52: Disruption
“See, these two make a good team,” said Theseus, “Bet they’re swapping numbers in their heads right now!”
Katrina could already see the gloating smile crossing Phoenie’s face, replacing the look of initial horror at the boys’ intended plan.
“And Lady, before you get cocky, I’m just gonna say it don’t matter if its science or psychics giving me the answers right now so long as I know when and where to shoot,”
“I would advise John Smith to guide you in this respect,” said Faye, “I am a being of mental power and cannot accurately follow physical movement. John Smith’s sensors will be sufficient for such analysis.”
“Another victory for science,” mumbled John.
Before Theseus had a chance to begin his heroics, Katrina made sure to take two pictures of the trio – one traditional, and one auragraphic for the study of Faye’s ‘wings’. When she was finished, Theseus walked over to a designated point and fired the grappling hook at another. Tugging it to make sure it was securely attached, he then walked over to the tower wall and began his ascent. The adaptive soles on his boots were designed never to slip, even on ice, so the smooth wall posed little danger for a Survival expert. He’d soon ascended high enough to clamber into the top of the maze wall that extended from the tower and Katrina wished she’d given him her camera now, but he probably didn’t have time for artistic panoramas. With the stealth skills of a feline predator, he crawled forward and out of their sight.
“Man, we just going to sit around and wait for him?” said an irritable Joel, “I thought this was supposed to be a team effort?”
“Your abilities are not up to contributing to the task at hand,” shot Faye, sending Joel back into his silent angst.
“The wall runs alongside the tower a short way,” explained John in whispered tones, “Once he reaches the end of if in a few moments he’ll be in sight of the entrance…”
They waited, not even breathing. Katrina thought she heard half a surprised yelp followed by a microsecond explosion of high-pitched static.
“Two down,” announced John, “He’s on ground. Three. They’re recov—Four.”
“One is making a futile escape attempt,” added Faye.
“This is like listening to someone describe a film they’re watching. Proper boring,” said Joel. Only Kaori acknowledged him, with a gentle stroke of his arm.
“Five down,” continued John, “Eh, Theseus is…he’s ignoring the…”
“He wishes to engage in hand-to-hand combat,”
“Six. Must’ve given that last one a good punch in the face,”
That was it. The group breathed a collective sigh of relief as Faye urged them out of the shadows.
“We are free to proceed into the tower. We must hurry,”
She slipped into a glide and floated off. They’d have to start running again if they wanted to keep up and not get lost in the countless turns. Katrina, at least, didn’t feel as tired as some others looked and hurried after the impatient faerie.
Theseus was waiting for them outside the tower’s entrance, the bodies of the shaman piled at his feet like a collection of fish he’d just caught. Faye passed by without acknowledgement, but Katrina stopped to check how he was doing. Unsurprisingly he looked no worse for wear.
“Had to give one of ‘em a classic right hook,” he said, “It’s not like he didn’t deserve it, the bastard…”
“…the end of if in a few moments…” End of it by chance?