Cath

The Cradle

Freyr thought back to her discussion with the Rothian, Vreta, idly massaging her arm. He’d said the creature with David’s face had talked about ‘finding toys’ just after using that communications array. With this new information, she concluded it was highly likely ‘toys’ was a way for an immature construct to assign value to something it didn’t have Human words for yet. The question was, who’s vocabulary did it pluck this word from? Freyr couldn’t help but think it was her daughter, Amy’s, lexicon. The evidence so far pointed to them being alive in some form in the Cradle. She just had to find them.

“In fact, there’s a meeting this morning with the Rothians. We’re going to look for permission to open an investigation on the coordinates we pulled from the arrays. Blue Eye Guy has requested your attendance, as the Cradle Research Division’s new head.” Freyr sharply looked up from staring into her tea. “That’s Karos’ job.” She snapped. Masgard regarded her sympathetically for a moment. “Dr Lang, Dr Childermass died in the Cradle... I’m told you were very close...I’m sorry.” The medication hadn’t kicked in yet, and Freyr could feel anger and grief bubbling up to the surface. She felt her grip tighten on her drink. “He’s been gone less than a day, and already they’ve made me head of department?” Masgard nodded. “The guy moves quickly, I must admit. He said it’d be good for you to link up with your team to-”

Freyr crushed her takeaway cup between her fingers, sloshing hot tea all over the breakfast bar. “THEY’RE ALL FUCKING DEAD! And now you look at me like I know how to fix this!” She exploded, standing up and glaring at Masgard with tears suddenly streaming down her face. The lawyer awkwardly grabbed up his cup and the bag of pastries to prevent them from getting wet. Freyr hissed as the pain from her burned hand kicked in. She rushed to the sink and held it under cold water. The sensation triggered memories of the energy burn she’d sustained to the same arm in the Cradle. “Freyr…” Masgard soothed, coming around to the sink. “I’ve read your file. You are the brightest mind in your field. No one else has your combination of specialised education, knowledge of the Cradle, and first-hand experience of what it’s capable of now. If anyone can figure out how to fix this, it’s you!”

Freyr pushed past him, heading into the bedroom and slamming the door. Masgard stood outside, trying to listen to what was going on inside. “With the amount of infrastructure that relies on the Cradle, i don’t need to tell you what is at stake if it gets any worse.” Eventually, Freyr emerged from her bedroom, jumper on. “Come on. Let’s go to the meeting.” She sighed, motioning with her head to the door, hands in pockets. Masgard grinned. “Now that is the spirit!”

Song Reference time

HAI, my name is Ronnie; I'm an addict!

The Cradle

Chapter 2 - Perfidious Dark

She was back in the Cradle. Everything around her was wrapped in night, a perfidious dark, crisscrossed with purple skeins on the walls, ceiling and floor. She looked down at her hands; they were covered in black, bristling algae. It crept up her body, toothy shoots wrapping around her neck. She opened her mouth to scream, and algae sprouted from in there too, curling around her lips and blocking her nose.

“Mummy?” A small, thin voice called from the dark. She looked up, unable to breathe but still searching for her daughter. The algae crawled past her eyelids and wriggled under her eyes. She couldn’t blink. “Freyr, where are you?” A man’s voice called, far away. She called back with every fibre of her being, but could only manage a muffled hum, deep within her throat. Something in the darkness chuckled.

A pale human face, one she remembered, but with black eyes and a gaping black hole for a mouth, appeared from the dark in front of her. “I can seeeee youuuu.” It sang, it’s voice wet and somehow dead. She screamed anew. The face flew toward her, on the end of a giant insect creature. It’s mouth grew wider and long, sharp teeth appeared that filled her vision as the algae covered her eyes-

Freyr thrashed around, screaming into her pillow until she was finally awake and her covers lay on the floor. She heard clattering and looked around just as Masgard, the lawyer from yesterday, and four guards with guns burst into her bedroom. “Dr Lang!” Masgard shouted, then he surveyed the look on Freyr’s face and the abandoned covers and realised what had happened. “Bad dream?” He asked. Freyr nodded, grabbing the covers back up to drape them over herself. “Clear.” Officers began calling from all corners of the apartment, including in the bedroom. “Ok, everyone out please! I need to talk to my client. I’ll let you get dressed, Dr Lang. Sorry for the disturbance; we thought someone was trying to kill you.” Masgard grinned sheepishly.

Once everyone had left her bedroom, Freyr quickly changed from her night clothes into some sturdy, comfortable trousers, her work boots & gloves, and a black tank top. She rejoined the living room, where Masgard was waiting with two takeaway cups and a large paper bag. “I brought some pastries and something hot to drink.” Freyr was actually starving after only eating a small part of her dinner, so thanked him and tucked in. “So, i have news from the Cradle.” Masgard began after they’d each eaten a pastry. He sat across the breakfast bar from her, his hands clasped around his cup of tea. Freyr looked up. “What’s that?” She said after politely swallowing what was in her mouth at the time.

“This is classified top secret. You Know Who-...” Masgard tapped just below his right eye, taking Freyr instantly back to the mysterious man with the augmented eyes. “...-wanted to bring you back into the Cradle personally to hear this, but i persuaded him you needed a little time away from that place.” Freyr smiled gratefully. “Thank you, i appreciate that. After last night i…definitely need some time to decompress.” She grabbed the canister of pills that were still sitting on the counter, and took one with her tea.

“So...” Masgard leaned forward, drawing Freyr in with him. “They sent a team back beyond the Border last night, to investigate the equipment that abomination with the human face was playing with. They found some advanced Rothian-tech communications array, with an activity log. It seems the creature used a testing backdoor to commandeer several comms arrays here, in real-world Babylon. It sent several encrypted bursts to coordinates on the surface of Rothia, the Rothians’ homeworld.” Freyr couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Are you telling me that thing was trying to talk to someone, light years away?” Masgard shrugged. “I’m not an expert, but those are the facts so far, yes.” Freyr took a big sip of her tea, deep in thought.

The Cradle

“Sure. I’d like that.” Freyr nodded. Masgard ushered the Rothians from the room and turned in the hallway, his voice calm and level. “I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow. Well done today.” Her new lawyer flashed a roguish smile before finally leaving and shutting the door. Freyr breathed a sigh of relief. She was almost alone, apart from the police officer still monitoring the windows.

Unwilling to fully settle down until all this business with the shield generators was resolved, Freyr poured another glass of wine and watched the news. Reports and footage of Boycott park were on all the local channels; Freyr hardly recognised the place with hordes of law enforcement personnel and journalists swarming everywhere.

Before long, a couple of Rothian technicians came by to install the shield, carrying the compact device between them. They put it by the windows and fiddled with it for a while, the police officer watching them closely. Eventually, the device began emitting a soft whirring noise and the Rothians stood up, seemingly satisfied. One of them then came over and offered her a personal shield belt, like the one Vreta was wearing. They showed Freyr how to wear it and activate the device. It was much lighter than Freyr was expecting.

She thanked both of them, and the police officer who’d been guarding the apartment, for taking such good care of her. She was beginning to feel more than slightly awkward at all the effort that’d been expended just for her protection. “I’ll be right outside if you need anything.” The police officer smiled, just before closing the apartment door and leaving Freyr with her thoughts.

After finishing her glass of wine, Freyr just about managed to get into bed, belt and all, before her exhaustion overcame her and she fell into a deep, partly medicated sleep.

The Cradle

Masgard considered the Rothian’s offer carefully. He understood any of their technology could be used to spy on people, and was very difficult to sweep without causing ‘damage’. But he did need to look like he was willing to cooperate, and this was a relatively small concession. He couldn’t think of any logical reason to turn it down. “Thank you, I’m happy with that if you are, Dr Lang?” He looked at Freyr, who nodded.

“After it’s set up, I'd like all security personnel to leave the apartment for the hall and common areas, so Dr Lang can get some rest.” Masgard continued, closing the deal. “If that’s acceptable, let's head to the lobby to discuss details? I’m sure you’re tired of having us in your safe space right now.” The lawyer finished, looking at Freyr one last time to see how many points he’d scored. Freyr smiled gratefully. “Thank you, all of you. I appreciate the effort you’re going to.”

The Cradle

Freyr cringed as she realised how inappropriate her offer had been. The alien had been shot in the stomach. “Oh shit, i’m sorry. This is going terribly.” Freyr muttered, pouring just two glasses of water. One for her and one for the police officer. Freyr walked out from behind the kitchen island and gave one to her while Vreta carried on talking. The woman smiled encouragingly and downed it in one.

Masgard jumped in and replied to Vreta’s offer directly. “I’m afraid i must decline that offer on my client’s behalf. The security we have in place is more than sufficient to deflect any further interest from a gang of thugs with knives.” He snipped. Freyr stepped in next. “Mr...Xandrus, is it? I’ll thank you not to just wade in like that. I am standing here, in the room, with you. I don’t even recall asking for a lawyer?” She was getting a bit annoyed with this awkward man already, however outwardly charming he appeared.

Masgard issued a supplicate nod. “Yes, of course ma’am. You didn’t call for me; the administration appointed me to serve you. And I'm afraid there will be instances where I have to intervene. Pursuant to Article 13 of our legal agreement with the Rothians, ‘ad-hoc’ security arrangements for critical Human personnel like yourself need additional sign-off by the Outremer Security Council. The Executive Vice-President has given emergency authority to me until they sit tomorrow morning, for which I have their stamp.” He fished a small holo-chip out of his pocket, which beamed a complicated, single use sigil onto the ceiling of Freyr’s apartment.

Freyr nursed the bridge of her nose with one hand, arms crossed. She felt the effects of the powerful medication she’d taken earlier rapidly wearing off. It felt as though her feet had been planted in thick mud. “Ok. So what is the plan then? Am i just to stay here?” Masgard nodded. “For tonight, that’s the plan. There are two dozen police officers in or around the block; you’re totally safe. In the morning, I'll liaise with Babylon law enforcement and Rothian peacekeepers on your behalf, to discuss what risks still remain to your safety.”

“I see...Well, in that case, thank you both for your very generous offer.” Freyr tried to smile at the two very polite aliens, one sitting and one standing. “But it seems i’m well taken care of here.” Freyr desperately wanted to talk more through their shared musings on the Cradle, but this obviously wasn’t the right time. “Perhaps we can chat further about what happened in the Cradle tomorrow, once you’ve been...stitched up?” Freyr offered.

The Cradle

Freyr nodded shakily. “I’m glad.” She stopped, not quite sure what to say. Masgard jumped in. “You seem tired, Dr Lang. Now we’ve checked in, we can get out of your w-” Freyr piped up again, remembering what she wanted to get off her chest before the Rothians were shooed away. Masgard blinked a few times, licked the back of his bottom lip and regarded Freyr with a very serious expression. Something akin to brotherly concern perhaps? Freyr didn't know, she was an only child.

“I’m grateful to...whoever that was...who got me out of there to safety. I just wish you hadn’t got hurt in the process, Vreta. As far as i know, i’ve done nothing bad to anyone. I think the Skinners must have found out where I work and…” Freyr trailed off. “Did we capture them? The people who did this?” She turned to her new lawyer. “Yes, I believe we have all of them in custody now. The ones your friend left alive, that is.” Masgard confirmed, stealing a glance at the two Rothians. “Oh, fuck…” Freyr murmured, running a hand through her hair; it probably needed a wash.

“Can i, uh, offer you guys something to drink? Water, juice?” She asked, casting her eyes around everyone in the room. Masgard shook his head, still pinning her with an intense stare. There was a large part of her that just wanted to curl up and forget about all this until the morning. However, there was another, supremely inquisitive part of her that wanted to know more. “I would love a water.” The police woman surveying the park through a slit in the armoured window plating called, looking backwards. Freyr nodded, walking toward the kitchen area. “Ok. Anyone else? Please take a seat guys.”

The Cradle

Masgard listened to Vreta’s brief recount of events, eyes wandering gradually to the alien’s injuries. “Understandable. However I must remind you that as you’re not formally affiliated with Rothian peacekeeping forces here on Outremer, I'm allowing you here purely as a professional courtesy. To verify the wellbeing of an...acquaintance. Any talk that might compromise my client’s mental wellbeing will not be allowed.” Masgard crammed into the elevator after the two Rothians and hit ‘doors close’.

Five police officers with compact SMGs stood guard on the seventh floor. They recognised Masgard’s authority, and nodded him through once he’d quickly explained the situation. He stopped the two Rothians at the door. The officer standing in front of it eyed the two aliens suspiciously, before eventually calling to the officer inside the apartment with a code word. They opened it from the inside. “I’m just going to talk to my client first, then i’ll let you in.” Masgard stepped into a dark apartment.

At first he couldn’t see anything, except a small fountain of sparks in one corner of the room. After a moment, he could see a police woman securing a flexible sheet of strong alloy to the last uncovered window pane in the living room. “All done in here. You can turn the lights on now.” She announced, getting up from her knees and dusting off her hands. Masgard fumbled for the light switch. When the lights eventually came on, he found a person matching the description of Dr Freyr Lang sitting curled up in an armchair nearby. She looked exhausted.

Masgard approached the woman. “Hello, Dr Lang? I’m so sorry to bother you at a time like this. My name is Masgard Xandrus, I'm your new legal representation, spokesperson and general lackey.” He smiled. “I was meant to come in the morning, but I was brought down here tonight to chaperone some Rothians who would like to check you’re OK. Would you like to see them? You can say no.”

Freyr, who’d been staring blankly into space while the police woman went about her noisy and intrusive job, turned her head slowly to face Masgard. “Is Vreta alive?” Masgard nodded. “Just about, he’s outside.” Freyr’s face animated slightly. She nodded. “Bring them in.” Her first reaction upon being confined to her apartment had been confusion and anger. When the police had arrived to protect her she’d flown off the handle at them. That initial energy had subsided after a little while, giving way to exhaustion; it’d been a very long day. However, hearing Vreta hadn’t died tonight had given her a little boost. She’d been starting to weigh up her feelings of guilt for his potential demise.

“Great. For the purposes of legal proceedings, I'd recommend you say as little as possible. If anything they say makes you feel uncomfortable, just say and i’ll ask them to leave, alright?” Freyr nodded, managing to stand up. Masgard went and opened the door, and the two Rothians sloped in. Freyr couldn’t contain her shock at the sight of the Rothian she recalled as Vreta based on his stripes. He looked like he’d been put through a combine harvester. Freyr covered her mouth with her hand to muffle her surprised cry. “Vreta, i’m so sorry...what happened out there? It all happened so quickly, I'm still trying to process…” Freyr trailed off.

The Cradle

The sergeant looked uncomfortable with this new information, his eyes darted between the two Rothian figures. “I’ll need to make a call.” He said eventually, actually a bit stuck on who would be the best person to call. “No need, I'm right here.” A voice announced. The sergeant looked to his left and found a tall, bearded, smiling young man in a finely tailored suit of what looked to be the latest fashion. “Masgard Xandrus, civilian liaison for the Outremer administration. Very pleased to meet you..” Xandrus extended his hand for them to shake, apparently completely unfazed by Vreta’s condition.

“I have to inform you that pursuant to Article 12 of Outremer Integrated Law Enforcement Regulation 43-5372, all further communications between any foreign parties and Dr Freyr Lang must come through me. As of five minutes ago, I am her legal representation and public liaison. I regret to say, any information you share with or learn from my client, without my knowledge or involvement, will contravene our shared law enforcement framework. I also reserve the right to terminate contact between foreign parties and my client at any time. With that in mind, i'm told you wanted to go inside? We can do that in accordance with Article 2, 99-1789, to confirm the safety of my client, and take a statement from both of you. Sergeant, would you please open the doors?”

The sergeant nodded, his HUD confirming that operational authority of the site had indeed been transferred to the fast talking fixer. “Open her up, boys!” He shouted into the hotel lobby camera, and the roller shutters began moving. “Please, after you.” Masgard encouraged.

Juicing up my Muse!

Welcome to the Guild, May! Hope you have an amazing time; let me know if you need anything.