Chapter 42

The conference room in the Krychek HQ was once more occupied by the security committee plus various high ranking executives in the Krychek business empire. After the attack Kaleb had called in a meeting even though it was well past midnight by now. Alja stood silently behind Kaleb as he spoke to them. They had agreed it was the best way to ensure they were physically close but didn't raise any suspicions. She had to seem like a tool, a silent weapon of the ruthless Councilor. So for the first time since she worked for him she wore a standard black uniform with the badge of a single silver star, Kaleb's emblem.

"There has been a direct attack on my person by three other Councilors during a sensitive operation on which I was accompanied by Ms. Dardo." Kaleb started the meeting without further greetings. "As you can see it was highly ineffective just as it was expected. Such an escalation was – as I am sure all of you realize – predictable and inevitable." And even if some of them hadn't realized, no one would admit to the slightest surprise after his statement. And no one did.

No one even raised a question, when he announced, that Alja was to be with him at all times now. It just cemented the speculations everyone who'd met her had had since the day she'd arrived: she was an Arrow, an assassin even the most powerful Psy didn't mess with. And when he'd confirmed it openly everyone seemed very busy with not reacting at all.

But Alja caught a silent kind of tension in the room that had not been there during previous meetings. At first she feared their disguise wasn't as well planned as they'd thought. Reaching out with her empathy she felt the same ice around Kaleb she'd always felt before. He had pulled up his own strange shields again. And now she recognized them for what they were: Emotional blocks, something she'd seen often enough in her life. All Arrows had them too. Kaleb's version just looked a little different, felt even colder. She hated it.

But testing the environment with her empathy she noted something else: The members of the security team were very focused but did not seem as tense as the administrative employees.

Kaleb do any of them act different than usual?

No they're just as professional as ever. Do you think differently?

And the truth hit her with sickening force: The war was here now. Not some distant possibility of the future one needed to prepare for. Not something that happened across the ocean involving people the local Psy cared even less for than for their own. It was here right now. And no Protocol in the world would keep the Psy calm in the face of devastation.

They're scared underneath. She whispered to Kaleb. And I am starting to sense it. Silence will not hold this.

The cutting ice of fear gripped her insides so hard she wanted to curl up and hide in Kaleb's arms.

Too late. She'd be too late. She wouldn't find a way before that fear turned to violent desperation. And even if she felt better than ever after connecting with Kaleb on a level she'd have thought impossible mere hours ago, the thing between them was as fragile as it was beautiful. And it wouldn't save her people, it wouldn't help her to fill the darkness of the Net with the shimmering light that were her powers. Because even as it gave her more time, the Net was running out of it.

Ok. I'll try to calm them. Obviously keeping them in check with power play was no longer enough. At the next possibility he changed the subject towards their war preparations again. "There is no need for concern so far. We are deep in the territory that is exclusively controlled by my Council seat. The people in this sector are safe, as well as their business interests. If any of you or our business associates perceives extra personal protection or security for their facilities necessary, talk to Delenko." Turning towards the security chief he added: "Make sure the Siberian units are ready on call and distribute them wherever they're needed." Showing he had enough resources to offer individual protection for the locals, should do the trick of calming any material and emotional concerns.

Alja wasn't sure if Kaleb's words helped, the sensation of emotional tension was yet too frail to make out subtle changes. But she realized more than one person would have liked to ask some more on the subject. No one dared, except for her colleagues in the security committee. But they stayed absolutely focused on the strategic aspects. And as the meeting went on Alja understood why all of Kaleb's security team were also built physically resistant. They were more than security administrators. They were soldiers. Kaleb's so called 'security branch' was just another term for armed forces, considerable armed forces. That was probably also the reason they didn't react with the same almost-emotional tension she'd sensed in the others, and also why they'd worked so well with her from the start. All members of her team were used to the thought of war, of violence.

Her thoughts were interrupted, when she felt a shadow brush by her in the Net. But this one didn't upset her. She knew it well. She let part of her conscience slip out on the mental plane and reached out brushing the other mind back – a familiar greeting.

Aden what is it? She asked.

You need to ask? I am checking up on you. We haven't heard from you in a long time. Her fellow Arrow answered.

Yes, she should have known he'd make sure she was alright. Because Aden cared. Not on a level that would show in his conditioning in any way. But somehow she'd always known. It was what had bound them together since they first met in the Arrow's training facilities. I didn't know I was supposed to report back to the Squad. For some reason Alja realized she felt compelled to act defensively.

You're not; as long as you're safe in your position. But you have been acting incomprehensible during the last few weeks. He was referring to her public appearance at the ball. And of course he knew she'd had Vasic teleport her outfit in. And now you were involved in violent action between four Councilors. That raises questions…

She should've considered earlier how her behavior might look to the Squad, Alja thought. For the first time it occurred to her that she had maneuvered herself into a position that brought more than a conflict with the law of Silence. It might lead to a conflict of loyalty too. A deadly one. Aden was her fellow Arrow. She wouldn't lie to him. But what had happened between her and Kaleb was not her secret alone. So she chose an evasive answer. I am alright. Kaleb got me out.

That means you were the target. It's what we thought.

We meaning you and Vasic.

Of course. No one else knows how important you are to the Net. Your secrets are safe with us. But we are not sure if you're still safe with Krychek.

I told you he got me out. He sticks to the arrangement we made. Don't you trust him?

We trust him as far as we think our political goals align. Any trust beyond that would be plain stupid.

Yes, it's logical from your position.

Is your position different from ours? He was asking if her loyalty for the Squad still held. He knew enough of her to anticipate that one day she couldn't hold on to the Squad no matter how strong her bond to the military unit. She was the ultimate antagonist of the very thing the Arrows had been created to protect.

You know it always was. But that's not my point. She paused, considering how much to reveal to a man she'd trusted almost all her life, a man she'd grown up with under the same harsh conditions. A bond that wouldn't break even with the new chaotic ties she was forming with to Kaleb. But it was strained. Aden, I won't betray the Squad ever. But I am forming different loyalties as well.

And you are sure Kaleb is worthy of such loyalties?

You think I am misled by my emotion. She didn't begrudge him for his doubts. They knew each other since childhood, had always looked out for each other.

Only you can know that. I'm just asking you to be careful. That part of your personality is a vulnerability.

You also said that when you put me in his service. She acknowledged his care for her but also reminded him, that it wasn't her fault alone where she stood right now.

I remember. And I take responsibility for our course of action. The Squad will always have your back. Whatever happens with Krychek, one word from you and we'll get you out.

Alja could sense Aden's concern when he spoke. It was a weak, fragile ripple of emotion. But it was there. Maybe it was due to the fact that she had lifted some of the blocks on her empathic abilities. Or maybe Aden didn't hide it as well as usual. Maybe the unofficial leader of the Arrows was even less submerged in Silence as she had already guessed. You couldn't inspire such unflinching loyalty among your kind if you didn't care on some level.

Thank you. She said simply then she took a moment to concentrate on the physical world where Kaleb was just closing the meeting. But she'd have time for a few more words with Aden. There's something I want to warn you about too. When I was talking to Vasic I realized that he seems no longer as stable as he used to be.

I am monitoring the process.

It was a professional answer but he seemed a little hesitant. Alja wasn't sure what that meant. He had to know that monitoring wouldn't be enough in the long run. He and Vasic had always had a special connection that even her empathy couldn't figure out fully. Maybe Aden didn't want to see the truth.

Aden, he's going over the edge. He doesn't allow himself to feel but if he would there'd be only hopelessness and resignation. He's not gonna make it when Silence falls.

There's nothing to be done about it.

If you believed that you'd have him sent to the dinarides by now.

Can you help him?

Don't you think I tried? He wouldn't let me. He'd been even more stubborn than Kaleb about it. Then again she clearly didn't have the same effect on him as she did on Kaleb. But maybe that was the point… Have you?.

What do you mean? I don't have your abilities.

But you have a connection to him that is different. And empathy is not only a designation. Then she mentally bit her tongue. She was beginning to allow herself too much openness with the topic of emotion. I apologize. I'm probably going too far. Just remember what I said. He's giving up. Don't let him.

Kaleb managed to stay icily focused until he was sure his staff would function on an optimal level under the new conditions of an open conflict. Then he quickly dismissed all of them. As they were exiting the room he telepathed to Alja: I need to be alone with you.

His mental voice sounded icy but Alja also sensed a kind of heat and a slight emotional pressure that seemed to be transmitted via a different channel of communication she couldn't yet fully perceive. She slowly walked to the door and closed it, when the last of the staff had gotten out, keeping up her perfect façade until the moment the lock of the door clicked shut. Then she turned around to find herself crushed to the back of the door, Kaleb's hands cupping her face, his lips coming down deliciously hard on her own. His kiss was rough, wild and demanding. Her soldier training screamed to stop and be careful with this kind of emotional outburst in the middle of a Psy controlled area. Desire however was stronger and she opened up with a small sigh letting his dark, thunderstorm scent wash over her.

Moments later her shirt had been pulled from her pants and warm hands slipped under it, to burn on her skin. She thrust her hands into his hair pulling him close to kiss him even harder. Only now she began to understand how hungry she had been for him ever since she met him.

Knock knock knock.

They both froze in an instant.

A minute. Kaleb responded mentally, his tone calm enough it wouldn't sound suspicious.

It's Silver. She wouldn't disturb in person if it wasn't important. He added towards Alja, who had already slipped out of his embrace increasing the physical distance between them.

Seconds later Kaleb sat in his place at the conference table again, Alja a statue standing behind him. Their clothes and hair straightened to perfection once more. But it had been close, too close. They couldn't afford to behave like two hormone driven teenagers. Alja wouldn't like it, but he'd probably have to keep using a lot of the Silence Protocol strategies to keep himself in check. And not for the first time he marveled at Alja's ability to conceal her emotion so perfectly without Silence.

"Sir. I apologize for the disturbance." Silver announced when she entered the room again. "But I need to make a request that can no longer be delayed."

Alja sensed that she seemed a little wary. Was that suspicion? Had they already gone too far, betrayed themselves? Kaleb stayed perfectly still. Only an inclination of his head signaled Silver to go on.

But she glanced at Alja –betraying a hint of insecurity.

"There is nothing you cannot say with Miss Dardo present."

Kaleb's voice was a blade of ice, just as always.

"The changes in the political situation cause some difficulties for the members of my family who associated with Pure Psy." To feed you information were the unspoken words. "The ice is getting thin for them."

"How thin?"

"They can no longer stay connected to Pure Psy and our family, since we are visibly connected to you. One of them could leave within the next days. The other – my sister Amber – she's too far up into their structure. They will not accept a return to the family group at this point. She is the one who provided you the mental signature you requested." There was no question the woman was dead if someone ever found out she'd been a double agent for Kaleb.

Alja couldn't sense any real emotion from Silver, no matter how hard she tried. But she was convinced she'd heard the tiniest pause before she added the fact that the woman was directly related to her, a fact that was unnecessary to reveal by Psy-standards. And once again she was aware of the effect of what she called underlying emotions. They were still strong with even the coldest of her race. In Silvers case it seemed to be very strong familial bonds. If she ever broke Silence the death of her sister would devastate her. Kaleb we need to go in now. The Mercants more than deserve your help. They did this for you.

They did, and he might still need the connection in the long run, but I won't endanger you.

Oh shit here we go. Alja thought annoyed. For some reason she'd almost expected that kind of reaction from him. And it pushed all her buttons. Are you questioning my competence? She answered before she could stop herself.

I'm just saying we need to calculate this with care. I am unused to handle emotions interfering with my view of facts. It was the most diplomatic way to put it. In truth he wanted to put Alja somewhere safe and never let her out again.

Well I am. I may not have been born to be a soldier, but I have been one for all my life. I know how emotions may affect your judgement. And I can work around it. I need you to trust me on this.

I'll try but we need to have this discussion in private. Silver was waiting for his response quietly, but there was no way she hadn't noticed, they were having a private, mental conversation. And she'd wonder why Alja seemed to be let in on whatever Silver had to say, while his personal assistant was obviously kept out. They had to be even more careful than he'd anticipated. One slip might have fatal consequences. "Do you know her current location?" he finally asked, trying not to seem too distracted by the mental conversation with Alja.

"Not exactly no. But she is likely to be with or near that individual she took the signature from."

"Then it's possible to find her and get her out. But we'll need to plan an operation. I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you."

Kaleb's assistant already turned around, having clearly been dismissed, when Alja spoke. "Do you have a way to keep her hidden for a while? An organization like Pure Psy will probably try to recover her."

Silver blinked twice. It was the only indication she was surprised at hearing Alja speak for herself. Only when Kaleb nodded in consent she answered: "I'll talk to the head of our family. She'll arrange something."