Читать книгу Original Syn - Beth Kander - Страница 15

The incoming message wakes Shadower with a start. It’s encrypted in an entirely new code. But even before it is unlocked and deciphered, it has Shadower’s attention. Whatever the content might be, it was critical because of its sender.

It’s from Karma.

Messages from Karma are rare, and always urgent. Shadower does not know Karma’s identity, just as—Shadower hopes—Karma does not know Shadower’s identity. But each has honed the ability to message the other, sending missives encrypted in such a way that only a handful of people would ever be able to decipher it. Shadower unlocks it in under two seconds:

Traveling to the old world. Must find the warrior.

Will send messages only when safe to do so.

Shadower has been expecting this message for some time, and is relieved and terrified to know that Karma’s journey has begun. Shadower will have to be even more watchful.

Shadower does a quick scan for any flagged communal uploads, and notices a small alert regarding the unauthorized use of a Chariot, taken in the night from Sector 27. Curious, Shadower follows this rabbit down a hole, which proves a shallow one. No one else has yet accessed the dark and distant image from the nighttime security camera. The footage reveals the faraway but distinct profile of a very recognizable Syn, running ashore, taking a Chariot, zooming away.

Ever Hess?

What the hell is that girl doing out there?