The Plasma Shadow

  Chapter 2

  Sunrise crept over the Palandoran mountain tops and bathed the valley below in its warm glow. Birds were already flitting through the trees, working on breakfast, while squirrels, rabbits, and a few stranger creatures searched the ground for food. The quiet trickle of stream water mixed with the rustling of the morning breeze through the forest. Farther below, the river meandered past the waking inhabitants of Tibrus City before plunging several miles over the falls, but up here, the only interruption to the sound of forest life came from the footsteps of the solitary jogger working her way along a narrow path in the woods.

  Anyone looking would have wondered whether she was even seeing the world she was rushing past; her eyes remained focused on the path, and her lips remained pulled tight, as if she disapproved of the whole scene. But even so, she slowed to a stop as she reached an outcropping of rock looking down over a steep cliff. She unclipped a small bottle from her waist and took a quick drink, then walked to the edge and looked down, her hands planted on her hips.

  Tibrus City lay directly below, nestled between the cliff face she was standing on and the one rising up against the other side of the valley. Rows of cottages and shops lined the streets, although they seemed nearly outnumbered and outspaced by the city’s gardens and parks. The few industrial areas and landing pads seemed like a mere afterthought in the construction of the city. It was probably as quiet and peaceful a place as one could expect to find in the galaxy. Everything those people cared about was nicely wrapped up in this little valley, and yet the vastness of the surrounding mountains seemed to emphasize just how small and insignificant the city really was.

  Fitting, Kayleen thought. Everything this planet thinks is important is really nothing. She let out a long breath and shook her head, mulling over familiar thoughts. Coming here had become something of a ritual for her; it was somehow therapeutic to start her day by literally looking down on the people who had ruined her life.

  Strictly speaking, that was probably unfair. These people were too weak to have had much of an effect on her directly. And while this was certainly not the life she would have chosen for herself, things could have ended up a lot worse. Two years ago, Dark Viper and everyone in the StarBlazer alliance had wanted her dead, and she had just barely made it to the safety of Palandora before her enemies had caught up with her. And even then, her prospects had been a little shaky. While food and shelter were plentiful here, Kayleen and her small group of followers would have gone mad if things had actually come down to working the land. Fortunately, the Palandoran penchant for the simple life had left Kayleen plenty of opportunity to build a real life. While the Palandoran settlers had been content to colonize just enough of the planet to allow them to fulfill their basic needs and live in personal comfort, Kayleen had seized the opportunity to exploit the world’s vast natural resources, not to mention its significant strategic location inside the nearly inaccessible Uraxis Nebula. Businesses from all over the galaxy had rushed to invest in her plans in exchange for access to farms and mines outside Anacron’s control and for the right to conduct business in her secluded pocket of space.

  So, some would undoubtedly argue that Kayleen owed the people who had allowed her to stay here a measure of gratitude rather than loathing. But it was about more than what they personally had done. It was about what they represented. They were friends and allies of that cursed boy. And his little hero’s quest had cost Kayleen far more than she had gained here. He had cost her the Plasma.

  Kayleen clenched a fist in anger as she thought about it. Before Nedward Simmons had appeared, Kayleen had split her time between attacking entire starships and keeping worlds of halfhearted allegiance in line. Both tasks had suited her perfectly. It was all about the power, the ability to bend entire communities to her will through fear. And when they refused to obey… well, that was even better. That was when she got to really express herself. The most destructive force in the galaxy. Unstoppable power. And Markan had been there to handle the tedious administrative tasks like deploying forces and punishing people who were too valuable to simply dispose of. Not to mention the rewards from Dark Viper; although Kayleen had never fully understood his power, his presence had always augmented her own abilities. And there had certainly been no need for a morning jog back then; Viper’s power had granted her perpetual health and preserved her youthful look. She had felt immortal. In control. This little business operation was just a sad excuse for a life by comparison.

  She looked down once more, letting herself feel the anger before she pushed it away so it would not consume her for the rest of the day. Someday, she would give those people what they deserved. But for now, they were a useful tool. So she turned and continued her jog, forcing herself to think about the day’s schedule.

  The rest of the time passed quickly. The fresh air and constant activity helped to clear her mind, and the trees and flowers were, after all, a pleasant sight. Once or twice a distant roar echoed through the mountains, causing her to shiver a little, but by the time her run was winding to a close, Kayleen was almost smiling. She was nearly out of the forest and already preparing for her first appointment when a voice from behind stopped her.

  “Heading to work so early?”

  She turned, startled and more than a little angry at the security guards that were supposed to be around here somewhere, ensuring her privacy. “What in the-”

  “Kayleen, it’s me.” A tall, well-dressed figure stepped out from behind a tree right in front of her. Kayleen was about to draw the blaster she kept in her boot when she recognized his face.

  “Wait, Nakmar?”

  The man smiled, his thin mustache accentuating the expression. “It’s been awhile. Did you miss me?”

  “Nakmar Dren.” Kayleen laughed and ran one hand through her hair, but the gesture was just a calculated distraction to give the appearance of vulnerability. She had known Nakmar years ago, when he and his brother Markan had attended the university with her. But she had not even heard from Nakmar since before Markan had been appointed to the Imperial Council, and she was instinctively wary of his sudden appearance now. “What are you doing here?”

  Nakmar looked off to the side as if choosing his words from some invisible menu. “I have a business proposition for you. A job offer of sorts.”

  “I have a job,” Kayleen pointed out. “I also have an assistant who sets up meetings.”

  “And a security escort, I know. But those kinds of people are such a hassle to deal with. Besides, I think you will want to keep this private, at least for now. Can we step into the trees for a moment?”

  “People will be looking for me soon.”

  “No, they really won’t. I promise not to take too long.”

  He held his arms out with palms raised, as if to prove that he was not a threat, but it was obvious that he could easily be concealing a weapon. Still, Kayleen supposed that if Nakmar really had diverted or dispatched her escort, he probably could have attacked her already. For a moment, she considered following him. But Kayleen had always been more cautious than curious, and she supposed her sense of pride outweighed them both.

  “Make an appointment.” She turned stiffly and continued back along the path.

  “Dinner!” And just like that the man had gone from intimidating to pathetic. Kayleen didn’t even turn to acknowledge him, but he kept talking. “On my ship, tonight. I’ll even call your assistant. I really think you’ll want to hear what I have to say.”

  Half an hour later she was showered and dressed for work. She took a lift to her office underground; despite the culture of reserving higher floors for more powerful executives, Kayleen still preferred to spend most of her time in the more secure areas of the building. When the lift stopped, she took a moment to straighten her posture and wipe her face of any emotion. She may have lost her former power, but that was no reason why the people around her should feel any less terrified of her.

  “Good morning, Miss Rax.” The young ma
n at the reception desk greeted her stiffly, avoiding her eyes. Jengin is ready for the report on…”

  “Fire whoever was on security detail for this morning’s jog. And investigate their financial records; we may be able to imprison them on bribery charges.”

  “Very well.”

  Of course, that was assuming the men were still alive, but Kayleen could hardly be bothered with details like that. She strode into her office without hearing the rest of her receptionist’s report. Her plans for the day were already pushing this morning’s distraction out of her mind.

  Kayleen had all but forgotten about her visitor by the time she decided she was done for the day, but she found to her surprise that her calendar showed a dinner appointment aboard a luxury yacht docked nearby. She sneered and got up to head back to her apartment, but then she stopped for a moment. She had to admit that she was a little curious about why Nakmar Dren had gone to so much trouble to meet with her. And he really wasn’t a threat at this point; if anything went wrong on his ship, the complex’s weapons would have no trouble bringing down a yacht. Kayleen supposed that maybe the reason she was hesitating was that Nakmar’s return brought back memories of Markan. She had not exactly been close with her former partner, but Markan had worked with her during the most exciting and satisfying part of her life, and his death had marked the end of all of that. She was not sure she wanted to revisit the matter. But then again, neither Markan nor Nakmar had really been very interested in emotionally deep conversations, so it was probably safe to assume that Nakmar really was here on business. And she was hungry. In the end, Kayleen decided to see him.

  The sun was already below the horizon when Kayleen stepped out of the transport shuttle and approached Dren’s yacht. It was a smallish vessel, but it was obviously expensive; even in the twilight the gold-colored hull glistened with a polished luster. It was a weak vessel by Kayleen’s standards – no room for any real weapons or shield generators, although the engine section looked big enough. She made one last look around to satisfy herself that her security forces could board the ship or shoot it down if necessary, and then she walked over to the ramp that led to the open entrance. Dren was already waiting for her, leaning casually against one side of the doorway.

  “Glad you could make it.” His smile seemed genuine, and Kayleen smiled back.

  “You’ve got my attention.”

  “Ah, yes. Well, that can wait. Let’s eat first.”

  Nakmar held out an elbow to Kayleen as she reached the top of the ramp, but she just rolled her eyes and shook her head. As if she needed help walking down the corridor. She absently noted that a few of her security guards had started up the ramp behind her but then put the matter aside. Worrying about safety now would only make her appear weak. Instead, Kayleen admired the wood paneling on the walls and velvety carpet on the floor; it was almost possible to forget that she was aboard a starship instead of inside some luxurious estate. Dren led her to a candle-lit dining room adorned with various paintings and motioned her to a chair.

  “I see you’ve done well for yourself,” he commented as she started to look at the menu.

  “Yes, well, it wasn’t too difficult, really. These Palandorans have no sense of ambition; they’re just content to farm their land and live in ‘peace.’” She chuckled. “I’m not even sure I know what that means, other than the fact that they let me monetize their planet right under their noses. And the best part is, they rely on me now, because my business provides most of the tax money they use to guard the corridor and run the spaceport.”

  They gave a waiter their orders, and Nakmar gave her another friendly smile. “I’m glad things worked out. And I’m glad you’re finding time for a morning run. It’s quite a nice little planet.”

  Kayleen rolled her eyes again. “Yes, well, it’s not really about the view. It’s about reminding myself where I am. And who is responsible for putting me here.”

  “Ah. Perspective. That’s important too.”

  “So, what about you?”

  Dren shrugged his shoulders apathetically. “Well, you know, looking for opportunities, of which the wars provided more than a few. I got involved in a trading franchise on Oprimax Five and then went forward with that. It was a pretty low-profile operation, with the kind of people you work with out there, so I didn’t have much contact with, you know, the civilized world. There was money in it, but nothing as exciting as what Markan and you were up to.”

  “Yes, well, that was… special.” She could not help but sound a bit wistful.

  Nakmar nodded knowingly. “Special enough to get Markan killed. From what I hear, you were lucky to make it here.”

  “I had to think quickly. But I wouldn’t call myself lucky. Business administration was Markan’s thing, not mine.”

  Nakmar smiled sarcastically. “But you get to work with the Trennons.”

  Kayleen laughed, almost choking on a bite of food. “Yes, it’s such an honor. But seriously, I’m glad they were the ones in charge. It doesn’t take a Plasma attack to manipulate Narkus Trennon. Once word of his little outpost got out, he was frantic about getting funding for additional defense systems and enough galactic recognition to be able to do business. His little daughter was practically screaming at him when we met, but by the time Narkus retired and she took over, it was all finished.”

  “So how is she taking it?”

  “She hates me, but she needs the tax revenue, and now she has to campaign for the support of all the newcomers, not just the original colonists. So I don’t really know or care how she’s taking it, but she’s not a threat.” Kayleen projected her feelings for Jenara onto a piece of meat and stabbed at it mercilessly. They ate in silence for a moment. Nakmar eyed her once or twice but said nothing. Kayleen wanted to know what he had called her here for, but she knew better than to look too anxious, so she decided to continue the conversation. “You know what the worst part is, though?”

  “What?”

  “The dragons. Those things are big enough to eat a horse as a snack, and one of them tried to kill me once.”

  “Don’t you worry about getting fried when you go out?”

  “I have my guards keep watch; they’re not that hard to track. But you know what really bothers me about them?” Nakmar shook his head, and Kayleen banged a finger down on the table. Those things can use Plasma, and I can’t. They don’t have Crystals, and they don’t even do anything with it. It’s such a waste!”

  “Ever think about harnessing it?”

  “Koral Ralok spent years trying to get his power back. Right here, among them. Lot of good it did him.” Suddenly Kayleen was aware of just how much of herself she was sharing. Nakmar was an old friend, but hardly one who merited this kind of trust. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.

  Nakmar sat back in his seat, looking surprised. “Well, the thing is, I have a new employer, and your name has come up in our plans.” He leaned forward then, and there was an urgent, almost frightening look in his eyes. “Kayleen, Dark Viper is alive.”

  Kayleen felt like her blood had frozen. All at once, the relaxed atmosphere was gone, and she felt like she was sitting in a prison cell. All this time, hiding from her past, even wishing to have it back – she had been foolish not to see that Viper would eventually send someone to punish her for her failure. Forcing herself to breathe slowly, she reached down toward the blaster concealed in her boot.

  If Nakmar noticed her signs of apprehension, he ignored them. “He feels much like you do. The loss of the Crystal. Defeated by weaker enemies. He wants revenge, Kayleen.” She gritted her teeth as her hand closed around the blaster and silently drew it out. If she were angry about the loss of her Crystal, she could only imagine what Dark Viper would be feeling. It would start with rage, but the revenge Nakmar had mentioned would be well planned. It would not be easy to get off this ship alive.

  “So,” Nakmar was saying. “What do you think?” He raised an eyebrow and smiled all of a sudden; Kayleen was not
sure exactly why, but there was no time for hesitation now. She drew the blaster and pointed it at Nakmar. “I think we’re leaving,” she said. “Stand up. One word to your crew and you’re dead.”

  To her surprise, Nakmar just sat there for a moment, staring in obvious confusion. “You mean you want to…” And then he chuckled. “Oh, no, not that kind of revenge, Kayleen. Weren’t you listening before? I came here with a job offer. Viper wants you back.”

  Kayleen’s mouth dropped open, the blaster still pointed at Nakmar. Was this true? Was it even possible? “You mean to say that Dark Viper, whose Blast Crystal I allowed to be destroyed by the boy I was supposed to kill, does not want to punish me for the loss of his empire?”

  Nakmar shook his head as a smile slowly spread across his face. “Kayleen, why would he want to punish you for that? Even he was not able to kill the Shield Master. That boy is invincible. What were you supposed to do?”

  “Are we talking about the same Dark Viper here? That does not sound like the kind of logic I would expect from him.”

  “Think about it. You are the only person left who has any experience with the Plasma. Why would he not see you as an asset?”

  “How is my experience an asset? The Crystal is gone. The Plasma is-”

  She could not finish her sentence. Her attention was totally absorbed by the pulsing red flame burning above Nakmar’s upturned palm. Kayleen rose to her feet and leaned across the table, the blaster forgotten under her palm as she braced herself in an unconscious attempt to move nearer to the flame. “What… is that?”

  Nakmar let the fire vanish and gave her a very satisfied smile. “He still has the Plasma, Kayleen. He gave it to me. He wants to give it back to you.”

  Disbelief turned to ecstatic wonder as Nakmar’s words registered. Viper seriously wanted to give her back the Plasma? It seemed impossible; the Crystals had all been destroyed. Yet Nakmar had the power, just like Kayleen had once had. It must be true.

  “How?” she managed.

  Nakmar shook his head. “He said you’d have a lot of questions, but I’m not allowed to give you any details. Just the offer. And we have to leave now, before you say anything to anyone.”

  “I’m happy to leave – but wait, you’re not going to use it?”

  “He has plans. This isn’t the time.”

  “But you could wipe out the entire planet! Or at least give me a shot at Jenara Trennon…”

  “Believe me, I’m as eager as you. Or almost, anyway. He insisted I keep it secret for now.”

  Kayleen nodded, only half listening. She could not help but start planning her future right away. “There’s… a thing or two I have to pick up before we go. You know, personal effects.”

  “Viper thought you might say that, too. It’s fine, but just don’t say anything. And don’t be too long.”

  Kayleen smiled as she rose to her feet. “Don’t worry. I can’t get off this planet soon enough.”

  Nakmar rose as well and came around the table. “Welcome aboard,” he said, extending his hand. But Kayleen was too ecstatic for such a formal gesture. She threw her arms around Nakmar’s neck, holding him close. Then she turned and sprinted out of the room, off the ship and back toward her apartment. This was all impossibly wonderful. The Plasma would be hers again, and Markan’s brother would be her partner. It would be just like it had been before Nedward Simmons. The galaxy would never know what had struck it.