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

one that allows one to manipulate light or energy. I have designed this temple as a gauntlet that will trap anyone who attempts to steal this information, super or not. Once past the initial chamber, one will be committed to finishing the trial and will not be able to leave the simulation.

Failure will result in acute neurogenic shock leading to physical death within a short period after the event. I believe that this will deter further attempts to access my work once these consequences become known.

I plan on layering each facet with similar protections to safeguard the information contained in this cube.

Gus closed the window and swallowed. For a minute, he just stared at the shifting dust motes as he tried to absorb the bullet he had dodged. If he had failed, he would have died! Like permadeath, died! And left Prime and his team screwed back in the real world. And it sounded like the other sides of the cube were just as dangerous, and he had been fairly cavalier about exploring them without a lot of protection or even knowledge of what he was dealing with. A chill washed over him despite the hot sun at how his team would have suffered if he had not been able to complete the trial he didn’t even know he was undergoing.

He had to close his eyes and take several deep breaths to calm himself of the panic that threatened to overtake him. Actions had consequences. As if his grandfather was lecturing his recent folly, the words returned to him again, almost accusingly.

…There is always responsibility, regardless of whether there is great power or not.

Gus sat reeling, glad no one could see him sitting there in the virtual sand.

What the hell am I doing? One of these times I won’t get lucky and other people are going to pay for it.

Being a super was no joke and he couldn’t just keep making things up as he went. It would only work for so long. How close had he come to dooming Prime to a life of possible slavery, all because she trusted him to be competent enough to get the job done? What would happen to her daughter when Mom mysteriously disappeared? What other things did the Crew keep to themselves that made the frivolous risks Gus was taking much bigger gambles than even he knew?

He needed to get to know the others better. Despite how uncomfortable that made him feel, it was his duty and they deserved it. They had earned the right to have him know the stakes which depending on him required. Gus looked down at the gem he was clutching in his hand. His hand gripped it tightly, the strain of his guilt manifesting in his clenched fist.

I will do better. I have to do better. I need to make some plans and find some direction for a change.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Under Pressure

Gus opened his eyes and looked at Prime just inches away. Blinking, he wondered how long he was under for this time.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Get in there and get the information,” Prime said through grit teeth, pulled ostensibly in a forced smile for those watching them.

“How long was I gone?”

“Gone? You didn’t go anywhere.” The light pink fur bunched on her furrowed forehead, and Gus could tell she was having some doubts in putting her faith in him.

Totally justified doubts, Gus thought.

“I mean, how long have I zoned out for? It felt like I was in for a couple of hours.”

“Are you joking? You just asked Aurora to watch over you, and then I said ‘be safe in there,’ and then you closed your eyes and opened them. That’s it. You’re telling me you got it? That quickly?”

“I… I guess so. Time in these cubes is trippy and weird—”

“You’re totally certain? Do you need to check? I don’t want to tell them we have it if we really don’t…”

“Let me double check,” Gus pulled up his display, noting with comfort that everything was back to normal. Living without a display was unsettling. It was such a part of his life now that he felt incomplete without it.

“Nick, a little help, please,” Gus asked mentally and Nick highlighted the tabs and settings to open. Sure enough there was a yellow file and a directory he could tell was the Quorian cube, just like a remote drive.

“I got it, Prime. Confirmed.”

She nodded and turned away from him to face the court.

“We have the information agreed upon. I will stay while my companions follow up on your proposed lead. Upon their return, we will exchange the information and our transaction will be done.”

“Fine,” Prime’s father growled through pursed lips. With a nod, the gorilla steward proceeded forward and handed something to Gus, bowing and then returning to his place.

Prime’s mother leaned forward, as if she were about to pounce, eyes widening as she unconsciously licked her lips. “Do not trifle with us, manchild. We expect you back within a day, or I will send my hunters after you.” She sniffed the air while staring directly at Gus. “I have your scent. It has been too long since we have had a hunt, and my hunters would thirst for prey of your ‘variety.’ If you are not back, my daughter stays with us and I will have your head on my wall as a trophy. Have no doubt of that, little rabbit.”

Gus locked eyes with the cheetah woman, determined not to lose the stare down, but Aurora gently grabbed his arm and coaxed him to leave. Unwillingly, he turned and let her lead him out.

The rusty door slammed shut behind them, Sir Rhino taking more confidence now that Prime was no longer with them. He definitely was using more force than was necessary to close the door in as obnoxious a way as possible. The three stood there staring at the empty alcove where their ship had been, totally vacant. Attempts to raise anyone