Dark Energy by carlsojos

Chapter 50

I wake up to an old man kneeling over me. It takes me a minute to recognize the face as the doctor. I sit up to see the other people from the dig site either sprawled out on my floor asleep, or staring at me.

You were crying and moaning in your sleep. Do you have an old injury that's never been treated?

Not that I know of. I unconsciously grab my right arm.

Let me take a look. The doctor gently runs a blunt fingernail up and down my forearm. He pauses near the middle. Everything's healed correctly, but this small bump I feel tells me that you've fractured this arm once. He lets go and looks me in the face. I'm sorry, but I simply must ask. Are you from Aiedo? I don't immediately answer, unsure of whether I should lie or tell the truth.

The doctor stands up and looks out the window. Ever since that girl, I've never been the same. To suffer such grave wounds, yet still leave without saying a word, I've always wanted to find her and ask why. You bear a strong resemblance to her, even to the ears, and the age is about right, so I apologize if I'm mistaken....

To find my parents.

He looks back at me. What?

I left because I had to find my parents. I couldn't just wait around without knowing their fate.

I'm surprised to see a tear running down his wrinkles. I've spent years of my life trying to find that answer. Thank you.

Anything new with Etirn?

He still needs time, but I'm convinced he'll make a full recovery. There's nothing more I can do, so the tranquilizer should wear off soon. The old man picks up his bag and heads to the door. Tell the principal that I've already been paid in full. He quickly picks up his bag and walks out, depositing his old case file in my trash bin.

You're still not... comfortable with the past?

I look over, and sure enough, Etirn is already awake. I thought you were out like a candle.

You yelp really loud... I was worried.

I lost everything back then. I don't want to lose anyone else.

Etirn seems to see where I'm going. You don't like my actions.

I get up and stand next to him. Why would you ever put yourself in such a suicidal situation?!

...To save another life.

But there was a chance that most of them would've survived-

Bigger chance that most would die. Dora would be in... a box without us. The best way to go... is to let another live. I can't deny having a similar feeling, but never to the point of altruistic suicide.... Besides, I don't let a... threat stop me doing right. Let your heart guide you... You'll see what life is. Several people walk into my room.

I don't know very many people who don't knock before they enter a private residence. I turn to see Ray, Demi, and Jeetoh standing behind Dora, who has the bad news written all over her face.

I have word from the principal. I don't think Etirn will like it much.

Etirn manages an exaggerated sigh. Way to kill a moment....

Sorry, I tried my best. The principal has decided to abort the dig at Nurvus, provided that Demi provides comprehensive information on the Algo life support systems. I'm not gonna be charged for any crimes, as I was just following orders. Etirn, Dora takes a nervous breath. The principal has agreed that your actions were what prevented any casualties at the dig. However, he managed to drum up enough to issue a suspension for the remainder of the term.

Etirn throws my pillow at the wall, and feathers erupt everywhere. The son of a bitch....

He said that he will consider reinstating you as a student once you are able to testify on your actions.

Etirn is fuming at the decision. Piece of shit's no better than... damn professors.

With Etirn out of action, what happens to what he's been doing? Did the principal mention me?

You're supposed to resume your normal studies as soon as you are able. He said he understands if you need a short break to clear your mind. I don't really have anything to do, since there aren't any other discovered ruins at the moment.

Ray picks up my poor pillow and whips it back at Etirn, covering me in Rappy down. As for the rest of us, he basically told us to fuck off. So much for a grand adventure.

Etirn throws the pillow again, but I manage to catch it. Hey, this pillow is like a hundred meseta, guys! I put it in my wardrobe and tuck into my mind. What should I do now...?

I suddenly get an idea. Marika, you know that course of action would mean choosing us over the school. I've decided that Jeetoh either reads minds, or is one hell of a poker player. Maybe both.

I know. I look at the confused faces of my other companions. I'm gonna take a small vacation to Termi. Dora, do you still have your radio?

Yeah. Here, I don't like how it fits on me. I put it on and make sure it works.

Kadary guild, Outerbeast 5. You read?

Quite well. How can I help you?

It's Hunter Ashley here. Is there a death warrant for a Professor Landiet? It's supposedly for theft from Mota U.

Let me check. A couple minutes pass. Yes, that warrant is still in effect. It's almost 6 years old, I completely forgot about it. The bounty is set at 5,000 meseta. You interested?

Yeah, Hunter Blades and I are going for it. Can you give me any information?

Let me read the original message. Shalan Landiet is a renegade professor who has been driven insane by his observations over the course of his studies in Piata. He has stolen secret technology from Motavia University, no details available. He is considered heavily armed and dangerous. The warrant was announced over the radio when it was first issued. No relevant tips were ever submitted, so it's presumed that Jack is likely away from any communities with a radio. He's rumored to be somewhere near Termi, but nobody goes that far because of travel costs. Give him hell! Over.

Ray gives me a smile. I've never seen that woman take to somebody so fast. She usually hates neophytes until they do something big.

Monsen, maybe?

Good point.

Demi and Jeetoh look at us. Are we going to wait here while you two go on a vacation?

Ray shakes his head. The guild does allow nonmenbers to work with full members. The only reason I asked Etirn and Marika to become hunters was because I was suspended.

A hunt it is, then. Jeetoh almost sounds bored.

I hope you don't mind, but I want to talk to the principal before we leave. I don't hear any complaints, so I lead the way to the Principal's office.

The secretary looks up from a memo that she's drafting. Hello, Miss Ashley. I don't believe you have an appointment today, can I help you?

Can I talk to the principal?

The secretary flips through a small notebook. I believe he's free right now. Go on in.

I turn to the others. Wait out here, guys. You should be able to hear us talk.

Yeah, Mr. Save Money still hasn't invested in a sound-proof door, yet.

I open the door and walk inside. I notice it seems darker here than the last time I was here. The principal is sitting with his feet on the desk, deep in thought. He corrects his posture as I approach. Marika, what do you need?

Why is Etirn suspended?

Ah.... I can see the principal sorting through excuses in his mind.

I would appreciate it if you didn't beat around the bush for me.

His actions indeed helped save Dora's excavation team, but it is a well known fact that he regularly has abrasive encounters with most of the professional faculty. This constant conflict, kept unchecked, could potentially cause the downfall of Motavia University as the prime learning center of the world. He disobeyed a direct order, and you know what they say about opportunity.

I was unhappy that the principal saw things that way, but I conceive a lie that I know the principal can't possibly ignore. I was the reason why he did it.

What? I let the surprise sink in for a second before I continue.

I told Etirn to stop the dig. The others covered my tracks.

You're the ringleader? He looked disturbed by my false revelation. I thought you were better than that.

When a life is on the line, the only right action is whatever saves that person. Etirn voluntarily went into the death trap knowing that I wanted to go myself. I'm pulling out all the heart-wrenching stops in this little story.

You would sacrifice your friend to save several strangers.... I find this rather disturbing, Marika. He closes his eyes and thinks to himself for a minute. My judgment stands, but I'm worried about you.

No dice with getting Etirn off the hook, but I guess it was worth a shot. I'd like permission to use the Land Rover to go to Termi, to clear my mind.

I will not stop you. I only ask that while you're away, you think long and hard about yourself. To follow the path Mr. Bay has paved, is to surrender your future in the university. Dismissed. I walk back into the secretary's office and close the door. Everybody was looking at me intently.

And that, my friend, is how you bullshit. Ray cracks up laughing, and even Jeetoh starts smiling. I decide that Demi doesn't have a sense of humor.

That's a good one, Marika. I bet Etirn would laugh his ass off over that.

I pull Dora's headset from my jacket pocket, and release the talk button. You have no idea.

I'm a broken record, so let me rephrase... Blades, I'll be disappointed... if she returns in several pieces. Over.

Cute, Etirn. Real cute. Don't you think, 'Have a fun time!' is a more appropriate choice?

I let Demi drive, and I almost fall back asleep, when the headset came back to life yet again.

Motavia University, it's Tonoe. Is Sophmore Ashley available?

Negative, she is off campus. The note I was just handed says she's on administrative leave, for a vacation.

I decide to respond. Outerbeast 5. I'm here.

Marika? It's Ackland! How've you been?

That's a long story... Just peaches. Are you getting along with Mr. Man?

Better than I thought! It's really cool how much my knowledge helps out here, since I'm the only Biology person they have here. I've been listening to the radio a bit. Are you a hunter now?

Part-time. Instructor Wynell was right about stress and exercise. I never thought an old fogy like him would ever be right about anything besides fighting.

Wow! Anyway, the reason I called is that we just finished that machine from Zema. It seems to work!

It's nice to hear good news again.

Is Etirn there? We'll broadcast the machine code to him. I suddenly find myself back in the darkness of my previous mood. Hello?

Sorry. He's currently suspended for saving Dora's life.

Outerbeast 1. I'm ready. Start the broadcast.

Etirn? I wonder what he's doing? I thought a suspension means you don't get to meddle in any university business....

It's been an hour... I'm already bored.

Broadcasting now, data frequency. A few minutes later, Done.

So what do we do with the information?

Demi, I need a favor... Can you emulate machines?

I can do so on Zelan. I'll contact you when I'm next there.

Well, that's all I have for you guys! Take care.

Thanks, Akkosua. End.

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