Part 19 – Can Evil Speak True
"I need to speak to you."
"Spike? Is Ebony here?" Bray asked, looking around him. He saw no Ebony though.
Spike shook his head. "No, I'm here on my own. She didn't want to hear what I had to say. It's about the killings."
Bray's expression sharpened at that, and he led Spike from the café, out of earshot of the others. They walked down the stairs together and stood by the railing just where the step split in two. "What's your news? What have you found out?"
Spike looked at him squarely. "You wanted us to search for a murderer, and we did. Today we found him."
Bray blinked, shocked. He had never, ever expected that the Militia would actually find anyone. He'd merely wanted to protect anyone else from getting hurt. He felt elation rise within him. Justice had been done for Micah's mother. At least Bray could tell him that when he grew up.
"Are you sure Spike?" Bray asked eagerly. "Who was it?"
"Me and some of my boys came upon some drunk kid slitting a girl's throat in Sector 11 this morning. He bolted to a shanty town down by the docks and we went after him. There was a fight and he jumped into the water. We went in after him, but the idiot drowned within three minutes."
Bray frowned. "He's dead? But— Spike, how can you even be sure it was him?"
"Well this new victim was killed in exactly the same way as the one you found. She looked like she'd been raped before hand too. It all fits. He was a drunk, probably an addict too. A psycho who was just killing girls for the sake of it. That's it," Spike shrugged.
"Well I sure hope that's it."
"It is. Ebony didn't want to hear any of this, so that's why I had to come over and tell you myself," Spike said deferentially.
Bray nodded silently, staring at Spike's face. He didn't look like most of the other Locos. In fact, Spike looked like he could have been any other handsome frat boy before the Virus. He had big blue eyes, tanned skin, and fair, sun-bleached hair. Under all of the Loco paraphernalia he was pretty normal looking. But he was just as malevolent as any other Loco despite his innocent good looks.
Bray had been with the burgeoning Locusts in the early days, when he'd been trying to keep track of his brother. He certainly hadn't participated in any of their exploits but he'd seen them all first hand. And he knew Spike wasn't the angel he appeared to be. He was a quick-thinking, wholly amoral young man. He hid his intelligence under the insanity of the lynch mob. He acted like he was just as mindlessly violent as the rest. It couldn't be further from the truth.
This was why Bray was wondering what Spike was doing right now. Bray knew Spike cared even less about this than Ebony did. What was the polite attitude about? Spike hated him. He wasn't Zoot, and wasn't like Zoot, and Spike had no time for him.
And so Bray had to ask himself, was what Spike was telling him true? Or was he just saying it to get him off the Militia's back over the killings?
Spike startled Bray from his reverie. "Anyway, I've got work to do. I'll be back with the boys on market day."
"Oh—yeah, yeah. Thanks… I guess. Tell—tell Ebony to drop by today. I need to talk to her," Bray told him.
Spike nodded and left, putting his Loco helmet on. Bray watched him go with a worried look.
"I think we should try the Bill of Rights idea again."
"You can't be serious!" Tai-San exclaimed.
"Not this bull again," Lex snorted.
The last time Danni had tried to put this forward the meeting with the tribe leaders had descended into chaos. None of them had wanted to sign Danni's Bill, and they hadn't agreed with what was in it either. It would prevent a lot of the other tribes from surviving how they had, and also would take power from many others. It simply hadn't been in their interests to sign it. Danni had felt defeated and overruled that day, and furious at the unthinking leaders whose own greed had prevented her from bringing order to the City. But maybe it was time to try again.
Bray shifted Micah in his arms, and frowned at the tribe. "Give her a chance guys."
"Oh would you just shove this Bill of Rights thing? You know, you didn't just take Amber's place in the tribe and Bray's bed, you took her personality too. She was always trying to take control, set boundaries for us all… I'm sick of you trying to do the same!" Lex exclaimed.
"Leave Amber out of this, she isn't here to defend herself," Bray said with a wounded look on his face.
"Back off. I don't need you throwing in your piece as well. I'm tired of being preached to in this damned tribe!"
"We wouldn't need to preach if you weren't such a lousy tribe member!" Bray retorted sharply. Micah jumped and Bray smiled at the baby in apology before quickly returning his gaze to Lex.
"I'm trying to create a civilised world Lex," Danni said reasonably.
"How can you create a civilised world when there are no civilised people?" Lex snapped.
"And whose fault is that?" Bray said smartly.
Lex narrowed his eyes. "Funny. You're a funny guy, aren't you? And what about your funny news Bray? Why haven't you told the rest of the tribe yet?"
"What's he talking about?" Ryan asked.
"Yeah, is there something we should know?" Jack put in.
"Spike came to visit me today. There's been another killing," Bray said.
The café was alive with chatter as the tribe voiced their fear and shock.
"Wait!" Bray shouted. "But apparently, he found the killer as well, down by the docks. It was some kid. He jumped into the water to escape the Militia and he drowned."
"He's dead?" Salene asked.
"Yeah. We can all sleep a lot easier now," Danni nodded.
Lex rolled his eyes. "Yeah right. You believe all of this – coming from Spike? It might as well have come from Ebony herself, and we all know how much we can trust her, don't we?"
A strange expression crossed Bray's face, like he was almost about to agree with Lex, but it disappeared quickly. "I believe Spike. I have no reason not to. End of discussion. Now can we please talk about this later, and get back to the matter at hand?"
No one protested, but Lex didn't look very happy.
"The Tribal Gathering is coming up soon. Most of the tribe leaders have agreed to come and engage in talks with us, and to bring their tribes for the festivities. It would be the perfect occasion to bring up the Bill of Rights again," Danni said.
"And do the tribe leaders know that you're tricking them into a meeting where you're going to try and push a Bill they've already rejected?" May asked archly.
"I am not tricking anyone!" Danni exclaimed. "They know that we're there to discuss important matters to do with the future of the City!"
Jack spoke up haltingly. "Not to rain on anyone's parade— but the City is getting worse than ever now. Do you really think a Bill telling people what they can and can't do is going to stop any of the thieves or the murderers?"
Ellie nodded. "Do you think it would have stopped that kid who killed Micah's mom?"
"I thought you guys were on board here!" Danni said, a worried and hurt look on her face.
"We are!" Jack insisted. "But we don't want the Gathering to be a disaster like last time! Who knows how the tribe leaders will take this!"
"Yeah… Billy Boy, Anubis, Troy – they all run their tribes with an iron fist, and they survive by stealing, fighting and slave trading," Ellie pointed out.
"But we might change all that with the Bill," Danni said. "What about the Gulls? They can be just as ruthless as the Jackals, or the Demon Dogs, or the Slave Traders, but they agreed right away to come to the Gathering!"
"Only because Jet is dating Dal!" Jack snorted, elbowing his friend.
"Hey! Leave her out of it!" Dal scowled.
"Well Dal? Are the Gulls game? Do you think Jet will agree to the Bill?" Bray asked.
"I don't know. The Gulls don't like rules anymore than the Dogs or the Jackals do," Dal replied.
"I don't think they'll even want to look at the Bill, let alone sign it," Ellie said.
Danni looked at Bray, and he shrugged helplessly. They couldn't control their tribe's opinions. If they didn't agree with the Bill, then they didn't.
"Guys, we're sorry you feel this way," Bray said.
"I'm sure you are," Lex said darkly.
"You can't keep trying to control other people," Tai-San said. "They need to find their own path."
"And if their own path leads them to kill other people that's okay then, is it?" Danni snapped.
"I didn't say that," Tai-San retorted.
"Then what did you say Tai-San?" Danni demanded.
"Hey! Forget it! Can we just get back to the issue here?" Bray yelled, irritated.
Solaris walked down the stairs with Patsy and Cloe then, the dog on a lead with them. "Is this a meeting? I'm sorry, I shouldn't interrupt."
"No Solaris, it's fine, really. You're welcome to sit in on it," Bray said.
"No she's not!' Lex exclaimed, glaring over at Solaris. "She's not a Mallrat! In fact, who knows who she is? A spy for the Mosquitoes, or the Jackals, heck, even the Chosen!"
"She isn't a spy!" Bray defended.
Trudy paled and fidgeted nervously. "The Chosen wouldn't plant spies here. They have no reason to care about the City, they think I'm dead."
"We know Trudy. It's just too bad that some people can't understand that," Danni said pointedly, scowling at Lex.
"If there's a meeting why weren't we invited?" Cloe asked, crossing her arms.
"This meeting isn't for your ears," Danni told her.
"Then what kind of ears do we have to have to be invited?" Patsy retorted sarcastically.
"Patsy, don't be rude," Salene reprimanded. "Please girls. We're just thinking of you. Go and look for KC. Take Cloudy for a walk. I'll spend time with you later." She smiled at the two annoyed girls encouragingly and they relented, stomping away.
"Sal, I thought you and me were going to have a quiet night together," Ryan whispered to her.
"No Ryan. The kids need me more. You know how they hate being left out. I have to show them we still care about their opinions," Salene hissed back.
"Solaris, please, sit down." Bray smiled at the girl, and gestured to the bench where there was an empty seat by Tai-San.
Solaris swept down the stairs, her long, flowing white skirts fluttering behind her. She sat beside Tai-San who smiled at her welcomingly. Lex snorted and looked away unhappily.
"Guys, if we don't have our own tribes support on the Bill, how can we possibly expect to have any other tribe's support?" Danni asked reasonably.
"We're sorry Danni." Ellie shrugged. "If we don't agree with it, we don't agree with it."
"And we obviously don't," Tai-San said firmly.
"Can't you all even give us a chance to see if it'll work? If the other leaders will sign it?" Bray asked.
"And if we don't? Let me guess – you'll bring it to the Gathering anyway," Lex said.
"We never said that," Danni snapped.
Solaris frowned thoughtfully, and spoke up. "It seems to me you're deadlocked. Some of you don't believe it'll work, and it'll just cause more chaos, and the rest of you believe it will work and will calm the chaos, right?"
"Your point being?" Lex said archly.
"You have to compromise. Bring the Bill, and if talks go well, present it to the leaders. If things don't go well then they can't use the Bill against you."
"Perfect." Bray smiled gratefully at Solaris.
"I agree," Danni said, but she still looked a little put out that Solaris had come up with a solution to the problem.
"I think that's okay," Ellie said.
"Vote?" Bray asked.
He raised his hand in support of it. Micah copied him and Bray chuckled. He looked around and saw that almost everyone else was agreeing as well. Lex simply stood up and walked away.
Bray ignored Lex's obvious show of derision for the decision and smiled. "It's done then! Thanks guys. We'll have more meetings about the Gathering once it comes closer. Keep up the good work on it!"
Danni turned to Bray to say something, but he'd already walked over to Solaris with a huge grin on his face.
"Thanks for settling that Solaris. You were great. It was really helpful to have an unbiased opinion," he said to her warmly.
"No problem. I've never been part of a tribe, so I've never had to deal with tribal politics. It was a new experience for me," Solaris replied.
"I hope you might consider becoming part of this tribe… if you're happy here of course."
"That's kind Bray, but I can't make a decision like that yet."
"I understand," Bray nodded. "But think about it."
Danni frowned to herself, and stalked over before she realised what she was doing. She snatched a startled Micah from Bray's arms, and scowled at her boyfriend.
"Danni!" Bray exclaimed.
"He needs his nap, or he'll be cranky tonight, and who will it be taking care of him? Me – again!" Danni shouted at him, before storming off to their room.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what got into her," Bray apologised to Solaris.
"No need to apologise. She's probably just stressed with the Gathering and the baby. She loves you very much, she wants this all to go right for you and for the tribe."
Bray nodded. "I know, I know."
Luke looked out over the camp. It was midnight, and there were dozens of tents set up all across the field they were in. The flames of the Chosen's trademark burning torches lit up the night. He started to count how many tents there were but gave up. There were too many to even bother counting.
The Guardian was smart. In order to mask the huge indignity it was to have gained and lost the Supreme Mother, he was fiercely recruiting. Already their numbers had swelled immensely. Luke saw a new face among the followers every day. Their seamstresses could hardly keep up and worked tirelessly to make more robes for the new members.
Meanwhile, Luke grew more and more discontented every day. How could these kids simply believe in Zoot because the Guardian told them to? How could Luke have ever have believed in it himself? Why had he? Had he been so lost that he'd believed in such a paper thin deity?
Yes, he'd been very lost. But Trudy had found him. It was she he needed, not the Chosen.
But how would he leave? The Guardian was his friend. Luke didn't want to betray him like this. But Luke didn't believe what the Guardian believed anymore. And he had seen with the Guardian did with the unbelievers. Especially ones who had previously believed. It was an even more terrible sin in his eyes to renounce your faith, than to never have faith.
Luke would be punished the fullest extent. Death.
Everyday he was terrified that the Guardian somehow knew what he was thinking, knew what lay behind his eyes. Treachery. But Luke didn't care anymore, he was beyond caring. He had known something greater than the Guardian, than the Chosen, than Zoot. He'd known Trudy.
Luke gave the camp one last look before returning to his own tent. When he stepped inside the Guardian was standing before him, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Lieutenant Luke, finally. I've been waiting for you."
"I'm sorry, I was taking a walk," Luke said quietly.
"That's quite all right. I'm just here to speak with you," the Guardian said. "I'll get right to the point Luke. You've been different, vastly different, since the Supreme Mother committed suicide."
Luke carefully averted his eyes to avoid having to look at the Guardian. Instead he went to sit on his bed. "Yes, I know I have."
"I want to know why. You have a duty, a sacred task within this tribe Luke. You cannot let the past interfere with that. I myself was extremely troubled by the Supreme Mother's passing, as you know, but I have moved on. I have moved on to do what I was meant to do. Ask yourself Luke, what were you meant to do?"
Luke didn't reply. He didn't know exactly what he was meant to do – but it certainly wasn't this.
"Luke, is there something you need to tell me? Something that's been bothering you?"
"Of course not. What would be bothering me? We're doing the people a great service by teaching them the way of Zoot," Luke answered mechanically.
"Yes Luke, we are! And you are an integral part of this. I just wish you weren't so detached. This is where your life has been leading Luke. Right here, to this. You've met your destiny!" the Guardian enthused.
This resounded somewhere in Luke, and he almost smiled, before catching himself. Yes… his life had been leading him here, leading him to the Guardian and to the Chosen, leading him down the wrong path to meet the right person. The Guardian had just inadvertently given Luke the courage he needed to escape, and escape he would. This very night.
"Guardian, you're entirely right. You have given me a new outlook on life, and I thank you," Luke said warmly, standing up.
The Guardian beamed. "No, thank you Luke. You've shown me what a loyal follower you are. And I know now you'll support me in what Zoot has led me to do next."
Luke didn't quite like the gleam in the Guardian's eye, and his happiness faded slightly. "What, Guardian?"
"Some new followers, the ones who joined just yesterday, they were from the City. They have said that there is a tribal gathering planned. All City tribes will be attending. Luke, it is time we returned to the land of Zoot's reign, and reminded all of the unworthy that Zoot's legacy is still very much alive, though he is not."
Luke reeled. Return to the City? But the Mallrats would be furious, murderous if they ever saw the Chosen again. They had kidnapped Trudy and Brady, held Ebony captive, and beaten that boy who had tried to untie their boats. They had done nothing but cause trouble for the Mallrats. Luke could just see the chaos now.
"Do you think that wise Guardian? It is after all home of the Mallrats, they won't be happy to see us again, especially since the Supreme Mother and her daughter died in our care," he said reasonably.
"She took her own life! That was not our fault!" the Guardian insisted.
"Of course, of course." Luke nodded.
Just then, he realised the biggest problem with returning to the City. It was the exact reverse of what he'd just said to the Guardian. The real problem was not that Trudy was dead, but that she was alive. She was sure to have made her way back to her home, or so Luke hoped. Not only would Luke be in danger if the Guardian found out that Trudy was alive, and he'd lied about her, but Trudy too would be in jeopardy.
Luke had lied in order to let her be free to return to a normal life with her tribe. If the Chosen discovered she was alive, they would stop at nothing to recapture her, and make her align to the way of Zoot. And once the Guardian had punished Luke for lying as he had, he would not be there to help her escape a second time.
"Luke I also have another plan. Our new followers need inspiration. They have never met the Supreme Mother or Zoot's daughter. They were a real connection to him, and his legacy. And there is but one last connection to him left that may still yet help our cause." The Guardian paused triumphantly. "His brother. Luke, we shall bring Zoot's brother into the fold!"
"But he wants nothing to do with the Chosen. He himself led the search party which tried to rescue Trudy! He will never join us!"
"But Luke, he's intelligent and industrious. I have known him well in the past. He will see that our way is the right way for all!"
Luke just looked at the Guardian, realising that he couldn't possibly leave now. He had to stay, he had to. The Guardian's new plans were sure to affect Trudy, and Luke needed to stay for as long as possible in order to find out as much as he could so he could prevent the Guardian from succeeding.
Luke didn't know who should wield power and chaos, but it wasn't the Guardian, and he was realising that all too late.
"What's going on?" Ebony demanded.
The Locos were carrying something wrapped in a white sheet into the hotel.
Milton looked at her. "It's a new victim. We're bringing the body in on Spike's orders."
"Spike's orders? Ebony said, giving him a dark look. "Since when was Spike in charge around here?"
"He was in charge of patrolling for the killer, wasn't he?" Milton shot back.
Ebony arched an eyebrow. Since when did any Loco, besides Spike obviously, talk back to her? Where was this kid getting his bravery from? Didn't he know what she could do to him? "Shut your mouth, lackey. I don't want this body in my hotel. Dump it somewhere," she ordered, glaring at them all, especially Milton.
"When Spike comes back, you can tell him. Right now, this body is going in the basement," Milton told her shortly.
"And just where is Spike?
"He went to the Mall to talk to your boyfriend," Milton said with a sarcastic smile.
Ebony narrowed her eyes at him. "Get out of my sight. I'll deal with you later," she spat.
She stormed into the hotel. How dare he talk to her like that? She was Queen of the Locos. She was in charge, not Spike. Who did they think they were taking orders from him, and ignoring her? And just what was Spike doing going to talk to Bray? Since when were they all buddy buddy?
Ebony slammed the door of her office, furious. She stalked across the dark room and grabbed some matches. She quickly lit some candles on her desk to bring some light to the room. As the contours and crevices of the room were slowly revealed, so was another person, sitting on the sofa.
The person pushed their hood back and smiled. "Hello Ebony."
Ebony's fury rose a few notches as the looked incredulously at Java. "How the hell did you get past my guards?"
Java snorted. "Those morons wouldn't have spotted me if I had worn a sign saying 'intruder'!"
Ebony turned away from Java and stared at the wall, breathing slowly. She would have to calm down if she was going to face Java with a clear mind. She wasn't going to let her witch of a sister get anything over on her. She took a deep breath, tossed her braids over her shoulder, and smiled widely. "What are you doing here?" she asked smoothly.
"Can't two sisters just have a friendly talk?" Java asked nonchalantly.
"I don't have any sisters," Ebony said plainly.
"Don't be like that."
"What do you want me to do then Java? Have afternoon tea with you? Do you want us to sit down and reminisce over the good old days?" Ebony asked casually as she went around the desk and sat in the huge chair behind it.
Java stood up from the sofa and walked over to stand in front of the desk with a smile. "Oh Ebony, don't be ridiculous. There never were any 'good old days'. Any day of my life with you in it was not a good day."
"Ditto."
"Well at least we agree on something!" Java laughed.
Ebony's own malicious smile dropped and she sat forward, glaring at Java darkly. "Right, so let's agree on this – you getting out of my hotel!"
Java shook a finger at her. "Ah ah ah! Not so fast. My husband is getting impatient. He wants to know if you've thought his propositions over."
Ebony rolled her eyes and sighed theatrically. "I'll think them over when I'm good and ready to. I have a city to run. I don't have time to sit down and ponder the merits of dear little Ram's flights of fancy."
Java arched an eyebrow. "He's no pushover Ebony. He may come across arrogant and cocky, but he's the smartest person you'll ever meet. And he will crush you if you get in his way. As much as I'd love to see that – I suggest you step aside little sister and let the big boys take over."
Ebony felt white hot fury spark within her, and she stared at Java unwaveringly. She spoke in a dangerously low voice. "Don't you dare condescend to me. I've got more power than you could ever dream of. All you are is a glorified sex slave."
"Something you know well. Zoot sure didn't take you into his bed for any other reason," Java retorted easily.
"I want you out. Now."
"I see I hit a nerve. Did you even give a damn when he went missing? Or did you kill him yourself?" Java asked casually. She reached out and picked up a silver letter opener from the desk, caressing the smooth surface with a finger.
"I did not kill him! Some moron Mallrat killed him! I never would have done Zoot any harm," Ebony spat.
"A Mallrat killed him? Really? That powerless bunch of kids that you seem to have so much contempt for don't seem so powerless. One of them killed Zoot, king of the City," Java laughed.
"I don't have to listen to this. I'm calling my guards up here in five seconds, and I will have them kill you, don't think I won't, so I suggest you toddle off back to our spineless sister and your dear little husband," Ebony hissed condescendingly.
"Now now Ebony. Siva never has anything but good words for you. Unlike me of course. But that's beside the point. I'm not leaving little sister. In fact, I'm here for a prolonged visit," Java said with a smile. She leaned forward and placed her hands on the desk, her face close to Ebony's. "And guess what kid? I'm staying at the Phoenix Mall," she said softly.
Ebony's eyes flashed. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"You're going to bring me to your little friends in the Mall and introduce me, your long lost sister. I'm sure Bray will welcome me back with open arms. We always did mesh well, he and I."
Ebony let out a dry cackle. "Are you out of your mind? I am not bringing you to the Mall! Why don't you and every single Techno just march into the City in full gear – it might be less obvious!"
Java narrowed her eyes. "Oh you'll do as I say Ebony. You'll do it. Or the Mallrats and every other tribe in the City will find out that you've been conspiring to take control with an invading tribe – who have the power to bring this City to its' knees."
"I have not been conspiring with anyone, least of all the Technos!"
"And are they going to believe that? They know you Ebony. They know what you are – you're that poisonous little snake hiding in the grass, just waiting to strike," Java said, tapping the letter opener on the desk.
"You think you've got me, don't you? Well you really haven't Java. You do what you want! Carry out Ram's orders and sneak into the Mall under the guise of Ebony's innocent big sis… but when you're found out, well, I can't wait to see what that – what did I call them? Oh yeah, I can't wait to see what that "powerless bunch of kids" do to you. Like you said, if they killed Zoot, they can't be that powerless, right?"
"Right. But by that time, I'll know all about them. I'll know their strengths and weaknesses. And then they really will be powerless."
Ebony tilted her head to the side with a mock-concerned expression on her face. "So you're doing all of this for Ram? For a guy you don't even love? I saw you looking at that bleached blond robot while I was at the army base. Jay, was it? Does Ram know you've got designs on his little lieutenant?"
Java's smooth expression faltered for just a second. She shot forward and slammed the pointed end of the letter opener down into the desk. It landed just between Ebony's index and middle fingers. "Whoops. Missed," Java whispered softly, and smiled slowly. She pulled her hood up and turned away. "I'll be back at day break. Don't even try to do anything stupid Ebony. Ved's not the only one who knows how to use a blaster," she called over her shoulder.
Ebony snarled and yanked the letter opener from where it was embedded in her desk. She threw it at the door – and missed. She gritted her teeth. What was happening? How had she let others control her, control how her city was run? She didn't know what the Technos were playing at but she didn't like it. And any cooperation she might have given them had just gone out the window.
If they wanted war, they'd get it. And she would win.
Coming soon in Part 20 – Know Thine Enemy:
- Danni gets a wake up call – and some friendly advice
- Pride sets out to search for Sienna, but finds someone else instead
- Ebony's past sins catch up with her in the form of a familiar face
- And Ram's grand plan is set in motion when Java prepares to leave for the Mall
And more…
