Page 86 of Black Mamba

Lunteer shoots his officer a stern expression. “These are rumors. Don’t believe every broadcast you hear.” His stance shifts as he addresses everyone. “The Central Encampment is under new leadership.”

“What about Commander Graft?”

“Commander Graft is dead.” There’s a momentary silence. “What happened at the other camp will not happen here. We have order, duty, and purpose! Not only have my men and women concluded their original mission, we understand how important it is to continue fighting against the Ketts, despite the unimaginable loss of our beloved Dreadnaut.

We understand accepting refugees and providing aid is among our greatest missions in the battles ahead. Because of that, we continue to welcome you here as we await help.” He scans the people directly before him. “And today, life will be easier and filled with more hope. That, I can give you. Today, our ancestor’s powercell will have been restored to its original glory—today, we reclaim some of the glory we lost!”

The machine pulsates again and a breeze rushes past me. My hair flutters as I hear gasps.

A subtle buzzing fills my ears.

The commander faces the machine as electricity strikes out from it. “Shortly, our gift will be operational! Brace yourself against its power.”

It pulsates again, and this time I’m forced to take a step back.

“What’s going on?” someone asks.

“Is this normal?”

“Should we be so close?”

The people around me shield their faces with their hands.

Along with several others, I turn for the gate. The commander continues to speak as increasingly stronger gusts collide into my back. I hear someone yell, see someone stumble.

“Everyone, remain calm!” Commander Lunteer shouts.

The wind throws me to the ground, and I barely manage to catch myself with my arms. The buzzing in my ears grows with the shouts as I glance behind me. Blue light shoots into the sky, causing an eruption of tendrils to explode at the top of the machine. As I rise to my feet, I have to shield my eyes from its brightness.

I need to get out of here.

I dash forward to join the rising chaos at the gates. Being pushed into each other by the wind, I topple over the first person when someone grabs my arm and hauls me up.

“Elena.” Greg helps me to my feet. “Don’t get yourself hurt now.” He offers me his hand again after I shake myself off and I take it. He drags me after him and into the people pushing through the gates. Soldiers yell to stop but their shouts are drowned out. As Greg leads me through, I see the blue beam ascend from the machine.

I frown as it shimmers and releases something into the air.

When we’re outside, I let go of Greg’s hand when I spot Lukys within the fields. Oh no. His eyes are wide open, but his face is taut as he gazes between the beam and the scrambling people.

“Everyone remain calm!” Commander Lunteer’s voice fades into the distance behind me. “Close the gates and stop them!”

I run for Lukys when Greg calls out, “Elena, wait!”

I hesitate and face Greg. He jogs to me as I glance at Lukys over my shoulder. I watch as his gaze moves in my direction. When our eyes meet, anger and relief floods his expression. He rushes my way.

“Where are you going?” Greg asks. “Are you staying here?”

“No, are you?” I frown, looking back at him while wondering what will happen when Lukys gets here. “That— that powercell might blow⁠—”

Just as Lukys reaches us, a spaceship takes off. It lifts slowly, making my ears roar. I clutch my head as it flies higher, assailed by wind and noise.

Lukys pulls me to his chest and shields me.

I grip him and watch with awe as a massive electrical ball rises up the beam from the center of the encampment.

It rises higher and higher. Then lightning explodes out from it and floods the sky. It grows until it creates a blueish veil that spreads. Soon, I lose sight of it in the distance.

I blink as little, sparkling dust particles flutter down upon me.