Keltan's Gambit: Chronicles of the Orion Spur Book 2

by Michael Formichelli

  She snorted.

  “He’s rude,” Sanul said, surprising her until she realized he hadn’t dropped off the link when he patched her in.

  “Tell me about it.”

  “What’s this about? Maybe I can help?” Sanul looked over his shoulder at her.

  She shook her head, unwilling to trust him just yet. “No, I’ll handle it. Drop off the line, please.”

  The small ears at the base of his crystal horns flicked at the air, but her link confirmed he did as she asked a moment later. She gave him a nod before picking up with the Ben-iteration.

  This is about what happened at the party last night at the Palace of the Just. I was there, she transmitted to the AI.

  At first the lack of response threw her, but then Sanul made a startled sound.

  “I’m not in control anymore.”

  She sucked in a breath. “Maybe it’s okay.”

  She watched as the tower grew larger before them. The car gained altitude as it did.

  “What did you say?” Sanul asked. “Want me to try and hack us free? This doesn’t usually happen when approaching a tower.”

  “Leave it alone.” She had a feeling that maybe she said the right thing to get her audience. A moment later they cleared the lip of one of the tower’s upper levels and settled down on its tarmac. She sighed in relief.

  “Impressive.” Sanul gave her a gesture involving the two opposable digits on his hand. It took her a moment to realize he was trying to give her a “thumbs up.”

  She chuckled. “Stay here, I’ll be back.”

  Cygni looked out the passenger window and spied Ben standing beside the entrance to the tower’s top-most level at the end of the tarmac. She exited the car and walked towards him, pulling her own jacket tight against the briny wind coming off the ocean.

  “Miss Aragón, please state your intentions.”

  She took in a deep breath. This was it. “Do you know what happened last night?”

  Ben nodded.

  “Then you understand the situation.”

  “I think I have a better understanding of it than you do, Miss Aragón.”

  “Probably, but your master has been compromised. I don’t know to what extent or—“

  Ben held up his hand. “Compromised? How?”

  “The VoQuana got to him. I have—“

  Ben cut her off with a gesture, and motioned to follow him. She allowed herself to be lead into a small antechamber just inside the doorway with a crescent sofa and a few trinkets on some shelves. The moment she was through the door it slid shut, blocking out the sound of the wind and the pulse of the air car’s engine. The faint smell of something sweet and sharp, like incense, pervaded the room.

  “It is best not to speak of the VoQuana, or any of these matters out in the open. Even implant transmissions are risky without the electromagnetic shielding this tower provides,” Ben said facing her. “Now, how is my master compromised?”

  “I took you up on your suggestion about Baroness Altair’s quarters aboard the Queen Gaia. I recorded something.” She took in a deep breath. She was way past the point of misgivings now. If Ben and Baron Keltan were in league with the VoQuana because of what Sinuthros had done to him, she was cooked.

  “I see you are experiencing some trepidation,” Ben said.

  She looked up into his eyes, wondering if he was just humoring her. Did machines do that? She didn’t think so, but did it really matter? She was in his lair now and knew he could keep her here as long as he wished until he got what he needed. It was best to just come out with it, so she sent him the recording from the Baroness’ suite.

  Ben’s expression did not change. It was annoying that there was no outward sign that viewed the record, or been disturbed by it. He was a machine, and what did she really expect him to do? Freak out?

  “Thank you for sharing this, Miss Aragón. Was that all you had today?”

  “I guess,” she said, searching the emotionless face before her. “Well? Are you going to do anything?”

  “What would you suggest I do?”

  Her mouth opened and closed on its own. “Well, haven’t you noticed some strange behavior with Baron Keltan recently? This could explain it.”

  Ben’s pinhole eyes stared at her.

  “Shouldn’t something be done?” She cocked her head to the side.

  “I will monitor the situation.”

  “That’s all?”

  “Do you have another suggestion?”

  She chewed her bottom lip. “I guess not, but, shouldn’t the authorities be contacted? Daedalus at least? This is a VoQuana attacking a baron.”

  Ben moved over to a small cabinet against one of the walls. It slid open at his approach. Inside she caught a glimpse of glass.

  “Would you like a drink? My master enjoys Axiom very much.”

  “No, I wouldn’t.” She stood. “Did I just waste my time here?”

  Ben turned towards her. “No, but this situation is very delicate and as my iteration told you on the Queen Gaia, you have a reputation.”

  “So you’re not going to do anything? This is the VoQuana we’re talking about! Your master just had the crap beaten out of him in front of the Premier, and odds are good the VoQuana are working with Baron Revenant—“ his upraised hand stopped her. She couldn’t believe it. Maybe she was too late and the VoQuana already controlled both Baron Keltan and his androids. Ice formed in her veins as she realized how exposed she was. “Maybe I better go.”

  She started for the door, making sure not to turn her back on the white-skinned artificial.

  “You are worried you have made an error. Please, revise your assessment. I do appreciate what you have told me. As I said, it is a complex matter. I would appreciate you keeping my iterations informed.”

  No fucking way, she thought. “Sure, okay.”

  The door behind her opened, letting in a gust of clammy air. She backed up towards it, her muscles so tense it was hard to make them move.

  “One more thing, Miss Aragón. I’m transmitting my personal CPAd to you. Do not fear to use it if you have further information, or require assistance. You may find my appreciation to be quite valuable.”

  Her cerebral computer informed her she received a transmission. She didn’t accept it but kept the file in her system’s buffer.

  “Thank you,” she said and hurried out the door feeling the pinhole eyes on her the whole way back to the air-car.

  “Are you okay?” Sanul said when she got into the cabin.

  “Take off.”

  He looked at her for a moment, then did as she asked. Once they were airborne and heading away from the tower she allowed herself a few ragged breaths. Only then did her heart start to slow down.

  “Where to next, boss?”

  She looked up at him, blinking for a moment. Keltan Tower was a total failure, and now that she was thinking about it she felt stupid for going. She was lucky to be all right with her brain intact. The icon of a waiting message blinked in the bottom corner of her vision, reminding her she hadn’t left empty handed. With a thought she scanned it for viruses or malicious code and found none. She was tempted to delete it, but hesitated.

  What if I’m overreacting? What if the offer was genuine? The thoughts came unbidden and she stiffened, biting her lip. Had she let her fear get in the way of a genuine offer of help? He said the issue was complex, and of course it was. A VoQuana acting with and against the Barony, aiding the most powerful baron in the Confederation, possibly to destroy it, and a conspiracy of some kind to kill another baron was a complex matter. What had she expected to happen? She shook her head. I’m an idiot.

  But what if she wasn’t? What if Baron Keltan was a pawn of the VoQuana, and his servant was covering for them? Opening that message might be a big mistake, or it might be the biggest boon she ever had. There was no way to tell.

  “Shit,” she muttered as she put the message into storage.

  “Everything okay? You look pretty upset. I c
ould be wrong, but I think I’ve been around humans long enough to tell,” Sanul said.

  “Yeah, I’m okay. I’m just a bit mixed up right now.” She rubbed her forehead with her fingers.

  “Do you want to head to work now?”

  “Yes—ah, no. No, wait.” There was something else she should check out first, and she didn’t want to go into work feeling as frazzled as she was. “Head over to Elthroa’s HQ. I want to see something in the park there.”

  “Yes ma’am,” Sanul responded.

  They arrived at Elthroa Park minutes later. Sanul moved to get out but she put a hand on his shoulder. He looked at her hand, then at her. She released him before speaking.

  “I am probably going to regret asking this, but it’s in my nature to be curious. Does Elthroa own you?”

  “I have to work off my debt, but in another ten years I should be free barring accidents or something financial coming up. They don’t treat me like the Orgnan did. In many ways I already feel free.”

  “What they’re doing is illegal.” she scowled.

  He snorted. “They’re giving me a better life and useful skills. I don’t mind that.”

  She looked out the window at the slender trunks of the swaying bani trees.

  Sanul looked about to say something.

  “What?” she asked.

  “It’s not pleasant.”

  “Tell me anyway. You can speak freely with me.”

  “All right, here it is. I don’t see myself as any different than you or any other Confederate citizen. I may be a slave on paper, but when I’m free I’m just going to be a different kind of slave.”

  “Huh?”

  “I’ll still need money, housing, food—I’ll still need to work. It’s not like suddenly being free is going to make me a baron. I’ll just be trading one set of chains for another.” He breathed in and got out of the car.

  She sat in stunned silence while he came around and opened her door. The sweet, minty smell of the trees filled her nostrils.

  “Thank you, Sanul. I’m sorry—”

  “Don’t be.” He grasped her hand with his own and supported her as she got out of the car. “Why are we here?”

  She set her cerebral computer to connect with the spy-grain in Haem Kul’tearae’s office and looked over at the grassy clearing. Already Haem Ila’Anaeriae was there as she’d hoped, along with a tall Solan with a muscular frame and tribal tattoos on his face—

  “Holy shit,” she whispered. All thoughts of what might be in the data streaming into her head forgotten.

  “What?”

  “That’s Biren.” She felt the strength go out of her. He was talking to Haem Ila’Anaeriae, and his body was closer than was appropriate to nium. She knew the look on his face and knew what it meant because he had once used that look on her. A tingle of jealousy rose up inside her, puzzling and infuriating her at the same time. Their relationship was years dead and had been a sham on top of it, but his proximity to her assistant stung all the same.

  “Who is Biren?” Sanul asked.

  “Shit.” She was hoping to find Haem Ila’Anaeriae alone, or at least among only a handful of other Isinari, not as the recipient of her ex’s advances.

  “A bad person?” Sanul’s small ears flicked as though swatting flies.

  “Yes, but not like you might be thinking. Dammit. Ugh, okay, come on.”

  She led the way with the bewildered Sanul following. She was five paces from them when Biren and Haem Ila’Anaeriae spotted her approaching. The latter took a quick step away from him and bowed niur head. Biren grinned.

  “Cygni!” He boomed.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” She snapped. It wasn’t really the first thing she wanted to say, but the words just flew out of her mouth.

  He blinked.

  Goddess dammit he’s handsome, she thought in spite of herself. She felt ashamed for being attracted to such an asshole, yet again.

  “I’m a Gaian, and this is a Gaian meeting—or it will be soon. Doesn’t it go together?” His smile was infectious, wearing down her determination to be angry in less than a second.

  “Yes, but this is my employee.” Jeez, was she always this lame? Where was that sharp wit and the razor-edged tongue that won her awards in investigative journalism? Why did his presence make her sound like a ditsy, jealous idiot?

  “So, she doesn’t get to practice her religion because she works for you?”

  “Don’t twist my words.”

  He cocked an eyebrow, looking amused. It infuriated her.

  “Haem Aragón, Haem Euphrati—” Haem Ila’Anaeriae said.

  “Hey, no need for formalities. Like I was just saying, I’m Biren.”

  “Haem Euphrati, please do not fight on my account. Haem Aragón, if this is a problem I am sorry, but I cannot give up my faith for you.”

  How did this wind up being about denying someone’s right to their faith?

  “Haem Ila’Anaeriae, I’m not denying you your beliefs. I’m here to observe and maybe participate. I’m not here to stop you from worshiping your gods.”

  “Then why are you so angry?” Niu blinked at her.

  An incoming transmission startled her. She forgot that Biren had an implant. He was an Evolutionary unlike his Naturalist sister. Evolutionaries used genetic manipulation and minor cybernetic modifications to advance the human species. They were strange allies for the Naturalists, and she had never figured out how it was the two sects fit together.

  “Don’t screw this up for me, Cygni. Apologize and let it go,” he transmitted into her thoughts. The mirth in his eyes was starting to show signs of dissipating.

  “I’m sorry, Haem Ila’Anaeriae. I’m not actually angry. I just wasn’t expecting to see Biren here.”

  “How do you know Haem Euphrati?” Niur green eyes flickered to him.

  “I’m warning you, Cygni.”

  “Biren and I used to be together, years ago.” She watched Biren’s expression darken.

  “Oh—oh, I’m sorry. I misunderstood.” Niu looked between them again with a more pleasant expression on niur face. “I know that personal relationships among humans are more complex than in my own species. Please, Haem Aragón, there is no need to be tense. Isinari do not get jealous.”

  She blinked, utterly lost by Ila’Anaeriae’s response. A glance at Biren revealed him to be equally puzzled. Haem Ila’Anaeriae stepped forward into the space between them, taking each of their hands in niur own.

  “It is my hope that this can connect us. I do not mean to presume, but I thought that I could become Haem Euphrati’s companion. I think that is the right word. In my language it is casquu. In Isinari culture sexual relations are much more casual, and now that I know you two already share such a bond, perhaps we all can—”

  “Sexual—” Cygni jerked her hand back. “Ah, I’m sorry, you mean you want the three of us to—?”

  Haem Ila’Anaeriae frowned, then let go of Biren’s hand. “I am sorry. I shouldn’t be so forward. In my culture this is accepted as a means of resolving tension and bringing groups together. I should have remembered that Solan culture frowns on intimate relationships in the workplace. I am excited. You see, Haem Euphrati is famous among Gaians and—”

  “It doesn’t have to do with the workplace—no, never mind. It’s all right.” She looked at Biren. He was glowering at her like she’d just pissed on his parade. Screw you, Biren. I won’t let you destroy another heart for your stupid mission.

  Sanul moved closer to them as Isinari workers from the Elthroa building began to arrive for morning services.

  “Ma’am?” he said.

  The gentle word drew her back to her senses. She knew from the spy-grain on Boadicea that Biren was here to infiltrate Elthroa and spy on Baroness Sophiathena Cronus. Perhaps they could exchange information if she could bring herself to convince him to work with her.

  “Haem Ila’Anaeriae—” she began.

  “Haem Aragón, now that I know we could soo
n be connected by your prior intimacy with Haem Biren, please call me Ila. Most Solans I know find that easier than my full name. I may be skipping ahead, as you Solans say, but in my culture such a connection allows informality.”

  “My prior intimacy with—” She forced herself to concentrate on what was important rather than her gut reaction to the strange practice that the Isinari saw as something normal. “All right, Ila, let’s just get the ceremony started. We can settle the rest another time. I don’t want to hold you up.” She inclined her head towards the arriving congregation.

  “Oh, yes, of course Haem—”

  “If I’m calling you Ila, you can call me Cygni.”

  “Yes, Cygni.” Niu looked at Biren. “We can continue out discussion after?”

  “As long as Miss Intrusive here—”

  “Hey,” she said.

  Sanul snorted, staring at Biren.

  “Sorry, I mean, yes, let’s get this started.” He glared at her while Ila moved to a polymer sack resting on the grass and began preparing materials for the ceremony.

  You’re here to infiltrate Elthroa, right? She messaged him.

  “I’m here to help a fellow Gaian out—”

  Like you helped me out on Minlea?

  “That was different. I was on a mission.”

  And you’re not now? What if I told you I have a spy-grain in the office of Baroness Cronus’ second in command? She watched his expression change from anger to a wide-eyed stare. I thought so. I just downloaded its feed. Do we work together?

  “Can you?” It was an accurate question, and a frustrating one because her feelings were so obvious to him.

  She sighed. Yes, it’s better than tripping each other up.

  He stared at her for a long moment, a sudden breeze caused the seashells in his dreadlocks to click together.

  “All right, sure, why not? Can we meet?”

  “Sanul, mark me down for a dinner appointment tonight, at eight,” she said, switching to verbal communication.

  “Done.”

  “Works for me,” Biren said.

  “Bring your sister. We as might as well have it all out in the open.” She wasn’t sure if she’d added that last bit out of guilt, to avoid being alone with him, or as a genuine want to work with her best friend. It may not have been wise, but spoken words couldn’t be deleted.