Sora Brontrarion
Shortly after Professor Thorne designated Stravos as the leader of our expedition squad, everyone took a short break to ease the rising tension, then split into separate positions.
Nerena approached me and asked me to set up another meeting so she and a couple of other truth seekers could present their findings about the rift to the professor.
Professor Thorne agreed and called the Arbiters and Truth Seekers to gather in the open to hear the report.
"Go on, what did you find?" Professor Thorne said, wincing as she gestured for Nerena to speak.
"Well, I had a hunch after Sigmond revealed that the Rift Guardian is the large centipede."
"So what was the hunch?"
"I believed the reason why Sigmond felt the other large cosmic energy source had faded was that the Rift Guardian was transporting it to an area that concealed the signature, which falls in line with the habit of the species.
"So I asked the other truth seekers and Simon to consolidate parts so that we can make stronger drones to track the centipede's actions.
It appears there are multiple underground nests throughout this rift that the centipede travels between. I believe the core of the rift cycles between these locations as well." Nerena said, handing me a tablet with coordinates mapped for the different nests found.
I handed the information to the Professor. She swiped through the information quickly, worry seeping from her.
"Ok, this is great work, everyone."
"Yeah, and based on our numbers, I think we have enough to send a group to each nest," Stravos said, his voice firm.
The professor turned towards him, her face scrunched.
"Stravos, you may have ascended to the adept stage, but your comrades have not, and with our current state of affairs, I can't send single groups filled with young embryonic-stage starbounds out in a category two rift by themselves."
I felt her indecision stir as she scanned the group.
"But you all have shown extraordinary survival skills and tremendous willpower to get to this point. So I will allow you to head to the nests and to find the rift's core, but three clusters will be traveling and working together, and you will go to each nest one by one."
Stravos scoffed.
"Don't start, Stravos; there are strengths in numbers, and with more there is a higher likelihood for weaknesses to be covered up. We still don't fully know what is actually inhabiting this rift."
She was right. We had barely explored this rift, and I shuddered at the thought of what else might be waiting for us. Still, knowing we had more people with us eased some of the tension.
"My cluster will accompany Stravos's since they are in the best shape amongst the students who are here."
The Professor nodded.
"Your courage is admirable, Sora. Is there another Arbiter who would be willing to lead their group in the search for the rift's core?"
Jossie, Scott, and Malik stared at each other. Scott and Malik's teams were barely recognizable, with half of their members lying in critical condition.
Jossie slowly shook her head, meeting my gaze.
"Guess my cluster will be joining."
I gave her a faint smile, hoping it would offer some comfort. We both knew this would be one of the hardest things we had ever faced, and some of us might not make it back.
I looked at my cluster. Nerena had a blank, emotionless expression. Voen nervously tapped his flute, and Simon, well… He was Simon, and he was better than nothing.
"Thank you, Jossie, now that we have our expedition team determined. Scott and Malik, I will put you in charge of creating defenses for our hideout and helping me protect the rest of those who are in poor condition." Professor Thorne said, replacing a bandage on her thigh.
"But, Professor, since we're expanding our clusters beyond their normal size, shouldn't we come up with a more efficient way to communicate?" Jossie asked, glancing towards me.
Jossie's head was in the right place despite the fear that leaked from her.
Communication was key, and since my group didn't have a concordant to help us communicate, we struggled at times. I hadn't had the time to figure out a viable solution in the midst of all this chaos.
And now that I think about it, I'm starting to understand the purpose of the midterm exams and how they would have prepared us for situations like this.
"How many concordants do you guys have in the expedition group?" The professor asked.
"Counting Sigmond mine, only two."
The professor's eyes lingered on us.
"Alright then, the two concordants will need to cut their links with their clusters and create a bigger source for all groups to connect to, and both of them will be able to handle the load together."
"So like a surge protector?" Sigmond asked.
"Correct."
"But isn't that a lot of stress on the two of them?" I asked.
"Sigmond is the second-ranked concordant behind Jace. He is more than capable, especially with the help of another capable concordant." The professor said,
I looked at Sigmond.
He gave me an excited grin, his eagerness practically radiating from him.
Only a starbound associated with the Vortaris would find any joy in this moment.
I bit my lip and nodded.
"Alright, now that we have a course of action, you have an hour to prepare and head out. The faster we find the rift's core, the faster we can leave this place and return home."
The air was thick with tension.
No one dared to say a word.
Well, at least until Simon built up the courage.
"Professor Thorne, based on the data the truth seekers gave you, where is the closest nest located?"
I could sense determination coming from him. The poor guy was trying his best. I couldn't help but sympathize with him.
"Good question, Simon. The closest one is located in the southern region of the rift, in the heart of the biggest swamp.
My heart thundered.