Chapter 33
Rohak
And so, then Gene was thinking, what if Charise hadtwofocus rods instead of just one? And I was disappointed thatIdidn’t think of that idea first, so Gene and I had a little competition, you know? And we both came up with a prototype for a double-rodded Charise. Get a look at ’er, General!” Art waltzed into my office nearly a half hour ago, already talking before he even cleared the threshold. Apparently, he and Gene had some sort of disagreement about the new prototype weapon and decided to build two prototypes.
It was late, well after midnight, and I couldn’t sleep—a problem I’d been having more often lately. Sometimes I simply couldn’t fall asleep due to the sheer number of things cataloguing in my head and vying for attention. Other times I woke mysteriously in the middle of the night, damp with sweat and breathing heavily, a dream that felt so real just out of reach of my conscious memory and understanding. The latter is what prevented my rest tonight, and I decided to come sit in the office and wade through the mountains of paperwork on my desk rather than lay in a sweaty bed for four hours, unable to get back to sleep.
It was peaceful for the first hour, just the crackling of the fire and a singular orb over the top of my desk providing the only light. I was able to get through a full stack of missives and petitions and was finallyfeeling productive in this office setting for the first time since I’d taken on the extra responsibilities.
But all that changed as soon as Art caught wind that I was in the building.
How did he know I was here?
He was still droning on about his version of Charise versus Gene’s Charise, that he was calling Not-Charise—the whole thing was ridiculous and confusing, and I had tuned him out a long time ago.
My magical signature device must be hooked up to some sort of return in his office. Or he was bothering the Mages on duty, and they informed him I was here. Yes, that had to be it. Bastards.
I inwardly cursed the Mages on security detail tonight. Sometimes it was Lex, though he was stationed at the front gate tonight, and his Bonded would generally humor Gene and Art long enough that I could get some work done in peace. I think Ilyas actually lived to see how much he could antagonize Gene and Art.
“So what do you think, General? Charise or Not-Charise? Which prototype gets you going, if you know what I mean?” His expression was earnest, which, coupled with his large ears that stuck out a bit from his head and the sizeable round glasses that amplified his eyes, really gave off the vibe of a small child stuck in an awkward man’s body. It was endearing and annoying all at the same time.
I sighed and dragged my hand down my face.
“Art, I think you and Gene are the experts and I trust you’ll make the best decision between Charise and . . . Not-Charise,” I placated. If I picked a side, or even appeared to pick a side in this little tiff, I’d never hear the end of it from either of them. And the other would be miffed enough that they’d make my life harder for no reason.
Last time I stupidly selected Art’s prototype, Gene proceeded to lock me out of my own office. For a week. He insisted there was something “wonky” with the signature orb, but he could never hide his snickers long enough for me to believe him.
Art harumphed, “Well, that’s not really an answer, General.”
“Why don’t you just create both or combine your ideas?”
Art was silent and stared unblinking at me in horror.
“You want me to put Not-Charise parts on Charise?” he gasped, his hand flying to his chest and the other grasping Charise tightly.
Why was I referring to the damn prototype as Charise?!I was going crazy, clearly.
“Honesty, Art, I don’t care what you do, just . . .” I trailed off as heavy feet thundered up the stairs and to my office. I rose, expecting some sort of fight or confrontation, only to see Ilyas bent over at the waist, puffing deeply.
“General,” he said between heavy breaths.
“Ilyas? What’s happening? Where’s Lex?” Instantly my hackles were raised, and I was on high alert. Lex and his Vessels were at the main gate. If Ilyas was here, then there must be trouble, and there wasnevertrouble at the main gate. We had put in enough protocols and procedures to make sure that the main gate wasn’t an issue when we weren’t fully staffed at night.
The big man pushed himself up from his knees and placed his hands on his trim waist. Lex and his Vessels couldn’t be more different physically—where Lex was all dark hair and lanky strength, Sasori resembled a raven in more ways than one, and Ilyas was built like a bull. Or a rock. Either way he was an incredibly large man. He must have run all the way from the gate to be as out of breath as he was.
“There’s a Mage, General. He arrived here half-dead with Mage Sickness and just conscious enough to tell us about rebel activity,” Ilyas panted, chest heaving. He ran one large hand over the sweat on his brow, mopping it up and wiping it on his black pant leg. His close-cropped blonde hair shone with sweat and his green-blue eyes swam with worry.
Rebel activity? Mage Sickness? Fuck, there’s a lot to unpack there.
“Where is this Mage?” I asked, already moving to the door and adjusting the sleeves on my tunic. Ilyas followed me as I began striding down the hall, and I heard Art call after me.
“I’ll just take Charise here back to my office! We’ll talk later!” I didn’t bother to turn around, just put my hand in the air in a casual wave.
“I trust you to lock up, Art.” I didn’t bother to wait for a response, my mind was already focused on the new development from the main gate.
As we descended the steps and exited the administration building, I grilled Ilyas further on the mysterious Mage.
“Who is he? How did you know he has Mage Sickness? Where is he? Where are the rebels attacking?” I rapidly fired questions at Ilyas, thetwo of us walking briskly through the streets, the glow of the moon and the occasional light orb lighting our path. The streets were dead in this section of the city at this time of night. Other sectors, namely the Pleasure Sector, came alive with various nightlife activities, and I subconsciously started walking in that direction. Inevitably that is where Lex and his Vessels would congregate as Lex’s power recharged fastest there.
