by Bianca D'Arc
“Send him this.” Hara pressed a set of commands on the second data console he raised from the table and sent a code over to Harry. “And tell him his Rose is with us as well.”
Harry heard Ro’s little gasp, though she did her best to hide it. He also took a look at what he was sending to Callie and company. It was a series of ancient Alvian runes. A code of some kind Harry had no way of understanding. He’d have to learn this old written language if he was going to continue dealing with these people.
Davin received the code and his eyebrows about rose off his head. He blinked at Harry in shock for a brief moment before settling down.
“This is only the second time I’ve seen a code this old. You’re hanging around with some strange folk,” Davin muttered as he dutifully sent the code to the Patriarch’s secure crystal.
Judging by the surprise on Davin’s face, the code was answered immediately.
“I’m transmitting the Patriarch’s secure code now so you can contact him directly. He has full holo capability and a completely untraceable connection. I sure wish I knew what you were up to, Harry, but I know better than to ask.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll know soon enough, I think.”
“A vision?” Callie leaned forward, toward the camera to ask. Her expression was worried.
“Yeah. If it helps, talk to Caleb. He’s seen a lot of it too. Probably all of it by now.”
“I’ll call him. Take care of yourself, Harry. I don’t like not being able to contact you.” She frowned, concern on her face.
Davin reached upward with one hand to grasp hers while Rick’s arm came around her shoulders. Her mates would take care of her and be certain she was kept as safe as possible. Harry knew she was in good hands for the tumultuous times ahead.
“If you need anything, you know where to find us,” Davin said as they ended the connection.
Harry copied his ancestor’s movements and sent the com console back around the table to Hara. The older man looked pleased as he entered his codes into the com unit and made the call. The man who answered on the first chime was someone Harry had never seen before—outside a vision. He was an important man, Harry knew, and he had a vital role to play in the salvation of both races.
“Greetings, Patriarch.” Hara looked inordinately pleased with himself. “I am glad to see your line has not faded.”
“I am astonished to see you alive at all.” It was clear the man didn’t have emotion—like the rest of the modern Alvian race—but he seemed more open than most. “Nevertheless, should you prove to be who I believe you to be, the Zxerah Brotherhood stands ready to serve and protect.”
“Do you have DNA ident on your com?” Hara asked.
“Of course,” he replied quickly. “We have kept guard over the secret technologies through the years.”
“Good. Prepare to receive.” Hara raised a small pad from the center of the com console.
Harry saw a finger pad with a sharp, raised center. Hara stuck his finger down on it without hesitation and a small drop of blood flowed from his finger into the device in full view of the holographic camera so the man on the other end could see for himself that the sample came directly from the man who spoke to him.
Harry had never seen such technology, even though he’d lived for many years in the alien city. The console hummed lightly as it went to work on the blood sample. Harry got the impression it was transferring the codes it came up with through analysis of the blood. He watched the holographic image of the man on the other end of the line as the codes came through to his end. Alvians didn’t do surprise well, but Harry could tell when the DNA codes proved exactly who Hara was.
“It is an honor to speak with you, Hara. As was always your reputation, your timing is excellent. You are aware of what has become of our people since you left?”
“Well aware. I was in stasis for centuries, but my mind was aware and able to monitor global communications on every frequency. I witnessed the rise of man and the criminal destruction and murder wrought by our people during the cataclysm.”
“Do you know of the recent experiment to return emotion to some of our people?” the Patriarch asked.
“Yes. It gives us hope.”
“Us?” The Patriarch looked slightly puzzled.
“I am not alone. Three beings crossed our portal and woke myself and my good friend, Percival.” Hara turned the camera on Percival so the Patriarch could see him. “These three found us.” He pointed the camera at Cormac, Harry and Roshin in turn.
“It is good to see you, daughter,” the Patriarch said when the camera panned to Ro. Harry caught Hara’s smile.
“I thought she was one of yours.” Hara turned the camera back to himself and then set the controls so it would automatically focus on whoever spoke. “Please instruct her, Patriarch.”
“As you wish. Rose, please identify your two companions.”
“I was sent to accompany Hara…uh…the Alvian-human hybrid known as Hara,” she seemed to stumble over what to call him now that the real Hara was awake.
“You can call me Harry,” he supplied helpfully, unable to resist teasing Ro, though she had little understanding of the concept of teasing.
“I am pleased to finally speak with you, Harry. I have talked with your sister and her mates recently,” the Patriarch replied.
“And this is Cormac 7, leader of the expedition that found Hara Prime’s ship,” Roshin continued, introducing the other Alvian.
“Ah. I have followed your career for some time, Cormac 7. I am pleased to have a man such as yourself involved in this venture. A soldier and scientist is a good combination for what lies ahead.” The Patriarch nodded almost to himself.
“Sir.” Cormac seemed ready to argue. “Do you claim to be the Zxerah Patriarch?”
“I do.”
“But the Zxerah no longer exist,” Cormac countered.
“I beg to differ.” The Patriarch politely inclined his head. “We have remained hidden for centuries, awaiting our moment to act. I believe that moment has come. I sent Roshin into her present position as an assistant to the High Council. She grew up in the Zxerah enclave and is a full member of our Brotherhood. Roshin, you have authority to break cover and do what you must to aid Hara in his mission.”
“Yes, Patriarch.” Roshin was an obedient little thing, even if she was some kind of spy. Harry only knew cradle tales about the mysterious Zxerah Brotherhood. He’d thought they were just legends, but confronted with the reality of them, he wished he’d paid more attention to the stories he’d been told as a child.
“There is the little matter of the drug,” Hara seemed to be reminding the Patriarch.
“Ah, yes. Roshin, I assume the skin patches I gave you are still among your possessions.”
“Yes, Patriarch,” came the quick reply.
“Then I believe the time has come to apply them. One for yourself and one for Cormac 7.”
“Wait just a minute.” Predictably, it was Cormac who objected. Harry couldn’t really blame him. To his orderly mind, it must seem as if his life had suddenly run off the rails.
“Cormac 7,” the Patriarch addressed him directly, “while I understand your objection, I would hope you will see reason and agree to become part of our order. For that is what I am offering to you. If you take the treatment along with Roshin, I will grant you all the rights and privileges of the Zxerah Brotherhood. If you do not, I will have no choice but to order that you be restrained until such time as you are no longer a threat to our mission.
“And your mission is?” Cormac asked bluntly.
“Of course, you have a right to know what you are involved in. Roshin can explain in more detail, but know that our end goal is the sharing of this planet with its native inhabitants. I now believe that will be accomplished through a blending of our races so that we no longer stand separately as Alvians and humans, but together as a new evolution of both. I believe that will also mean restoring emotion to the current Alvian generation
. Although my predecessors were among the first to participate in the genetic experiments that landed us in this predicament, I believe all evidence points to the fact that the grand experiment to remove emotion is an utter failure. We are diminished as a people by our lack of understanding. Observation of my human Brethren over the years has convinced me of this fact. I am therefore slowly rolling out the cure among my sect and a select group of others.”
“Cure? Do you mean the skin patch you referred to? What does it contain?” Cormac seemed to be taking the news better than Harry had expected. Of course, the man was a scientist in addition to being a soldier. He had shown to this point that he had an analytical mind. He was gathering information and weighing his options before making a decision.
“Are you aware of the genetic experiments of Mara 12?” The Patriarch paused for just a moment. “Perhaps not. I will forward the information to you.” Harry could see the Patriarch manipulating the controls on his com station while he talked. No doubt, he was sending the data directly to the ship for them to examine in detail later. “There is currently an experiment underway that has led to the restoration of emotion in several successful instances. In at least two of those treated, they have gone on to discover their true Resonance Mates shortly after being treated. I now believe the sharp decline in Resonance Mating is due to the corresponding decline in emotion. Harry can tell you about Davin, the throwback who is Callie O’Hara’s Resonance Mate. I have witnessed their Hum myself and I can tell you it is pure and sweet. I would wish that for all our people rather than the emotionless, loveless, unwittingly lonely lives we now lead.”
Cormac was silent as the Patriarch trailed off, his expression pensive. Good. He was thinking over the Patriarch’s words. Harry agreed wholeheartedly with his conclusions, but to be fair, the decision to take the treatment or not had to be Cormac’s alone.
“I will look over the data you have sent. How long do I have to decide?” Cormac said at length.
“A few days. I don’t mean to rush you, but time is of the essence. If you choose not to take the treatment, you will remain behind on the ship—a prisoner until Hara decides otherwise.”
Attention shifted to the big man in the hover chair. “You should know that eventually I intend that all Alvians take the treatment. The Patriarch is correct. Our race has become an abomination. Emotions are hard—I know that as well as any other—but they make us who we are. Without them, we are shadows of what we could be. Echoes of mediocrity. Pale imitations of real people who are capable of doing terrible things in their ignorance. With luck, we’re going to change all that. I would rather have your willing cooperation now, Cormac, but I will give you time to consider.”
“Thank you,” Cormac said formally. “I will read the material and make my decision shortly.”
“Roshin, I authorize you to speak freely and answer any and all questions Hara or your companions may have of you regarding our Brotherhood,” the Patriarch said, regaining everyone’s attention. “You should also know that Hara was and still is one of our number. In fact, he was the first Patriarch. He handed the role to my ancestor when he left Alvia Prime with instructions for this very day. I am only glad the ancient plan has at last come to fruition during my time. It is my great honor…” the Patriarch bowed his head to Hara, “…to serve our people at your direction, Elder.”
“Please, Ronin, call me by name. You and I will both play vital roles in what is to come. I am only glad to see the Brotherhood in such capable hands.” Hara was complimentary and humble, which appealed to Harry. His words held no echo of falsehood that plagued so many important people in political life. Hara was genuine. Anyone who heard him would know that.
“I am honored.” The Patriarch again inclined his head in polite acknowledgment. “As I said, I have been slowly rolling out the treatment among the Brotherhood. Our human Brethren have been invaluable in helping with the transition to feeling. With your leave, I will accelerate the process to include the winged Brethren.”
“Winged?” Cormac asked sharply.
“Another genetic experiment,” Harry told him quietly. “It’s run by Mara Prime, leader of my mother’s genetic line. He took historical samples of Avarel DNA and bred for selective traits, but I had no idea his test subjects were Zxerah.”
“You are well informed, young Harry, but you don’t know everything,” the Patriarch’s tone was almost teasing as he smiled at Harry.
“Clearly,” Harry agreed.
The meeting went on for a while longer, the Patriarch and Hara discussing particulars of the schedule for rolling out the genetic treatment. Bits and pieces of information Harry had known through family connections about the former lab tech, Jaci, and her new mates, started to make sense. Different images from visions began to coalesce into something Harry could get excited about. Something that might really mean freedom for his human kin—for all humans everywhere.
They ate food from stores that had been put into stasis much like the men had been. It was surprisingly fresh and the best thing he’d had to eat in a while. They needed sustenance because the discussion continued for several hours.
Percival had provided the food for the three newcomers while supplying himself and Hara with some kind of liquid nutrition. Hara grimaced at his first sip but didn’t complain. He was taking notes on the plans he and the man he called Ronin—otherwise known as the Zxerah Patriarch—were making. They would work in tandem to prepare for Hara’s return, which was sure to cause an uproar in Alvian society.
When Ronin signed off with a promise to have another conference in a few days, Hara and Percival launched into a discussion of their physical rehabilitation program. Surprisingly, they wanted Harry, Roshin and Cormac to assist with the later stages, though they didn’t specify exactly how. All three agreed to help the two ancients get back on their feet, and Percival laid out a detailed schedule for the next few days.
When the meeting showed signs of beginning to break up, Roshin claimed all their attention. She had reached into a secret pocket in her tunic and come up with two small, flat, wrapped packets.
“These are the skin patches,” she said unnecessarily. “I will put mine on now, with witnesses, so that if something goes wrong, you will all know what I have done.” Her eyes were kept lowered, her demeanor very serious as she contemplated something Harry knew would change her life forever. “I suspect I will need your help getting through the transitional period. I hope those of you with emotions will closely monitor my progress.”
“I’ll take care of you, Ro. Don’t worry,” Harry offered quietly, trying to reassure her.
“I’m not worried exactly.” She turned her puzzled gaze to his. “I merely want to confirm with you all as witnesses that I am about to begin the experiment. I wouldn’t like to do this without supervision and support.”
“You have both, young Roshin,” Hara said in his steadfast way. “I am pleased by your courage.”
She took a deep breath, opened the package and quickly prepared the skin patch for application. All it took was a lift of her sleeve and she stuck the patch on her shoulder.
Harry paused, finding the moment significant. If his visions held true, Ro was just the first of many. The first of a long line of Alvians who would embark on the adventure of a lifetime with the simple action of putting a skin patch on their arms.
Let the revolution begin.
Chapter Seven
Over the next two days, Percival and Hara rearranged things, directing the newcomers and the ship’s systems to stow the stasis pods. A free space opened up in which the two men directed the setup of a rehab area of sorts.
The two ancients slept in that area, under med monitors. Hara strongly suggested that until he was able to walk, Roshin should use his bed chamber, with Harry and Cormac sharing the double room.
The remains of the third ancient Alvian were treated with ceremonial respect as they were boxed and stowed in a place of honor in the small hold of the ship. Hara and Perciv
al were solemn, as were Harry and Cormac, who did the actual labor of bearing the casket into the hold.
Roshin cried.
The tears rolling down her face seemed to shock her most of all. It was the breakthrough Harry had been looking for. If not for the solemn occasion, he would have smiled. As it was, he waited until the small ceremony had ended to go to her. Wordlessly, he took her in his arms and let her cry quietly until she was done.
Hara and Percival passed them on their way out of the hold, gentle expressions of understanding on their faces as they returned to the galley to share a quiet cup of tea. Cormac looked puzzled and mildly intrigued. He watched from a few feet away, clearly trying to understand the emotional reaction he had no experience with. It was also clear he didn’t trust Harry to be alone with Roshin. He had appointed himself her protector and kept a close eye on her.
By the same token, Harry didn’t trust Cormac to be alone with Ro either. The result was she had two protectors who were warily watching each other lest someone step over the line.
Hurting her was the farthest thing from Harry’s mind. She was quickly becoming precious to him. Seeing her cry for the fallen ancient both broke his heart and gave him hope.
“What’s happening to me?” she whispered, her head resting on Harry’s shoulder.
“You feel sorrow.”
“Is that what it is? It’s like a band around my heart, making it ache with…” she trailed off.
“Sadness. You feel sad, Ro.”
“Really?” She raised her head off his shoulder to meet his gaze.
She looked so vulnerable in that moment, so lost. His lips were only inches from hers and it felt natural to bridge the distance and kiss her.
The explosion of feeling and the light in his heart was almost overwhelming. No woman had ever felt so right in his arms. No kiss had ever inspired this kind of feeling.
A large hand on his shoulder dragged Harry from the reverie of kissing Ro for the first time.
