromptu Sermon to the drunken recruits before her.

“… Do not be complacent in our victories; the creators will always need the protection of the complicit as much as we need their guidance…” She called.

Aldous and Josef made their way back as the children busied themselves with playing cards.

“Once you have Evelyn settled, could you meet me back here? There’s a couple of things I’d like to go over with you.” Said Josef, who tapped the pocket that held his extension.

Aldous nodded to signal he had read the subtle cue.

He laid Evelyn to bed and settled into their routine of tucking her in before singing his busted rhyme. She was exhausted and drifted off quickly.

He put his extension under his pillow before making his way back to the corridor he’d left Josef.

Josef waited ahead, with his demeanour calling caution as Aldous approached.

“What did the general want?” Asked Josef, not wasting any time.

Aldous glanced both ways as he surveyed the corridor.

“It’s safe; we can talk here. Your extension is back in your room?” Asked Josef.

“Of course.”

“Good. What did Taus want?”

“It was nothing but threats and asking what I’d seen in the temple.” Said Aldous, peering down the corridor. “Taus showed me the void; he asked me about music.”

“I bet he did.”

“What’s the significance?” Asked Aldous.

“I’ve heard rumours.” Said Josef, although Aldous sensed he was holding something back. “All the ancient texts are written in a language long since dead. Musical notation seems to be the only constant.”

“Taus told me the ancient texts had been transcribed.” Said Aldous.

“Of course he did, and I imagine that he translated the texts himself?” Josef said with incredulity.



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