Dark Energy by carlsojos

Chapter 32

Ray leads the way into the Guildhouse in Kadary. I am amazed at the sights inside. It's mostly a crowd of men, but I do spot a few tough-looking ladies talking in the corner. They all seem to be wearing various mutations of the uniform Ray has. The one constant, it seems, is that their clothing is red, or used to be when it was new. Ray turns to me. Welcome to the Kadary Hunter's Guild. It's a bit of a rough crowd, but it's perfectly okay to punch back, here. I don't think he's joking this time.

Regardless, I'm amazed at how different this is from the relatively prim Piata. I don't think I've ever seen any place like this, before. I notice a green glint in the crowd...A headset I've seen before....

What did I miss?

Etirn! You're okay? Etirn didn't have any bandaging I could see. There were a couple cuts still healing, but nothing major I could find.

I looked worse than I was, according to the good doctor. I won't let a minor beating keep me in bed.

Ray turns to him. I just want to thank you for all you've done for me.

Hey, your ass is still on the chopping block, so save it for later. Where do we go?

This way. Ray lead us to a receptionist's counter in the back.

A young, attractive woman looks up from some radio equipment. Hello, are you looking for an escort somewhere, or are you offering a job for our skilled hunters?

I lean against the counter, trying to look more confident than I was. Actually, we're here for our licenses and some work.

The lady sizes Etirn and me up. She shakes her head. You two? Blades, you know there's a price being put on your head, so instead of finding questionable work or hiding under a rock like most people, you bypass a couple of sissies around our quality control?

Trust me, they fight better than anything I've seen.

Etirn puts a big pile of coins on the counter. Before I forget, could you ask to delay that death warrant a little? This is Ray's down payment.

The receptionist shrugs. I can try, but no promises. I'll get this sent over to his loan shark. She pulls out some forms. Now, to finish processing you two, I need a little info. What's your most recent profession, and how long since you quit that position?

I'm currently a Biology student, Sophmore level.

I'm a Technology Department Post Graduate, Piata Campus.

Sign here. We each sign our form, then Ray signs both, before we pass them back.

The receptionist gives Ray one more glare. Light, I swear, if these two wind up dead, I'll personally make sure you suffer, Blades. You damn well better be right.

Stop doubting, already! The woman went into the backroom, and came out holding two ID cards. She gives them to us. I look at my license. It feels weird to see my name associated with the Hunter's Guild.

For your first job, could I interest you in convoy duty?

Etirn leans against the wall. Actually, could you tell us about that big job I heard about on the radio?

You're just a couple rookies and a suspended hunter. I don't think you should try that job yet.

How's this, you tell me what it's about, and I decide if we can handle it?

Oh, Light... Okay. Monsen is besieged by a feral Sandworm! Please help! That's the request. If you accept, I suggest you use cyanide instead, but the reward is five grand. Please say no.

We accept.

The woman almost looks ready to punch out Ray. I surely hope you fucks know what you are doing. Report to the innkeeper in Monsen.

Once we were outside, Ray pulled out a map. He looked concerned. How are we gonna get to Monsen and back in a day and a half? It's way east of Krup!

Etirn smiles. That's where one of my toys comes into play. Don't you think it's odd that I beat you guys here?

I shake my head. You probably took a sand raft...

They all stay on the Kadary side. It would take all day to organize a ride over the radio.

Then, how did you get here so fast? I'm a bit too tired to play games right now.

Etirn silently leads us outside the city gates. He pulls out a small object... it's made of that strange material I keep seeing... and he pushes a button. Suddenly, something in the distance roars to life. I glance at Etirn. He's still smiling. What in the world? Something's coming! Ray's pointing at the dust cloud heading our way. Something slides to a stop in front of us. As the dust settles, it turns out to be a large machine. It has tracks instead of wheels, and it looks big enough to hold a couple dozen people. What the hell is this? Ray gently prods the machine with a small dagger.

I call it 'Better than Walking,' but the University archives say it's called a Land Rover. I just know it goes really fast, and quicksand doesn't stop it. Etirn presses another button, and a large door in the back opens. Let's get in.

Etirn's driving appears to be that of a suicidal lunatic; when we crossed the quicksand leading towards Mile, I could see through some clear panels on the roof that he was spraying sand 50 feet upwards, but I somehow manage to take a nap for the trip to Monsen.

Next chapter

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