Dark Energy by carlsojos

Chapter 24

We left Pana the next morning, and found our way to a peaceful village on the coast of a massive lake. It was significantly cooler here than in the desert, where a handheld thermometer reported 95 degrees an hour after sunrise. The town seemed to sprawl with canals running all over, but the biggest feature is a large building on the north end of town, a school.

I remember, Etirn said he grew up here...

Akkosua mops some sweat from her face. Well, if you want to look around a bit, you're more than welcome to.

Ray says, I think it's a good idea to stay here until a little before sunset. It's pretty warm out there right now. Just don't take too long. According to that innkeep last night, those caves might be pretty sprawling.

Okay, I'll be back in an hour, if you want to wait in the inn. I break off from the others, and after touring the town, I manage to get directions to the Bay house. An elderly lady answered the door.

Hello? How can I help you, young lady?

I was in the neighborhood, and I felt like finding the parents of a scholar named Etirn...

You know my son? The woman seemed shocked.

You could say I met him, yes. The woman led me into a sparsely decorated living room, and offered me some tea. I accepted, and sat on the couch.

It's been so long since I've been able to see him. I sometimes hear his voice when I listen to the radio at the school, but he always sounds so busy. I can never work up the courage to talk to him. How is he?

He's currently a Post-Graduate at the University, researching some mysterious technology things I don't understand. I got pulled in to help with one project.

The old woman sighed. I begin to notice the family resemblance. I remember how he used to wonder about everything and look at how everything is made. My husband always worried he would get himself into trouble by blindly tinkering like a Motavian. When he showed up with that horrific machine that one day, the other villagers were in such an uproar, I thought someone was going to be hurt.

Wow. What happened?

He was exiled by the Sheriff. For his own safety, he said to me. I don't know what happened after that. I've only heard him over the radio this past year or so. I guess he might've been working his way up in Piata.

I remember that there wasn't any sign of a machine on my way into town. Where's the machine now?

Some strange people showed up. They said they were part of Motavia University. They took it, and asked us not to talk about it to anyone. Since you're in the University, too, you know about it, right?

No. I'm actually a Biology student. I worked with him because he needed someone in my field to help with something in Zema.

I put down my cup, and get up. Well, okay. When you see him again, could you tell him I say 'Hi?'

Certainly, ma'am. I spend a few minutes in the armor shop, and finding nothing within my budget, stop at a small cemetary on the edge of town for an hour. I notice two graves seem to be the epicenter, but the lettering was long worn away by time. I meet up with Ray and Akkosua.

Anything interesting?

Nothing much. Let's get going.

We head north, and spend several hours trying to find our way through the caves leading into Tonoe.

Next chapter

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