Unity by Carl Stubblefield (epub read online books TXT) 📕

Due to the nature of ether, they are very hard to destroy outright when done properly, and it could cause problems if no one can undo what you have done.” BoJack instructed as they headed out of the cargo area up a small stairway to the commons room above.

Gus bit the inside of his cheek, wondering if he had permanently tied up those pirates what felt like a lifetime ago.

“So… hypothetically, if I did something like this,” Gus made some of the ether ties form around his own hands, “just how durable are these?”

BoJack stepped out of the stairwell and looked at Gus’ restraints.

“Yeah, these are like what you’ve done before. They’re not infused, or that is to say they’re only infused with your MP. I’d give it two, maybe three weeks then it would dissolve on its own.”

Gus was simultaneously relieved and worried at the news. On one hand, he hadn’t shackled people for life, but on the other, what if the trip took that man and his family more than a couple of weeks? Did they get free and overpower the family again? Why didn’t I get a name or contact so I could follow up with them? I probably could have even used Wreckognize and they wouldn’t even have to know—

“Gu~u~u~s…” BoJack said. “Why are you asking about restraints? Aren’t all the other supers in the manor’s brig?”

Before he could answer, Darik elbowed between the two and started directing where the connections and cables should be placed and the conversation shifted to the task at hand. Gus took the opportunity to keep the conversation elsewhere.

“So are we making some type of shield?” Gus asked, looking at the ceiling and the odd pattern of wires and cables.

“Do you know what a Faraday cage is?” BoJack replied, going on when Gus shook his head. “Well, it’s based on that principle. We have to mask the energy signatures of our Nth as there are scanners and sensors that can detect them. For obvious reasons, they do not want supers there that are uninvited, although there are a lot of citizens of Hinansho that have Nth.”

“Really?”

“Yes, those newer supers who fought against the status quo were blacklisted and the Factions actively suppressed any attempts for them to find work, not only with Factions themselves but in industries they had a strong influence upon—basically everything legitimate. Places like Hinansho are a sanctuary, and they are accepted there. They do have to keep their markers on, but that’s not a big deal for most people.”

“Markers?”

“It kind of looks like a neon blue face-paint. Goes under the left eye. Plus anyone who uses an interface or display can read your stats and abilities. However, those who take the mark are free to live there as they please.”

“So why don’t we just do that? Seems simpler to use what they already are doing.”

“Well, for starters, it’s irreversible. Anyone can see your powers, their level and requirements, and your full complement of stats. Makes things a lot easier to exploit if there’s a weakness. Besides that, the marker is a tattoo filled with human-made nanobots. Also permanent. You’ve heard of the Scarlet Letter? That tattoo is lovingly referred to as the curse of the ‘Azure Bonds.’”

“So what’s the Scarlet Letter? Was it some super’s logo, something on their suit?”

BoJack shook his head in mock disgust. “What do they teach you kids in school anymore? Sheesh. Look it up on your display when you have the time.”

A twinkling chime sounded over the comms.

“Weather’s been good and we’ve made excellent time. I had my doubts with how this ship looks, but it’s been kitted out perfectly. We should be in Hinansho in less than an hour. How are we doing on cloaking preparations? Do I need to modify our speed to give you more time?” Seneschal asked in her polished Queen’s English.

“No, lass, we’re finishing up. An hour will be plenty,” Darik replied as he wrestled more cords out of a pile and lined them up. Less than twenty minutes later, they were done and Yuki crawled out of the access port fanning herself.

“Whoo, it gets hot in there… and dusty.” She attempted to brush off the gray lint that had accumulated on her stockings and arms as she crawled around inside. “They need to spring for a vacbot drone. I’m totally going to need a shower and we haven’t been out for even two hours,” Yuki said dismally.

Aurora stepped away from a panel she was working on and raised her hands. They began to crackle and snap like a bug zapper and some of the bigger pieces of dust and lint leapt off of Yuki to a space in front of Aurora’s palms. Yuki took advantage and fluffed her hair and brushed herself off.

“Thank you, Miss Lint!” Yuki said, giving Aurora a brief hug after they had removed anything not too ground in. Aurora let the waste fall into a nearby bin as she disengaged the static and went back to her project.

Gus took in the wide room that reminded him of a dive bar. There was a countertop and bar along one side, with the drinks strapped in securely. Chairs lined the walls with four-point harnesses. Tables were bolted to the floor, and they could be spun to raise or lower their height.

Pictures and memorabilia littered the walls, and Gus recognized some of the supers who came to take the manor in some of the pics. Apparently not all of the people working for Manticorps were mercs. He had let them slip out of his mind after the Crew showed up. Would he just leave them there indefinitely? Would someone come looking for them? Problems for another day.

“Gus, lad, could you throw that switch?” Darik had climbed up to an interface hub and was checking a small display there.

Gus looked around and saw a console. He pointed at different toggles and switches until he got the thumbs up. The cables lit up like Christmas lights.

“We’re in