Book 1 — Chapter 9

 

Day: Hyningo 

Date: 1 

Month: Nokaokarium 

Quarturn: 1618

Location: The city of Hylaton

 

Tane knocked on the semi-opened door to Jacinth Hylatee’s personal office, as he heard several voices emerging from it. 

 

“Come in, please,” Jacinth spoke in his firm yet smooth voice. 

 

He peeked his head around the door and spoke with an apologetic tone. 

 

“I’m sorry to interrupt.”

 

As Jacinth and the other two staff he was meeting with all stood and bowed lightly with acknowledgment, Jacinth responded in an encouraging tone. 

 

“No, indeed. Please come in. We will only be another moment or so.” 

 

Tane bowed in return and moved into the office, positioning himself to stand at the back wall, and leaned. Jacinth and the staff returned to their seats at Jacinth’s desk. 

 

He looked around the office and glanced, his eyes falling on nothing in particular; as much time as he had spent in Jacinth’s office, he was quite familiar with the surroundings. His thoughts moved from one brief observation to another, not really holding on to any one thing. But as he suddenly noticed the silence that surrounded him, his eyes moved back to the desk and he contemplated. 

 

He studied as Jacinth was reading a file carefully, a genuine smile of approval crossing his face. 

 

Tane couldn’t help but stare a moment, as Jacinth’s eyes moved across the paper in his hand. Jacinth’s eyes were a uniqueness he had never seen, not even in Watzeens. He had heard them described as “Heaven-colored.” He would have compared them to clouds — mostly white with flecks of various greys that, in the right light, exhibited a faint luminescence.

 

These eyes were one of the only features he shared with his mother. All his other features were, like most Lost Peoples, very close to his father’s. 

 

At 181 centimeters, Jacinth had a presence about him that demanded attention in any setting; he carried himself in a graceful manner, one that was accentuated by his long limbs and overall thin body. His elegance was further captured in his facial features; medium-beige skin, with cool undertones, highlighted by thin lips that matched his thin medium-sized nose. He had medium-length hair that had been prematurely greying, to the point it had almost become white. 

 

And to say it was premature was certainly not a stretch, as he and Jacinth shared their 36 quarturns in age. Though he surmised that to be the son of Cartmel, there would be physical ramifications of the associated stress. 

 

But before any further considerations could come forward regarding Jacinth, his attention was taken as he looked up from the paper with a large smile and spoke to the staff members. 

 

“This is extraordinarily well thought out. As I often lecture, ‘Do not have plans, have objectives.’ How you achieve those objectives should be fluid, because life is fluid and we must always adapt. Given that you have set fixed goals, within this general framework, you have my official endorsement: one that can be cited if my mother approaches … or better stated, reproaches you for such.”

 

He watched as the two staff members looked at one another and let out a breath of relief, as if to imply that was part of their collective fears. They all returned their attention back to Jacinth as he continued. 

 

“Further, I agree with you wholly. You hired these persons to achieve this objective, not to fill a space at a desk. If they have completed the tasks ahead of time, that is time they have earned for themselves to do with as they please. I refuse to foster a culture that punishes people for being smart and efficient. This, too, is something I sanction, and can be cited. Though I do not think it will be much of an issue.”

​

The staff again let out vocal breaths of happiness and relief as Jacinth continued. 

​

“I will be happy to reach out to my contacts in the Senate and …” 

​

He again smiled to himself, as Jacinth offered more support towards whatever project these individuals were working on. It was a promise he knew he could keep, as Jacinth was well-respected by many of those in government. Even if they disavowed him in public, all knew it was to save face with Cartmel. 

 

Jacinth had already proved himself to be a talented negotiator. Upon his emergence into the company, he had brokered and secured several policies with the country’s government that had improved access to education and basic needs. It was a battle that was hard fought. But Jacinth had illustrated how education and basic needs would increase wealth through what he coined the “access of opportunity.” And while Jacinth’s aim was sincerely altruistic, he vaunted the proposal to Cartmel as a way to increase buying power and prove a positive for the company’s bottom line. He was correct, and overall Hylatee flourished at the onset. However, Cartmel took umbrage to his influence, and viewed it as a marginalization of her power. She was able to coerce the government to implement a flat tax in all areas, which undid most of what Jacinth had built. It was something that stung Jacinth, as his goal was to strike the trifecta of economic mobility. And with the loss, some places in the country suffered the poverty of it. The poverty only increased as Cartmel chipped away at the basic needs, ultimately having food and housing safety nets removed. Esus and Melchior were perhaps the more glaring examples of such. But of the two, Melchior was by far the most depressed of all the major satellite cities, if not the world. It was such a strange matter to him, as Hylatee had endured profit losses from Cartmel’s actions. But then again, Cartmel’s goals weren’t monetary at this point. 

 

His thoughts were quickly brought to the moment, as Jacinth stood from his chair and the staff followed. 

 

“I am very happy you came forward with this. I am eager to see the results,” Jacinth concluded.

 

As the staff and Jacinth exchanged the obligatory “thank yous” and “goodbyes,” he pushed forward a customary smile and a brief bow upon their exit. 

 

Once the staff had left, he approached Jacinth and embraced him with a hearty hug. 

 

“Good to see you, Tane,” Jacinth spoke with sincere enthusiasm. They both took their respective seats at the desk as he asked. “Were you able to get any leisure or recreation over the holiday?” 

 

Tane shrugged his shoulders as he admitted. 

 

“I guess leisure was the primary goal. Recovery was the theme. How about yourself?”

 

Jacinth nodded knowingly as he responded.

 

“My focus was elsewhere. But it was … productive.”

 

Tane felt a faint sadness move over him with Jacinth’s words; for he knew they were words not indicative of distrust or suppression, but words of protection. He only shared with Tane as much as he felt he could without placing him in harm’s way. As Jacinth had said before — it was a shield of deniability. He truly desired to be an advocate, an ally to Jacinth. However, Jacinth kept him at arm’s length in such matters, and his only option was to be a confidante where he could. 

 

He offered another faint smile and asked. 

 

“I understand we’re still waiting for board members to arrive. It appears many were still out of town enjoying the holiday when the demand came in. Do you know why we were summoned?”

 

He watched as Jacinth’s face moved from one of pleasantness to disgust and anger as he shook his head and responded in a voice of foreboding. 

 

“I do. She has yet again added to her list of crimes. This time in the town of Udo.”

 

• • •

​

Tane opened the door to the main boardroom and inspected. He was surprised to see that only a handful of the 30-member board were present, though most looked to be already engrossed in work, as they typed away at inset computers at their assigned table workstations. 

 

He paused as he looked to his left and noticed the very large base cabinet for beverages and food had been well stocked with breads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats in anticipation of a long meeting. 

 

He sighed, as he supposed there was no reason not to get himself a plate. While he didn’t have much of a stomach for food, he thought it would give him something to chew on, besides the inside of his mouth, given what information he would be made aware of in his near future. 

 

Upon coming to the base cabinet, he retrieved a long rectangular plate from the stack and noticed the heat from it. It had recently been washed and brought up from the kitchen. He let out a voiceless chuckle; it seemed Cartmel really had summoned everyone, and even in the lowest echelons of the company, many people feared and obliged. 

 

It was a strange matter to him. Cartmel was, by far, the richest and most powerful person in the world, yet it didn’t sate her. Her wealth was not something she flaunted beyond the means of her station. She did have a holiday home that he was aware of, but she used it very little, as she lived at Hylatee Headquarters. 

 

He chuckled a little as he continued to make his plate and pour his drink; he recalled telling friends and family about Cartmel living there. They all took his words as an embellishment, a sort of metaphor for Cartmel’s work ethic. But it was a sincere truth that would shock them, as he explained. The 101st floor of the building was split into two distinct sections. The East and South towers’ top floors were for offices, boardrooms, and the like, while the North and West towers’ top three floors were designated as Cartmel’s private residence. This was something that came about after the murder of Jacinth’s father, Leyseono. It was seen as a matter of safety. Something he would have subscribed to if he wasn’t privy to her whole self. It seemed to be based on partial paranoia, and more so, her most sincere desire in all things she did — control. 

 

As he picked up his plate and beverage, he noted how even the tiniest details would be under the scrutiny of her control. The plate he held in his hand was an example of that. For the immense oval-shaped table that graced the boardroom was designed not only with pop-up monitors and under-desk keyboards, but featured two under-desk cubbyholds to the right and left of the chair. One for briefcases and bags. The other, designed for beverages and plates. This was the reason for the long rectangular shape of the plate; for it to fit into the under-desk cubbyhold. From an outside perspective, it seemed to be a well-considered design. However, the design was not for utilitarian reasons, but for control; Cartmel detested seeing food and beverages on the meeting table. Something she had made clear on more than one occasion by throwing said items off the desk and into the wall as a mechanism to vociferate her demands. 

 

He sat in his assigned seat and sank into the wonderfully comfortable chair. It was one thing he had to admit — the boardroom and furnishings were top tier. It was a sizeable room, beautifully colored in a light golden hue with accents of whites and greens, that elicited an airy and open feeling. From the hall, the entry opened via a set of double doors that were stylish and modern. To the right of the entrance, a door to a multi-stalled lavatory that featured all the comforts of a home water closet. While to the left sat the aforementioned base cabinet and its wares. The meeting table took up a good portion of the room, but not to the point it disturbed the flow. On the other side of the room, to the left, was a door that led directly to Cartmel’s private office. To the very back — his favorite feature of the room — floor-to-ceiling windows that not only let in natural light, but could be opened to allow air circulation. Though given the floor they were on, it wasn’t opened often. And even if it did have a waist-high glass “invisible” railing for safety, it wasn’t enough for him to stand near it and tempt fate. 

 

The room, of course, featured all that one would need to conduct a productive meeting. He only wished it didn’t come with Cartmel. 

​

His attention was taken away as one of the board members entered, speaking loudly into his phone. 

​

“No, no, no. You’re not understanding me, morphiandum has several unique groups of phenomena. One being that it has extra valence electrons that doesn’t affect the atomic weight. Further, it has, when processed correctly, what is dubbed as a ‘half-electron’ … eh … no, I don’t have visuals I can share with you.” 

 

As the board member paused, Tane felt a slight smirk come to him. He could imagine, given all that had taken place today, and the information getting out, that government and news sources were already attempting to get a jump on information to share. 

 

He felt the smirk increase as the board member sighed and continued. 

 

“No. Not … that’s not how it works. Okay, follow me here. You understand that electrons are stable. Okay. So you also understand when it’s processed, due to the valence creating what we call a ‘half-electron,’ it causes it to react and in turn move very fast, creating energy … and that process, in lay terms, gives it the ability to self-charge … which in turn is the basis for all batteries in the world … you don’t … I’m sorry, you’re the science editor? No? Okay yes, I understand it’s a holiday and most everyone is out of the office. And there is no one else you can talk to? Again, yes, holiday. Okay, let me start from the beginning …”

 

Tane took a piece of fruit and popped it in his mouth to subdue a chuckle. The board member walked back out the door, as if he needed to pace the hallway in order to field the questions. 

 

Though he felt for the man; understanding how morphiandum worked was difficult, even with a basic understanding in the sciences. He only knew a handful of aspects himself.

 

Its ability to produce energy, as it was once explained to him, was in part from the valence that would react well with quite a bit. But it was the “half-electron,” moving in haste to find its “other half,” that really upped the power potential; only losing energy if more was discharged beyond its charge rate. Because of that, it was, as the member had said, the basis for nearly all unfixed batteries in the world. It was, for lack of a better phrase, how the world moved. For few other heavy fuels were available to power machines. Of course, there were other methods of energy production in the forms of lightning towers, wind, hydro, and solar. But in the context of mobile units, morphiandum batteries were the pinnacle. A battery that could produce energy for lifetimes when under the proper conditions. Though even under the most strenuous conditions of energy demand, a morphiandum battery would last for solar years.

 

Though its battery potential was by far the most in demand application, morphiandum’s potential function didn’t end there. It was unique in that it could be transformed into countless products through selective processing. Further, enaid seemed to be especially fond of charming to anything made with it. However, with its thousands upon thousands of applications, it did have one serious flaw; mining it was intensely difficult. 

 

Morphiandum was a strange mineral; it had formed eons ago in what he could only describe as root-shaped patterns. Long pseudo-cylindrical seams of the mineral would stretch for kilometers, forming what looked akin to tree roots. Those seams, though, had a unique feature — the mineral itself was encased inside a thin tubular layer of a compound-mineral: a shell. This shell was the cause for morphiandum’s mining issues. The shell was not only volatile, but was toxic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic. Because of these factors, extraction had to be done through open-pit mining.

 

And this is what brought him to the office that day. Hylatee, for a time, had been wringing its hands in anticipation, trying to convince the small town of Udo to sell itself, as they had struck a significant seam of morphiandum. The townspeople were cognizant of the implications of the sale — it would displace everyone, as the town wouldn’t survive the mining method. He understood they were making progress after nearly a quarturn of negotiations. But apparently, “progress” wasn’t satisfactory, and Cartmel took matters into her own hands. 

 

He thought about what Jacinth had told him as they spoke. All the deaths at the hands of HEAGEN. The story that was currently being used to fabricate the tragedy — a landslide from poor mining practices to retrieve the morphiandum took out the entire town, with the HEAGEN being called in to try to mitigate the disaster. And the buyers were waiting in the wings to snatch up what once was Udo. 

 

He reached to his plate and pulled from it an herb. He was sincerely becoming sick to his stomach, and needed the menthol and menthone from the plant to tap down the bile that was rising in his throat. 

 

He looked across the table at the empty seat where the head of the archaeology part of Hylatee once sat. Archaeology was under the umbrella of “resource acquisition.” It was a department that focused on finding pre-Bottleneck technology in an attempt to reverse-engineer those technologies. 

 

The position, and the seat, had been empty for a couple of months now, as the man who had inhabited it had disappeared by his own hand. It had been too much for him to bear, and he ran and hid. 

 

He stared at the seat for several moments and wished he could do the same. 

 

• • •

​

Tane turned his head as the double doors that led to the hall opened, receiving one of the last of the members to arrive, Eugen. 

 

He had to admit; he wasn’t familiar with most on the board — to the point of not even recalling their names. However, there were some that due to their position, and the effects they had on Hylatee’s daily operations, knowing them was by default. Eugen was one of them. 

 

Eugen was an oddity to him. Being the head of HEAGEN, and knowing what HEAGEN was about, he would have ascribed a calloused, cruel, and even bloodthirsty disposition to her. However, she didn’t exactly fit that mold. Being Corachal, she had age on her side, and had been head of HEAGEN since their inception. Her engagement in HEAGEN operations, in his opinion, could never be deemed ethical; she was well aware of the problems HEAGEN had exhibited the world over, and failed to mitigate any of them. Yet, she also showed sincere care for them. Not unlike the military leaders of old, who were cited to care for their forces, Eugen fought and argued vigorously for what she believed was best for her “troops.”

 

Though to argue anything with Cartmel was a fool’s errand. Not that it didn’t stop Eugen from trying. Most especially in the past solar year, as Cartmel had ordered an increase in the drug potency of HEAGENs’ chips, which Eugen wholly opposed. 

 

It was known that the neural implants, or chip readers, had genuine functions; they did record biological performance and other data to improve aspects of physical health. However, they had other features that were secretive, illegal, and sinister. The chips themselves were a delivery system for what was supposed to be supplemental vitamins. However, unbeknownst to most, what was actually being delivered was a concoction of drugs that would influence both temper and constancy. All HEAGENs received doses of what were considered elevating stimulants, ones that elated the senses and provided a stable high while the chip was fresh and inserted. H-1s were even further drugged. With their significant augmentations, Cartmel exercised caution, as those chips came with added drugs that chemically aided their enhancement of loyalty to Cartmel and Hylatee’s agenda. 

 

Cartmel had slowly been increasing the dosage that the chips delivered, which was creating dependencies and HEAGENs were now “chasing highs.” The chips had broken a threshold, and now a HEAGEN would begin to lose the “high” near the end of the chip’s service life. Something that was illustrated in how far too many HEAGENs — H-3s in particular — were now abusing illicit substances. 

 

Though nothing could compare to the true evil that hid within the implant. 

 

His thoughts were taken away, as suddenly he heard a quick thumping that was resonating through the table. He looked around, as it seemed many of those present were also noticing it. Though the origin quickly became known, as Jacinth spoke in a voice of calm reassurance from his seat at the foot of the table. 

 

“Eugen. All will be well.” 

 

He turned his attention to Eugen; it seemed she, in her focused nervousness, was bouncing her knee and it was unwittingly striking the table. She took a deep, visible breath that ceased the bouncing and nodded, acknowledging Jacinth’s words. 

 

But no other words were shared, as all attention was taken by the side door opening, and Cartmel entering. 

​

He, along with everyone sans Jacinth, adjusted in their seats and sat straight to attention, all keeping their eyes on Cartmel.

 

She walked with purpose, as she placed her case in her cubbyhold, a folder to the desk, and moved toward the base cabinet to prepare herself her normal tea. 

​

As she did, everyone studied her every movement and facial expression. Trying to gauge her mood through her actions and mannerisms. Preparing mentally for perhaps the best or the worst of what Cartmel would bring to the meeting.

 

While he couldn’t perceive any particular mood, his mind wandered to the thoughts of how anyone could be so beautiful, yet be so evil. 

 

To behold Cartmel was to behold a dazzling image that had no equal. From what he knew, her heritage was near impossible to pinpoint. It was widely known within the upper echelons of the company that Hylatee’s foray into genetic research didn’t begin with Cartmel, but with her parents. Her father Zuri, the founder of Hylatee, was divorced when he met Cartmel’s mother Sera. Their union was one of pure romantic tales. But in all tales, reality had its part to play. In such, conceiving a child was nearly impossible for Zuri and Sera. Even modern medical methods were not working. From there, it seems, Sera, who was a highly educated woman in a variety of fields, found a solution on her own terms via the new branch of Hylatee’s business: genetic engineering. Several solar years in, Cartmel had been conceived through methods that even she had not discovered. 

 

It was clear that Cartmel was indeed a physical mix of Zuri and Sera; and she wore those features beautifully. But there was a singular uniqueness to Cartmel that rendered her beyond a typical splendor. 

 

Sera was a full-blooded Hume, and Zuri was Attata, Watzeen, and a minor percentage of Corachal. However, Cartmel embodied traits not seen in any other mixed heritage. Her skin was a hue of blue, quite difficult for any to describe. It was a blue that was not as deep as the atmosphere. Nor was it a bright hue in the iridescent ways you would see in Watzeen skin. There was an undertone of grey, like in Corachals, but it was subtle enough that it only enhanced her coloring. It was a blue that he recalled once in his adventures in the world's north, where the sun would kiss the edge of the ice caves. 

 

Her immaculate skin tone was only enhanced by her natural midnight-blue hair. Her hair, thick and short to mid-neck, featured chunky waves that she wore in a tousled texture. It was highlighted by her bangs, side-swept to blend perfectly into the whole of the fashion. Her eyebrows, matching her hair color, were well-manicured and framed her large eyes perfectly. 

 

The whole of Cartmel’s appearance was impeccable. From her cosmeticed soft pink lips, cheeks, and the blue and pink shadowed eyes, to her always black clothing with matching pink precious stones and morphiandum jewelry, she was the picture of brilliance. 

​

Though she was also the picture of how a soul could render even the most beautiful, ugly. 

 

He glanced down at his desk, opened his pop-up monitor, and pulled the keyboard out to log in. He let out a soft breath of consternation; the schedule for the meeting was already up, and the leading topic was Udo. 

 

“Where is Brisocas?” Cartmel asked, breaking the silence that was in the room as she sat down at the head of the table. 

 

He looked to Jacinth, who offered in a numb tone. 

​

“Uncle was not answering his phone and seemed to be ignoring all messages.” 

 

He returned his attention to Cartmel, as everyone was keenly aware she thought little of her half-brother. She rolled her eyes at Jacinth’s comment. 

 

“He’s probably in a drunken stupor. For the best, don’t need that moron screwing anything else any more than it already is,” Cartmel dwelled before continuing. “I see we still have a member missing. Must continue to look into that later. And it seems Ingram isn’t here either. Anyone know the reason?”

 

“Ingram gave birth to her child this morning. Hence her absence.” Jacinth offered. 

 

Cartmel let out a visible huff and looked unimpressed as she spoke. 

 

“She had the baby this morning? Well, if she already had the baby, she should be here.”

 

Jacinth let out a visible breath of his own and pushed his tongue into the side of his mouth, illustrating his mounting frustration. But his voice remained calm as he spoke. 

 

“Well, I disagree, mother. When she phoned earlier, saying she would be attending the meeting, I took the liberty of excusing her. I feel it is vitally important for a mother to bond with a newborn as quickly as possible.”

 

Cartmel rolled her eyes and shook her head as her face moved into one of aversion as she replied with sarcasm. 

 

“Yes, yes, Jacinth. We all know you’re a man who is so deeply sensitive to all such matters. But in the future, do not take the liberty to do anything. She obviously had the sense to come in until you spoke with her. I will not hold it against her.”

 

“She really should be with the baby, at least on the first day,” Jacinth argued. 

 

“Oh please, Jacinth, the minute I had you I was showered and back to work. Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter; I’m not going to start this meeting quarreling with you about the arguable importance of skin-to-skin connection upon birth. Understood?” Cartmel demanded with a raise in her voice. 

 

He glanced at Jacinth, who raised his eyebrows and tilted his head back and forth quickly in what was easily observed as a minor victory. It was one that Cartmel herself knew, as her eyes narrowed in frustration towards Jacinth. 

 

But as Cartmel pulled herself back to the moment, she addressed everyone with a commanding tone. 

 

“The first item on the agenda is Udo.” 

 

Cartmel paused as she looked at Jacinth and remarked. 

 

“I trust you got everything you had to say about Udo out during your conniption fit earlier?” 

 

He looked at Jacinth, who didn’t raise his head to acknowledge Cartmel’s comment. Jacinth simply kept his eyes on his wrist computer and spoke.

​

“I believe a solar year would not render enough time to accommodate all the things I would like to say to you.” 

​

Tane quickly grabbed his beverage and brought it to his mouth in an effort to cover the smile that rose to his face with Jacinth’s response. It was a cut that was recognized by several members, as vocal breaths were heard and actions of diversion were in play to keep themselves from laughing. 

 

As he returned his beverage to the cubbyhold, he had maintained his own thoughts and looked to Cartmel, who was scowling at Jacinth, only to respond with a “Quite.” 

 

“Now I understand some things didn’t go as planned, and this meeting is to get everyone on the same page so there are no continuity issues we can be questioned about,” Cartmel spoke firmly before she asked. “Now, what pressing issues are we looking at?” 

 

He turned his attention to one of the members, named Cestuo, who was head of the geology department of the company, as he spoke with timidity. 

 

“As you know, Cartmel, the report given by the HEAGENs on site was that the western and southern slopes were the ones involved in the landslide, effectively burying the town. However, the geologists up in Seibiant are questioning the claim, as they have seismometers spread over many of those mountains, and none of them detected any indication of a landslide.”

 

Cartmel groaned in irritation and spoke forcefully. 

 

“Do I have to think of everything myself? You’re pressing my patience. You send an analysis team that will find fault with their instruments. Or talk to the geologists on staff, with discretion. I’m sure they can provide a phenomenon to help wave-away their concerns.”

 

“Not everyone is as talented at lying as you are,” Jacinth commented with a scornful tone. 

 

“Spare me your indignation. Lying is a trait. If you have a brain, you lie. You, my dear Jacinth, lie. Don’t dismiss a lie as something unuseful,” Cartmel responded with an inflection of vindication, as if she were implying that she was well aware of Jacinth’s own deceits. 

 

He glanced at Jacinth, who appeared to find this topic would best be left alone, as he returned his eyes to the monitor before him. 

 

His attention returned to Cartmel, who brought her interest back to Cestuo and raised her eyebrows in waiting. Cestuo nodded and responded in a soft tone, “It will be done.” 

 

Cartmel lifted her eyes to the ceiling, as if she were losing her patience again, and took a deep visible breath, one that lifted her shoulders towards her ears and down as she continued. 

 

“Eugen. I’m waiting.” 

 

Eugen quickly typed on the keyboard as she shifted in her seat, as if preparing herself. 

 

“In the most recent update, roads have been blocked well away from Udo. The unit was able to put in place the anti-observation netting from ridge to ridge, which I may add was a difficult endeavor. This will keep any ships flying over from seeing the town still remains. Though that won’t be for long, as heavy machinery has already arrived on site. They are starting from the top, performing search and seizure, and will most likely begin demolition within the hour.”

 

“What else?” Cartmel asked with a slow and light hiss, implying her anger, as if she was already acquainted with knowledge that drove her temper. 

 

He looked to Eugen, who glanced down at her keyboard nervously, but raised her chin and spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. 

 

“We received confirmed reports that a HEAGEN lookout, who was further from the town, spotted a couple dozen or so people … they managed to escape via what appeared to be a storm sewer. But by the time the lookout had reported in and backup arrived, the people had already disappeared into the wooded areas. Naturally, they are still looking for them. But there is little hope they will be found. Further, we know it was confirmed, as Idemere has already been distributing video and images all over the bulletin board services. It appears someone from their organization was there ... and was one of those who got out.” 

 

Everyone watched as Cartmel shook her head and closed her eyes, trying to keep her composure. She was most certainly angry, and when she was angry, someone was going to pay.

 

As Cartmel turned and stood from her chair, she walked over to the window and studied in silence for several moments before she spoke in a controlled tone. 

 

“Before it slips my mind, I want our government liaisons to prepare a trip to Galu. We need to use this narrative to our advantage and begin dismantling these mining communities. I want it emphasized: this never would have happened if the mining was done by professionals.” 

 

But before any response could be made, Cartmel continued by asking. 

 

“Which unit is in Udo, Eugen?”

 

“H-3s. Unit-Ander.” Eugen responded with a questioning look on her face. 

 

Cartmel turned and walked slowly toward Eugen as she again asked. 

​

“And where is Unit-Valhia?” 

​

Tane felt the knot quickly form in his throat as he looked at Jacinth, as the question had also garnered his rapt attention. Unit-Valhia wasn’t just a unit of H-1s — they were the premiere unit. Known for not only their prowess, but their cult-like loyalty to Cartmel. 

 

He returned his attention to Cartmel, as she had reached her chair and picked up the folder she had brought in with her. Cartmel spoke as she pulled what looked to be a photo from the folder. 

 

“Before you answer, I want you to know two things. First, I know where they are. Second, I wanted to share something with you before I give my order.” 

 

Cartmel slid the photo over toward Eugen as her voice took a malicious turn. 

 

“WARS have informed me your husband and two delightful daughters have moved to K’Sara, providing pictures for me to admire. Connecting with their mother’s heritage, are they?”

 

“That is enough,” Jacinth spoke in a pitch of anger. 

 

Cartmel didn’t acknowledge Jacinth and continued speaking directly to Eugen, her voice increasing its baleful emphasis. 

 

“Of course, being only part Corachal, they may not be so adapted to your water culture. Accidents happen so often, especially when they are so young and inexperienced.”

 

“That is enough!” Jacinth yelled, his anger palpable towards the threats that were being laid before Eugen. 

 

Cartmel, again, didn’t acknowledge Jacinth’s words. She only tilted her head to the side, keeping her eyes firmly on Eugen, and asked. 

 

“Is that enough, Eugen?” 

 

Eugen visibly swallowed and nodded as she responded. 

 

“That is enough. What orders do you have for Unit-Valhia?” 

 

As Cartmel walked back towards the window, her voice raised, emphasizing her words. 

 

“You have the list of every member present in Udo. You are to gather their implant codes. Send Unit-Valhia to Udo. I want Unit-Ander pinged.” 

 

Tane felt his eyes widen with disbelief as he looked to Jacinth, whose own eyes widened. Jacinth shook his head and spoke with a hint of panic in his voice. 

 

“You can’t do that. It will kill them all.” 

 

“I’m well aware of what will happen, Jacinth,” Cartmel’s voice rose in anger. “This is not their first monumental mistake. And I will not … I repeat … I will not tolerate any further errors like this. Ever. No further discussions.” 

 

However, Jacinth was not finished, as he and Cartmel began to argue vigorously between themselves. Tane felt like he was going to be sick again. Not only had she ordered the killing of an entire town, now she was ordering the death of nearly 200 HEAGEN. His mind moved to the evil hidden within the implant he had begun contemplating earlier. A component that, upon receiving a wireless code — or ping — would send a series of shocks almost directly into the medulla oblongata, damaging it, and spurring multiple organ failures, resulting in the death of the HEAGEN within the day. It was born out of Cartmel’s fear of something stronger than her. With over 600,000 HEAGEN worldwide. All with enhancements and abilities that rendered them more capable than the average person. It was a matter of control. A failsafe that would make certain that nothing was above Cartmel or her power. 

 

His thoughts were interrupted by Cartmel screaming at Jacinth.

 

“NO MORE DISCUSSION!”

 

Jacinth huffed and sat back in his seat with anger firmly on his brow, while Cartmel tried to compose herself and took a sip of her beverage. When she was done, she took a deep breath and spoke resolutely. 

 

“I will not tolerate any failure in matters such as these. We have enough problems as it is holding control over the people. Apathy is a dying disease in this world. More and more people are starting to question things at this company. Furthermore, we don’t need to add more fuel to the fire. Most especially to those at Idemere. The way they are constantly running around putting out illegal media on us, telling their truths. And if you haven’t noticed, it is damaging to me … I mean, to the company. I want the following implemented. First off, I want Unit-Valhia in Udo by the evening. They are to send out the signal as soon as they have secured the area. They will need to scramble all communications out of the town. I don’t want anyone to be able to call out from the area to report the ‘illnesses’ that will be occurring. Once they are dead, I want a controlled natural gas demolition to occur that will imply a secondary landslide. This will be the reason given for the HEAGENs’ subsequent deaths. Further, I want the media team to begin their false narrative campaign against anything put out by Idemere. And finally, you will all be receiving a briefing on how questions will be answered by any employees who may hear about what happened. I am not going to let this get out of control, and neither will any of you. Is that understood?”

 

• • •

​

Tane picked the last of the herb from his plate and chewed it slowly. His stomach, at this point, was quite upset, and was pushing well into his esophagus. The meeting had continued on for another hour, as had the arguments, the horror — and most importantly for Cartmel, the acquiescence by all board members. He again looked to the empty seat of the man who had run and wondered what he had done to secure his loved ones’ safety. 

 

“Tane,” Cartmel said. 

 

He turned his attention to her as he spoke around the herb. 

 

“Yes, Cartmel.”

 

“The last item on the agenda will concern you,” Cartmel stated in an unbothered tone. 

 

As he turned his attention to his monitor, Cartmel continued. 

 

“Since we are currently missing the member that would take care of this, something was directed to me, but I believe you can handle it. As you can see from the remarks, we have made an arrangement with some Adenan Okens. We are trading their mining for some hydroelectric parts, as it appears they want to create a permanent settlement there.” 

 

As he looked over the brief, he found his attention drawn to several items. The first being the location, as he stated. 

 

“This says the island borders the Shattered Continent; this is plainly in its boundaries.”

 

Cartmel gave him a curious look as she spoke. 

 

“Yes. And who’s going to stop us? However, you bring up the point I wanted to make. This must remain classified, as I don’t need the World Council all over my ass concerning this.” 

 

He nodded as he read a few more lines and asked. 

 

“The Okens stopped working over an artifact?” 

 

Cartmel rolled her eyes, as it seemed she was irritated by what was transpiring on the island. 

 

“Apparently, when they came across this artifact, or whatever it is, the Adenan Okens had a collective meltdown and refused to work until it’s removed. Even so, much as to guard the area from anyone ‘improper’ removing it. Freaks.” 

 

He let out a breath, as Cartmel really couldn’t go more than a couple of minutes without heaping ire on someone. Though he offered his sincere assessment. 

 

“I can look into what practices they have that will allow the removal to their liking. My schedule is tight, but I can try to get it done in the next several weeks.”

 

“That will suffice. We’re at a stopping point anyway, as we need to bring in heavier machinery quietly and that will take some time,” Cartmel stated. She paused briefly as she looked at Jacinth and continued. “And Tane, while I want you to deal with this directly, I think you should take Jacinth with you. First, so he can get an unmediated account of the headaches I go through dealing with the peoples of the world. And second, to get him out of my hair for a time.”

 

He looked at Jacinth, who didn’t acknowledge her comment. He simply stared at the monitor in front of him with the continued anger on his brow. 

 

“Yes, that would be fine,” he responded. 

 

Cartmel smiled lightly, but did not take her eyes off of Jacinth, as she responded with a soft “good.”

 

As Cartmel began to speak to everyone about wrapping the meeting up, he felt a little relief touch his senses. He was not only looking forward to going back into the field, but also getting Jacinth and himself away from Hylatee and all of its pains, if only for a short while.​​​