[‘Planet Four Gates Closed At 00:00!’

  ‘Planet Four—there were reported mutated animals harming our citizens. Stay inside! Gates are to be closed temporarily by GESDA starting at 173-5-1 00:00.’]

  …

  “Are you joking?” Si was trying to be calm.

  “I am not. Si, the Gate should remain closed.”

  It was Lukai—he repeated it for the second time, his face calm.

  “So, you are not joking; you really mean it. You won’t allow me to go there?” Si asked, noticing his hand had started to tremble.

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “I am considering sending Taj there.” Lukai said slowly.

  The silence was icy.

  Si took a deep breath.

  “Why is it a problem for me to go?” he asked.

  He glanced at his hand—he managed, shaking stopped.

  “Exception.” One word, Lukai answered with only one word.

  What, didn’t he have time for this as well? Si felt his anger begin to rise again.

  Suddenly, something crackled as if it had burned out.

  Lukai visibly grimaced, Si noticed. After a second, he knew why.

  Taj projected himself.

  “That easy was it for you to break my barriers?” Lukai asked, his voice stone-cold.

  “O, I wouldn’t say that, Leader. We will talk about it later. In this situation, I will say this. I am planning to materialize on Planet Four shortly. Si is coming with me. Si—swirl yourself close to Gate number three-hundred-one; go through the Gate; I will activate it for you, your ID only. Then let’s go to the location that Avery sent. Luna stopped writing around half an hour ago. From what her friend wrote, I understand that she used her energies, and now she is in bad shape. Those people there, all Crystalers, no one will help her balance her energies. Si, go.”

  Taj said everything calmly but quickly.

  Before Si left, he exchanged looks with Lukai.

  They would surely talk after it ended.