(AN) AUTHOR'S NOTES:I'll be continuing to update this story until the dire end and it's finale. A little treat for you now things are starting to speed up a notch some action to come near the end of this chapter to enjoy. So without further or do I present chapter three, read, review/comment and enjoy until next time TLC to you all.
DISCLAIMER:All rights to Trinity Blood was created and © by late Yoshida Sunao, the anime directed by Tomohiro Hirata and produced by the studio GONZO, as well as a manga drawn by Yoshida Sunao's friend Kiyo Kyoujou. All © rights revered by their respective owners. I own nothing except © to this story, it's plot and it's OC's that will eventually show within later chapters.
Special thanks to one of my editors and co-partners in helping finally get this story off the ground and back burner dragonwriter24cmf check her own TB stories on which are awesome. Additional thanks to my second co-partner for also participating in helping with this story KinReynard check out her own TB story 'Devil His Due' whom I'm her beta for when possible. When one of my co-partners/editors are unable to continue the other will take over both are involved with this fan fiction as time goes on with it's updates. Currently right now dragonwriter24cmf is helping with the current chapters and drafts for the stories plot and outline.
Warning:This fan fiction is rated (M) AKA Lemon. This story is ABSOULTLY NOT suitable for children or teens below the age of 16 [So if you're under the age limit turn back now, come back when you old enough to read this. I'd rather not get flamed nor sued by parents whom are just looking for trouble in places their underage children should not be looking nor reading for that matter. This story contains strong explicit adult themes and sexual ones such slight foreplay - as in hand sex, one-sided yuri, bisexuality, Attempted Rape, Explicit Sex or anything else mild to hard core kinky for that matter!, references to violence, and strong coarse language. If this disturbs you, do not read any further.
Notice:Trinity Blood War Continuum takes place one month after the events from the anime's finale episode 24 along with some elements, characters and things that will be used and taken from both manga's Rage Against the Moons (RAM), Reborn on the Mars (ROM). In adttion to some spoilers from stories untold notes left by Yoshida Sunao which he intended to finish off the manga series supposedly. Basically 50/50 will be used on both the anime and manga to those whom are more familiar with manga then others will see this implants as the story develops. Trinity Blood is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Roman Catholic Church/the Vatican is portrayed as a military and spiritual power. The series also strongly implies major and controversial changes in the Church of present reality, such as women being bishops, cardinals as well as romantic relationships and marriages between members of the clergy. If this disturbs you of form or shapeof or on imagination then do not read this story.
Trinity Blood: War Continuum - Chapter Three: Assassins and Strangers
Brother Petros scowled at the reports in front of him, then growled and rubbed his eyes. With everything going on, he'd been short of rest so often even he felt the strain.
The last few months had been maddening on several levels. The attack on Londinium by Rosenkreutz had been troublesome, and had nearly gotten them all killed. And then, only a few weeks ago, things had gotten more out of hand. Word had come that there was a formal truce…a formal alliance between the Vatican and the Methuselah Empire.
Francesco was furious. Petros had been shocked, along with everyone else in the Department. But the shock had passed and, though it made him uncomfortable, he'd accepted it. After all he'd met several Methuselah, both Imperial and Albion, and had come to the rather grudging conclusion that, whether they were heretics or not, they were honorable individuals. They were also loyal to their own ideals and rulers. One Albion Methuselah had gone from being his enemy to helping him protect his Pope. Inside his heart, Petros knew that was the other reason he'd accepted this strange alliance, meant to end a war that had started before his ancestors were born. However he personally felt about standing shoulder to shoulder with a vampire, this was something the Pope wished for. And he had sworn, the day he first took his oath as a knight of the Church, that he would serve God and his Pope above all other things.
Since then, his department had been set to searching out information on the Order of Rosenkreutz and any of their supporters and affiliated organizations. Cardinal Sforza had given him all the information she had, and every rumor she had heard within the past several years, but it was astonishingly little. He had more information on the inner workings of the Methuselah Imperial Court than he did on Rosenkreutz. But a lack of information hadn't ever stopped him before, and he was determined not to let it slow him down now. He'd begun sending out squads of Inquisitors, both obviously and undercover the day after he'd received the information. What he'd gotten back in his reports was…disquieting, even for him.
The Order was moving. There were no details on how, but there was a persistent rumor that they were targeting the heads of the Alliance. Cardinal Sforza, possibly the Pope, and certainly Queen Esther Blanchett. An even fainter rumor indicated they would target the Empress of the Night, but that wasn't his concern. The Empress had her own guards, and reports from past incidents indicated she was well able to hold her own. The Pope and the Lady Cardinal were the ones Petros had to worry about.
Petros frowned again, then leafed through the reports, stopping at another one. Another rumor had been brought to his attention lately, and this one was equally disturbing, in some ways more so. Someone was ahead of them. Several times they had moved on Order hide-outs, or against associated terrorists like the Fleur du Mal, only to find someone had come before. Several lairs of dangerous individuals had been attacked, prior to the Inquisitions arrival. On one occasion, they had arrived to the sounds of screams. One man reported, rather uncertainly, that he thought he'd seen lightning but inside the building. A few others had reported glimpses of a strange figure on the grounds. One man thought he'd seen silver hair, or something silver at any rate. Another had reported delusions of a black and silver angel, who'd vanished from the scene before anyone could get a closer look.
The fact that someone was ahead of them was disturbing, more so because no one could get any sort of information on who it might be. The person, or persons, who were moving forward so ruthlessly might have been phantoms. But those solitary glimpses, of impossible lightning and the silver and black angel were what disturbed Petros the most.
He wanted to dismiss them as a delusion. But he'd seen lightning like that once before, and the angel described. Once, in the streets of Carthage, he'd witnessed such a thing. But…the man he knew to have been the source of those visions was dead. He'd carried the body of Father Nightroad to the church himself, silently mourning the death of a good man and a true servant of God. It seemed impossible to him that there could have been another like him. And yet, he'd heard reports of a black angel in the skies of Londinium, with glowing blue fire, and reports of a violent disturbance of Father Nightroad's coffin. He'd been too busy to pursue the rumors at the time. But thinking back, he'd always been shocked at the wound that had killed the man. He'd seen Father Nightroad take far more serious injuries and live, and hadn't understood why it had been different this time. He knew the man was dead, he'd checked for the pulse and breathing himself, but the doubts still remained.
Petros scowled, then shoved the thoughts to the back of his mind. Whatever, whoever this person was, it was only a matter of time before he was caught by the Inquisition. And then Petros would have his answers. Until then, there was no point in considering the matter. He had far more important things to take care of. If the heads of the Alliance were being targeted, it was his duty to warn Lady Caterina, and then to take his place at the Pope's side, ready to defend him. He set the reports back down, then picked up his screamer. He almost never used it inside the Church, but if there was a threat then he intended to be ready. He was already wearing the light armor he preferred to use. He bowed his head in a quick prayer, then strode out the door and down the hallways to the wing housing the Cardinal's offices. He stopped by Caterina's and took a deep breath. He and the lady Cardinal had an understanding these days, ever since she'd warned him about the danger to the Pope in Londinium, but things were still somewhat uncomfortable between them. He knocked on the door once, then let himself in.
Caterina Sforza was sitting at her desk, writing reports, but she looked up as Petros entered. "Ah, Brother Petros. You needed to speak with me?"
"Yes, my lady." Petros bowed stiffly, then got straight to the point. "We've received word that the Order of Rosenkreutz and it's allies may be preparing for an attempt on your life."
"I see." Caterina laid the pen aside, and regarded him with a piercing stare. "And just how serious do you believe this threat to be? After all, there are always rumors of assassination attempts being planned."
"Based on the sources, I believe it to be extremely likely they will target you." Petros scowled. "There is also a rumor that they will target the Empire and Albion." He paused, then continued. 'Though it's unconfirmed, there are hints that Albion is likely to be the target that is of highest priority."
"I see. And have you informed them of this threat?" Petros bowed stiffly. "Relations with other countries is not a part of my duties, my lady. I judged it best to inform you of the matter, and allow you to handle it in the manner you see fit."
"I see. And what does the Department of the Inquisition intend to do?"
"We will mount guards of course, and continue with our investigation." Petros scowled again. "At the present time, I have been ordered to guard His Holiness at all times, along with my second in command. I will assign guards to you, Lady Caterina, but I suggest that you also tighten the security of your division."
"Of course. You're certainly needed to protect His Holiness far more than you are to stand beside me, at this time. Very well, I'll take your words into consideration." She offered him a cool smile. "Was there anything else, Brother Petros?"
"There is one other rumor I feel you should be aware of." Petros met Caterina's eyes, determined not to miss a flicker of her reaction. "Some of my units have reported there is someone else investigating Rosenkreutz, someone moving outside official channels. Some of my men have reported…unusual sights."
"Indeed?" One eyebrow rose. "And how does this concern me?"
"Because among the reported sightings was one of a silver-haired man…and of angel with lightning." Petros held her gaze. "Knowing the unusual powers of your subordinates, I wondered if perhaps this brought someone to mind. After all, if you have an agent working in a similar manner, shouldn't the Department know of it?"
"I see." The small smile turned faintly sarcastic. "I'm afraid I can't help you with that. Whoever your men have encountered, it's not one of my agents. If it were, of course I would have reported it to you." Petros bowed. "I understand. I apologize for my rudeness. However, I had heard that one of your agents…"
"Father Nightroad is dead…as you yourself verified." There was a steely sharpness to her tone that cut him off instantly. "I know of no one else like him. Whoever this individual is, he works outside of my control." She paused. "However, if someone has taken Father Nightroad's appearance, or has similar powers…rest assured, I will get to the bottom of the matter. If your reports are correct, then I also desire to know the truth."
"Yes my lady. I will send copies of the reports to you as soon as possible." Petros instincts told him that Caterina knew more than she was letting on, but she didn't seem to be lying. There was a subtle sense of something wrong with her statements, but nothing he could pin down. He resolved to keep an eye on her, but at the moment, there was nothing more to say. He bowed. "If you will excuse me, my lady, I have duties to attend to."
"Of course. You have an important job, protecting His Holiness. I won't keep you from it any longer. Thank you for your information, Brother Petros."
"Yes, my lady." Petros nodded his head again, then left the office, heading for the main complex where the Pope would be working. He had a responsibility to fulfill. Caterina waited a few minutes after Petros left, then pressed a button on her desk. A slight hiss on the other end informed her that the channel was open. "Father Wordsworth, I'd appreciate it if you and Father Havel could attend me in my office at once." There was a quick affirmation on the other end, and the channel went dead.
Less than ten minutes later, Vaclav Havel and William Walter Wordsworth, codenamed 'Know Faith' and 'Professor' stepped into her office. Havel bowed. "You wanted to see us, Caterina?"
"I did. Brother Petros was just here, with some interesting information." She relayed the conversation to the two men, then folded her hands in front of her. "Well, gentlemen? I'd like to hear your input." William sighed, leaning against the wall with his unlit pipe between his teeth. "Well, I can't say it's surprising. After all, an Alliance such as this is definitely one that Rosenkreutz would make every effort to disband. It's only natural that they'd make an effort to destroy the leaders. What's surprising is that we've actually heard wind of it. Usually they're a bit more subtle."
"Yes, well, there are several things to consider. One is that our efforts may be having some affect. Particularly his…" She didn't want to speak Abel's name too loud, not even here in the safety of her office. "Another is that they're leaking information in an attempt to distract us from their real plans." Vaclav considered. "I suspect it will be both. However, no matter what the situation is, we can't afford to ignore the warnings. I recommend we send notice to our allies immediately, and increase the guard on you."
"Indeed, send messages to Esther and Her Imperial Majesty at once. Make sure Albion is aware that they are considered the primary target." Caterina stared into space. "And what of your guards?" William sighed. "I hate to admit it, but we're stretched a little thin. Kaya is out on normal duties, as is Hugue. Leon is out on your orders, doing investigations and keeping the non-Order factions from stirring up trouble. And Tres and Kate are with Abel." He sighed again. "I wish I could say Vaclav and I will be enough, but I can't be confident. Not if they mount a serious attempt."
"William is right." Havel's eyes were dark with concern. "You need better protection than we can give you."
"I understand." Caterina considered a moment. Finally she sighed. "Recall Dandelion from the field, and tell Gypsy Queen and Sword Dancer to stay on alert. Leon is fully capable of backing the two of you up."
"Is that really enough though?"
"It will have to be."
"Will it really?" William's eyes were dark. "Caterina…if what you said is true…" his eyes were looking into the distance. "If what was reported is true, then Abel's come dangerously close to being noted by the Inquisition. I'm worried. And with a threat to you, we need Sister Kate and Father Tres. I think it would be wise to contact him. Ask him to come in with the others. Not only would his presence be helpful, but it would be safer for both of you." Caterina sighed. "You make a good argument, but I'm not sure he'll listen to me. Things are still…very unclear between us. As it is, he's really only speaking to Tres. I'm not sure I could convince him to return."
"Then allow us to try and contact him." William took the pipe from his mouth. "I realize he can be stubborn, but perhaps if we make the gravity of the situation clear to him…"
"You certainly have my permission to try." Caterina frowned. "Warn him that he's been spotted by the Inquisition as well." She looked back at the reports she'd been working on. "I'll leave you gentlemen to it. On further consideration, I'll contact our allies myself. A message of this importance should be relayed personally. In the meantime, please make the calls I requested and come see me this evening."
"Yes, Your Eminence." Vaclav bowed again and the two men exited the room. Caterina sighed and put her head in her hand.
Possible multiple assassination attempts by the Order and their allies. This could get messy very quickly. It's fortunate that Brother Petros chose to come speak with me about it. And Abel…what were you thinking? If the Inquisition gets a hold of you…there's no way brother will be reasonable abut this. Please, be more careful.
Caterina shook herself back to the present. There wasn't any time to worry about Abel. She feared for him, but he was capable of taking care of himself, and situations like this were precisely why she'd sent Tres and Sister Kate with him. The two of them were more than capable of retrieving the situation. And they had the help of the Count of Memphis. In the meantime, there were much more important things to be doing. She settled the reports to one side, then went to the communication console on the other side of her office. The press of a few buttons brought the console to life. Caterina took a breath, then punched in the communications code for the Imperial Palace of the New Human Empire.
It was almost Vespers when William and Vaclav returned. Caterina was back to writing reports but she set them aside when the two men entered. "I trust you took care of everything?"
"Yes. Leon is on his way back now. We're sending him the money needed for the trip." Vaclav sighed. "And Abel? Did you reach him?" Caterina looked at her two subordinates. William sighed. "We managed to reach Kate, and Father Tres."
"Did you speak to Abel at all?" Caterina sighed. "Or did he make himself unavailable?"
"We spoke to him. However, I'm afraid its mixed news." Vaclav's eyes were dark and unhappy. "He's decided to send Kate back here. Tres has refused to move without your express order, but he's sending the Iron Maiden back to Rome. He convinced Kate you needed her more than he did."
"I see. And what of Abel?"
"He says he'll continue his work." William sighed. "He did promise to be more careful, but he's absolutely refused to return here for the time being."
"Did he give a reason?"
"Yes. He said he refused to risk us. Quite aside from the dangers of being seen with a man meant to be dead…" William trailed off. "He says he can't. He won't say why, but I have my suspicions."
"And what is it you suspect?" Caterina could guess, knowing Abel, but it was best if William confirmed it. "He looks different, somehow. I can't quite place it, but even on the communications line, there's something odd. I asked Tres, and he confirmed that Abel's abilities have changed. Nothing too extreme, not enough to put Tres on alert, but they are altering. Knowing him as well as I do, I suspect he's afraid of that change, and endeavoring to put as much distance between us and any potential danger as he can. Caterina stifled a groan and ran one hand through her hair. "That's very like Abel." She lowered her hand, looked at it for a moment. "Well, there's nothing we can do at the moment. We might as well leave him alone. At least Father Tres can keep an eye on him for us."
"That's what William and I were thinking." Vaclav moved to her side. "What about the calls to the Empire and Albion? Were you successful?"
"Yes." Caterina ran a hand through her hair again, then stood. "The Empress has already had word from one of her field agents. I understood, from the words of the subordinate I spoke with that her highest ministers have undertaken to guard her. And the palace guard has been alerted to keep a close eye on the Empress and her advisors."
"That's good news." William put the pipe back between his teeth. "And if I may ask, what of Albion?" He smiled. "It's been years since I lived there, but I still do feel some affection for my home. Especially the current monarch."
Caterina nodded. "I know what you mean. Unfortunately, at such short notice I was unable to speak with Esther. However, I did inform the Count of Manchester of the situation and he assured me that they would do everything in their power to protect Her Majesty from harm."
"I see. Then I suppose that all we can do is wait."
"Yes." Caterina sighed, then moved to the window. "All we can do is wait, and pray that we've taken enough precautions."
Esther emerged from Council feeling tired, but elated. They'd gotten some good work done. Finally, after weeks of effort, she'd gotten the Council to agree to furnish and validate the three houses that had been designated safe passages for the Ghetto residents. It had taken a lot of work and persuasion, but now the residents of the Ghetto could begin to walk the surface once more. Even better, they'd officially set the framework for the Imperial Embassy, the nearest of the safe houses. Esther smiled as she rose passed through the doors of the meeting hall. Even if it wasn't much, it gave her a warm feeling to be able to accomplish something. She was so wrapped up in he thoughts, she nearly crashed into Virgil standing just outside the door. She stopped abruptly, blushing slightly. "Lord Walsh."
"Your Majesty. I trust you are well?"
"Oh, yes of course. I was just a little preoccupied. With everything we were discussing…" She frowned, remembering how Virgil had excused himself earlier. She looked up, and saw the concern in his eyes. "I'm sorry, I'd forgotten you left early. Is everything all right?"
"For the moment. However, the reason I left the meeting gives me cause for some concern." He stopped, then stepped forward and spoke in a softer tone. "I left because I was given word that we received a priority call from the Vatican, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
"From Lady Caterina? Did she say why?"
"Yes. It appears the threat to your safety that Her Imperial Majesty hinted at weeks ago has emerged, Your Majesty. There have been several rumors among the possible associates of the Order about an attempt on your life. Lady Caterina believes that you may be in serious danger." Esther felt her breath catch for a moment. She had no doubt Virgil was sincere. She also had no doubt that if Caterina had decided to inform her, the danger was real. In fact, she suspected Virgil was understating things. "Did she say anything else?"
"She did. However, I would prefer it if we could discuss it elsewhere, Your Majesty." Virgil bowed. "The hallway is not an appropriate location, and I would like to call Colonel Spencer to the meeting."
"That's fine. Please, meet me in my office as soon as possible." Virgil bowed. "As you wish, Your Majesty." He straightened, then continued down the hall. Esther sighed, then turned to return to her rooms. She stopped in her rooms, exchanging the formal dress she wore for Council for a more practical one. Absently, she handed her jewelry to the maid. Her mind, however, was on Virgil's words. They're planning to attack me.
When she arrived at her office, Virgil and Mary were both already waiting, standing beside her desk. Mary's face was grave. "Your Majesty…"
"Lord Walsh told you the news?" Esther moved forward to sit behind her desk, and motioned her advisors to sit down. At Mary's nod, she turned to the slender man sitting across from her. "If you would tell me what information Lady Caterina gave you?"
"Yes Your Majesty." Virgil folded his hands in his lap. "It appears that all three of the Alliance representatives are being threatened. However, because Albion is the central point, and because you are the youngest ruler, it is believed you will be the main target. Unfortunately, we don't know what form the attack will take."
"I see." Esther considered. "How much danger do you think I'm in?"
"Difficult to say. However, I am unwilling to consider this a light threat." Mary nodded. "I agree with him. If the Vatican is taking the time to warn us, then it is obviously serious. I propose we implement full security measures to protect you, Your Majesty."
"I understand. What measures did you have in mind?" Esther knew her advisors had probably been planning things since Seth's original warning, but there'd been no confirmation so she hadn't worried about it. Mary sat forward, all business. "Virgil and I will accompany you throughout the day, with guards nearby, every day. When you rest, we'll have guards outside your room, both doors and window access. Also we'll post additional guards at other rooms in the wing as a diversionary measure." Virgil nodded. "I also recommend we deploy the Underground Royal Guards in full force. Should you need to descend to the Facility, Vanessa and I will escort you. We'll maintain a continuous check from the main monitor room to be sure that the places you elect to go are safe."
"I see." Esther sat back. "Do you really feel this is necessary? After all, won't it upset the people?" Mary sighed. "It will probably cause some unease. But not nearly as much unease as a successful assassination would. In this situation, I'm not sure there is such a thing as too careful." She paused. "Given the nature of the threat, I'd like to begin implementing these procedures now. It's been my experience that by the time we hear about a threat, the plans are already well in motion."
"I understand." Esther sighed, then straightened and faced her advisors. "I'm relying on both of you." Both of them stood and bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty." As they straightened, Virgil turned to Mary. "Colonel Spencer, I recommend you leave the first shift of guarding Her Majesty to me. Your preparations need to be carried out before nightfall, and mine will wait until then."
"Agreed." Mary turned to Esther. "If you will permit me, Your Majesty?"
"Of course. Thank you." Esther smiled as Mary left, then turned to Virgil. "I hope I'm not keeping you from your work, Lord Walsh."
"There's nothing that cannot wait at this time." Esther motioned him to resume his seat. "Most of my current paperwork is taken care of, and as I stated before, the changes in movement of the Ghetto can wait until this evening."
"But what about your work as the Governor, and as the supervisor of the production facility?" Esther looked at him with worried eyes. "Will it be all right, if you are here guarding me?"
"At the moment, it's fine. Should something occur, they will notify me. However…Vanessa is quite capable of handling things until I can call Colonel Spencer to take my place. I do not foresee any major complications." Virgil gave her that small reassuring smile. "Please, do not be troubled on my account. Our first responsibility is to you, but I assure you, these plans were formed taking our duties into consideration." Esther smiled back. "Well then, I won't worry any more. I only hope we can resolve this matter quickly." Virgil bowed his head. "As do I."
That night, Mary escorted her to her rooms, and remained with her while she prepared for bed. Esther watched nervously as the Colonel checked all the rooms for danger, then withdrew to the hallway. She listened to the faint sound of orders being given, then the even fainter clack of her military advisors boots striding down the hallway. Turning her head, she could see the faint shadows of the guards outside the door. She sighed, then dropped into a restless slumber. The next morning, Virgil appeared directly after she'd dressed. He went with her to breakfast, standing beside her as a servant assisted her to her seat. Esther smiled at him. "Will you join me, Lord Walsh?"
He bowed. "I have already eaten, Highness. However, Mary requested I stand with you this morning. And I believe that after breakfast, you wished to visit the Ghetto and speak with Vanessa about the safe-houses we were working on?"
"Yes. I did." Esther looked at her plate, swallowing nervousness. "Has she…?"
"Vanessa has been informed of the current circumstances. She has agreed to meet us in the elevator."
"I see. Well then, I shouldn't keep either of you waiting." Afterward, Virgil escorted her to the elevator. Vanessa stood inside, leaning against the wall in her new scarlet and black uniform. She straightened as Esther entered. "Your Majesty. Virgil."
"Please, no need to be so formal." Esther stepped inside. "Especially when you're going to all this trouble for me."
"It's not any trouble." Vanessa grinned at her as the elevator started down. "You gave me a second chance after I rebelled, and you're giving my people the freedom and respect they deserve. Protecting you while you visit us is the least I can do. And personally, I consider it an honor."
"I'm grateful you feel that way." Esther blushed. "Has Lord Walsh told you about the current status of the safe houses?"
"Not a lot. Only that they'd been approved and were under discussion yesterday." Vanessa looked at her. "He said you'd tell us today what that Council said about it." Esther could hear the suppressed contempt in the other woman's voice, but she couldn't blame her. After all, the Albion Council had ignored the Ghetto for a long time. Esther smiled. "They've voted to fund the repair and furnishing of the houses, and they also agreed that you could use the nearest one as the Imperial Embassy. In addition they've agreed to permit some underground residents, those hired as servants and workers, to take up residence in the houses as soon as they've been made habitable, to prepare for the people travelling through them." She looked into Vanessa's eyes. "It's going to be a lot of work, but I'll be counting on you to take care of things."
Vanessa stared. "You're serious? We're actually going to have full government support?" She put a hand to her face. "I thought for sure we'd have more trouble than that." She straightened. "You can rely on us, Your Majesty."
"I know." The elevator came to a stop. Esther started to leave, but Virgil put one hand in front of her. "If you could give me a moment, Highness…" He nodded to Vanessa, and the other woman stepped out of the elevator ahead of them, eyes alert and scanning the passage. She nodded. Virgil pulled a hand radio out of his pocket, and Esther saw him thumb the switch. "Are the passage and observation room secure?" He tilted his head, listening for a moment, then lowered the radio. "It is safe. Shall we go, Your Majesty?"
"Yes, of course." Esther followed Vanessa, with Virgil right behind her. Though she'd been down here dozens of times, and knew the way to the main production observation room, the watchfulness of her companions made her feel slightly uneasy. The observation room was guarded by a young man in a simpler version of Vanessa's uniform. He saluted as they approached, then opened the door for the three of them to enter. Esther gave him and encouraging nod, and he smiled back. As the door shut, she turned to the woman behind her. "Is he one of your new lieutenants?"
"Yeah. He used to be my third in command when we were rebels. He's smart. I was planning on asking him to take over safe house security for one of the upper houses when they're restored, if that's all right. Your Majesty." Esther smiled. "It's fine. I trust your judgment. Speaking of security, how are things going down here?" She looked over the huge production labs. "It still looks the same to me, I'm afraid."
"Yes we've tried to alter the working environment as little as possible. However, we do have scanners and extra security cameras on the floor. Everyone working there is scanned at random at least once a week. Camera facial recognition and ID codes are both processed." Virgil studied a screen in front of him. "We're looking for less troublesome methods, but this is the best we can do." Esther sighed. "I'm afraid I don't understand any of that sort of thing. I'll have to leave it in your hands. But…what about the residential areas?"
Vanessa spoke up. "We've organized patrols and area checks. My people come from all over the place. At any given time, I keep half of them out of uniform, just blending into the crowd." She hesitated. "I hope you don't find it presumptuous of me, but we've been practicing to have the same set up in the safe houses, when we start staffing them. We thought it would be a good idea if there was always one man who wasn't obviously security."
"It's not presumptuous. It's only sensible." Esther gave her a reassuring smile. "It's good that you're planning ahead for these things." She stood looking over the facility for a moment. "If it's possible, I'd like to meet your people sometime."
"Yes, Your majesty." They spent another hour talking over what kind of furnishings might be good to have, what arrangements needed to be made, and what kind of security would be in place before the houses were opened. Virgil spoke now and then, providing information on the security, but he was more interested in the facility. When they finally turned to leave, Esther thought she saw a faint frown on his face. She considered asking him about it, but decided to leave it alone. After all, if it was important, he'd tell her. Vanessa escorted them back to the elevator. As Virgil stepped inside, Esther turned back to her. "Thank you for escorting us. If possible, I'd like to meet your men soon."
"Yes, of course." Vanessa bowed. "I'll send you a messenger as soon as I can with a requested interview time." And with that, the elevator door closed. The next few days were uneventful. Esther worked on her paperwork, met with her Council and made sure things were running smoothly. Virgil and Mary soon settled into a system of working with her. After the first morning Mary usually accompanied her for the mornings, and Virgil worked with her for the afternoons. In addition to her other work, Esther requested Mary help her brush up on her combat training. She'd been well trained in the AX division, but even then she'd always been with someone. Under Mary's training, she was soon scoring a bull's eye at almost every shot with her gun. She also began training with more hand to hand combat. Mary was a master with a sword and knife, and Esther learned quickly. The colonel showed her how to use the knife forehand and backhand, and with either hand. Esther was more proficient with her right hand, but she could manage with her left.
A week after they started training, Mary presented her with a military style short knife to wear hidden in the back of her belt. It was made to fit with her dress clothing. Mary also provided her with another one to wear on her arm. Though smaller, it was a silver alloy that was more than enough to deal a lethal blow to a Methuselah attacker. Esther was half afraid that it would offend Virgil, but he only nodded approvingly. "It is best for you to carry such a weapon." He sighed. "Even with the precautions we take, there is no guarantee you will be safe at all times. I'm actually relieved that you are carrying that."
Three nights later, there was a knock on the door of Esther's study. Esther looked up from her work as the guard opened the door and saluted. "Your Majesty…the gentleman says he's a messenger from Lady Vanessa. From the Royal Albion Underground Guards." Virgil rose to his feet. "Of course. I had word she might send someone this evening." He bowed. "I believe this was the messenger she promised to send about the meeting of the lieutenants."
"Oh yes." Esther set her pen aside. "Please, send him in." The guard bowed, and stepped back through the door, to be replaced by a man wearing the red and black uniform of the Underground guards. The man bowed. "Your Majesty." Esther gestured. "Please, raise your head. I understand you had a message for me."
"Indeed." With shocking suddenness the man raised a hand, Esther had just enough time to see the gun he held, before he pulled the trigger. Something hit her hard, driving her down and sideways. She gasped, and looked up to see Virgil crouching above her. "Stay down." The man in front of them laughed. "Well, it's nice to have a challenge." He dropped the gun. A knife appeared in one hand. Then he seemed to disappear.
Esther recognized the haste mode. She had just enough time to tense when Virgil whirled around, his eyes tracking the blur that was the assailant. Esther saw her advisor's frame shift slightly as he sped up his own reactions. One hand shot out, blocking the knife strike aimed at her head. Then Virgil seized Esther's arm in a grip like iron and pulled her to her feet. She gasped as the man struck again, but Virgil simply rolled, using his body and upper arm as her shield. The knife grazed across his sleeve and he leapt back, taking Esther with him. Two sharp bounds put him in the corner. Esther felt him let go, but she barely saw him move as he turned to counter the next strike. One hand struck out, catching the knife wielding hand, and then Virgil spun on his heel, driving a punishing blow into the attacker's midriff with his other hand. The man doubled over. Esther thought it was over, but the man's hand shot out, aiming a blow at Virgil's chest.
Virgil spat a curse and jerked back, and the man wrenched his other hand free, backing up a step or two. "Well, aren't you skilled?"
"What do you think you're doing?" Virgil's normally impassive face had gone rigid with anger. "I recognize you…you're one of Vanessa's men."
"Well she certainly thinks so." Something about the arrogance of the voice, the way the man stood, sparked a memory in Esther. "But the truth is, I haven't been completely on her side for quite a while. But I did have a message for Esther." The man smiled mockingly, offering her a salute. "It seems that you've managed to upset the Contra Mundi a bit with this alliance of yours. Setting up a partnership with the Methuselah Empire, becoming a mediator between them and the Vatican….it really is quite troublesome you know. So the order has come down…you're to be eliminated."
The man launched forward again. Virgil was ready for him. He met the attacker halfway, catching the wrist with the knife in it. His hand wrenched sharply sideways, and Esther heard a snap as the man's wrist broke. She expected to see the knife fall from his hand, but the man only grinned eerily. "You know, it really doesn't matter what you do. It's not as if I particularly care." He struck back at the Albion lord, but Virgil let go, spinning backward and kicking the man hard. There was a crack of ribs breaking, but the man stayed upright. "See? It really doesn't matter." The pieces clicked. Esther froze, her stomach knotting in horror. "Deitrich…"
The man laughed. "So you did figure it out. Well, you always were good at things like that." Virgil launched forward while the figure spoke. Esther saw the blur of his movement, and then he had the man's wrists. There was a blurring shift of movement, and then a thud, and the moving forms returned to normal. Virgil was kneeling on top of his attacker. Both hands gripped the wrist with the knife, and one knee was planted firmly in the man's back. Virgil scowled, and with a quick wrench, he ripped the knife from the man and threw it across the room. "Enough….stop or I'll break both your arms. Or your spine."
"Well I've already said I don't care…but I suppose this is the end for this evening." The figure on the ground shrugged in Virgil's grip. The eerie grin was still on his lips. "Well then, I guess I'll be seeing you around. I certainly won't forget you, Lord Walsh." The head tilted, craning the neck into an awkward angle. "Bye, Esther. I love you." Then his eyes closed and he went limp. Virgil scowled at the figure for a moment, then rose to his feet. "I'll call the guards to take this piece of trash." He scowled. "They should have been in here a minute ago. I'll have to speak to Mary."
"No. It's not…" Esther touched his arm. "Dietrich would have made sure they couldn't interfere." Virgil nodded and went to the door. He came back in a moment later. "You're right. They've been knocked out." He paused, looking at the man on the floor. "Your majesty, do you know something about this man?"
"Not him…the one who controlled him." Esther shivered slightly. "At least…" She paused. "When Father Nightroad's body was retrieved, was there another body there?"
"No. Only the priest was found."
"There was another man. His name was Dietrich von Lohengrin." Virgil nodded. "I recall the name. He was called the Puppet Master."
"Yes. Because he… he has these strings…I'm not sure exactly what they are, but he can use them to manipulate a person. Their movements, their senses…everything. All he needs to do is touch a person once."
"I see. Then Vanessa's man was being manipulated by an outside force." Some of the tension went out of Virgil's frame. He sighed. "I'll call Mary and let her know what's happened. And then, if you don't mind, I'd like to call Vanessa in here and see what she can tell us."
"Of course. We should warn her that her people are in danger." Virgil nodded and moved to the computer system. As he did so, Esther saw the blood staining his sleeve, where the knife had gouged it. She stepped forward. "You're injured." Virgil offered her a faint smile. "It's only a scratch." The light on the console blinked on. "Colonel Spencer. I need you in Her Majesty's office right away. There's been an incident." There was a bitten off swear word from the other end of the line, followed by a hasty affirmative. The light blinked off, and Virgil pressed another button. "Vanessa? Yes. I need you to come to the Queens office. There's something I need to speak with you about, immediately." Both women were in the office in a manner of minutes. Mary immediately cuffed the man. "What on Earth happened?"
"The man came in claiming to be a messenger from you, Vanessa, and then he attacked the Queen." Virgil lifted one hand to the bloodstained arm of his coat. "It was a very close call. Vanessa, I recognized him as your lieutenant. Did you send him here this evening?"
"No. I was going to send one of the others." Vanessa studied the man's face. "Damn. He's one of the ones I had rotated to undercover assignment recently. He wasn't supposed to be in uniform." She stood, her eyes narrowed. Then she turned and bowed to Esther. "I apologize, Your Majesty. I thought I could trust him."
"It's all right. He was being manipulated by someone else." Esther looked at Mary. "Please, be careful with him. It's…not his fault." Mary nodded. "Manipulated?" Vanessa's eyes shifted back to her fallen soldier. "By someone outside the Ghetto?"
"Yes. Have you seen any strangers, or heard reports of any suspicious men?" Virgil sighed. "I've not had time to watch as closely as I should have." Vanessa frowned. "It's odd. I was planning on telling you this evening. A couple of my men have reported a stranger in the Ghetto." She frowned. "But it's crazy, what they were saying…they said he came from the sealed areas. The places where no one ever goes. They saw him walking in the halls. One of my men asked around the lower residency, and apparently he's been there a few times, talking to the people. But whenever we've tried to catch up to him, he simply vanishes." She growled in frustration. "We've never even gotten a name." Esther jerked upright. "What did he look like?" She looked at the still unconscious figure that Mary's guards were taking out. "The man who did this would have looked young, about eighteen or so. He has auburn hair, and brown eyes." She stopped as Vanessa shook her head.
"That doesn't match our mystery guy at all." Vanessa sighed. "The man my men described was tall, with blue eyes. Older, in his twenties, and he had silver hair."
"Silver? Are you sure?" Esther felt her breath catch. Beside her Virgil stiffened. "That's what I heard." Vanessa frowned. "Is this someone you know?"
"He sounds familiar. But that man…" Virgil trailed off. Esther saw him turn in her direction.
"Father Nightroad. He's alive." Esther took a deep breath. "And he's returned to Albion."