Chapter 24: Safe Travels
Arbus had long gotten used to the feeling of traveling through the endless expanse of space aboard a ship moving at near light speeds. He couldn't help but remember almost puking the first time he'd awoken on one, feeling something akin to seasickness despite not even being able to see the outside.
Now it just felt more uncomfortable than anything else to him.
He was fascinated by the concept of space travel. It made no logical sense to him—as to why a chunk of metal, large or small, would be capable of moving through the vast and empty void of space with minimal effort. And at such insane speeds, no less.
It was easy for him to understand why the Aurnexes were treated with reverence across the populated universe. Without them, the universe as a whole would still be in a far darker age. There was even a possibility that they would have long been wiped out by the humans when they first appeared thousands of years ago—unable to communicate or ally with anyone beyond their planets' borders.
Arbus pulled himself from his reverie as he glanced around the bus-like ship for a bit, taking in the pristine cleanliness of the vessel. It was almost like it was brand new.
He glanced towards the front of the ship, where he saw the Qus piloting them through a field of debris, visible to Arbus through the projections displayed on the front window.
A small frown crossed his features as his brows creased together.
(Why the frown?) The Qus suddenly transmitted into Arbus's mind from the front, startling him.
He composed himself as he remembered that a Qus's 'vision' wasn't as straightforward as that of other species. It was more akin to a sensing ability, allowing them to see all around them where a normal pair of eyes would be able to observe, and in extreme detail, no less.
The Qus was a Heart-shard user on top of that, meaning he was capable of seeing thousands of miles around himself as well.
Arbus turned away from the Qus as he leaned back in his chair. "It's nothing. I was just worried about space pirates. I hear they usually hide among debris a lot to ambush travelers."
(Ah, that makes sense. You don't have to worry about something like that, though. Not with me around, anyways. But it's good that you seem aware of your environment.) The Qus transmitted without ever turning his face towards Arbus.
Arbus didn't reply, simply nodding in response and hoping the conversation would end there.
(So, Tomber. Quite the strange choice for a training facility, don't you think?) The Qus continued.
Arbus sighed inwardly as he answered. "Why do you say that, sir?"
The Qus tapped a finger against the controls of the vessel for a moment before a chuckle echoed in Arbus's mind.
(Why wouldn't I? It's a planet located in an isolated region in the star system, almost furthest apart from the suns. A frozen landscape, populated by an endless amount of nightmare creatures of varying sizes. It's natural for me to wonder why any trainee would want to go there.)
(Personally, I believe that anyone who does is either trying to get themselves killed, prove something, or a complete idiot.)
The Qus finally turned his head just as the ship exited the debris field and began speeding back up again. (So... which one are you?)
"..."
Arbus remained silent for a long while. Then he replied evenly, unable to hide his unease. "Well, hopefully not that last one."
(Hm, of course, hopefully.)
(No one wants to be the last one. But, it's always hard to tell until it's too late.)
The Qus's insistent tapping finally stopped as he faced out the window again.
(...I'm sure you should be able to tell by now that I'm not exactly a transporter. And that I'm not here to simply chat with you about something like the weather of a planet.) The Qus sent, the tone of his transmission becoming more serious.
"Yeah, I could already tell. You're an inquisitor, aren't you?" Arbus asked tensely.
(Yes, that's correct. Williamson Omen. At your service. Arbus Grimm—prince of Tarok.)
Arbus didn't respond, watching the inquisitor—Williamson—intently.
The Renegades were the ruling force of the universe that policed the wider populace. On the other hand, the Inquisitors were a unit within the organization that policed the Renegades themselves and their internal affairs. They were created not too long ago in response to the rising number of second-chance members. Their main job was to flush out second-chance spies and sympathizers throughout the entire organization. Everything else was secondary.
After several moments, Arbus folded his arms, still obviously tense. He wasn't surprised that an inquisitor would have access to his information that had been buried by the council to prevent chaos concerning the Dune household and the news of Angel Grimm's crimes. To the wider populace, Angel Grimm went on an extended mission outside the star system after her son—who she had yet to announce to the star system—died tragically in an accident.
Only those who saw what actually happened firsthand and those with a high enough status actually knew the truth. And the inquisitors fit that category perfectly.
"So, what exactly does an inquisitor want with me?" he asked finally.
"Are you here to stop me from trying to become a knight or something?" His eyes narrowed. "Or, for something even worse than that."
(Relax, Arbus. I'm not here to kill you. That's not my job.) The Qus transmitted evenly.
Then, the tone of his transmission became lower. (Although, the possibility of someone else being sent for that... isn't low. Depending on what the inquisitors find out about you.)
Arbus's expression soured as his eyes filled with anger. "What exactly do you guys think I've done to warrant something like that!? Even after I just killed a Human and saved countless lives!" Arbus shouted, unable to control his boiling rage.
(Exactly that.) The Qus growled in Arbus's mind, with apparently enough Heart energy to give the average knight trainee a small headache. For Arbus, whose pain tolerance had long reached ridiculous levels, it simply felt like a tiny pricking sensation. Still, he understood it was an attempt by the Qus to calm him down, so he stayed quiet as his teeth clenched tightly.
(...The Terytl-B incident is no small matter, kid. Billions of people were wiped out in the span of a few hours, in one of the most frequented planets in the star system, without anyone noticing until it was too late.)
(It's up to us—the Inquisitors—to figure out how something like this happened, and make sure it can never happen ever again. Which is why any and every possibility is considered, including that of your possible involvement in the act.) Williamson transmitted.
He paused for several moments, then let out a sound resembling a sigh in Arbus's mind. (I understand your feelings on the matter. What you did was truly a heroic act deserving of praise. And I'm not a Qus who cares much if someone is half Human, unless there's reason to. So I'm willing to thank you, for saving countless lives in the way you did.)
(But, that does not mean we'll simply overlook several concerning matters about the case.)
"...And what are those? The matter that hint at any possibility of my Involvement in a Genocide I had to experience first hand." Arbus asked with a glare.
(...That's not for you to know for the time being.) Williamson answered.
(All you need to know, is that we are keeping a very close eye on you, Arbus. And that if we determine you to be a danger to this star system... then we will dispose of you. Despite the Sentinel's machinations.)
"..."
"Whatever."
***
The frozen planet of Tomber came into view hours later as the ship descended through orbit—an invisible barrier shielding it from the heat upon entry. The planet's weather made the task far easier than usual.
They arrived at an enormous silver structure that stood out among the frozen mountains eventually, as the ship landed.
Arbus stepped out of the vessel, turning back one final time and giving a dismissive, small bow that didn't align with his cold gaze.
Williamson didn't seem to mind as he chuckled in Arbus's mind, his casual tone returning. (Guess I'll be seeing you around, kid.)
"I sincerely hope not." Arbus snorted as he turned away, heading toward the facility. His mind was too preoccupied to pay attention to the red Mornan personnel at the door that greeted him hesitantly as he walked past her.
When he stepped through the entrance, his eyes scanned the room for several moments as he quickly took in his environment.
As well as the stunned and terrified looks forming on the faces of his fellow trainees.
Arbus sighed inwardly. '... Didn't miss this part.'