Resolution

by Douglas E Roff

  Chapter 12

  Adam was up at his usual time drinking his coffee and eating a buttered bagel in his Study alone when Hecate, glowing all colors of the rainbows very brightly, suddenly appeared. Such display usually indicated she was extremely happy and content with something, but that could be almost anything. She had expected an audience, all the ladies of court up and awaiting her return, such was her view of the magnificence of the previous evening.

  It was magic for her in every way, even the ways she did not totally understand. She was after all, half mortal and half Immortal. The half that was Immortal was observant, the half that was mortal was having trouble dealing with and understanding her sense of joy and happiness. Her Immortal self was fifty; her mortal self, fifteen. It appeared as though her mortal half was winning the internal battle.

  There was something different this time, as her glow was almost blinding in her elation.

  Adam said, “Sweetie can you tone down the light show just a bit? I’m blinded and I want to see just how beautiful you are the day after.”

  “Sorry, Master. Orsin just left to go home and to climb into bed, while I can’t stop going on about how just how much fun I had last night. Orsin the gentleman, Orsin the gallant defender of my honor, Orsin the dancer, Orsin who can kiss and hold hands and make me feel like I am the only woman on the planet; the only thing he saw all night. It was wonderful; it was delicious.”

  “Was there trouble?”

  “No, not really. The majority of the attendees were transformed Gens, and some of the finer points of human customs were lost on them at a ball, a dance. A few were having sex openly on the dance floor toward the end of the evening. Perfectly fine in natural state Gens society, but not so much among human society. The older transformed Gens matrons had to step in, then Tar was there too to keep the peace, just in case. Everything was fine.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “One of Orsin’s military comrades told him he used to be jealous of Orsin for dating the Immortal. He said this right in front of me. Then he said he was now much happier and not jealous. He said that at least with his girlfriend, sex was on the menu. With me, Orsin would go home and enjoy rightie or leftie, but not Hecate. Orsin maintained his cool but invited his comrade outside to settle the insult. The boy refused, saying there was no insult, only truth, and if he didn’t like it he could lend him his date later when he was done with her. His date was mortified; she had no intention of having congress with this cocky asshole; she just needed a date for the dance. He asked first.”

  Orsin punched the kid, then dragged him over against the wall, Adam-style, then lifted him off the ground by his throat, choking and pressing him against the wall.

  The only thing Orsin said was, “Apologize or I’ll squeeze the life out of you, then escort your date home to her parents. Your comments about her and Hecate were disrespectful and vulgar.”

  “He said that?”

  “Word for word.”

  “Damn, his English is getting much better.”

  “I know! You noticed too. Tough, angry, but articulate and under control.”

  “So, tell me more.”

  “So, Tar had been lurking around all night, trying to blend in, standing alone with the matrons. He saw the commotion and moved in, heard the talk, but did nothing right away. I knew he would, but I also doubted that Orsin would hurt his comrade too bad; just maybe give a warning to mind his manners. The man was finally let down, gasping for air. Orsin turned to the man’s date, Misa, and asked if she wanted to go home, in which case Orsin would throw her date out onto the street and escort her home, or whether she’d prefer to stay and remain with her other friends. She said she wanted to stay.”

  “What did Orsin do?”

  “At that point, Tar stepped in, grabbed the man and dragged him by the collar and escorted him out. He did not return. After that, everything returned to normal although Misa and several other girls asked me if they could have a dance with Orsin to thank him and warn the other men with ideas for later; no means no.”

  She paused.

  “After that all the couples, especially the girls surrounded us, wanted to meet us; the girls had that look in their eyes about my date.”

  “What look is that?”

  “The one Misti gives you when she hasn’t seen you in a week. That one.”

  “Oh. You didn’t …”

  “No, of course not. He earned his adulation and lusty appreciation. I didn’t mind. Truthfully, I would have let them have a physical ‘date’ later with him and told them so. Orsin was right; I’m still too fragile to be with him in that way. But he says he’ll wait; I’m the only one he loves.”

  “We danced and I cried. I was weak.”

  “No, you’re in love. It’s natural and sweet. Orsin respects you, which is worth its weight in gold. He loves you; it isn’t just about having sex, it’s about what having sex with you would mean when the time is right and you’re ready. It’s touching. I respect him more now than I did before, and my respect before was considerable.”

  Hecate continued, “After that we talked and we danced, and he danced, and there was music and girl talk, lots of girl talk. ‘What’s he like; is he always sweet, does he spend time with you; do you walk and talk; does the Manti and his household like him; who made your dress; are you dating, or DATING. Stuff like that.”

  “Tell me everything.”

  “We went to the ‘powder room’ with the human girls to talk even more, fix our make up and hair; I helped them. We confided secrets about boys, some who had boyfriends and lovers; then we talked about the girls who came with girls; that seemed scandalous to some and pretty good news to others. I think that Kendra and Misti have met some of the girls and discovered mutual interest.”

  Hecate paused.

  “And I made friends with the girls. We’re going to do things together and think of clothing, fashion and other stuff. I invited them and their families to join our walks and picnics; they were so excited. Orsin and I even met other couples, mostly human who wanted to double date. We both had to ask what that was. They laughed and told us all about it; a human ritual of shared friendship. We were both over the moon.”

  Adam looked at Hecate. “Then?”

  “OK, we got in a little trouble. The girls and our new friends helped us escape from the dance, but we didn’t get far. Tar’s men caught us right away. They were going to take Orsin back to the barracks, then Tar showed up and sent us back to the dance. Told the men it was all right. I suppose that was you.”

  “It was. Tar called and asked me what to do. Since he has no idea how to have fun, or even spell the word, I said it was normal for humans to find a spot to kiss. He reminded me that Orsin was Gens and you dear are an Immortal. I told him ‘half’ Immortal. The other half pure, troublemaking, mischievous mortal. I asked him to let you go, and not to punish Orsin. I told him no doubt this was your idea.”

  “It was. Orsin said he promised to keep me out of trouble, and here he was failing badly.”

  “I’d say he succeeded well. I’ll send him to Ops for a few days with Francoise, maybe put him on Marie detail for a while. That should punish you sufficiently. I doubt he’ll fail to notice her beauty.”

  “That’s mean.”

  “You promised to behave; you didn’t.”

  “But you knew I would never keep my word. Getting into trouble is fun. And then I get a stern lecture from you, which I hate, but at least I’m with you. And then you forgive me, hug and kiss me, and everything is fine. So, you’re not really mad, are you?””

  “I was once young too. You know. I broke the rules. Cindy always got me out of trouble, took the blame. Will you see Orsin again? You had fun with him?”

  “Yes; I want to see him tomorrow, if it’s allowed.” She looked over at Adam. “If you let me.”

  “I shall arrange it myself.”

  “And I have to see my new friends tomorrow too. One of the girls really want
s to experience Orsin at his apartment. I’m invited too. I need to make sure Orsin is good with this arrangement. I really think he should have a little fun and get some experience. I want him properly trained for when I’m physically ready.”

  Hecate smiled and said, “And I love you too.”

  “As I love you. Now get ready for bed. I’m with Niona and Alana tonight, but the Lady Cia and Lady Eene shall also visit. Get some rest for your mortal side, sweetie. You’ll need it.”

  Chapter 13

  Akira met with Niona, Fionna and Hecate in Council Chambers along with three senior members representing the largest clans loyal to Adam. His request to meet was urgent, though the ladies had no idea what he wanted or why the meeting was so important.

  Akira said, “I have received a request to take up an issue for Paulo Fortizi regarding the upcoming fight with Adam at the Coliseum. It is essential to resolve the matter quickly, and we may not be able to do so on our own. We’re hoping you can help us.”

  Fionna asked, “With what?”

  Paulo had complained that the Prophecy requires that Adam and Paulo each fight in their natural form; in Paulo’s case, as a Gens and in Adam’s case as a human. There is nothing in the Prophecy that suggests that this is required, but virtually every council and their scholars say that it is implied. It has always been the interpretation accepted and taught by scholars since the revelation of the Prophecy hundreds of years ago. This puts us in the awkward situation that if Adam fights as the Manti in Gens form, some will say that the Prophecy remains unfulfilled. Paulo has asked that we rule in favor of him, and that Adam must fight as a human.”

  “That gives Paulo a serious advantage; he’s modified to be extremely dangerous as a Gens, almost as dangerous as Adam. He could easily win if you rule against Adam. What do you intend to do?”

  “We intend to do nothing for now, including not discussing this with Adam. We will decide before the fight. We have less than two months to decide. We need your help.”

  Hecate said, “If the Prophecy is silent on the matter, how can you decide? You can’t be serious that you would side with Paulo. This is a cheap trick, and a flimsy one at that. Who else knows?”

  “All the Councils we contacted, including the Eighty-One. I fear that word is spreading to the people. They may have sown doubt about this matter and the status of Adam’s ability to fight as the Manti.”

  Niona said, “And in your wisdom you have elected to let everyone know without telling Adam? Are you a fool? I will remedy this treachery as soon as we leave and I see Adam. He has a right to know, and to know how his allies have gently betrayed him and his cause. You must know that if Paulo wins, you will all die too. Paraiso will be destroyed and the world lost. You have no idea of the disaster you are about to cause.”

  “All may not be lost,” said Akira. “That’s why we called you here today.”

  Fionna said, “You are a traitor for even countenancing this request, but speak. If I don’t hear something to mitigate your deceit, I may kill you and your fellow councillors and toss your carcasses over the cliffs to the carrion vultures on the plains below. Speak!”

  Akira looked at his colleagues nervously. “I shall, but you may not leave these chambers. I have guards posted outside to prevent your escape. I am sorry, but you cannot tell Adam.”

  The ladies looked at each other. “Do you know who we are? Your guards cannot prevent anything, much less our departure. We will kill you, everyone on Council taking part in this plot, and then everyone else you have spoken to. If you wish to save yourselves, speak up and make it good.”

  Akira shouted, “Guards!”

  Guards pored in the Council Chambers, and as quickly as they did, Niona froze them and sealed the doors shut. Then she drew her Sari.

  “Now, you were saying?”

  Akira was horrified and expected his end to come swiftly.

  He said, “The origin of the Prophecy is unknown, but we think it must have originated either with the Liara, the Creator, or with your One True God. If this is so, then Hecate could speak with the Creator, or Fionna could speak with her brethren to decide the matter. It is out of our hands now; the Councils have decided that Adam must fight as a human or forfeit.”

  “Ungrateful curs. Cowards! I should kill you here and now, but I shall spare your lives under one condition.”

  “Anything.”

  “You leave. Pack your belongings and your families and depart by morning. If any of your people are here in the morning, I will kill you and all of them. Do I make myself clear?”

  “You have no authority over this Council or my people.”

  Fionna turned to the guards and, one by one, killed each.

  “The penalty for treason is death.”

  Niona turned to Hecate, “Now fly little one. Off you go to Adam and tell him we’ll be joining him momentarily after we clean up here. Fill him in on events and let him know I will be contacting my Lord; you should do the same. Paulo and these fools here have done the damage; now we have to decide what to do.”

  Fionna turned to Akira. “Begone, and quickly, before I change my mind and send you to your ancestors.”

  “Adam will not permit this. He will understand that we were only acting to protect him.”

  “You’re a liar. You should have told Adam about this right away. Instead you went behind his back and made the situation worse. Now he is backed into a corner by Paulo with your help. The damage may be irreparable. Adam won’t save you.”

  “We’ll see about that. I will go see him now. You can’t stop me.”

  “Yes, I can. Go, or you die right here and now. Up to you.”

  ***

  When Niona and Fionna arrived at Adam’s residence, Hecate was sitting on the couch chatting with him quietly. She had explained the situation and the events that had taken place with Akira, the Councillors and the troop of now dead guards. Adam sat passively, trying to think through the meaning of these events.

  His first conclusion was that Akira had somehow been forced into cooperating with whomever had engineered this debacle, and he had indeed been trying to help.

  To Hecate, Adam said, “You need to find Akira and bring him here. I suspect that Paulo has been a busy beaver working against me with his people here in the City of Light. I will need you to call Tar here also along with every guard at Paulo’s cell. Tell Niona and Fionna to back off on Akira and his people for now. You must enter the minds of the guards when you are back to find out who the traitors are. You should enter Tar’s mind and tell him everything. His corps has been infiltrated and you will need to examine all his men tomorrow. Now go, my little one and be my hero.

  “See you soon, daddy.”

  ***

  Fionna asked, “You don’t think Akira is involved? Why?”

  “Easy. Who did he ask for? He asked for the three people he knew could not be harmed by the guards, and who could fight back and indirectly protect him, and get him back to me.”

  Niona said, “When you put it that way, I see your point. But we killed all those guards and came close to killing Akira.”

  Fionna said, “But it’s indisputable that Akira spread the treachery widely to all the Councils worldwide, making this bit of duplicity top of the pile undermining you. How do you square that?”

  “I think when we interview the Councillors, we will find that they had been alerted to the issue well before Akira contacted them. The guards and the Councils here in Paraiso have traitors embedded in them, all loyal to Paulo. These leftovers from before my emergence as Manti have been biding their time and waiting for an opportunity to raise doubts and undermine the fight with Paulo. This is an ‘all in’ move; Paulo has no other options and a long history of the same interpretation of who the contestants should be.”

  “Who has the authority to decide the result?”

  “Hard to say. But I’d guess that we’d be looking at the Gens Councils, maybe what’s left of the Black Shirts, the Wildmen and maybe some
others. I think the main problem will be a split in the final decisions of the Councils. No unanimity will cause the ordinary Gens to side with the historical interpretation absent clear evidence otherwise.”

  “Can’t we find out the genesis of the historical myth? The Prophecy says nothing about any of this, so wouldn’t it make sense to argue that nothing was intended?”

  “Sure. On a college exam. But not in the real world. People believe what they believe because that’s what they’ve always been told. If the belief is deeply ingrained, it is almost impossible to change minds. I think that’s our situation here. I think Paulo has been working on this for quite a while. His plan ‘B’. What he needed to do was remove his fingerprints from the controversy and have Akira’s name raising the alarm. This he did with his confederates at the jail and locally on Council. Akira was duped. The worst part of it is that Paulo, from a historical perspective, is not wrong. Maybe not right either, but the record has always sided with him. I admire his cleverness in the face of certain death.”

  “What can we do?”

  “You go to your boss and Hecate will go to hers. I suspect that Liara was responsible for the Prophecy in the first place. She’ll have to step up now. She’s the only one who can.”

  “Where is the little one?”

  “Rounding up the suspects. She’ll be back soon. You should stay to help with the interrogation, then leave right afterward.”

  Fionna said, “Maybe I should go now and Niona can help with the traitors.”

  “Are you good to go on your own?”

  “I expect a huge show of appreciation to Niona and I when I get back. What’s up with Alana?”

  “Alana is still angry. That’s why I’m still here and she’s still at our place alone. She will either move on with me or without me. I didn’t leave our home voluntarily, and you didn’t have anything to do with it. It’s her decision, not anyone else’s.”

  “I’m sorry this turned out that way.”

  “Don’t be. I would never abandon her, nor will I ever abandon either of you. This is not complicated, and I won’t make it so.”