Book 3: Chapter 140.1 – Queen takes Rook

Book 3: Chapter 140.1 – Queen takes Rook

USD: 1 Day after Cadre-S Graduation

Location: Van Biesbroecks star, Meltisar, MIL-1A Elevator, Tram 36 Tube to Main Transit Hub

Eliss eyes shot open, her vision blurry and the dull ache in her head making it difficult to focus. She coughed violently as she inhaled deeply, the scent of burned metal and death permeating the air around her. The sharpness of the pain in her leg forced her to wince as she tried to find a more comfortable position.

With sheer determination, Elis pushed herself off her side and into a sitting position. The stinging sensation in her leg revealed that a piece of shrapnel had sliced through her skin.

Frustrated by the pain, she attempted to move her injured limb but found it unwilling to cooperate; instead, it twitched and spasmed uncontrollably. Reluctantly, she used her arms to adjust herself.

Memories of the tram crash resurfaced in Eliss mind. It had either crashed or explodedshe wasnt sure whichbut everything after that was hazy. She recalled being alerted to the emergency when panicked passengers from the front had crowded into their compartment.

The tunnel flickered with eerie light from dying fires and deep blue glows emanating from several dozen I-fields holding back breaches in the stations hull. A pang of urgency coursed through Elis, knowing she was unequipped for their failure if something went wrong; more wrong.

Dragging herself out from under a smooth piece of wreckage that lay over her body, Eliss heart raced at the realization that without this protective barrier, she would have been crushed by the immense pile of debris atop it.

Her eyes scanned the area desperately, coming face-to-face with an upside-down corpse tangled in wires and tubesthe lifeless face inches away from hers. This grisly sight explained the smell that assaulted her senses earlier.

Elis noticed no sign of her wheelchair or rescue personnel on location. Inhaling deeply, she mustered as much strength as she could and shouted for help. Her voice emerged as a garbled, half-hearted cry.

To her surprise, there was a faint response.

Turning her head toward the direction of the call, Eliss hope sparked anew. Although it wasnt much, it gave her a purpose and direction to inch her way towards.

Eliss anger and frustration swelled within her as she struggled with her uncooperative legs. The debris and wreckage surrounding her formed an obstacle course that seemed near impossible to navigate. Wincing in pain, she felt a sharp pinch as a jagged piece of metal scraped her unprotected skin.

Fuck, she cursed under her breath.

Forcing herself to stop, Elis realized that continuing to move would only cause more harm than good. It was better to wait for a rescue; surely, MIL-1As advanced technology meant their arrival should be imminent.

Surveying the area, she found a piece of metal that wasnt sharp, blood-soaked, or smolderingnor did it lie in the path of any fires. She dragged herself towards it and pulled herself up into a sitting position, leaning against the cold metal surface for support. Despite having recently completed physical therapy sessions, fatigue overcame her all too quickly.

Waiting for rescue went against every fiber of her instincts, but, given the circumstances, what other choice did she have? Continuing on would only lead to more pain and injury.

Glancing back, Elis saw one of the faster tendrils snaking its way directly toward her; it was dangerously close to reaching her foot. That spurred another burst of speed as she grabbed whatever objects were within reach and tossed them in its path, hoping to slow down its progress. But that extra push waned quickly, and she knew that time was running out.

Elis refused to surrender to the encroaching nanite tendril, even as dark thoughts of futility gnawed at the back of her mind. Desperation fueled her every movement, but it seemed as though her efforts would be in vain.

The nanite tendril drew dangerously close, less than a meter away from her when a strong hand suddenly grasped the collar of her shirt and yanked her forward.

I didnt think you made it, came a familiar voice.

It was Fred. Relief washed over Elis like a wave crashing onto the shore.

Once they had put enough distance between themselves and the relentless nanite growth, Fred knelt beside Elis and lifted her into his arms.

Breathing heavily, she wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head against his chest. Gratitude swelled inside her, but when she tried to thank him, all that emerged was an unintelligible garble.

Somehow, he understood. Youre welcome.

USD: 1 Day after Cadre-S Graduation

Location: Van Biesbroecks star, Meltisar, MIL-1A Elevator, Main Transit Hub

Theas gaze fell on Alex, and her optimism crumbled as she realized the Meltisar navys AGAI creation had infected Alex too. A wave of frustration and anger washed over her at the thought of having wasted two of her three precious scarabs. These scarabs, crafted by Moneta herself, were designed to convert any non-Psi individual to the Corpo side without putting Thea at risk.

She had used them on the lower-ranking NAI out of caution, considering their circumstances. Despite proving that her caution was warranted, Thea couldnt help but curse inwardly at the waste of one of her most valuable resources.

The AGAI infection had rendered the scarabs inert with its bizarre Omega code. Thea suspected that the princess was infected as well, which would explain why both she and Alex possessed blue nanite fields. Thea couldnt fathom why they were aiding Meltisar with the AGAI or gauge the extent of their involvement.

Thea focused her thoughts on the nanites coursing through her body. Responding to her will, they surged around her good arm, enveloping it in a swirling mass of microscopic machines. The nanites worked rapidly and in unison, weaving together a form-fitting sheath around her limb.

As the transformation continued, the nanites near her hand extended outward, molding themselves into an elongated blade attachment.

Regardless of what had occurred, what Thea needed to do was clear.

I dont want to fight, whispered Alex, barely audible above the commotion as the princess and AGAI clashed in the background.