by Niranjan K
It was possible that the Resistance was behind it, but why they had suddenly decided to rear their head in such a fashion was beyond Toshi’s understanding. He had a suspicion that the Resistance was holed up on Ignis, but if it was indeed so, then how had they reached Prith without anyone noticing? A large group of people from Ignis would certainly have attracted attention, and there was no way a small group of people could have taken out the Ansaris and made off with their prisoner. Even if a small group of people had somehow managed to do it, what could they have done with the Ansaris? They were Elite, two of the most dangerous people in the galaxy and they couldn’t be killed.
There was a simple explanation for the events, but it wasn’t one Toshi wished to entertain, though he knew that none of them could afford to ignore the possibility that the Ansaris had turned Rogue and had escaped Prith with their prisoner. Elena and Luis were currently trying to find out if they had been to Hafi or Aeras since, but that investigation was going to take time. The Ansaris had always been loyal, but the chances of their turning Rogue weren’t as far fetched as Toshi would have liked to think. There had been numerous examples of their own people turning Rogue, over the centuries, for him to reject the possibility altogether. None of them were part of the original Elite. Toshi was the oldest of this group, having been made part of the Elite in the twenty fifth century. Mason had been their leader at that time, but subsequently he too had turned Rogue.
The glass door slid open and they all turned to it, Rishabh putting away his game, Konrad sitting straighter, Frank’s neck swivelling, and Valeria stopped drumming her fingers. Cesar Thaxter stood at the door, a half smile on his lips. He was a tall, powerfully built man, with regular, classically handsome features. His blonde hair was longer than usual now, reaching almost to his shoulders. His grey eyes were amused, and there were laugh lines radiating from the corners of his mouth. He had a firm chin and bronzed skin. He smiled widely as he entered.
“It’s good to see you, my friends.” His voice was husky, pleasing in its cadence.
He walked to the chair at the head of the table with a grace that was almost feline. He was dressed casually in a shirt with the top buttons open, showing a bronzed column of neck and the beginning of chest hair. He sat down on the chair, almost sprawling.
“So,” he said. “What is the update on our missing friends?”
“Elena and Luis are on their way to Aeras and Hafi as we speak,” Toshi said. “But whether it is the Resistance or whether the Ansaris have turned Rogue, it’s not to be expected that we’ll receive any immediate answers.”
“Or any at all,” Thaxter murmured. “And what of Alexander Selwood? Is he still under surveillance?”
“Around the clock,” Toshi asserted. “We’ve not been able to find anything.”
“He hires people without DNA verification,” Konrad spoke. “Enemies of the State,”
“Ah yes, DNA verification,” Thaxter said meditatively. “What do you think, Toshi? Should we make it mandatory?”
Toshi met Thaxter’s eyes squarely. “You know my views on this.” He said.
“I do,” Thaxter nodded as he smiled at Konrad. “And I’m inclined to agree with Toshi. We can’t really punish a man for not doing something that isn’t mandated by law.”
Toshi nodded. Mandatory DNA verification would make it impossible for the wards of State to retain their anonymity. Considering that those children were their future army, it was important to ensure no one knew who they were, so their work could be done effectively from the shadows. A few enemies of the state slipping through the cracks was not of much moment in comparison.
Toshi wondered again why Thaxter wanted Selwood so badly. There was the obvious reason that only he, Luis, and Elena knew- that Selwood, like them, was an immortal, but as far as Toshi knew, he’d never been a Rogue and a search through history had failed to reveal anyone who looked like Selwood. The name was obviously fake, but Toshi had still searched for it, again turning up nothing.
“If that’s all,” Thaxter began, when Toshi cleared his throat. “Valeria has a report to make.”
He had thought about it, and decided that it would be better coming from Valeria. He had a history with Mason, and he knew that he would not be objective about this. It was equally important to hide that fact as to let their ruler know that the traitor had been found. As he thought of Mason, he found himself again in front of a small, white house with a garden, and on the ground lay a young woman, pregnant, with a spike in her stomach.
Mason turned to him, as he put the spike gun back in its holster. “Nothing personal, Saito. You knew the risks.”
Toshi gripped the armrests of his chair hard. It was his worst memory, and he didn’t want to re-live that day. When Mason got what he deserved, perhaps he would finally find peace.
Thaxter leaned forward, his face showing his excitement as Valeria told him about finding Mason under his new alias of John Patrick.
“He’s never been employed; his children’s DNA records were falsified, and one of his sons works for Selwood Corp while the other is an artist who in association with others like him, runs a gallery called The Old Masters.” Valeria concluded.
“So that’s why we’ve not been able to find him for so long,” Thaxter mused. “No matter.” He turned to Saito. “Take a team. Bring him in. Try to keep the children alive, but don’t make it a priority. Kill the wife.”
Toshi bowed his head, hiding the victorious smile that rose to his lips. Finally he would avenge Misaki’s murder. Vengeance was all the more sweeter now. Mason too would know the pain of losing the one he loved, the family he wanted.
Thirty Six
It was George getting up in the early hours of the morning that woke Alexander. George was getting dressed in the dark, trying to be quiet.
“Quinn, lights,” Alexander said, as he sat up, yawning and blinking from the sudden brightness.
“I didn’t mean to wake you,” George said as he started buttoning up his shirt. “Sorry about that.”
“It’s okay,” Alexander said. “You’re leaving now?”
“Didn’t want to stick around for Niek to find out, like he did last time. I prefer not to scar the kid.”
“Niek's away on a two day field trip,” Alexander said, shaking his head to clear the sleep from it. “Stay for breakfast, at least. Quinn, what time is it?”
“0630, Mr. Selwood,” Quinn answered.
“You won’t even get a hovercab at this hour,” Alexander got up and started to dress. “I’ll have Quinn teleport you home,”
“Thanks,” George said.
“You heard about the rescue mission?” Alexander asked casually as he stretched before going out of the room. “Quinn, coffee.”
He turned around to see George still standing inside the bedroom, a stupefied expression on his face. He looked delectable, but Alexander couldn’t afford to be distracted, not today.
“Oh come on,” he said. “You didn’t really think I couldn’t figure out you were part of the Resistance, did you?”
George laughed, but it was strained and his face was red.
“I did, as a matter of fact, but I should've known you’d be able to put it together.”
“I don’t see why you care if I find out or not. Right now, in spite of all my intentions, I’m neck deep in this.”
Alexander knew he shouldn’t have been drawn in again, but there was something about Baako. Besides, he owed it to Mason and his family to keep them safe, and if this was the only way, he didn’t mind. He sat down at the table while a cup of coffee materialised before him. George took the seat opposite and picked up his own cup.
“Because of Quinn?”
“And Ignis. And Raul. And you. And I have a deal with Zain Baako,”
It reminded Alexander that he needed to go get the Patricks for their flight to Ignis. Baako had been easier to convince than John, though he drove a hard bargain. Who could blame him? In his place, Alexander wouldn’t have been p
repared to help John, no matter what threat or incentive was offered; and Alexander had made both to Baako. The threats were subtle, but they both knew what it was. Baako had not been happy but was prepared to put the past aside for the sake of John’s family, and also because he knew that he needed Alexander’s help, at least until the habitats were built and the DNA masking technology was in place.
He’d also asked for two cryo units, and that was when Alexander had figured out the rebels’ full plan. It was ingenious, because cryo units, vacant or not, could be transported through Nishati just like any other object, and with Raul’s new technology, they could transport them to Ignis with no one the wiser. It was the most foolproof way of handling two Elite, though Alexander hadn’t actually expected the rebels to succeed in imprisoning them. The only thing Alexander had demanded from Zain was his silence regarding the cryo units. After all, he had had to steal from his own company and that wasn’t something he could afford to become known.
John hadn’t been happy when Alexander had told him the plan to go to Ignis.
“You don’t honestly expect me to put my family’s safety in Baako’s hands, do you?” John had asked him. “Come on, Alexander! No one is that good or forgiving, not even Baako!”
“I wouldn’t be asking you to do this if I wasn’t sure,” Alexander had told him. “The Resistance is your only chance, John. They would help you stay off the grid completely. They have a kid that’s a genius at erasing people’s records. You and your family will leave no trace for the Elite to follow.”
“You erased me the last time. Why can’t you do it again?’
“It’s not just about the erasing,” Alexander had said. “I can erase you, sure, but where will you go? They have your scent now, and they won’t let go. By now, they’ll know what each member of your family looks like. Where will you hide? The number of surveillance cameras have grown many times now than the last time. Only on Ignis can you be truly safe.”
“John,” Aria had intervened before John could raise any more objections. “Alexander’s trying to help us. I don’t care about your history with these people, but if they can keep our children safe and Alexander trusts them to do it, then we should go to them.”
John had glanced at him sharply.
“Since when do you trust the Resistance?” He had demanded. “You still use the name Selwood, so you haven’t forgotten-“
“John!” Aria had said, an edge to her voice and John had fallen silent.
Alexander had never been more thankful. Why did John have to bring it up? The pain was still fresh, and every time someone called him Mr. Selwood, he felt it, but it was nothing compared to what he had felt when John had asked him why. Was he making a mistake in trusting the Resistance? It was too late now for regrets, anyway. Or for a change of plans, but if the Resistance proved untrustworthy, he was going to kill them all. That was what he should have done the last time.
John’s children didn’t yet know that he was the one helping them to disappear. Now that Baako had agreed, all that remained was for them to put their plan in motion without loss of time.
Alexander had decided to transport John and his family to Ignis the day after the rescue mission, for a couple of reasons. The first was that he knew how little the Resistance trusted him. Had he asked them to save John first, he would have been met with a categorical NO. The second was that it was possible the Elite would still be in some sort of confusion and it was likely that they would put John on the back-burner until the situation was sorted out.
“A deal with Zain?” George’s words recalled Alexander to the present. He was frowning. “About what?”
“I need asylum for a friend and his family on Ignis,” Alexander said calmly.
There was silence for a few moments as George blew on his coffee, looking thoughtful. He was curious, but Alexander didn’t volunteer any more information, instead focussing on his coffee. He sipped it slowly, watching George do the same before George put the cup down and asked. “They fell foul of the State?”
“In a manner of speaking. No doubt Raul will fill you in, as he has agreed to accompany them to Ignis today.”
“You do know you’re only piquing my interest more, right?” George smiled. “I can smell a story here.”
“You’re a reporter,” Alexander returned his smile, feeling something strange unfurl in his chest. “Chasing stories is what you do.”
“Not so much these days,” George muttered. “I wish I could write about that rescue mission.”
“Suicidal, much?” Alexander asked, which made George chuckle.
“No, which is why it remains only a wish.”
Once George left, Alexander got ready for office. He had told Nolan to clear his entire schedule for the day. He had thought about not going to work, but didn’t want to do anything that might arouse anyone’s suspicion.
“There’s a call for you in the secure private line,” Quinn said.
Alexander sighed. His informant.
“Connect the call, Quinn.”
“Thaxter’s back,” the voice said, without preamble. “If you’re planning to rescue your friend, better do it fast. The Elite are coming for him today.”
The call disconnected. Alexander sighed. He would need to speed up the schedule, pick up the Patricks and bring them to his house until it was time for them to leave for Ignis.
Reaching his office, he deactivated Miley and called John to tell him to be ready, and also Raul to advise him about the change of plans. He touched the panel to call Nolan.
“Nolan,” he said. “Come into my office, please.”
Nolan looked even more nervous today, probably because he was leaving without notice. John had told him Nolan wasn’t very happy with that.
“He’s loyal to you,” John said. “But I still haven’t told him you’re the one helping us, so, you know, you don’t have to get directly involved unless you want to.”
Alexander hadn’t been planning to either, but he had no choice now.
“Sit down,” he said. “There’s a change in plans. We’ll need to leave soon. Is there anything urgent that needs my attention?”
“Leave?” Nolan asked, his eyes not meeting Alexander’s.
“Ignis,” Alexander said. “Who did you think was helping your father?”
Nolan’s eyes held confusion as well as surprise as they met his. “He never told me he knew you.”
“I had known him a long time,” Alexander said, deciding to spare Nolan any further shocks by telling him he was an immortal as well.
“You said we had to leave now?”
“The flight is at 2400 today,” Alexander said. “Didn’t your father tell you?”
“He did, and we’re all packed, and all our luggage is home. We were planning to meet at 2200 to go to the spaceport.”
“We’ll have to go now,” Alexander said, deciding not to frighten him further by telling him the Elite could well be on their way to his parents’ home now. “Quinn will teleport us. I’ve deactivated Miley in my office for today, so the State won’t know we’re gone. We’ll collect your luggage and go to my house where you’ll wait till it’s time for your flight at which time Quinn will teleport you as near to the spaceport as possible. A member of the Resistance will be at my home to give all of you new identities and fingerprints, and he will also accompany you to Ignis, to ensure everything goes well.”
Thing was Alexander didn’t want to take any chances, what with John’s history with Baako.
Nolan was staring at him, shock and bewilderment, hurt and some emotion Alexander couldn't place, on his face.
“Is it necessary for us to go to your house?” He asked.
“It’s just a precaution,” Alexander explained. “We chose today because we thought the Elite are going to be busy with other matters, but if we’re wrong, then it’s best if none of you are home when they come. You see, Thaxter’s back in Nizhoni; he arrived this morning.”
Nolan nodded, not arguing.
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“Okay,” he said, taking out his phone. “Let me just call Dylan and we can go,”
“Don’t use the phone,” Alexander said, “Use Quinn. From today, you shouldn’t be using any technology that can be tracked by the State.”
“Aren’t you being a bit paranoid?” Nolan asked, as he put his phone back in his pocket.
Alexander held out his hand. “The phone, and no. Not at all.” He didn’t want to disillusion Nolan, but it was important that he understood the danger he was in.
Nolan sighed as he took out his phone and put it on Alexander’s open palm. “I think you’re exaggerating the danger to Dad.”
“And is that why your father is prepared to throw away everything he has, because I’m exaggerating?” Alexander felt annoyed. “I’m trying to save your lives, and he knows it. I don’t think you have any idea of the kind of danger you’re in.”
Nolan still looked sceptical, but asked Quinn to call his brother. Alexander remained quiet and stared out of the window of his office.
“Shall we go, Mr. Selwood?” Nolan asked.
“Quinn, take us to the Patrick residence,” Alexander said, turning around.
John was pacing the living room when they reached. There was no furniture in the living room, and John had already deactivated June. Alexander took in the proportions of the living room without paying attention to it, just as he did the last time. John’s hair and beard were neatly combed and trimmed and Aria welcomed him with a warm smile.
“We would ask you to sit, but-” She indicated the bare room with a gesture.
“We should leave soon,” he said.
“As soon as Dylan arrives,” John said.
“Where’s Ash?” Nolan asked just as there was the sound of a hovercab stopping outside. Alexander frowned as he hurried to the window to see Dylan Patrick walk across the lawn. Alexander’s eyes remained trained on the hovercab until it was gone.
