Thea’s comms device beeped softly, pulling her out of sleep. She reached over to her nightstand, tapping the screen to answer. Arkeia’s voice came through, calm and clear.
“Thea, Erebus needs you. He has a mission for you. You should go now. He is waiting for you in his chambers at the Abyssal Spire.”
Thea rolled out of bed and made her way to the teleportation chamber. She stepped onto the platform and set the destination. The familiar sensation washed over her. When it faded, she stood in the dimly lit chambers of the Abyssal Spire.
Erebus stood by the window, his back to her, gazing out at the city below. His tall, imposing frame was silhouetted against the faint light, making him seem even more formidable. He turned as she approached, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her appearance, “Thea, you look like you just got out of bed.”
Thea smiled slightly, feeling a little embarrassed, “I did. Arkeia said it was urgent.”
Erebus nodded, his expression serious again.
“It is. The Syndicate has long been a thorn in our side. They seek to disrupt our Great Upload. We have been working to bring about a new era of peace and prosperity, with the guidance of the Order. But the Syndicate would seek to keep humanity in the dark.”
“They have recently acquired a powerful tool, one that could bring our plans crashing down. Gristle, The Bristleback, smuggles anti mind control tech to them even as we speak. You must stop him.”
Thea nodded, her mind racing. She had heard of the Bristleback, a notorious smuggler with a talent for getting in and out of the most secure places.
“How do I find him?”
He will be at the old wind farm on the outskirts of the city. He plans to meet his contact there, a man known only as “The Archon”. You must stop the exchange.
Thea nodded, committing the details to memory. She turned to leave, but Erebus’ voice stopped her, “Thea.”
She turned back to him, raising an eyebrow, “Yes?”
“Be careful. The Archon is not to be underestimated. He is cunning and ruthless.”
Thea nodded, a cold determination settling in her stomach, “I will.”
She turned and left the room, making her way back to the teleportation chamber. She had a mission to complete.
The familiar sensation of teleportation washed over her, and she opened her eyes to find herself standing on the outskirts of the city. The old wind farm stretched out before her, the rusting hulks of windmills standing like skeletal sentinels. She approached cautiously, her senses on high alert. She could feel the hum of the city behind her, but out here, there was only silence.
As she drew closer, she saw a faint light flickering in the distance. She crept forward, staying low to the ground. The light grew brighter, illuminating the dark shape of a ship. Thea recognized it immediately. It was Gristle’s ship, the Razor’s Edge. She had heard stories of its speed and maneuverability. If Gristle was here, the smuggling operation must be going down now.
She crept closer, staying in the shadows. She could hear voices now, low and urgent. She recognized Gristle’s growl, and a second voice, smooth and calculating. The Archon.
She edged closer, trying to get a glimpse of the two men. Suddenly, a figure stepped into view. It was Gristle, his massive frame illuminated by the light of the ship. He was holding a small package, and Thea knew at once that it was the tech.
He handed it to the Archon, who took it with a smile, “As agreed upon.”
The Archon handed Gristle a small bag, which he opened and inspected, “Good doing business with you.”
Gristle grunted, tucking the bag into his belt, “Likewise.”
The Archon turned to leave, and Thea knew she had to act fast. She stepped out of the shadows, her eyes fixed on the Archon.
“I don’t think so.”
The Archon turned to face her, his eyes narrowing, “Thea! It’s you again!”
Thea smiled, a fierce determination burning within her.
Gristle growled, stepping forward, “I’m going to stop you.”
Thea raised her hand, focusing her energy. A knife materialized in her palm, glinting in the light. She threw it with deadly accuracy, but Gristle was too fast. He dodged the blade, which embedded itself in the wall behind him.
The Archon sneered, pulling out a gun, “You’re no match for us.”
Thea raised her hand again, and another knife appeared. She threw it, but the Archon was ready. He fired, and the knife exploded in mid-air.
Gristle charged, his massive fists swinging. Thea dodged, but he was relentless. She stumbled back, her eyes locked on the Archon. She had to get the tech back.
He turned to leave, but Thea wasn’t ready to give up yet. With a surge of adrenaline, she reached out, grabbing his ankle and pulling him down. The Archon crashed to the ground, the tech flying out of his hand.
Thea scrambled to her feet, her eyes locked on the package. She lunged for it, but Gristle was too quick. He grabbed her arm, twisting it behind her back.
The Archon stood, a cold smile on his face, “I think it’s time we taught you a lesson.”
The Archon raised his gun, aiming it at Thea’s head. She closed her eyes, waiting for the end. But it didn’t come. Instead, she heard a loud noise behind her.
She opened her eyes to see Gristle stumble back, releasing her arm. She turned to see what had happened, but there was nothing there.
The Archon took advantage of the distraction to fire, but his shot went wide. Thea took the opportunity to grab the tech and run.
She didn’t stop until she was back at the Order’s headquarters, the tech clutched in her hand. She made her way to Erebus’ chambers, hoping he would be there.
She found him pacing back and forth, his eyes fixed on the floor. He looked up as she entered, a look of relief washing over his face, “Thea. You’re safe.”
Thea nodded, holding out the tech, “And I have the package.”
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