Page 96 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol. 1
My body is numb, but I'm almost pain-free. I know that's not exactly good news, but I don't really care.
Here I am, my companion curled up in my arms. My mind wanders, unable to focus. Maybe I'm high.
I gradually slip into a semi-conscious state.
After some time, someone shakes me and tells me to wake up.
‘’Pherebos! Go on, it's no time to take a nap!’’ Wingo tells me.
‘’Pherebos, I hear Wingo!’’ Ileana's excited voice calls out. ‘’He's coming to get us. Wake up! Wake up!’’
I get it. Wingo's here, and they want to go somewhere. But we're not in any rush, are we? I'm tired and I need to sleep some more.
‘’Pherebos! Listen, I’m coming in with the SIL, but the moment I land, Noviosk’s crew is gonna show up and try to take us out. I need to know you understand—and that you’re ready to reach the contact point.’’
‘’Wingo? I’m sorry. I’m not in any shape to bring my Dedicated Soul out of here. You’ll have to retrieve it and keep it safe. I’m entrusting it to you. Don’t worry about me,’’I finish in a breath.
A sharp slap snaps me fully awake.
I blink. The shelter is dim, shadows clinging to the walls. Ileana’s pulled my jacket away from the exit.
“You really think I’m gonna leave you here alone? Not happening!”
Wait—what is she talking about? And why would anyone stick a finger in their own eye? Has she lost it?
She crosses her arms.
“Good, you’re awake. We’re moving. And just so you know, you didn’t answer Wingo—you were mumbling nonsense I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear. Now get up!”
She steps over me, already poised to slip into the water. That water… crawling with leeches—and probably worse things.
“Come on!” she urges. “We’re not dying in some fossilized dinosaur egg or whatever the hell this thing is. We swim to the platform, and Wingo gets us out. Let’s go!”
She’s right, of course. But I’ve got nothing left. It’s like those things drained not just my flesh and blood—but every last ounce of strength I had.
‘’Pherebos?’’Wingo’s voice cuts in.‘’Ileana tells me you’re back with us and getting ready to move toward the contact point. I’m in position.’’
‘’Wingo… I’m exhausted. I feel completely drained. I don’t know if I can—‘’
‘’So you’re going to let your Dedicated Soul face what’s coming alone?’’he asks, sharp and deliberate.
‘’No. Absolutely not!’’
‘’Then protect her. Dig deep. Make it to the SIL—and I’ll take it from there.’’
He’s right.
Ileana stands at the edge of the shelter, ready to slip into the deadly water. She glances back at me, anxious, waiting for a sign. I give her a weak nod.
“Ease into the water—quietly. No splashes. We can’t afford to give ourselves away,” I tell her. “I’m right behind you.”
I push myself up, groaning as pain tightens through every muscle. My whole body feels like it’s been crushed from the inside. Swimming the hundred feet or so to the platform is going to be brutal.
‘’Move, now!’’Wingo urges.‘’The SIL’s been spotted.’’
‘’Wingo, alert Akifumi. The Confederation needs to move—our traitor’s here, and one of the coalition’s top leaders is with him!’’
‘’Already done. I triggered the greenlight protocol for Akifumi. As for the rest—you’ll have to explain it yourself!’’
