Code Nexus

Cassian woke up, pressing down on a familiar weight. Sleep had afforded him no real rest.

He was still there for a moment gathering his thoughts. Today was going to be the next step in his quiet rebellion, and it needed a specific time.

The ethereal joints, especially Kingston Thorne, were now the focus of his attention. If he can continue getting them to trust him, they could be a useful tool in the grand scheme of things.

The day was spent in preparations.

Cassian knew it would be difficult to leave AU headquarters unnoticed, but it was necessary. He could not think of them for anything.

If his father, Magnus Black, or anyone in higher positions even had the intention of carrying out the deal, all his careful planning would fall apart. There was always some risk, but Cassian accepted the challenge—it made the game that much more fun.

Once twilight settled in, he made his move.

The AU headquarters was bustling as usual, and out of the corner of his eye he could see that the lights were still on in his father's office. Late-night work again. Typical.

Cassian walked down the hallway in a calm and quiet manner as he finished his day's chores. Nothing could be seen here.

"Are you going out, sir?" a young agent asked at the door as Cassian approached.

"Yes. A personal matter," he softly replied with a blank expression on his face.

"I understand, sir. Have a good evening then."

Cassian turned his head and walked out into the cool evening air. The city of Ekoris never seemed to see the night because of how bright the city lights were. But to those who truly looked, they could see its visible cracks.

Cassian had long since learned how to navigate them.

He made his way to the old subway tracks—long abandoned but rebuilt by those living in the shadows. It was said that the Ethereal Covenant operated from these depths.

The air grew cold as he slipped secretly near the old train. The smell of water and wet concrete clung to the narrow streets as I plunged deeper into the downtown.

He walked cautiously.

There were always dangers down here—both physical and political. Rebels were not the only group using the tunnels, and the AU guards were not uncommon. But Cassian had a talent for avoiding trouble when necessary.

A few minutes later he heard soft, shuffling footsteps in front of him—too deliberate to be a stray animal. So he pushed into the shadows as he waited.

Their shapes were barely visible in the thin light overhead, and two figures appeared. Cassian's eyes narrowed at the marks on their coats: AU agents.

He had not yet been found. The two men were walking together with tense voices.

"These trails are creeping me out," muttered one of them.

"Put it together," said the other in a sharp voice. "We're not here to visit. Some rebels are still active in these parts."

Cassian found no reason to chuckle at this moment.

The AU's enthusiasm for the deal was unsurprising, but they were in the wrong place—at least tonight. They had to move around carefully.

With speed he slipped down a side road, which would bring him closer to the heart of the canal system, where the foundation of the rebels was said to lie.

The path led him deep underground, and the farther he went, the stillness was almost suffocating. The silence was interrupted only by the occasional raindrop or the distant scampering of mice.

After nearly an hour of winding walkways, he reached his destination—a rusted metal gate hidden away at the end of an unused tunnel.

He paused, listening intently. Nothing.

He knocked once, then twice, and waited. The small, distinct opening in the door retracted, and the next moment passed, revealing a pair of eyes scrutinizing him up and down.

"I'm searching for an audience with Kingston Thorne," Cassian frivolously replied in an even tone.

That was a bold statement to declare for being a complete stranger. Kingston was the leader of these rebels, and to be asking for an audience. Cassian had that much confidence.

The eyes narrowed before asking, "And why would you need that?"

"A mutual interest for the city of Ekoris," Cassian stated.

The slot closed, and for a second, he wondered in the event that they would turn him away. But then, the door creaked open just enough for him to slip through.

On the opposite side stood a figure cloaked in shadows, gesturing for him to follow. Cassian moved via the dim corridors with quiet confidence.

They emerged into a huge, softly lit room. The area was completely different than the decayed tunnels outside—right here, it felt almost as if citizens could dwell here. With antique fixtures scattered about and lighting that sparkled overhead, this was akin to an urban home.

Lounging on a worn-out couch was the person Cassian had come to peer at.

Kingston Thorne seemed exactly as his profile had defined—dark hair that fell loosely around his face, sharp green eyes, and this sense of confidence like he owned this world.

Cassian had dealt with people like this before. Yet there was something different about this man—he had a Band.

"Cassian Black," Thorne greeted him with a sly smile. "I've been awaiting you."

Cassian raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is that so?"

Thorne chuckled softly and said, "Word travels speedily in these parts. Think we wouldn't know about the return of the son of AU? Besides, anybody who comes this far into the tunnels is searching out something. Power, maybe?"

"You know who I am," Cassian said, "so why not hold me up for ransom or threaten my life to get my father's attention?"

"Hey!" Kingston laughed. "You're not so stupid after all, are you?"

Cassian understood why he had commented that. They knew who he was, yet he waltzed in their territory despite his own prestige. It was like a death sentence, but they were more interested as to why the son of the world's strongest government was present.

"I seek balance," he bluntly answered. "And you, Kingston, have already tipped the scales."

Kingston leaned forward with interest and said, "Balance? Most who come right here want to tear the city aside. What kind of balance is the son of AU after exactly?"

"Order," Cassian quickly answered. "AU has lost its manner. Change is coming. However, it needs someone or something to help make that change."

"And you think I'm willing to help you make that change?" Kingston's tone was more of entertainment rather than condescending; he was heavily intrigued. "Why don't I just use my Band and kill you off? Right here, right now!"

Cassian wasn't the least bit threatened. He raised his wrist near his chest and declared, "That'd be the worst mistake you could make today."

Those around who saw his Band gasped. They had known he was the head of AU, but they hadn't known he had a Band.

"I assume we've got commonplace dreams," he continued, sidestepping the threat. "But desires without strategy are simply desires. I provide the strategy and information as the head's son and you—"

"Do your dirty work…" Kingston interrupted.

For a moment, he studied him in silence, weighing the person before him. Cassian calmly met his gaze with an unreadable expression. He had no purpose of revealing his full hand—not yet.

"You're bold for a Black," Kingston later said, rising from his seat. "I like that. But I don't believe things without problems. If you want to work with the Covenant, you should prove your worth. I mean, come on, guy, you're the freaking son of my enemy! Haha!"

Cassian couldn't find a reason to smile as he said, "I wouldn't count on something less."

"Good." Kingston's eyes gleamed as he took a step nearer. "I already have your first assignment—something to show me what you're capable of."

Cassian nodded, prepared for this. With that, he asked, "What do you want?"

"There's a cargo truck coming into town in two days," Kingston said in a serious tone. "Weapons and resources—matters we want to extend our operations. The AU caught wind of it, and they'll be watching carefully. I want you to make certain that shipment gets to us without interference."

"Then consider it done," Cassian answered.

Kingston's tone became a little lighter as he laughed.

"Nice," he commented. "But be careful, Black. I only give one chance, so don't ruin it."

With their agreement confirmed, it was time to depart. Cassian didn't look back as he exited the area.

Chance? It wasn't the scariest thing in this world, especially in his position. But he didn't care; he didn't have to ruin his already low chances; he just needed results.