Chapter Six: Tit for Tat — Part 1

Jun was suddenly suspicious. “And why would they both be waiting, when I did not announce my coming?”

“We’ll solve the problem by facing it head on.” Master Alon turned distinctly, heading back into the temple.

Swift followed cautiously, his defenses maximized. “I am ready for trouble, should it arise.” Swift announced quietly.

Jun recognized the shift in Swift’s physical appearance: the double layer of plasma, one dissipating to replace the other; the slight hum and menacing glow as Swift’s full defensive and offensive energies charged up around him; the use of stealth technology, keeping quiet and trying to blend in with his surroundings; the way he hovered with undo slowness, so as not to betray his true speed and ability. They passed down a darkened hallway, heading toward a chamber in a building at the center of the ancient stone complex. The walls, made of carved, interlocked stone, were dry and cool, and when they passed a particularly dark patch, Swift dropped down close to her hand, moved it with a nudge so it settled gently on her sword. He seemed to be listening to the building, to its reverberations. Only Swift knew what he knew, and Alon was saying nothing to either of them.

What do you two know that you aren’t letting on? Jun tried to say with a look, but all she saw in return was the slight purple glow of Swift’s plasma field as it shifted into its highest frequency and amplitude, the point where it could repel just about anything. What Swift felt was a suspicion, his concern prodded on by a nagging instinct. Master Alon was nervous, not something he generally experienced, even in his advanced age. Alon took Jun’s hand and squeezed it gently, then let it go as they walked into a central meeting hall. They walked into the center of the room, toward Chen, who sat in a simple wood chair, one that might have been more comfortable at a kitchen table. The chair was an oddity, as two guards sat on either side of him. Master Alon was shooed away by Chen, and took a seat on the steps near Master Kaan, who was on the right of Chen. Twelve guards, each carrying two and half yard’s length lancing spears lined the walls. Chen stood as Jun and Swift approached, stopping them with a motion of his hand. His eyes seemed to look straight into her soul, and even Swift felt weighted down by the man.

“Miss Metalsmith has returned to us, though it seems she has returned empty handed.” Chen said cooly. “That cannot be without cost.”

“The Bender who survived had other business to attend to, and declined a meeting with you at this time.” Jun said.

Master Kaan signaled silently, and the guards dropped their spears to strike, approaching cautiously from all sides. Jun looked nervously about. The only threat to her, at this moment, was Chen, so she focused on him

“Master Chen. Have I failed you in some way?” Jun asked. “Your orders were to be as hospitable as possible to our guest, to provide medical attention and treat his wounds.”

“I also requested that you bring any survivors in for an interview. When I issue an order, I intend for my orders to be followed. You’ve done so without question until now. Sad you had to choose such a calm time to gain self will.”

Swift pulled a piece of metal from within his sphere and dropped it in front of Chen. “I know it’s only metal, but this is what his suit was made of. It’s stronger than the biodroid metals you use to make your robot servants, and is as strong as Jun’s sword metal. The mechanical technology supporting our guest was self-aware. Confronting it would have been difficult or impossible for Jun. As Bamboo was on Bug National Soil, it was my decision to allow Bamboo to leave, not Jun’s.”

Lord Chen smiled. “Your loyalty to your friend is admirable, and pointless. I have already decided to terminate Jun from her position as Minister of War. After all, the time of war is past. What use could I possibly have for one whose sole purpose lies on the killing fields? As I’m downsizing, Miss Metalsmith, I would like you off my planet in two hours. Do you agree to these terms.”

“Of course she does.” Swift said quickly, before Jun could argue further.

“Very well, as there will be no conflict here, I hope you do well in your future life. Your father, of course, is welcome to travel with you, should he so choose.” With a nod from Lord Chen, the pole bearers returned to rest.

Master Kaan looked indignant rising from his seat, moving across the room so he could face Chen straight on. “Master Chen. Are you going to let a girl who knows so many of your secrets leave this world, keep her alive and intact?”

“If you have learned nothing under my tutelage, Kaan, learn this: Never reward years of service with a promise of death.”

“You promised me revenge.” Kaan said, a trickle of rage building in his voice.

“And you have it. Jun has been stripped of her rank, and must live in exile from the world she knows and loves.” Chen said. “Isn’t that cruel enough for you?”

“I thought you were going to run her through. What are all the pole bearers doing here?” Kaan raised his hands in contempt.

Chen seemed to consider this, toying with the concept a moment too long. “Oh, they were here simply as a show of force. One should never fire a member of one’s staff without at least one or two security officers present, especially when that person is Jun Metalsmith.”

“I, uh, don’t have a lot of possessions. I’ll just leave now.” Jun said.

“Master Alon, do you wish to come with us?” Swift asked.

Master Alon walked toward his daughter, wondering where Swift would take them. It took only an instant for Kaan’s rage to turn to action. Master Kaan tore a spear from the grip of the nearest bearer and in his fury pulled his arm back as if to launch it. Swift would have had time to block it if it had been aimed for Jun, and Jun would have moved aside and caught it in passing, had it been intended for either her or Swift. In fact, Swift and Jun both failed to guess the target — each thinking to protect the other. Even had they guessed right, it wouldn’t have mattered, there would have been no time to react. Master Kaan buried it deep in Master Alon’s back, twisting the shaft so the tip would separate flesh, tear muscle, and crack bone. Swift reacted predictably, swirling through a full spectrum of emotions. Swift’s plasma field went through a range of colors, settling, finally, on a deep, pulsing, blood purple.

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