A/N: Hello everyone! I know you're out there reading, though aside from one faithful reviewer, the rest of you are but ticks on my visitor count. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing those numbers go up, but that just doesn't thrill me the way reviews do. So please consider dropping in a comment.
Enough begging. Let's get to the story.
Chapter 29
The small, remote stone hut crouched beneath a small crag, its back against the grey rock, with a single entrance and no windows. A roughly hewed door hung from thick straps. Everything was neat and orderly; its occupant apparently took pride in the rustic abode. Next to the structure, a carefully tended garden held a bountiful display of various growing things. Volu had told them the Booettu were a blended hunter/gatherer and agrarian society. Taala apparently had skill as her crops looked robust. Landing just beyond the garden, Warren still hadn't spotted the outcast female. Was she inside?
Digging out the translator once again, he called. "Taala! We come as friends! We wish only to speak with you."
They scanned the surroundings again with amazingly acute vision. Nothing stirred save the warm breeze and the flora. Warren took in a deep breath and the aromas of Neu. It was quite beautiful in the little mountain meadow. The vegetation was alien-looking from his perspective, but at least there was vegetation. Funny how being inside a living being – Volu – could feel sterile.
"Perhaps she's hunting. Volu says no one is here," Ettwanae offered having telepathically asked the ship to scan the area for a second time. "Should we wait or return later?"
"I prefer to wait awhile. It's nice here." He longingly gazed up at the magnificent, snowcapped mountains. The nearest peak had to top out over 20,000 feet. The thermals would be fantastic. Then he looked at Ettwanae, putting a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Maybe we could accomplish two things – see if we can spot her from the air and enjoy a little romp in the sky."
"The heavy air won't make it as enjoyable, but if you want to…" She didn't sound at all enthused.
"I don't know about you, but we've been cooped up for seven days and I need some air time that's just for fun. Don't you feel the need?" He was puzzled, stretching his wings in anticipation of the updrafts a mountain of that size could generate.
"We flew over to the village, then here, and we still need to fly back to Volu – that's enough for me in this atmosphere. I'll watch you and wait for Taala."
Warren wasn't keen on leaving Ettwanae and would not risk being separated. "I'll stay then. We'll wait together for a while. If she doesn't show up soon, we head back. Volu can tell us when Taala returns."
"No, if you want to go, go. I'll be fine. I can see all around me – no one can sneak up."
"You're forgetting about the Dark Ones."
Warren got a sense of rising irritation in Ettwanae, but when her mouth opened to speak, no words came out. Instead, her eyes darted across the meadow. "Volu says a Booettu female approaches from that direction."
"No decision required," Warren sighed. He'd really wanted to ride Neu's updrafts.
Several minutes later with Volu's warning the native was nearing, they ducked behind a rocky mound to wait, not wanting to frighten her off prematurely. Keen vision clearly made out simple, homespun clothing and a wrap that covered the woman's face leaving only a slit for the eyes. 'Disfigured?' was the first thought that came to Warren. She carried a spear in one hand and the limp body of some animal in the other. 'Definitely hunting.'
When the woman was next to the garden, Warren nudged Ettwanae that it was time. Stepping out slowly from behind the rocks, he palmed the translator. "Taala?" he asked as gently as possible. The figure whirled, spear up in attack position, dropping the meal on the ground. Her eyes locked on him, then their greenness widened and her mouth opened. She managed to keep the weapon aimed despite her shock.
"Who – what are you?"
They'd determined while waiting, their story would be different for Taala. Aunu had shared that Taala's supposed return from the Ediu and the dead had changed her, speaking of beings that weren't gods but demons that resurrected those that had died for laborers. She'd claimed those living in the citadel were not the friends of the Booettu. It was heresy, of course, and when Aunu and the others couldn't convince Taala otherwise, they had no choice but cast her out. Perhaps living apart would eventually cure whatever ailed their former friend, Aunu had hoped.
"We are travelers seeking knowledge and wish only to talk with you." The spear remained aimed at his chest. "We will not harm you, Taala." Warren saw in the woman's stance that she was quickly recovering from the initial surprise. Perhaps she'd already seen too much to be truly shaken by their appearance.
"If knowledge is what you seek, you should speak with Aunu in the next valley. She is the wise one." The words were tinged with bitterness.
"We have, Taala," Ettwanae said from beside Warren. "She told us what she sees from her understanding. Now we wish to hear the truth."
That apparently hit the mark. The spear lowered slightly. "Truth about what?"
"Those in the black fortress. The beings we call the Dark Ones."
The bright green eyes narrowed behind the cloth and the spear relocked on them. "Trickery! They sent you. I will not be taken again!" The voice was determined with hints of alarm.
"We are not trying to trick you. They did not send us," Ettwanae reassured. "You were right when you warned your people the Ediu are not gods or friends. They do not seek to help your people, only use them. We are not friends of the Ediu. They took what belongs to me and I want to take it back. We need your help to do that."
The mostly hidden face was unreadable, but the eyes and body told Warren much. The woman was torn. "Taala, we want to hear your story. It is truth, where Aunu's beliefs have been twisted to the Ediu's purposes. She cannot help us as we hoped. We believe you can," he again played into what Aunu had shared of Taala's tale.
The speared lowered part way, but still in a defensive position. They were gaining ground.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Ettwanae and this is Warren."
The woman rotated the spear vertically and hit its scythe end into the ground hard. Obviously, she had come to a decision concerning them. "What are you?" she demanded.
Ettwanae glanced at Warren, the question plain on her face. What did they have to lose at this point? A loner deemed a heretic on a primitive planet. He nodded.
"Eshaaru."
"Esh-aar-u," she repeated slowly, almost to herself. Then her eyes widened. "Attarru? Gods of the Beautiful Light?"
Warren was uncomfortable with where he was certain that short question was leading. "Just travelers from far away, Taala, nothing more. We have questions about the fortress, if you are willing to answer them."
She stood silently for several seconds, looking each of them over carefully, as if taking them in fully for the first time. "On the high mountain, light will battle the darkness that has fallen over the people. Be watchful of the signs. Be ready, for the very soul of Neu is the spoil." She spoke as if reciting. "I will tell you of the evil that lives in the black fortress." Then she snatched up her catch and marched with a resolute walk toward the hut as the sun began flirting with the tallest mountain peaks.
###
Flint was hungry. His winged shipmates may not make it home for the evening meal. That meant he and Gatebi would likely just scrounge on their own.
'God, give anything for a Big Mac and fries!' he lamented. Food in space was okay, but junk food wasn't the norm apparently, or at least wasn't on the list of what Gatebi and Volu decided was good eats. He had to admit, though, he'd slimmed down since hooking up with Twae and company. The small but worrisome paunch he'd developed after his sixteenth birthday was gone. If he was forced to admit it, Flint thought he looked pretty good, despite being cooped up aboard a small ship most of time. Maybe Warren would buy some workout equipment next resupply if he asked. Then he could get really buff. Not much else to do in the middle of space – might as well hit the weights.
Passing through the dilating door to the galley, what he saw stopped him dead in his tracks. 'Oh, god.' Dread filled him. Memories of days – weeks – of walking on eggshells and cowering in his quarters drove fear into his heart. This was bad. Or was it? Maybe it was Warren's. Was that better or even worse? A shiver ran the length of his spine imagining what the kick-ass X-man might be like during "that time." Suddenly, there was no doubt. Warren molting had all the makings of living a horror movie.
Bending down he picked up the feather that had found its way next to the cold storage compartment and examined it as if it would tell him what prompted its separation from the wing. Perhaps it was dropped for a different reason all together. So far, no sign of mood swings or touchy dispositions. Yet it was only a matter of time. Sooner or later, Twae and War would both molt. Then his chest constricted. 'Shit. What if they molt at the same time? That happens, I'm outta here! Gone. Twae's last time of year was bad enough. Two freakin' birds storming 'round like rabid vultures would be pure hell!'
He could ask Vo. She'd likely know if either was heading that direction. Instead, he decided to watch wearily. Tossing the feather into Volu's recycling port, Flint pushed thoughts of impending apocalyptic events aside. Right now, his stomach was growling. He hoped it didn't foreshadow a different kind of growling.
###
Once inside the cramped structure, Taala indicated they should sit where she spread out a couple animal skins over the dirt floor around a fire pit in the center of the room. Dirty feathers would be dealt with later. A pilot candle was used to light some of the many others scattered about the one-room hut. It wasn't until then that she unwrapped her face. Warren could see no signs of the disfigurement he assumed they'd see. Her face was unmarred and it puzzled him.
Taala picked up on some facial cue, and rubbing her eyes, she spoke for the first time since they entered. "The Dark Ones, as you call them, did this to me. Gave me night sight and now the sun burns my eyes. I have gradually been able to go out into the light for longer periods, but it is painful. The wrappings help. Mostly, I live during the night."
Taala joined them on the floor, having grabbed a crude knife, a couple shallow bowls, and a large cutting board of sorts to begin gutting her catch. Warren noted that Ettwanae's eyes were everywhere but on the butchering.
"Why don't you start at the beginning," Warren prompted as an odd smell wafted off the butterflied animal. Orangish-brown liquid began oozing from the soon-to-be meal. "Tell us how you ended up in the citadel."
"They took me as they do all those who become their thrall – upon death," Taala began as she reached inside and started disemboweling the animal. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ettwanae's hand come up to her mouth. He hoped she wouldn't need to run out. "I had fallen and was mortally injured, though Aunu did her best to heal me, she could not. They came that night and took me – a great honor, the Ediu tell our people. Some are chosen at death to reside in their presence as reward for keeping their ways."
Her hands dripping with what likely passed for blood, she plopped the various internal organs into two separate wood-like bowls. Warren could only guess that some would be eaten and some discarded or used for other purposes. Ettwanae made an odd, throaty sound and he glanced her way. She looked a little green even in the low light.
"Reward!" Taala nearly spat out the word as she dug around the animal's innards. "Punishment and torture – that is what the Ediu offer. When I woke in their place, I was fully healed of my wounds. They told me that I would do as they commanded without complaint. There was no escape except true death. Somehow, I could understand their words, though they were not speaking my people's words. And they changed my eyes so I could see in their dark fortress. There is little light there – only blackness and deeper blackness." Then she waved the knife in the air angrily. "Not exactly truth. It is near blackness. Shadows upon shadows. I was immediately given to one house where I was to clean and keep all things perfect. Others are tasked with tending to their masters personal needs, but never speak of that or punishment comes. Still others are used to supply sustenance to the Ediu," Taala shivered and stopped her work and stared at her hands. "I thanked the true gods that my fate was not that, but I feared every moment they may decide otherwise."
"What do you mean by sustenance?" He was almost afraid to ask.
"They eat them?" Ettwanae asked in horror, having apparently found her voice once again.
"No. They take life and strength from them. Whenever an Ediu feds, the screams echo in the halls. Those whose honor it is to serve as sustenance do not die, but most wish they would." Disdain filled the hut. "The pain is very bad and leaves them near death until their soul heals. I covered my ears at first, but then forced myself not to hear. Hard to work when your hands are on your head. And if you are caught being slow in your duties…" Her green eyes went dark at memories likely quite painful.
"I am so sorry, Taala," Ettwanae whispered. "And Aunu did not believe when you told her these things?"
"No, she said my mind had grown sick. She tried to tell me what I saw was not real; that I spoke only lies and delusions and would taint the people. Not real? The cries of our people in that dark and horrible place not real?" Taala's voice raised and shook with emotion. "How could she know? I lived it. I felt it! The Ediu are evil – they are not the gods of our ancestors." She plunged her knife into the dirt floor. "Less than three generations ago, we believed in the gods of light and love. Then they came and it all changed. They said we had been misguided and misunderstood the teachings. That the truth is darkness is all powerful and light submits to dark. Dark is eternal for when the light fades, there is only the blackness – that is the truth, they told our mothers' mothers. My people began to believe and abandoned the old ways when the Ediu saved our village when the mountains shook and spewed liquid fire." She pulled out the knife and not so delicately began skinning the gutted animal. "But my mother secretly taught me the ways of our mother's mother's mother and all the mothers before. She and I and a few others still believe in Attarrus, but we are too few in number. The believers come to see me occasionally, but fear what Aunu did to me will be done to them. I tell them to leave the village or when they die, they could be taken as I was – serving false and cruel gods."
The picture she was painting was not a pretty one. Aliens were abusing these people and it angered Warren.
"Taala, can you draw us a map of the citadel?"
"I can speak of the areas I walked. Many rooms and corridors I was not allowed, but we spoke amongst ourselves and I have some knowledge of the other houses."
Ettwanae sighed in obvious relief as Taala finished prepping her catch and set aside the bloody innards and skin. She then rose to wash her hands in a water-filled jug. She then grabbed kindling from the pile in the same corner, a small, lidded container, and a shallow scoop of water; then settled back down in front of the fire pit.
"What do you mean by houses?" Warren asked.
"The Ediu are of several families we believed. Each family lives in their own section of the fortress. There are four houses." She poured a bit of reddish, powdery substance from the container in the pit and placed twigs and grasses over it.
"How many Ediu are there?" Warren wanted to know.
The Booettu dribbled a small amount of water on the powder and twigs. At first the powder simply sputtered, but within seconds, began to burn. 'Very usual – fire started with water,' Warren thought. 'At least it looks like water. Much easier way to start a fire than sparking with a flint.' As the grasses and twigs caught, Taala added a few larger sticks.
"We counted 32 when I was there."
Warren cringed. The citadel must be larger than it appeared from below to house 32 beings plus their slaves. "And what do they look like exactly?"
Taala shot a look up to him. "You do not know?"
"We've never met one."
Taala looked down at her fire as it grew and added more sticks. "Perhaps it is better that you never do." Her voice was dark.
"Please, Taala…" Ettwanae prompted when the woman remained silent in her thoughts.
"They are living shadow – black and horrible to look upon. No face to see, though that is likely a blessing. They walk upon six legs like animals. And they are strong – and cold…like high mountain ice .Ediu are a childhood nightmare come alive. " Taala shuddered with the telling. "They are evil."
"How did you escape?"
She raised her eyes to meet Warren's. "I believe the true gods of Neu guided and protected me. Some of us who had served longer were told to retrieve sajas from the mountainside for a few of my people who had fallen ill with fever. Sick slaves are not good workers. We had no choice, and so we left the fortress to search for the healing herb. The sun made our eyes burn like hot coals, but we somehow managed to crawl to the area where the Ediu told us to go. I tore cloth from my clothes and used it to partially cover my eyes and I ran. Their arrogance allowed me to escape…they assumed I wouldn't run too far in the sun. Likely, they will never make the mistake again."
Warren was impressed and perplexed. "Why don't they retrieve you?"
She suddenly looked concerned and glanced toward the door. The sun had dropped behind a mountain peak and the long valley twilight period had begun. She rose and lit more candles until the room glowed. Then it clicked. The Dark Ones couldn't tolerate light – Tider's tidbit from someone's old journal. Warren noticed that Taala squinted in the increased lumens.
She settled back down at the fire and added larger pieces of a woody material. "I normally sleep days and at night I stay vigilant and never allow the light to grow low. I don't really know if that's why they have left me be, or because being outside the citadel is too uncomfortable, or another reason. No one has ever seen an Ediu outside the fortress except when they come for the dead. I have come to believe they simply aren't bothering with me. My people have cast me aside as a heretic. I have been free for two full cycles."
Warren suddenly had an inspiration. He'd brought several pairs of sunglasses with him – best money could buy. Tomorrow, he'd bring Taala a pair. They could be life-altering for the woman.
The fire sufficiently hot, Taala poked a skewer though the carcass and set the rod on the roughly carved spit brackets. "You will join me for the meal?" she asked, actually looking hopeful.
Ettwanae and Warren exchanged glances. He worried about flying after dark with the Dark Ones in the next valley over. Volu had sensed no indications the Dark Ones knew they were there, but they had to assume their presence was known.
"No, Taala, but we thank you greatly for the invitation. I do not feel comfortable being out at night so near the citadel."
She nodded understandingly. "Wise. It will be dark soon – we should get to your map." Taala drew the layout of the citadel in the dirt floor as best as she could recollect and had surmised from talking with other slaves. Her sketch showed a wedged-shaped interior, with a curved front that followed the semi-circular contour of the visible exterior. Four "houses" divided the wedge into smaller pie-slices, the points coming together at a large, main chamber that Taala called the sanctum. Off the sanctum was the keeping room.
"The keeping room is not to be entered by anyone other than Ediu, and even then, only the high-ranking of each house," she explained. "Though, even if I had tried, that door would not have opened to me."
"So whatever is in there is important. Any ideas?"
"I got a glimpse twice when the door was opening. I saw a red light that shone from ceiling to floor in the center of the room with small, colored stones hanging within. To one side was another light of purple with what looked like a piece of jewelry or a talisman. I could not see what the third light held for the Ediu were standing before it."
Ettwanae's eyes darted to Warren. 'The nodes!' the blue orbs declared with excitement.
Taala caught the silent exchange. "Is that what you seek?" she asked Ettwanae.
With a nod, Ettwanae confirmed. "Colored stones are hat they took from me." She pulled her amulet out. "They belong to this – here and here," she explained pointing to the empty places. "Those stones are very precious to me. They are of my family – all I have left of my parents…" Her voice trailed off. "I only pray what you saw were my stones."
"Did any of your people say they had seen more of that room?" Warren directed the conversation back on track – it was growing darker.
Taala turned the meat on the spit. It was beginning to smell quite wonderful. Warren's stomach protested its empty condition.
"Not that I recall."
"How did you gain entry to other rooms?"
Taala held up her hand. On the palm was a small, triangular mark. "I placed my hand over a special place near the door and it opened if I was permitted to pass through."
"Does the mark open any exterior doors? Do you know where those are?"
"I am certain exits would not open to me, but I do know where two such doors are." She pointed to two spots on her drawing – one coincided with the path to the citadel; the other located at the rear of the complex. 'Perhaps an access point for the landing pad?' Warren wondered silently. "Do you know if anyone comes and goes through the back exit?"
"Others of their kind came regularly." Her face twisted with obvious painful memory. "The visitors needed sustenance and my people were fed upon more frequently. It was a great relief when the extra Ediu left."
"Any particular timing to those visits?"
She thought about that question, turning the meat. "It was hard to know time within the fortress. I believe the visitors came during moonset – it's when the mountain is darkest as the moon does not break horizon then. Many in my village have seen a black orb that comes from high above to the citadel during those nights. It blocks out the stars or you would not know it was there. I believe the visiting Ediu come in those orbs."
Warren glanced at Ettwanae and she understood immediately. She'd ask Volu to run some quick astronomical calculations. Within moments, Ettwanae spoke. "That's every 32 Neu days. Next moonset is in two nights."
"You are correct. The days following are always an especially good time to die." There was no mistaking the sarcasm. "The Ediu usually take those who pass during the darkest nights."
"Speaking of darkness," Warren said glancing toward the door.
"Yes, you should go."
Warren remembered his idea about the sunglasses. "Taala, may we come to visit you tomorrow? I have a gift I'd like to bring in appreciation for your help." Ettwanae gave him a curious glance.
"Of course!" came the enthusiastic reply. "But a gift is not necessary. Perhaps you would honor me then by staying for a meal. I don't have much to offer, but I am a good cook." It was obvious she had enjoyed the company, even if the topic had been less than pleasant.
"Perhaps," Warren replied vaguely, not wishing to commit. They rose and moved outside. The air had cooled considerably, but was still warm and the amber sky had deepened with the setting sun. It was definitely time to head back.
"Thank you, Taala, for everything. We will see you tomorrow."
"Yes, thank you. The information you gave us is invaluable," Ettwanae added.
Stepping away from the Booettu, they sprung into the evening sky and headed back to the neighboring valley where the others waited to hear their news.
###
Warren and Ettwanae practically inhaled the evening meal that Gatebi insisted wait until Warren and Ettwanae returned, enduring Flint's grumbling about starving. Between mouthfuls, they shared what they'd learned from the day's mission. Flint and Gatebi sat spellbound with the story of how the Dark Ones – Ediu – were using Booettus. Both were appropriately appalled.
Finally getting his fill of both food and debriefing, Warren ambled to his tiny quarters, having decided planning for the citadel raid could wait until the morning. Pleased with their fact-finding mission and content with a full stomach, he decided to comm Earth as it was passed time to check in – if he could convince Volu to let the signal get through.
"Volu, I'd like to comm Charles Xavier. I'm overdue to check in. Any objections?" He expected resistance.
"Very well," the ship said in a cool, detached manner. Warren was surprised and wanted to question the lack of objections, but set aside his curiosity. Hopefully, Charles would answer. If not, he'd leave a message about contacting his old friend again in Volu's morning hours. Backup plans proved unnecessary as Charles answered quickly.
"Charles! Glad you were by the comlink. Thought it was time to check in and see how…" Warren stopped. Something was very wrong – it was written on Charles' face. "What is it, Charles? What's wrong?"
"Warren, Emperor Ztar commed me days ago trying to reach you and several times since. Have you and he talked recently?" Warren shook his head. "You visited a planet called Tchutchka Centrus recently, correct?"
Warren nodded. "Charles, why the questions? What happened?"
The elder man's expression was grim and Warren's chest tightened. Tchutchka Centrus, Tider, the incident in the alley...
"Warren, I'm afraid I have bad news. The Tchut authorities have filed charges against you – for murder."
Warren blinked and swallowed. Had he heard right? The men in the alley? He hadn't touched them. How was he identified? Was he set up by their anonymous guardian? The questions flew through his brain. "What the fuck? What do they mean murder? I didn't murder anyone!"
"I know that, Ztar knows that, but Tchut Security does not. They found physical evidence that points directly to you. They are demanding to speak with you."
"Who are they saying I killed?"
"Three males in a city called Im."
Warren shook his head. This wasn't happening. "We had some trouble on the planet, but it wasn't me. Those men were armed – three guns pointed at us and we were weaponless. I didn't even get to the point of attacking before someone else took them out."
"So not only are you falsely accused, but if you had been responsible for their deaths, it was self defense."
"Exactly. They're looking for the wrong person. Do you know any of the details? What their evidence is? There were at least a couple people who saw me and Ettwanae in the alley. What are those witnesses saying?"
Charles shook his head. "The finer details I'm not privy to. Ztar shared generalities and wants to talk with you directly. During his latest comm, he hinted that the Tchut authorities think he and Gtar-Cro are hiding you."
"That gives all the wrong impressions. Damn it! Should have left my PI in standby instead of turning it off completely." Warren chided himself. If he'd done that, he would have seen with a glance that people were trying to reach him, but he'd done so to appease Volu who feared it could be somehow tracked. "Lesson learned."
"Warren, if you need anything, call me. Meanwhile, I will place my trust in Ztar to see you through this situation. He has vast resources at his disposal as you well know."
Warren gave Charles an affirmative nod. "We'll get this resolved."
"Before you go, Warren, how is the search progressing?"
Warren took the time to give his old mentor a summary. Then he ended the comm and considered his latest piece of bad luck. In hindsight, perhaps they should have reacted differently and gone to Im authorities following the incident. Old habits of fleeing the scene – fears of discovery and entanglements had come into play when he decided to run. That and fear others lurked that meant them harm. That would be his defense, he decided. Fear that he and Ettwanae were still in grave danger and must flee the planet.
But then, how to explain his lack of contact to Gtar-Cro's office? Failure to comm the one person ultimately responsible for his safety as a member of the Royal Court? He shook his head in frustration – no believable explanation from any angle. His knee-jerk reaction to leave and tell no one may have caused them to be hunted as murders.
"Worthington, sometimes you're a bonehead. If you had commed Ztar right after it happened…" He'd assumed there would be no evidence they were there, not thinking that technically advanced societies have highly sophisticated evidence-gathering methods. Then he wondered, what was it that they'd found? One way to find out. Gripping his PI, he initiated the call to Ztar, suddenly worried at the reception he might receive. As he waited for Ztar to answer, he prayed the ruler of the Turzent Empire still had enough clout under his new government to make the problem go away. At the same time, he wanted to clear his name. 'I'm innocent, damn it!'
###
Elder Phai was not happy. In fact, she was very unhappy. Den-neer was usually flawless in the execution of assignments. Not this time. Now they had a bit of a mess to clean up. They had learned Archangel was the high-level official wanted for questioning in the triple-murder on Tchutchka Centrus. The person they really wanted was Phai's until-now perfect weapon. Oh, her organization would make certain the problem was dealt with, but there was no telling how much collateral damage had been done already. What had Tchut authorities learned? What secrets would the empire's very effective intelligence agency gain in their fervor to protect the Emperor's Court member? How would this problem affect the events on Neu? The Turzent Empire's top military intelligence leader was heading there after Phai had orchestrated a witness outside Tider's shop that supposedly overheard Archangel mention traveling to Neu.
But what frustrated her more than anything else was that the situation had gotten so out of hand before she was informed. The fully story was about the break on the comnet and it was too late to stop it. That forced her to allow events to unfold to a point where Archangel would have to divert from more important matters to return to Tchutchka Centrus and face their authorities. To intervene now may have ripple effects throughout the Empire's tenuous new government. If the allegations against Archangel suddenly evaporated, there would be accusations of foul play, royal power abuse, corruption, privilege of position, and the list went on. The Empire needed to be stable and grow strong, not come under fire from scandal.
No, the situation needed to play out as the public and government expected. Archangel needed to be questioned by Tchut authorities. Then either by Archangel's own words or by actions of others, enough doubt had to be cast to abort the issuance of a Full Order. Phai fully intended to ensure those uncertainties were created.
Elder Sequi had been quick to point out his previous warnings about negative consequences of allowing the winged couple to remain free. "If we believe as you ask, that Archangel is indeed Eshaaru, then they are the only pair known to us. Why do we continue to risk losing them? They are much too valuable, Elder!" he snapped pointedly in the hasty council gathering he demanded.
"And what is your proposal? To detain them? What has that gained us before? The only other Eshaaru that has survived capture is T'Qilla, if you call stasis surviving. Even with our advanced technology, her Aru grows weaker each passing year – we will lose her eventually. And the one before her? Dead. And before that? Dead as well. And the only other breeding pair acquired in over five hundred standard years committed double ru'zha as we stood by helplessly. My fellow Elders, our record of keeping Eshaaru alive and well in captivity is one of failure. That is why I firmly belief we must not retrieve this pair – because they are so valuable. We watch over, guide, and manipulate to our ends – yes, but from a distance. Why repeat the mistakes of the past? Time grows short. We cannot fail now. We cannot be the hands by which they are lost."
She'd made her point and the Council agreed to proceed with her plan – at least for now. Time would tell how successful she was in maneuvering through the latest unexpected complication. Once the immediate problem was under control, she would deal with the little matter of who was behind the Tchut incident.
###
"Archangel, praise the gods! I have been out of my mind with worry. Where are you? Are you safe? Have you talked with Charles Xavier? Do you know what has happened?"
"Ztar, slow down. Breathe." Despite the circumstances, Warren had to chuckle. "We have to find a better way to start our conversations. This is the second time in a row you've hit me with rapid-fire questions before even saying hello," Warren ribbed gently. It still warmed his heart every time Ztar freely displayed his love and concern. "I am well. Yes, I've talked with Charles about the situation and comming as requested. And no, I did not kill those men on Tchutchka Centrus."
Ztar's face relaxed a fraction. "I know you didn't. You are not capable unless your very life was at stake, and not like these men died. Where are you? Are you safe? Those men – were they Etagllot operatives trying to kidnap you?"
Questions were still coming, but at a less frantic pace. "Ztar, I don't know who they were or what they wanted. We need to start at the beginning and sort this out methodically."
Ztar seemed to take a deep breath and release it. He immediately appeared much calmer, more like the steady Emperor everyone else saw. "You are right. Tell me what happened and then I'll tell you what has transpired since."
Warren proceeded to give Ztar a full account of the alley confrontation, but shared few details of what transpired with Tider. "That's my side of the story. In hindsight, I should have reported the incident, but my instincts told me to get away while the getting was good. With the Etagllot – if that's who it was – there's no way to know who you can and can't trust."
Ztar looked conflicted. "I understand, but Tchut law enforcement is using that against us now, saying a law-abiding citizen would have gone for help as soon as they felt safe to do so, and especially a member of the Royal Court. At a minimum, you should have contacted Gtar-Cro or me. We could have alerted Tchut officials and prevented the situation from escalating."
"I know, I know…hindsight. Ettwanae can't get involved – it's too risky. That was my bottom line on running – protecting her. What kind of evidence did they find?"
"A feather and witnesses gave a general description fitting you."
Warren cringed. "But they saw no wings – I was wearing my harness and Ettwanae was using an image inducer."
"No matter. The DNA is clearly Human and since you are known to be white winged…"
'Damn!' Likely, his harness dislodged the plume. Warren offered a silent thank you to the heavens that the feather hadn't been Ettwanae's. "And I suppose the investigators got my genetic profile from my medical records."
"Not as of yet. We have stalled successfully on that request saying we needed to get your authorization for their release. However, with the lodging of formal charges, legally we must turn over the profile. Species genome from the feather along with the fact that you have feathers and are the only known Human with said feathers freely roaming Turzent space pretty much narrowed down the suspect list to you. Matching their analysis against your individual profile will simply prove without doubt that you were at the scene at not another white-feathered Human."
Warren rubbed his temple. He knew if not for his healing ability, he'd be getting a headache. "No denying I was there. Three armed men threatened us and were killed in our defense, but not by my hand. Unfortunately, I have no idea who our protector is or why he did what he did. Tell me what else you know. I'm assuming Gtar-Cro has been on the case since you first learned of this mess."
"He has. What we have discovered is of little help. The three males were former military with some special operations training, but nothing remarkable. Gtar-Cro has found nothing yet to link them to the Etagllot or any terrorist groups, but the men follow the Etagllot pattern in that they disappeared varying periods of time ago and not seen since. Why were they killed? Why not just knocked unconscious?"
"Can't answer that. Actually, I wasn't certain they were dead – didn't have time to confirm, although I was fairly certain they were."
Ztar shook his head. "If not for the feather, Tchut authorities would have nothing except three dead bodies – no other evidence was found. The description of you and a vague account of your companion alone wouldn't have led them to you."
"The witnesses couldn't ID me from any comnet images?"
"No, their recollections were too general, even under telepathic questioning."
Warren sat back against the wall at the head of his bed with an exasperated sigh. "Exactly the kind of luck that follows me around, Ztar. I seem to attract trouble."
A half amused, half disturbed expression crossed Ztar's face. "Archangel, that is a gross understatement."
"The fact all three were ex-military and MIA hasn't raised suspicions on the Tchut side? And it's a little hard to argue friendly intent when guns and an alley are involved, unless Tchut society welcomes visitors a whole lot differently than the rest of the Empire!" Warren attempted a bit of humor, but only got an odd look from Ztar.
"The men's background has caused questions, but their records are clean except for their unexplained disappearances. Unfortunately, they are the ones dead. Archangel, you will need to explain why you were in that alley and why you chose to flee without contacting anyone. That decision is at the root of all the speculation. The investigators already are asking questions about what brought you to Tchut; who was with you; was it you, your companion, or both the men were interested in, and the like. If we can find an Etagllot connection, it would provide a plausible cause for the confrontation. If we can prove you were endangered it wouldn't matter so much who killed the men to protect you."
"But they attacked us! Ettwanae was hit. We were unarmed. Heaven only knows what would have happened if our rescuer hadn't come along."
The Turzent nodded, but his face revealed the argument wasn't good enough. "I believe you, Archangel. The Tchuts know one shot was fired, but at a stun setting. It could have been fired in self-defense or accidently as the man died. The point is all they have are three bodies and a Human feather. They want to hear your side." Ztar eyes did not waiver from Warren. "Are you certain you have no idea who your protector was? Is there anyone beyond the Etagllot we should be looking for? Is it possible the target was Ettwanae and not you?"
'Other possible suspects? Oh, yeah, let's see – possibly Dark Ones, Shozen…the museum curator likely wasn't all that pleased with them and if he had connections... Can't rule out that Tider double-crossed us and had the trap lying in wait.' Their protector's words rang loudly in his head, "You are prey for more than one hunter." Just how many people were after them? The most immediate question, though, was how much to share with Ztar. Self-preservation told him to reveal everything, but how that would affect Ettwanae worried him. But if Ztar and Gtar-Cro could help… 'Shit! Why is everything always so damn complicated!' he fumed.
"Ztar, I haven't the foggiest idea who saved us. And beyond the Etagllot and anyone connected with them, I'm drawing a blank." God, he hated lying! For now, though, best to focus Ztar on the Etagllot angle. He didn't need military intelligence getting tangled up in Eshaaru affairs. The weakness link, though, was Tider. How much would Gtar-Cro's people learn from the broker? He'd have to trust Ztar to clean up any fallout from that.
The powerful psy was studying him closely. What was he seeing in Warren's face? After being together five imperial years, the man had likely gotten very good at reading subtle facial expressions. 'He's probably wishing his telepathy had unlimited range right about now,' Warren surmised.
"You're certain? No one else comes to mind? No one the Eshaaru has mentioned as enemies?"
Ztar was definitely sensing less than complete honesty. Warren decided to sidestep. "I'll talk with Ettwanae and let you know if we come up with any other names."
The Turzent held Warren's gaze a few seconds longer then leaned back away from the comlink and dropped the look. "I will inform Gtar-Cro to continue with the Etagllot possibility. Their organization has grown quiet over the past few months, though. Something has changed. We have either forced them deeper into hiding or they have moved their operations out of Turzent space."
He shifted uncomfortably on the bed. "About the shop owner – Tider. What did the Tchut investigators learn from him?"
The deep brown, whiteless eyes squinted at Warren. "About as much as I learned from you, which wasn't much. Apparently, he was not the most cooperative interviewee. Gtar-Cro's people had marginally better luck, but do not feel he had anything to do with the attack."
Warren nodded. "What's our next move? What do the Tchut authorities want?"
"Beyond your DNA profile, they want you to return to Tchutchka Centrus for questioning. Stjarmas'de says it would be wise to accommodate them to help mitigate the negative impressions from the lengthy delay. He will personally act as your counsel. May I tell him you will be departing for the planet immediately?"
'Oh, boy, that's not going to work so well.' Their pending mission loomed. "What if I talk to them via comm? Would that help? I could give my statement-" Warren went no further when Ztar shook his head firmly as the eyebrows knitted together.
"No, Archangel. Stjarmas'de offered that and they flatly refused. After the long delay, they want you on Tchut. When can I say you will arrive?"
The man was pressing. "Ztar, we may not be able to leave our current location immediately. It's not my call. I will have to ask." A little white lie that he hoped Ztar would accept. "But for now, can we tell them I'll be there in, say about 12 standard days, give or take? It'll take that long to reach Tchutchka Centrus from here." He padded by a couple days, giving them time to hopefully raid the citadel and be gone.
"Where are you?" the question was a demand. A distinct change of expression was washing over the Emperor's face and it was not positive.
"I can't say, sorry," he replied honestly. "Will they accept 12 days? Not much I can do to increase the speed of space travel."
"They will not be happy with a prolonged wait, but will need to accept it if that's indeed the best your ship can do." Ztar leaned forward once again, a deepening frown forming. "Archangel, I cannot over stress the importance of being able to reach you. This is a delicate situation and we need to appear to be fully cooperating with Tchut Security. As Royal Court under the new government, our actions are open to scrutiny. Any appearance that we are using our positions to elude responsibility for our actions will become at minimum comnet fodder and at worst declared an abuse of power. I do not want to shake the foundation of my new government with scandal."
Ztar's expression was one Warren could honestly say he hadn't seen directed at him before, at least not since the early days when Ztar was a far different man. The look said that Ztar would not tolerate anything that threatened his infant imperiocratic realm – not even actions by his former companion.
"I won't deactivate my PI again, Ztar, if that is best. I'll deal with any anger over that on this end." That raised Ztar's eyebrows and likely Volu's, if she'd had any. Warren was not naïve in believing Volu wasn't eavesdropping – not after what she viewed as his earlier breach of trust.
The Turzent Emperor gestured agreement. "Good. I need to know we can contact you when needed. We will tell the Tchuts to expect you in 12 days – no more. I ask that you stress to your new friends the importance of dealing with this matter quickly. If they care about you, they will understand and accommodate you, Archangel of the Royal Court of Ztar. Your actions reflect on all of us. Explain that to them if they don't comprehend the implications."
Invoking Warren's formal title drove home the seriousness of the situation. Ztar was right – his actions would reflect directly on the Emperor and the rest of his Court. Warren had responsibilities to uphold. The fact the title had been forced upon him two years ago was irrelevant – few knew that.
"I understand, Ztar, and…I'm sorry about all this. The Worthington curse is alive and well," he apologized. Sometimes he felt everything he touched that had any real value suffered. Would life ever be easy?
They ended the comm and Warren sat in his room contemplating what he should tell Ettwanae. He didn't want her to feel in any way responsible for the situation. Yet there was no evidence one way or the other who the men were after – him, her, or both. If her, she had a right to know. If him alone, then he could justify to himself not telling her why they needed to return to Tchutchka Centrus. Perhaps there was someone he could ask.
"Volu, I assume you heard all that," he said to the air.
"You assume correctly. It is troubling news."
He snorted. "An understatement. A royal mess – literally." He ran a hand through his hair and rubbed the back of his neck, realizing the neck and shoulders muscles had grown tight. "What do I tell Ettwanae? She'll feel responsible in some way, if I read her personality correctly."
"Astute. Yes, she will likely believe if she had not convinced you to come with us, this would not be transpiring. She will carry that guilt and it is the truth. If you were not on our journey, you would not be facing the situation. I, too, bear guilt. I apologize, Warren."
"I'm a big boy, Volu. I made my own decision knowing the mission was dangerous. You have no reason to feel guilt and that's exactly my point about what to tell Ettwanae. If I can slip away for the interrogation using some other excuse…" he let the idea trail out. The more he considered it, the less he liked the idea of deception, even if his reasons were honorable. Isn't that exactly why he'd gotten so angry at others in the past? Angry because they withheld information? A prime example – when Ztar kept from him that the Accord was to remain in effect for another year. Warren remembered well the anger and suspicions that lie of omission caused.
"That may not be wise," Volu opinioned with concern-laden tones.
Warren stood and stretched and ruffled his wings. Stress had caused him unconsciously to draw them tightly to his body and they, too, were tense. "You're right. I should tell her everything, but I'll emphasize that she's not to blame." He paced as best he could in his tiny quarters that consisted mostly of a bed. "This will get worked out. I've got the best of the best on my side – Stjarmas'de and Gtar-Cro." He wondered whom he was trying to reassure.
Murder – he'd never been directly charged with that before and the feeling turned his stomach. Just another problem facing him…them. Another obstacle. Another complication. Anger mixed with trepidation. He could feel his blood pressure rising.
"Warren," the soft voice filled the air. "All will be well. You have been falsely accused, and the truth will be revealed. Have faith."
Warren was touched by the ship's concern. "Thanks, Volu." He sat down again heavily on the edge of the bed as pacing in the cramped space wasn't worth the attempt. "I'm not going to say anything to anyone until after the citadel. We need to be focused on that 100 percent."
He was mildly surprised when Volu agreed. And so it would be.
Later, he and the others planned the citadel mission. Every aspect of the attempt was analyzed and every reasonable possibility they could conceive hashed through. Warren brought all his experience as an X-man to the table.
When Warren told Flint again he was not going, the teen was upset once more. So be it. The kid wasn't ready for such a dangerous operation. It was bad enough he and Ettwanae were going in with little chance of coming out unscathed and even less hope of success. Warren would not put a third life in jeopardy. This was not Flint's fight and he'd personally gain nothing from the extreme risk.
As a backup plan, Volu was instructed to attack the citadel should it become apparent they had been captured. And if all hope of them coming out alive was lost, he asked Volu to destroy the installation. Innocents would die, but at least the Dark Ones would be dead as well and the Booettu people free. That was the plan – whether or not Volu could actually destroy the fortress was unknown, but said she would try. While Warren wondered about the Eshaar'ne actually following through if Ettwanae was still inside, he had no control over that.
They had a general plan and contingencies. Now all they had to do was get inside.
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A/N: Sure would be nice to hear something from my readers, you know? Even if you've been shy to this point, don't be afraid to drop a note of encouragement. It would make me sing your praises!
Chapter 30 teasers: The second visit to Taala brings a surprise, stakeout of the citadel begins, and Warren is on the receiving end of Ztar's wrath.