A/N: Thank you for so quickly reading the latest chapters – warms my heart when you eagerly jump in after a posting!
This segment – Warren and Ettwanae revisit Taala, the stakeout of the citadel begins, and Warren learns firsthand how bad the "royal mess" has become.
Chapter 30
Knowing she slept days, Warren and Ettwanae hoped they waited long enough for Taala to have gotten some sleep before their second visit. The rap on her door was quickly answered making it obvious she was awake.
"I am honored you come again!" she greeting with unashamed happiness. "Enter – the meal only needs to be warmed."
"Did you rest, Taala? You didn't put that aside to prepare for our visit, did you?" Ettwanae eyed the woman with concern.
"I rested," the Booettu replied as she busied herself rekindling the cook fire. "But I must admit I was too excited to sleep much. I don't have many visitors."
Warren was worried about how hot it would get in the hut with a fire as the day had turned out to be quite warm, but he'd endure graciously. Two roughly carved platters held food – some of it looked to be meat and the rest perhaps plant in origin. Hopefully, nothing would be toxic to their systems. Accelerated healing would likely take care of any accidental poisoning, but they could be very uncomfortable in the meantime.
Once Taala had everything the way she wanted, Warren brought out his gift. "These are called sunglasses. You wear them like this." He put the pair on to demonstrate. "They shield your eyes from the sun, but you can still see. The fit will be tight for you, but hopefully good enough. It won't make it as dark as night, but… Well, here." He removed and held the glasses out. "Try them and see if they help."
Taala took the glasses and examined the alien object. Then mimicking him, she placed them on her head, a little awkwardly, but she got them positioned about right around her larger Booettu ears and head. She drew in a breath as she looked around. "It is dark in here!" Then excitedly, she moved to the door, fumbled a bit to get it open, and stepped outside. Warren and Ettwanae followed.
Looking around, the woman gasped as if seeing her surroundings for the first time. She held her hand up and examined at it through tinted, polarized vision. She lifted the glasses tentatively, as if expecting to see that the world had actually gone darker; then squinted sharply against the sunlight. Resettling the shades on her face, she spun quickly toward them. "It is a miracle! You have given me a miracle!" she proclaimed in a voice filled with awe. "I can go into the sun and not wish to tear my eyes from my head. This means…this frees me! I can freely walk in the sun and in the dark." Then she moved further out to explore the world through custom Ray-Ban® silver greys.
Warren couldn't help the smile that stretched from ear to ear. 'Every once in a while, Worthington, you get it right.'
The excitement over several minutes later, they returned to the hut to enjoy the surprisingly delicious meal while learning more about the Booettu way of life. Eventually, talk turned to the Dark Ones.
"How do you plan to take back what the Ediu stole from you?" Taala inquired as she swallowed the last bite of zeno, a small game animal she'd killed that day.
"We hope to slip in with the next visitors to the citadel," Ettwanae offered. They all knew gaining entry into the citadel would be their biggest challenge and couldn't really be planned much beyond that basic concept. There simply wasn't any other method known to them.
"What are your plans once inside?"
Ettwanae pulled out the amulet that never left her. "This acts as a tracker for the nodes…the colored stones. Once inside, we'll follow it – likely that keeping room you told us about – using the layout of the citadel you kindly showed us."
"How many are going with you?"
"No others – just us," Warren said waving a hand between himself and Ettwanae. "I don't want to risk anyone else," he felt the sudden need to explain.
"Just you? Two against 32? Foolish!" The Booettu made a hand gesture Warren interpreted as less than complimentary. "They will quickly spot you wandering the halls and you do not know where to hide. What of my own people? They will be afraid and may give you away. And if you come upon closed doors? My mark may still open some. No, you need a guide. I will go with you."
Warren exchanged a shocked glance with Ettwanae. "Taala, no. It's too dangerous." He could see no reason this woman would go to that extreme to help them. Sunglasses weren't worth risking life or liberty.
A raised, fisted hand seemed to indicate defiance from the Booettu. "I can help. I know their lair and the people there. You do not."
"Why would you offer to go back to such a horrible place?" Ettwanae sounded equally mystified.
"Because perhaps we can help others escape. If more of my people tell our elders what the Ediu truly are, they may turn away from the false gods. I want to help my village."
Ettwanae shook her head. "But they cast you out! Turned their back on you."
"They have been misguided by powerful beings who speak lies and play tricks. I cannot fault them for their belief and for doubting my word. Yet even if I do not do this for those who turned face from me, I must do it for our children." Her tone was determined.
"And if the Ediu attack your people in retribution? How can you fight them? They could destroy all of you with a single strike." Warren hated pointing out the worst case scenario, but it must be done.
Anger flared in the green eyes. "Which is worse – life under the Ediu or death? Would you rather my people live ruled by those who wish only to use us for work and food?"
The woman was resolute. Likely, there was no dissuading her, but Warren had to try one more time. "Taala, it is noble and brave of you to risk yourself to help your people, but Ettwanae and I should go alone. If we can bring out your people, we will – we will try very hard. But if things go badly, you will become a slave once again or die – neither very pleasant."
Taala's demeanor became unyielding. "I will go. That is my decision. If you leave without me, I will follow on my own. But together, we are stronger. I know their ways; I know how slaves should act. I can guide you and speak for you if confronted. I carry the mark that opens doors," Taala argued. Then she rose and moved toward a place where clothes hung on a peg. "You will need to wear these." She held up roughly woven cloaks. "Can you hide your wings under?"
'Apparently the discussion is over,' Warren commented silently, impressed with Taala's bravery and determination.
"I think we can…" Ettwanae replied with a questioning look to Warren. He knew she was expecting him to make the decision.
The resolute Booettu picked up on the hesitancy, despite species differences. Standing to her full six and a half feet, she looked down at Warren and locked eyes. "I go, with or without you. Either accept my offer of assistance or offend me by slapping away my offered staff."
Warren didn't know the reference, but the meaning came through. If they turned down her help, it was an insult. "You are trained as a fighter?" he asked.
She nodded. "I have wielded weapons since before the age of reason."
He relented. Warren had no idea what the age of reason was, but he guessed it meant since her youth. Taala's knowledge of the citadel and its occupants and that she may be able to open doors could be crucial. "We accept your offer with gratitude, Taala. Thank you." Even while he voiced appreciation, Warren worried about another person to watch over. Time would tell if Taala was help or hindrance – whether she would cost them their freedom or lives.
She held his eyes for a several seconds as if deciding whether he'd follow through on acceptance, then nodded.
After further discussion, they agreed to meet at Taala's the next night – the first night of moonset. They would stake out the citadel from near the landing pad. Warren prayed their close presence would go unnoticed, though why that should be the case he couldn't fathom. With luck, the citadel would receive visitors and they could slip in. With even more luck, they'd make it out alive. With a miracle, they would come out nodes in hand.
###
"Aren't you afraid?"
Warren studied Ettwanae. Apprehension and worry were clear in her face and eyes. They had just re-entered Volu from visiting Taala when the question came from out of nowhere. "About the citadel?"
She nodded, her wings rustling gently as she resettled some feathers. "About the citadel and the Dark Ones…everything." Her eyes darted from his almost as if embarrassed.
"You think I'm not?" Warren moved slightly to the left to re-establish their gaze.
She sighed. "You seem so confident. Flint says you're used to this sort of thing being an X-man. My stomach rolls just thinking about what we might be facing. What if we're captured, or hurt – or killed!" Her voice was tight with rising apprehension. With a shake of her head, Ettwanae moved toward the tall cargo crate Warren used as an opponent in his staff fighting exercises and fingered some of the hit marks.
"I haven't been an active X-man for seven years, Ettwanae. To say I'm rusty and out of practice would be an understatement. Yes, I'm afraid."
She swung quickly in his direction, eyes wide. "You are? But you don't act like it."
"Neither do you."
She leaned against the crate. "A brave shell. Actually, I simply don't think about it…that way it isn't real. But now what we're going to do is upon us…it is real." The Eshaaru wrapped her arms around herself protectively and looked down. "I'm scared. What if I do something wrong? Something that gets us killed?"
Aru had been amazingly quiet the past day and Warren risked stirring it to walk over and pull Ettwanae into a reassuring embrace. Her arms immediately slid around his waist. "I have the same worries. It would be foolish not to be scared."
"But I'm not experienced like you…I don't know how I'll react…what I'll do if we have to fight-"
Her voice hitched and he hugged her more tightly. Ettwanae needed him to be strong, to be the one with the skill to get them in and out alive. "Do you trust me?" A nod confirmed. "Then trust me, do as I say, and we'll make it. But also trust your instincts. Tell me if you feel something's not right or if you have a hunch about something." Warren rubbed the space between her wings. "We'll make it – we'll get the nodes."
"But there are so many of them!" A shudder ran through her lithe frame.
"And we are few and can more easily slip in and out."
Her face turned up to his. "You've done this before? Gone into the enemy's stronghold with so few against so many?"
"I have on more than one occasion." He had, but it'd been years and then with highly trained, experienced teammates at his side, but she didn't need to know that. "We can do this, Ettwanae." He only wished he felt as confident as he sounded.
They stood silently for several moments before Ettwanae eased out of his arms.
"I trust Ozshi'wanae and you to bring us home safely. She'll guide and protect us and work through you to return the nodes to me."
Ettwanae gave him a slight smile as she brushed down a lock of his hair that had apparently gone astray. Her spiel sounded like a whole lot of self-reassurance.
Looking at her, his stomach did a flip-flop. This alien woman was working her way into his heart. Not just with her beauty or because Aru's incessant nagging, but with her gentle, trusting spirit. She wasn't callous or hardened like so many people he'd always been surrounded by. And in reality, she hadn't demanded or asked much of him at all. He was the driving force behind the inquisition of Tribo'lu, the visit to Tider, and now the citadel raid. It was he that was leading them along a dangerous and potentially deadly path. To find the nodes, true, but mostly for his purpose. It was the nannite cure he wanted. Bottom line, all Ettwanae had really asked of him was to love her.
But he didn't…not yet. Lust after and desire her? Yes, Aru saw to that. Warren wanted love to come, though. He wanted someone to share his life, have a family…someone to grow old with. He'd searched so long, had thought several times he'd found that person only for the relationship to end. Candy, Charlotte, Betsy, Paige…each woman he had thought was the one. They weren't for varied reasons.
Warren knew he had grown relationship gun-shy. None of his previous attempts at a forever relationship worked. But Ettwanae was different from those other women. Not of his world and not a mutant. He recalled how right it felt when they attempted to soulbind. He'd never experienced anything quite like that before, though Ztar was close. The rightness of making love with Ettwanae had resonated all the way to his soul. In the moments before pain consumed them, it had been euphoric. What would it be like if they could complete the act?
Strange he should feel that with an alien. Physically similarities aside, she was that – alien. Another species. As with Ztar. Ettwanae, yet another alien Warren felt a deep connection to. Odd, very odd.
He closed his eyes as Ettwanae leaned into him once again, her arms entwining him. He sighed softly with how good he felt in her embrace. "With your Ozshi'wanae on our side, we can't lose. We'll get your memory nodes back." She murmured something his didn't quite catch and then, not surprisingly, Aru began to wake. Cravings crawled in his gut. He eased away. "Why don't you find the others and tell them about our visit with Taala?"
She didn't object; only headed for the upper deck. He sighed deeply. Taking a cross-legged perch on a favorite cargo tub, Warren reviewed mission scenarios yet again as his fingers moved deftly and of their own accord to preen the flight feathers. The monotonous task soothed jagged nerves.
###
Sleep was nowhere to be found that night. Worry over the coming mission, the murder charges, Etagllot, Dark Ones, and enemies perhaps yet unknown fought for his attention and denied him blissful unconsciousness. With an audible growl, he rose and headed down the hall. Tiptoeing through Flint's chambers, he relieved himself and slipped back out. Luckily, the teen slept like the dead and it'd take a lot more than Warren's midnight pass-through to wake him.
The galley and its food beckoned. Grabbing a zante and some water, he settled himself into the gathering room. He could talk with Volu, but speaking seemed like too much effort, so he sat in silence with his thoughts. The citadel loomed large. Foreboding, unknown, dangerous. 'Death trap' was written all over it. If only there was another way. If only they had some help – like his friends back on Earth. Even Ztar and some of Gtar-Cro and Rehsaw's storm troopers would be good.
What awaited them within the black fortress? What powers did the Dark Ones possess? How could they possibly succeed? Three against dozens? Warren had faced bad odds before, but not like this. Not with so little intel and a neophyte team. This was beyond foolhardy. This was likely a suicide mission or the road to slavery.
'If you had any sense, Worthington, you'd call someone for help. It's insanity.' On the other hand, perhaps a small strike force was exactly what the situation called for. Quick, agile – slip in, slip out. He remembered Charles' lesson from long ago – "Never underestimate the power of one or two well-trained operatives. They can succeed where larger numbers only complicate." But Ettwanae was not trained, and Taala was of unknown ability. They'd be looking to him to lead them in and get them out. He'd be essentially babysitting two greenhorns.
Popping the last of the zante into his mouth, he pulled his knees up and formed a feathery cocoon. A childish habit, he often told himself, but he'd indulge. The position always soothed him; shielded and safe. Warm, feathery softness of the wing undersides was sensual against his skin, tickling ever so slightly here and there. Taking in the wings' scent deeply, he likened it to the comforting smell of a favorite, old blanket. If only he could wrap Ettwanae and Taala in protection during the impending stealth operation. He sighed heavily within the whiteness and pulled his wings in even more tightly, arms around shins, and forehead on knees.
'You need to bring every bit of experience and knowledge to this one, Worthington, or you don't stand a chance in hell of pulling it off,' he informed himself sternly. 'And you've never been more out of shape or rustier than you are right now. It's been how long since you've seen any serious action? Seven years?' The realization of how long it had truly been hit him full force. "Seven years!" he groaned in disbelief. Six Earth years under Ztar ('figuratively and literally,' he cringed) and one since he left Sat'rey and decided to officially retire his X-man uniform. "We're so screwed!"
He remained there for a long time, trying to keep his mind free of disturbing thoughts and dark speculations, hoping sleep would eventually welcome him. Sleep, however, was in no hurry.
###
Waiting sucked. That night, they would stake out the citadel, but first they had to get through the day. Lack of sleep from the night prior didn't numb his brain enough to keep runaway thoughts at bay. Fear of the unknown was like sandpaper on his nerves that grew coarser with each passing hour. The lack of Dark One reaction to their presence was baffling. What was the enemy thinking…planning? And what if they had come for Taala in the middle of the night knowing he and Ettwanae had visited her? Yet Volu was monitoring Taala constantly and had raised no alarms.
"If they don't know we are here, I'd be astonished," he shared with Volu as he sought a distraction. "Not like we haven't been flapping around under their noses the past couple days."
"They may be simply watching to see what our intent is."
"That seems logical. Unless, of course, they're one of several who hunt us. Then they may be tempted to make a move before we leave."
"We have only our speculations at this juncture."
Warren didn't bother responding as he walked the ship aimlessly. He was feeling claustrophobic and wanted to go for a flight despite the thick, warm, daytime air of Neu, but that would be asking for trouble. Instead, he aimlessly wandered the insides of Volu, poking and prodding at things he hadn't taken particular note of before. His ambling had taken him into what equated to the mechanical room of the living ship.
"What are these for?" he said, running his hand over a long, crinkly tube about an inch in diameter hanging at shoulder height.
"That feeds the water spigots."
Warren ducked beneath and around another tubular run, examining it as the hose seemed to contract in a wave. "And this one?"
"Waste disposal."
"Yours or ours?"
"At this moment, Flint's."
Warren chuckled. You couldn't even take a shit in the ship without her knowing. Moving deeper into the bowels of the space-faring being, he came upon what looked like a huge balloon that was very slowly inflating. "And this?"
"Atmosphere bladder. As I produce breathable air, it is stored here and slowly disbursed. The other bladder is for exhausted air, which I cleanse and add to the freshly generated atmosphere for recirculation."
"Sort of like lungs."
"Yes."
"What about gravity? How do you make that?"
"My internal gravity is the result of a constant phase field to a dimension where that force is far greater than this dimension. The field is centered near my base so you always feel as if that part of me is down."
"Amazing," Warren said with a shake of his head. "You are truly a marvel!"
"The marvel lies with the U'larr who created my species."
"Can you turn the gravity field on and off?"
"No, it is an anatomical function I cannot control."
Warren continued his explorations of Volu's innards, sliding around various tubes and odd-shaped protrusions. His sense of being inside a living creature was stronger here than anywhere else on the ship, almost like he was walking inside an abdomen. "How long does your species live?"
"A very long time to you, Warren." The voice sounded almost sad.
"How long roughly in imperial years?"
"An average lifespan would be approximately 3,200 years."
Warren was surprised. "That is a long time!" Then he had a thought that he wasn't so sure he wanted to know. "And Eshaaru…how long do they live?"
"An average of 730 imperial years."
"730 years," Warren repeated. Ettwanae could live 730 years – it hit him harder than he believed it would. She could outlive him by nine lifetimes. Then he reminded himself, his own lifespan was unknown – mutant healing factor had prevented Wolverine from aging, maybe it would do the same for him. Warren hadn't appeared to grow older since that ability kicked in, but then again, it wasn't like he'd been around for over a hundred years like Logan and could truly say he wasn't growing older. Throw in the unknown affect of the nannites that permeated his body, and heaven only knew how long his lifespan might be. Then again, he hoped to eliminate that variable.
"Does that bother you?" the ship finally asked tentatively, interrupting his thoughts.
It did, but what could be done about it? "I'm happy for her. She'll see much in her lifetime that others can only dream of witnessing."
"Yet it comes at a price. She will witness the death of many friends."
Warren's mind jumped back to the conversation he and Merryth, a royal palace employee on Sat'rey and Ettwanae's one-time friend, had on that very subject. Merryth's species was also long-lived. "She will, as will you."
Volu did not respond. Warren knew Eshaar'ne sometimes didn't survive the passing of their Other. Was a natural passing easier for an Eshaar'ne to accept than their joined Eshaaru being accidentally or intentionally killed, especially if their Other's spouse or descendants remained on board? Surviving the death to keep the remaining occupants alive could be strong motivation.
Warren wanted to ask his next question, but hesitated. Then he decided to simply pose it and see how the ship reacted. "Volu, do you remember anything of your previous Other?"
"I do not. Those memories are lost to me." She answered more quickly than he anticipated. 'Was it truth or partial truth?' he wondered immediately, but would press no further.
Warren meandered out of the business end of the ship and headed up to the main living area. The balance of the day he spent reading a book Gatebi loaded to his PI – another volume in the Shards series Warren had begun on Sat'rey. Diving back into that fictional universe was the perfect distraction from the troubles coming at him from all angles in the real one. As he began the third book, Jagged Edges, it hit him. The Shards series was the tale of an orphan seeking his lost people – just like Ettwanae. A book he'd read prior to Shards that Atichi lent him, Times Ago, paralleled his own life at the time – forced servitude and sacrifice to save others. Bits and Pieces, book two of the Shards saga, focused on the snippets and snatches of information the protagonist was beginning to put together to form a picture of what happened to his race, while stumbling across what could be a sinister, galactic conspiracy. 'Sounds way too familiar…' The amazing coincidences nudging at his sense of wonder, and he delved into the book to see what the fictional universe held in store for the reluctant hero named Jxiar.
###
Ettwanae and Warren landed outside of Taala's hut as the sky was growing dark. Without moon glow, it would become nearly pitch black before long and they wanted to be in place before that happened. The Booettu was ready and waiting, cloaks in hand for her new friends should they be "lucky" enough to slip inside the citadel.
First though was the quick task of equipping Taala with a translator. Flint wasn't keen about giving up one of his, but there were no spares on Volu. Something to add to the supply list, Gatebi had determined. A single earpiece wasn't quite as effective as having one in both ears, but it'd do in a pinch. The Booettu was familiar with the technology as the Ediu tagged their slaves' ears with a similar device – something Taala had cut out after her escape.
Warren carried Taala and Ettwanae carried their pack. The Booettu's eyes were wide with wonder as they soared toward the small mountain plateau above the citadel. After they alighted amongst the boulders just beyond the flat landing area, Taala asked to touch his wings. Neu had flying creatures that called the mountains home, she explained, but they had wings of thin skin and rarely ventured to higher altitudes.
"What do you call these?" she asked carefully lifting a single quill.
"Feathers," Warren answered, a subtle shiver running through the wing at the touch. Taala noticed and released the feather quickly.
"Did I hurt you?" she asked with sudden concern.
"No, not at all. Just tickled a little."
"It would be wonderful to fly. Travel would be easy."
Ettwanae nodded. "It does have its advantages."
They proceeded to settle in. Gatebi had packed the essentials for the stakeout – water, snacks, ultra-thin thermal warming blankets, and the imperial equivalent of flashlights, which would also be used as weapons against the Dark Ones, if needed. With some pride, the Alcab had added a rather specialized device she'd acquired somewhere along the way in their supply acquisitions; so specialized, in fact, it was illegal on just about every planet within the Turzent Empire, Gatebi shared with atypical mischief. She'd shown both of them how to use the electronic lock pick. Whether it would work on Dark One technology they had no way to know except to try it. But to do that, one must find a lock to pick, and thus far, doors and locks remained frustratingly hidden from both scanners and eyes.
They wiled away the time in the darkness talking of the Booettu culture and beliefs, of space adventures and the different species Warren and Ettwanae had encountered, which Taala found fascinating. Despite the fact that she was of a less advanced species who, until the arrival of the Ediu/Dark Ones, had no knowledge of a greater universe beyond their world that teamed with sentient life, she was amazingly accepting of the concepts of aliens, a huge universe, and advanced technology and space travel. They believed in gods and spirits prior to the Ediu, but hadn't yet matured enough as a species to consider much beyond their own existence. Time within the citadel changed all that for Taala. She "grew up" quickly as she heard from the Dark Ones of life beyond Neu. And she learned life out there could be cruel and horribly unjust for those unable to defend themselves. To her credit, Taala hadn't painted all interstellar species with the same heartless souls as the Ediu had shown themselves to be.
"They told us of other peoples that had succumbed to them. They tried to tell us that those people were weak and deserving of their fate, but we heard differently. We heard between their words the courage with which those people fought and died. We may be a young people, but we are not without intelligence." The words were spoken with pride.
Warren watched her through the monotone darkness of the moonless night that without his mutation-enhanced vision would be only blackness. She was intelligent, as was Aunu in the village. These people given the chance could grow to become as advanced as any other FTL species. In fact, it surprised him they weren't more developed than they were.
"Taala, since the Ediu arrived, has your culture stepped backward at all?"
At first, it seemed she wasn't certain what he was asking, but then her face revealed understanding. "We have not progressed. Ediu discourage learning and creating new ways. I believe they want to keep us as we are."
"Keep the lambs meek." Warren saw neither Taala nor Ettwanae got the reference. "The Ediu want to keep you as children who believe without question, obey without argument, and cause no trouble."
"That is it!" Taala agreed with bitterness.
As the hours dragged on, weariness gripped Warren and he struggled to remain awake. His mind and attention wandered to the sounds of Neu's nightlife…distant calls of animals, insects, or whatever made up the wild populace of the planet. Gentle murmurs, sharp cries, soothing rhythmic tones. They beckoned him, spoke to him on a deep level. He felt their pull…listened to the seductive call of the night. Suddenly, the world…stuttered. Warren jerked. 'Huh? That was weird.' He shook his head and refocused. 'Must have been drifting off,' he concluded.
He looked over at Ettwanae. She and Taala were talking softly about some female subject, comparing notes apparently. He studied Ettwanae's face in sleep-deprived detachment as she spoke of how Eshaaru females come of age. Her lips moved sensually, their fullness accentuated as she said certain words. The delicate hands gestured gracefully to emphasize a thought. His eyes traveled over the curves and contours of her body now colored in the gray tones of starlight. Longing began to stir, despite fatigue. Would they ever be truly together? Before the need became too uncomfortable, he focused on the girls-only conversation, only half comprehending as sleep kept trying to take him.
After a long night sitting on the hard rocks, dawn broke with nary a sign of life outside the citadel. Disheartened, Warren carried Taala back to her home, giving the woman her second taste of flying. He was exhausted, and all he could think about was flopping down on his soft mattress and letting his body have what it demanded. Once back at Volu, he let Ettwanae share their non-news and did just that, falling asleep instantly.
###
Ztar's face reflected several emotions at the news, all in the order exactly as Warren had predicted. 'You really do know the man well,' he congratulated himself. First surprise, then concern, then irritation as the man realized Warren was perfectly fine.
"What do you mean, you will be late?" the hot words flew across subspace.
"I apologize, but hopefully it won't be more than a couple days, a few tops. We've experienced a…delay."
"A delay? Do your new friends not understand the importance of this meeting?" Ztar's face turned hard and even on the small PI screen, Warren saw the flashes of anger in the deep brown eyes.
"They do, but unforeseen circumstances are interfering. It's been what, 16 days since the murders I did not commit? What harm can a couple more days-"
Ztar cut him off. "Do you watch the comnet news on your ship? Don't you know what's happening? The only suspect in this little incident was finally leaked yesterday," the sarcasm was biting, "despite our best efforts to suppress it."
Warren's heart lurched. He was all too familiar with the pitfalls of being a public figure – and members of the Royal Court were comnet fodder, one of the reasons why Warren had always shied away from watching too much of the interstellar media feeds. Gossip news grew quickly after the governmental transition began and Royal Court watchers became almost celebrities in themselves. All of which spurred Warren to spurn much of the less serious comnet reporting. In retrospect, he had been immensely grateful Ztar kept him out of the media eye almost to the point of reclusiveness while he lived on Sat'rey. Even with all the hubbub the Etagllot trial created, media attention quickly turned elsewhere afterward – pretty hard to dog someone living on a non-contact world. But now his time off the scent of newshounds had likely come to an abrupt end.
"You know me, Ztar, I've never watched much of the news…"
Ztar apparently slammed a fist on his desk – his image shook on Warren's PI as the loud bang came through sharply. "Perhaps you should start – and have your friends watch as well. The comnet is a storm of speculation, expert opinion, news commentary, exaggerations, outright lies, and Royal Court bashing. There are a few voices of reason that continue to emphasize you have yet to be found guilty of the crime, but those seemed to be drowned out by the mongers of spectacle." Ztar's olive-brown face was actually red with anger. The eyes flashed as interference degraded his image on the PI screen.
Warren swallowed. Facing Ztar's wrath even across the vast distance of space was decidedly uncomfortable. "But I need-" was all Warren got out. Ztar hadn't finished yet.
"Jharda is doing as much as damage control as she is able, Stjarmas'de is holding back the attorneys for the deceased and Tchut authorities, while I'm doing my best to instill that the Empire's absentee member of Court does understand the seriousness of the situation and not snubbing his Human nose at our legal system."
Ztar looked like he might have a stroke. This was not good at all. "So you're trying to tell me that I need to get my ass to Im."
"Yes!" the man growled. "Without further delay. We need to clear up this matter quickly."
"What about my offer to be questioned via comm? Can't Stjarmas'de ask again…"
"They want you there, on Tchut, in front of their interrogators." Ztar's anger was something Warren wasn't use to be on the receiving end of. Yes, they butted heads a lot in the past, but that was personal stuff. This was different. This was business. Ztar was stressing big-time.
"I'll be there just as soon as I can. I promise you. It's just that there's business here that needs to be dealt first. Please be patient and trust me."
The next expression that came across the comlink was scathing. "There is business here that needs to be dealt with, Archangel." The man was nearly yelling now. "You have responsibilities to our Court and to the Empire."
That irked Warren. His position on Court was not of his choosing – it had been thrust upon him by his then despised enslaver. All Warren had to do was give Ztar "that sideways look" and the Turzent's expression instantly took a less demanding air.
"By the gods, Archangel! You've been Royal Court for two years and acceded to the position willingly long ago. Don't you see how urgent the matter is? I want you to be free these of false charges as soon as possible. Once you explain the circumstances, we'll be in a much better position to demand the accusations be withdrawn. But unless you cooperate, it only makes you look guilty."
Warren wanted to comply with Ztar's wishes, but he didn't want to leave Neu without another attempt at the citadel. Yet Warren was not a shirker of duty – he was responsible indirectly for the problems facing the rest of the Court. The citadel wasn't likely going anywhere…
"Ztar, we'll leave within two days if I can at all manage it." Then Warren felt it wise to use the lifeline Ztar and Company could provide. "If I'm unable to do so, it will be because the situation is preventing me. I will have someone comm you should that be the case." He'd leave it at that for now. 'No sense giving him even more to worry about.'
The change in expression was dramatic. Anything that threatened Warren always had that affect on the man. "Archangel, what are you trying to tell me? Are you in danger?"
"I'm fine, just making sure my favorite Turzent Emperor will still cover my back." Warren grinned the seductive smile he long ago reserved just for his former lover when feeling mischievous.
The man looked like he was going to press further, but then opted to not. "I will cover your back…and other parts if you wish." The returned smile spoke of all the old feelings and longings.
Warren was pleased with himself – Ztar was so-o-o easily diverted by anything that implied a romp in the hay. As he watched, Ztar's face took on its own playfulness.
"In case you believe me so simple, know that I'm on to your diversionary tactics, my favored Human, but I'm enjoying imaginations of the new destination."
'Well, maybe you're not quite so clever, Worthington!' he laughed at himself. "Tell Stjarmas'de I'll see him on Tchutchka Centrus."
Ending the comm, Warren decided to check out the news. "Volu, I'm linking up with the comnet, any objections?"
There was a pause. "You will not like what you see."
"I know, Ztar told- Wait a minute. Did you just tap in, or have you been watching the comnet all along? I thought you didn't like linking up with the imperial system."
"I do not often, but it would be irresponsible of me not to check for events that may impact us, Warren."
"And so you knew what was going on, but chose not to tell me?" His ire was rising.
"You would learn of it soon enough."
"Not a valid excuse, Volu. I'm not happy with you right now," he stated coldly.
"Imperial problems are of no concern to us. I will not let it interfere with our mission."
Warren wanted to yell at the ship, but held his tongue. The Eshaar'ne's first loyalty was to Ettwanae, that was abundantly clear…and as it should be. His royal problems were his and Volu would likely always put those in the 'not my concern' category unless they directed impacted Ettwanae. That line of thought raised a big question. Hopefully, he could convince the ship that allowing him to resolve the problem was good strategy.
"Volu, I'm not any happier with the situation than you, but as you admitted earlier, I wouldn't be in this predicament if I was not with you and Ettwanae. And, we don't know who the murdered men were after – it could have just as well been Ettwanae. This problem belongs to all of us. If I become a fugitive wanted for murder, it could cause problems wherever we go."
"They cannot take what they cannot find," Volu countered.
"Yes, but we have no idea where our journey will led us or the resources we'll need to tap into. Let's not burn our bridges if we can save them. Let me resolve this. Allow me to return to Tchutchka."
He didn't like the lengthy silence. In hindsight, he was foolish to have assumed Volu would return to the scene of the trouble.
Finally, she spoke. "I will take you back to Tchutchka Centrus once we are done here. There are risks, Warren, and I hope I can successfully avoid whatever may await us there."
At first, Warren wasn't completely certain what Volu was imagining would be waiting for them, but then it clicked. "You're worried the other Eshaar'ne."
"Yes."
"We'll stay only long enough for me to answer their questions."
"No longer."
"Agreed. Thank you, Volu. You've made it clear before that you will do whatever is necessary to protect Ettwanae. If I were you, I would do likewise. Know that I understand and appreciate that."
"Then you will understand, Warren, that if things do not go well for you on Tchutchka Centrus and they do not release you, I may decide it best for Ettwanae to leave without you."
Warren couldn't say he was surprised, but he was feeling let down. Yet he had Ztar as a safety net – who did Ettwanae and Volu have? They were on their own. "Understood. However, consider this. I hold a powerful position within the Turzent Empire – one that I've never fully exploited. If I chose to do so, I could be a potent ally – I can access resources that may make your search far easier. Before you leave me, take that into account."
The Eshaar'ne remained quiet, hopefully mulling over the pros and cons and finding more weight on the 'Don't Leave Warren Behind' side of the scale. He wouldn't press her for an answer that she may not be ready to give, so he returned to the subject that started the conversation.
"Volu, I want to link up with the comnet. Will you let the signal through?" Without a word from the Eshaar'ne, his PI jumped to life and one of the newsfeeds popped up on the small screen. Volu was throwing her weight around to make a point. He smiled.
Warren wasn't smiling a few minutes later when a report came up regarding the scandal.
"In the continuing triple murder investigation on Tchutchka Centrus, authorities are still waiting for the arrival of Archangel, the enigmatic member of the Royal Court of Ztar." A Basti female was speaking with a hologram of Warren floating beside her, likely an image from the trial on Sat'rey. 'Not the most flattering shot,' he snorted.
"An anonymous source within Tchut Planetary Security stated that the continued excuses for the Royal's failure to appear were of grave concern. Jharda Myrundra from the Office of Planetary Relations and a member of Court emphasized Archangel had traveled to a remote sector and that vast distance was the cause of the delay. However, she would not reveal more, declaring the location classified. Questions remain. What manner of classified business could a member of Court who holds no governmental position be involved in?"
Warren's image faded and a new face floated next to the newscaster. "Providing another viewpoint on the subject is former Master of Security of Mennisa, Ekat-Rov, currently Security Principal with Ziat Exploration and Mining, a multi-system conglomerate with numerous Imperial contracts."
Warren hadn't a clue what the man's credentials meant to someone who understood them, but anything to do with Mennisa piqued his interest. It had been a troublesome system ever since being added unwillingly to the Turzent Empire as part of the peace treaty with The Systems Commonwealth.
"Thank you for lending us your insight, Principal Ekat-Rov. As someone who served in sensitive security capacities both pre and post constitution, what is your take on Court Member Archangel's classified travels?"
"The timing of those travels is…convenient, is it not?" the disembodied head volleyed with a smirk that transcended cultural differences. "I find it equally puzzling that someone who was named to Royal Court on an apparent Imperial whim would be involved with any high-level security operations." Then the Turzent male gave a look to the camera that Warren read as condescending. "From everything we've gathered regarding the Human's royal position, it was as a simple companion. Apparently, quite a skilled companion," the patronizing smile widened, "but royal companion nonetheless. However, the reasons for Archangel being exalted to Court are without precedence and the circumstances under which he appeared on the royal scene…from seemingly out of nowhere...are mysterious." Ekat-Rov gave his audience a provocative look that dropped Warren's stomach to his feet.
"And now this reportedly former royal companion is on a classified junket conducting imperial business. What are we to read into that?" the reporter prompted.
"Exactly the point. What could possibly qualify a mere courtesan to conduct high-level business? Is there more to Archangel than has been revealed? Just who is this Human who comes from an official non-contact world? Why is Earth declared as such if one of their citizens sits on the Royal Court? Many unanswered questions."
A wave of a hand signaled the Basti's concurrence with her interviewee. "All of which are being deftly dodged by the Court, as was the case after the Etagllot trial on Sat'rey."
"Indeed! The Royal Court of Ztar is obviously hiding something. We must ask ourselves what Archangel, and more broadly, what Ztar and his Court are involved in. What don't they want us to know?"
Warren was burning. This was outrageous! No wonder Ztar was livid. What would they dredge up? Ztar must be very worried about the exact nature of how Warren came into his life. Would the Accord language fall into the hands of the media? If so, Ztar would have a publicity nightmare on his hands. As Emperor under the old system, Ztar was within his legal rights to take whomever he wished for a bedmate. What he did to ensure Warren's cooperation went way beyond that. If the news discovered that the founder of the current Empire and father of its new imperiocratic government had maneuvered a planetary accord no less, the likes of which had never been done before, for the sole purpose of sexual satiety... The issue had sex scandal written all over it. And now the object of that lust was charged with triple murder and nowhere to be found.
"Fuck!" he fumed at the PI in his hand. "Double fuck!"
"I did warn you would not be happy with what you saw," the ship's almost smug attitude only added to Warren's distress.
The newscast was continuing. "Many questions and few answers. Thank you, Officer Ekat-Rov, for being with us today." Jharda's image replaced Ekat-Rov's next to the Basti. "Many insiders are concerned with the lack of disclosure by the Court, stating that void of information is generating the wild range of speculation we are hearing. Just hours ago, Court Voice Myrundra cautioned against such groundless conjecture."
Jharda's image then filled the screen. "The charges against Archangel are based on circumstantial evidence. No motive or witnesses to the actual incident have been forthcoming. While we are fully cooperating with Tchut security service, we remain troubled and perplexed by the seeming unsubstantiated accusation of murder. What is fact is that the three men were armed and without the necessary permits to carry those weapons. Additionally, one of their weapons had been discharged and with no evidence of return fire. If you examine the data objectively, the story is far from what is being suggested by those outside of the investigation. A more accurate interpretation is that whomever the highly trained, battle-hardened men accosted in that dead-end alley was apparently unarmed, attacked, and likely in fear for their wellbeing. The evidence points to a case of self-defense by whoever was their target or defense by someone to protect the potential victim. While we sympathize with the families of the men, we suggest more scrutiny be directed at their motives and actions. The negative attention directed at Archangel is fueled more by sensationalism than good investigative reporting."
Warren was impressed. Myrundra played all the right notes. She'd walked the fine line between not offending the media or Tchut authorities, yet chastising everyone for allowing speculation run rampant while offering a defensible plea that used fact to turn the tables on his accusers. Jharda was highly skilled at her job and it showed.
The Basti reporter flashed upon the screen once again. "When asked about the specific evidence that lead investigators to Royal Court member Archangel, Myrundra again emphasized that the DNA read only as Human, not specifically Archangel's. When pressed further on whether any other feathered Humans were known to be space-travelers, Myrundra offered no explanation." A quick cut to Jharda filled the screen. "I'll leave the wild speculations to the others. We prefer to deal with fact." Jharda's image faded to the news reporter's. "And in response to the recurring question as to whether Archangel himself has confirmed or denied being at the crime scene, Court Voice Myrundra emphasized that Archangel hasn't yet had a chance to speak with law authorities and no further statements would be offered before Tchut Security questioned Archangel directly."
"Next up, news on the continuing natural disasters on Arythwae. And after that…" A scene of a large, public demonstration filled the screen. "What's going on with the Commonwealth? That realm continues to grapple with spreading dissention-" Warren ended the comnet link with that.
"It's bad, Volu. I need to get to Tchutchka and clear my name, if that's possible. In Imperial law, are you innocent until proven guilty or the other way around?"
"Usually, the former," Volu hedged.
"I don't like the sound of usually."
"I am not well versed in Turzent law, Warren. That is my interpretation from limited exposure. The Court's counsel is a better source for answers."
He nodded. It was going to be a long trip back to the planet where the trouble started. "Damn it all!" he grumbled as he rose. 'Jesus, why can't my life ever be easy? What'd I do that was so horrible?' Well, a couple things, he reminded himself. But hadn't he paid penance for those sins already? "Fuck it!" he sworn again just to release more of building frustration.
Taking a deep breath, he let it out slowly and evenly; then repeated the exercise. His nerves somewhat less jagged, he determined a plan of action – or more accurately, non-action. "Volu, I stand by our earlier decision. I don't want the others to know about this, especially Ettwanae. She'll worry more and we must to focus on the citadel. We need to get in, get the nodes, and get off this planet."
"I concur."
Warren was pleased to hear that. The last thing he wanted was for the others to be worrying about the fiasco Tchutchka Centrus had turned into just before the citadel operation – let them be oblivious for a while. Then he told himself to file the problem under the can't-do-anything-about-it-right-now category and ran various raid scenarios through his mind for the hundredth time.
###
Ztar knew he'd promised not to go looking for him unless the Human failed to check in. He knew interfering was a breach of faith. Archangel had entrusted him with the knowledge he was with Esserru. But he sensed Archangel was in danger; felt it to his bones. He knew Archangel too well – the man was hiding something disturbing – something Archangel believed would worry him. The man was in trouble and maybe even struggling with opposing loyalties. If he wasn't, Ztar knew without doubt that Archangel would be on his way Tchutchka Centrus to clear his name.
But if Archangel was struggling with torn allegiances, Ztar was not. Archangel was Royal Court. Archangel was his former lover and still would be if Ztar had his deepest wish fulfilled. Archangel was his savior, literally pulling him back from the brink of losing his very soul to the darkness. Archangel was someone Ztar would give his life for, sell his own soul to save, risk his Empire to protect…and break promises if it meant shielding the man from whatever threatened.
And thus, Ztar decided. If there were indeed trouble, he would tell Gtar-Cro to take whatever action was necessary to protect Archangel on Neu. He'd deal with Archangel's wrath later. The man's safety was top priority. After that, his winged court member had better haul ass to Tchut and help deal with that royal mess!
###
A/N: Next time – do they breach the citadel?