Soulwalker (25 page)

“Who was that?” Asher murmured.

“Some poor homeless person from the Sweeps.” Tarris made an educated guess, but she knew she was right.

“Move it.” The guard prodded Tarris in the side.

“Which way?”

“Up,” he answered and waved his gun in that direction.

“Then I’ll need help.”

The three guards laughed.

“It’s true,” Asher said. “She’ll need help to get up onto the platform.”

“Then you help her,” the first guard said with finality.

Tarris laced her fingers together and waited for Asher to put her foot into the stirrup. Once she was safely up, Asher reached down with her hand. “I don’t know if this’ll work, but I’ll try.”

Tarris grabbed the offered arm and tried to lift herself. Her arm and back muscles strained as she struggled to lift her own weight by sheer strength. It didn’t take long for her to realize that something more was needed.

“What’s the matter with you?” the guard on the railway track asked.

“Can’t you see she’s wearing a walking frame, you idiot!” Asher snapped. “She’s not going to get up here anytime soon without some help.”

The guard placed his weapon on the platform next to one of the other guards, who kicked it backwards and out of reach. They trained their sights on the two women as the guard lifted Tarris from below, and with Asher’s help, she managed to get onto the upper level. Asher moved behind, placed her hands under Tarris’s armpits, and lifted until she could get her buckled legs underneath her. The frame protested loudly as Tarris activated it to move into an upright position, the servos grinding against the grains of dirt still within the rods. Asher steadied her as Tarris slowly rose. One of her arms inadvertently brushed against the base of Tarris’s scalp and the hidden tab.

Tarris felt the movement before she saw it. The guards took a few steps backward as the color drained from her hair to reveal her true identity. “That’s right, fellas,” she growled. “Be afraid, very afraid.” However, having just fumbled around to get onto the platform had, at least in Tarris’s mind, destroyed the myth that surrounded her identity.

Find the boy
, Tarris stated.

But—

Just find the boy then return here. I want to make sure he’s not in any danger.

As you wish, sister.

There was no gentle exit by Rya this time. In a show of strength to her enemies, Tarris told her to make it dramatic. Discarded waste stirred in the whirlwind of air that traveled along the platform like a mini tornado.
Nice one, sister
, Tarris said as Rya slid off the platform and into the darkness at the other end.

They will not underestimate us again.
The thought faded, as did the breeze.

The three guards pointed their shaking guns at the two women, each one glancing at the others, obviously nervous. “D… D… Don’t move.” But the order was less than authoritative.

Asher looked at Tarris. “What’s wrong with this picture?”

She was right. They should have been shot on sight. “I’d say someone issued a new order.”

“Control, this is Team Alpha Three D.” The third guard spoke in the direction of his shoulder and the implanted microphone in his uniform. “We’ve caught the two women you were asking about. What do you want us to do with them?”

“Bring them in.” The reply could be heard clearly. It gave the guards approval to take them through the border security and into the heart of the operation. As far as Tarris was concerned, everything was going along nicely.

Her hands were manacled behind her back with plastic strips, as were Asher’s. Tarris knew they were unbreakable. They were the standard equipment used in law enforcement, and it was another reminder of who the enemy was here. The State. Or at least the Prime. He was
the law, and unless someone acted now, he would extend the mandate of his brand of law until no one would be able to stop him.

“Let’s move it.” A rifle butt waved toward the far end of the platform. “Stay four steps ahead and two feet apart. We want to see both of you at all times.”

As they approached their destination, Asher mumbled. “And what’s the plan?”

“I’m working on it.” Tarris stared forward. The roof slid away to reveal the floor above. It allowed access to above ground and what Tarris suspected was “the facility.” The immediate area was flooded with artificial light.

“Well, well, I was beginning to wonder whether you were too stupid to find this place.”

Tarris let her head fall back and groaned. This was the last person she wanted to see right now.

Chapter 11

“Corman.”

“You’re not surprised?” he asked.

“I suppose I’m not.” Tarris stumbled up the stairs. Her secured hands made it impossible to make adjustments to the operation of her suit. Corman, as usual, seemed amused by her discomfort.

“And is this the slut you’ve hooked up with?” he sneered.

“I wouldn’t go calling the leader of your group a slut, soldier,” Asher retorted, earning a smile from Tarris.

He growled at her, but Asher stood firm. “And I assumed you’d had your distemper shots. Silly me.”

This time Tarris laughed out loud. “Where were you when I needed a witty reply?”

“Probably taking out someone’s liver,” Asher said.

“Stop it, both of you!” Corman yelled.

“Or what, Corman? We’re dead one way or the other anyway.” In her peripheral vision, Tarris saw Asher cringe when she said the word “dead.”

“But how you die is up to me,” he said a little bit too happily.

“It’s up to the Prime,
Trooper
.”

Tarris didn’t bother to check who was talking. She knew that voice. “Maken,” she said in a flat tone.

“You should have stayed in your apartment, Tarris,” Derille said. “Get out of the way, Corman. Let her step up.”

Reluctantly, Corman moved back to give them room to come up the stairs. The guard behind them again prodded them. “Move it.”

Tarris continued to the top step, her gait far from smooth.

“You look like one of those pathetic drunks in the Sweeps,” Corman muttered as she finally stepped onto the floor above the platform.

“You should know, Corman,” Tarris said and earned a punch to the jaw for her trouble. She chuckled at him and absorbed another punch to the cheek.

“Stop it, Corman!” Derille yelled. “You have no right—”

“I have every right! I’ve had to put up with this bitch for years. I’ve earned that right, Administrator.” Corman’s white eyes burned with an inner fire.

“I think he needs a collar, Maken,” Tarris said. “If you don’t get him under control… he’ll destroy you.” She could feel the heat from the puffiness around her cheek that she just knew was there.

“Where are we?” Asher asked as she stepped up beside Tarris.

“You’ve got to be kidding. You expect me to tell you—” Derille rolled his eyes, and Tarris interrupted him.

“What does it matter?” she asked, “We’re going to die anyway.”

“She’s got that right,” Corman said. “I’ll personally see to that. We’re in The Battery.”

Tarris looked him squarely in the eye. “You know what your problem is? You’ve got a loud mouth.” She had heard that name before, but where? Jerad came to mind, and she remembered. At Jacksters, when she was trying to get a new identity, the kid had sent the man in the black coat to The Battery. Somehow they had circled around in the tunnels and ended back where they had entered them.

When Corman’s fist lifted for another strike, Derille yelled, “Trooper Corman! If you disobey one more order, I’ll see to it personally that you are incarcerated for the rest of your life with the light permanently on. Am I understood?” Corman jerked forward, and Derille again yelled, “Trooper! Stand down!” The volume of his voice rattled a nearby cup.

Begrudgingly, Corman backed up a few steps, his hand still in a fist by his side. Tarris was aware that if he could have killed her with a look, she would already be dead. His glare was pure evil, indicating in one moment of clarity that her life was already forfeit and it was only a matter of time before he would make her pay for his embarrassment.

“I’d tell her everything if I were you, Maken,” Tarris said with a smile, “because she won’t let the matter drop until she knows.”

“I don’t—” Asher started to say.

“Oh, yes you do. You pester and pester until you get what you want.” But Tarris said it with affection in her voice.

“And what’s so funny?” Asher asked.

Tarris knew Asher would stand there with her hands on her hips if her hands weren’t tied behind her back. “Nothing. I think it’s just too damned cute, that’s all.”

“Oh, excuse me while I puke,” Corman said.

“Go right ahead, Corman. With some luck you’ll choke on it.”

“You bitch!” Corman closed the gap of a few feet in an instant, threw himself at Tarris, and knocked her to the ground. He wrapped his fingers around her throat and squeezed her windpipe.

As the guards tried to pull him off her, his grip tightened even more. The contact was only broken when four of them pulled as one to separate them.

“Why do you keep doing that?” Asher asked.

Tarris gasped for air, but it didn’t stop a grin on her face. “Because I can.” She had held her anger in check for too long. It felt good to finally tell Corman what she really thought of him. Two guards helped her to her feet.

“Trooper,” Derille stood in front of her and said, “you live dangerously by taunting him like that. Despite what I say, he is favored by the Prime.”

“Figures,” Tarris muttered. “And you know what’s really scary? Both you and the Prime know your threats are hollow. Corman can do what he likes, and he knows it.”

“I do what I can.” Derille turned and walked away. “Bring them.” She could see he fully expected them to walk with him, because he didn’t stop and wait. Instead he continued to walk to a door on the far side of the floor.

Sister, are you all right?

Tarris acknowledged Rya’s unspoken words.
I’m fine. Just having some fun.
It wasn’t exactly fun, but it was satisfying nonetheless.
What of Jerad?

He’s untouched for now. He resides with others of his kind. Do you wish me to return?

As much as Tarris wanted the comfort of Rya inside her, she stopped her shadow.
Not yet. I want them to think I’m helpless.
Strangely, Rya remained silent. Tarris knew what she would automatically say, but Rya didn’t say it. Was her shadow being tactful by not pointing out she was helpless without her?
They don’t know about your new abilities. Let’s keep it that way for now. Protect Jerad, but keep close in case things change for the worse.

As you wish, sister.

Suddenly, Tarris had an odd thought. If Rya had said nothing now to save Tarris’s feelings, could she trust her implicitly to tell her everything in the future? Had this changed how they interacted from now on? No, that wouldn’t change. They had been through too much together for that to change. In things that mattered, there would always be the complete truth.

Then again, maybe she had imagined it all in her head. Maybe she made more out of the omission than need be. It was all blown out of proportion because of the chance of being killed. Or maybe it was the thought that Rya didn’t need her anymore.

You’ve been a good friend, Rya.

The words tumbled around in her head.

And you will always be my home, sister.

Tarris felt a pang of guilt for even thinking such trivial thoughts. How could she doubt Rya’s sincerity?

“Take the mediprac and put her with the others,” Derille said.

Corman bristled but did as he was told. He signaled to two of the guards to remove Asher. “Say goodbye, bitch,” he growled.

“Goodbye, bastard,” Asher said to Corman.

He was ready to strike again, but Derille stepped in. “Corman! Just do as you’re told.”

Corman motioned the guards toward Asher and stood back. He watched with undisguised glee as she was led away. “I think I’ll move her up on the list,” he said.

Tarris glared at him but didn’t give him the satisfaction of asking the question.

“Not interested in knowing what will happen to her?”

“Why bother?” Tarris said wearily. She was so sick of Corman’s mind games.

“Obviously she doesn’t mean as much to you as you do to her.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Oh well.”

“Go harass a little old man, Trooper,” Derille ordered. “You’ve worn out your welcome here.” When Corman was gone, he said, “Why do you taunt him like that? Especially in the position you’re in?”

“Because I’m damned well sick of his games, Administrator. He’s a real pain in the ass and enjoys my discomfort. If I can give a little back then that’s a point for me.”

“Sit.” He extended his hand in invitation for Tarris to perch herself on a nearby chair. “You’ve really got yourself into deep shit here, Waite.”

“No kidding?”

“Stop it! You should have stayed put, and everything would be all right.”

“All right? You’ve been spying on me. Everything you told me was a lie. How can that be all right?”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“That’s a laugh.” Tarris couldn’t hide the sarcasm in her voice.

“You saved those most precious to me,” Derille said. “I haven’t forgotten that.”

“And yet that didn’t stop you from taking away something very precious to me. My privacy.”

Derille paced back and forth. “It was out of my hands, Tarris. The Prime wanted you kept under surveillance. I had no choice.”

“There’s always a choice, Administrator. I thought I proved that. If it bothered you so much, you could have said no.”

“No one says no to the Prime, Tarris. If you had given it time, you would have come to discover that point. But now…”

“Now. Yes now. I suppose that’s it then.” Tarris hesitated. “So what will happen to Asher?”

“The mediprac? She’ll be used for experimentation.”

“What experimentation?”

“That shouldn’t concern you right now. What you should be worried about is what’s going to happen to you.”