Elder Owyn Lyons had always feared this day. The day when truth itself would walk straight through the Citadel Gates. For twenty years there had been very few sightings of the perennial thorn in his side but now Henry Casdin was back. God only knew his intentions.
The Bailey was a hub of action despite the thin veil of rain that fluttered down towards the gravel. From Paladins to initiates every inhabitant of the Citadel was part of the frantic search, he even noticed a few pistol wielding scribes checking potential hiding places. Such was the commotion that by the time he reached the other side of the area no-one had even noticed the lavishly robed figure.
Lyons was about to enter the A ring section of the Citadel when one of the several power armoured figures called after him.
"Father?" Sarah Lyons scampered over, her blond hair plastered back by the rain.
"Father, you shouldn't be wandering around, there are rumours that the traitor Casdin has infiltrated the Citadel."
Elder Lyons turned to face her; the usual feeling of pride welled in his chest but for once it was tapered by with another emotion. Regret. He was a hypocrite and hypocrites didn't deserve loyalty.
"I'm sure it's just a false alarm," Sarah remained unconvinced. "It's probably just the rain it does funny things to a person. After all it's not rained since…" he tailed off, realising the implications that his unfinished sentence may have caused.
Sarah Lyons frowned, she'd never seen her father like this, then again he wasn't a doddering old man just yet.
"At least let me assign an escort."
Elder Lyons nodded reluctantly and waited while Paladin Kodiak was called over. With a final worried glance Sarah Lyons returned to organising the search parties.
"So where are we going sir?" Kodiak asked.
Elder Lyons hadn't realised that he was still staring guiltily at his daughter.
"My quarters."
Kodiak nodded and followed Elder Lyons into the Great Hall.
The great hall and side passage that led to the high security quarters were silent. Lyons deactivated the rudimentary alarm system and stepped down the corridor. Kodiak seemed to repeat Elder Lyon's steps like a bad echo, something which annoyed Lyons in his current agitated state. Eventually, they reached a bend in the route guarded by a Mister Gutsy Robot.
"Ah good evening sir. Perhaps I could interest you in some vodka, my records show…"
"Maybe later Jeeves, I need you to access the entry records for my office and quarters."
"As you wish sir… last recorded entry was twenty hundred hours today sir." Lyons gave a little sigh; he'd entered his office around eight to get some intelligence holodisks.
"Wait here Paladin Kodiak."
"But sir Sentinel Lyons told me…"
"I hate to overrule my own daughter but I think I can handle an empty office. You can wait out here with Jeeves." Before the trooper could protest Lyons strode into his office.
The room was spacious but not too extravagant. Along one side was a bookshelf filled with pre-war books and magazines. Opposite the shelves were a few of his own artefacts including power armour and even a pair of .44 magnums. Today was not the time to admire his personal collection and he closed the door, intending to move towards his desk at the other side of the room. Unfortunately, his plan was halted by the laser pistol pressed to the back of his head.
"Let's not make a fuss Lyons." The raspy voice of Henry Casdin grated in his ears.
"Send your croney away."
Lyon's hesitated but a forceful push of the laser pistol made his mind up. Tentatively, he opened the door a crack.
"You are no longer needed Paladin," Casdin prodded the barrel deeper into Lyon's neck causing him to take a sharp intake of breath, "Sentinel Lyons requests you return to the search."
"Are you sure sir?"
"Yes, I've just received a message over the comms, Sarah wants you to report to the lab ASAP."
Elder Lyons was screaming in his head for the Paladin not to leave but the loyalty Sarah instilled in all of her soldiers overpowered any suspicions. After a few seconds Lyon's heard footsteps fading into the distance.
"You have my full attention Henry."
With a cold chuckle Casdin guided Lyons over to the desk, sitting him down behind it. Casdin then proceeded to throw himself into the chair opposite, hiding his slight limp. Lyons had to admit he hadn't changed much, he still had that slightly tanned skin and square jaw that set him out as a determined soldier. Perhaps there were a few wrinkles appearing but he could hardly judge.
Silence descended once more.
"Drink?"
"Vodka?"
"No"
"Whiskey?"
"A bit."
"Wine then." The sharp exchange felt like an early skirmish, each party trying to figure out the other's weakness.
"You can use the concealed control panel if you want. I tweaked it a little while I was waiting." Obediently, Lyons hammered the distress button but all the help that arrived was the Mister Gutsy carrying a tray.
"Well what do you know, you do have vodka." The sarcastic comment was more scathing than witty.
"Why are you here Henry?" Casdin downed a tumbler of vodka before continuing.
"Well you haven't been returning my calls or postcards, I was awfully worried."
"Stop playing games with me."
Another tumbler of vodka followed before Casdin laid back in his chair. Despite his relaxed opening not even a hint of a smile touched the corners of his mouth.
"We both know why I'm here."
Lyon's worst fears had been realised so he tried a different approach.
"Look Casdin, I've kept the Brotherhood away from your Outcasts. I've respected your territory."
"And I am grateful for that Lyons but I'm not here about border disputes." He leaned close enough for Lyons to smell his alcohol laced breath.
"My leg hurts Lyons."
"Well if you want medical attention…"
For the first time Casdin smiled, and for once in his life Elder Owyn Lyons was genuinely scared.
"No the pain's good. It makes sure the memories don't die. That the truth doesn't die."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Anger suddenly flashed in Casdin's eyes and he swatted the glass to one side with a crash.
"For twenty long years all I've heard is how fucking great and angelic the brotherhood is. How morally righteous Owyn Lyons is! This shit-hole world should know!"
Casdin settled back into his seat, his breathing ragged. After what seemed like an eternity he spoke in more level tones.
"Do you remember the last time it rained Lyons?"
"Of course I do," replied Lyons heavily, "it was the day this whole thing started."
