Chapter Nineteen
Breen lifted the comm device to his lips. It was time to contact Argus for teleport when the panel slid open. He quickly put his hands behind him. Captain Atton came through the doorway, his hands held high. The sight of the bloodstained frame and Avon lying groaning on the floor immediately drew his eyes.
"What is this?" asked Breen suspiciously. None of the Raven crew had entered this room before. Atton jerked forward, as if someone had pushed him. He took a few steps into the room.
Jenna followed closely, her pistol aimed at his back. "He betrayed us."
Breen and the medtech exchanged guilty glances. Jenna eyed them warily. "Were you in on it?"
"How could we? We've been in here. Besides you're the one paying us."
"Maybe not enough?" said Jenna.
Breen's voice rose in indignation. "Don't be paranoid."
Jenna looked at him closely, wondering if she was seeing conspiracies because she had just caught Atton and Prex doing it. "Is he ready?"
"Yes. What do you plan to do?"
Jenna gestured with her pistol and Atton moved over to the far wall. "We wait here. I've disabled the ship and the comm channels."
Breen asked, "How are we supposed to make the rendezvous if the ship can't move?"
"The rendezvous is coming to us."
Breen and the medtech eyed each other. Their plans for an even wealthier retirement were fading fast. Breen edged closer to Jenna. "When are they getting here?"
"Shouldn't be long." She brought her hand up to look at the chronometer.
Breen threw the comm device at her and grabbed her gun hand as she raised her arm to ward it off. They struggled. There was a flash.
Jenna pushed Breen away from her and waved her pistol menacingly at the two interrogators who had rushed forward. They backed off as Breen crumpled to the ground, eyes staring but no longer seeing. He was dead from a direct hit to the heart. "Does anyone else want to try it?"
The interrogators backed off, hands raised in surrender.
"I should kill all of you," said Jenna, her finger tightening on the trigger.
The medtech said placatingly, "It wasn't our idea. It was Breen. We told him not to do it but he didn't trust you. Said you'd kill us when you didn't need us anymore. Is that true?"
Jenna stared hard at him, her gaze seeking to penetrate to where the truth lay. Her jaw hardened. She didn't know who to trust anymore or who was lying. Too many secrets, too many lies. She was drowning in them. And some of them were her own. She couldn't see clearly anymore. "Do what I paid you to do and you won't end up…like him."
The deck shook slightly, a vibration that they felt through the soles of their feet. At the looks of alarm, Jenna reassured them, "I'm expecting visitors."
Atton's arms were getting tired but with the look on Jenna's face, he dared not lower them. "What are you going to do?"
"Don't worry. You'll get your money," said Jenna.
"You're going to let us go?"
"I should kill you for trying to double-cross me, but I won't. I'm not even surprised. Because of that, I'm going to let you live. But cross my path again…"
"And you'll kill me?"
"I guarantee it."
The medtech asked, "Are you going to let us go?"
Jenna looked down at the groaning Avon. "You still have work to do."
"But Breen is dead."
"I still have the three of you."
A female voice said from the entrance, "Jenna."
Jenna whirled around. "Avalon! I didn't expect you to come in person."
The brown-haired woman entered with four armed rebels in military fatigues. Her nose twitched in disgust at the smells of human suffering as she looked down at the broken body that she barely recognized as Avon. "Argus warned me about this."
Jenna said with dismay, "You've already spoken to him?"
"I had to. They were about to teleport aboard this ship."
Jenna knew that Breen's mistake in blinding Avon was going to look bad. "I…have some things to explain."
Avalon's eyes were piercing. "I do not like to be lied to."
"I didn't lie to you," said Jenna defensively.
Avalon said cynically, "You didn't tell me the full truth. You did not tell me that you wanted custody of Avon…" She jabbed a finger in Avon's direction. "…for this!"
"Can you blame me? He killed Blake! He betrayed him! And all of us!"
"Then you're a fool. If he goes to trial like this, they'll think that you tortured the confession out of him…he is going to confess, isn't he?"
"Yes, I can guarantee that. He will confess to killing Blake."
"Good. But I want him cleaned up. He cannot appear like this."
Jenna grimaced. "There's a problem."
Avalon's voice rose. "No more lies, Jenna."
"The…specialists I had working on him. They made a mistake."
Avalon's eyes narrowed. "What kind of mistake?"
"They blinded him."
Avalon's eyes automatically went to Avon. "What?!! Are you insane?!!"
Jenna backed up. "I…didn't tell them to do it. It was…"
"A mistake?! How do you blind someone by mistake?!!"
Avon groaned loudly, his hands clenching and unclenching as the agony of withdrawal wracked his body.
Avalon asked, "What else haven't you told me?"
"He's…" Jenna had not expected to be on the defensive. But the blinding of Avon and the necessity of calling in Avalon had destroyed all her carefully prepared plans. With sole custody, she had hoped to force Avon to confess and clean him up for the trial. Then no one would know what she had done to him. "He has Shade poisoning."
Avalon asked in a scathing voice that made Jenna wince. "Don't tell me that was a mistake too?"
Jenna squared her shoulders. "I take full responsibility for it."
Avalon's eyes narrowed again. "And will you die for it? Or do you only expect Avon to die?"
"What do you mean?" asked Jenna nervously.
"If Avon dies because of Shade poison or any…" She gestured towards Avon's twisting body. "…of the other things you, accidentally, had done to him. That will be cold blooded murder."
Jenna's face reddened, "You're not serious! If Avon dies, it's only what he deserves."
Avalon said, "Then why bother with a trial? Why not execute him yourself? Why go through the charade of wanting justice?"
"It's not a charade. He is guilty."
Avalon stabbed her finger to the moaning Avon. "This is not justice! This is revenge! You want this trial in order to humiliate Avon. To lift him up so that everyone will hate him as much as you do!"
Jenna said angrily, "Don't tell me that you don't hate him for killing Blake."
"I want to see justice. You want to see him suffer."
"He owes it to me. He owes it to Blake!"
Avalon shook her head. "No. If Avon is found guilty, he will be executed."
Jenna's eyes bulged. "If?!!" This was becoming worse by the minute. Her dreams of vengeance were fading away.
Avalon's eyes were unyielding. "Justice, Jenna. Not revenge."
Jenna said defiantly, "You promised I would have sole custody of Avon."
Avalon weighed her words carefully. "I will keep my promise. Custody is yours. But I will provide medical personnel to take care of him. They will report to me directly."
Jenna was about to say something but Avalon cut her off. "That is not negotiable. You have already made a hash of things. I guarantee you that if Avon dies because of what you've done to him, then you will be the one on trial next. Do I make myself clear?"
Jenna said in a subdued but reluctant voice, "Yes."
The medtech spoke up. "There is no cure for Shade poisoning."
Jenna flashed him an angry look. "There is."
"I've never heard of one. It's always fatal."
Jenna hated to tell her what she knew. "Avon found a cure for it."
Avalon looked at Avon. "Why would he do that?"
"He…" Jenna's words trailed off. How could she admit that Avon saved the life of the man that she was responsible for almost killing?
"Why would Avon, the man you say is self-serving and treacherous, find a cure for anything?"
Jenna realized that Argus and the others would bring this out at the trial regardless of what she said or not. "A friend of mine was dying. Argus asked Avon to work on a cure."
"Avon saved your friend's life?"
She said stubbornly, "At Argus's orders."
Avalon's hard eyes turned to pity. "We've known each other a long time, Jenna. What happened to you? You weren't always like this. This time, you haven't only stepped across the line, you've destroyed it."
"Then you didn't know me very well."
"You've lost yourself, Jenna. One day, I hope you find yourself again. Before it's too late. In the meantime, my people will help take care of Avon while he's in your custody. I will send a message out for medical assistance and I will contact Argus to explain the situation with the poison."
"You can't…"
"If you were hoping to keep it from him, you're too late. He already knows. I hope for your sake that he's not like you, Jenna."
Jenna shivered. Argus might not be, but there was no knowing what Cally might do.
Avalon ordered her men, "Transfer Avon to my ship. Be careful with him."
**********
Sester had one arm crooked behind his head as he lay on his bunk. It was as he had feared. In her blind need for revenge, Jenna had subjected Avon to torture. He winced at the memory of Avon's ravaged body hanging from the metal frame. The image was vividly burned into his mind, and echoed unpleasantly with other such memories from the Detention Centre.
He had to save Avon. He owed it to him. It didn't matter that his master wanted him to fix this situation as well.
Argus planned to defend Avon at the trial. But it would be his word against Jenna's. Everyone would know that he would be biased. They might respect Argus but they would expect him to say anything in order to save Avon. It didn't matter that he was an honourable man. There wasn't much understanding of the concept of honour these days. Argus was an anachronism masquerading as a rebel leader.
A smile touched Sester's lips. There was one way to convince them that what he was saying was real. One piece of evidence that would corroborate Vila's shaky testimony. It was too bad that they didn't have time to break the memory blocks to get to the truth.
But facts were as good as truth and those facts were accessible. He just had to get them. That was his mission. And there was one wrinkle that he hadn't told Argus. Even with the evidence, the more resistant ones might not believe Argus. The evidence had to come from someone else in order for all of them to believe it.
The buzzer announced a visitor. Sester grinned. Kirsten. He padded over on soft feet to open the door. "Kirsten."
For once, it was who he expected.
She said with consternation, "I didn't surprise you this time?"
"You can't surprise me every time. That would get commonplace."
She leaned forward, her lips lightly brushing his ear, sending electric currents through his body. "We are not commonplace."
The delicate scent of her hair tickled his senses. His voice was a husky murmur, "Never that."
"Are you going to invite me in?" Kirsten entered his room, leaving him warm and frustrated at the door.
"Come in," he said belatedly as he followed, like a magnet drawn to an irresistible force.
"You're leaving again?" she asked curiously as she stopped by his bed, her fingers lightly touching where the restraint had been attached to his bed.
"Yes. Tomorrow. I have something to do."
"I heard. You're going to try to help Avon."
He came up behind her, just close enough to feel the warmth of her body but not touching. His head bent to the nape of her neck and lightly kissed the soft flesh there. Her shudder of pleasure filled him with elation. She turned slowly and his lips followed the curve of her neck.
Snap. Cold metal against his wrist. Sester looked down in alarm. Snap.
The restraint was back on his wrist, and attached to the bed. "What is this?" The links rattled mockingly as he pulled on them in vain.
Kirsten said, "Don't you remember?"
"Of course, I remember! Why did you do this?"
"I thought we might continue where we left off the last time. You were…preoccupied if I remember correctly." There was a suggestive twinkle in her eyes as she lightly pressed him down onto the bed.
"Kirsten…" Sester leaned back against the wall and made himself comfortable. Anticipation filled him with restless energy and his skin felt as if it were on fire. With an amused curl to his lips, he said, "You're still full of surprises."
"And you…" Kirsten's eyes glanced down at the interest he could not hide. "…love it."
He reached over with his free hand and pulled her down next to him. "Now where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?"
Chapter Twenty
Avalon stood staring out at the viewscreen, her eyes focused on one particular dot that was growing with every passing hour. A bright, shining light that would soon acquire shapes and shadows. The cradle of humanity, or so most of those in the founder worlds liked to think of it. She knew that some of her rebel brethren would hotly contest it. She avoided the topic like the plague.
It would be nice to go home. She didn't often get the chance. Or rather, she didn't dare go back. It was far too risky. Avalon absently rubbed a lock of her hair. She'd changed the colour so often for the purposes of concealment that she'd almost forgotten what the original colour was.
But they weren't going to Earth today. No visits to fondly remembered haunts. They were headed to an inhospitable place, a system that had been deemed, unfit for human colonization.
Planets with sand storms that would sear the flesh from your bones within seconds. Others with electrical storms that could power several worlds for years, if you could get close enough without having your ship's systems fried. A half-hearted attempt at terraforming and the use of weather control systems had produced numerous casualties and had been abandoned.
The trial would be held on one of the moons, a cratered affair that concealed a brand new rebel base. A place she had hoped would be the springboard for a coordination centre of sorts.
The rebels were far too scattered, each with their own private agendas. Some hated each other as much as they hated the Federation they all fought. When Jenna had approached her with the idea of holding a trial for Blake's murderer, Avalon had jumped on it as an auspicious start. What better way to bring all of the rebel groups together in a common purpose?
Blake's name and legend was still a powerful force, something she had enthusiastically encouraged. He was the rallying standard that they all used in their recruitment efforts.
An ironic smile tugged at the corner of her lips. There were still periodic Blake sightings. It had been amusing to spread a few herself. People needed hope, and a hero. Even if he were only a ghost.
The perfect man. A man of honour and integrity who sacrificed his life to save humanity. The man who could not be defeated. The one that his enemies ran from. A man full of love, compassion and truth. Who never made any mistakes. No one could stand against him.
It was amazing how much the ordinary people believed that such a man could exist. Avalon was far too cynical to believe in perfection. The Blake she knew was a man she admired and would forever be grateful to. But he was still a man, as full of faults as the rest of them.
He saved her life and they had met eye to eye in their hatred of the Federation. Of course, there had been many areas they had disagreed on and quite vigorously. Blake was a passionate man who knew his own mind. She had found him arrogant at times. The man was so adamant in what he thought was right. But they were both equally hard-headed leaders.
They had to be sure of themselves. Others depended on their strength and looked to them for certainty and something to believe in.
She knew that he'd run into a great deal of conflict with Bran Foster. Blake's focus was Earth. To him it was the centre of the Federation and that was where they needed to strike. At the heart. To Foster, Earth was little more than a distraction. A place where they could tie up Federation forces in order to give the Outer Worlds a chance to break free of colonial rule. She knew that Foster had not been pleased when Blake had developed his own following within the group and began acting out on his own. Using violence rather than passive political protest.
It was no wonder that Foster had waited for years before approaching Blake again, out of desperation. Cruel of him, leaving Blake to rot, knowing what the man had gone through and how the Federation had twisted his mind. Only seeking him out when he needed him again. But the rebels were a ruthless lot at times. They had to be. You couldn't afford people in your group that you couldn't be sure you could manage. She wondered how Foster had thought he could control someone as strong as Blake.
There had been some success. Foster's plan had worked on some worlds. Well, a few at least. Bright shining examples like Helotrix, Lubrus and Portia Major.
Avalon's lips contorted in anguish. They were all under Federation rule again. Helotrix, full of obedient zombies drugged into submission. What a mess. All because some of the short-sighted ones among them thought that destroying Star One would solve everything.
All chaos caused was more chaos and people who fed on the misery of others. She'd tried to warn them but they hadn't listened. And now, hundreds of millions dead, worlds lain waste, the economies of entire planets destroyed, all for a chance that had been little more than a futile hope. Not that she wouldn't have done it herself; if she had any confidence it would work. Sometimes you had to sacrifice some in order to help others. But she didn't believe it would work.
It didn't matter that she had been proved right. The damage was done. And all they could salvage was Blake's untarnished reputation. The indestructible man who in the end had fallen to the treachery of a friend.
Avalon's lips now curled downwards in disapproval. The treacherous Avon. Some still believed that he was a hero. Mainly those whom he had helped directly. Federation rumours and lies. That's what they attributed it to.
It was time for the truth. For once, the rebellion would have a chance to show what they were made of. Were they disorganized, mindless rabble as the Federation considered them as? Or were they the hope of a new order, as she had hoped they would be.
The trial would tell.
She heard footsteps behind her. A polite cough. "Avalon," said the soft civilized voice of the man who had brought her back to health after Blake had rescued her.
She had been in rough condition then, both physically, mentally and psychologically. Federation torture and mind manipulation produced broken creatures that could rarely be put back together again, not with any degree of completeness. Sometimes, she still woke in a cold sweat. The soft-spoken doctor had stayed with her through the roughest times, nursing her back to health.
"Dr. Gamboa, how is he?" She turned to face the dark-complexioned man. He looked as civilized as he sounded. A reedy man with a thin, intelligent face.
It had been three days since they had left the Red Raven. Gamboa had answered her call for medical assistance and had intercepted her ship.
"You're not going to like it," said Gamboa, his fingers rubbing his lower jaw.
Avalon expelled an aggravated breath. "That bad?"
"If it were just the torture of the last few weeks, he might have recovered. Might. Even then, it would take weeks. He had extensive internal injuries and multiple broken bones. They must have…" Gamboa was a cultured man who hated that some human beings found cruelty a necessary part of life. "…They were very good at their jobs."
Avalon's nose crinkled in disgust. "They were Federation."
Gamboa's head shook slightly. "It's bad enough that some of us feel the necessity to use such thugs. The day that we become as good as they are at brutalizing people…" His eyes met Avalon's unflinchingly. "…is the day I will walk out and you can find yourself another doctor."
"I know." She touched him on the arm. "Thank you for reminding me. Sometimes…it's hard to remember that how we fight is just as important as what we're fighting for."
"You almost crossed the line here."
Avalon grimaced. "I know. I should never have trusted Jenna with Avon. Knowing how much she hated him. His condition is as much my fault as it is hers. I take full responsibility for that. But were we too late? Is he going to die before the trial?"
"As I said, if it were just the current injuries to deal with…we could have saved him. That damage is healing. Albeit slowly. It's the other damage that's the problem."
"What other damage?"
Gamboa rubbed his chin again. "Were you aware that he had been tortured before? And quite extensively from the looks of it. Many scars, both external and internal. Some quite severe. Extending over a long period. I would hazard to guess, three to five years."
Avalon's eyes widened. "Years?" Her mind sifted through the memories of the past. "There were rumours…that he'd been captured after Gauda Prime and he had been spotted at one of the Detention Centres. I'd dismissed those."
Gamboa nodded stiffly, his hand rubbing his neck. "Yes, there were other rumours that he'd sold out and was working for the Federation."
"Well, in light of his killing Blake…"
"You didn't believe the other ones?"
"How could I?"
"You didn't want to believe that the Federation could kill the rebellion's greatest hero. You didn't want other people to believe it."
Avalon directed a hard glare at him. "Are you saying that I used Avon as a convenient scapegoat?"
"You tell me. The evidence doesn't lie. The scars are still quite visible and the damage...cannot be repaired. They must have kept him in a life support capsule. I can't imagine him being able to function for any length of time without it."
"That's not what I've heard. He is able to walk around."
Gamboa rubbed his chin reflectively. "It must be the advanced medical technology on their ship. It's kept him alive. I wouldn't mind taking a peek at their medical database."
Avalon turned and looked at the viewscreen, trying to consider their options. The bright dots of light rushing past was mesmerizing, freeing her mind to think. "Are you saying that we'll need Argus and his people in order to keep Avon alive for the trial?"
"I can't see any other way."
"I'll have to think about this."
"Think fast."
Avalon exhaled in irritation. "Alright. I will talk to Argus."
"You might also think about postponing the trial. Even if they are able to help him. He is in no condition to answer questions. Even standing and sitting is a problem at the moment."
"But the leaders are already on their way here. We can't keep them there that long. It's too much of a security risk."
"That's your problem. You're the leader. I'm just the humble country doctor."
"How about his eyes?"
Gamboa said cynically, "Do you care?"
Avalon said with annoyance, "Of course I do."
"I doubt if he will ever be able to see again. If it were just the damage to his pupils, it could have been replaced. But it appears that they also burnt out his optic nerve. Though we won't know for certain without specialized equipment. Which I didn't know I needed."
"Well…if they find him guilty, it won't matter."
"As I said, do you care? There's also something else. They seem to have placed something in his head, an implant of some sort. It's attached to the base of his brain."
"Do you know what it's for?"
"Haven't a clue. I'm not a brain surgeon."
Avalon scowled. "Jenna. It appears there are more things she hasn't told me. All right. Try to find out, if you can, and in the meantime, I will contact the Justice."
**********
Argus sat at his station on the flight deck, facing his fellow leader on the viewscreen. "Are you going to let us see Avon?"
"I said I would," said Avalon. "Just before the trial. That's why I'm contacting you. There's been a delay. Some of the key leaders cannot make the allotted time. We've had to postpone the meeting."
"That's risky, Avalon."
"I know, it can't be helped."
Instinct, and his experience with Avalon, told Argus that there was more going on underneath the surface. "That's the official reason. What's the real reason?"
Their eyes locked neither one backing down. After a few moments, Avalon said, "There is another reason. You were right about what Jenna was doing. For that, you have my profoundest apologies."
Cally said, "It's a little late for apologies. I want to see Avon."
Avalon asked, "I'm sorry, Cally but I can't let you do that yet."
Argus said, "What are you trying to hide, Avalon? Are you afraid to let us see Avon?"
Cally said in anguish, "What did she do to him?"
Avalon's head bowed as she considered her next words. "That's another reason why I've contacted you. Jenna tells me that Avon may have developed an antidote for Shade poison."
Argus's voice was tight but controlled, "She gave him Shade poison?"
Avalon admitted, "I'm afraid so."
"No wonder you don't want us to see him," said Argus.
"I am truly sorry."
Argus's eyes regarded her coldly. "We will provide the antidote. But it's only a temporary solution. It does not free him of the addictive properties of Shade."
"I understand."
Cally said, "You will need other drugs for him. Without them, he will die."
Avalon leaned forward in interest. "My doctor had me that there was something wrong with him. Beyond what Jenna did."
Argus's manner was still hard. "When were you going to tell us? You must have known he was dying. We've been trying to contact you for several days."
"I'm sorry about that. Security is tight with all the leaders coming in. I will give you a time and location to drop off the medication that he requires."
"I'm tired of these clandestine games, Avalon. Is there another reason why you're stalling?"
Avalon returned his steady gaze. "I promise you that we will do the best that we can for Avon."
Cally said sarcastically, "You need him standing at the trial."
Avalon bowed in acquiescence. "You're right."
Argus said, "Send the time and coordinates."
Avalon nodded to someone off-screen.
Argus looked down at his panel. "Received."
Avalon was about to cut the comm channel when she hesitated, her eyes suddenly troubled. "Is it true that Avon was a prisoner of the Federation after Gauda Prime? He wasn't working for them?"
Argus and Cally exchanged glances.
Cally said, "Your doctors have had an opportunity to examine him."
"Yes…they tell me that he was tortured. For a long period of time."
"That's why he needs the drugs. They destroyed his body and nearly his mind. They were trying to force him to give up information on the alliance and the technology of the Liberator. But he never did. Avalon…Avon never betrayed the alliance. And he never betrayed Blake. Whatever happened on Gauda Prime…"
Avalon said, "That will come out at the trial, Cally. As I promised Argus. There will be justice. For Avon and the alliance."
Argus asked, "And for Jenna?"
Avalon scowled. "Jenna isn't after justice. But you already knew that."
Argus sadly contemplated the control panel in front of him. "I know."
"I have people watching Avon. Jenna will not be able to harm him any further."
"Thank you."
"It was my responsibility. I should never have allowed Jenna to act independently knowing how she felt."
"You couldn't have stopped her. It was either this, or she would have already killed him. He's only alive because she wants this trial."
Avalon said, "She might not like the outcome."
Argus nodded. "She won't accept any result except Avon's death."
"Do you think that you'll be able to convince me?"
"I'm going to try."
She regarded him contemplatively. "It would take a lot to persuade me. At the end of the day, Avon did kill Blake."
Argus inclined his head. "Yes. But there are other forms of justice."
"You mean other than killing him? It would take a great deal to convince the others to spare him."
"I know."
"I don't think it's possible."
There was a slight vibration to his voice as Argus said, "I have to try."
**********
Jenna was frustrated and angry. Seeing the rebel doctor tend to Avon's injuries, with gentleness and caring, had made her blood boil. She was supposed to have custody over him but it was in name only. There was nothing she could do to Avon anymore, not with Avalon's bodyguards watching over him.
Protecting the traitor.
She might as well leave for all the good she was doing. Avalon had said that the trial had to be postponed. Three days. She'd even offered her the use of a shuttle so she could go to Earth. No one was going near the meeting place until the time of the trial.
The shuttle was an ugly, functional vehicle but it was fast. Jenna sat at the pilot's seat. It was currently on autopilot and her mind wandered, questioning at what point her plans had started falling apart.
A beep called for her attention. Incoming communications?
It couldn't be the port control system yet. Audio only. A message from Avalon or one of the rebels?
She opened the channel. "This is Jen Blade of the shuttle..."
A man's smooth voice said, "Hello, Jenna Stannis. Don't worry; this is on direct beam access to your ship. Not a public broadcast signal."
Direct beam? That means…he must be nearby and he knows my exact location. This was very troubling, and in a shuttle, no matter how fast it was, she was helpless to any Federation pursuit ship.
The voice. I've heard it before. But where?
The silky voice continued, "You're probably wondering why I've contacted you. I promise that I will make it worth your while. Just give me one minute of your time. After that, feel free to cut me off, I won't be offended." There was a charming insolence in the man's voice.
As much as she didn't want to admit it, the man's approach intrigued her. His voice alone, like rough silk, was definitely worth a few more seconds of her attention. "You have fifty seconds left."
The man chuckled good-naturedly. "Actually, I only need five." His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "I have information about Blake."
Jenna put her ears closer to the speaker in surprise. Had she heard correctly? What trick was this?
The man asked, "Now that I have your attention, what shall we do with the other forty-five seconds?"
"Why should I believe you?"
"Let's meet. I will show you a sample of what I have to offer. You can set the time and place. Come armed. I will be unarmed. If you don't like what you hear, you can kill me. What do you say?"
Jenna stared at the speaker. With everything else going wrong… Could she risk it? The man had information about Blake.
Jenna asked, "What's the information?"
"You're asking for a free sample?"
"I want to know who you are, why you're doing this and what you get out of it."
"Ah…that's four requests. I will only give you one. Chose."
Jenna considered this. "Give me the sample."
"Listen very carefully, Jenna Stannis."
There was silence for a second and then a familiar voice came over her speaker.
Blake's words rose from the past.
Hm? Uh, these two…(rustling sounds) Plantation Five, did she say? (more background sounds)
Yes. Another man's voice. This one was familiar too.
Blake's voice said, I might just take a swing out in that direction, see if there's anything left.
You'll be wasting time.
Deva. That's…Deva. It was the man Jenna had left Blake with. The computer engineer who had offered his expertise.
Blake's voice responded, I'll bear that in mind.
The speaker fell silent. Jenna was filled with confusion and suspicion. Could she afford to take this man seriously? Could she afford not to? He had information about Blake and Gauda Prime.
The silky voiced man asked, "Do you like my sample? Or should I find another line of work?"
Jenna said cautiously, "Blake's voice can be faked."
The man chuckled again. "Very true. There are numerous public broadcasts of him. But you are interested, aren't you? Because of the other voice."
Jenna stared at the speaker, wishing she could see through to the man on the other side. Something told her that she knew this man. His voice sounded familiar too. "If this is a trick…"
"You will have the gun and I have no doubts that you will use it."
Chapter Twenty-One
Jenna met the man in an out-of-the-way establishment. A very posh restaurant where even most Alphas couldn't afford to go to. It was the kind of place that charged so much that anonymity was part of the service.
The refined atmosphere and the luxurious surroundings filled her with nostalgia. Even the smells lifted this place above the common and spoke of civility. People who frequented these establishments wore privilege like a second skin.
If the mysterious man wanted to see her, he would have to pay for it.
She used to frequent places like this. Before everything went wrong and she was forced into a life of crime as the only way to reclaim the lifestyle she used to have. It had been a long time since she had such simple ambitions.
Booth Eight. Tier Four.
She followed the deferential waiter in black as he led her through the maze of corridors. There wasn't any hint of surveillance, traps or a Federation presence. So far so good. She'd scouted out the place for half an hour outside before entering.
The waiter stopped in front of a control panel. "Please, put your hand on the ident pad, Madame."
Do I look like a madam? A disgruntled Jenna placed her left hand on the indicated surface. The panel turned green and the door slid open.
"The door control will only activate for yourself and your guest. And authorized restaurant personnel, of course. Bon appétit, Madame." The waiter stepped aside to let her in.
She was going to have to start wearing something that made her younger, thought Jenna as she entered the door, and nearly did a double take, her hand sliding towards the pistol that was concealed inside her jacket. She exclaimed, "I know you!"
Sester greeted her with a warm smile. "We've met before. Not personally, of course." He sat relaxed with both hands casually resting on the table. Almost as if he wanted to reassure her that he was unarmed. At least his hands were.
The psychostrategist. Servalan's psychostrategist. The one who had saved Avon's life.
She knew this was a dangerous man. Despite his harmless, easygoing manner, he was a psychostrategist. They had a reputation that was universally feared and respected. You ignored a psychostrategist at your own peril.
Sester was a deceptive charmer who had hidden depths and agendas she could only guess at. He had even been able to fool Cally's psi abilities. Jenna knew she would have to be very careful with him. She would have to be on guard against him every moment and resist his considerable charms.
She lowered herself into the seat opposite Sester, her eyes full of wariness. Jenna noticed that there was already a bottle of opened wine breathing in a container next to the table. Sester lifted the bottle with practiced movements and filled the waiting glasses on the table in front of him. He slid one over to her and said pleasantly. "You have very good taste. This is a fine establishment. Did you used to come here often?"
This was one of Sester's favourite restaurants. He came here frequently, often bringing dates or people he wanted to give a special treat. Or to dine with his fellow psychostrategists. It was a discreet place with enclosed booths for those who wanted privacy.
Jenna left the glass untouched and studied the ginger-haired man over the top of her menu. "Only when I want someone to pay."
He grinned. "And I would be paying, of course."
"You're the one who contacted me."
"This is hardly a date," he said pleasantly.
"Don't flatter yourself. You're not my type. I don't go in for devious snakes who work for Servalan. I have scruples."
Sester chuckled, "And I have none at all."
His charm was smooth and subtle. It told her that he was no threat, but if she wanted some fun, he would be more than obliging.
Jenna said impatiently, "Why did you contact me?"
"I'm looking for a beautiful woman." His voice was like rough silk, its agreeable baritone vibrations would easily slide past her defences if she let them.
Jenna's lips thinned in annoyance and she said in the tone of someone who was not amused in the least, "I knew this was a mistake." She got up to leave.
Sester half-rose from his seat, "Wait. Hear me out."
Jenna sat down again with suspicion stamped on her face. "I have no time for any games. If I don't like what I hear..."
"I'm sure you will let me know and make me regret it. But, in the meantime, why don't we order something? At least you will have enjoyed some gourmet food at my expense, if nothing else. Besides, the waiters might appreciate something to do. They tend to get impatient if patrons just sit and talk."
Jenna picked up the menu again and pored over it. The items sounded delicious. Jenna was determined to pick the most expensive items on it. The smug psychostrategist deserved to be stiffed for all she could take him for.
Sester slowly picked up his own menu. He already knew what he wanted, but he was using the pretence in order to study Jenna.
Without looking up, Jenna said, "I'm waiting."
Sester asked casually, "Firing squad, poison or a slow painful death?"
Words without context can be very disconcerting. Especially if you didn't know if they were aimed at you. Jenna suppressed a reaction of shock. "Are you trying to threaten me?"
"I was speaking of the threat you pose to Avon. Have you decided how he will die?"
Jenna's breathing quickened. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Come now, Jenna Stannis. If you don't admit to something, we're going to be at this all day. Let's cut through the preamble and get to the chasing part. You want Avon dead and you're trying to find a way to do that, with or without Avalon's interference."
Jenna realized that it would do no good denying something that Sester seemed certain of. "What do you know about that?"
"A great deal…and not enough."
Jenna's eyes narrowed at the evasion.
Sester smiled at her reaction. "My information about you is incomplete. Your files don't contain much after you joined up with Blake. Just a few random notes. Mainly referring back to the Blake file. It's almost as if you ceased to exist as an individual."
"This had better not be a criticism of Blake," Jenna warned as her fingers curled ominously around the stem of the wine glass.
"Oh no. I wouldn't dare. He's your great hero. I only meant that after you joined Blake, you seemed to have devoted your life to his cause. Nothing else mattered to you anymore. Not your days as a famous and successful smuggler…"
Jenna instantly corrected him, "Free trader."
The barest hint of a smile played on Sester's lips. He knew it was a designation that she was very sensitive about. "Of course, my mistake. It didn't matter that you once owned your own ship, had your own crew and were master of your own fate."
"I learned that there were more important things."
"Yes." Sester leaned forward just a tad. "Such as dreams worth living for?"
Jenna stared at him. Sester's words were bringing up thoughts and feelings of Blake.
Sester leaned back. "I've been studying you, Jenna. You're far more ruthless than your files indicate. You've changed a great deal since your free trader days. You are willing to do things now that you never thought you would do. And some of it bothers you because it no longer bothers you."
She said frigidly, "Don't presume to know me."
"Oh, I never presume, Jenna. That's the mark of an amateur." His fingers lightly ran around the rim of his own glass. Somehow, he made it seem like a sensual act even though his words were far from it. "I may be many things, but an amateur, I am not. And neither are you."
Jenna said, "I'm tired of your games. Tell me why you asked me here and what information you have about Blake."
Sester picked up his glass of wine and took a tasteful sip before saying with a slight grin, "And why I need a beautiful woman?"
Jenna pulled her gun out and pointed it at him. "Tell me one good reason why I shouldn't shoot you now."
There was a roguish grin on his face now. "Because I'm irresistible?"
Before Jenna could tightened her finger around the trigger, he said, "And because you wanted to see this." He reached slowly into his breast pocket, drew out a small data cube and set it on the table.
Jenna looked at it warily. "What is this?"
"The sample that you're dying to see."
Jenna said, "Show it to me." She emphasized with her gun. "No tricks."
Sester smiled pleasantly. "I wouldn't dare. Well, actually I would…but not right now." He depressed a control on the side. Coloured lights formed above the cube, coalescing into the image of Blake and Deva. They seemed frozen in time.
Her Blake. Her broken Blake, with his face battered by a dozen battles, his eye scarred by betrayal and - her heart caught in her throat - a harsh cynicism and determination in his eyes.
Sester asked, "Would you like to see more?"
Jenna's throat constricted in sorrow. It was too painful to see him again. To see what had become of him. Her reply was almost painful. "Yes."
Sester pressed a different button on the side of the cube. The figures began to move, replaying the scene that she had heard on the shuttle.
All too quickly, it was over.
"Where's the rest of it?" she asked.
"All in good time." Sester leaned back and studied her. "Do you know why you're here?"
Jenna regarded him guardedly. "Don't you mean, do I know why you're here?"
"Oh, I think you know that already. Once you identified who I was. Not that interesting a question really, since you know the answer."
"You want to help Avon," she said with angry accusation.
"You see? Not that interesting. Now the other question…that is fascinating."
"You're wrong."
"I don't think so."
Jenna wanted to slap him, before she killed him. The man was supremely confident and arrogant in his own abilities. She imagined that other women found him a charming rogue. She didn't. "I'm here to find evidence that Avon betrayed Blake."
Sester shook his head and smiled. "That's not the reason."
Jenna stood up and pointed her gun at his head. "This conversation is over."
"Did they ever find out…" He said the next part with great deliberation, "…that you're the one responsible for Rane being poisoned?"
Jenna's gun hand wavered. How did he know? It had to be a bluff.
Sester continued, "Or that you were one of the key players in Shade trafficking in the Athol Territories?"
Jenna sat down heavily. In a shaky voice, she asked, "How…did you know that?" More importantly, had he told anyone?
"It wasn't that difficult for a man of my calibre. All I had to do was put together the facts. Too many things pointed to inside knowledge. Reya must have suspected." Sester's eyes became suddenly menacingly cold. It was a shocking change from his normal friendly manner. "Is that why you tried to kill her?"
"I didn't know. It was a shock to me."
Sester's face relaxed and he became friendly again. "I know."
"You…do?" Jenna was perplexed.
"You lost control the moment you arrived on Athol and contacted the Shade organization. But you found out too late, didn't you, Jenna? When they poisoned Rane."
"That was…a mistake."
"Was it?" Sester's tone was more curious than accusatory. "You almost killed a friend, Jenna. Was it just a mistake? Or was it the culmination of many bad decisions on your part?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"By the way, you don't have to be concerned. I haven't revealed this information to anyone."
"Do you think you can blackmail me with it? To save Avon?"
"Blackmail is such an ugly word." He paused, giving her a few moments to think. "You can relax, I won't use it that way. You might consider it worth the sacrifice. Which brings me back to my original question; do you know why you're here?"
"You obviously think you know the answer. Why don't you tell me?" said Jenna belligerently. The balance had shifted but she refused to be cowed.
Sester absently noted her aggressive posture, that was also strangely defensive. "You're here because you want to know that you're doing the right thing."
Jenna said emphatically, "I know I'm doing the right thing."
Sester leaned forward again. "Then why can't you sleep at night?"
"How did you…" Jenna blurted out.
Sester smiled again. "Does it matter? You nearly caused the death of two friends, Jenna. Only a completely heartless, totally obsessed person would be unmoved by that. I don't think you've reached that stage yet. What you did on Athol sickened you and you're hoping to find evidence that Avon is as treacherous as you believe he is. You think it will justify what you did. But Jenna…" His voice became quiet. "…what if you're wrong? What then?"
"Are you trying to say that Avon didn't kill Blake?" demanded Jenna.
"I know that he did," said Sester. "I have seen the full record of what happened on Gauda Prime."
"How?"
"It was information that was used to torture Avon with."
"You tortured him?"
Sester shifted in his seat uncomfortably. "Yes. Something that I regret. Avon…" He sighed. "It's better if you see it for yourself. I know where Central Security keeps its classified records. I can get us in. I still have clearance. You can make a copy and see for yourself what really happened."
**********
The two Federation guards appeared at the end of the lane. Sester groaned. There was nowhere he or Jenna could run to or hide behind. Besides, they'd already been seen.
What was the patrol doing here? It wasn't following its regular pattern.
Jenna was going to think that he was a prize idiot for leading them here. She'd think he didn't know what he was doing. This was a highly unacceptable situation.
His mind worked even faster, analyzing the situation. There was a myriad of agendas to be considered here. The most important one for Avon and the rest…well, his reputation for being a top psychostrategist wasn't an empty one. Far from it in fact.
What would two privileged Alphas be doing away from the party and outside, hiding in the barely-concealing bushes? There were limitless possibilities but which one should he use?
Sester had attended a few of these gatherings before, out of curiosity and for educational purposes. He'd always found them amusing. No one seemed to enjoy them but they all attended.
Sester was aware of Jenna's arm still looped in his. Part of the illusion. For all appearances, they were an impeccably dressed and handsome Alpha couple. Jenna's face reflected the soft lights and her dress accentuated her beauty. Not quite as beautiful as Kirsten…his mind quickly clamped down on the random, if thoroughly delightful and mildly frustrating idea. He had to concentrate.
No thoughts that Jenna had tortured Avon and had nearly killed Reya. No personal considerations. Avon's life was at stake.
Thoughts of Kirsten gave Sester an idea, one that he was certain was going to earn him a slap or two, but he couldn't think of any another more optimal, and fun, solution.
With a soft sigh, he wondered why it was that he always got into trouble with women this way.
The patrol was coming closer. If they weren't wearing those concealing helmets, he knew he would be able to see the suspicious look on their faces. There was no guessing about the rifles that were uncomfortably pointed in their direction.
Sester said quickly, "Don't be alarmed, but I'm going to do something that would be considered very cliché in the Delta-vids."
Jenna eyed him suspiciously. "What are you going to do?"
Sester suddenly put one arm around her waist and the other around her shoulders. He pressed her against the wall and began kissing her with great purpose. Jenna was startled but then she began struggling. His mouth covering hers was passionate and insistent, and made it hard for her to do anything other than incoherent protesting.
Sester, realizing that she hadn't understood his message - most likely because she had never been exposed to the plebeian Delta-vids - tried to explain, "Jenna…"
Jenna managed to jab him in the solar plexus before he could get out anything more than her name. She felt him double-over in pain but he did not let go of her. She managed to twist one of his arms around behind him and pivoted, thrusting Sester hard into the wall. He oomphed and then gasped, "Kill me later. After the guards leave."
He kissed her again as Jenna finally realized what he was trying to do. She stopped resisting but kept her firm hold on his arm. Jenna said in a whispered hiss, "We'll talk about this later."
Sester paused long enough to give a single chuckle, "I'm sure you will. Make it good. They're almost here." For the next few moments, they devoted their attentions to being the affectionate couple, kissing each other as if there was no need for oxygen, their hands exploring each other's bodies; one of each hand, since Jenna still had his other one locked behind him and was applying light pressure. Just enough pain so that he wouldn't forget why they were there.
Sester found that the danger of the guards and the excitement of kissing a woman who could hurt him if she really wanted to, added spice to his amorous performance.
Jenna had to admit to herself that Sester was a very good kisser. It would be very easy to let herself go and be caught up in the moment and the sensations. His mouth was enticing and experienced. It was becoming hard to concentrate, to remember what he was. In self-defence, Jenna twisted his arm. Sester gasped and stopped his movements. He looked into her eyes.
Jenna warned silently, "Don't forget yourself."
Sester grinned and whispered into her ear. "I wouldn't dare. Shall we continue? They're watching us."
Jenna frowned but didn't move away when his lips touched her earlobe and traced slowly down her throat, gently nipping at her, leaving a trail of warmed flesh, just like two lovers. Then his lips were on hers again.
The guards were very convinced. They had been about to say something, to ask if the woman was all right, but then she'd pushed her partner against the wall. It didn't seem like either one of them wanted to stop now. They were all over each other.
Alpha games. The guards smirked to each other. Some of the Alphas liked the rough stuff, or so they'd heard. The two troopers knew where this one was going to end. Reluctantly, they continued their patrol. What Alphas did was none of their business unless they were a threat to security.
Sester suddenly stopped and looked up. "They're gone. But we could continue if you wish. I don't mind." There was a suggestive tone in his whispered voice.
Jenna's face was flushed. For a moment, she was disoriented at the abrupt end to their kiss and then she slapped him across the face. "Don't do that again."
"Ow!" Sester rubbed his stinging cheek. "You're right. Next time, I'll remember to let them arrest us. Or ask us embarrassing questions we don't really want to give them the answers to. I'm sure that by the time they let us out, we won't be too old. I'll still love you no matter how you look."
Jenna prepared to slap him again but this time, Sester was ready, caught her hand, and grinned. "You only get one slap per day."
He let go of her hand and with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes said, "But for you, I might make an exception."
Jenna lifted her hand again but he looked squarely into her eyes with an amused, challenging air. She was very tempted but Jenna's instincts told her that he was playing games with her. Putting her hand down, she said angrily, "Don't flatter yourself. I would never involve myself with someone like you."
"Isn't it a little late to say that? We are working together," Sester pointed out.
"We're using each other. Nothing more."
Sester grinned, "If you say so. Now what were we about to do before we were so rudely interrupted? You did want to do something besides kill me, didn't you?"
"I'm trying to decide."
"Well, do it quickly before the next patrol comes or you'll have even more reason to kill me." Sester rubbed his sore cheek again. "They don't appear to be following their normal patrol schedule."
"This isn't over," said Jenna.
Sester muttered under his breath. "I certainly hope not."
Her eyes narrowed. "What did you say?"
"I said, I certainly hope another patrol doesn't come along. I wouldn't want to have to kiss you again and get my other cheek slapped."
Jenna glared at him. "I can slap you anytime without the kiss. Just say when."
Sester leaned towards her. "When…"
Suddenly Sester felt something pressing up beneath his chin. He didn't need to look down to know that it was the barrel of a pistol. Jenna had somehow brought it up without him noticing it. For some reason, he was delighted to find that his estimation of her was not in error; she was a very capable and dangerous woman.
Jenna said with a sickly sweetly smile, "Why don't we skip the slap and go to something really serious, like killing you?"
"You're a hard woman, Jenna Stannis."
"And you're a charming, devious snake."
He grinned at her. "Why don't we get back to business?"
"I thought we were." She increased the pressure of the gun under his chin, causing Sester to tilt his head back.
"Don't I get any last requests?"
"You don't deserve one."
Sester felt Jenna's hand tighten as she prepared to squeeze the trigger. His eyes were bright with amusement and excitement. They both knew that she wasn't going to kill him; at least, not until after they did what they came to do. But they also both knew that she could.
Spice of life. Sester had not felt this alive since the last time his life was in mortal danger.
Jenna had a real desire to shoot him but they had more important things to do now. She could always shoot him later, after slapping him. "How do we get in?"
Sester almost seemed disappointed as he took the ident-key from his pocket. Vila had very creative fingers when it dealt with locks. "How about using this?"
"What are we waiting for then?" She headed off towards their destination without waiting to see if he was following.
Sester smiled and went after her.
The rest of the mission went without incident. Rather anticlimactic really. They gained access to the files, Jenna made a copy and after giving him a slap in the face, she left.
The rest would depend on Jenna's reaction to the footage from Gauda Prime. If he read her correctly, and he was confident that he had, she would be shaken by what she would find. Sester found guilt a wonderful tool. It coloured one's perceptions in very useful ways.
