Chapter 547: Hostile Take-Over (1/2)
Nix appeared at the Greater House of Inferno a moment later and closed the breach. He could hear the sounds of sparring from the training yard, but instead of checking it out like he normally would, he resumed his mission.
After activating his stealth package, he walked casually toward the entrance of Talumbir. After being nearly destroyed by Jargon following the Ratscue, the Dragon Master had spared no coin in making sure that it was rebuilt. To Nix's knowledge, he hadn't been seen in Talumbir in months.
He walked through the gates and then proceeded to the barred entrance leading to the control room, where the Dragon Masters use to sacrifice their marrow. Two dragonspawn stood guard, but Nix walked past them without a second thought. He knew from experience that [Dragon Vision] wouldn't see through his stealth package.
Nix opened the gate just enough to squeeze through and opened his Breach Commander interface as he walked down the steep ramp.
[Direct Contact: Bracot Yu]
A dark-haired man popped into his holo. From the background that Nix could see, it looked like he might be in the Great Desert. The swordsman stared at him for a long moment; it was obvious he knew who the Inferno Leader was. ”Breach Commander Nix. This is a surprise.”
Nix continued toward the control chamber; he could hear several voices on Bracot's side. ”I apologize for not contacting you sooner; your people did very well in the competition.”
Bracot frowned at the Inferno Leader. ”We couldn't win a single fight... How is that doing well?”
Nix shrugged slightly. ”Your bad luck in facing us. It would have been different had you faced another House.”
Bracot motioned towards someone Nix couldn't see. ”What's this about, Nix?”
”Is the House of Swords still interested in raising a Greater House?” Nix let his question sink in for a moment. ”I've got one you can have. Gather your people together, and we'll talk in a few minutes.”
Nix closed the holo and studied the panel for a moment before inserting his Master Key.
Master Key recognized.
[Talumbir System Operations]
1. Security
2. Power Grid
3. Transportation
4. Master Key.
”Display System Sub-Menus.”
[Talumbir System Operations]
1. Security
a) City Controller (Jargon Kane)
b) City Shields (Enabled)
c) City Gating Platforms (Enabled)
d) City Gun Points (Enabled: Security Protocol)
2. Power Grid
a) City Utilities Power (Enabled)
b) Greater House Power (Enabled)
c) Residential Power (Enabled)
d) Business District Power (Enabled)
3. Transportation
a) Mark V Thrusters (On Standby)
b) Orbital Stabilizers (Enabled)
c) City Levitators (Enabled)
4. Master Key.
a) Annonymous (Nix)
b) Intercity Communication (Enabled)
c) Direct Control (Disabled)
d) City Links (Enabled)
”Open Security Interface, City Controller.”
[Talumbir System Operations]
1. Security
a) City Controller (Jargon Kane)
b) City Shields (Enabled)
c) City Gating Platforms (Enabled)
d) City Gun Points (Enabled: Security Protocol)
[A message has been sent to Jargon Kane regarding the use of the Master key. He has three minutes to answer.]
Nix leaned against the panel and waited. From talking to Deidra, he had drawn two conclusions that needed to be tested. The first was that Jargon Kane is inhabiting Hulo. The second was that his consciousness is limited to what Hulo can see and hear in the Bone Fortress.
The Inferno leader watched as the seconds ticked by; the worst-case scenario was that an outraged Jargon Kane shows up. ”I'll just run if that happens.”
(Three minutes Later)
[New City Controller Recognized: Nix]
”Elynmoor was the Dragon Master City that linked all the cities. However... I may have forgotten to mention that the City Key for Elynmoor works in all of them.”
Nix took a few moments to put Talumbir on Security Lockdown before turning his attention elsewhere. ”Display Power Grid Menu.”
Power Grid
a) City Utilities Power (Enabled)
b) Greater House Power (Enabled)
c) Residential Power (Enabled)
d) Business District Power (Enabled)
Deidra Mtui is attempting to contact you.
Tai'Qui is attempting to contact you.
”Curious, I bet. Allow Contact.” A moment later, two holos popped up next to him.
”Nix! I was just notified that Jargon Kane placed his City on lockdown.” Deidra was still in her nursery. ”The gate between our cities have been closed.”
”What are you doing, Nix? Are you in Inferno City?” Tai's background showed that she was in the Gemini Training yard, most likely working with the Scorched Earth Acolytes.
Nix ignored the question and continued working. ”Disable Greater House Power and display the sub-menus.”