Disclaimer: The main characters are not
mine, this is an amateur effort written purely for the fun of it, and no money
has exchanged hands. It is not intended to breach the copyright of
A/N:
Happy Halloween. Well it has taken me over a year but the next
installment of Star Rangers is finally
finished. I apologize for the
lengthy delay but between a demanding project at work and illness finding
time to write has been difficult.
For all of you who have ask, yes this series will continue. The next
story is Retribution which occurs immediately after this one and will
tie up the Wessington plot thread.
This will bring us to the halfway point in the overall story arc. So
there will be more stories as soon as I
am able to complete them. Thank
you to all who wrote to encourage me.
Your emails mean a lot and
keep me going when things are tough.
I hope this is worth the lengthy wait.
Enjoy.
< > denotes telepathic exchange
/ /
denotes language other than Galactic Basic
“What do you mean you’ve lost him?” Wessington stared at the view screen, his
irritation evident on his face.
“I’m sorry sir there was an incident on
“The Empress left orbit this morning. As a cruise ship that never landed on the
surface she was cleared for departure.
By the time we reach Granger Station Sandburg will be on Oceanus and out
of our reach.”
Wessington sighed, so much for well laid
plans. “Very well cooperate with the
authorities then go to Granger Station and wait.” He glanced at the dark haired man standing silently before his
desk. “I’ll send someone with further instructions.”
“Yes sir.”
Terminating the call Wessington leaned
back in his chair and studied his most valuable acquisition. The sentinel stood at parade rest, no
emotion showed on his handsome face as he waited with the patience of the predator
for his master’s orders. Wessington
allowed himself a moment of satisfaction as he studied the dark figure. Binding the Falcon clan to his service had
been one of his most brilliant moves.
Having such lethal and loyal servants had greatly increased his empire. The dark eyes studying him gave no hint at
the sentinel’s thoughts and Wessington had a moment of unease as he remembered
that his hold on the powerful clan was not due to respect and honor but to
deception and force. The warrior
awaiting his orders would kill him if the chance presented itself but
Wessington had not risen to his current status by being a fool. His hold over the sentinel clan was absolute
and its deadly warriors had no choice but to do his bidding. “Go to Granger Station. Sandburg can’t stay on Oceanus forever. When
he returns to the station liberate him from his protectors and bring him here.”
The sentinel’s expression did not change
as he acknowledged his orders. “As you
wish.” Turning he headed for the door
only to be stopped by his boss’s next words.
“And Raven don’t fail me. It would not go well for your clan if I am
displeased.”
Anger flashed in the dark eyes before the
sentinel once again concealed his emotions and thoughts behind an impassive
mask. “I know the price of
failure. You will have Sandburg as soon
as he returns to Granger Station.”
“Good.”
Wessington watched the sentinel leave and smiled. Soon the time of waiting would be over. With Sandburg’s knowledge he would have the
power to bring his enemies to their knees.
First the UET would fall before him then the rest of the universe. Blair Sandburg was the key to ultimate power
and soon Wessington would hold that key.
The growling of his stomach woke Daryl
from slumber. The smell of fresh coffee
and pastries filled the cabin and the hungry teen followed his nose to the
source of the delicious aromas. He
found Lieutenant Ellison leaning against the counter in the galley sipping a cup
of coffee. “Morning Lieutenant Ellison.”
“Hi Daryl, hungry?”
Handing the teen a
glass of juice he motioned to the tray filled with a variety of breakfast
foods. “Dig in.”
Filling his plate with bagels and donuts
Daryl joined Ellison in the breakfast nook and began eating with the enthusiasm
characteristic of hungry teens everywhere.
Ellison watched the youth for a moment then decided that now was a good
time to bring up a subject he had been meaning to discuss with Daryl. “You know Daryl I’ve known you practically
all your life, I think it would be okay for you to call me Jim. After all we are on vacation.”
Daryl glanced at the ranger in
surprise. Ellison had been his dad’s
friend since forever but there had always been something a little intimidating
about the ex-commando that seemed to demand a more formal address. But yesterday at the bazaar watching him
interact with Sandburg the ranger had seemed almost human. He had found that there was a likable man inside
the tough exterior and Daryl couldn’t help the surge of pride he felt that this
man would consider him a friend.
“Thanks Jim I’d like that.”
The two ate in companionable silence. A
few moments later Simon joined them.
The three had just finished their meal and Ellison was refilling his
coffee cup when a mumbled curse from the bedroom caused him to grin. Catching the smile on the sentinel’s face
Banks turned to face the bedroom just as a sleep rumpled Sandburg staggered
out. Making a beeline for the galley,
the anthropologist never looked up as he homed in on the sentinel and the cup
he held. Plucking the coffee from his
bemused partner Blair downed its contents before looking up. Returning the cup to Jim he gave a wave,
muttered ‘good morning’, and staggered off to the shower.
Refilling his now empty cup Jim smiled and
returned to his seat. “Enjoy it while you can Simon after his shower he’ll be
firing on all cylinders and running rings around us.”
Fifteen minutes later a much more awake
Sandburg joined them. Selecting a
whole-wheat bagel, fruit and tea he settled at the table. “Morning, so Simon what did we miss last
night? Are the kids okay?”
“They’re fine, Sandburg. The patrol took them to the base hospital
for a checkup then they’ll be contacting their parents. The UET has taken custody of the dead
kidnappers for examination; hopefully they’ll have luck in tracking their
movements. Conner has pulled the data core
from the kidnapper’s ship and has it safely under lock and key. The local talent is under arrest on
Jim nodded. It would take the combined resources of the rangers, the UET
military and the patrol to uncover the Hierarchy’s plans. “How’s Rafe?” Ellison had been so concerned with his hurting guide he had not
had a chance to check on the injured ranger.
Banks smiled. “He’ll be fine. The blade
missed anything vital. He’ll be on desk
duty for a week or so but we were lucky.
When I left the clinic he was busy charming the nursing staff and
filling up his little black book with names and numbers.”
“Because you weren’t in any condition to
help anyone. You scared me Chief, you
couldn’t heal yourself not to mention anyone else.”
“Sandburg you are not responsible for
keeping major crimes injury free. Rafe
will be fine, now how are you?”
Blair smiled. “I’m fine Simon. Still a
little tired but I’m good.”
“Glad to hear it. Now since you’re the tour director of this
little jaunt, what’s on the agenda for today?”
Taking the hint Blair gave a run down of
the day’s schedule. “The Empress will
be docking at Granger station around
Simon studied the inhaler; it looked like
those issued to asthmatics, then turned to Sandburg. “So what the heck is this Sandburg? I’m not sick and my lungs are fine.”
“For living on Cascade or other worlds
maybe but Oceanus is a water world.
This is to protect you while you’re there.” Seeing the dubious looks on his companions’ faces the
anthropologist tried to explain. “The
inhabitants of Oceanus are amphibians.
They live beneath the sea.
Nature has given them an adaptation that makes transitioning from air to
water easier. The bacterium contained
in these inhalers is produced in the lungs of the natives. It controls the absorption of gases into the
bloodstream. In short these little
babies remove the need for decompression or the danger of nitrogen narcosis and
other diving related problems. As a
side benefit it increases the oxygen in the blood and removes
contaminants.” He smiled at Simon. “You’ll be able to enjoy those cigars you
like so much without worrying about damage from inhaling the smoke. In fact, this is something that could be of
enormous benefit to medicine if the government ever agreed to export it.”
Blair chuckled then gave his chest a
pat. “Right here Jim. My colony is alive and well; I don’t need
anymore.”
“That explains it then.” The sentinel nodded as if the answer to a
puzzle had just been revealed.
“Explains what?”
“I thought you were just naturally hyper
Chief. But it must be the increased
oxygen to your brain.”
“Funny Ellison.” He reached out and tapped the inhaler in Simon’s hand. “It’s perfectly safe and necessary if you’re
going to accompany me to the palace.”
With a grin Ellison placed the inhaler in
his mouth and activated it. Breathing
in he could almost feel the microbes swarming toward his lungs. Feeling no ill effects he turned to his boss
and shrugged. “Well I’m still alive.”
Simon grumbled something too low for them
to hear; then used his own inhaler.
Daryl copied his father and soon Blair was packing three empty inhalers
back into the silver case. “Good now
that’s done, all we have to do is relax and have a good time.”
Daryl left to invite Maria and the others
to join them for lunch on the station while the three men policed the cabin and
packed. Finishing his call he joined
his father in the bedroom to ready his own belongings. The teen couldn’t contain his
excitement. By tonight they’d be dining
with royalty twenty thousand leagues beneath the sea.
Granger Station was a jumping off point
for travel within the highly settled Taureen star system. The Taureen system boasted a number of
vacation worlds whose benign climates, lush vegetation and unspoiled beaches
made it a favorite with travel agencies across the galaxy. The station like the old earth city of
As they entered the busy station Ellison
stiffened as the sights, sounds and smells of the station assaulted his senses. A brush of a warm hand and a whispered ‘dial
it down Jim’ cut through the din and returned his world to order. “Thanks Chief.” He smiled at the worried guide and quickly dialed down his
senses. “I’m okay; I just wasn’t
expecting things to be quiet this packed.”
Blair chuckled. “Yeah, isn’t it great? This place is an anthropologist’s
dream. If you sit still long enough a
representative of just about every race will parade by and you can witness just
about every interaction possible between sentient beings.”
“I’ll take your word for that
Sandburg. Right now I’d settle for
getting out of the throng and somewhere a little less crowded.”
“Your wish is my command Simon.” The anthropologist led the group to a small
restaurant on the third tier of the station mall.
From their table they had a clear view of
the busy mall but thankfully the sounds were muffled. Ellison sank into his chair with a sigh of relief. The restaurant was sentinel friendly as
Blair put it and he had to agree. Soft
lighting didn’t blind him and the scents were not overpowering as they had been
on the concourse and the sound proof glass that shielded them from the masses
was a blessing. A few moments later
Maria and the others arrived and joined them.
The food was delicious and the company pleasant. An hour and a half later after exchanging
numbers the men said goodbye to the women and teens and headed for the landing
bay where they were to meet their shuttle.
A young man dressed in the silver and
black uniform of the patrol met them at the shuttle entrance. After scrutinizing the sheaf of papers
Sandburg handed him, one embossed with the royal seal of Oceanus, and carefully
checking their ids he finally gave them clearance to board. Settling into the plush seats they made themselves
comfortable for the journey. Since the
quadrant of space they were heading for was sparsely populated they would be
jumping directly to the Oceanus system then a three hour cruise at standard
speed would see them in orbit around the ocean world. The time passed quickly for the four as Ellison used the lull in
activity to write up his and Sandburg’s report on the
It was with a sigh of relief that Jim
saved the report and closed the laptop he had borrowed from Sandburg. He would transmit it to ranger headquarters
as soon as he found a COM station but for now at least he could put work behind
him and enjoy the trip. Oceanus was a
world of white clouds and blue, blue water.
As the shuttle dropped lower the sentinel could make out the planet’s
one lone continent, a small segment of land not much larger than the
Following their pilot they entered the
largest of the buildings dotting the island for another round of checks and
validation of their identities.
Finally, the official appeared satisfied that they were who they claimed
to be and that yes they were invited.
He handed them each a card showing they were cleared for travel on
Oceanus and smiled ingratiatingly.
“Welcome to Oceanus Dr. Sandburg, the royal family has been anxiously
awaiting your arrival. Transportation
has been arranged for you at the pier and your luggage has been transferred
there. Enjoy your stay gentlemen.”
Thanking the official for his help Blair
led the way outside and along the winding path leading down to the water and
their waiting transport. A gentle sea
breeze ruffled his long curls and he breathed deeply of the salty air. Beside him he could sense the sentinel
testing the scents on the cool breeze. And smiled as Jim breathed deeply of the
unpolluted air. The dock was empty
except for a cart holding their luggage and the four settled down to wait. A few moments later Ellison tensed as the
water below the dock rippled and the shape of a woman rose from the waves and
waded ashore. The men rose and stared
at the vision rising from the sea.
Five feet five with waves of dark navy
hair flowing to her narrow waist, she studied the visitors with dark blue eyes
that sparkled with intelligence and mischief.
Porcelain skin with a trace of blue highlights, upswept eyebrows and
just the tiniest points to her ears finished the fetching picture and made Jim
recall the childhood stories of sea sprites that his housekeeper Sally use to
read to him long ago. Dressed in tight
leggings and a backless, full skirted, tunic top in shades of blues and greens
the garments seemed to flow around her lithe body and Jim blinked as he
realized that the clothing was completely dry.
A closer look detected the skirt of the tunic was actually constructed
of overlapping strips of cloth instead of one piece obviously designed to be
functional whether on land or in the water.
Clearing the water the sea nymph turned to
face the waves and spoke into a small transmitter strapped to her right
wrist. The musical language made no
sense to Jim but his attention was caught by what appeared to be smudges along
the woman’s spine. Turning up his
vision the smudges resolved themselves into a set of three parallel scars on
each side of the spine along her lower back.
They were the only blemishes on the otherwise perfect complexion. With a start Jim finally understood what he
was seeing and suddenly the backless dress made sense. The scars were actually gill slits now
closed for the transition to air breathing.
Finishing her conversation the water sprite turned and started walking
toward the off worlders.
When the lovely apparition reached them
she gave a brilliant smile then launched herself at the equally smiling
Sandburg. “Blair!”
“Kiki!”
Simon stared at the hugging couple then
turned to the bemused sentinel. “How
does he do it?”
“I don’t know sir, its one of the
mysteries of the universe.”
Ignoring his companions Blair hugged his
old friend then turned to introduce her to the others. “Simon, Jim, Daryl I’d like you to meet
Princess Kikira of Oceanus. Kiki I’d
like you to meet Captain Simon Banks, his son Daryl and Lieutenant Jim
Ellison.”
Kiki studied the three newcomers then
smiled. Placing her palms together she
gave a slight bow. “Welcome to
Oceanus.” Her voice was soft and
lyrical. Catching the glint of silver
at Ellison’s throat she reached up and gently stroked the torque at his
neck. “I see he has found you at last
sentinel, we are pleased.” Turning to Daryl she reached out and took the
stunned young man’s hands. “And you
must be the young scholar Blair has told me so much about.” Mesmerized by the lovely woman and the
musical tones of her voice Daryl could only nod. “Scholars are always welcome here.” She turned to Simon. “And the father of scholars as well.” Releasing the young man the princess turned
and linking her arm with Blair’s began walking toward the pier. “Come let me show you my world.”
As they neared the pier the water churned
and a bathysphere rose from the depths.
While crewmen stowed the luggage Kiki escorted her guests to the
observation deck and settled them in for the trip. Reaching into a storage locker she retrieved four small canisters
affixed with a mouthpiece and carrying strap and handed one to each of her
passengers. “These are emergency
breathers. All non-amphibians are
required to carry one with them at all times for safety. They contain a four hour air supply.” She slipped the carry strap around Daryl’s
head and clipped it to the cylinder adjusting the strap until the small metal
canister rested securely just below the hollow of his throat. “It’s simply a precaution, the palace has
adequate facilities for air breathers.”
Simon settled his own breather into place
then eyed the clear bubble of the bathysphere. “I’m more concerned about diving
in a glass bubble.”
Kiki chuckled. “Relax captain the dome is made of diamond coral, it is not as
fragile as it looks.”
“Diamond coral,” Daryl glanced at the
clear dome in excitement. “I’ve read
about that. You really grow your buildings?”
“Yes we do. It is thanks to the discovery of diamond coral that my people
were able to advance as we have. It is the perfect building material for
beneath the sea. It is strong, nearly
indestructible and impervious to just about everything. The coral grows naturally along the northern
shore of the continent. Our scientist
studied it for many years before learning its secret.”
“So this is a living creature?” Jim touched the hard surface of the bubble.
“In a manner of speaking, the coral
remains in a state of stasis for most of its life. Once a year the great whales migrate along the reef. The tones of their song activate the coral
and cause it to grow. When the
migration is over and the whale song ends the coral reverts to its dormant
state. My people learned to mimic the
tones that awaken and stimulate growth in the coral as well as the tone to
induce stasis. Since then it has been
our favorite building material.”
“Let’s just hope we don’t run into any
singing whales then.” Simon marveled at
the thin glasslike bubble that held back the pressure of the deep with such
ease. Such a building material would be
invaluable to many worlds where metals were rare and conditions were
harsh. He could understand the UET’s
interest in these inventive people.
Sandburg laughed. “Don’t worry Simon it’s not mating season
and the whales usual stomping grounds are far from here or where we’re going.”
“Glad to here it.” As the bathysphere sank deeper into the blue
waters a hush fell over the observation dome as the off worlders beheld the
teeming life that lurked beneath the ocean’s surface. Almost an hour later there was a collective gasp as they caught
sight of the crystal city that was the heart of Oceanus and home of the royal
family.
The ocean was ablaze with light. A large crystal dome sat on the sea floor
surrounded by a number of smaller less impressive structures. The smaller buildings were connected to the
larger dome by a series of crystal tunnels.
The sheer size of the center dome was staggering. You could fit one of the larger metropolises
from one of the more densely populated worlds inside the structure with room to
spare. Watercraft of all descriptions
scurried between the domes or hung in the familiar holding pattern favored by
traffic controllers everywhere waiting for entrance into the city.
Ignoring the other craft their bathysphere
veered away from what appeared to be the main entrance into the dome. Skimming along just above the sea floor they
headed away from the waiting vessels.
On the far side of the structure their craft slowed and Jim could make
out the outline of a large door set into the side of the dome. A signal from the pilot and the large door
slowly opened to reveal a tunnel. With
deft skill the pilot maneuvered their craft through the winding
passageway. Sentinel senses registered
the upward movement of the vessel as well as a dramatic decrease in the
pressure that had been building up inside their vessel as they had moved deeper
into the sea, so Jim was not surprised when ten minutes later they surfaced on
what appeared to be a small lake. The
pilot quickly maneuvered the craft towards a nearby dock where workers wearing
the uniform colors of the royal house quickly and efficiently secured it. Nearby other watercraft each bearing the royal
seal floated next to a dock. In the
distance the sentinel could see a stately manor complete with ornately
landscaped grounds that must be the home of the royal family.
His suspicions that they were docking at
the palace were confirmed as Blair turned to address the smiling princess. “I thought the conference was putting up the
attendees at the Visitor’s Center?”
“They are but father insisted that you
stay at the palace.” Kiki gave her
friend a mock glare. “You are not some
off world stranger whose movements must be restricted. Father has practically adopted you, so of
course you’re staying with us.” She
turned to face Jim. “And as friends and
family of my sometimes dim-witted brother you will stay with us as well.”
Jim gave her his most charming smile. “We’d be honored.”
“Good now if you’ll follow me.”
Ellison stepped out onto the gently
bobbing dock and instinctively sent his senses out to catalogue his new
environment. It had become unconscious
instinct for the sentinel to monitor his surrounding for signs of threat to
himself or his guide. The air was warm
and the scents of springtime hung heavy in the air. Grass, trees and blooming plants of all types were identified and
classified by sentinel senses. Sunlight
bathed his skin with gentle rays and in the bright blue sky, fluffy white
clouds drifted by on gentle breezes. In
the distance bits of color were beginning to tint the sky heralding to sentinel
senses that the coming sunset would be spectacular. Jim staggered as sensory input clashed with knowledge. He was on the sea floor not walking on the
surface of a vacation planet.
Desperately his senses ranged out looking for any proof that what he was
sensing was an illusion but no sound of machinery or hum of energy fields
greeted his probe. In desperation he
pushed his senses out further and the world faded away.
“Easy Jim, deep breaths man.” The gentle tones of his guide broke through
the grayness and he became aware of the warm hands gripping his forearms.
“It’s okay Simon I should have expected
this. Sentinels rely on sensory data as
their basis for reality. Jim’s senses
are feeding him information that is contrary to what his mind knows as
truth. He instinctively pushed too far
and zoned.” The guide turned his
attention back to his confused sentinel.
“Okay big guy we can deal with this.
Turn everything down to normal.”
Focusing his attention on his guide Jim
let everything else fade as he immersed his senses in his guide. The familiar presence steadied and grounded
him and he was able to realign his scattered senses. Vertigo cleared and he found himself kneeling on a gently swaying
dock. Glancing into the dark blue eyes
staring at him in concern the sentinel relaxed and reached out to tousle unruly
curls. “Thanks Chief. I think I’m okay now, it just took me by
surprise.”
Helping the sentinel to his feet Blair
shook his head. “I’m sorry Jim I should
have been paying closer attention I forgot how perfect the illusions are
here. Your mind was grappling for
sensory input to verify what you knew to be true, when it couldn’t find any it
threw you into shock. Your senses were
telling you that you were on the surface while your brain was telling you that
you were underwater. So you zoned. It was the only way to block the stalemate.”
“So what do we do now? As long as I focus on you I’m okay but the
minute I start to look around the dizziness returns.”
“There has to be some way for your senses
to verify what your mind knows. Once
that happens you’ll be fine.” Blair
sighed. “Unfortunately that’s going to
be harder than it sounds. The Oceanus
illusion is perfect and if we can’t find someway for you to verify it is an
illusion you won’t be able to stay here.
Damn it, if I’d only prepared you for the conditions here none of this
would be happening. Now it’s too late,
you’re senses and mind have clashed and the only way to break the stalemate is
for your senses to be given solid proof that this is not a natural
environment. Explanations won’t do, it
has to be something tangible.”
“Our illusions are good Blair but not
perfect.” Blair and Jim both looked up
at the softly uttered words and Kiki smiled.
“Our master illusionist is very skilled but he always leaves a tiny flaw
in his work. He believes that no device
of man should seek to usurp the creations of the great Sea God. So while his work mimics nature in everyway
he always leaves a small imperfection in his work so as not to offend the gods. The flaw is small, nothing an ordinary person
would detect but if you know what to look for I’m sure a sentinel could find
it.”
“That’s great Kiki, it doesn’t have to be
anything big just something that Jim’s senses can use to verify that this is an
artificial environment.”
“Then sentinel look to the clouds.” Kiki pointed upward at the fluffy wisps of
white. “Follow their edges and I
believe you will find what you seek.”
Following the princess’s advice Ellison
extended his sight and studied the clouds.
For a moment he could detect nothing false in the white mass. The clouds looked the same as those on any
number of worlds. Then as he was
watching the edges of the cloud shimmered, just for an instance, and Jim
relaxed as sentinel senses verified what he had already known. The bright
spring day was not real but a clear illusion wrought by science. Facing the worried face of his guide he
smiled. “It’s okay I can see the flaw
the dizziness is gone.” He turned to
face Kiki. “Thank you.”
The princess nodded in
acknowledgement. “I am glad I was able
to help. I look forward to telling
Zarum that his sensitivities to the great Sea God’s creations have been
beneficial after all.”
Helping the sentinel to his feet Blair
sighed in relief. “Man we owe him a big
thank you. I wasn’t looking forward to
commuting everyday.” At Jim’s puzzled
look the guide continued. “You didn’t
think I’d stick you on that island with a bunch of UET officers and forget
about you did you?”
Jim laughed and threw an arm around his
indignant guide. “No Chief, but I’m
glad not to have to miss out on this.”
He waved his free hand to indicate the complex environment that had
moments before so confused his senses.
“The Oceanians seem to be a remarkable people and I’m looking forward to
seeing what other surprises they have in store for us.”
“It’s a great city man, it’s easy to
forget that you’re really standing inside a crystal bowl on the bottom of the
sea surrounded by lots and lots of water.”
“Gee Blair I was trying hard to forget
that.” Jim swatted the back of the
guide’s curly head.
“Did I mention the lots and lots of water
and of course there’s the sea serpents?”
Seeing his son’s wide-eyed stare and
Kiki’s barely contained mirth Simon decided to take control before they were
all irrevocably lost in the Sandburg zone.
“We’ll just keep the water and sea serpents outside of the city for now
Sandburg; you promised me a vacation and I don’t intend to spend it wet or
eaten by an overgrown fish.” The
captain turned to the amused princess.
“Now I believe you mentioned transportation to the palace?”
“This way captain.” Turning the princess led them down the dock
toward a small parking lot where an air car waited to ferry them to the palace.
The
palace like the rest of the Oceanians’ architecture was a blend of beauty and
function. Stately columns bordered the entrance to the large entry hall. The
floors were of polished marble and the sound of fountains filled the air with
the music of cascading water. Following their hostess the off worlders were led
to suites in the palace’s western wing. Opening the doors to the suite Kiki
ushered her guests inside. “Blair you and Jim are here.” She handed each man a
card key then turned to Simon and motioned to the door directly across the
hallway. “Captain you and your son are just across the hall.” Opening the
second set of doors she handed the keys to Simon. “I’ll leave you now to settle
in and inform my father of your arrival. Dinner is at seven; someone will come
to escort you to the dining hall. If you need anything please ring.” She gave
Blair a hug, “I’m so glad you’re here,” then left the men to unpack.
Jim
watched as the last of the servants left then closed the door to their suite.
The room was huge with two sleeping chambers each with a double bed, a bathing
chamber with a huge sunken tub and a large sitting area with two plush sofas.
Two sets of French doors were set one on each side of the suite. Opening the
one to the right Jim discovered a balcony. The view was spectacular. Below was
an ornamental garden and beyond the skyline of the city was easily visible to
the sentinel. The “sky” to the west was beginning to show the first colors of a
spectacular sunset. Turning back inside Ellison crossed the room and opened the
second set of French doors. Stepping into the room he paused in amazement. Unlike the comfortable elegance of the rest
of the suite this room was done in stone. Water ran down the rocky face of a
stone outcropping on one side of the “cave” into a pool carved from the stone
floor. Steps carved in the sides of the pool led into the clear waters and Jim
could make out stone platforms beneath the surface, which could easily be used
for sitting or sleeping. Hidden lightening lit the pool from below and gave the
cavern a gentle glow.
“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” Jim turned to find
Blair standing in the doorway.
“Yeah it is, just kind of unexpected.”
“Every
home in the city has at least one wet room. As amphibians the Oceanians have to
spend a certain amount of time in both air and water. This is their way of
bringing a little bit of the sea inside.”
Taking
a last look around the enchanting room Jim motioned Blair back into the suite
and closed the door. “Well I don’t think we’ll be needing to sleep on rocks
under the water.”
“Hey
you never know a cool dip in the pool might be fun. How many other
establishments do you know of that have a swimming pool in each room?”
“Well
I’ll pass on the swim for now. So, Chief what does one wear for dinner with
royalty?”
“Your
suit should do fine. This is an informal get to together. It should just be the
royal family and a few guests.”
Jim
checked his watch then pushed his companion toward his room. “Then you had best
get changed. I’m not up on my courtly etiquette but I believe that keeping the
king waiting is not a good thing.”
Blair
chuckled but complied with his sentinel’s wishes. A little over an hour later
the two men dressed neatly in suit and tie met Simon and Daryl in the hallway
and the four followed the waiting servant to the dining hall.
“Blair,
welcome it has been much too long since you have visited us.” All talk in the
room ceased as all eyes focused on the new comers. The tall broad shouldered
man that had made the announcement ignored the crowd and continued to advance
on Blair. Jim guessed him to be middle aged but there was no sign gray in his
ink dark hair or the short close-cropped beard. From the circlet adorning his
forehead Ellison guessed he was meeting Oceanus’s king and Kiki’s father.
His
hypothesis was confirmed when Blair stepped forward and grasp the man’s
forearms in ritual greeting. “Your Majesty it is good to see you again.”
Releasing the king he turned and indicated his companions. “Sire I’d like you
to meet Ranger Lieutenant Jim Ellison, Ranger Captain Simon Banks and Captain Bank’s
son Daryl. Jim, Simon, Daryl I present King Nerum of Oceanus.”
“Gentlemen welcome to Oceanus. I trust your
accommodations are adequate.”
“The
accommodations are excellent your highness.” Simon answered for the group. “And
I’d like to thank you for allowing my son and I to visit your world. It is
amazing what your people have accomplished here.”
“Thank
you Captain and any friend of Blair’s is welcome here. Now come let me
introduce you to the rest of my guests.”
The
next few minutes were spent in introductions. Prince Tyman was a younger
version of the king and also served as the head of the royal guard. Jim felt an
instant liking for this fellow officer of the law and admired the man’s
no-nonsense demeanor. His wife, Rema, was charming and their two sons, Talor
and Tyler, who Kiki dubbed the terror twins, took an instant liking to Daryl.
In no time the three teens were off discussing things that only teenagers
understood. The remaining two guests were Lord Kymen the King’s chief advisor
and Lord Plagar, head of the council of Lords. Jim stiffened as Blair’s heart
rate rose when Lord Plagar was introduced. He didn’t have to be an empath to
sense the hostility Plagar felt toward them and toward Blair especially.
Instinctively he took a step closer to his guide and watched the man with cold
eyes. Unnerved by the sentinel’s icy stare Plagar made the usual platitudes of
welcome then kept his distance from the visitors.
Dinner
was a pleasant affair. With the notable
exception of Lord Plagar the Oceanians were friendly and curious about their
off world visitors. The food was
excellent and contained many familiar foods as well as many seafood dishes
native to the ocean world. After the meal Daryl received permission to visit
with the twins and left with them under Rema’s charge. Lord Kymen and Plagar made there farewells
soon after. Blair’s sigh of relief at
the noble’s departure did not go unnoticed and Nerum chuckled giving the young
scholar a knowing smile. “I see you
still have no fondness for our Lord Plagar, Blair. Do not worry he will not trouble you or your friends.”
Blair
shook his head and returned the king’s smile.
“I just wish he didn’t hate me so much.
I would never do anything to harm you or your world.”
“Plagar
is an isolationist. He hates anyone or
anything that is not Oceanian regardless of its benefit. You are valued young one and if narrow minds
such as Lord Plagar’s are blind to your worth to this world we are not. It was a fortunate day you were brought to
us. You have done much for me and my
people.”
“If
you don’t mind my asking your highness how did you and Blair meet.” Simon had wondered about Blair’s almost
adoption by the king of a closed world but had never found the right time to
ask.
Kiki
chuckled. “I guess that would be my
fault.” She glanced at her father and
gave an impish grin. “I brought him
home with me and father had no choice but to adopt him.”
Nerum
shook his head as Kiki and Blair both burst out laughing. Simon glanced at the two young people and
then turned back to the king.
“Something tells me I’m missing a good story.”
The
king leaned back in his chair and smiled as he remembered. “Yes, but I’m afraid that it is my
daughter’s tale to tell.”
Kiki
regained her composure and turned to face the ranger captain. “When it was decided that Oceanus would
interact with the UET, the Council of Lords agreed to send a representative to
learn more about your ways. As daughter
of the king I was selected for this position.
The UET government arranged for a number of classes to be held at
“And
it was.” Nerum took up the tale. “Breaking our rules of non interaction with
other cultures was a huge step for my people and not made lightly.” He glanced over at the anthropologist.
“Without Blair’s input the treaty would have never been signed and we would not
now be on the brink of entering into a closer alliance with the UET.”
“A
point which Lord Plagar and others like him have not forgotten.” Sandburg gave the king a sad smile. “I’m afraid there are factions here that are
not very happy to see me.”
“Lord
Plagar is a fool.” Prince Tyman met the
worried blue eyes and nodded.
“Pretending that we are alone in the universe will not make it so. It is time that Oceanus joined the
interstellar community.”
“When
our visiting anthropologists have finished with you I hope we may avail
ourselves of your wisdom once again Blair.
This is not a decision I make lightly I would value your input.”
“I’ll be glad to help in anyway I can, your
Majesty.”
“Excellent.” The king turned to the two rangers. “I am pleased that you were able to
accompany Blair. I have need of council
from those I can trust. As friends of
Blair’s I believe you to be such men.
We on Oceanus have had little dealings with others. If our world is going to open its doors to
outsiders then we need to know what problems may arise.”
“Our
people are not violent by nature and serious crimes are rare.” Prince Tyman continued for his brother. “I was hoping that while you were here you
might consent to instructing us in some of the tactics your agency employs to
police your population and the alien visitors to your world. I believe my men could benefit greatly from
your experience.”
Simon
glanced at Ellison before turning to the prince. “We would be pleased to help in anyway we can.”
“Great
Jim while I’m attending lectures in anthropology you and Simon can talk shop
with Prince Tyman and his guardsmen.
You two will be right at home.”
“As
long as it keeps me from having to sit through a discourse on the mating habits
of some lost tribe on some back water world Chief, I’ll be happy.”
“Hey,”
the anthropologist gave his sentinel a smack to the arm. “I have you know that Professor Stein is
considered a brilliant scholar. If you
had stayed awake you might have enjoyed his lecture. It was very enlightening.”
“If
you say so Chief, but the snores in the auditorium make me believe
otherwise.” In moments the two were
bickering about short attention spans and the value of anthropology to the
amusement of their companions.
Chuckling,
the king looked from sentinel to guide then turned to glance at Simon. “Are they always like this?”
“I’m afraid so, Your Majesty.”
“Then
you are a braver man then I captain. I
find dealing with one to be more than enough, two...” he shook his head,
“boggles the mind.”
“Well
there’s no help for it Sire, they’re a matched set, can’t take one without the
other and they do come in handy now and again.”
Nerum
glanced at the silver torques visible on both of his guests and smiled. “It is good they have found one another at
last.”
“Even
if they do give me gray hairs,” Simon finished glancing at his two best men
still arguing amicably to the amusement of Kiki and the prince. “Okay you two that’s enough. Behave yourselves.”
The two men glanced at their captain
and the amused royals. “Sorry Simon.”
“Yeah we’re sorry Simon...but it was
his fault.”
“Sandburg...”
“Okay, okay I’ll be good.”
“That will be the day.”
King
Nerum looked around at the off worlders and smiled. Years ago he had befriended the young anthropologist and found
him to be a man of integrity as well as intellect. It seemed that his friends were of the same ilk. As a ruler he was accustomed to making
judgments quickly and accurately. His instincts told him that the rangers were
men he could trust and right now he needed those whose council was true. Entering an alliance with the UET was a big
step and a controversial one. He knew
it was the best for his people but he also knew such a change could also cause
great harm if not handled correctly. It
seemed that the great Sea God had heard his plea and sent him the help his
world so desperately needed. “Well
Blair I can see that some things never change.
Your visits are never boring.”
The
rest of the evening passed in pleasant camaraderie as the Oceanians and the out
worlders learned more about each other.
Finally the hour grew late and the party broke up. Simon and Jim agreed to meet Prince Tyman
for a tour and a discussion of law enforcement within the city while Blair
would meet with the king for a private discussion on the upcoming treaty. They would all rendezvous later that evening
to attend the banquet being held in honor of the visiting scholars. As guest of honor Blair had to attend and he
insisted that both Simon and Jim attend as well. Their plans made the Cascadians bid goodnight to their hosts and
followed a servant back to their rooms.
A few minutes later another servant escorted a tired but excited Daryl
back to his father and the four off worlders turned in for the night.
A
sense of unease pulled Blair from sleep.
For a moment the young shaman lay in the darkened bedroom and tried to
determine what had awakened him. No
sounds of distress or intruder reached his ears. Closing his eyes he sent his inner senses ranging outward
searching for the cause of his unease.
A moment later he sighed, threw back the bed covers and rose. Padding on bare feet through the semi-dark
suite he turned toward the balcony.
Just as he expected he found the sentinel, clad only in a pair of soft
sweat pants, leaning against the open balcony doors staring out at the moonlit
city. Blair joined his friend, leaning
against the door jam opposite the sentinel and gazed out at the night skyline.
“Want
to talk about it?”
With
a resigned sigh Ellison broke off his study of the sleeping city and turned to
look at the young man lounging beside him.
“I’m fine Chief. I just had a
bad dream. Sorry I woke you.”
“It was more than just a bad dream man. You wouldn’t be here staring at the skyline
at oh dark hundred over a simple nightmare.
“It was a stupid dream I don’t know why it’s bothering me but I
just couldn’t get back to sleep.”
“So tell me what did you dream?”
“I was in a tunnel of some kind. The walls were gray then all of a sudden the
tunnel ended and I was in a garden. The
garden was full of smells and colors.
My senses went crazy. Everything
went out of control…I was totally helpless.
And the worst part was I could hear you calling for help, calling for me
but I couldn’t move.” The sentinel
turned anguished eyes to his guide.
“You needed me and I was helpless.”
“Okay Jim we can deal with this. I thought you took that incident on the
docks today way too calmly. The bare
tunnel changing to a garden and you losing control of your senses is parallel
to what happened this afternoon.”
“So what good is heightened senses going
to do me if every time I enter a new environment I lose control?” Jim faced his partner his frustration easy
to read. He had tried to put his spell
at the docks behind him, but deep down the experience had rattled him. One minute he had been fine and the next he
had been helpless lost in a world of sensory input with no way out. If it hadn’t been for Blair he would have
stayed lost, he had been powerless to help himself. For someone who had always prided themselves on self-sufficiency
and control it was a bitter pill to swallow.
“Jim it wasn’t entering a new
environment that caused your senses to cascade, it was that you were mentally
fighting what they were telling you.
You have to learn to rely on what you senses tell you even if it is
contrary to what your believe to be true.”
“Blair I do trust my senses but they were
telling me I was on the surface when obviously I wasn’t.”
“Actually from a purely sensory viewpoint
you were, hence the trouble.”
“Okay you’ve lost me.”
Sandburg chuckled then tried to explain to
his baffled friend. “Jim the reason you
had trouble to begin with is that Oceanus is a unique world. Many races use artificial environments
either for recreation or as habitats but no one puts the detail into those
simulations that the Oceanians do.” He
pointed to the stars shining in the night sky.
“If you were standing on the surface of Oceanus at this latitude and
longitude and looked up into the sky that would be the exact constellations you
would see. If you measure the
wavelengths of light produced by the sun here in the city the spectrum would
match that recorded on the surface at the same time and place. In every way the
conditions here in the city mirror those of the surface to the last detail. Seasons, weather patterns, even gravity are
carefully matched to those on the surface.
If you had been knocked unconscious at the patrol station and carried
here you would have had no way of knowing that you were not still on the
surface when you awoke. Your senses
didn’t fail you Jim they told you the truth.
Conditions here are an exact match for the surface in every way. When you tried to overrule your instincts it
sent you into imbalance.”
“So what was I supposed to do? I knew I wasn’t on the surface any longer in
spite of what my senses were telling me.”
“Trust what your senses tell you. Okay, you were underwater but your senses
registered surface conditions. The
proper conclusions, oh sentinel, is not that your senses are wrong but that the
city under the sea has conditions exactly like the surface.”
Jim laughed as some of the tension eased
from his body at his guide’s gentle reprimand for in truth he had tried to
fight his senses, pushing what they were telling him away in favor of what he
believed to be true. “Okay Chief lesson
learned.”
“Good now that that’s settled I owe you an
apology.”
“For what?”
“I was so wrapped up in being an
anthropologist and teacher I neglected to be your guide.” Blair glanced up at the puzzled sentinel
with serious eyes. “If I had bothered
to warn you about the conditions here you would have never had a problem. My inattention led to you zoning. A guide’s first duty is to his sentinel, I
failed you man, I’m sorry.”
“Blair you’re not perfect and neither am
I. I didn’t bother to ask you if there
was anything a sentinel needed to know about this place either. I think we can just chalk this up as a
learning experience. We’re both still
relatively new at the sentinel-guide thing.
I can’t believe this will be the last time one or both of us screws up,
can you?”
“Too true man, but we’ll get through them
together.”
“Together.” The word warmed something deep in the sentinel and he knew that
no matter what they faced they would weather it as a team. “So what’s the story here?” He indicated the darkened city. “It must take a lot of power not to mention
a staggering amount of research and resources to make something this
elaborate. Why bother?”
“The Oceanians were not always as they are
now. They once were a race of surface
dwellers with an impressive civilization.
A series of planetary changes caused the poles to shift. Ice caps melted; planet quakes and tidal
waves ravaged the land. Scientists had
predicted the coming catastrophe and fleets of huge ocean craft were built to
save the people, but the land sank beneath the waves leaving only a few islands
behind. They managed to salvage most of
their science and culture but life confined to a metal vessel began to wear on
the people. Suicide rates increased and
a type of apathy began taking hold of the survivors. Then came the miracle.
The Oceanians fell into a deep sleep.
When they awoke they were changed as you see them creatures of both
water and air.”
“That must have been a shock.”
“Yes, some couldn’t handle their changes
and went mad or committed suicide but most adapted. The ability to breathe
beneath the water freed them from the confinement of the ships and they began
to explore their new world. When the
diamond coral was discovered they reclaimed the sunken continents where they
had once lived and rebuilt their cities.
But while they now had the freedom of the seas they discovered that
there was still an inbred need for the surface that they could not escape. The Oceanians are true amphibians; they need
time in both water and air. It is a
complex psychology. They can’t stand to
be trapped. Every Oceanian has times when
the sea beckons and they must swim free in the open water. It is not unusual for someone to notify
friends and relatives and take to the sea for weeks at time. But as strong as the need for the sea, is
the need to walk the surface. To see
stars and feel wind and rain is as deeply rooted as the need to swim. Since the one landmass of any size left is
too small for an entire race to try to live on this was the next best
solution. The Oceanians have to feel as
if they are actually on the surface, nothing less will do. Thus the exacting detail of their
simulations, it is a matter of survival for them.”
“They are a remarkable people. Did they ever discover who caused the
change?”
“The most popular consensus is that the
Harvesters intervened, but no record or trace of them has ever been found
here.” The young scholar suddenly
yawned bringing a chuckle from the ranger.
“I think that’s enough soul searching for
one night Chief we both have busy days tomorrow and I for one would like to be
awake enough to enjoy it.”
“Yeah I hear that, sleep sounds so
good. Night Jim.”
“Night Blair.” Ellison watched the sleepy guide stagger back to his room and
smiled. Suddenly he felt ready to
return to his own bed and this time no nightmares would retard his rest. They had all been chased away by the loving
care of his guide.
Jim shook the water from his short-cropped
hair as he followed Prince Tyman out of the air lock and up the metal ladder
leading into the city above. They had
started their tour of the capitol city by visiting the many outbuildings that
housed the city’s industrial activities.
Taking the swim tunnels, which connected the outer structures to the
city instead of bothering with a bathysphere proved to be a novel experience
for the two land dwellers. Pausing on
the ladder Jim adjusted his senses as the intense pressure of deep water was
replaced with conditions found on the surface.
Not for the first time that day the sentinel was thankful for the colony
of bacteria that was even now protecting him from the dangers of transitioning
between such diverse pressures. The
Oceanians traversed from surface to sea without pause or concern but Ellison
knew that without the protective effects of the bacteria he and Simon would
have been in serious trouble.
The tour of Oceanus’s outer workings had
been enlightening. From the huge power
plants that safely tapped the power of the planet’s core providing an endless
source of clean energy to maintain their complex underwater habitats to the
elaborate air and water reclamation and purification systems that supplied life
support, the Oceanian’s systems were both innovative and efficient raising
Jim’s opinion of these remarkable people even higher. But along with showing the brilliance of Oceanus’s technologies
the tour also pointed out to the two police officers the many blind spots in
the city’s security. As a self -contained
culture the Oceanians had little experience with the damage a motivated
terrorist could bring about. While
security at the palace and the Visitor’s Center was tight and entry into the
city from without was closely monitored and controlled, the city’s vital areas
were open to anyone within the city via the swim tubes. If the Oceanians planned to open their doors
to more off world visitors they would need to revamp their security protocols
to limit access to vital systems and insure that all sensitive areas including
research centers and data systems were blocked against tampering or theft. Now he knew why Prince Tyman wanted his and
Simon’s input.
Prince Tyman led his off world guests into
the guard station and detoured to the locker room to give the two surface
dwellers a chance to dry off and change out of their borrowed clothes. As he changed Jim took a moment to admire
his borrowed uniform perfectly dry in spite of the time spent immersed in
seawater. Blair had called the fabric
dry-weave. Spun from the fibers of an
underwater plant the cloth was both light and tough as well as being impervious
to water and stains. As much time as
the Oceanians spent moving from ocean to air, it was an ingenious solution to
the problem of clothing for an amphibian.
Clad once again in their own clothes the
two rangers followed the prince upstairs to his office. Settling into comfortable chairs around the
conference table, cups of the local equivalent to coffee in hand, the three
lawmen began a thorough discussion of security concerns and possible solutions.
Prince Tyman leaned back in his chair and
studied the two off worlders with something akin to awe. Next to his hand lay a stack of notes
detailing a plan for upgrading the city’s security systems plus contingency
plans for handling almost any conceivable attack from without or within. The list was impressive and Tyman admitted
many of the weaknesses the two rangers noticed would have never occurred to
him. Oceanus had been at peace for over
five thousand years. The last battle of
ideologies had occurred just after the change when part of the population had
tried to deny their newfound state and opted to remain on the surface using
ships and manufactured islands as their homes while the rest had embraced the change
and life beneath the sea. The latter
group believed the transformation was a sign from the gods to forsake the land
for the sea and would brook no other course of action. It had been a dark time in his planet’s
history as brother turned on brother and religious fervor drove the inhabitants
of Oceanus to war. When the atrocity
ended the survivors vowed never to wage war on each other again. The peace had held for millennia but now
Tyman feared a testing of that ancient vow was at hand and the insight of these
out worlders might be all that stood between averting a disaster and plunging
into a new dark age.
“Gentlemen I can’t thank you enough for
your input. We have little experience
with outsiders and I’d rather reduce the chances of problems before they can
occur.” He gestured to the pile of
notes beside him. “This will help a
great deal.”
“I
have a feeling unpredictable visitors are not your main concern, my lord. I noticed that not everyone was especially
glad to see us.”
Tyman met the sentinel’s calm gaze and
sighed. Blair had warned him that these
two were perceptive. “I’m afraid,
Lieutenant, that many of my people object to the presence of off worlders on Oceanus.”
“Yet you’re planning to expand that
contact. How will your people react to
a sudden increase in unwanted visitors?”
“That Captain Banks is the question on all
our minds. My brother is a good
king. Oceanus needs this change but
there are many who oppose his decision.
Do you know anything about our religion?”
“Blair mentioned that you had only one
major religion.” Ellison tried to
remember the anthropologist’s briefing on the planet’s history and
customs…something about a sea god.
Tyman nodded. “Our deity is the great god of the seas of Oceanus itself. Our priests teach that the Sea God was
displeased with those who dwelt on the land forsaking and ignoring the
sea. So he sent a great cataclysm
causing the lands to be swallowed by the sea.
Yet the god had mercy on the people and instead of destroying them he
changed them making them one with the sea.
We of Oceanus are the planet’s chosen inhabitants. There are some among our clergy that fear
the presence of land dwellers on Oceanus will bring about the wrath of our god
and if we harbor these interlopers the god’s wrath might fall upon us as well,
chosen or not.”
“So every pious person on the planet
believes that bringing off world visitors to Oceanus will cause an apocalypse?”
Tyman chuckled. “We’re not that indoctrinated Captain. Our religion allows much flexibility when it comes to
worship. No, most are wary of your
coming but are willing to view all the facts before making a judgment. But there is a small faction of zealots who
see the stopping of off world visitation as a holy calling. Unfortunately, as the fear and confusion
surrounding the treaty increases this faction is gaining strength. This city is poised on the brink of violence
and one wrong move will plunge us into chaos.
So you see your insight into our vulnerabilities may be more important
than you know.”
“We’re glad to help in anyway we
can.” Simon gave the prince a
reassuring smile. “You are a
resourceful people and I’m sure you’ll find a way to get what you need without
violating your religion.”
“I hope you are right captain. Now I believe I have monopolized your time
enough for one day. We have a banquet
to attend. Blair will never forgive me
if we miss his big night.”
As the prince escorted his guests back to
the palace he hoped that his brother’s meeting had been as productive as his
discussions with the rangers. Oceanus
was between the proverbial rock and a hard place; something had to give
soon.
King Nerum chuckled as the sound of soft
cussing reached his ears. The young man
seated at the long conference table surrounded by documents ignored the king’s
mirth as he concentrated on the pages in his hand. Curly head bent over the offending document the young scholar
circled a paragraph then began scribbling in the notebook next to his right
hand. Finishing, he folded the document
and threw it into the larger stack before him before reaching for the next one
waiting in his ‘to be read file’.
Looking up he caught the king’s amusement and leaned back in his chair
and gave the noble a sheepish grin.
“Now I know what you meant by trying to do the impossible.” He waved at the neatly stacked files. “There are proposals here that span the
entire spectrum from those wanting to build a resort on the remaining landmass
and invite the whole universe to a party to those who want to surround the
planet with mines and destroy anything or anyone who even gets close. What’s happened? I don’t remember there being this kind of chaos the last time
treating with the UET was discussed.”
“Things have changed. This treaty is important for my people Blair
and most of those in the council who follow reason instead of fear understand
this. Our people are stagnating.
Seeking knowledge and unraveling mysteries is ingrained in our genetics as
deeply as the need to swim in the sea.
It has been a long time since a challenge or even a new avenue of
thought or study has been uncovered here.
We have catalogued, studied and dissected this planet; there are no new
mysteries here for us to learn. It is
time to turn our quest for knowledge outward instead of inward. We need the challenges that interaction with
other races and other worlds would offer us but there are those among us
against contact with outsiders and they have been gaining power in the last years. They fear contamination of our world by
alien cultures and ideas. They see
stopping this treaty as an almost holy calling. I cannot afford a civil war over this, but at the same time I
know this is the only course that offers my people hope. Without knowledge to seek we will sicken and
die, it is as inevitable as the tide. I
need to find a way out of this impasse.
There must be a way to appease both parties. We must give my people the stars while still protecting the
sanctity of our world and culture.
There has to be a way.”
Blair studied Nerum quietly for a
moment. Stress and worry weighed
heavily on the king. The fate of this
world rested on the decisions they made here.
One wrong move and the planet could be plunged into civil war or a
beautiful and brilliant people could be lost forever. Without an outlet for their brilliant minds the creative energy
of the Oceanians would turn inward becoming dissatisfaction then apathy and
despair. The Oceanians needed to be
able to interact with other worlds, to focus their intelligence and skills on
solving the challenges and problems of their galactic neighbors. Yet like any other advanced race they needed
to be able to control the information they released to others for to
disseminate knowledge to those not ready to receive or handle it could lead to
destruction. They needed to be able to
keep their secrets secure from the less scrupulous that would love to plunder
this planet’s riches. Then there was
also the need to protect that section of Oceanus’s population whose religious
beliefs demanded no contact with outsiders.
How to serve both parties and satisfy the interests of the UET as
well. For there were two sides of any
treaty and the UET had its own wish list to pursue. Glancing from the mound of forms to the harried king Blair began
to smile as an idea began to take shape in his mind. It was unorthodox but with
the right precautions and a proper job of selling it could just be the answer
for all parties. After all the
Oceanians were logical people faced with facts even the most religious zealot
among them would have to acquiesce to reason and as for the UET, it was like
any bureaucracy give them the right bottom line and they would take the
deal. Reaching out he placed a hand on
the king’s arm projecting calm and hope.
“Nothing is impossible if one is motivated highly enough.” He gave a wry grin. “At least your people are reasonable. This should prove less difficult then
convincing a cat and a human to stop killing each other long enough to realize
that they are both heading for extinction and it might be a good idea to come
to a truce.”
Nerum gave the young empath a tired
smile. “It might be more difficult then
you imagine. Religious fervor is rarely
malleable to reason. But if you have
any suggestions for how to handle this mess, I’d welcome your thoughts my
friend.”
Turning to a clean sheet of paper in his
notebook Blair began to write and talk.
His hands gestured wildly and his blue eyes sparkled as he described for
the stunned king a possible solution to Oceanus’s problem.
For the first time in months Nerum felt
the band across his chest loosen as he listened to the young anthropologist
paint a dream with his words, a dream that just might save his world and
benefit the UET in the process. For the
first time in a long time the king felt the stirring of hope. He knew there was much work ahead of them
and it would take the minds of the entire scientific council to achieve their
goal but Blair’s concept would work.
Taking out his own notebook, Nerum began making notes. He began to list the people he would need to
contact. Engineers, scientists of
various disciplines, diplomats, those who had been studying UET law and the
leaders of Oceanus’s religious orders would need to be consulted. Excitement began to stir within the king
this was just the challenge his people needed.
He glanced at the young man scribbling
furiously across from him and shook his head in wonder. It would never have occurred to him nor had
it occurred to anyone else within the council.
A space station…such an elegant solution for such a messy problem. The station would be the perfect format for
those of his people who desired to meet and interact with other worlds while
protecting Oceanus. Control of
Oceanus’s knowledge and of the planet would remain firmly in the hands of its
people. And the UET would gain a great
resource. Oceanus was the only
habitable world in this sector of space but beyond the mining planets fringing
this system was unexplored territory…territory far from the borders of either
the Katsura or Hierarchy territories.
Exploration of space beyond present borders was unfeasible for there was
no staging area for explorer vessels to obtain fuel and supplies this far out. Granger Station was taxed to capacity caring
for the cruise vessels and the stray mining ships that docked there. The inner planets and their tourists
consumed the stations resources and there was none left to support a military
or explorer detail. A station at
Oceanus could easily supply both patrol and deep exploration vessels. They would also be able to offer the
scientific support such vessels needed to evaluate their discoveries and handle
any emergencies that might arise. With
their advanced holographic capabilities they would be able to create recreational
areas that would fool even the sharpest senses. A visit to the station would be as good as a trip to a planet for
weary spacefarers. Besides offering an
outlet for intellectual exchange the station would also offer a means of
defense against those who might try to take what the people of Oceanus refused
to offer. Breaking their rules of
isolationism would bring Oceanus to the attention of many other worlds. The scientific developments guarded by the
Oceanians would be highly desired by others and not all worlds would be content
to take no for an answer. The stations
sensors and defenses would be advantageous.
And there would be one more significance to this station. Most space stations were built and funded by
corporations usually in support of mining facilities or in the case of Granger
station the lucrative tourist trade.
Oceanus’s station would be the first dedicated to exploration and
scientific research. It would be a
place, equipped with state of the art facilities, where scholars and scientists
could meet to collaborate and share knowledge.
It would be a fitting tribute to his people. Furthermore it was also something that the UET desired and
needed. He had overhead many exchanges
between the officers manning the patrol post on the surface and knew that many
lamented the limitations that kept them from expanding in this sector. A space station at Oceanus would answer both
of their needs. The king smiled, of course
that wouldn’t stop the UET negotiators from trying to wrestle the best deal
they could from him but that was fine.
As well as fine scientific minds Oceanus also had those skilled in law
and contracts and he had faith that by the time he came to the negotiation
table he would be well prepared.
As his and Blair’s lists continued to grow
Nerum couldn’t help but smile as he imagined the stunned faces of the council
as their world was turned completely upside down. By tomorrow the scholars would be racing to turn an idea into a
practical reality. He would present a preliminary outline of their proposal to
the council for consideration. Then if
all went well the tension between Oceanus’s factions would be replaced with a
unified effort to save their world, all thanks to a young man who never gave up
hope. Not for the first time Nerum
blessed the day Kiki dragged home a young teacher who with a warm smile, a
compassionate heart and wisdom beyond his years soon won over a reclusive
people and made them see that knowledge was only worthwhile if it benefited
others. The station would allow them to
share the knowledge that was beneficial with those whom it could help while
keeping more dangerous knowledge out of the hands of those who would misuse it
or who were not yet advanced enough to use it safely. Thanks to Blair they would no longer watch other races suffer and
die when they had the power to aid them.
The plague at Artemus Station had brought home to Nerum just how much
they had to offer the UET and its allies.
The deadly plague had killed many until one of their scientists had
taken an interest in the pathogen and solved the riddle of its destruction.
Thanks to their interference many lives were saved. On that day he had finally understood what Blair had meant. And after seeing the excitement on the
faces of those who had solved the problem the king had finally understood the
aliment that had been silently and unknowing killing his people…apathy, a
disinterest in life that effects those without dreams. Now once again thanks to Blair he had a new
dream to offer his people. ‘May the
great Sea God guard your way Blair Sandburg’, the king sent up a silent prayer,
‘for you have today given life back to this world.’
Across the table oblivious to the king’s
musings but feeling his renewal of spirit Blair continued to make notes content
that he had been able to assist a friend.
Jim straightened the cuffs of his tuxedo
and followed his guide up the stairs leading into the Visitor’s Center. Beside him Simon Banks equally resplendent
in his own finery watched as the energetic guide bounded up the stairs and
muttered irritably to Ellison. “Tell me
again why it was necessary for us to dress up in these monkey suits to listen a
bunch of anthropologists talk all night?”
“Relax Simon, it won’t be that bad. The only speaker tonight is Sandburg and
whatever else you want to say about him, he never bores an audience. Besides I’ve heard the Oceanians throw quite
a spread at these things. So we eat
some good food, drink a little wine, listen to one of Sandburg’s stories and
show the kid how proud we are of him.
It’s not everyday you win the highest honor your profession has to
offer. You should have seen his face
when the chairperson told him. I’ve
never before seen him speechless.”
“Did you get pictures? No one will believe you otherwise. Imagine our Sandburg man of the year. I’m proud of the kid Jim, just don’t tell
him I said so. I wouldn’t want to ruin
my image.”
Jim chuckled then led his boss into the
building and up to the security desk where Blair waited. After an alert security guard verified their
identities and issued them badges the two rangers followed a bouncing Sandburg
toward the ballroom where the night’s events were to take place.
The room was large, easily accommodating
the couple of hundred or so attendees already milling about and socializing
with their peers. At one end of the
room a podium had been set up, long tables with chairs spanned the length of
the room and buffet tables were stationed along the walls. But what stopped the two out worlders in
their tracks was the floor. The entire
room was floored in clear crystal.
Beneath the glass-like surface a host of sea life swam through a softly
lit underwater garden. It was
breathtaking and more than a little intimidating as it gave one the illusion of
walking on the surface of the sea. In
one corner a decorative fountain served as the gateway to the sunken realm for
those wishing a moonlit swim while providing a source of soothing sound for
those wishing to stay dry.
Blair was grabbed a few moments after
entering the ballroom by the events organizers to work out last minute changes
to the night’s program leaving the two rangers to wander amidst the conversing
anthropologists. As he and Simon
drifted through the crowd, Jim let his hearing range outward subconsciously
monitoring the room. After their meeting with Tyman, Ellison had wondered at
the wisdom of hosting a gathering of off world visitors during such an
emotionally explosive time, but as the conversations drifted to his keen
hearing he began to understand. If you
want to learn about a society what better source could you have then those who
had it as their life’s work the study of that society? All around the room the Oceanians were
busily gathering information about life and customs beyond their borders. One thing he had to say about the Oceanians
they believed in covering all bases such as arranging for Blair to be here when
such a monumental decision was being made.
Ellison wouldn’t put it past the wily king to arrange this whole event
just to assure his partner’s presence.
Of course a message to Blair requesting his help would have accomplished
the same thing but this way no one in the UET or Oceanus’s general population
would know that the king was enlisting outside help for the negotiations, clever.
The sentinel pulled in his hearing as
Blair joined him then followed his energetic guide to the buffet table. Sandburg had not exaggerated the food was
excellent and soon the three Cascadians were sampling a wide variety of
delicacies.
“Blair, my boy, congratulations, I can
think of no one more deserving of this honor then you.”
Sandburg turned and smiled at the
approaching figure. “Professor, no one
told me you were attending. It is good
to see you.”
Ellison shook his head in bemusement as
his guide reached out and hugged the newcomer.
Five feet tall covered in graying brown feathers and a brightly colored
vest with large jointed wings each ending in a three fingered hand compete with
opposable thumb the professor resembled nothing so much as a huge studious owl.
The aged professor gave a hooting chuckle
and patted the young human affectionately on the back. “How could I stay away? I would not miss your big moment young one.”
Blair laughed and turned bright eyes
toward his companions. “Jim, Simon I’d
like you to meet Professor Huree of the Aviar.
Professor this is Lieutenant Jim Ellison and Captain Simon Banks of the
rangers.”
“A pleasure gentlemen, I trust you two are
keeping this young scamp out of mischief?”
“We’re trying sir.” Jim gave his guide a mischief grin. “But I think it’s a hopeless task.”
“Yes I fear you are right. I have never met a human so prone to shall
we say making new discoveries by falling into them face first.”
“Professor!”
Jim and Simon laughed at the put out
expression on the young scholar’s face but the professor carried on ignoring
the young man’s protest. “Right from
the start I knew this one would be trouble.
A nice quiet trip to Transvir and we are not on planet for more than a
day before he turns our negotiations with the natives upside down.”
“Hey that wasn’t my fault and if I recall
the upset turned out to be very profitable for you.”
“Very true my boy and another of your many
gifts to turn disaster into blessing.”
“Okay this story sounds too good to
miss.” Simon pointed to a vacant table
in the corner. “Let’s find a table and
you can tell us all about it. And don’t
even start Sandburg.” He continued as the guide opened his mouth to
object. “I need to know that I’m not
the only one you drive crazy with your stunts.”
As they settled into the comfortable
chairs Sandburg sighed in resignation.
Professor Huree loved to tell of his adventures especially those
involving Blair there was nothing left to do but to satisfy Simon’s
curiosity. “I met the professor at
“I was just completing a lecture
tour.” Huree picked up the tale. “My last stop was
“They followed me everywhere and were
always touching me. It was creepy and a
little scary.”
“Yes we were hard pressed to understand
this fascination with Blair but as it seemed to do no harm we ignored it.”
“But it didn’t stay harmless did it?”
Huree met the sentinel’s gaze and
nodded. “No, I’m afraid it did
not. One night after the evening meal
Blair went for a walk. The next morning
his tent was empty and we realized that he had not returned. We searched the woods and found him
unconscious in a clearing surrounded by four young Vampyr. There were bite marks on his neck and wrists. The Vampyr were in a stupor. We rushed Blair back to the compound and sent
word to the Vampyr elders of what had happened. Fortunately the blood loss was not fatal and with treatment Blair
recovered.”
“Later the Elders apologized for the
incident and assured us the young Vampyr would recover. To put it bluntly they were intoxicated.”
“What?”
Jim glanced over at Sandburg.
“They were drunk?”
“Yep it seems that human blood is to the
Vampyr what catnip is to a feline. The
four who attacked me were young and unable to fight the lure of my blood.”
“We of course immediately sent Blair back
up to the ship but an avenue of discussion was now open with the Vampyr. Whatever the young ones told their elders
must have been something for suddenly the interest in human blood was high. Thanks to Blair’s generous donations we were
able to strike a treaty with the Vampyr, moonflower nectar for human
blood. Since many of the cell
regeneration drugs are developed from the moonflower nectar, it has been very
profitable for my people.”
“So you single handedly corrupted an
entire race, amazing?”
“No Simon I did not lead the Vampyr down
the path of addiction and destruction.
They are a highly evolved species.
Human blood is to them what a fine wine or liquor is to humans and now
that they know its properties they handle it accordingly.”
“Oh yes, Captain, the blood is kept in
stasis and passed out in moderation and not to the young. They serve it at their holy feasts and
celebrations. It is a special treat not
to be squandered on drunkenness.”
“Glad to hear it. Only you Sandburg.”
“Well now that I’ve been thoroughly
embarrassed I believe it’s time for my speech.” He glanced fondly at Huree.
“And try not to give away all my secrets while I’m gone. These two don’t need anymore ammunition.”
“I’ll try but they’re such wonderful
stories.”
Blair ignored the chuckles of his three
friends and headed for the podium. At
the table the others watched with pride as he received the coveted
anthropologist of the year award then relaxed as the young guide, scholar,
shaman and master storyteller took them on a journey of wonder and
discovery. No Simon thought as he
listened, Ellison was right, the evening hadn’t been that bad after all.
Ellison groaned as the sound of knocking
penetrated his sleep-fogged mind. Last
night’s festivities had run late and it was after
“Jim get Sandburg. There’s been an incident at the Visitor’s
Center. Prince Tyman wants us down
there asap.”
“What kind of incident?” Ellison backed up to allow his boss into the
room then moved toward his bedroom to dress.
“He didn’t say, just that it was important
and to come at once. Whatever’s
happened it must be serious for him to send for us at this hour. I have a bad feeling about this.”
The sentinel refrained from comment. Hastily pulling on his clothes, he moved to
the adjoining bedroom to begin the difficult task of waking his guide. Fifteen minutes later the two rangers and a
semi-awake anthropologist entered the Visitor’s Center. They were met by a grim-faced guardsman who
led them to the small ornamental garden adjacent to the guest suites. Jim stiffened as they reached the double
doors leading out into the secluded space.
“What is it Jim? What do you sense?”
Sandburg felt the sentinel tense and all thoughts of sleep vanished.
“Blood,” The ranger glanced at Banks, “A
lot of blood.” A low gasp at his side
focused the sentinel’s attention to his now pale guide. “Chief, maybe you’d better wait here.”
“No,” Blair’s voice was soft but determined. “You might need me. I’ll be okay.”
Knowing it was useless to argue with the
young man when his mind was made up Jim didn’t press the issue. “Okay but stay
back ‘til Simon and I find out what’s going on.”
“No problem man.”
The ornamental garden had been constructed
as an oasis of nature for those off world visitor’s who chaffed at being
confined indoors during their stay in the city beneath the sea. A fifteen-foot stonewall encompassed the
space and high tech sensors and alarms assured that guests remained within the
confines of the garden and didn’t wander astray. Tinkling fountains, leafy green trees and bushes along with a
riot of colorful flowers made the secret garden a place of beauty and tranquility. Well, it would have been tranquil Jim
thought if not for the dead body lying in the middle of the path near the very
back of the garden. A sinking feeling
began in Ellison’s stomach as he caught his first glimpse of the still form. The gray brown feathers and colorful vest
easily identified the victim to his keen eyes.
He quickly turned to block Blair’s view but he was too late. Sandburg stood frozen staring at the grisly
scene all remaining color bleached from his face.
“Damn,” Simon’s muttered curse told the
sentinel that his boss had also identified their victim. “I really hate it when I’m right.” Leaving Jim to handle his distraught guide
the captain made his way over to where Tyman waited.
Forgetting everything else for the moment
Ellison focused on the dazed young man beside him. Pulling the anthropologist into his arms he whispered into one
curl covered ear. “Blair?”
There was no response from the stiff
figure. Medic training recognized the
signs of shock and the ranger tightened his embrace switching to mindspeech in
an effort to break through the trauma.
Pouring all his care and concern along their bond he whispered into the
numbed mind. <Chief you still with
me? >
At first there was no change but Jim
persisted, sending comfort and support along the mental bond linking him with
the empath. Finally rigid muscles began
to relax as tears fell to dampen the ranger’s shirt. Laying his cheek against the curly head pressed to his chest the
sentinel gave a small sigh of relief and cradled his guide closer. <It’s okay Chief, I’m here. >
The soothing voice and presence of his
sentinel penetrated the shock that had engulfed Blair since he had glimpsed the
body of his mentor. Closing his eyes,
he leaned into his partner’s embrace silent tears flowing down his cheeks. <Why man he was a harmless old
scholar? Why would they…why would
anyone do this to him? >
<I don’t know Blair but I promise you
we’ll find out who did this. >
The emotions behind the simple words eased
some of the ache from Sandburg’s heart.
A smoldering anger, the more deadly because it was harnessed and
focused, along with a steel determination to hunt down the perpetrator of this
hideous crime and make him pay burned in the sentinel. Blair struggled to push back his grief. There would be time later to morn the loss
of such a bright soul but for now Jim needed him. The killer would not escape the sentinel’s justice. Straightening Blair stared into the fierce
blue eyes of his soul brother. “Whoever
did this will pay.”
“Yes they will.”
Promise given and received sentinel and
guide moved toward the crime scene.
Tyman’s people had been busy. A
team of forensic experts was carefully scanning the area for any clues to who
had perpetrated such a heinous crime within their peaceful city. Since Huree was an off worlder Tyman had
immediately sent for the visiting rangers.
The last thing Oceanus needed was tension with the UET and its allied
worlds. The killing of a visiting
scientist did not bode well for future relations with the worlds beyond
Oceanus’s skies.
Banks glanced up as he heard his best team
approach. Body language told the
captain that Ellison had already shifted into cop mode and was busily scanning
the scene. Turning his scrutiny to the
empath he was surprised to see the young man pale but composed, he knew how
much the old scholar meant to Sandburg.
The pain in the dark blue eyes hinted at hidden anguish but he had
pushed back the grief to concentrate on the job at hand. Bank’s respect for the young healer rose as
he watched the guide, focused and in control, follow his sentinel toward the
body.
Ellison waited for the forensic team to
finish before moving forward to begin his own search. The professor lay on his back his features frozen in
surprise. A large silver handled knife
rested on the ground next to the body which Jim was sure would match the stab
wound in the scholar’s chest. Scrawled
on the pathway next to him in what appeared to be blood were the words ‘Out
worlders go home.’ Ignoring the body
for the moment the ranger moved his search off the pathway where the professor
lay. Two sets of faint footsteps were
visible in the soil of the flowerbed adjacent to the back wall. One set of steps faced toward the wall and
one set away from it. An examination of
the wall above the area where the footsteps were found revealed a set of
scuffmarks. To the sentinel the
evidence was clear. Someone had used
the wall to leave the enclosed garden then returned. The professor had probably surprised the killer returning from
his nocturnal wanderings and had been killed to keep him quiet. The hate message could be a smoke screen
designed to throw off the cops or they could be dealing with a religious
zealot, someone who believed strongly enough to break into the center to kill
the off worlders in an effort to drive them from the city. Either way they had trouble. A speckling of gray soil darkened the
pathway immediately adjacent to the wall.
Ellison pointed out both the scratches and the soil to the forensic
team. Turning back to the body he
scanned for any signs the killer may have left behind. As he knelt by the body he detected a faint
scent. Cocking his head to one side he
concentrated on the elusive odor. It
was strangely familiar somehow.
“What is it Jim?”
Sighing in frustration Ellison turned at
his guide’s soft words. “It’s a
scent. I know it from somewhere but I
can’t pin it down. Damn it, I know this
is important.”
“Okay man calm down. Now close your eyes.” The calm tones of the guide eased his
frustrations and the sentinel felt himself relaxing. Instinctively he followed
the whispered instructions. “Good now
fix the scent in your mind. It’s
familiar and unusual. You never forget
a scent; you just need to let yourself remember. It doesn’t belong here; where does it belong, Jim?”
“Dexter Station.” Jim opened his eyes and smiled at his guide.
“It was on Dexter Station, a murder, the victim died of what appeared to be
natural causes but I detected this scent on his skin. Later we found out it was a poison used by the Ninjaru assassins. The poison is pressure injected through the
victim’s skin and causes instant paralysis followed by death a short while
later. The poison is untraceable in an
autopsy but leaves a minute trace on the skin at the injection site. Our killer is a professional Chief. There is an assassin on Oceanus.”
“But that’s impossible.” Prince Tyman glanced from the body to the
sentinel. “All visitors to Oceanus are carefully screened and monitored. As much as I hate to admit it the evidence
points towards one of my people.”
“Unless one of your people was born off
world and is a member of the assassins guild they did not kill professor
Huree. This poison is rare and
exclusive to the Ninjaru; the scent is unmistakable. However I agree that our killer did not act alone. I take it your surveillance failed suddenly
at the time of the murder?”
“Yes, there was an unexplained malfunction
early this morning that left the garden and much of the center without
surveillance. My people are checking
the systems now.”
“Why would they black out surveillance for
the whole center just to shield the garden?”
The three lawmen stared at the anthropologist as Sandburg’s question
registered.
“They wouldn’t Chief.” Ellison glanced at Simon and Tyman. “We need to search the center. If this was a planned attack and not a random
event…”
“Then we may have bigger trouble then we
know.” Simon finished the sentinel’s
thought then turned to Tyman. “We need
to interview all the staff and the guests. Somewhere in this building is an
imposter. He’s already killed once and
there is no guarantee that he won’t do it again.”
“Killing the visiting scientists may not
be his main assignment. If the guild
was hired to stop the treaty between Oceanus and the UET they may have more
than one avenue of attack.”
Tyman nodded at the sentinel’s words. “Murdering our guests would definitely cause
tension between Oceanus and other worlds but if the assassin has managed to
find a way to venture beyond this compound an attack on my people must also be
considered.”
“And there is one other thing you need to
know.” Ellison held the prince’s gaze
with hard blue eyes. “The Ninjaru live
by a strict code. They will carry out
their mission or die in the attempt.
You must be prepared for anything.”
The Prince met the sentinel’s gaze and
nodded. “If you are done here I will
have the body taken to the morgue. The
forensic team and the technicians handling the surveillance system will report
as soon as they finish their analyses.
Until then there is a building of off world guest who must be protected
and an imposter to find and stop. How
do you suggest we proceed?”
“The first seminar is in an hour.” Blair broke into the conversation. “All the attendees will check in for name
badges. We’ll know if anyone fails to
show up and you can search the rooms while everyone is occupied.”
“Good idea Sandburg.” Banks turned to Tyman. “We’ll need someone to monitor the
convention goers. As long as everyone
is together they should be safe. Our
assassin will have to take part to keep up his cover. It will give us time to view the evidence and decide how best to
proceed.”
A plan of action decided Tyman left to
arrange for the extra security.
Sandburg watched in silence as the coroner gently placed Huree’s body
into the body bag for transport. His
shaman’s intuition told him that this was not the only loss this night. With a sinking heart he turned to follow his
sentinel back into the center. In an
hour the conference would start and they would know if anyone else had perished
this night.
Ellison bit back a curse as he glanced
from the blood stained wall to the still form sprawled across the bed. Behind him he could feel the tension in his
guide increase as Blair caught sight of the body. Shaman instincts had proved all too true. A check of the conference sign in list had
shown three absences in addition to the late professor Huree. Their worst fears were confirmed when they
had checked on the missing professors. Four dead anthropologists and they were still no closer to
identifying the assassin. The silver
knives and bloody graffiti were the same for each victim as well as the faint trace
of poison that still lingered on the bodies.
However while Huree and the two previous victims had been killed by a
stab wound to the chest this victim’s throat had been slit, which did not
surprise the sentinel. The thick
Mantidae carapace made stab wounds ineffective. With a last check of the scene Ellison led his shaken partner
from the room. A bad situation had just
taken a turn for the worst.
Blair slumped over the conference table
and rested his aching head in his hands.
He had just spent the last three hours in frantic negotiations with the
UET high council and the ambassadors from the murdered anthropologist’s home
worlds. It had taken ever ounce of his
powers of persuasion to pacify the outraged officials. Only after assuring the ambassadors that the
proper rituals for the dead would be observed and that the rangers were
personally spearheading the investigations into the deaths had the Mantidae
representative agreed to withhold blood vendetta and give the UET a chance to
bring the murderer to justice.
Forty-eight hours, they had forty-eight hours to deliver the killer to
the Mantidae or risk retribution. Even now a Mantidae battle cruiser was in
route to Oceanus. The UET had
dispatched a patrol vessel in response but Blair knew that the presence of a
warship would not stay the Mantidae’s hand. They either found the killer in the
allotted span of time or war was coming to Oceanus.
“Here you look like you need this more
than I do.”
Blair lifted his head from his hands and
glanced at the cup sitting on the conference table in front of him. “Thanks, Simon.” Lifting the cup to his lips he paused as the smell of fresh
terran coffee assailed his senses. A
sip confirmed what his nose had already deduced. “Whoa man, this is the good stuff. Where did you find real coffee here?”
Banks leaned one hip against the conference
table and studied the pale young man a moment before answering. “It’s from my own personal stash. I never leave home without good coffee. If I’m going to have to do police work I
need police coffee.”
“You mean the brown sludge that doubles as
paint thinner?”
“That’s just for the rank and file. Captains have a much more developed
palate. Now drink up while I’m in a
sharing mood. You’re still too pale.”
“I’m all right Simon. It’s just a little hard to take in at the
moment. I mean things like this aren’t
supposed to happen here. I always
thought of Oceanus as a paradise…somewhere safe.”
“Even paradise has snakes.”
“Yeah I know I just let myself forget for
awhile. Don’t worry about me
Simon.” Dark blue eyes met and held the
captain’s gaze. “I’ve survived far
worse then this and I’ll survive now.”
The pain in those eyes spoke of old wounds and Banks remembered the
dossier he had read on Sandburg when he had first bonded with Ellison. The last survivor of his dig, slave to the
Katsura…the young man before him had seen far too much for one his age. Banks vowed to do whatever he could to help
the gentle healer weather this latest brush with evil. “It’s Oceanus I’m worried about. The Mantidae are not reasonable where blood
debt is concerned. This could lead
Oceanus and the UET into war. That’s a
horror none of us needs.”
“We’ll catch them Sandburg; I promise you
those responsible will not escape justice.”
“I know Simon; let’s just hope it’s in
time.” Taking a sip from his still full
coffee cup Sandburg gave the captain a tentative smile. “And thanks for the coffee.”
“No problem. Just don’t tell Jim, we’ll keep it all for ourselves.”
Ellison pushed open the conference room
door and was met by the sounds of his guide’s soft laughter. Glancing at the smug figure of Simon Banks
perched near at hand he gave the older man a nod acknowledging his thanks for
this rare gift. Making his way over to
the table he dropped into the chair next to his guide. His nostrils twitched as the scent of fresh
coffee wafted from the cup clutched in the anthropologist’s hand. “Hey chief is that coffee?”
“Uh, uh no way man,” The guide blocked his
sentinel’s reaching hand and clutched the precious brew to his chest. “Get your own, this one’s mine.”
Seeing the pout on the ranger’s face Banks
could no longer contain his laughter.
“Okay you two knock it off, I made enough for everyone.” He pointed over his shoulder to the large
urn on the back table. “And while
you’re at it bring me a cup too. I seem
to have lost my last one.”
The words had barely left he captain’s
mouth then the sentinel was homing in on the coffee pot. The three Cascadians had just settled down
with cups in hand when the conference room door opened once more and Prince
Tyman entered followed by his investigative team. All thoughts of levity vanished as the Oceanians settled into
chairs around the table.
“Captain Banks, Lieutenant Ellison, Dr.
Sandburg,” Prince Tyman indicated each of the three out worlders in turn then
motioned to his team. “I’d like you to
meet Siri, our chief forensic specialist, Darbus from our electronics and
computer lab and investigators Jarvin and Leda.”
As the three visitors greeted their local
counterparts Blair studied the new arrivals carefully. Considering the nature of the crimes they
were investigating and the possibility of inside help he was taking no
chances. Thinning his shields he read
the newcomers. Siri was a middle-aged
woman with the focused intensity he had come to expect from those specializing
in forensic science. Cassie Welles
projected the same air of professionalism and competence. Darbus was a young man probably in his early
twenties. He could read nothing
negative from the young man just a repressed excitement that many felt when
faced with their first big case. Jarvin
and Leda had the feeling of seasoned investigators that Blair had become use to
in his time with Major Crime. The pair
reminded him of Joel and Megan. Jarvin
was as calm and focused as the explosive expert while his female partner was as
intense and fiery as her off world counterpart. Whatever was happening on Oceanus these four were not a part of
it and would do all in their power to find the culprits responsible for the
crimes. Glancing to Ellison he received
a small nod, the sentinel had been conducing his own study of the local talent
and appeared satisfied with what he found.
Relaxing Blair turned his attention back to the Prince.
“Due to the unusual circumstances
surrounding these crimes and the fact that the victims were from off world I am
turning command of this investigation over to Captain Banks. Nothing discussed here will be repeated
without his permission.” There was
surprise on the faces of the local team but no objections. Turning to Banks he continued. “Captain my people will assist in any way we
can but since there is a very real possibility that there may be a traitor in
our midst I believe we should keep the details of this investigation on a need
to know basis. I can personally vouch
for these four but the decision to trust them is up to you.”
Glancing at sentinel and guide Banks
relaxed as each gave a nod of approval.
“Ellison and Sandburg seem to agree with you, My Lord. They’re in.
Gentlemen and ladies we have a mess on our hands and little time to
clean it up. What you are about to hear
is not to be repeated to anyone.”
“Exactly what is happening Captain?”
Jarvin voiced the question on all their minds.
“We heard that some of the visiting anthropologists might have been
murdered but then there was a lock down on all information. Many of us have been wondering what exactly
is going on here.”
“What is going on here inspector is that
four of our visiting scientists have been murdered in what appear to be hate
crimes committed by one of our people.”
The Prince paused as shock registered on the faces of his team such
things did not happen on Oceanus. A
moment later he continued. “However thanks to Lieutenant Ellison we know that
the murderer is really an off world assassin.
We believe this assassin is working with someone local. We have forty eight hours to unravel this
conspiracy and bring the killers to justice or face sanctions from the
Mantidae.”
“What type of sanctions?” Leda’s voice broke the stunned silence that
had greeted the Prince’s pronouncement.
“Destruction of all life in the sea.” At Blair’s soft words every eye turned to
the young shaman. “The diamond coral
will protect the cities from attack but the Mantidae will poison the waters of
this world killing all sea life. Your people
will be trapped within the cities with only recycled air and what food you grow
and process within the domes. You would
never be able to swim or harvest from the sea again.”
“That’s why we find this assassin and
fast.” At the captain’s words the Oceanians
made an effort to throw off their shock and focus. Like the professionals they were they managed to push back their
fears; they had a killer to catch.
Seeing the cops were back in control Banks continued. “Okay people what do we know so far.” Turning to Siri he nodded. “Let’s start with forensics.”
Siri consulted her notes then began. “We have four victims, all non-humans. Time of death between three and seven this
morning. Three were killed by stab
wounds to the heart the fourth with a severed jugular. There were no marks on the bodies, no
defensive wounds or signs of restraint.
We found no sign of foreign substances or drugs in the bodies. Blood chemistries were consistent with
normal levels for their species. The
murder weapon in each case was the silver dagger left at the scene. Graffiti found at each site was written in
the victim’s blood and the handwriting was the same in all four cases. No prints or fibers were recovered. The killer is definitely a pro.”
“There was no forced entry into the
rooms.” Darbo continued the
report. “The killer used a master code
to override the locking mechanisms.
Whoever our perp is he has a detailed knowledge of our systems. On Prince Tyman’s orders my team did a
complete diagnostic of the center’s computer and surveillance systems. The results were not good. The alarm and sensors were bypassed. Data from the previous day was routed to all
monitors and recorders. The computers
were reprogrammed to report all was normal.
Security staff would have no way of knowing that they were not watching
a live feed from the sensors. The work
was first rate; if we had not been looking for a problem we might easily have
overlooked the tampering. The killer
had to have had inside help. No off
worlder could pull off this level of sabotage without help from someone well
versed in the systems. Outside of my
team only the system designers have access to some of the codes used.”
“We’ll need a list of everyone with access
and the necessary clearance and expertise to accomplish this level of
damage.” Simon turned back to
Siri. “What about the dirt and
footprints found at the garden site?”
“Professor Huree’s murder was different
from the others in that it took place in the garden rather than in the professor’s
room. The scratch marks on the wall
were fresh and contained traces of rubber indicating that someone had recently
scaled the wall. The footprints found
were size ten but we were unable to match the thread pattern. The rubber from the wall was also of a type
not produced on world. The shoes were
most likely an off world brand. The
gray soil found at the scene however was local; it was firerose soil.”
“What?”
Tyman leaned forward in his seat.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, My Lord. We found traces of the soil embedded in the footprints as
well. Whoever was in the garden with
Professor Huree had recently been in the palace gardens, specifically in the
queen’s private garden.”
“Wait a minute, you’re not saying a
member of the royal family has some kind of vendetta against off worlders and
hired an assassin to murder non-humans?”
Leda shook her head in denial.
“That’s absurd.”
“No but our killer may have more than one
agenda.” Ellison tried to put into
words what had been bugging him since he had detected the poison on Huree’s
body. “How does someone on a closed
world with only limited access to off worlders make contact with one of the
most exclusive not to mention secretive assassin’s guild in the galaxy? You don’t just walk in off the street and hire
a Ninjaru assassin. They are very
selective in their clients. Without a
proper introduction from a source they trust you’re more likely to come home in
a body bag rather then procure their services.
That’s if you manage to find them at all.”
“I’ve been wondering that myself. So I did a little digging.” Opening the folder lying before him on the
table Simon withdrew a photo and passed it to the sentinel. “Someone had to act as go between for our
insider and the Ninjaru so I had the patrol pull the Oceanus duty roster for
the last six months and sent the names off to a friend of mine. The UET has a network that monitors
questionable characters and their contacts.
When they ran the roster against their surveillance records one name
popped out.” He gestured toward the
photo that was making its way around the table. “I’d like you to meet Lester Greene. After his last tour of duty here on Oceanus Lester paid a little
visit to one Garrett Kincaid.”
“Garrett Kincaid, as in leader of the
Guardians of Humanity?” Sandburg’s
expression said that he knew exactly who Kincaid was and wished he didn’t.
“One and the same.”
“So who are these Guardians of Humanity?”
Tyman glanced at the photo of Lester Greene that Javin handed him then returned
his attention to Banks. ”And why would they send a killer here?”
“The Guardians are a group of radical
zealots who believe that humanity is the pinnacle of divine creation and will
tolerate no one proving otherwise. They
are extremely xenophobic and believe that humans should not associate with
inferior creatures; that includes altered humans as well as aliens. They will also not tolerate any hint that
humans might not be the most technologically superior race in existence and
will destroy anyone or anything that tries to prove otherwise, which is why
Oceanus would be a prime target for them.”
“They would destroy others simply to hold
on to the myth that humans are some kind of divine chosen ones?” Jarvin stared in amazement at the three off
worlders such a mind set was hard to fathom.
“Believe it,” Blair put in grimly. “After the Katsura-Human war the Guardians
turned the galaxy upside down searching for the person or persons responsible
for forging the treaty between Humans and Katsura. They branded them traitors to humanity and blamed them for
denying humanity victory over their enemies and for daring to name any species
as humanity’s equal. They have covert
operatives everywhere; it doesn’t surprise me that they would have taken an
interest in your people and sent someone in to monitor the situation here.”
“So the Guardians arranged to send an
assassin here to insure that a treaty between Oceanus and the UET was never
signed and that we stayed locked here on our world.” Tyman shook his head unable to comprehend such convoluted
thinking.
“If you stay isolated on your own world
then the Guardians can keep on deluding themselves that humanity has no equal
or superior.” Sandburg shrugged. “It’s still a lie, of course, but then
fanatics are not governed by reason or truth.”
“That doesn’t make them any less dangerous
Chief.” Ellison frowned. “I still think we’re missing something. Sending a Ninjaru assassin to break up a
treaty is overkill and I can’t see the Guardians being content to just see
negotiations falter. As long as there
is a chance that Oceanus might reopen the talks, there exists the danger of
their beliefs being proved wrong.
Kincaid is not the type to allow such a problem to remain.” The sentinel turned to Tyman. “If something were to happen to the royal
family who would take over?”
“If there were no remaining members of the
royal line then succession would pass to Lord Plagar as head
of the Council of Lords. Surely you don’t think that Lord Plagar is
in league with this assassin?”
“I’m sorry Prince Tyman but it looks like
a possibility.” Ellison met the
Prince’s angry eyes without flinching.
“Plagar’s views on off worlders is well known as is the fact that he was
against the king’s proposal to expand contact with the UET. Someone may be using that knowledge to
further a shift in power.”
“I cannot believe that Lord Plagar is
behind this but I must admit your reasoning is sound. It is thanks to my brother that Oceanus is turning away from its
isolationist policy. If the royal
family should fall then I fear that our society would revert to its old
ways. But who would desire such a
thing? The Council of Lords was
unanimous in backing my brother’s proposal for a treaty. Thanks to Blair’s suggestions even the most
recalcitrant religious leaders have given the project their approval. I just can not conceive of who would do
this.”
“I’m not sure what bearing this may have
on the issue My Lord,” Jarvin stated softly, “but when we examined the daggers
used in the killings we found something disturbing.” The investigator had everyone’s attention now and after taking a
deep breath continued on with his report.
”The daggers were made from a silver alloy and are approximately five
thousand years old. Each weapon was
marked with an emblem, a trident intertwined with a serpent.” Tyman paled at these words but did not
interrupt. “We ran the emblem through
the database and found a match. The
symbol was the mark of a religious order that was active during the dark times
after the change. The Order of the Sea
Wraith was dedicated to ridding Oceanus of those who refused to accept the
sea. Initiates into the Order were
gifted with a silver dagger bearing the Order’s mark. It was used to kill those who offended the gods by refuting the
sea for life on land.”
“But the cult was eradicated almost
thousands of years ago.” Leda broke the
stunned silence. “They don’t exist
anymore.”
“Maybe not eradicated but moved
underground. It is not unheard of for a
group that is being persecuted to hide themselves in secrecy passing on their
beliefs to their descendents and continuing to further their goals from within
the system. Just because you haven’t
seen evidence of their existence doesn’t mean that they are gone.”
“I know Blair but I hope we are wrong about
this.” Tyman shook his head
wearily. “The Order was vicious and
ruthless and their hatred of all things of the air and land was absolute. If they are resurfacing after all this time
it does not bode well for Oceanus.”
“I find it hard to believe that someone
who hates off worlders as much as the Order does would approach one for
help.” Leda shrugged. “Much less arrange to bring one, even an
assassin, here.”
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Blair chuckled at the puzzled looks his
remark received. “When you stop to
think about it; it makes perfect sense.
The Guardians want to assure that the Oceanians stay locked away on
their own world and never venture into space.
What better way to insure that then to put into power a group that does
not even acknowledge that a world exists outside the sea? As far as bringing in an assassin, the
Guardians are assured that the job gets done, no foul ups or changes of
heart. And even though the Order has
killed in the past, knocking off the entire royal family without anyone being
the wiser is a difficult task especially if you don’t want anyone pointing
fingers at you as the one to benefit from the deaths. There is no way that killing the entire royal line can be seen as
anything but murder, the Order cannot afford to have their candidate for the
throne tainted by suspicion. An off
world assassin comes in does the job then frames an unlucky patsy for the
crimes. The police find their killer,
who out of guilt for his sins, takes his own life leaving behind a note and
enough evidence to prove his guilt beyond any doubt. Our assassin vanishes and no one is the wiser. The shocked and grieving heir enters and
reluctantly takes up the reins of rule.
The new ruler has the sympathy of the people for all he or she has
suffered and in the wake of the tragic loss of the royal family has little
trouble convincing the council to turn away from the contact with out worlders
that drove one of their citizens crazy.
The Order now has a firm grip on the throne from which to push forth
their own agenda.”
“Sandburg it’s scary how your mind
works.” Banks smiled thankful once
again that the kid was on their side and not the enemies. “But why kill the visiting anthropologists
if the target is the royal family?”
“Because I agree with Prince Tyman, Lord
Plagar is devout in his beliefs but he is not a killer. The killing of the anthropologists is part
of an elaborate frame. Remember if it
weren’t for Jim we wouldn’t know that the murders were the work of an assassin
or that the killer has also been casing the palace. We would be following the evidence to the logical conclusion that
someone on Oceanus has gone insane and is killing anthropologists to try to
stop the treaty. It is not a stretch to
believe that if this person’s believes his goal is not being obtained his
madness might push him to take more drastic measures.”
“Such as killing off the king responsible
for the treaty.”
“And getting the royal family by
mistake. If those daggers can be traced
back to Lord Plagar, he is something of a historian and has an extensive
antiques collection, it would not have been hard for some of the order to sell
him their family heirloom, and if the command codes used to override the
computer systems are his then the frame would be air tight. Or it would be if we didn’t know the truth.”
“Lord Plagar has access to people with the
expertise to rewrite the command system.”
Darbo looked stricken by the news he was imparting. “One of his holdings is the company that
developed the security and computer systems for the center … and the palace.”
Tyman rested his head in his hands. “It just keeps getting worse. So if Blair’s theory is correct then the
assassin will try to eliminate the royal family then kill and frame Lord Plagar
for the crimes.”
“Our job is to make sure that he never
gets the chance.” Simon glanced around
at the worried faces. It was time for action not theories. “First priority is stopping the assassin. Darbo I want you and your team to check out
the palace’s security and computer systems, use only those people you are sure
you can trust. If there’s been sabotage
I want to know about it sooner rather than later. And while you’re there give the palace systems the same upgrades
you gave those at the center. If our
perp makes a try for the palace we want to see him coming. The conference should be breaking for lunch
soon. That gives us time to arrange for
the extra security. From now on our
visiting anthropologists go no where alone.”
“I’ve called in all guardsmen who are cleared
for duty at the center. Before being
allowed to work with off worlders each officer is required to undergo a series
of rigorous testing. All officers are
to work in pairs; no Oceanian is to be left alone with our guests. While I am confident that there are no
traitors in this particular group there is no sense taking chances.”
Simon nodded at the Prince’s wisdom. “Good, once the officers are on hand we’ll
break the news of the murders to the other guests. Jarvin, Leda we’ll need statements from the attendees. I doubt anyone saw or heard anything unusual
but it will keep up appearances and give Jim a chance to take a good look at
our attendees. Ellison I want you to monitor
the interviews but stay out of sight.
The longer our assassin is unaware that you’re a sentinel the
better. See if you can narrow our pool
of suspects for us. My Lord, I think
you and I should pay a visit to Lord Plagar.
If he is being set up for this then our insider has to be someone close
to him. Siri, Sandburg I need you to
see to the bodies. Prepare them for
transport back to their people. Blair
I’m counting on you to make sure that the proper customs are followed. The last thing we need is to tick these
worlds off because we mishandled their dead.
Okay any questions?”
“So how do we protect the other
visitor’s?” Jarvin asked. “Some of them may still be targets.”
“We’ll set up cots in the ballroom, keep
everyone together and heavily guarded.
The assassin will have a harder time murdering someone in a crowded
room. The UET patrol ship should be
here in the morning. We’ll transfer
everyone off world as soon as it arrives.”
Ellison nodded at the Prince’s
suggestion. “That could work in our
favor. If the real target is the royal
family the assassin will have to make his move tonight or miss his ride off
world.”
“So we keep everyone together. Monitor the center and palace and see who
shows up where they’re not supposed to be?”
The cops chuckled. “It’s called a stake out Chief.” Jim nudged his partner. “A staple of police work.”
“Oh joy, no sleep and bad coffee. Color me thrilled.”
“You’ll get use to it Sandburg.” Simon gave the anthropologist a consoling
pat. “Just imagine it’s finals
week. Okay people we have work to do
let’s get to it.”
Siri’s and Sandburg’s first stops were the
rooms of the deceased scientists. Blair
was no stranger to death. In his role
as shaman he had often been called upon to comfort grieving relatives and help
the bereaved with the trying task of sorting through the effects of the
departed love one. It never was easy
and this time was no exception. Packing
away the personal effects of the victims sorrow gripped the young healer’s
heart. Such a waste, four lives lost,
four brilliant minds forever stilled, four innocents slain by misplaced fear
and hatred. Blair carefully folded the
colored vest and placed it in the satchel unaware of the tears trickling down
his cheeks. His hands caressed the soft
fabric. Professor Huree had revered
life and had dedicated himself to bringing understanding among the
species. Sandburg vowed to continue
that mission. Groups like the Guardians
and the Order would not succeed.
When the trying task of packing up the
personal effects was completed Blair took a deep breath and tried to still his
turbulent emotions. Someone had to
prepare the bodies and like it or not that duty fell to him. Picking up the satchel containing the
personal effects he had selected for the victims he followed Siri to the
waiting transport. Loading the bags
into the hover car he gazed out at the city as Siri drove them to the morgue
and the waiting corpses.
No matter the world or the culture morgue
decor seemed to be a universal standard Blair decided as he stared at the white
walls and steel tables. Sounds seemed
to magnify in the cold and sterile silence.
Funeral rites had never been his favorite area of study, but rituals for
the dead told much about a culture and were a staple of anthropology. Steeling himself for what was to come
Sandburg began the process of readying the dead for transport home.
The first two victims required little
preparation. Both were members of
humanoid species very similar to humans.
After retrieving the clothing and toiletries that he had selected from
the victim’s effects Blair and Siri carefully cleaned and groomed the bodies
before dressing them in fresh clothing and placing them into stasis chambers,
which would preserve the remains until they were returned to their people. Sealing the capsules Sandburg placed a
placard with the victim’s name and planet of origin on each chamber then said a
brief prayer for the dead before moving to the next body.
Blair’s throat tightened at the sight of
the Aviar lying motionless on the cold slab.
As a member of an avian race grooming was a little more complex and
required more time and care than that of a humanoid race. Each feather was oiled and eased into place. Broken feathers were skillfully mended. Blair lost track of time as he reverently
performed this last act of service and devotion for his beloved mentor. And if the occasional tear blurred his
vision or dampened the soft feathers no one commented. At last each feather gleamed in the harsh
artificial light and lay smoothly in place.
With Siri’s help Blair replaced the soiled and torn vest with a new one
then they placed the body gently into the stasis chamber. With a brief prayer Sandburg sealed the
chamber and attached the identity placard.
Blair started as a hand gripped his
shoulder. Siri gave a sympathetic smile
and held out a cup to the young man.
“Here we both missed breakfast and lunch. I’m not going back and telling Ellison and Banks that I worked
you until you passed out.”
Sandburg gave a weak chuckle but accepted the
cup. He recognized the taste of a
fortified beverage that was often used as a meal replacement. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Siri leaned against the table and sipped her
own drink. “The supplies you ordered
have just arrived.”
“Good just in time.” Blair finished his drink then moved to the
large box sitting on the nearby table.
Looking inside he was pleased to see that everything he requested was
indeed there. He had deliberately saved
the Mantidae for last. The Mantidae
funeral rites had strict rules for handling the dead. First the body must be washed with herbs then wrapped with strips
of unbleached linen in a specific and intricate pattern. Next the body was marked with glyphs
depicting family lineage and prayers for the soul. Finally the wrappings were sealed with a clear resin to preserve
the body and keep the marking fresh.
The ritual must be performed within twenty-four hours of death. Returning the dead Mantidae to its people
without performing the ritual would be an insult and would endanger the soul of
the dead scholar. Due to his time spent
with the Mantidae Blair knew how to perform the ritual his main concern had
been if the Oceanians could produce the materials needed. It was with a deep sense of relief that he
tallied the contents of the box and found everything he needed. Unloading the box Sandburg prepared for the
long and painstaking task of readying the body of the slain Mantidae for its
trip to the afterlife.
Simon Banks stood in the doorway to the
dinning hall and surveyed the activity within.
The conference had broken for lunch and the anthropologists were grouped
around tables enjoying a variety of delicious foods and carrying on a number of
lively conversations. Tyman’s people
had moved fast and all information concerning the deaths had been
suppressed. Each of the murder victims
had been traveling alone so there had been no curious staff to question their
absence. Thankfully none of the
deceased had been scheduled presenters for the conference so while their fellow
attendees might have been curious to their whereabouts none had given it much
thought. One of the major purposes of
this gathering was to build lines of communications and networking among the
various members and personal gatherings away from the busy conference rooms
were not unusual.
Simon sighed; this was one part of the job
he hated. Walking to the front of the
hall he paused. Tyman was a silent
presence at his side and Leda and Jarvis stood quietly nearby. Tapping the side of a glass with a fork he
waited as talk died and all eyes turned to fix on the newcomers.
“May I have your attention please? I’m Captain Simon Banks of the UET ranger
corp. We have a situation. I need all of you to listen carefully and to
follow my instructions. Sometime
between three and seven this morning four of your colleagues were found
murdered in their rooms.” Murmurs of
shock and disbelief echoed through the room.
Simon held up his hand to forestall the myriad questions and
comments. “Please we are doing everything
within our power to find the person or persons responsible for these attacks
but in the meantime we need your help and cooperation. We believe the murders may be the work of a
terrorist group targeting off worlders.
A UET patrol vessel is in route and you will all be lifted off world as
soon as it arrives until then your safety is our number one priority. For security reasons no one is to go
anywhere alone. From now on you will
all stay together and under guard.
Shortly you will be taken to your rooms to gather your belonging; cots
are being set up in the ballroom and that will be your new home until the
patrol vessel arrives. No one is to
leave the group for any reason. Is that
clear?”
“Don’t worry about us captain.” A matronly woman at the first table spoke
up. “As anthropologists we’ve all slept
in some strange places. I’m sure we can
stand each other’s company for one night.
Besides there’s nothing like having a captive audience when one is
presenting radical new theories.” Soft
laughter greeted this statement and the tension in the room dropped noticeably
as the anthropologists began to adapt to their new situation. “Just find the maniacs.”
“You have my word as crown prince that my
people will not stop until we find those responsible for these
atrocities.” The passion in the
prince’s words and the cold anger in his eyes left no doubt in anyone’s mind
that the Oceanians were taking these murders very seriously. Heaven help those responsible for these
crimes when Tyman got his hands on them.
Simon nodded affirming his own commitment
to not rest until the guilty were brought to justice then continued to give
instructions. “Good now I have to ask
all of you to please remain in this room.
The guards will arrive shortly and you will be escorted to your rooms
and then to the ballroom. Once you are
settled these officers,” he indicated Leda and Jarvis, “will need to speak to
each of you. There may be something you
saw or heard last night that will help us identify our killer.”
“We’ll help in any way we can Captain
Banks.” An older man whom Simon
recognized as one of the conference organizers rose from his seat and faced
Tyman. “Your highness I want to assure
you that we do not hold you or your people responsible for these events.” Simon was pleased to see nods of assent and
hear murmurs of agreement from the assembled scientists. “All races have their
madmen.”
“On behalf of my people I thank you and it
is our sincerest wish that all of you might return in better times.” At that moment the door opened and Tyman’s
second in command entered. The prince
waved him over then turned to the chairman.
“Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Captain Banks and I must leave you now but
Geric will see to your needs and safety.”
Assured that the off world visitors were in safe hands Simon followed
the prince from the room.
Lord Plagar’s townhouse boasted the same
tasteful elegance and ornamental gardens that Banks was beginning to associate
with the Oceanian nobility. The house
was large but had none of the sterile unused feel of a showplace. The butler escorted them to Plagar’s study
then left to fetch the master of the house.
The room was obviously a man’s room with rich dark wood paneling. Two chairs sat before a large wooden desk. Bookcases lined one wall and the windows on
the adjacent wall offered a spectacular view of the gardens. The furniture while expensive was obviously
meant to be used. Banks settled into
one of the overstuffed leather chairs and glance at Tyman. The prince was obviously nervous about this
visit and Simon couldn’t blame him.
Questioning the highest-ranking lord and king’s advisor about murder was
never easy.
A few moments later the study door opened
and Plagar entered. Stopping just
inside the door he inclined his head in sign of respect to his royal
visitor. “Your Highness.” Then he turned to face Simon. “Captain Banks, welcome to my home.”
Banks stood as the lord entered and nodded
in greeting. “Thank you My Lord. I just wish it were under better
circumstances.”
Crossing the room Plagar settled in the
chair behind his desk then indicated the chairs before him. “Maybe you had
better tell me what this is about.”
Tyman lowered himself into the offered
chair and faced his brother’s advisor.
“I come with grave news My Lord.
This morning four of our off world visitors were found murdered and all
evidence points to one of our own as the murderer.”
“What!
That’s impossible. No one on
Oceanus would do such a thing.”
“Not all Oceanians are welcoming of strangers.”
“Captain Banks just because some of us
have concerns about welcoming off worlders into our society does not mean that
we want them dead. And I resent your
insinuation that I or others who share my beliefs would resort to such
tactics. Besides we have no reason to
murder our visitors. Our king has
devised a strategy, which will further off world contact while preserving the
integrity of our culture. No purpose is
served by these deaths.”
“Actually My Lord that was our conclusion
as well.” Tyman smiled at the confused
look on the noble’s face. Then
proceeded to bring the other up to date on the days events.
Plagar sat back stunned as the truth
unfolded. Part of him found it ironic
that he probably owed his life and reputation as well as the lives of the royal
family to the very off worlders that he had tried so hard to keep away. “So you believe that someone close to me is
in league with the assassin and is framing me for the deaths? I find that hard to believe.”
“That’s what the evidence shows.” Tyman handed the lord a slip of paper. “This is the code used to override and
reprogram the security systems. Do you
recognize it?”
Plagar took the paper then turned to the
data link on his desk. A few moments of
searching delivered the answer. “This
is the technical override code for the Visitor’s Center security and computer
systems. Our programmers create such a
code for each system they develop in case of technical failures that might
require them to break into the systems.
The codes are kept under strict security. Only the lead programmer and myself have access.”
Simon nodded then reached into his coat
pocket and pulled out a cloth wrapped object.
Placing it on the desk he unwrapped it then motioned to the now revealed
dagger. “Do you recognize this My
Lord?”
“Yes, I have a set of six. They’re initiation daggers given to
followers of the Order of the Sea Wraith. But I thought I had the only known
surviving specimens. Where did you get
this?”
“It was found next to the body of one of
our murder victims. When’s the last
time you inspected your collection?”
Plagar stared at the captain for a moment
then stiffened. “I am waiting for a lock case to be delivered. They are currently in a storage chest where
I placed them over a month ago. You
believe that this is from my collection?”
“Would it be possible for us to have a
look at your collection My Lord?” Tyman
could sympathize with Plagars disbelief but evidence didn’t lie. “Just to make sure.”
“Of course.” Plagar led the lawmen down a hallway to a set of double
doors. Opening them he ushered his
visitors into a room lined with shelves and glass cases. “My museum of history. I have spent my life preserving these relics
of Oceanus’s past.” He stopped before a
locked chest. “I keep the daggers in
here.” Unlocking the chest he lifted
the lid then froze. The top tray of the
chest showed six indentions in the silk cloth in the familiar outline of a dagger. The indentions were the only sign that the
chest had once been occupied, the daggers were gone.” Plagar turned to face his two guests surprise and confusion on
his face. “I don’t understand. Why would someone steal the daggers? There are far more valuable heirlooms in
this room.”
“It wasn’t money they were interested
in. Who else knew you had the daggers
and who has access to the combination to the chest?”
The nobleman paled as the implications of
the off world captain’s questions penetrated.
“Many collectors of antiquities know that I possess a couple of the
daggers but only my nephew knows of my recent purchase of the other four. He is also the only one to have access to
the combination to the chest.” Plagar
ran a shaky hand over his face. “By the
gods it’s true.” He raised pained eyes
to the prince. “Vayner is also a
programmer, he worked on the security system for the center and has free access
to all my holdings as well as this house.
I knew the boy was troubled but this…”
Tyman reached out to grasp the shoulder of
the distraught lord. “Perhaps we should
return to your study My Lord. I believe
we have much to discuss.”
With a nod Plagar led them back to the
study where he poured himself a stiff drink before collapsing into the chair
behind his desk.
Taking their seats before the desk Tyman
and Simon gave the noble a few moments to compose himself before bringing up an
obviously painful subject. “So tell us
about your nephew.” Tyman began the
conversation. “I must confess I had
forgotten that you had a nephew.”
“Not surprising my Prince. Vayner spends little time in the city. My nephew has always been a troubled young
man. Maybe it was losing his parents at
such an impressionable age. They died
in a diving accident when he was ten. A
seaquake hit while they were investigating an underwater cave system thought to
be the last refuge of Oceanus’s first king.
Before the change Oceanus’s population was land based and was ruled by a
single king. After the change there was
a split among the people. Those wishing
to remain on the surface followed the old king who refused to dwell in the
sea. The rest of the population
embraced their aquatic heritage and chose exile from their surface brethren
starting their own realm beneath the sea and chose a new king. That king was the ancestor of our current
royal line. Tensions between the two
realms grew fueled by actions from groups such as the Order until eventually
civil war broke out. Records from that
time are scarce. My sister and her
husband hoped that the cave system they discovered would give us some clues into
the final days of the first monarch and his people. But the caves were destroyed by the same quake that caused their
deaths. Vayner was of course devastated
by both the deaths of his parents and the loss of his parents’ life’s
work. My wife and I brought him to live
with us and raised him as our son. We
did our best to help him put the tragedy behind him but he was a distant child,
a loner. He would never let us get too close. He had little interest in interacting with
other children preferring to immerse himself in studying the distant past
especially the dark times. He seemed
determined to carry on his parents’ work.
I always believed that it was his way of keeping their memory
alive. I was overjoyed when his
interest in computers and technology surfaced and did everything I could to
further that interest. I welcomed
anything that would break him out of his isolation and turn him from his
obsession with the past. After
graduation I gave him a job with our technical development division and believed
that he was finally putting his trauma behind him. It seems that I was wrong.”
“What can you tell us about his friends?”
“Very little captain. Vayner is a very private person. I know that a few months ago he started
attending meetings of a new historical group.
He has never completely lost his obsession for the past especially for
the dark times. He wouldn’t tell me
anything about the group but I do know that he started spending most of his
free time with them.”
“When was the last time you saw your
nephew, my lord?”
Plagar considered the prince’s question
for a few moments before answering. “I
believe it was just over two months ago.
The patrol post on the surface was hit by a storm. Vayner was one of the technicians sent to
repair the damage. We had supper before
he left the city to return to our northern estate. He prefers the quiet of the country to the hustle and bustle of
the city.”
Simon met Tyman’s eyes the same thought in
both their minds. Two months ago would
have given Vayner the perfect opportunity to make contact with Lester
Greene. Simon was beginning to like
Vayner more and more as a suspect and masquerading as a historical society
sounded like the perfect cover for the Order’s operatives. The question now, was Vayner an active
member of the Order or was he a dupe carrying out his own elaborate plan
unaware that he was being manipulated by his so called friends? Questions, the more they learned the more
confusing this all became. Pulling his
thoughts back to the matter at hand Banks gave the noble a sympathetic
smile. “I know this must be hard for
you My Lord and truthfully there is still a lot we don’t know. This may all be a coincidence and your
nephew has nothing to do with the current situation. However I’m not prepared to risk your safety on maybes. A patrol vessel will be here in the morning
to take all visitors off planet. Our
assassin must act soon or lose his window of opportunity. I would prefer you to be far from his
reaches until this mess it sorted out.”
“Rest assured captain Banks I am too old
to play hero. I will help you anyway I
can. And while I appreciate your words
my instincts tell me Vayner is involved somehow though I wish with all my heart
it was otherwise.”
Twenty minutes later Banks and Tyman left
the estate. Lord Plagar was on his way
to a safe location far from the assassin’s reach. Their interview with the noble had been beneficial in many ways. They now had a few more pieces to the puzzle
as well as a possible lead to their insider.
Simon hoped Jim and his team were doing as well.
Jim Ellison took a sip of his tepid coffee
and ran one hand wearily over his face.
He leaned his back against the wall and peered over the narrow railing
that separated the catwalk from the auditorium below. Sentinel sight had little trouble piercing the shadows to watch
as Leda and Jarvis took the statement of one of the attendees. They had chosen this room for the interviews
specifically because the room was often used for showing documentaries and the
ramp high above the room’s floor used to access the projectors gave Jim the
perfect advantage point to observe those being questioned without being
seen. A small com unit connected him to
his fellow officers in case he spotted anything out of the ordinary. So far the duty had been depressingly
ordinary. They had started with the
non-human members of the group and thanks to Sandburg’s endless tests, it had
been child’s play for the sentinel to verify that all the alien visitors were
in fact members of the race they claimed to be. Ellison smiled as he remembered the numerous lectures his guide
had given him on pheromones and how each person had not only a unique scent but
also scent tags for their species as well.
The ranger had spent a lot of time learning not only individuals’
personal scents but also learning to single out the scent that designated
species. He had bitched and moaned
about the endless practice but once again the guide had proved right as he
quickly checked an endless parade of alien races and easily verified their
authenticity. The humans were more
difficult. The Ninjaru were humans who had been molded by rigorous training
into lethal machines. But for all their
deadly skills they were still human and their scent would register as
such. Given that their assassin was
obviously cloaked by an image mask Jim was reduced to trying to use hearing and
smell to try and pick up any clues as to whom the imposter might be and it was
giving him a headache.
Ellison watched as Jarvis finished the
current interview and motioned for the next one. According to his list the young man was Thomas Baker a third year
teaching fellow to Allister Morgan, a high level professor from Jannings
University. The aide was nervous
evidenced by the wringing hands and the stress in his voice but like all the
others he dutifully answered the officers questions. Suddenly the sentinel stiffened and took a closer look. Something
was wrong. Sentinel instincts screamed
a warning but the ranger had no clue as to what was bothering him. Sweeping the young man with his senses Jim
registered the steady heartbeat, body temp, respiration and scent markers of a
healthy human male. So what was the
problem? Ellison watched the aide
fidget and suddenly it clicked. A feral
smile graced the sentinel’s face as he headed for the stairs that would lead
him to his quarry. He activated the
small com unit as he took the stairs two at time. “Stall, I’m on my way.”
Assured that Jarvis would keep the suspect busy Jim contacted
Geric. If his suspicions turned out to
be true then he was going to need backup, lots of backup.
Jarvis gave the nervous young man a
reassuring smile. “I know this is
difficult for you Mr. Baker. We appreciate your cooperation. We’re getting your statement printed out
now. As soon as we get your signature
on it an officer will escort you to your room to retrieve your belongings.”
Leda pulled the finished statement from
the printer and placed it on the table in front of Baker. “Here we go if you’ll just sign this we’ll
be all done.” The anthropologist
reached for the offered pen then startled as the door behind him suddenly
opened. Turning he watched nervously as
a large muscular man with cold blue eyes entered the room.
“Oh there you are Jim I was wondering
where you’d gotten to.” Jarvis gave the
new arrival a friendly smile. “I
thought you rangers were supposed to help the locals.”
“I am helping. I’m supervising.” Jim
clapped the guardsman on the shoulder then turned and offered his hand to
Baker. “Ranger Lieutenant James
Ellsion, I trust these officers have been taking good care of you?”
“Uh, yes sir.” Baker glanced from the big imposing ranger to the two local cops
with obvious unease. “Uh is something
wrong?”
“No, no I just had a few questions.” Jim
reassured. Leaning one hip against the
wooden conference table the sentinel gave his victim his most reassuring
smile. “How well do you know your
boss?”
“Professor Morgan? Not very well. I was assigned to him when his regular assistant took ill.”
“A lucky break for you. I mean getting posted to accompany a
noteworthy professor to such a prestigious event on your first day at work.”
“Yeah, well looks like it wasn’t so great
a deal after all, man.”
“It could still turn out okay. You might still get off this world
alive. It all depends.”
Baker shrank back in his seat. “What are you talking about man? Depends on what?”
“On whether or not I find anything
incriminating on your body when I strip search you?”
Pale and shaky the young aide jerked out
of his chair and started backing away from the ranger. “You’re crazy man. You can’t do that. I’ve
got rights, you can’t touch me.”
Rising from the table the sentinel began
to slowly stalk toward his prey. “Oh
but I can. You are a UET citizen and I
am the UET authority in this matter.”
His voice dropped to a deadly purr.
“I can do what I want with you and there is no one to stop me.” Ellison met the nervous young man’s eyes all
trace of pretense gone. “I know who you
are. Your mission has failed and I’m
not giving you the chance to add any more bodies to your tally. All the exits to this building have been
sealed and there is a company of guardsmen on their way. You have nowhere to run. ”
Jarvis and Leda stood nervously watching
the drama unfold. They knew Ellison was
up to something but for the life of them they couldn’t see how threatening and
terrifying the young man could aid them.
Leda stepped forward as if to interfere but a hand on her arm stopped
her. The two officers could only watch
as the drama unfolded. Suddenly the
sentinel was no longer stalking calmly toward the cowering young man. With a
growl the ranger lunged forward. Leda
took an involuntary step only to gasp and stumble backwards as a laser bolt
seared through her shoulder. Jarvis
grabbed his partner and gently lowered her to the floor. The wound was messy but had hit high missing
the vital organs. Glancing over the
table he saw the reason for the assassin’s poor aim. Jim Ellison was locked in a brutal struggle with the no longer
terrified anthropology assistant.
The sentinel had been watching his prey
for any hint of suspicious movement.
While the man’s vital signs continued to sing the same tune they had
been emitting ever since he first scanned him, an inner instinct warned the
ranger the moment prey changed to predator.
The assassin was fast, far faster than an ordinary human. Fortunately
Ellison was not an ordinary human. With
the speed of his spirit guide the sentinel launched himself at the imposter
just as he drew the concealed weapon from a hidden pocket in his jacket and
fired. The beam passed harmlessly over
the sentinel’s head but nailed the officer who had chosen that moment to step
behind the ranger. A strike to the
wrist relieved the assassin of the laser but that did little to reassure the
sentinel. A Ninjaru warrior was as
deadly barehanded as he was with an arsenal of weapons. One mistake and he
would die. Calling on all his training
as a sentinel, commando and ranger Ellison fought to keep his opponent from
fleeing. Already he could hear the
guards he’d called for approaching. He
didn’t have to win this fight just delay the assassin until reinforcements
arrived. From the corner of his eye he
could see Jarvis laser pistol in hand looking for a shot. He knew he could look for no help from that
quarter. The speed of the battle made
getting a clean shot impossible. Once
the guardsmen arrived the assassin would cease fighting he just needed to hold
out ‘til then.
With a growl Ellison blocked a vicious
strike to the throat and landed a solid kick to the solar plexus. Immediately the commando moved forward to
follow up on his attack and strike while his opponent was momentarily stunned. Unfortunately fate decided at that instance
to intervene. As the ranger moved
forward he failed to notice the coffee cup that had been knocked to the floor
in their struggle. His foot slipped in
a puddle of spilt coffee slowing his attack.
He immediately compensated but the few seconds delay were enough to give
the assassin time to recover. With the
speed of a viper the assassin spun delivering a blow to the sensitive pressure
points along the rangers lower back.
Fire spread along the injured nerves as the ranger’s legs buckled
sending him crashing to the floor, his entire right side a mass of burning
pain.
Ellison looked up expecting to see his
death and determined to go out fighting.
Instead he found calm black eyes studying him intently. The image mask was gone now revealing the
pale skin and black hair and eyes of the Ninjaru. A slim hand reached out and lowered the collar of the ranger’s
shirt revealing the torque concealed beneath.
A small smile graced the handsome face and the dark head nodded in
salute. Then the lithe body tensed and
spun to face the conference table to find an angry Jarvis pointing a laser
pistol at his head. There was no fear
on the warrior’s face as he slowly stood to face the cop. “Lower your weapon officer.” The voice was calm betraying no hint of fear
or unease. “The time for violence has
passed.” When Jarvis made no move to
comply the assassin sighed. “If I
wished you dead you would be dead. I
can kill you before you pull that trigger.
Do not force me to terminate you unnecessarily.”
“Listen to him Jarvis.” Jim’s voice was laced with pain but carried
the weight of command. “He’s not going
anywhere.”
Confused the Oceanian complied. Seeing the gun was now lowered the assassin
again knelt beside the injured ranger.
“Well done sentinel. No one has ever penetrated my disguise before you
are a worthy adversary and a formidable fighter. You almost succeeded in
besting me; only chance gave me the upper hand. That is not a situation I often encounter. It was a novel experience.”
“Glad to be of help.” The sentinel sighed in relief as the
assassin reached out and pressed against his back. Immediately the fiery pain began to fade. “Thank you.” Sitting up he stared into the calm black eyes. “How long do you have?”
“A few minutes.”
“I don’t suppose it would do me any good
to ask who you’re working for or what they have planned?”
“You know I can’t tell you that.”
Nodding Ellison rose stiffly to his feet and glanced over at
Jarvis. “Are you two all right?”
Jarvis stared at the sentinel then turned
to look at their prisoner who stood passively making no move to escape. “I’m fine.
Leda was hit.”
Jim nodded then glanced at the door his
head tilted to the side he smiled.
“Looks like backup’s finally here.”
The sentinel settled wearily on the conference table as the doors burst
open and a hoard of guardsmen led by Captain Banks and Prince Tyman poured into
the room.
Banks took one look at the bruised and
battered sentinel, the obviously confused Jarvis, the injured Leda and what
appeared to be their assassin before yelling at no one in particular. “Would someone mind telling me just what the
hell is going on here?”
Silence reigned for a moment then the
sound of a falling body echoed through the room. Turning Banks found the dark
haired assassin slumped on the floor.
He knelt beside the prone body just in time to catch the barely
whispered words, “Goodbye sentinel,” before the dark eyes closed and the body
stilled in death.
Looking up Banks met the sad eyes of the
commando. “You knew.”
Jim nodded. “It’s their way. When it
was possible for him to take out the three of us and escape then duty demanded
he fight and he would have killed all of us without a second thought. But once he heard the back up approaching he
knew that escape was no longer an option.
His cover was blown and the exits were sealed; his only choice was to
die. When he quit fighting I knew he
had already taken the poison. There’s
no cure.”
“How did you know he was the one?” Tyman watched as the medics assisted Leda
onto a stretcher then turned his attention to where the corner was loading the
body of the man responsible for so much fear and death into a body bag.
Ellison shook his head wearily. His biosigns were off. I couldn’t figure out what was bugging me
about him at first then it clicked. An
image mask projects the normal biosigns for whatever form the wearer
chooses. That was the problem; his
biosigns were too normal. This kid was
twitchy and nervous not surprising for a green collage kid dealing with the
cops and murder but his heartbeat and respirations showed steady normal. There was also no scent of fear or
sweat. After I called for back up and
had the exits sealed, I came in here and pushed. Any green kid would have been falling apart with a heart rate
through the roof but our imposter read the same steady signal I had been
receiving all along. The rhythm did not
vary by so much as a single beat. No
normal human has a heartbeat that never varies or a respiration and body temp
that never fluctuates. That’s when I
knew he must be using a mask. Once he
realized I was on to him he stop pretending and tried to take us out.”
“That would have been a smart move if only
the three of you knew about the deception.
He could have slipped back into the crowd and we would have never found
him. I have no doubt that he has more
than one image stored in that mask. One
of the images is probably that of an Oceanian native. It would explain how he could move around outside the center
without detection. Once you were dead,
he could have switched images slipped out of the room and blended back in with
the other attendees. We would have
never known. It’s a good thing you
called for backup for a change.”
“Even I’m not insane enough to try to take
out a Ninjaru assassin on my own.” Rising
from the table he grimaced as his bruised ribs registered their complaint. “I just wished they had arrived a little
sooner.”
“Yeah, well they were scattered through
the center shepherding the anthropologists as they gathered their
belongings. It took a little time to
round everyone up, stash the professors somewhere safe, block the exits and
make it to the auditorium with enough bodies to do some good. I didn’t think one guard would have been an
effective deterrent.”
“No, actually knowing his cover was blown
and that the exits were sealed is what saved my life. He wouldn’t have blinked at shooting a few extra guards. Good call Simon.”
“Glad you approve. Now lets get you to the
medical center. You look like hell.”
Jim chuckled then winced and grabbed his
ribs. With a resigned sigh he let his
captain drag him away to be poked and prodded.
Blair carefully wrapped the crisp white
linen strip around the muscular chest of the cold lifeless body. His hands performed the intricate weaving by
rote, his mind numb with the shock and pain of his loss. He pulled the strip he was working taunt, as
the pain in his heart grew unbearable.
Looking up he stared into the sightless blue eyes. Reaching out he ran his fingers along the
chiseled jaw now slack in death. “Oh
Jim…”
“No!” With a
shout Sandburg bolted upright, tears of grief and denial running down his
cheeks. Crossing trembling arms over
his aching chest he hugged himself tightly trying to ease the stabbing pain in
his heart. He was vaguely aware of the
dip of the mattress as someone settled beside him. Then a strong hand was pulling him forward to rest against a warm
chest as a second hand rubbed soothing circles on his back. “Easy Chief, it’s okay, it was just a
dream.” Unable to think past the pain,
grief and fear still running through his body Blair rested against the
comforting presence letting the love and care ease his tattered emotions. Finally the pain faded and he recognized the
person holding him. Lifting his head he
looked into familiar blue eyes. Eyes bright with concern and life watched the
young shaman as he moved one trembling hand to rest against the bare chest
directly over the heart. Life throbbed
under his questing palm and Blair finally let himself believe. “You’re alive.” Pushing upright Blair ran a hand through his sweat damp hair and
gave his companion a weak smile. “Oh
man, that was so not fun. I’m sorry I
woke you.”
Pouring a glass of water from the carafe
on the bedside table Jim handed it to his guide. “It’s okay after the day we’ve had nightmares are par for the
course.”
Taking the glass Blair took a sip of the
cool liquid. “Yeah well I still feel
like a wuss. But it was so real. God I hate nightmares.”
“So why don’t you tell me about it.”
“No that’s okay. It’s over now. You should really get back to bed. It’s been a long day.”
“Blair it wasn’t just a nightmare. When I
came in here you were in shock. I’m not
leaving this room until you tell me what happened. After all turn about is fair play or so I’m told.”
“Anyone ever tell you you’re one stubborn
S.O.B.?”
“Frequently, now stop trying to change the
subject and spill.”
“You were dead.” The words were so soft that only sentinel hearing allowed Jim to
hear them. Pain laced the hushed words
and Ellison reached out to pull the troubled young man into a comforting
embrace. “I was back at the morgue wrapping the Mantidae body only when I
looked at the face it was no longer the Mantidae it was you. You were dead and
I felt like I was going to join you it hurt so much. I almost lost you today Jim and I’m not sure if I could survive
that.”
Ellison closed his eyes at the anguish in
the guide’s voice. He had hoped Blair
was unaware of his close call. The
young healer had closed down their link while working with the bodies and the
Oceanian medics had dealt with his injuries swiftly and skillfully. Jim had hoped that Sandburg was ignorant of
his close call with death. It had been
a vain hope. Blair knew and the
experience of coming so close to losing his bondmate had shaken the young
scholar more than he knew. “You were
with me.” It was not a question but a
statement of fact. The curly head nodded
in the affirmative. “How long?”
“Since the nerve strike. The pain opened the link. God Jim I’ve never been so scared in my
life. You were paralyzed, in pain with
the assassin standing over you. I just
knew you were dead man and I knew that I wouldn’t be far behind.”
“What do you mean you wouldn’t be far
behind?” Grabbing his guide by the
upper arms Ellison pushed him backwards until he could look into the dark blue
eyes now clouded with pain. “Blair?”
“We’re too closely linked now Jim. Your death would destroy me. Hell the imagined pain your death caused in
my dreams sent me into shock. We are
one now man. We live and die together.”
Ellison pulled the young man back into his
arms and rested his chin on the curly head.
“I’m so sorry chief. I never
wanted to be the cause of pain for you.”
“It’s okay man. In fact I’m glad.” Blair
lifted his head and met the sentinel’s eyes.
“I was so alone before I met you Jim, I never want to go back to that
emptiness. I’d rather die with you then
live with a Jim shaped hole in my soul.
Just try not to make it too soon okay.
There’s still too much to see and do.
So no more stupid risks, I expect you to hang around until I’m old and
gray.”
“What do you mean stupid risk? I called for backup.”
Blair chuckled and punched the sentinel on
the arm. “Yeah man but the purpose of
backup is that you wait for it to arrive before you charge in where angels fear
to tread.”
Ellison gave an exaggerated sigh. “If I must but only because you ask so
nicely.” He ruffled the tousled curls
then turned serious. “I can’t promise
to always be safe Blair but I promise to do everything in my power to always
come back to you.”
Sandburg stared into the light blue eyes
of his partner and nodded. “And I
promise to do everything in my power to stay safe, to always be there for you.”
“Good now that that’s settled think you
can get back to sleep?”
Pushing away from the sentinel Blair
nodded. “I’ll try but it’s so hard to
relax. I know the assassin’s dead and
the anthropologists are safe but I can’t shake the feeling that it’s not over,
you know?”
“I know, I’d feel better if we knew who
the traitor was but that’s Tyman’s problem.
It’s up to the Oceanians to handle their own internal affairs. The UET no longer has any reason to meddle
in the investigation.”
“Well, tomorrow the anthropologists go
home and after returning the bodies of slayer and slain to the Mantidae we’re
free to go fishing.”
“Exactly,” Jim toppled the guide backward
into the soft pillows. “So you need to
get your beauty rest.”
Sandburg chuckled and stretched out on the
comfortable bed. The nagging anxiety he
had been feeling earlier was gone maybe now he could actually rest. He opened his mouth to thank his partner for
rescuing him from the nightmare when he noticed the sentinel suddenly
stiffen. Sitting upright he laid a hand
on one rigid shoulder. “Jim what is
it? What do you sense?”
“I don’t know something familiar.” Sentinel senses swept the room seeking the
cause of alarm. A faint hissing drew
his attention to the vents placed near the ceiling and the white mist wafting
from them. The commando stiffened as
the familiar scent finally registered.
Turning he hauled his confused partner from the bed and hastily placed
the emergency breather in his mouth before grabbing his own.
<Zelon gas. The palace is being gassed we have to get everyone out. >
<Get Simon and Daryl, I’ll sound the
evacuation alarm and alert the guard station that we have a problem. >
Leaving his guide Ellison raced across the
hall just as a loud wailing alarm echoed through the hallways. Banging on Simon’s door he was pleased when
a few moments later a slightly befuddled Simon opened the door. Wasting no time the sentinel grabbed the
emergency breather suspended from the captain’s neck and placed it between his
teeth then headed for the groggy form of Daryl just stumbling out of his
room. Grabbing the youth he steered him
to a nearby chair while stuffing his breather into the teen’s mouth. Taking a deep breath from his own breather
Jim removed the mouthpiece long enough to get out a warning. “The palace is being flooded with Zelon gas
we need to get everyone out.”
<Jim I managed to get the front desk
guards outside. They’re calling rescue
services. I’m heading for the royal
wing. There are far too few people
staggering out. They may already be
overcome. >
<I’ll send Simon and Daryl to check the
servant’s wing is there anyone else in the palace? >
<No the guards had just returned from
making their rounds and were all in the monitoring room. Just the royal family and the palace
servants are here overnight. >
<Good I’ll meet you outside the royal
suite. Chief the gas is spreading fast we don’t have much time. This stuff is designed to have a soporific
effect on its victims. The sedative
immobilizes the intended target while the gas binds the oxygen in the
room. The victim smothers to
death. An hour later the gas breakdowns
and dissipates. If they weren’t
coherent enough to respond to the alarm we’re going to have a hard time getting
them outside. Are there any emergency
breathers in the palace? >
<There are two in the emergency med
kit, I’ll get them. >
Ellison waited impatiently outside the
doors leading to the dwelling of Oceanus’s royal family. A familiar heartbeat clued him into his
guide’s arrival. Sandburg halted next to
the sentinel and palmed the locking mechanism on the doors. Jim was surprised when the doors opened with
a soft whoosh.
Seeing his partner’s surprise Blair
winked. <I hit the emergency
override code for the entire palace.
Open sesame. Oh and here. > He handed Ellison a small com unit. <I borrowed these from security. I gave Simon one also. >
Shaking his head Ellison followed his
inventive partner into the king’s rooms.
A hurried search of the living areas revealed the slumped bodies of King
Nerum and Prince Tyman
in the king’s study. From the strewn
papers it was obvious the two royals had been in a late night meeting when
stuck down by the gas. Jim crossed
quickly to the downed men and placed the spare breathers in their mouths. A check of their pulses assured the sentinel
that both were alive and with treatment would recover. Glancing up he gave Blair a reassuring
nod. <They’ll live but we need to
get them to medical help fast.
Prolonged exposure to this stuff can cause lung damage and with their
unusual lungs it’s best not to take any chances. >
<What about the others? By the time we take them out and return with
breathers they could be dead? >
<I don’t know chief. > Jim gave an inner sigh of frustration
to be so close and fail was unacceptable there had to be a way.
<Jim is the gas soluble in water? >
<What? > Looking into Sandburg’s
dark blue eyes he could almost see the wheels turning.
<The gas…would it affect someone in the
water? >
Suddenly his partner’s crazy question made
sense. <No. I’ll get Nerum and Tyman out of here. Get everyone else into the wet room. Fresh water is constantly being pumped into
the pools. There will be more than
enough oxygen to sustain them until help arrives. Good going Chief. >
As Sandburg raced toward the sleeping
chambers Ellison took a hit from the breather before removing it and lifting
the com unit to his lips. Advising
Simon of their solution for coping with the victims he replaced his breather
and hefted Nerum onto his shoulder. He
needed to get the king and prince to safety and advise the emergency teams of
the situation.
Pushing open the bedroom door Blair wasted
no time in crossing the room and tossing back the covers from the unconscious
form. Trembling fingers registered the
slow beat of a heart and some of the tension drained from the rescuer. Pulling Kiki’s unresponsive form into a
fireman’s carry Blair made his way to the wet room and slipped the unconscious
princess into the water. Wasting no
time Sandburg hurried to the other sleeping chambers and recovered the unconscious
occupants. Soon Rema and the twins were
floating beside Kiki alive and Blair hoped well. Settling beside the pool Sandburg waited for the rescue team.
Jim lowered the unconscious form of Tyman
onto the waiting stretcher and nodded as he saw the suited figure walking
toward him. Security and medical had
quickly responded to Blair’s alert but the guardsmen were ill equipped to
handle the noxious gas flooding the palace.
After surrendering the king into the waiting hands of the medics Ellison
had updated Geric on what they faced then returned for the prince while Geric
waited for the specialized help they would need to remove the other occupants
from the building. “Lieutenant Ellison,
Rictor fire and rescue services. What
are we dealing with here? “
Ellison quickly gave a run down on the
Zelon gas and the measures they had taken to protect those overcome by the
gas. “You’ll need breathers to remove
them or else wait an hour for the gas to dissipate.”
“I wouldn’t advise waiting.” He medic looked up from where he was
treating the prince. “Our physiology
seems to be sensitive to the sedative in the gas. If someone got a big enough dose it could be fatal. The sooner we can check everyone the
better.”
“All right breathers it is.” Rictor turned back to Jim. “Were you able to do a complete sweep of the
building?”
Ellison nodded. “Blair was able to get all the guards on duty out. He’s with the rest of the royal family
now. We only had enough emergency
breathers for the King and Prince Tyman.”
“We scoured the servants’ wing.” Banks reported as he and Daryl joined the
discussion. “Everyone who couldn’t make
it out under their own power is underwater.”
“Okay thank you gentlemen we’ll take it
from here. Oh and good thinking on the
submerging. I’d much rather pull live
bodies from the water then to carry out dead ones.”
As Ricter moved off to start deploying his
teams Jim checked in with Blair.
<Chief rescue is here they should be coming your way in a few minutes
how’s everyone doing? >
<So far no change. Jim if you don’t need me I’d like to go to
the hospital with Kiki. >
<Good idea Chief I’ll stick around here
for a while and make sure our assassin didn’t leave any more surprises. I’ll check in with you when we’re done. >
<Okay…oh looks like the rescue guys are
here. Talk to you later Jim and be
careful. Don’t over extend yourself I
don’t want to have to come pull you out of a zone. >
<Yes, mother. Simon will be with me; I’ll be fine. > Breaking off contact with Blair he turned to
find Simon waiting. “Blair is going to
accompany Kiki to the hospital.”
“I take it you want to take a look around
before joining him.”
The sentinel nodded. “Yeah, we’ve already had one surprise too
many. I don’t want to risk
another. Damnit Simon, if Blair hadn’t
had a nightmare, if I hadn’t been awake, none of us would have left that
building alive.” Seeing Daryl’s wide
frightened eyes Jim sighed. “It’s okay
Daryl everyone’s fine and your dad and I are going to make sure we stay that
way.” The teen nodded and leaned into
his father’s embrace. “Listen I have a
favor to ask. I need to borrow your dad
for a few hours. Would you mind keeping
an eye on Blair for me? I’d feel better
if he didn’t have to wait alone. No
telling what trouble he would get himself into.”
Straightening the teen nodded. “Sure Jim.”
“If you’d like a ride.” The medic looked up from where he was
packing away the rest of his gear.
“We’re about ready to transport.
You’re welcome to come along.”
“Thanks.”
Leaving Daryl in the capable hands of the medic Simon followed Jim
toward the palace. “So where do you
want to start?”
“The building air handlers. The gas spread fast it had to be pumped
in.” Borrowing a couple of spare
breathers from Ricter’s people the two rangers headed into the gas filled
building. If the assassin had left any
more surprises the sentinel was determined to find them. This attempt had been too close. He wouldn’t risk his guide on there being
another.
Blair followed the suited figure through
the narrow doorway at the back of the palace.
Stepping outside he removed the breather and took a deep breathe of the
fresh air. Beside him the rescue worker
chuckled. “Nothing like the first taste
of fresh air after having to breathe through one of those things. Your throat must be dry I have some tea in
the van if you would like some.”
“Thanks man that’d be great.” Blair looked around; they were in the back
part of the palace usually used for deliveries. He was surprised to see the area vacant except for one rescue
van. Seeing his puzzlement his
companion answered his unspoken question.
“The front is a zoo. My boss thought it’d be better to evacuate
everyone quietly. No use panicking the
people by letting them see the entire royal family being carted out unconscious.” Blair nodded. That made sense. Arriving
at the van the rescue worker, who gave his name as Loden, gestured for Blair to
have a seat on one of the long benches lining the van and then handed him a cup
of cool tea. “If you’re sure you’re not
injured I need to get back and help the others.”
“I’m fine man, thanks.” Watching the young man hurry away Blair
leaned back against the padded seat.
The tea was soothing to his scratchy throat and for the first time since
the crisis began he let himself relax.
Blair yawned as a strange lethargy began to creep over his body. A part of him was vaguely alarmed at this
strange feeling but he couldn’t seem to muster the energy to think much less
react. A wave of dizziness swept over
him and the cup fell from his suddenly lax grip. He had no time to ponder this strange occurrence as darkness
reached out to claim him.
Ellison gazed at the complex injector
system that had been hidden inside the wall of the palace’s maintenance
room. Hooked cleverly into the
buildings duct system the unit was not visible to either maintenance workers or
building sensors. An attached timer and
compressed gas cylinder complete the setup.
A shiver went down the sentinel’s spine as he studied the weapon. There was no telling how long the deadly
trap had been in place. Leaving the
guards to dismantle and bag the device Jim turned and followed Simon out of the
building. Removing the breather Ellison
turned to his boss. “We’ll need to
check the whole palace with hand scanners.
My guess given the time the assassin was on world this is the only trap
but we can’t depend on that. Once the
gas clears Sandburg and I will do a sweep.
Now that I have the assassin’s scent I might be able to tack his
movements. If the gas and all these
bodies don’t destroy the traces.”
“It’s worth a shot.” Simon nodded then turned as a guardsman
called his name.
“Captain Banks, there’s a call for
you. It’s your son.”
Taking the com unit Simon nodded his
thanks. “Banks…okay calm down. Stay
with Prince Tyman, we’ll be right there.”
Handing the com unit back to the guard Simon turned to the
sentinel. “Daryl said that Blair never
reached the hospital. In fact there is
no sign of either Blair or the royal family anywhere. Tyman is awake and will meet us at headquarters. Looks like our missing faction has made
their move.”
The muscles over the sentinel’s jaw
twitched as he clenched his teeth.
“Then it will be their last.”
Turning the two rangers hurried to where Geric was directing the search. A few moments later they left the palace and
headed for the latest crisis.
With a muffled moan Blair fought his way
back to consciousness. His first
thought was that his mattress suddenly felt as hard as a rock then memory
returned and he forced open eyes that still felt way too heavy. He was momentarily disoriented as a large
brightly colored fish swam lazily by his nose then his muzzy brain finally
registered that the hard surface he was lying on was the crystal floor covering
the sunken garden in the visitor’s center.
Pushing against he hard floor he carefully worked himself into a seated
position.
“Easy Blair.” A soft hand on his shoulder steadied him and he looked up into the
worried eyes of Kiki. “You were pretty
heavily drugged. How do you feel?”
“Still a little groggy but it’s
passing. What happened?”
“I’m not sure I only woke up a few minutes
ago. As far as I can tell we’re in the
Visitor’s Center under guard but no ones talking.”
With Kiki’s help Blair rose to his feet
and the two made their way over to where Rema sat on a cot with the twins. “I’m glad to see you guys are all right I
was afraid that we hadn’t reached you in time.”
“Blair what happened?” Rema hugged the frightened twins as her eyes
scanned the arm guards scattered around the room.
“The palace was gassed. Jim detected it in time and we were able to
get everyone into the pools but you were all unconscious. I waited with you until the rescue team
arrived intending to accompany you to the hospital. I remember sitting in the van waiting for them to bring you out
and …damn. One of the medics gave me a
cup of tea. They must have drugged me.”
“But why and who?” Kiki shook her head. “Blair this makes no sense.”
With a weary sigh Sandburg dropped onto a
vacant cot. “Unfortunately it
does. The off world assassin had a
partner, someone on world who had ties to the Order of the Sea Wraith. Since their original plan failed I guess
they decide to move to plan B.”
“Very good Dr. Sandburg.” The unexpected voice caused all three to
look up to see a young man that Blair recognized as Loden standing beside
them. “My boss sends his apology for
not being here to greet you personally but he is busy arranging your ransom
with the king. Since we’re all going to
be together for a time I’ve arranged for more comfortable quarters. If you’ll follow me?”
In spite of the friendly tone none of them
took the question as anything but the order it was. Flanked by armed guards the prisoners followed their captor down
the hallway to a small lounge. It was
one of the cozy areas designed to function as a meeting and socializing area
for guests. It had a small restroom, no
window of course, and a kitchenette with a small frig and beverage maker. Comfortable sofas and chairs with low tables
completed the room’s amenities.
Settling onto one of the chairs Blair rubbed his aching head. Whatever they had used to drug him was still
playing havoc with his system. He
needed to contact Jim. By now his
partner would know he was missing and the sentinel would be in protector
overdrive. Poor Simon. He reached for the mental link he shared
with the sentinel only to stop as his dizziness increased. With a sigh of frustration he leaned his
head back against the chair back.
Glancing over to where Kiki and Rema sat with the twins he gave them a
reassuring smile. For now all they
could do was wait.
“What do you mean no one knows where they
are?” Ellison crushed the paper cup he
held as he paced restless around the break room. “How do you lose an ambulance inside a sealed city?”
“Jim calm down. You’re not helping the situation. We’ll find them.”
“Damnit Simon some loony toon faction has
hijacked my guide and you expect me to be calm?”
“I expect lieutenant that you act like the
professional you are.” Simon sighed, he
knew that Jim had a right to be agitated but his barely leashed aggression was
spooking the locals and that wouldn’t help them locate the missing guide. “We’ll find Blair and the others and we’ll
get them out. But I need you in control
and functioning; you may be our best bet for extracting them from wherever
they’re being held, do I make myself clear.”
“I’m sorry Simon I know you’re
right.” Jim leaned against a counter
and tried to get a grip on his rampaging emotions. “It’s just that every instinct I have is screaming that Blair is
in trouble and I need to do something about it. This waiting is driving me
crazy.”
“I know.
Are you getting anything from the kid?”
Jim shook his head. “I know he’s alive but I can’t get a clear
read. My guess is that they drugged him
to get him away from the palace and whatever they used is still mucking up the
works.”
“So we do this the old fashioned way until
the kid’s head clears and he can tell you where they are.”
Closing his eyes Ellison subdued the angry
sentinel within allowing the commando and ranger parts of his psyche to take
command. Simon was right it was time
for cool thinking. First they had to
find Blair then there would be plenty of time for the sentinel to make the
kidnappers pay for harming his guide.
Opening his eyes he faced his boss.
“I’m ready.”
Banks nodded then led the way back to the
command center where the frantic search for the royal family was being coordinated. Simon wasn’t fooled the panther might be
temporarily leashed but that could change in a heartbeat. He hoped that the kid would be able to
contact Ellison soon for all their sakes.
The control room was a buzz of
activity. Spotting them Tyman waved
them over. “We just received word from
the kidnappers.” Turning he nodded to
one of the guardsman. “Play the
recording.”
On the view screen the image of a young
man appeared. “Greetings King Nerum,
Prince Tyman I trust you are both well.
By now I’m sure you are aware that certain members of the royal
household are missing. They are alive
and well and will stay that way if you do exactly as I say. Your majesty you will assemble an emergency
meeting of the House of Lords. At this
meeting you will announce your abdication of the throne of Oceanus. You will name me as your successor and will
announce my engagement to your daughter the Princess Kikira. After you have made the appropriate
announcements you and Prince Tyman will surrender yourselves to my men to
insure the good behavior of your daughter.
When the marriage is complete and I have been crowned you and your
family will go free. You may live here
on Oceanus as one of my faithful subjects or you are free to leave with your
off world friends. The choice is
yours. I also hold the lives of your
off world guests in my hands, any attempt at rescue is foolhardy and will
result in the deaths of those you are sworn to protect. You have three hours.”
“The recording was made in the security
center of the Visitor’s Center. We have
been unable to raise anyone at the center.”
“So who is our madman?” Simon glanced at the two royals. “He obviously expects you to know him.”
The king nodded. “Lord Vayner, Lord Plagar’s nephew.”
“The one who is responsible for designing
the security systems at the center and the palace?”
“Yes Captain I’m afraid so. Vayner will have the center sealed against
any attempt at intrusion.”
“No building is totally
invulnerable.” The ex-commando looked
around at the dejected faces then faced Tyman.
“I’ll need a set of blueprints to the building and all the information
you can get me on the security systems.
We’ll also need the number and positions of the hostiles and hostages.”
“The building is shielded from scanning.”
“Not from me it’s not.” The sentinel gave a feral grin. “Get me close and I’ll be able to tell you
not only where our bad guys are but I’ll be able to hear what their saying.”
For the first time since the nightmare began
Tyman gave a feral smile of his own.
“We’ll get you whatever you need sentinel.”
“Good,” Simon turned to Nerum. “Your Majesty I’d suggest you make the
necessary arrangements for that emergency session. We want Vayner to feel confident that he’s in charge and
everything is going according to his plans.”
Nodding the king and his bodyguards left to begin the task of contacting
the members of the House of Lords. At
that moment a young guardsman appeared with the blueprints and security specs
for the center and Banks joined Tyman and Ellison in planning an assault on an
impregnable building.
Blair was snapped out of the light dose he
had fallen into by the sound of the door opening. Sitting up he watched as an unknown man strolled confidently into
the room. He had no doubt that this was
the infamous boss. His nap had flushed
most of the remnants of the drug from his system and he shivered as the
approaching figure’s emotions brushed his senses. The man’s mind was filled with darkness.
Kiki gasped as she sighted the approaching
figure. “Vayner?”
“Hello, my dear, I trust that you are all
comfortable?”
“Vayner what is going on? Why are you doing this?”
The jovial expression fell from the young
mans face and he turned on the princess with blazing eyes. “What is going on here dear Kiki is that I
am taking back what is rightfully mine.
What your family stole from me.
Everything was fine then,” he turned to glare at Blair, “you had to go
off exploring. You changed Kiki. Exposure to the off worlders corrupted
you. When you returned you were a
different person.”
“I’m the same person I’ve always been. It
is you who have changed Vayner.”
“You called off our wedding.”
“We were never engaged. Our fathers often talked about us getting
married but we were never engaged.”
“Liar.
It would have been perfect, a joining of the two royal lines. My ancestor was the first ruler of Oceanus
until the people deserted him and placed a member of your house on the
throne. I am the true king of Oceanus
not your father. Our children would
have been undisputed rulers of Oceanus carrying the bloodlines of both royal
houses. But you ruined
everything.” He sighed and looked at
Kiki sadly. “Everything was so simple
then you forced me to align myself with off world ruffians.”
“And where does the Order come into your
plans.” Blair asked quietly. “I mean
the original members were responsible for the hatred that led to your
ancestor’s death. Without their
interference he could have remained on the surface and ruled his people as he
wished. The Order forced him out of
power, how can you trust them now?”
“You know nothing off worlder. The Order recognizes my rightful place and
have pledged me their loyalty. We both
recognize the danger of your kind.” The
dark eyes gleamed with a fanatical light.
“Under my rule we will return to the old ways. The people will be purified.
We will purge this world of all off world contamination. Starting with you.” Stepping forward he grabbed the
anthropologist by the front of his shirt and lifted him to his feet. “You have been a thorn in my side from the
day you set foot on this planet. You
poisoned the princess’s mind against me and insinuated yourself into the king’s
favor corrupting him with your off world ways.” He gave an evil chuckle.
“Our poor excuse for a king cares for you like a son. He has even named you an honorary citizen of
Oceanus. Let’s see if you deserve that
title.” He shoved Blair into the hands
of two waiting guards. “Take him.”
“No!”
Kiki leaped to her feet only to stumble back onto the couch as Vayner
slapped her across the cheek. “Be
silent my betrothed or more of your off world friends might join him.”
Hugging Kiki tightly Rema looked up into
the smirking face of their captor.
“What are you going to do to him?”
“Why I’m just going to show him some of
Oceanus’s more charming sights.”
Walking to the door he paused and indicted the guards. “Just relax ladies and don’t try anything
stupid. This will all be over soon.”
Blair Sandburg winced at the bruising grip
on his arms and tried to keep up with his captors. When would he learn to keep his mouth shut? He knew Vayner was insane. He was puzzled a few minutes later when the
guards drug him once again into the ballroom.
His puzzlement turned to fear as Vayner entered the room. Whatever he had planned Blair could tell it
wasn’t going to be good. Walking up to
his captive Vayner looked him up and down like someone assessing an animal at
auction.
“I don’t know what she sees in you. She had everything and threw it away for
you.”
“Look man I don’t know what you’re talking
about. Kiki and I are friends nothing
more.”
“I’m not a fool Dr. Sandburg. Kiki and I were to be married but after
returning home with you she suddenly calls off our wedding. I know the truth.” Blair remained silent.
There was no use in arguing logic when your opponent was
irrational. “So you see Blair I really
can’t afford to let you live. She’ll
morn your death then accept her rightful place at my side.”
“Ah, couldn’t I just leave. You know go far, far away and never return.”
“I’m afraid not.” He motioned to a pair of guards and Blair
sighed as they fashioned manacles around his wrist and ankles. “You are a dangerous man Blair Sandburg too
dangerous to let live.” He motioned to
the guards and they began dragging the bound man toward the fountain in the
corner of the room. “The king considers
you an Oceanian let us see if you can breathe like one.”
As Vayner pressed a hidden catch on the
side of the fountain Blair watched in horror as the base opened revealing a set
of steps leading down into the underwater garden. Blair started to panic as the guards began to drag him toward the
steps. “Enjoy the garden Blair it will
be the last thing you ever see.” With
Vayner’s mocking voice ringing in his ears Blair took a last deep breath as he
was pulled under the still waters.
The guards towed their captive to the
middle of the garden and after fastening a heavy weight to the chains binding
his ankles they swam leisurely back to the steps leaving Blair floating alone
in the gentle current of the garden.
Noooo! Clamping down on the urge to
breathe Blair fought his rising panic.
He couldn’t die this way. Jim oh
god Jim. Thoughts of the sentinel
finally broke through the panic engulfing the empath’s mind. If he died Jim would follow and that was
something the guide could not allow. He
had to live. Anything else was unacceptable. Pushing back his fear Blair rallied his
scattered mind. He was not some meek
soul who would give up without a fight.
There had to be a way out of this; he just had to find it. Testing his mental pathways he was relieved
to feel them respond. Okay he could now
contact Jim and tell him…what that he was tied up underwater and about to
drown? Time he needed to buy time. Forcing his body to relax Blair let himself
sink into healing trance. The average
person could hold their breath for a few minutes nowhere near long enough for Jim
to come up with a rescue plan and implement it. Fortunately he was not an ordinary person. He was a healer with complete control of his
body and all its complex processes. By
maximizing the oxygen in his brain and slowing down his metabolic functions he
could survive underwater for far longer than normal. His healing gift would buy the sentinel the time he needed.
Sinking deep into his body Blair first
extracted all the oxygen stored in that last deep breath and moved it to the
brain along with all available oxygen dissolved in his bloodstream saturating
the brain tissues with life giving oxygen.
Damage to bodily cells and tissues he could repair but to survive this
he needed his brain undamaged. Next he
exhaled removing the poisonous carbon dioxide from this body before once again
clamping down on the instinct to breathe.
The escaping air bubbles would assure any watchers that he had indeed
drowned. Deepening the healing trance
Blair began slowing all bodily processes taking his body to the edge of death
then holding it there. Yogis and even
some drugs were able to arrest the biological processes to the point that the
resulting states were often mistaken for death. That was what Blair was trying to do now. In this suspended state his body’s need for
oxygen would be minimal. Finally Blair
gathered up all the information he had about the kidnappers and his current
state. Opening the mental link with Jim
he sent everything in one concentrated burst then closed the link. Task accomplished Sandburg slowed all
unnecessary brain activity and let himself sink deep into trance. He had done all he could. Either Jim would find him and pull him out
of the trance in time or he would die when the oxygen in his brain was expended
and that part of the brain responsible for his healing gift died. Blair could do no more.
Ellison paced the conference room in
frustration. Vayner had taken complete
control of the center’s security system and every door window and air vent was
locked up tight. There had to be a way
into that building but for the life of him Jim could not yet see how. They could blast their way in but the royal
family would all be dead before they reached them.
“Jim sit down wearing a hole in the rung
won’t make the answers come any faster.”
“I know Simon its just...” The sentinel
never finished his sentence. One moment
he was talking to Simon and the next he was on the floor looking up into the
worried eyes of his boss.
“Jim, are you all right?” Seeing that the commando was once again
lucid Banks relaxed. “What the hell
just happened?”
“Blair!”
Ellison lunged to his feet only to sway as the world wavered dizzily.
“Easy Jim what about Sandburg?”
Settling into a chair at the conference
table Ellison rested his aching head in his hands a moment then raised it to
look at his boss. “Blair contacted
me. It was some kind of concentrated
burst that’s why it floored me there for a minute. Simon we have to get into that building and we have to get into
it now.”
“Jim we’re trying but so far...”
“No, Simon you don’t understand. Vayner is
crazy he left Blair tied up in the underwater garden to drown. We’re out of time.”
“God, but even if we had a way into the
building we couldn’t get there in time. I’m sorry Jim.”
Shaking his head the sentinel stood and
headed for the door. “Blair has bought
us some time. We have a little over an
hour to take out these maniacs.” He
turned to face Banks. “I’ll give the
locals an hour to come up with an attack plan then I’m going in. And no one is stopping me.” Turning back around he stalked out of the
room leaving the captain no choice but to follow.
Ellison carefully marked the positions of
the guards and hostages on the floor plan of the Visitor’s Center. He had just returned from making a sweep of
the building. The good news was that
the off world visitors were all locked in their rooms and for the moment were
out of harms way. The bad news was that
there were twelve terrorist spread out along the first floor. The security center was under complete
control of the kidnappers and all attempts to break into the system had
failed. The loyal guardsmen had been
taken alive and were locked up in a storage room. The royal family was being held in the lounge and Blair … well
Jim knew exactly where Blair was. Jim
stared at the floor plan then threw his pencil down in frustration. The only way to take out a force such as
this one was with stealth. They needed
to get inside without the kidnappers knowing they were there. The ventilation shafts were the only viable
option but they were all capped by diamond corral lattices. Any attempt to remove the barriers would be
easily detected by the enemy. Running
one hand tiredly over his head he wracked his brain for another option. There had to be a way. Wait a minute...diamond corral…turning back
to the table Ellison quickly located the blueprints for the building. Tracing a line on the drawings he began to
smile.
Tyman looked from the sentinel to the
blueprints and shook his head in wonder.
“I would have never thought of that.”
Jim smiled. “The Visitors Center was designed to keep off worlders in not
Oceanians out. I don’t think many of
your off world guest would favor a swim in the ocean. You’re sure we can get access to the water channels without
alerting the center’s security?”
“Very sure. The water is brought in directly from the ocean; it’s part of the
system that supplies water for all the wet rooms in the city. There are maintenance hatches along the
system where we can enter. Then it’s an
easy swim to the garden. The entrance
is blocked by a diamond corral grate but this one has a lock and is easily
opened. From there we can use the
fountain entrance to gain access to the center.” He glanced at Ellison.
“That’s assuming there are no guards in the ball room.”
“So far the guards seem to be concentrated
around the lounge, security center and patrolling the corridors. I’ll be able to scan the room for
inhabitants when we arrive and warn you when it’s clear.”
“Good,” Tyman turned to Geric. “Get the assault team ready we leave in
ten.” He turned back to Ellison. “Once you verify the area is clear get Dr.
Sandburg out. We’ll take care of Vayner
and free the hostages.”
“Agreed.”
Ten minutes later a well-armed assault
force lowered themselves into the water supply channel and swam quickly but
quietly toward the Visitor’s Center.
The crystal gate yielded to the code Tyman typed into its lock and the
last barrier between them and their quarry swung open. Taking the lead Ellison crept forward
sweeping the room above with his hearing.
Detecting no heartbeats or other signs of life he signaled Tyman then
swam deeper into the garden leaving the Oceanians to deal with the traitors.
Sentinel sight had little trouble
penetrating the waters and locating the still form anchored by the thick chain
that floated at the gardens center.
Swimming to Sandburg’s side Ellison used a small torch to quickly sever
the bonds holding his guide in place.
Grabbing the younger man the sentinel hauled his precious burden to the
fountain entrance and pulled Blair from the water. Laying the still body onto the crystal floor Jim frantically
checked for a pulse. Long seconds
passed before the seeking fingers registered the faintest pulse of a heartbeat
so slow as to be almost nonexistence.
Relief swamped the sentinel he was in time. Relief soon turned to worry as Sandburg failed to show any sign
of emerging from his trance. Closing
his eyes Jim searched for the link that bound him to his guide. The contact was faint a mere ghost of their
usually strong bond but it was there and that was enough for the sentinel. Gathering his energy he sent his strength
along the fragile bond calling to his guide begging the young man to
return. At first there was no change
but Ellison never stopped the steady stream of energy and love he sent along
the bond. Then he felt it a tingling
along the link. Sending thoughts of
safety along the bond he was rewarded as the linkage grew stronger. Beneath his fingers the pulse quickened and
the body warmed to his touch. Finally
after what felt like an eternity the chest expanded as lungs long unused once
again began to function. Opening his
eyes Jim smiled as long lashes fluttered and confused blue eyes opened. “Welcome back Chief.” Safe in his sentinel’s arms the guide smiled
then drifted into a healing sleep as his exhausted mind finally relinquished
control.
Sentinel senses swept the building
monitoring the assault team as they moved through the corridors. Confident that no outsider could enter the
center without their knowledge the appearance of a fully armed tactical team
took the traitors by surprise. In
moments the command center was under Tyman’s control. With the internal sensors at their command it was child play for
the highly trained assault team to isolate and pick off the roaming
guards. Within minutes the hostages
were free.
The sound of bare feet on crystal alerted
the ranger and moments later Kiki dropped to her knees beside the
sentinel. Looking into troubled indigo
eyes he smiled. “He’s all right.”
Reaching out one hand the princess touched
the damp curls and turning tear filled eyes to the sentinel she smiled. “I was so afraid. He said…he said he was dead.”
“No he’s very much alive.”
Settling beside the still form, princess
and sentinel kept vigil over the exhausted healer as they waited for the medics
to arrive.
Banks slipped quietly into the hospital
room. As he expected Ellison was parked
in a chair next to his guide’s bed. The
sentinel looked up as Simon crossed the room to look down at the slumbering
young man. “How’s the kid?”
“Good, there’s no sign of brain damage but
that stunt took a lot of energy. He’s
exhausted but otherwise fine.”
“Excellent news. I just received a call from Tyman. Vayner and his followers were found dead in their cells.”
“Damn, I new from Blair’s account that
Vayner was unstable but I never expected suicide.”
“The Order of the Sea Wraith was known as
a death cult; I guess now we know why.
It was some type of slow acting organic poison. They must have taken it before the siege in
case their plan failed.”
“So Vayner was in league with the
Order. Well I can’t say I’m sorry he’s
dead.”
“That was Tyman’s reaction. Seems Vayner was a real piece of work. His parent’s death unhinged him. He built up a fantasy that he was the
decedent of the true king and convinced the Order that he was their one shot at
obtaining true power. They found his
journals. The kid was brilliant. He had it all figured out. Marry the princess, kill the king and become
undisputed ruler of the planet using the Order to consolidate his power.”
“Only when Kiki refused him he had to make
other arrangements.”
“Yeah, we were right. He was going to kill off the royal family
and frame his uncle for the crime leaving him the new ruler.”
“But we kept messing up all his well
formed plans.”
“Failure of his last plan to kill the
royal family pushed him over the edge.
Instead of fading into the woodwork and waiting to try again, he went
for broke staging a coup with the royal family as collateral.”
“He must have been very persuasive to convince
the Order to risk everything on such a bold move. I mean they’ve been
underground for millennia.”
“They’re still sorting through the
records. But from what they’ve
uncovered the Order’s influence had steadily eroded over the years. They had been reduced to a political
fraction with no real impact on policy.
Those of the old school who once were swayed by their council are now
firmly in Nerum’s court. Vayner offered
them the chance to seize real power and take control away from Nerum. It was their one shot at reclaiming their
past glory. And they were willing to
die for that chance.”
“At least the threat is gone. Oceanus can move forward without worrying
about the snake hidden in their midst.”
“For which we are all thankful. Now I think I’ll go spend some time with my
son.” He indicated the spare bed in the
room. “Try to get some rest, Jim. Our resident tornado will be up and whirling
in no time and you’ll need all of your strength to be able to keep up.”
Chuckling Ellison rose and stretched before
moving to the bed. “You’re right
Simon. Goodnight and give Daryl my
thanks. He really did well through all
of this.”
“I will, I’m very proud of him.” He watched as Jim settled down on the bed
then turned off the lights and slipped from the room leaving sentinel and guide
to get some well-earned rest.
Ellison waited under Oceanus’s overcast
skies with Simon, Nerum, and Tyman for the Mantidae shuttle to land. At the edge of the landing field standing
beside three closed caskets was Blair.
The sentinel studied the approaching Mantidae contingent with
interest. When they reached the coffins
a large female marked with the colors of morning stepped forward leaving the
four heavily armed guards behind.
Blair bowed his head respectfully to the
widow. /I grieve for your loss. Blood of your house has been spilt on these
shores; the rulers of this land would make reparation. / Walking to the first coffin he lifted the
lid to show the body of the slain Mantidae.
/We return the shell of he who was slain so that he may find honor among
his ancestors. / A clicking of
mandibles showed the females approval.
Stepping to the next coffin he revealed the remains of the assassin. /He who struck the fatal blow has paid for
his deed, blood for blood. / Then he
opened the last coffin to show the body of Vayner. /And he, traitor to his kind, who ordered the death paid in blood
along with those who followed him, stuck down by the leader of this world. Blood for blood our debt is repaid. /
For a long moment the Mantidae stared at
the bodies then turned and gave commands to the watching guards. Resealing the coffins containing the
murdered anthropologist and the assassin they carried them to the waiting
shuttle. Facing the royal assembly the
Mantidae bowed then turned back to Blair.
/By the care you have shown our dead and for bringing us the head of the
murderer you have demonstrated your honor.
The traitor we leave for your own rites and rituals, as his crimes were
as much against this world as ours.
Blood for blood your debt is repaid. /
With a last bow the Mantidae turned and followed her warriors. Moments later the Mantidae shuttle lifted
into the air.
Joining his friends Blair smiled. “Well I’m glad that’s over.”
“As am I.” Nerum smiled at his young friend. “So Blair now that you and your companions have saved my world
not once but twice what do you plan to do now?”
Glancing from Simon to Jim, Blair faced
the king and promptly answered.
“Fishing.”
Chuckling Tyman led the way back toward
the waiting bathysphere. “I think we
can manage that. So will you be staying
at the lodge or camping?”
As Tyman and Blair discussed their plans Jim let his senses range outward savoring the smell and sounds of the sea. The anthropologists and Oceanus were safe. His guide was well and happy and from the sound of things he had three days of excellent fishing to look forward to. For the moment all was well in the sentinel’s world. As if in agreement with the sentinel’s thoughts the sun broke through the clouds and painted the waters with sparkling light. Oceanus was once again a planet of peace and light.