“This device is called a Resonant Node. It allows me to communicate with others without using telepathy.” A resonant hum echoed in the chamber as his voice emerged. He nodded to his companions behind Azazel. “We all have one that neither the Elites nor Lord Baelon are aware of.” His words came out in a resonant hum. “Efficient, isn’t it?”
Azazel studied the star-shaped device inside the Krystalii’s chest. “I’m sure it’s efficient, but it doesn’t appear subtle.” It reminded him of the walkie-talkies the humans used before cell phones.
The hum shifted, a faint ripple of sound that reminded Azazel of amusement.
“Subtlety is a luxury,Adamou. Not a necessity.”
“Analysis: device functionality operates on vibrational frequencies. Probability of interception by Baelon’s Elites: 23.8 percent if utilized in high-risk areas.” JR14’s front claws clicked with each enunciated word.
Vaeloryx inclined his head.
“True, but its range and encryption ensure that only those I choose to communicate with can interpret the resonances.”
Azazel frowned.
“So, what’s stopping Baelon from hearing you right now?”
Vaeloryx’s reply came through the node. “Because these devices are not made of any type of crystalline structure. Its natural lattice absorbs and diffuses the frequencies in random sequences. Only a node attuned to mine can receive the signal. Also, we have the same material embedded in this chamber. It’s the reason I brought you here, to shield us from his prying senses.”
Azazel’s mouth twisted as he thought. “That’s good to know. But what happens once we leave here?” He gestured to the silver light blinking under the Krystalii’s crystal chest. “And how will that work for me?” He leaned back. “I doubt you can embed that within my body the same way yours does.”
Vaeloryx extended a small oval box of what appeared to be made of a dull material, like metallic plastic. One end of it beeped with a steady white light.
“This is a Sub-Node. With it, you can communicate with me directly, no matter where you are withinNyrlith.”
With a wary eye, Azazel studied the unit as Vaeloryx dropped it onto his open palm. The faint vibrations from it brushed against his skin like a heartbeat.
“How do I use it?” He brought it up to his face, squinting as he turned it over.
“If you will allow?” Vaeloryx stood in front of Azazel with a pointed finger. “I assure you, this will be a minor intrusion as I convey instructions on the Sub-Node.” The tip of his finger had a pale glow.
Azazel stared at the twinkling light on the box before slightly nodding. He’d used the same technique when he wanted to give his brothers the necessary information the quickest way.
After a light touch against Azazel’s temple, Vaeloryx moved back to his seat.
Azazel blinked as the knowledge of the Sub-Resonant Node filled his mind. A faint hum from the node on Vaeloryx’s chest caught his attention.
“Speak, test to see how it carries your voice. Even if you whisper.”
Azazel studied the flickering light, now a soft yellow at the Sub-Node’s edge. The thing felt alien, unnatural, but strangely familiar. He glanced at his Krystalii host. “Does it broadcast my speech and not my thoughts?”
The corners of Vaeloryx’s clear lips curled with a mischievous grin. “It does not transmit telepathically.” His tone came out steady as it resonated through the device in Azazel’s hand. “Only what you vocalize. But I must caution you that long transmissions increase the risk of detection.”
Azazel pursed his lips as he studied the node as Vaeloryx spoke through it. Using the knowledge the Krystalii had just given him, he flipped a switch on the other side to turn it off.
“Thank you. This will be very helpful.” After giving the device one last look to make sure it stayed off, he slipped it into the side pocket of the loose trousers he wore.
“Now, let us address our basic collaborative strategy.” The glow in Vaeloryx’s eyes met Azazel’s stare with quiet conviction. “Earlier, I said that the closer we get to Baelon’s private sector, the tighter the ship’s defenses will become.”
Azazel leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees.
“Okay, so how do we do this without setting off the ship’s alarms?”
Vaeloryx’s crystalline body shifted. “As I’ve stated before, the Nexus Core lies next to Baelon’s private chambers, where the human prisoner is held. Once you enter where she is kept, it will alert the security systems. Kyrix will help you keep the Elites busy, giving us enough time to slip into the Nexus Core compound. Once we disable the core, it will force the ship to divert energy from all unnecessary security systems to make repairs. Once that happens, it will give you the chance to obtain the human female.
“And if the core doesn’t go down?” Azazel tapped his forefinger on his lower lip.
“Then we then will use a secondary approach.” Vaeloryx seemed unfazed by the skepticism. “Since Laytrii and I will be the ones at the core, we can feign an attack on a nearby secondary propulsion array to help draw the Elites away even more. If executed correctly, this will also buy you enough time to extract the human and escape.”
