Chapter 39
###
The room was still. Ztar and Jharda stood facing one another on a dais in the center of the palace's Grand Reception. Late afternoon sunlight bathed them and the encircling crowd as it streamed through the massive windows. Guests for the Ceremony of Life-Pairing were dressed in their finest. The royal couple had donned battle garb as was tradition for the once warrior race. In the golden glow of the great palace, before dear friends, loved ones, and trillions of comnet viewers, an emperor and an empress-to-be stood ready to exchange vows.
Jharda stared deeply into her husband-to-be's eyes, marveling that the moment was finally upon them to officially bind their lives. She would speak the ancient words of commitment with force and fire, not only for herself, but for all the people of the empire to know her conviction.
"Be it known to all present that I, Jharda, bearer of the blood and name Myrundra, do now pledge my allegiance, my sword, and my honor to this man. My body is his to wield. My mind is his to know. My soul with his is now forged."
She took a breath as her heart pounded. Before refalling in love with Ztar, she had nearly given up on finding a lifemate. By a miracle of the gods, he had refallen, as well. That was only good to come from the Mon Genesis bombing that took many lives and nearly hers. Jharda lost an eye, arm, and leg that day, but she'd gained the man standing before her.
"From this moment forward, I am no longer Jharda Myrundra, but Jharda, lifemate of Ztar, defender of his name and his blood. Unto him I submit." With those words, Jharda stripped away her family name in keeping with tradition. While men did not carry family names, women did until their marriage. It was a great moment in a Turzent woman's life to toss aside birth ties for chosen loyalty.
Jharda went down on one knee facing Ztar; head deeply bowed, and stilled.
Ztar gazed upon the woman who had pledged herself to him. A miracle of the gods had brought them together once again, he did not doubt. Too many events had been necessary to arrive on the dais that day for there to be any other explanation…too much Ztar had to overcome. His heart swelled in the wonder of it all and with the love he held for the amazing woman on bended knee. Ztar would make certain his voice rang loud with declarations of love and devotion.
"Be it known to all present that I, Ztar, bearer of the blood and honor of my ancestors, do now pledge my allegiance, my sword, and my life to this woman, Jharda. My body hers now defends. My mind with hers now joins. My soul onto hers is now forged."
The deep tenor echoed off the polished stone walls of the great hall. The Emperor was pleased.
"From this moment forward, I am no longer a lone warrior, but Ztar, lifemate of Jharda, defender of her name and her blood. Unto her I submit."
Ztar knelt on a single knee, cupped Jharda's chin with his hand, and tilted her face up to meet his eyes.
"You are my equal in all things. This I vow to you." Ztar swore the words into the depths of her eyes.
"You are my equal in all things. This I pledge to you," Jharda returned with every fiber of her being.
"My body will lie with no other. My mind will not deceive. My soul with yours will forever dwell. This I vow to you."
"My body will lie with no other. My mind will not deceive. My soul with yours will forever dwell. This I pledge to you."
Together, they had chosen to speak the celibacy vow, which was not standard for royalty. Jharda wanted it from the beginning, but Ztar had hesitated, hoping Archangel would come to him occasionally. Then the recent, odd dream of he and the Human in the mountain valley – it was a message, he'd come to believe. A final goodbye to that intimacy. He and the winged man were in the past, and their chaste kiss before the ceremony sealed that reality. Archangel's heart and soul belonged to another…and so did Ztar's.
Clasping hands, Ztar and Jharda stood in unison. A sword bearer from either side stepped onto the dais bearing beautifully crafted, ornate Imperial swords in outstretched hands – one for the Emperor and one for the new Empress. The stature of the swords was the only difference marking the ceremony imperial as non-royal weddings used simple swords.
Releasing one another hands, each took an offered weapon. Side by side, Ztar and Jharda turned to face the room of witnesses, raising an arm high until they touched fist-to-fist and swords crossed with a clink, pointing high in the air.
"Witness! Before you stands a new fortress – the House of Ztar and Jharda. United. Indivisible!" Ztar declared powerfully.
"Long live our House! Long live the Empire!" Jharda declared with equal gusto.
"Long live Emperor Ztar! Long live Empress Jharda!" a deep voice from the back of the room shouted and the crowd cheered. Across the empire, lightshows and other celebratory festivities would begin in earnest. The marriage and ascent of their new empress was a glorious moment in imperial history.
Swords were lowered, handed off to the weapons bearers, and the newlyweds turned toward one another to join hands, huge smiles lighting their faces.
Warren had learned from Sukja that a kiss at the end of the life-pairing ceremony was not automatic. However, if someone called out for it, the couple may choose to indulge the crowd. As the cheering died down, it was obvious no one was willing to do that, likely because the newlyweds were no ordinary couple. It was too good an opportunity to pass up.
"Emperor, for God's sake, kiss the girl already!" he shouted boldly. Others enthusiastically vocalized their support.
Ztar's hearty laughter filled the Grand Reception as he sought then found Archangel's face. "I see my youngest Court Member is as decorous as ever!"
The audience chuckled with their monarch. On that note, Ztar swept powerful arms around his bride and took Jharda in a long, deep, breath-stealing kiss, thrilling onlookers as the room erupted in another round of cheers.
Immediately after, the palace celebration began. Drink, conversation, and music flowed. Warren marveled at the joyfulness filling the place and how right everything felt. That day was what it had all been about…all the past sacrifices, pain, change, frustrations, fears, and risks. Ztar's wedding was a new and wonderful experience to add to Warren's collection of happy memories linked to royal residence.
Amazement also filled him again at the transformation his emotions had undergone since the first time he arrived on Sat'rey as Ztar's angry, embittered, and very much unwilling consort. As he watched the once loathed Turzent ruler beaming beside his bride, all Warren felt was the love of friendship and soul-deep contentment at the happiness shining in the once cold and unfeeling alien eyes.
'How things have changed.'
Warren was suddenly aware of Ettwanae studying him closely. He turned and smiled. "A penny for my thoughts?" A cute, perplexed look crossed her beautiful features. "Never mind. I was just thinking about how much our Emperor has changed. He is so happy."
"He just got married – I would hope he is happy!" she giggled.
"I was thinking more broadly."
She gave him an understanding pat on the upper arm. "I know. He was unhappy before?"
Warren took a step backward to lean a shoulder against polished stone. "When I first met him, Ztar was happy enough on the imperial front, but his personal life was in shambles. Circumstances had driven him to become a very angry and self-loathing man. Outwardly, he was fine. But on the inside… Only Sukja really knew how bad it was." Warren shook his head slowly at the memories. "Ztar was a mess."
Ettwanae's eyes widened. "I had no idea. I guess we really don't think of rulers as people, if you understand what I mean. I never thought about the Emperor having personal troubles. What happened to him?"
Warren considered how much to share. After a few moments, the decision was made. "Let's take a walk."
He led Ettwanae through the impeccably manicured gardens, away from the wedding hubbub to the outermost pavilion. The transformation the garden setting had undergone stunning. Moit'de was a true master! He selected a bench with a view of the pond and small waterfall. It was in that tranquil setting that Warren shared the long, painful story that eventually led to the iconic happy ending. Despite the tears running down her cheeks, relief filled him at having dispelled a secret between them. It had been time.
His soulbound hugged him for many minutes while the soothing sound of falling water accompanied her murmurs of love and comfort.
###
"We wondered where you had gone!" Sukja greeted Warren and Ettwanae as they rejoined the party. "Come with me. There is something I wish to share."
Warren and Ettwanae followed hand-in-hand to where Atichi, Niat and Splythe, T'Qilla, Moit'de, Flint, and Gatebi sat around a large table. Settling into their seats, Sukja poured Dison all around.
Still standing, he began. "Old friends and new, Atichi and I have an announcement." His eyes locked to hers. "This magnificent woman, whom I have loved for years and will cherish all my days, has agreed to wed this old fool." Atichi was watching Sukja with such tenderness, a lump formed in Warren throat. "I'm not sure what I did to deserve her, but I plan to spend the rest of my life thanking her for waiting until I came to my senses." With misty eyes, he sat and looked to each person around the table as heartfelt congratulations rang out.
"Sukja, all I can say it is about time! Congratulations you two!" Warren raised his glass. "A toast to the couple – a custom amongst my people." With Warren's encouraging gestures, everyone joined in lifting his or her glass. "May you shed more tears of joy than sorrow; enjoy many more days of health than illness; dare to love more, live more, and find contentment from being more than simply one plus one. To Atichi and Sukja – let yours be a long and happy union!"
Following Warren's lead, glasses clinked and drinks were tasted heartily.
###
Flint and Gatebi milled around, feeling awkward. After Warren and Ettwanae had wandered off to mingle, they were on their own in a room full of strangers and imperial bigwigs. The situation was uncomfortable, especially for Flint.
"Let's ditch this place, Gabby. How 'bout we explore outside." The Alcab was hesitant. "Ah, come on. All the power and money in here doesn't leave much room for nobodies like you and me."
With a small nod, she caved, and soon they were outside enjoying the landscape. Looking back at the palace, Gatebi sighed.
"Beautiful, isn't it. Can you imagine living here?"
"Nah, too big. Ya'd get lost."
She smiled wistfully at the imperial dwelling, and his heart fluttered strangely.
"It'd be fun to try for awhile." Then she turned to him with an expression he couldn't read. "You understand we'll all have to go home soon…that the adventure is over?"
That hit Flint like a ton of bricks. The idea had tiptoed around his thoughts, but he'd successfully pushed them away. No one in their little group had said aloud the end was near until then. He hung his head. "Yeah."
"What will you do?"
He kicked at a single blade of coarse grass that dared to rise higher than the rest. "Dunno. Go back to Mom's, I guess. Don't want to, but I got nowhere else."
"What about that group you and Warren talk about…the X-Men?"
Flint shook his head firmly. "Not my scene. I like adventure – fighting bad guys who get off on world domination, not so much…not after some of the stuff Warren told me. What we did these past couple years, that's more my style. Looking for stuff and figurin' how things are goin' down. Like Indiana Jones – that's me!"
Gatebi frowned. "Who or what is that?"
He gave her a quick snort. "Don't matter."
"If you don't do that, then what? Find a job?"
Flint headed toward a beckoning bench and sat with a huff. "Don't know, Gabby. Nothing sounds appealin' after running round the galaxy with Twae. Earth just seems too…too small now, ya know?"
She joined him on the garden seat built for two. "I understand. I always longed for adventure and escaped into books instead. My parents wanted me to settle down, find a career – preferably one they found acceptable – and be 'an adult,' as my father likes to say. To me, that looks like a life of boredom and routine. I want to explore, see new things, and have great adventures. We're of like mind on that," she finished with a smile his direction.
"Yeah. This 'end of the great adventure' is a real bummer."
"Ettwanae said they plan to settle on Earth."
Flint nodded. "Yup, War told me. He said I could crash at his place til I figure out what I wanna do."
Gatebi grinned. "Ettwanae made the same offer to me. They must have discussed it."
"Maybe we should – just for a bit. You don't sound so keen on goin' home, and I'm definitely not lookin' forward to bunkin' at Mom's, 'specially with him there," he snapped with a shudder. "There'll be no end to the questions and accusations!"
The Alcab's eyes went wide, then she looked sharply away. "It may be even worse for me if I return home. The few times I did comm, they tried interrogating me. I don't think they will accept anything short of full disclosure. I'm not ready to give that."
The two friends sat quietly for several moments, deep in contemplation.
"Ya know, War's offer is sounding better and better, but not for like weeks. I'm no mooch."
"Just until we determine what we want to do next."
"Exactly." He turned to look at the woman who'd seen so much with him. Flint suddenly realized how much he would miss Gatebi when she did leave. His chest tightened at the thought. He swallowed down the lump forming. What was going on with him?
Gatebi suddenly turned to meet his gaze. "Flint?"
He saw something flicker in her eyes, but no idea what it meant. "Yeah?"
"Let's do that. Let's stay with Warren and Ettwanae for a while. Perhaps an opportunity will present itself that we can't imagine right now."
With a simple nod, it was a pact.
###
Ettwanae waved down Flint and Gatebi as soon as she spied them entering the reception hall.
"I've been looking for you!"
"We was out for air," Flint explained with a laugh. "Got a bit stuffy with all the money and power taking up the oxygen in here." That earned him a stern look from Gatebi and a roll of eyes from Ettwanae, which made him grin like the Cheshire cat.
"Warren wants to introduce you two to Ztar and Jharda. Come on," she said grabbing Gatebi's hand.
"Meet Ztar Almighty?!" Flint was instantly nervous. "The king of damn near everything?"
Ettwanae threw Flint a 'don't be silly' look. "You went into battle against the Dark Ones and meeting the Emperor is scaring you?"
"Telepathy and energy blasts? Not ta mention the guy is like huge! Brick shithouse mean anythin' to ya?"
She smiled sweetly. "Nothing, actually. Now come on! You don't want to be known as the one who kept the Emperor waiting." With that she pulled Gatebi along, and Flint followed dutifully, albeit reluctantly.
Joining up with Warren, who was laughing and talking with Elite Guardsmen Gragne and Ab in one corner of the great hall, he made brief introductions of Flint and Gatebi, and then the entourage proceeded toward the newlyweds standing near the staircase.
Ztar spied them approaching. "Archangel! There you are. I was starting to wonder if you had changed your mind."
Warren grinned broadly. Ztar looked so damn happy. And the bride looked very much like she was ready give birth at any moment. Her belly was quite pronounced. "No way. Just needed to corral them."
As Ettwanae, Gatebi, and finally Flint lined up in front of the towering Turzent, Warren caught Flint Adam's apple bobbing as he gazed up at the man, eyes wide. Flint was shorter than Warren and Warren felt short when next to Ztar. Gatebi's stature was the least, but she seemed unaffected by the Emperor's imposing presence.
"Gatebi and Flint, please know Emperor Ztar and Empress Jharda of the Turzent Empire."
Gatebi bowed her head and when seeing out of the corner of her eye that Flint wasn't doing likewise, she gave him a little nudge. He quickly followed her example.
"Emperor Ztar and Empress Jharda, please recognize Gatebi Eudara of Alcab and Lanic 'Flint' Reilly of Earth."
"It is an honor to meet friends of my dear friend. Welcome to Sat'rey and our home," the man's voice boomed warmly. "Archangel has spoken of you both with great admiration."
Flint's head jerked up. "He has?" slipped out before he could catch himself, earning another one of those 'looks' from Gatebi, but Warren chuckled off to the teen's side.
Jharda spoke as if the small faux pas had not occurred. "I am honored as well that you chose to join us on this special day and witness our vows. Thank you for coming."
Warren caught a small wince in Jharda's face. Ztar's eyes shot to his bride's in the next instant. The subtle head movement she gave her groom seemed to indicate all was well.
Ztar returned attention to the two standing quietly before him. He placed a firm hand on Flint's shoulder, startling the teen. Green eyes traveled from the hand, up the powerful arm, to the royal face. A small, sly grin upturned one corner of Ztar's mouth.
"Archangel tells me that you can handle your own in battle. I also understand you have a rather unique ability. If you're looking for a post, I'm certain we can find a place for you within one of our Imperial services."
The hand moved from the Human's shoulder, while Flint's mouth gaping remained motionless. Gatebi made a quiet, but odd strangled noise next to him. At the prompting, he found his voice…barely.
"I- um- I-"
Ztar chuckled. "I can see you need time to consider. Take as much as you require – the offer will not be withdrawn. You can reach me anytime through Archangel."
Gatebi was next to fall under the monarch's survey. "I was told you have a gifted mind, Gatebi Eudara. We have need of such in many areas. What is your area of interest?"
"Space exploration, your majesty."
Flint's brain to vocal cords wiring suddenly sprang to life. "Me, too! Exploration – a ship with my name on it and we're gone, right Gabby?"
The kid was grinning like a fool at Gatebi. His reward was a scathing glower that caused a flinch.
Jharda suppressed a chuckle. "Well, perhaps if exploration is what you both wish to pursue, we can find appropriate positions for you on a research vessel," the Empress offered.
Gatebi sought and caught Ettwanae's eyes. The look said it all – had she and Warren asked the imperial couple to offer them employment? A slight shake of the golden-hair head answered her.
Ztar didn't miss the exchange. "The offers are entirely my own. Now that we have saved the galaxy from eternal darkness and Archangel and Ettwanae have found each other, I wanted you to know options are available should returning home sound too mundane."
Flint leaned toward Warren. "I knew Ztar Almighty was an okay dude," the teen whispered.
A single eyebrow raised and Ztar cocked his head at Warren. "A ceremonial title?"
Warren laughed. "The Almighty part or dude?"
Ettwanae's eyes doubled in size. Gatebi paled. Flint looked aghast.
"I'm sorry, sir…your highness…ah, your emperorship."
Ztar and Jharda's grins reassured. "Archangel, I would say you find like fellows to surround yourself with. Flint has your feistiness."
Flint's eyes bulged. "War's feisty?"
At first, it was apparent the nickname threw the Emperor. "War…Warren. Yes, he is indeed feisty – in the best of ways."
The look sent by Ztar to Warren said wa-a-a-ay too much, and Warren found himself in a rare, full-on blush as all eyes snapped to his face. The Turzent's follow-up expression was one of satisfaction at garnering the pink tinge.
"Back to those job offers," Warren quickly redirected. "Flint, Gatebi – think about it. If returning to home doesn't appeal, that is."
Gatebi and Flint exchanged their own meaning-filled look; then the Alcab turned to Ztar. "Thank you, Emperor. The offers are a great honor. Flint and I will consider them carefully," she offered with gratitude and a slight bow of head.
Flint felt something in his grasp. Looking down, he realized with surprise that it was Gatebi's hand. Without knowing when and how, hers and his had joined. As if sensing his awareness, it slipped away. His eyes darted to her face, but she was solidly focused on the Emperor.
"That is all I can ask." The ruler turned to his bride, who suddenly grimaced. His face blanched. "Jharda?"
The Empress's hand shot to her swollen belly as she visibly winced. "My Emperor, I think our child has selected this day for an early arrival."
The words took a moment to register through the group.
Warren took a step closer to the couple. "You're in labor?"
She answered with quick nod. "I believe so, though this is new to me."
Ztar's eyes couldn't have gone wider, but with a distant look about them. Warren recognized the sign – the telepath was likely summoning medical troops. Then with a great sweep, Jharda was off her feet and cradled in powerful arms.
"Ztar! For all the gods, I can walk!" she chastised with a disapproving glare.
"That may be, but I will take no chances. My friends, if you will excuse us…" and they were gone.
###
Outside the palace, Den-neer patrolled as Elder Phai commanded. Danger still lurked despite victory. Dark Ones trapped on their side of the dimensional barrier would not simply go away. In fact, vengeance assassinations were not unlikely. Den-neer was to augment imperial security's telepathic net with his more powerful skills. Psy-damps blanketing the palace and grounds allowed only MI telepaths and Ztar to use their abilities; however, that technology had no adverse affects on Den-neer's U'larr-rooted mental prowess.
Confident that no one with ill intent was inside the palace, he meandered through the gardens admiring the magnificence of the masterwork while scanning for uninvited guests outside the building. He took a moment to mentally peek in on the ceremony. It had concluded. Phai's chosen Unifier had joined officially with his empress. The usually unemotional Shozen tool and weapon smiled. It was a good day for the Turzent Empire.
Returning to exterior scanning duties, Den-neer detected a psychic oddness nearby. A nothingness, yet something. His chest tightened. The anomaly felt stationary. Homing in, Den-neer stealthily approached, moving silently through the formal landscape. Rounding a corner of hedge, he saw the back of a cloaked figure seated on a secluded bench. Surrounded by tall shrubs, no part of the palace or the rest of the grounds could be seen from the small, private nook.
'A perfect place to quietly read,' Den-neer noted offhandedly.
"I know you are there, Den-neer," a deep, slippery voice greeted. The hooded figure did not bother to face him.
Den-neer held surprise in check. "As I knew you were here."
"Join me? The ceremony was quite powerful, don't you agree?"
Den-neer knew the mysterious visitor was not on the guest list, just as he instantly knew the male-sounding telepath was a Dark Ones operative. Well aware of the lethal danger, he approached the bench and sat. The hooded head never strayed from its forward set.
"I agree. Traditional Turzent life-pairing vows are virtually unchanged for hundreds of years and still reflect their warrior roots."
The enemy operative finally turned his way. Den-neer did likewise. As he studied his adversary, the being reached up with sinewy, long-fingered hands to drop the hood. The face revealed was unlike any Den-neer had seen – large, solid black eyes, the barest hint of a nose, sharply carved head without hair or visible ears, and deep tan skin with wide swirls of black that looked like nothingness; as if they were the darkness of night or deep space. The thin lips drew into a slight grin.
"I am half Eilu and half otherwise, if you are wondering. Helps in my work," the creature explained with a hand gesture toward the lowering Sat'reyan sun.
That made sense. Eilu could not survive in strong light.
"Does that work involve assassination today?" Den-neer queried bluntly.
The being sighed in obvious disappointment. "No. Today is observation only. A unique opportunity to study this Trient's primary pawns in one location."
"The Esha'Aru pair, the female's mother, and Ztar."
A single nod denoted concurrence. "And you. Wouldn't have missed the opportunity for…the galaxy." The message beneath was clear.
Den-neer smirked back. "You lost. Shouldn't you be somewhere else tending your wounds?"
The Eilu operative raised his hand to grab the hood and pull it up once again. "True. As such, I have work waiting for me – no time for wallowing."
That troubled Den-neer deeply. While it had been too much to hope the enemy would melt away after defeat, he'd hope they'd at least miss a beat or two in their ongoing campaign. It was disheartening news.
"Why the rush? The next attempt is thousands of years away," Den-neer wondered as the cloaked figure stood. He followed suit.
"Delay can cost dearly. Perhaps I give you and your superiors too much credit – thought you would have learned that lesson. Those slow to action are often caught unaware and unprepared."
The halfling was right. The quickness of the Dark Coming's final push did nearly catch them unready. It was a miracle they had pulled victory from the clutches of oblivion.
"Then perhaps I should kill you now and be one step ahead," Den-neer suggested flatly.
"Your unmatched telekinesis?" A slow shake of the head gave Den-neer pause. "That is as ineffective against me, even more so than against my creators. Did you know that telekinetic fields can be absorbed like any other energy?"
For the sake of thoroughness, Den-neer attempted to telekinetically grab the creature's hand. Nothing. He pushed against the mental shields – they held with barely a ripple. Astonishing! Then his opponent returned the favor. Den-neer also passed the test, although hiding the strain from his face took effort. The enemy operative was too powerful for comfort.
"Impressive," the Eilu complimented.
"You also. A credit to our progenitors." The other gestured agreement. Impenetrable psychic shields, immune to telekinetic attack, powerful telepathy – the unwelcome guest was as perfect for his role as Den-neer. "Let me escort you from the grounds."
Den-neer would not trust the word of an Eilu agent about the nature of the visit. It would be sweet revenge to kill Phai's chosen ones, especially an Esha'Aru breeding pair. And so the two lethal weapons strolled side by side toward the shuttle area.
A deep sigh emanated from the uninvited guest. "I must admit, my friend, that failure of years of hard work has been discouraging. The game was enjoyable, however. Watching Phai's chosen Unifier and his generals seeking perpetrators of unrest knowing they would never learn the truth on their own was amusing."
Bait hung. Den-neer would bite if for no other reason than intelligence gathering. "And the truth is?"
"Mygra, Mennisa, Mon Genesis – all were our handiwork. Humbly, I confess to leading several efforts. Quite effective in creating the desire effect. Amazing how simple it was to create the illusion of Commonwealth culpability."
"Your handiwork failed. The Turzent Empire remains solid."
A tilting of the odd head and a sinister grin sent warnings clanging through Den-neer even before the Eilu agent spoke.
"But is mere solidarity enough to safeguard them, Den-neer? There are realms far more powerful than the Turzent Empire you and Phai love so dearly. The Dark Coming, even in failure, brought awareness to others of the allures this region of space holds."
"What are you talking about?"
The hooded head shook slowly. "Ask your mother." The word sounded like an insult coming from the Eilu.
Bristled but not willing to show it, Den-neer halted abruptly near the shuttle he'd mentally summoned to be readied for departure. It would be folly to attempt capturing the powerful enemy agent during the high-profile event. Security would take the operative to the nearest spaceport and ensure he departed Sat'rey.
"Can I trust you to not kill your escorts?" the Shozen agent asked with a steady gaze into the black orbs.
Shuttle engines came to life as guards approached to take the party crasher elsewhere.
"Hmmm, I think you can. Today is not a day for death, but for celebration of life. And to think that soon we will have another celebration within the Empire…the birth of a royal child and heir has begun!"
Den-neer grimaced – a threat lay beneath the feigned elation. "A child under Shozen protection."
A smile oozed across the shadowy face. "It's ironic, Den-neer. You are whom Ztar's minions believe to have enabled the kidnapping of Archangel and Sukja, despite not having a name for their mysterious telepathic suspect. Did you know that?"
Den-neer was surprised, yet not. He'd left an extremely subtle trail behind on more than one occasion; thus, given a limited perspective, it would be a logical conclusion. From his broader knowledge, Den-neer had always assumed those behind the kidnapping were Dark Ones. "It was you."
The operative released a measured sigh. "A shame about that operation. If it had succeeded, Archangel would be dead and Ztar inconsolable, perhaps even suicidal. If not dead, then likely his reign would have turned decidedly harsher in the aftermath. He may have even turned to dark forces in his despair."
Den-neer jerked internally. Had the Eilu believed they might gain an ally in Ztar out of inconsolable grief and rage if they killed his treasured companion? The ramifications and implications whirled. Events may have played out very differently if they had succeeded in turning Ztar to the darkness. It had been a close call.
"Still a mystery how the Turzent found them so quickly. My personal conclusion is that we do not know the full extent of his mental abilities. Theories?"
Obviously, the operative didn't really believe Den-neer would share anything; just maintaining the pretense of civility. "Your shuttle waits. But before you take your leave, you know my name, but I am not privy to yours."
"We are but mirror images, Den-neer; our existence and yours. To dwell within your bright realm, we've been forced to make adjustments."
Turning sharply toward the shuttle, the cloak swirled as the operative headed toward the open hatch. Den-neer believed he'd not get a name for his dark counterpart. Just before stepping inside, the man stopped and turned slightly back.
"They call me Reivax." Suddenly, a spine-chilling laugh rang out. "I was recommissioned in honor of my most recent genetic contributor. Ztar isn't the only one who underwent augmentation." Then the man disappeared inside the shuttle, and the hatch closed.
As Den-neer watched the craft shoot out of sight, he couldn't help feeling that Reivax's parting words held a message or clue. He would need to contemplate on that, but other duties demanded his full attention for the next several hours.
###
Phai remained in her private quarters on Uulophar to regain composure. Elder Ary was dead. She felt certain even without a body. Saying a prayer to Ozshi'wanae for their fallen comrade was all she could do…except to vow to avenge his death, and Sequi's.
Losing two Elders was a major loss. Ary's death shook her more than she had anticipated. Though never a favorite of hers, he was Shozen and an Elder and for that, she had respected him. The loss would be felt in many ways. Ozshi'wanae's command to be fruitful and multiply would be just that much more difficult with two fewer U'larr descendants.
Etagllot security in Parma-Sentois had taken the suspected infiltrator into custody, and all had gone surprisingly smoothly. He was immediately subjected to hours of intense interrogation. The first report stated the impostor's telepathic barriers were incredibly powerful; however, confirming the person was other than Elder Ary was not difficult. Shozen shielding carried a uniqueness that with awareness and training, a skilled telepath could detect. A select few Etagllot telepaths were so trained, and one such telepath was assigned to the case. Eilu-augmented shields proved nearly impenetrable and scant information obtained. No answers on where Ary's body could be found, no timeframe of when the exchange occurred, or the extent of the infiltration. It was disheartening.
In an even more frustrating turn of events, their captive died of apparent suicide the day following the initial interrogation. How that could happen under tight security was being investigation. A huff escaped the Shozen leader at the many troubles and challenges still looming.
Ponderings drifted back to considerations of a personal nature. Phai looked down upon her chosen form – Zchezuan. Ary had chosen to follow his predecessor's example and had taken a cloned Cquax body grown purposefully without its own Ura, as were all Elder acquired forms. Phai admired his choice, as she did any Elder who took a body markedly alien to their natural one. Learning to use and becoming comfortable with a body bearing extra limbs, segments, and different senses from own's birth form was a test of dedication, patience, and determination.
Kuha'roho was the ability to transfer one's Ura to a waiting vessel and an old U'larr trait some Shozen could still perform after intense training. The skill was a prerequisite to becoming an Elder. Each newly elected Council member undertook the duty to both ensure they were nondescript to the casual observer and accepted as nothing more than what they appeared – another citizen of the realms they oversaw.
Hers, Sequi's, and Vui's Kuha'roho were relatively easy compared to what Ary, Kel, and Olar had faced; especially Kel and Ary. The Yat and Cquax bodies posed many challenges, but both had eventually become adept within their new forms. With the Dark Coming behind them for longer than they would live, reversing Kuha'roho was an option.
'How many of us will return to our true bodies?'
She felt Kel would revert. Olar was questionable. She deemed Vui as the likely one to remain at her post – the Gnocque sheath seemed to suit her. Equally, the brutal and expansionistic Gnocque warranted careful monitoring.
Phai was undecided. She stood and telepathically triggered a full-length holographic mirror image of herself. Scanning from head to toe, she took in the Zchezuan body. Phai liked what she saw. Vain? Perhaps.
At her command, an image of her original form materialized along side. Odd feelings swept her at the sight. Phai hadn't thought about or viewed her true self for a very long time. The body lay in a secure vault on a distant planet, as did the bodies of the rest of their Council. Thoughts of Sequi and Ary's soulless forms waiting for owners that would never return renewed the pain of loss.
Someone would need to perform Isha rites for those bodies and end stasis. As Elder of Elders, it was her honor to do so. Yet there was no need to rush. Quick mental contact with Uulophar, and the lengthy trip was worked into her itinerary.
Returning focus to the holo images, she closely examined her true form with its eyes closed in peaceful slumber. Reaching out a hand, she brushed a cheek, though her fingers went through the projection.
"I will not forget or abandon you, but my choice is for your slumber to continue a while longer."
With a mental command, the images winked out. Phai allowed herself a single tear for souls lost before returning to her duties, one of which was to watch the broadcast of a certain royal wedding.
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