Dark Energy by carlsojos

Chapter 10

It felt nice to have a breath of fresh air after fighting in the old basement of the University, and as much as I longed for a chance to read a novel in the shade of the city wall looking out over the boundless dunes, I knew that I'd be found within minutes. I see Etirn start talking into his headpiece as we turned onto a side street.

Outerbeast 1 contacting all University radios. I am reminding you that inter-department communications are to be held over the intercom system, or through couriers if you aren't contacting off-campus resources.... Then you should be using couriers.... No, Sophmore Ashley is not on campus right now, happy? Further abuse of the radio network will result in disciplinary action. I should know. Over. Etirn sees my questioning look. Some students were using the wireless radios to talk around inside the building. I don't know why, but they said your name. They should know better than use those radios, since it broadcasts across the entire planet.

How did you hear them talking?

I have a special radio built into my equipment. I can't go any further because the project behind it is still classified. We reach Mack's Bar, built in what used to be an inn. Now, the dorms are open to anyone, provided that they can handle several hours worth of paperwork. The inside is darkened, with the windows blacked out, and several colored light bulbs provide an ambiance that the bartender can adjust depending on his desired mood. Right now, they are all on, to provide neutral lighting. As we step further in, the barkeep puts down a glass he was washing to greet us.

Long time no see, Etirn! Still pissing off the professors?

You know it! Etirn seems tickled at the prospect of disrespecting staff.

So, who's this fine lady you're with?

I'm Marika, sir.

A look of pure shock appears on the barkeep's face. You gotta be shittin' me! That Akkosua's been working her ass off all year to drag you in, and you come on your own accord! First drink's on the house.

Etirn taps a meseta coin on the bar before putting it in a pocket. Just water, Mack. We both gotta talk to the principal in a bit.

The barkeep shakes his head. Alright, your call. He fills two glasses with water and we walk to a table in the back of the bar. As I take a sip from my water, Etirn decides to talk.

Who's Akkosua?

Another Biology major I know. Somehow, she's currently a Senior. For some reason, she holds a vendetta against my preference of studying over drinking. She's supposedly trying to get all the professors to keep me outta class for some free time to get me here today.

But now, you're being sent out into the field this evening, so you're gonna be unavailable anyway, huh?

I couldn't help but chuckle. I can't even imagine what she's gonna think when she finds out.

At that point, I notice Akkosua walking in. I take care so she won't notice me watching. Barkeep, I need a damn drink! I can't find that fucking-

The barkeep interrupts, She's already here.

What?! Akkosua looks in my direction, then slides behind the bar. It takes all my self-control to not laugh at her foolish behavior. The barkeep isn't as amused.

What the fuck are you doing?!

Shut up, this is about getting Marika out of her cocoon, and making her a social butterfly!

Damn it, if you touch any of those bottles, I swear I'll beat you somethin' fierce! I notice Akkosua peer over the bar, and look back to notice Etirn was equally entertained.

Wow. That's just...wow.

You see, she swore to me that she was gonna get me a boyfriend and get me drunk tonight. I see something click in Etirn's head.

So that's why you brought me along? I knew Akkosua wouldn't interfere if she thought I was doing the stuff myself.

When an opportunity arises to avoid an uncomfortable situation, I have no qualms of taking it. Since I don't know how long Akkosua will watch before the barkeep kicks her out, I decide to get into small talk. Why don't you tell me about yourself?

Etirn leans back into his chair. I'm born and raised in Krup. At Saya Memorial School, I was the best of the brats in my class. It's amazing how quick that changed.

What happened?

With a smile on his face, One day, when I was still a lil' kid, I snuck outta town. I went south onto a peninsula, and stumbled across a mysterious facility.

A mysterious facility?

I didn't know it at the time, but it was Pre-Collapse. The University still hasn't performed an excavation there, according to the records, but there it was, right before my eyes. I approached the door. It suddenly opened before I could touch it. Scared the snot out of me. However, my curiosity led me inside.

What was in there?

A bunch of machines. I think they were vehicles, but they definitely weren't simple mule carts. In the center of the observation deck I was on, there was a little glowing screen. A computer.

What is a computer, anyway? Etirn pulled off the box on his back and placed it on the table, unfolding it. It suddenly lit up, and showed a bunch of strange symbols and pictures, along with some text that looked like the conversation we were having. Etirn continued, This is a computer, and the lecture earlier was about them. Basically, these are devices that can perform math so fast that they can be used for many things.

Okay... I didn't really understand.

Don't worry, our knowledge is still at the stage where only specialists really understand them. Anyway, I mozied on up to the terminal and started playing with it. Eventually, it said Please insert key. Without a key to use, I went home, but a few days later, I came back with some tools I borrowed from the local armorer. After trying to put pieces of scrap metal into the keyhole, I pried it out of the terminal. There were 2 wires attached, and when I touched them together, the terminal unlocked.

How long did it take to do this?

At least a week. I remember the armorer was getting impatient about his tools. But I didn't care since I had this awesome toy to play with. I selected this vehicle with huge spikes on the front, and managed to get the thing to drive out to where I could use it. I picked up the tools and got in... Etirn paused to build the suspense.

What did you do with that thing?

You gotta remember I was still just a kid. I drove it to town for Show-and-Tell. The other kids were amazed. The teacher fainted. The other townsmen were pissed, because I tried to drive it over a footbridge to get to school. It didn't exactly work out.

I found myself laughing. ...Oops!

Ha ha, no shit! After that, my parents HAD to ship me off to the university, to avoid getting kicked out of town. I wasn't quite old enough, so I spent a few years to explore the world before I showed up for my first class. While Etirn was talking, a courier walked into the bar and made his way to the counter.

Ahem. I'm looking for Post-Graduate Bay, Senior Ackland, and Sophmore Ashley.

The barkeep says, Over at that table's Etirn and Marika. Akkosua's being an idiot behind the bar.

Akkosua leaps up at the insult. Excuse me?!

You three are to report to the Principal's office as soon as possible. There is a meeting in progress about a field deployment. The courier walks out without even batting an eye.

What field deployment? Akkosua starts into a bad mood; the biggest reason why I limit how much I socialize with her.

I walk up to her, You'll see shortly, although I am amazed you were chosen, too. Akkosua spins to me, a look of what I interpret as bloodlust in her eyes.

You! You're the one behind this?!

No, I was chosen, too. I just found out what it is earlier. Let's get going. I could feel her eyes burning holes in the back of my head the rest of the time, but the three of us head back towards campus.

Next chapter

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