Ray of Light (The Incandescent Series Book 1) Read online

  ~~~

  I sit at the dining table in this sweet little cabin and watch Miles refill the kettle. If I was told two days ago that instead of being by Xander's side trying to make sense of losing five years, I would be in a remote location with Miles scheming a way to bring down a group who threatens the company I'd worked tirelessly and loyally for—I would have laughed. But then, if I was told a week ago that I would soon be frozen in time for five years—I would have run for the hills. It's strange what we are capable of dealing with.

  ‘Miles?’ I ask. ‘What makes you so sure that your dad is the one telling the truth? About not making the orbs into weapons, I mean. How can you know one hundred percent that Nichols is the one lying?’

  Miles lights the gas stove and places the kettle down. ‘He's still my dad. He often hides things from me or omits certain details, but he doesn't lie when I ask him directly. Do you believe him?’

  ‘I believe you. You're sort of the only person I believe right now.’

  He pulls a chair out to sit on. ‘What about Xander?’

  I shake my head and shrug. My hand is digging deep into my cardigan pocket and I swirl the orb around in it.

  ‘Oh, like that is it?’

  ‘I think he wanted time to grieve alone.’ As I say the words, I don’t even believe them myself.

  ‘He's a great guy just… not for you?’

  I want to ask him what kind of guy would be for me but I know what he will say.

  ‘What's in the chest?’ I ask instead.

  His eyes light up and he begins rummaging through his backpack and pulls out a key. He returns to the table and passes the key to me. I’m slow to take it off him, he wants me to open it?

  ‘So…’ Miles starts. ‘My big plan was to somehow take control over the company, if I’m the one calling the shots then I can make better choices. Luckily when I went my own way my dad didn’t cut me off completely, he agreed to give me leadership of the Fort. It was a flawed plan though, I mean, how could I take his place from there? I could only wait and keep people, you, safe. I was content with that for a while until this scientist person came along and together we devised another way.’ He nods at me to open the box.

  I drag the box along the table closer to me and I try to imagine how a small box could contain the answer to such a big problem. I place the key inside the padlock and turn until it clicks. I look up at Miles, this is it—something in here will change things again, but am I ready? He said that I was a part of the plan and I can't comprehend how but my energy surges through my veins, searching for a way to escape my own body. I lift the lid and peer into the chest, a single USB stick sits alone holding with it another glimmer of hope.

  ‘What’s on it?’ I ask hopeful.

  Miles shakes his head and smiles at me, he looks down at my cardigan. ‘What's in your pocket?’

  I realise my hand is in my pocket again and I quickly remove it. ‘Uh, its…’

  ‘The orb?’ he smiles.

  My heart starts pounding; I bring it out of my pocket and hold it towards him. He leans back and puts his hands up in protest.

  ‘Uh uh, I don't want it. I can't… here, I'll show you.’

  With my hand still outstretched towards him, he holds his hand above it about a foot. Gradually he lowers it a few centimetres, then a few more. The orb begins to vibrate in my hand and the blue green clouds begin to gather together in streaks, it's reacting in the exact same way as a static orb does when anyone goes to touch it. I look at Miles and find his eyes already on me.

  ‘Do I have to keep going to make my point or do you understand what is happening?’

  ‘No! Stop!’ I pull my hand away with the orb in it and with my other I grab his hovering hand. I feel his scar under my fingers and he clasps them with appreciation. We stay like this for a while, our hands and eyes gripped in unity.

  Miles is the first to break the connection, he lets his hand slip through mine as he takes the USB. ‘This USB contains everything you need to know about your orb. It also has blueprints of both the Base and the Fort.’

  ‘My orb?’ I look down, the orb has settled back into its rhythmic motion.

  ‘The orb is a prototype, specifically created with your DNA. It can only ever be held and used by you. It's one of a kind, no one else knows how to make one—the only copy of how it's done is on the USB!’

  ‘You're reckless like that, huh?’

  ‘I don't want it falling into the wrong hands.’

  ‘How did you get my DNA?’

  ‘This is creepy I know but we found a stray hair on your pillow.’

  ‘Ha! Right, so I have a static orb that's engineered only for my use, how is…’

  Miles interrupts shaking his head. ‘It's not a just static orb. It’s all orbs in one, plus more!’

  ‘More? Like what?’

  ‘Well, the USB contains more scientific information about how it was created but it's pretty much whatever you can think, it can do.’

  ‘What am I supposed to do with it? What exactly is Plan B?’

  ‘Plan B, is for you to master your orb and use it to steal all the other orbs in Palladium’s collection. Take away the objects they are fighting over and hopefully the fight will end, no more people have to die.’

  I look at him with reservation.

  ‘I didn't say it was a great plan.’

  ‘Why me, Miles? Why didn't you create an orb for you?’

  ‘I didn't create the orb, this mad scientist did.’ He starts to laugh but stops after a small chuckle. ‘I just… I'm just not the right person for that kind of power. I can't think of anyone else who would be, you are the perfect fit.’

  ‘How? I'm just a girl, I can't stop a war.’

  ‘Wow, really? You're trying that with me Nora? God, do I have to spell it out for you? I'm not being biased because of how I feel, this was a long thought out process between M… the scientist and I. Okay, think for a second, like you are not you. If you could see yourself through my eyes, you'd see someone caring and strong, someone resilient and adaptable, someone friendly and likable, someone smart and respectful. You're not just a girl. You are you, and you are so special. The best part about it, is that you are also frustratingly humble.’ He pauses to scoff. ‘Just a girl? Pfff…’

  I sit quiet for a while but I can't piece it all together, it’s like he's leaving something out.

  ‘Who is this scientist, if they know me so well. Is it someone we worked with at the Base? And why does this plan need someone you’ve described?’

  Miles looks over at the kettle on the stove, the sound of bubbles accompany the steam. ‘I think, sometimes, things are best left for you to work out yourself.’ He rushes to remove the kettle before it starts screaming and pours the scolding water into mugs.

  I feel the pangs of hunger approach as my stomach churns from emptiness. ‘What about lunch? Do I have to work that out myself too?’

  ‘I can make you lunch!’ he grins. ‘But I've got a portal orb that can go anywhere I've been before and you have your orb that can, well, go anywhere, you don’t even have to have been there! What food were you after?’

  ‘You know what I'd love? One of Abner's famous lunch time burgers, I haven't had one of those in a while!’ I roll the smooth sphere between my palms and breath deep through my nose, I can almost smell them. ‘It's Tuesday, he'd be making them right now too. That juicy beef, beetroot, tomato, melted cheese, onion…’ As I speak the orb glows brighter in my hands and I jolt my eyes to Miles, he shakes his head in panic. It's too late though, in one split second I'm bewildered and stunned as I stand in Abner's kitchen.

  I hide behind the glass counter and peer my head above the bench line. It's definitely lunch time, swarms of people sit at the tables devouring the mountainous burgers. Of all days, today he had to serve the burger. I spot Xander and Viv sitting at the far left table near the window, they are more interested in talking to each other than their lunch. I could almost sneak across to them, link in
their arms and take them away. Tell them all I know, bring them in onto our plan—however that is to be carried out. Miles did say I have to figure it out myself. This could be the answer. As I begin to rise, my upper arm is squeezed and I get pulled back away from the counter.

  ‘What are you doing here?’ Abner grumbles, still gripping my arm. ‘You shouldn't be here yet!’

  ‘I'm…’ I can't finish my sentence because Abner’s hand is held over my mouth.

  I try to wriggle free but his grasp is determined and stiff.

  ‘Don't speak, they can't know you're here!’ He nods at me and slowly moves his hand from my mouth.

  I nod.

  He releases his other hand from my arm and I try to rub the discomfort away.

  ‘They're coming for me; you need to go!’ He motions to the lift where I can see four guards make a bee-line for the kitchen counter.

  I glance over to Xander, he's standing up and oozes rage. Viv quickly stands up and whispers in his ear causing him to sit. I've never seen him so zealous before.

  ‘Quick, tell Miles I failed.’ Abner holds out a key the size of a finger and shoves it into my hand, it looks like a normal key but the end of it is circular. I study it, the circular end seems hollow but a golden laser light shines like a dot in the centre.

  Abner stands in front of me as the guards reach the counter.

  ‘Where's the door?’ One of them booms. Abner points to the door opposite the counter at the back of the kitchen.

  ‘Failed what?’ I whisper.

  ‘To send them away… Go now girl!’ His voice breaks and he shakes my hand that holds the orb. He rushes to the kitchen door with fear written all over his face, like he is awaiting his downfall.

  My heart pulsates so hard, as if it's trying to jump outside my body. I look to Xander and Viv again, but they are gone. If Abner is in trouble, he needs to come with me. I take a step towards him but the kitchen door swings open with force and the first guard bounds in.

  TWENTY-FOUR

  Vivian

  This is all such a mess. I need Nora, she should be here to fight with me. The only person left to convince is Eli and we'd all be together as it was, as it should be. This whole time, I've stayed here a silent and agreeable support for Miles and this is how he repays me, by leaving? I've been so careful, to not slip up, to fake my allegiance—yet still, the moment I'm gone he turns my whole strategy up in the air. I was so relieved when he fought with his dad over all the unnecessary deaths. He divided himself and started this new base—there was no way I wouldn't follow him here, to be included in the inner circle of his motives. After Kate though, he let his dad install surveillance cameras throughout the whole facility, stopped sharing his knowledge with me and only ever told me what I wanted to hear. I guess, to make sure something like that wouldn't ever happen again. Thing is, I didn't need anything like that to happen again, once was all it will take. And that was OK with me. We agreed that I am allowed here to assist Xander and Nora in their transition into this future. Was this his plan all along, to not follow through on our deal, to keep Nora all to himself? I need her. Not only to join me with the Uprising, but I need her as a friend and confidant. I've missed her so much, knowing how close she has been this whole time yet so very far away, it's some kind of torture.

  There are more whispers in the halls since Ladlow arrived early yesterday morning. The normal buzz and light-hearted atmosphere have been replaced with murmurs and scepticism. Miles had sworn to them all, that we weren't affiliated with that side of Palladium any more, but that was a lie. Every action they took, every word they uttered, every discovery made was always taken back to the main Base. Some people had wondered it but never wanted to believe it. Now though, seeing Ladlow cruise through the building with his head held high and a swarm of his personnel around, the suspicions rise with severity.

  ‘They're coming for him!’ Xander alerts me as four somber guards made their way towards Abner. ‘We have to do something!’

  Xander stands up in protest, ready to pounce at the slightest move of injustice.

  ‘Xander, sit down,’ I urge in a whisper. ‘Let them be distracted for a while, now is not the time to get yourself in trouble.’

  We sit down casually, as to not cause a scene.

  ‘You don't work for the good people Xander, there will be no negotiating with them. Our highest priority right now is making sure Kate arrives safely. Do you understand?’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ he hisses at me. ‘But what about every other innocent person caught up in this?’ He gestures around the room.

  I pretend to not hear him. I'm not being cold-hearted, but over the last few years I've needed to put perspective on everything.

  The four burly men lean over the kitchen counter; they aren't there for food. Jennifer, Sam and Marcus stand up from their table and look in my direction. I wave them towards the elevator and mouth, ‘outside!’

  The guards disappear down the hall towards the entrance of the kitchen.

  ‘Let's get out of here.’ I rush Xander outside and up towards the trees surrounding the north of the perimeter. Jennifer, Sam and Marcus are already there.

  ‘What's going on? Why is Ladlow here?’ Marcus booms as he steps side to side.

  ‘Be patient or everything will blow up in our faces. These people are not to be messed with. If they let the military get their hands on the orb’s technology, so many more graves will be dug out on their behalf. Nichols is right, everything we do and don't do is for the greater good. And right now, not drawing attention to ourselves is for the greater good, even if that means to the detriment of others.’ I shake my head; I know how that sounds. ‘Look, Miles has taken Nora away. I don't know where and I don't know why, I can only assume because he knew his father was coming. At least she is safe.’

  ‘Heh, that's weird. Nora told me she wasn't sure she could trust Miles!’ Jennifer says.

  ‘When did you speak with her?’ I ask through gritted teeth.

  ‘What? Oh, just in passing…’

  ‘I told you not to talk to her until I got back Jennifer, what was said?” I'm so angry, I was supposed to be the one to speak to Nora, no-one else, just me!

  ‘Uh… umm…’ Jennifer stutters.

  ‘Did you tell her about Miles, Jennifer?’ I demand.

  Sam stands behind Jennifer nodding.

  ‘Idiot! I told you they were close, only one day—you could have waited one day! You've jeopardised everything now you realise?’ I spit the words as if venom can release from my teeth.

  ‘I'm sorry, she was about to meet up with him by the river—I was worried he would get into her head first. I was trying to do the right thing.’

  ‘Shit!’ Xander sighs, ‘I pushed her to him. I didn't want her to have to worry about me and my grief, so I pushed her away from me, I said things I shouldn't have.’

  ‘Listen, it's probably not a huge deal. I mean Miles is a sheep, not a leader, he's hiding—like a scared little lamb. We don't need him or Nora.’ Marcus is convinced he knows what he is talking about but all I can see in Miles is the man who stopped me from dying alongside my fiancé. The one who promised me vengeance and then sat by for years not telling me how or when that would happen. I feel a rush of anger rise from the soles of my feet, bubbling up like liquid hate.

  Xander gives a quiet laugh. ‘You don't know either of them like I do Marcus. No offense, but you do want them on your side.’

  I want Nora. I don't want Miles—because now he's taken not only my lover but my best friend from me.

  ‘OK guys, give me a minute yeah? I'm going to call David and see what we do once Kate arrives.’ I force them all away from me, I need space to breathe out here. Too many words and too much energy from those who will never understand how I feel.

  The three Beta's leave immediately, I suppose they've seen me stressed before - they know and forgive my temperament. Xander hangs back for a second, he feels connected by the 'team-mate' label we used to share.
>
  ‘Are you…’ he starts.

  ‘There's no team Alpha any more Xander, the quicker you come to terms with that the better!’ I try to say it as impassive as possible.

  He nods once and walks away. ‘Right. Forget it.’

  As soon as they are out of ear shot, I dial David's number.

  ‘Viv?’ he answers. ‘What's with the unscheduled communication? We weren't due for a chat until after Kate arrived!’

  ‘Circumstances have changed, I thought you'd like to know!’ I start, trying hard to sound collected while my insides are twirling themselves into knots.

  ‘Go on.’

  ‘The Base is unguarded, Ladlow is here right now!’ I know this has to be pleasing to his ears—our whole movements centre on the assumption Ladlow would be at the Corridor for Kate's arrival but now he's here earlier than expected.

  ‘The Base is unguarded already? We may have the upper hand here Viv. Yes, this is good, this is good. And they still think Kate is not due for another three days?’

  I smile, proud of my achievement. ‘Yes, I altered the predicted date of her arrival as soon as she entered the Corridor. If we can create enough of a diversion, Kate will have arrived before they even realise what's happening.’

  ‘Perfect. This will definitely make our mission a lot easier than planned. I'll leave it in your safe hands, I don't need to tell you how imperative it is that Kate is brought to me immediately?’

  ‘I know…‘

  ‘How are things with Nora and Xander? Are they on board?’

  ‘Yeah,’ I lie. ‘All systems are go!’

  I've yearned to make Seth's death to not be in vain, to step into his shoes and be the person David needs me to be. The thought of failing him, the person who has been there for me through everything, it scares me more than any other failure.

  ‘Okay, great. I'll see you soon.’ He hangs up before I have the chance to say goodbye. Everything is always so urgent with him, for once I'd like a little bit more.

  I delete the call history, but before I can tuck my phone into my back pocket, fingers have constricted themselves around my wrist.