The Lie (The Seekers Book 2) Page 10

  T he Professor took charge, “If you take me a little closer I may be able to help you.”

  Dominik immediately reached over and gave the book to Millie, “There you go.”

  Christina folded her arms and sighed but let it go for now. There was still no sign of life from the stricken figure on the floor and she was quite intrigued by the amulet too.

  “Ah yes,” the Professor’s clear voice announced, “We simply need to break the code...”

  Millie couldn’t see his face because she was holding the book away from her but she interrupted anyway, “What code, where?”

  “Please, if I may be allowed to continue?”

  “Sorry, but Oliver could be in all sorts of trouble by now, so we do need to hurry.”

  “Well the gems are inscribed with the names of the Twelve and each letter has a number, so all I have to do is calculate them and find the key.”

  Millie bent over the Doorkeeper but as hard as she tried she could see no writing, the gems were indeed beautiful and she thought if they were real they must be worth a fortune, but what was the professor on about?

  He was frowning.

  “Well?” asked Christina, unable to keep quiet any longer.

  The Professor smiled, “All possible permutations have been completed and the key is 37.”

  “Cool,” said Dominik, “as in the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy... or was that 47?”

  Millie ignored the good-looking guy, difficult as that was, “So what do we do with it?”

  The Professor was embarrassed, “Ah... I haven’t actually worked that out yet my dear.”

  Millie groaned and so did the Doorkeeper. She turned to look at him, “But we have to do something quick, he’s starting to wake up.”

  “Try pressing the third and seventh jewel,” suggested Dominik. Millie reached across and gingerly applied pressure to the two gem stones but nothing happened.

  Christina leant forward, “Why don’t you turn it around, after all a key is supposed to be turned, so try 73.”

  Millie rolled her eyes at such simplicity but the professor was ecstatic, “Of course, Mille try the seventh jewel first and then the third.”

  Millie handed the Professor back to Dominik and did as she was told, pressing hard on the deep red ruby first and then the bright green emerald. There was a small click allowing her to turn them through 180 degrees. When she had finished the twelve jewels simply came away from the rest of the breastplate, resting on a thin rectangular block of gold.

  “Let’s go,” said the Professor, “we have all we need now.”

  Q uark made a steeple with his fingers and tapped his chin, deep in thought. At first Winston thought he was deliberately ignoring him but eventually he spoke, “There are three doors left old friend, any preferences?”

  Winston surveyed the alternatives: a plain pine door, one covered in multi-coloured swirls and the last one a horrible muddy brown. He shivered, “I think the natural door has more charm, don’t you?”

  “May I pick you up? We don’t want to be separated.”

  And so they went through, the Companion and the creature into utopia.

  The first thing Winston noticed was the absence of noise, back home he had often wished he had ear muffs sometimes rather than a collar. Next was the smell, or rather lack of. It was all so ... pure and as Quark placed him on the ground he was delighted to find it was pleasantly warm, as he got older his pads had become increasingly sensitive. The view, however, was something else. Winston wanted to cry. Why can’t dogs cry he wondered? He would ask one day.

  Quark too was still. He could not understand why they were admitted here, to enter the Inner Sanctuary was unheard of, and what did this mean for Oliver? As far as he knew no-one ever returned from here. Why would they even want to?

  Chapter 18

  D ominik beat Millie to it, “So how do we get out of here?”

  The Professor addressed Millie as she was the one holding the breastplate, “We must scan it into the carrier, only then can we enter the Highway and choose our destination.”

  Millie did her best “what on earth are you talking about” look again and the Professor responded with a grin, “Sorry – take me over to the central console again and I will show you what to do.

  Turning their backs on the Doorkeeper they hurried over to the work station, which was very spartan indeed. Three small screens faced them. The Professor wasted no time, “Segment One priority clearance,” he ordered. The middle screen flashed into life displaying a sun and planetary alignment that neither the teacher or the scientist recognised, but before they could say anything he continued. “Now Millie scan the amulet by holding it in front of you, you must stand in front of the right hand monitor.”

  She wanted to say but what about Oliver, but realised that she had to trust him and they had to get away from the Doorkeeper first. Her legs were shaking and her throat still hurt like crazy but she did as he asked. She turned to look at Miss Elliot who gave her the thumbs up sign then quickly grabbed Dominik’s hand. The small group waited while the Professor inputted the co-ordinates and they were not disappointed. In an instant the room began to spin and an intolerable brightness confronted them. Millie could barely keep her eyes open as she hurtled down a narrow shaft at lightning speed; landing feet first she emerged by the side of a beautiful lake and she watched in amazement as the others joined her.

  Tumbling onto the grass in a somewhat ungainly fashion their faces shone with exhilaration and relief, but when Mille looked at the Professor, still tightly grasped in Dominik’s arm, he was crying. Millie got up and went over to speak to the book, “What’s the matter Professor? We made it didn’t we?”

  “Yes, yes, my child, forgive me - these are tears of happiness not sadness, it has been so long ... I never thought I would see home again.”

  Millie nodded in sympathy and turned to the others, “Is everyone okay?”

  “We are all fine Millie, but where are we?” asked Christina.

  They all looked at the Professor who was smiling through his tears, “This is Kalos, home to my ancestors and the last place of resistance. We are safe here for the moment. Millie still has the amulet so they cannot use the Highway, but they will return eventually I suppose.”

  Millie had a quick look around, she had forgotten the jewels, but sure enough they were lying in the grass, she must have dropped them when she landed.

  “So what do we do now?” asked Dominik.

  “Good question. I really must get Millie home; her parents are waiting to hear from me, and that little chap Quark is still on the other side of the door!” Christina let go of Dominik’s hand, leaving him sitting on the floor, and rushed over to Millie.

  “You’ve seen Quark? What on earth is he doing?” Millie wanted to know if help was on the way.

  “I think that’s the problem,” interrupted Dominik, “he is on Earth and I take it we are not, judging from the planets on your display?”

  The Professor was shocked, “Did you say Earth? Why that is the stuff of legend, good grief – has it exploded yet?”

  They all looked at him. “What do you mean...yet?” asked Millie.

  H e didn’t really know if he was falling, could somebody without a body fall? There was, however, the sensation of falling. Oliver was certainly confused, how long had this been happening? How long could it go on for? It was incredible how the mind played tricks at times like this, but did he have a mind if his brain was still in the hospital? He definitely had memory. Oliver actually laughed when he thought of what Millie would say to him when he told her about all this. At the thought of Millie a huge wave of emotion overcame him. He still had feelings then. Was this his soul?

  Oliver couldn’t work out why he wasn’t afraid. After all he was effectively lost, without a plan, without help and without Quark. Oh dear. Still, he had no fear; which was probably just as well for what he saw next would have scared the old Oliver to death. All sensation of movement ceased and
directly in front of him was a colossal killing machine. Suited and booted with all manner of attachments and weaponry, Oliver was impressed. The guy’s sword alone was twice Oliver’s height and he stood to attention with it, holding it out in front of him. He stared straight ahead, expression grim and clearly vigilant. But what was he guarding?

  Oliver looked around; there was nothing in the room but him and the giant terminator. It was a most unusual place, the walls were completely covered in a metallic webbing of some sort, but there were no doors or windows. So where did the light come from? And what was the point in guarding an empty room?

  Oliver hadn’t dared to move yet, as clearly there was nowhere to hide, but the guard hadn’t acknowledged him at all. Then it struck Oliver that maybe he couldn’t see him in his present state. So what was he supposed to do? Did this lead to Millie? Anyway he had to get out of there somehow and this giant had to be overcome.

  There was no choice really, Oliver decided the only thing to do was get beyond him and then see if something happened. Throwing caution to the wind he marched forward and almost made it to the enormous silver boots when a ghastly siren sounded and an opening to his right appeared. As the door slid upwards Oliver considered making a run for it, but before he could move again a woman stepped into the room, and the door closed behind her.

  The fighter took a step towards her but the woman remained rooted to the spot. She was dressed simply in a white dress and had no shoes; her long brown hair shone in the strange light and her young face was very beautiful. Oliver was so transfixed by this unexpected turn of events he had not seen the fighter move position. It had happened instantly and without sound. The woman finally stepped to her left. The fighter went to the right. Amazing, thought Oliver, it’s like a giant chess game, and Oliver was good at chess.

  “G reetings” said a booming voice behind them, “It is well you are here.”

  Winston spun around to face the owner of such a fine voice, but couldn’t see anyone. They were surrounded by tall trees on three sides so Winston waddled off to get a closer look. Quark knew there was no need to move but kept him company anyway, “Greetings...I am that which is not, so that that which is, can be.”

  “Ah, welcome Quark of the Third Heavens and who is this?”

  Winston stopped suddenly and Quark almost bumped into the back of him, “I am Winston of the first things first...where are you?”

  The voice continued to laugh, “Why, I am everywhere of course!”

  Quark began tapping his fingers together, “Winston, dear friend, this is Comforter. He is in all things.”

  “Oh, well, why didn’t he just say so?” Winston decided this may take some time so he found a lovely cool spot in the shade of the nearest tree and sat down.

  Quark had stopped fidgeting and stood with his head slightly bowed. “Are we being transferred?” he asked, “Because I really would like to complete my mission if I am permitted, after all Millie is still travelling and Oliver is in mortal danger.”

  Winston stood up again, “Oh yes, can you help us?”

  “Nothing is impossible for IAM,” he declared, “But they have strayed into the heart of enemy territory and you will need a special herald for this one Quark.”

  “Is that a yes?” Winston asked. He sniffed at a nearby bright purple flower, it was strangely compelling. Quark gave Winston one of his looks but the terrier was immune to its message, he seemed cheekier than ever in this environment. “Forgive us Comforter, we are keen to help our friends but also keen to listen.”

  Winston grunted and sat down again.

  The voice continued in a gentler tone, “Your faithfulness is not in doubt Quark, nor your bravery, but you will need a Guide to help you access the Domain. I am afraid they have entered Diabolicus.”

  “But how did they get there?” Quark was confused.

  “Where is that?” Winston looked to Quark for the answer.

  “Oh, it’s more than a place. It stands in opposition to all things good and true. It is hedged around but they continue to break through from time to time.”

  Winston tilted his head, “Right. Not worth a visit then.”

  “Indeed, but it appears we may have no choice.” Quark tapped his fingers in thought. Suddenly the trees overhead swayed at a gust of wind and there in front of them was Michael. The Archangel smiled at his two old friends while his glorious wings folded back into place. Quark immediately fell to the ground while Winston rushed over to say hello, angelic protocol not having been part of his training.

  “Arise faithful one, we meet again.” Michael embraced them both, kneeling down to gather them to him. Although his strong features were softened by his engaging smile the resolve in his eyes had not dimmed. He looked as invincible as ever.

  N o one spoke while the Professor gathered his thoughts, “Well... goodness me... where shall I start? This is incredible. I know Millie said she wasn’t dead but I never actually thought she was alive! Then it’s all true after all!”

  “Surely you have to be one or the other?” mumbled Christina.

  “Not necessarily,” Dominik stood up abruptly and pointed to the opposite side of the lake, “but we may have to continue this conversation later as we have visitors.”

  They looked across and were astounded to see three small airplanes hovering over the water’s edge; they were virtually silent but for some downward thrust. Their cockpits were completely encased in reflective mirror so the group could see nothing of what was inside.

  “Oh dear,” said the Professor sadly “I did hope we would have more time before the Drones located us. Never mind we will take our leave.”

  Millie gestured at the beautiful wide-open countryside, “Sure Professor, but where do you suggest?”

  He smiled reassuringly, “Why, the one place they can’t go of course. In there.” He nodded at the lake.

  Christina was alarmed, “Look, all this is making no sense at all we must get Millie back to her parents...”

  But the Drones were splitting up, one stayed at the far side of the lake while the other two began to follow the water’s edge towards them, each taking a different side. The Professor was resolute, “We have 2.75 minutes before they get here. We must hurry to the portal.”

  Millie was suddenly energised, “You have a portal? Where is it?”

  “Take me to the water, quickly!” the Professor insisted.

  Millie grabbed the book from Dominik and gave him the amulet in exchange. She hurried to the water’s edge and the others followed less enthusiastically, but seeing no real alternative, went with the plan.

  “What are we searching for?” asked Dominik.

  “Don’t worry,” assured the Professor, “I simply need to scan the surface. Hah, there it is by the weeping willow. We shall have to run I’m afraid.”

  Millie took off as fast as she could go, “Right, we will then. Come on!”

  The tree was about fifty metres away and the approaching drone on that side was getting ever nearer, it would be a close thing. Dominik took Christina’s hand this time and pulled her along with him, they arrived with only seconds to spare.

  “Where is it?” gasped Millie, looking at the tree.

  “I told you – in there. Jump!”

  Millie looked at the gently lapping waves, the muddy bank dropped dramatically away, but there was no time to argue. She had used portals before, of course, but not this way. She felt sorry for her two new friends. “Trust me,” she yelled and then holding the book close to her chest, she jumped into the water and disappeared.

  “What the...?” Christina shook her head frantically; she wasn’t going to jump in there for anybody. So Dominik pulled her in.

  T he young woman made a sudden move and was just in time to escape the full force of the sword as it crashed to the ground with a resounding clang. The fighter had an enormous reach; surely she would stand very little chance of escaping in such a confined space? Oliver felt helpless. The two continued their robotic dance f
or a few more minutes, always taking it in turn to make their move. Oliver was just wondering why the girl didn’t simply run away when she appeared by his side at her next jump. She was remarkably calm.

  “It won’t be long now.” She smiled at Oliver and leapt to her right as the fighter made another lunge. When he straightened his sword Oliver was amazed to see the girl jump onto the hilt and alight on the armoured hand. There was no stopping her now, she scrambled up the arm and smashed her fist against the chest plate. A tiny compartment opened and she shrieked in triumph as she pulled out a silver disc. In two swift moves she was back by Oliver’s side and they both watched the fighter drop his sword and crash to the ground.

  “That was awesome!” Oliver smiled back at her, “how did you know to do that?”

  “Know your enemy,” she said simply and gave him a dazzling smile, “but we only have a little time, so where’s yours?” She held up the silver disc.

  Oliver looked at it and frowned, he so did not want to disappoint his new friend. “Er ... what exactly is that?”

  The smile vanished instantly, “Don’t mess me about, you know it takes two to open the door.”

  Oliver threw his hands in the air, “What door?”

  The girl sighed, “How did you get selected exactly?”

  Oliver looked down at his feet, “Don’t think I’ve ever been selected for anything in my life really, more of a volunteer me.”

  The girl was confused, “Who are you?”

  “My name is Oliver; I’m looking for my sister.”

  “Obviously,” she flipped the disc, “well you can’t get her without the token can you?” She turned away from him, “I will see if they will accept mine.”

  Without looking back she raced to the centre of the room and knelt down, her long hair touched the ground all around her but Oliver could clearly see the floor glowing. He hurried over. Her white dress shone with a shocking intensity and her whole being seemed illuminated from within. She trembled violently as she tried to place the disc on the floor, but she was struggling to move and her eyes were wild with desperation. Finally, the light went out and she fell to the ground, sobbing quietly as the silver disc rolled across the floor. She looked at Oliver, “How could you?” she asked, “How could you kill my sister?”