Tethered Worlds: Unwelcome Star Read online

  The universe wasn't going to stop pushing him forward, and Jordahk wanted to face it standing, with everything those who came before him could offer. He forced himself upright and swung his legs over the bed that Max was already lowering.

  "Dard, I think it's time I learned the fourth pankido ring."

  "Where did that—?" Kord held Jordahk's arm as his feet touched the floor. "Okay, you got it, son."

  He could hear the pride in his father's voice. Jordahk's legs steadied rapidly, and renewed strength flowed through him in a way he'd never experienced. He had an uncanny sense of his surroundings. In a way he couldn't verbalize, he felt like Aristahl.

  "Pops was dealt some tough cards, and he never wallowed, did he?"

  "No," Kord said, understanding. "He said in light of your, uh, recent changes, that there'd be more to accomplish."

  "Recent changes?"

  Jordahk sensed someone coming, and they entered the room.

  "Remember, doctor, discretion." Kord's voice was authoritative.

  "Yes. Our nurse who treated your son has suffered a complete memory failure," the unfamiliar voice said. "I won't ask how. I've had a discussion with the other doctor about the need for secrecy."

  "Okay, I've got rets for him," Kord said. "Let's get those things off."

  The world grew bright, and Jordahk squinted. It was more out of habit than need, because his eyes adjusted instantly. His father was more worn than he remembered. The unfamiliar doctor was rather pale.

  "D-dear God," he said.

  "Doctor," Kord admonished.

  "Sorry. It's just..." A VAD appeared next to the doctor. A lot of information flashed by as he withdrew into professionalism and forced his way through multiple screens. Jordahk found himself absorbing the gist despite his awkward angle. "His numbers... are what we discussed."

  "Thank you, doctor," his father said.

  The doctor nodded a goodbye to Kord, faced Jordahk, but didn't observe him directly. "Jordahk." He made a hasty turn and left.

  "Mirror VAD," Jordahk commanded.

  A VAD popped up before him, displaying his face. He felt every muscle in his abdomen contract. For a second, his vision tunneled, and he had to force a deep breath. His light brown irises had changed. The color was now flecked in equal measure with shiny platinum.

  Jordahk closed his new eyes. A hush filled the room, compressing him with silent weight. When he opened them, the world was manifest in even greater clarity. He took the rets and put them in. Things would never be the same.

  "They'll be back. All of them," Kord said.

  Jordahk stood straight. In some way, Thule-Riss Quext had re-entered the game. "And we'll be ready."

  ~end~

  ~ UNWELCOME STAR ~

  ~ BLUE STAR SETTING ~

  book III coming soon

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  GREGORY FACCONE is an author, veteran entertainment software developer, and part-time mystery man. His wide and varied experiences have built a unique writing perspective.

  From emerging thought to forgotten ways of ancient civilizations, the author paints a possible future where character still matters. Though technology and settings change, virtue, or lack thereof, still steers the course of personal destiny.

  Somewhere across the vastness of North America, the author continues to develop the Tethered Worlds series. Connect with him via social media & GregoryFaccone.com.