The Arks: Over Heaven (by Ben)

Chapter 48: Knowers

Part 1/2

After Loki’s threat, many of the settlement’s scholars had helped create a saddle for Crusher. The rest of the day was spent hunting and gathering, for both Crusher and the people.

But, there were still things that had to be settled.

As Loki was feeding scraps of meat to Crusher, Mr. Ma walked up to Loki and cleared his throat.

“Loki? We need to have a talk. A talk about the Knowers.”

Loki took a huff of air and closed his eyes, gently brushing his long, luscious black hair to the side.

“Fine.”

Loki and Mr. Ma made their way into Mr. Ma’s office, where Loki found himself sitting back on that chair, facing Mr. Ma once more. Compared to last time when Loki had returned from his scouting trip, the room seemed a lot more messy and disorganized. Crates all around the room were scattered and opened up, and there were light scratches and marks on the walls. Loki got a bad feeling walking into the place.

It didn’t really help Mr. Ma’s implant was glowing.

“So, uh, what were we gonna talk about?”

“The Knowers near the Redwood Forests. The ones you told me you saw taming a Tyrannosaurus. There were… how many again?” Mr. Ma asked. His right eye looked duller, and his left eye was fully shut. Odd.

“There were two, Mr. Ma.”

“Two. Hmm, we can definitely take them,” Mr. Ma replied with sudden nonchalance.

“I still don’t get why we can’t just be allies with them,” Loki said, “That would be triple the knowledge! We’d be even more unstoppable working together!”

Mr. Ma scratched his chin, then shook his head.

“Hmm, no. Most certainly not, I should’ve been the only one to know how to tame these beasts. The only way they could know is… the book. And there’s nothing more to learn so,” Mr. Ma concluded, “They are nothing more than an active threat to our survival. They must be slain.”

“Book? What book is he talking about?” Loki thought.

“Okay, but have we figured out who’s gonna… you know, finish the job?” Loki asked, uncomfortably shifting in his seat.

“Yes, yes I have,” Mr. Ma replied. Loki noticed that perspiration was building on his forehead. Which was strange considering they lived in the tundra.

“It’s going to be you, Loki.”

Loki’s eyes widened and he scooted back in his seat.

“WHAT?! Me? But- I thought we agreed someone else was going to!”

“Change of plans,” Mr. Ma said, “You know your peers are not to be trusted with our resources. And you are the only person I can trust to do this job.”