Premonition

Chapter #22: Truths Revealed

As Keiji sat in his seat of the van he waited dutifully for Duke to go over just what exactly was going on. In doing so, he surveyed the passersby and the architecture of Mecha Station. Even after having lived there for 5 years, Keiji was still marveled at the level of building prowess that was put into the station. The station was like a mini-city and held about 15,000 people. Workers in the light analysis building, casino workers, and many more – all holding a key position within the station. That was why looking back on it now, it didn’t make sense to Keiji that many people within the station relegated to crime. Space was supposed to be a new frontier for earth, yet many people brought with them, the old sentiments of the past. Did the other space stations that launched from earth the same time as Mecha Station have this problem as well? It was above his paygrade to know, even when he was working as a light levels analyzer – so he could only speculate. Keiji had hope for humanity and knew they still had time to get things right. Unfortunately, what Duke was about to reveal sunk Keiji’s hopeful mood like a hole in a boat on water.

Duke had arrived at one of the rundown hotels at the edge of the station’s borders. Far and away from the hustle and bustle of the light analysis building or the police station. Truly, it was a darker area – and not just by the lights. Duke turned off the van and looked back to his compatriots and Keiji.

“What I’m about to tell you is not known by anyone and knowing it could get us killed…” Duke said. “Are you ready?”

“Yes,” Keiji said confidently. “Please enlighten us.”

“Ok. In simplicity, the Mecha Warriors have gone rogue. They interrogated Jin Woo and killed him after getting the information they wanted. The information they wanted, however, was the whereabouts of the source of NX7 in the station. They framed you Keiji and put your DNA on the murder weapon. The reason they did so, is so they could throw off the police to their actual schemes. You were just a pawn to them….” Duke explained.

“Let’s say I believe you….and there is no reason I shouldn’t. Why are you all still here with me? Shouldn’t you be with the Chief right now?” Keiji said.

“We are here because the Chief wants us dead too,” Duke revealed. “The Chief called me in and explained their plan. The Warriors intend to follow through with Jin Woo’s plan. To steal the source of NX7 for themselves and manufacture a purer version of it. The source of NX7 is harnessed light energy from the quasar we are nearby. We collect it through the solar panels of our station and convert it to biological energy to send to earth. If the Warriors get their hands on the source, they will become a new super power within the station. Enough so to usurp President Fox and his security by force.” Duke gulped and continued.

“I refused her offer on behalf of squad beta. I know my squad, no one wants to be apart of that. I very nearly escaped with my life against alpha squad. They’ve been hunting myself and beta squad down ever since I refused Chief’s offer. But I’m pretty sure I lost them,” Duke finished.

“I’m sorry Duke,” Keiji empathized. “But I’m glad your alive…..and I’m glad the rest of you are safe.”

“Thanks Keiji,” Hella said.

“So friends….what now?” Ricky chimed in. Everyone was silent and no one knew what to say. Finally Keiji spoke up.

“Well first things first. We need to clear my name. Otherwise, I’ll remain a fugitive here on the station for the rest of my life. I do not want that. Second, I’m tired of people relegating to crime on the station and it needs to come to a stop. I thought the warriors were the epitome of the fight against corruption; but I was wrong. We need to stop them ourselves. Duke, Hella, Ricky, and even Sarah, are you with me?” Keiji said valiantly.

“Does your plans really include me?” Sarah said. “I mean, I’m not beta squad and can’t see into the future….”

“I thought it best to bring you as well,” Duke spoke up. “The Warriors might make you hostage to find Keiji. Plus, it was better for your safety as well.”

“Ok makes sense,” Sarah said. “Well, I’ll be the first one to say it…I’m with you bro.”

“We’re all with you Keiji,” Duke said.

“Me as well,” Hella said.

“Of course you’re counting me in,” Ricky said.

“Ok, let’s get inside the hotel, and talk plans over dinner,” Keiji said.

“I’ll go out and get some supplies,” Sarah said.

“I’ll come with you, just to make sure your safe,” Duke said. And with that Keiji, Ricky, and Hella left the van for the hotel, while Sarah and Duke stayed in the van to drive and get supplies.