14.3: Advisor & Pirate, 0000 Lost Connection

Die Hauptstadt, Capricorn  “Papers,” the man ordered in accented Common, hand extended. “Papers, please.” Rainwater trickled down the brim of his charcoal-colored cap onto the metal gorget hanging around his neck by a thick chain. The imprint of a sea-goat lined the top of the accessory with the word Militärpolizei stamped in bold, capital lettersContinue reading “14.3: Advisor & Pirate, 0000 Lost Connection”

13b: Solitary Maidens

On Monday the following week, Eunji received the results of her State Conducting Exam. She passed with flying colors and received a printed certificate detailing her accomplishment, along with a note informing her she would receive her physical license within a few months. Her brother, Soha, and Felix congratulated her, while Olive offered her hisContinue reading “13b: Solitary Maidens”

13a: Copper Cadence

Twin Cities, Gemini  Cadence pulled herself onto all fours with a grimace. Her head pounded, her ears rang, her mind was clouded by memories and feelings that weren’t her own—a battle between saint candidates inside Ophiuchus, the death of True Conductors, and a murderous rampage of revenge. From these things, she reached a conclusion— TheirContinue reading “13a: Copper Cadence”

12.2: A Duet Between a Soldier and Advisor

Twin Cities, Gemini  Pulling Sefu closer to herself, Atienna tuned her ears to the sound of the small footsteps drawing nearer from down the road. Yulia sank to her knees, arms widespread. A beat after, a familiar boy flew into the woman’s arms from the side of the street. He wrapped his arms around herContinue reading “12.2: A Duet Between a Soldier and Advisor”

11.3: Atienna’s (Inverso) Heroism

Zatmeniye Caverns, Aquarius  Atienna opened her eyes. The firelight was crackling half a meter away, highlighting her face in warmth while leaving her back in the cold. Across the flickering flame she could see Yulia jotting away in her notebook again. The Aquarian woman’s back was facing the sleeping Aquarian party—away from Alexei. Atienna pulledContinue reading “11.3: Atienna’s (Inverso) Heroism”

11.1: Cadence’s (Sincero) Deception

Twin Cities, Gemini  Cadence opened her eyes. She was flat on her back with the dampness of the pavement beneath her soaked into her suit jacket and pants. Pain throbbed up and down her limbs—unpleasant when paired with the taste of iron in her mouth. She blinked and squinted. It was pitch black. She couldn’tContinue reading “11.1: Cadence’s (Sincero) Deception”

10.4: Atienna’s Questioning (Risposta)

Zatmeniye Caverns, Aquarius  “Rather than calling you ‘P’ then, perhaps I should call you ‘Pi’? I’ve been reading a bit about the original Ophiuchian language and that seems to be appropriate…” The person— who had killed Mladen   who had become Mladen   who had passed on memories to Mladen   —who had taken over Mladen’s life staredContinue reading “10.4: Atienna’s Questioning (Risposta)”

10.1: Olive’s Dimming (Fiamma)

Bodhi Temple, Sagittarius  Thwack.  “We’re leaving for Ophiuchus at the end of the week, Ollie.” Thwack.  “… Already?” Thwack.  “Eunji is bright. Way brighter than me, and I’m pretty bright. She’s already memorized all the materials that they usually put on the exam and then some. She’s just got to memorize a couple more ofContinue reading “10.1: Olive’s Dimming (Fiamma)”

9.6: Jericho’s (Lost) Raziocinio

Serpens Establishment, Ophiuchus  Gabrielle’s office was quiet. Roberto had been assigned a Capricorn case regarding a financial scandal involving a Transmutationist, the country’s capital bank, and “an unsaintly amount of damned sausages.” Ferris was swamped at the Assignment Department due to the recent attack on the Black Constellation Detention Center and had to take lunchContinue reading “9.6: Jericho’s (Lost) Raziocinio”

9.5: Atienna’s Induction (Deduzione)

Zatmeniye Caverns, Aquarius  Mladen was peculiar, to say the least. After the Piscese diplomat Moana had completed her transmutation on Mladen, he had inquired—rather oddly with a “Where? Here?”—about their situation and location. He had brightened when they had informed him of their location and had then gaped in horror when they had informed himContinue reading “9.5: Atienna’s Induction (Deduzione)”