Chapter 28: THE BOUNTY HUNTERS [PART NINE]

Five suns high above, the full intensity of a day ahead coming soon to fruition. The packing of a small campsite placed upon a traveling backpack carried by the boy, woven carbon fiber scuffed and damaged from a hostile world. A physical memory of events coming to pass, the boy taking a deep centering breath as he lifts the heavy package upon his back.

“We are situated for travel?” The Auditor asks as she observes the twins.

“Such will depend on our destination.” Samuel speaks as he adjusts a strap. “You have only mentioned the existence of a plan.”

The woman blinks, her explanation of advanced knowledge beginning with a single question. “Are you familiar with the concept of object triangulation?”

“No.” Samantha answers tiredly.

“Yes.” Samuel follows. “However, that implies being able to know the direction of your targeted object.”

“I am unable to sense the losethi mage directly, however I can detect a concentration of arcane items within the plateau. This was how I was able to find you; Samantha, your weapon produces a significant signature which was simple to track.” Pointing outwards towards the north east Auditor Manara’s augments flash. “There are two major locations within this plateau I have detected that contain a large concentration of arcane items, one direct north and another north east.”

“No distance?” Samantha scoffs.

“The purpose of triangulation is to find distance.” Samuel informs his sister.

“And for what purpose would that serve?”

“It will assist in approaching the target location.” The Auditor answers for the boy. “My topographical knowledge of this location is limited, therefore it is imperative that we understand the terrain and distances before we begin traversal.”

Samuel shakes his head. “That will not be necessary, I have memorized a topographical map of the Baitan Plateau. You may refer to such knowledge for navigation, if the need arises.”

“Fully memorized.” The Auditor blinks. “Such is a feat for an unagumented individual.”

“It is a minor pastime.” Samuel carefully informs, moving the conversation forward as he turns out towards the north. “How much of a distance will be needed to accurately estimate the location of the Criminal Collective?”

“Two kilometers minimum, preferably at a deflection angle of sixty degrees.” The Auditor points towards a large protrusion of sun bleached rock in the distance, augmentation aligning possible distances. “That would perhaps be a secondary location for observation. It is only three kilometers distant.”

“The terrain is quite impassable, however.” Samuel notes. “Several sheer canyons lie in the way so a practical distance would be seven kilometers.”

“I do not want to walk.” Samantha gives a tired look at the two.

“The day has not begun yet.” Samuel informs as he observes the noted outcropping. “That location will be suitable, however prepare for navigational difficulties.”

“In such a case, I will follow your lead.” Auditor Manara smiles. “Let us begin.”

Augmentation was a lost art within the Armin Collective. Mechanical mechanisms passed down by ancient forces, their implantation within mages merely a reiteration of rituals performed eons ago. Incredible, arcane power without full understanding; applications in reverence for Armin herself.

The resultant creature was of divinical origin and grave misunderstanding, a monster shackled by the chains of humanity. To be responsible for great vigilance against their own minds, cursed to live in a world of fragility where but a single transient emotion could turn lethal to those around them.

Though, with the implementation of augmentation the physicality of the flesh was completely overhauled from base creation. To adjust and replace the refinements of a biological system, to never grow tired against the exertion of humanity’s labors.

Auditor Manara of District Two stops at the center of an unwalked trail, the woven pair of twins behind her slowly catching up to her form.

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Samantha was utterly destroyed, the carrying of the heavy anti-material rifle and its remaining munitions upon the back taxing upon her unaugmented body. Sweat soaked through thick clothing, the ragged breath of a pushed pace against a heavily stressed heart rate.

The heat of an approaching mid-day about to coat the world with divine rage.

“Shall we take a rest?” Auditor Manara asks with motherly care.

“No… ” Samantha grips the rifle’s carrying strap, hands upon her knees as she doubles over in the catching of life. “I am… optimal.”

Turning towards her woven paired, the boy stands with a forced limp. Samuel holds himself with a strange stature, a ragged pulse approaching with an unnaturally consistent rate as he speaks up. “I believe a moment of respite is in order.”

“Samuel, are you physically adequate?” Auditor Marana asks with concern.

“Yes.” Samuel replies with insane care.

The boy grips his sister’s arm, taking a fast step behind her as the Auditor’s question is answered. With a familial expression the Auditor Manara blinks, concern towards children barely shown upon a face of suppressed emotion.

“There is a shaded cave formation to our direct east.” The woman points out. “If you are able, we can find respite from midday there.”

A nod from the boy, the girl stubbornly refusing an answer as she wipes away a sheet of perspiration from her forehead. Maintaining a frowned expression of hatred towards the Auditor, Samantha grits her teeth as stares down the eyes of an augmented being.

Auditor Manara stops, memories resurfacing of a domestic scene from far away. The words are spoken instinctively, an older sibling’s plea to the fury of immaturity as the woman offers an open hand. “Shall I carry you two?”

Silence at the offer, the cultural normalities of the Collective’s ancient hierarchies shattered in a single sentence as the expression upon the pair of twins turns to confusion and mild fear.

“No.” Samantha answers as she stands straight, marching forward beyond the Auditor with renewed passion.

Her brother follows, a minor glance given towards the Mage before he speaks up. “Samantha, I would suggest a consolidation of our movement pattern if we are to proceed in such a direction.”

Pausing at his note she turns. “Explain.”

“This target location contains several anomalous unmapped terrain features due to unstable mining practices. Proceeding with care will prevent falls from height.”

The Auditor’s eyes flash as the knowledge is processed, surrounding terrain scanned. “A sheer cliff side is located approximately four meters to your relative right Samantha.”

Rolling lumps of eroded rock and sand across the surface of the carved plateau disguise a terrifying maze of lethal traps. The girl blinks as she turns to the allocated location, a mineshaft of collapsed rock four hundred meters deep hidden behind a small bump of sand obvious now.

“Oh.” Samantha takes a shallow breath as she steps back from the ledge,

“Remain consolidated.” Auditor Manara orders as she offers an open hand, the girl scoffing at the offer.

“We will remain in proximity.” Samuel compromises as he adjusts his pack.