The Spell of Rosette - Kim Falconer [165]
‘Right. We get past all that, overcome the security blocks, contain the researchers, identify our contact—which could be anyone: scientist, guard or janitor. Is that right so far?’
‘Basically, yes.’
‘We get to the mainframe, Jarrod inserts the access codes, and if—“if” being quite important here, I think—they still work, shut down the satellite that is controlling the solar shields. Does that about sum it up?’
‘You forgot the part where we all get out alive,’ Kreshkali said, ‘before I level the place.’ She gestured towards the stockpile of explosives under the kitchen shelves.
He threw his hands up in the air. ‘It’s suicide, heading straight for disaster. How are we going to pull this off?’
‘We aren’t going in half-cocked,’ Kreshkali replied. ‘We have the blueprints and…’
‘You don’t think there might have been some changes in the last century or two? A bit of remodelling, perhaps?’ An’ Lawrence flicked at the plans.
‘Good point.’ Jarrod rubbed his chin and turned to Kreshkali. ‘This is why we need the mole.’
‘The what?’ Rosette asked. She turned to Jarrod, eyebrows up.
‘The mole is the contact—our man inside—put in place before I escaped.’
An’ Lawrence stared. ‘Two hundred years ago?’
‘Not the original. He’s long dead, but his descendant is there, if things went to plan.’
‘Another “if”?’ He lifted his chin. ‘I rest my case.’
A knock sounded at the door and they all turned around. Jarrod opened it, letting Zero in.
‘They’re warmed up and waiting,’ he said to An’ Lawrence.
The Sword Master stood and drained his cup. ‘Get a few up here to help me with these blades and I’ll be right down.’ He turned to Kreshkali. ‘You think I can teach over fifty of these rebels to wield a sword without cutting off their own thumbs in, how long?’
‘About twelve hours,’ she said.
‘Twelve hours?’ He shook his head. ‘I hope you come up with a better plan while I’m gone.’
Several students came into the room, each dipping their head to Kreshkali as they entered. They filled their arms with the sheathed swords like stacks of firewood and headed back out.
Rosette tied on her belt and went with them.
‘You’re going to help me?’ An’ Lawrence asked.
‘Somebody’s got to.’
Jarrod’s eyes followed her until the door closed. Turning back to the table, he spoke softly, music still playing in the background. ‘Kali, we have a problem.’
‘Just one?’
He frowned. ‘It’s the mole. If I can’t identify him, it’s going to be a very risky venture.’
‘I think it’s time you met Annadusa. She’s convinced her son will spot you straight up.’
‘Her son?’
Kreshkali nodded.
‘He’s the mole?’
‘That’s what she claims.’
EARTH
CHAPTER 21
Kreshkali headed down the spiral steps. The way was dark, only the landings illuminated by small lanterns. Annadusa was on the seventh floor, just below the training level. The underground Resistance movement, her new coven, occupied all fourteen storeys now. She stopped on the eighth floor, pausing by the open door to the training space. Like the rise and fall of an ocean swell, students moved with their swords. Some were working the forms, a prescribed dance that incorporated many blocks, cuts and counter-movements. Zero was demonstrating a sequence to a group of new recruits. Others were moving up and down the floor engaged in cutting practice, their swords singing out as they sliced through the air at various angles. Rosette was busy teaching a group to draw and sheath the live blades without slicing their hands off. Before continuing down the steps, Kreshkali bowed quietly to An’ Lawrence and moved on.
Rosette caught her eye but she kept going, not wanting to interrupt. She knew Rosette was brooding underneath her tough exterior. She hadn’t had time to adjust, let alone put anything in perspective. Kreshkali shook her head. She’d just have to leave her to it.
When she knocked on Annadusa’s door, she was directed to hydroponics—a whole level given over to food production. It was Annadusa’s pet project, the source of her coffee beans, among other fruits, herbs and vegetables.