Allen, Kayelle - T4 Alitus (2007)

by Allen, Kayelle

  She rubbed both hands up her arms. Though dressed in military uniform, she shivered as if she were naked. “I…” Destoiya dropped her gaze. “I have never lost at Peril. I’m the only one who hasn’t.” She lifted her head. Her grey eyes had the look of steel, shining, invincible.

  Alitus considered her words. “How long have you been playing?”

  “Nearly two thousand years. Fifty lifetimes.”

  “And you’ve never lost?”

  She shook her head. “I have one chance to break free. If I complete this task, I’ll be free from the threat of Penance forever.”

  He brought her hands to his mouth and kissed them. “What is it? Tell me and I’ll help you accomplish it, no matter what the cost.”

  “I must find a child. A changeling from the Sabbath Experiment.”

  “I thought all the fetuses were destroyed. I studied that time period.”

  “There were twenty-six which Pietas developed into children. He scattered them throughout various parts of the empire. Some even farther than that. He gave me a pair of twins, Yros and Zeri.”

  “So, you only have one of them?” When she nodded, he asked, “And you have to find the other? How did he go missing?”

  “Yros was left with me. Pietas took Zeri. He was to keep the child in stasis for at least five years.” She shook her head. Tears trickled down her face. “Don’t look at me like that. It was an opportunity to break free from the threat of Penance. I would do anything to avoid that. Zeri was supposed to be safe.”

  “Where’s the child now?”

  “He was released on either Tarth or Kelthia. I have no idea which. I have an android similar to Prentice looking for him. He’s come up with a few leads, but nothing has played out.”

  “What will happen to him when you find this boy?”

  She wiped at her eyes. “I plan to take him to my palace on Ezraki, where he’ll be reared with Yros. They’re twins. They should be together. Reunited.”

  “Rheyn, whatever it takes, I’ll help you find him.”

  Destoiya tilted her head. “How I love you, Alitus. I could not imagine my world without you. We’re about to be joined in the Chanoyu of theChosen and I want you to know that I will carry your love with me…” A tear spilled and trickled down her cheek. She sniffed, batting at it with one hand. “—forever.”

  He sought her mouth with his, tasting her sweetness mixed with the salt of her tears. He used his thumbs to sweep them away, kissing her face tenderly. “Pietas wants to see you fall, but I will never let him win. Not while I have breath.”

  She squeezed her eyes shut and leaned her head on his shoulder, her hands curled between their bodies. “I can’t lose, Alitus. No matter what I have to do. I can’t lose. I won’t.”

  He wrapped both arms around her, rubbing her back, soothing her like he would a child. “Shh. It’s all right. Now that I know, I will do everything I can to help you succeed. I will not let him destroy you. What else do you have to do? What’s your goal for this lifetime?”

  She made a choking laugh. “Something you would never believe of me.” She raised her head. “I must drive the people of this empire to rebellion and usher in a new era. My main goal is to bring about my own ruin and the collapse of the Tarthian Empire.”

  Alitus could find no words. She was right. He would never have expected this. He expelled a breath of shock.

  “I can’t do it alone, Alitus. I need your help.” She drew in a shuddering breath. “Now do you see why I needed you so badly? Why I had to risk losing you in order to make you myChosen ?”

  He stroked her cheek. “Shh. I’m here and I’m yours. I will lend you all my strength and all my power. No matter where you go or what you do—you, my Conqueror, have my love, my loyalty and my heart—forever.”

  Epilogue

  TarthCity, Top Tier District,YutaiArtGallery

  Sumertsag 73

  Alitus strolled slowly through the gallery, pausing to absorb the colors and hues of the pieces that appealed most. One he puzzled over for a long time.

  It displayed a woman unlike any human he’d ever seen. She had pure white skin on her face and neck, yet her arms were a pinkish gold. Her black and white dress had elaborate ties and bindings and showed a bit of red here and there. She strummed a stringed instrument with an exceedingly long neck. The alien aspect of the picture brought to mind a Tyran, though the physical differences were strikingly divergent.

  “Like it?”

  He turned, holding the bottom of the veil against his chest. If it swung when he turned, it blurred his vision. “Anne!” He held out his hands to his friend.

  Anne Cain, the owner of Yutai Art, took his hands and leaned in to press her cheek against his through the veil. “How are you Alitus?”

  “Good, good.” He held her hands and leaned back to see her better. “How did you know it was me? There are other Betters in here.”

  “You’re the only one with the Conqueror’s goons following him.”

  He laughed. He’d forgotten his Praetorian escort. Luckily, they’d stayed outside once they’d ensured the building was secure. “Sorry. I hope they don’t scare off paying customers.”

  “Don’t be silly. Women love them, you know.”

  “Praetorian? I can’t imagine why.”

  “Are you kidding? All that muscle and macho male attitude.” She shivered. “Gives me goose bumps thinking about it.”

  It really does take all kinds.Alitus squeezed her hands and released them. “Whatever pleases you pleases me.”

  Anne grinned. “I’ll bet you got to the top by saying that to the Conqueror.”

  “Anne!”

  She only laughed. “I don’t care if you wear that veil thing, you know. You can take it off if you want. I hate the whole idea of Betters veiling.”

  Alitus smiled, even though his friend couldn’t see it. “Thank you, but I’m not allowed.”

  “By who?”

  “Whom,” he corrected, just to push Anne’s buttons. It worked; she popped him on the shoulder. Laughing, Alitus took her hand and walked at her side into one of the outer rooms of the gallery. “Her Majesty disallows me to appear in public without it.”

  “Yeah, well, she’s depriving women everywhere of a real treat.” She linked her arm through his. “Thank you for coming today, Al.”

  “Alitus. You know how I hate that nickname.”

  Anne stuck out her tongue at him and laughed. “I’m so glad you came. Seriously. It means a lot to me.”

  He patted her hand on his arm. “We’ve known each other since we were three years old. I wouldn’t miss this.”

  Anne’s eyes flared wide; she licked her lips. “Ooh, not that you’ll care, Alitus, but look what just strolled in.” She nodded toward the door.

  “There are a dozen people over there. Which person?”

  “There, by the door. The guy picking up a program.” She pressed her breast against his arm, no doubt not meaning to. Still, it made Alitus’ heart stutter. He felt himself release pheromones, a natural occurrence when happy. “The guy with the dark hair. He—Oh, my God, Alitus. I think that’s Wulf Gabriel behind him.”

  Feigning nonchalance when every fiber of his being rejoiced, Alitus cleared his throat. “Who?”

  Anne gave his arm a small tug. “Don’t you mean ‘whom’?” With a chuckle, she put her mouth closer to his veil. “Wulf Gabriel. He was a supermodel years ago. He married that Kelthian warlord.”

  “Luc Saint-Cyr?” Alitus shook his head, remembered she couldn’t see it. “He’s not a warlord, Anne. He’s an entrepreneur.”

  “Whatever you call it, he’s filthy rich.”

  “And they’re not married.” Alitus followed Wulf with his gaze as the man moved to stand before a sculpture of an eagle. Wulf stood with arms folded, legs spread wide in a masculine stance. “They’re life-partners.”

  “Oh, really?” She stuck her hand on a hip. “And you know this because…”

  “Didn’t you hear
?” Holding back his veil, he leaned toward her. “I’m the new Minister of Imperial Intelligence. I’m supposed to know these things.”

  Anne giggled. “Is there such a thing as ‘Imperial Intelligence’?”

  Before he could respond, Wulf joined them. “You’re Ms. Anne Cain, aren’t you?” He bowed politely toward her. “Wulf Gabriel. You have a beautiful gallery.”

  “Thank you so much!” She held out her hand and Wulf bowed over it rather than shook it. “I know who you are, Mr. Gabriel. You had a rather celebrated career as a model. I can’t imagine why you’d leave it.”

  “That’s best left for another time.” Wulf inclined his head to Alitus. “How are you, sir?”

  “Now, Mr. Gabriel,” Anne put in. “Don’t be presumptuous. Better females dress exactly the same way, you know.”

  Great.Alitus rolled his eyes.Now I don’t even have a gender?

  Wulf narrowed his eyes, raking his discriminating gaze up and down Alitus’ length. “While true, Ms. Cain, I do believe this Better isall male.”

  Anne laughed at his comment. Alitus held his head higher. He held out a gloved hand to Wulf. “Alitus Vivaldi. We’ve met.”

  “Ah!” Wulf shook his hand. “Of course. At the grand opening of Gabriel Stadium. I remember.”

  “You were there?” Anne folded her arms. “You never told me about that.”

  Alitus shrugged, then remembered to translate the gesture to words. “The Conqueror is invited to everything, Anne. I attend where she does.”

  “Must be nice. You always get to…” She broke off as a gorgeous woman nearly Alitus’ height approached.

  “Wulf! There you are.” The woman looped one arm through Wulf’s. “I’ve been all over this gallery looking for you.”

  Maybe if you took off your dark glasses you could see something.Alitus chided himself for such a catty remark; where had that come from? Still, it must be hard to see indoors in those things.

  Wulf pulled free and put his arm around her back. “Fee, may I introduce Anne Cain, the owner of Yutai Art. And this is Alitus Vivaldi. This is Feeyona Joie. She was my modeling partner for several years in untold number of photo shoots.”

  Her skin shade nearly matched a creamy milk chocolate. She snugged herself up next to Wulf. “Wulf and I have been best friends for, like, ever.” Her whimsical expressionalmost made Alitus like her—quite against his will. “I quit modeling this year, though, to help Wulf and Mr. Saint-Cyr start a new division of Lucsondis Entertainment.”

  “So you work for Saint-Cyr?” Alitus clasped his hands behind him.How close is she to Wulf? Does she know what Saint-Cyr is? Wulf’s expression gave nothing away.

  “Yes and no. I’m an independent contractor, but he considers me part of his staff.”

  “I see.”

  Wulf hugged her closer. “Don’t tell Alitus anything personal, Fee.” He smiled at Alitus to show he jested. “He’s the new Minister of Imperial Intelligence. You never know how or what you divulge could be used against you.”

  Alitus started to respond, but Fee cut him off. “Is there such a thing as ‘Imperial Intelligence,’ Mr. Vivaldi?”

  He clamped his jaws shut. Just as well no one could see him. He didn’t have to hide his irritation with this veil in place. That joke was going to get old very fast. “If there is,” he responded, “I’m it.”

  “It must make you terribly uncomfortable to be stuck inside that veil,” she told him. “Although you work for the Conqueror and I doubt you have much say in the matter, I want you to know that I, personally, think veiling Betters is a disgrace.”

  Alitus bounced on the balls of his feet.Maybe she’s not so bad after all. Holding back his veil, he bowed far deeper than required. “My thanks, Ms. Joie.”

  “Please, call me Fee.”

  “Alitus.” He held out his hand.

  When she shook it, she removed her dark glasses with her other hand. “I know what it’s like to be singled out.” Her eyes were the same solid black as Luc Saint-Cyr’s. She blinked once, slowly and they turned to the mottled grey and silver of a camera-droid’s lenses. “I’m enhanced as well.”

  Anne came to attention. “Oh! Oh, my. I…” She glanced from Alitus to Wulf to Fee. “I’m so sorry, Ms. Joie, but I have to ask you to leave.”

  Alitus bit into his lip, head down. Wulf started to argue, but Fee put her glasses back on and squeezed his arm. “It’s all right, Wulf. I understand. Really I do. She’s worried that I might record her art and reproduce it.”

  “Ms. Cain,” Wulf went on, “I assure you Fee is an ethical person. She handles all the photos and holos for artist resumes and portfolios at Lucsondis. There’s no way she’d…”

  “Wulf.” Fee tugged his hand. “It’s all right. I’ll go. I’m sorry, Ms Cain. I promise you I didn’t download any of your art. If you like, I’ll be glad to imprint everything I’ve seen on a chip and give it to you as proof.”

  “No, that’s quite all right. I…” Anne covered her mouth, then reached out to Fee. “It’s nothing personal. I…”

  “It’s all right.” Fee stood on tiptoe to kiss Wulf on the cheek. “Stay. Talk to your friends. I’ll wait outside.”

  Alitus reached under his veil and pressed the tight place between his brows. All the joy felt washed out of him.Don’t leave, Wulf. No—perhaps he should. Just as quickly, he decided,If he goes, I’m going with him. He waited to see what Wulf would say or do.

  Wulf watched Feeyona to the door, turned back and frowned toward Alitus. “I…”

  “You know what?” Anne interrupted. “I’m going to tell her to come back.” She held up both hands. “Here I was saying how it’s wrong to discriminate against Betters. When you get down to it, cyborgs and enhanced people are no different, no matter what their enhancement. Excuse me, gentlemen.”

  She moved quickly through the crowd of people toward the door.

  Wulf turned to face the nearest painting. “Lovely art.”

  Alitus faced it as well, his heart lifting now that he knew Wulf would stay. “Yes, it is. They say the true measure of art is how it affects you. What does this one make you feel?”

  The painting was by Eliot Taral, whom Alitus had learned only the day before was a resident neutral Sempervian. A lone tree with its branches shaped by wind stretched out over a cliff overhanging a stormy sea. A lonely, isolated scene of desolation—yet determination.

  Wulf rubbed his jaw. “It makes me want to suck cock.”

  Alitus burst into laughter, drawing the attention of the room. He made a fist and pressed it against his mouth underneath the veil.

  Wulf grinned. “I wasn’t kidding.”

  “You wouldn’t.”

  “Suck cock?” Wulf slanted him a sidelong glance. “You know I would.”

  Choking back laughter, Alitus covered his mouth. “Stop that. I meant I know you weren’t kidding.”

  “Damn straight. Come on. Let’s go back to the front of the gallery and start this charade at the beginning.”

  With Wulf beside him, Alitus sauntered toward Anne and a radiantly smiling Feeyona Joie.

  * * * *

  Office of Her Majesty Rheyn Destoiya

  Sumertsag 73

  As Destoiya read through her morning intel, an odd bit of news from a rebel source grabbed her attention. Khyff Antonello’s younger brother, Senthys, had married his Better fiancée, NarrAy Jorlan. An officer in the rebel army, Jorlan had personally wronged Destoiya by breaking into her palace and stealing Khyff right out of the Stable. Senthys had used his skills as a professional union thief to bypass security. Destoiya had demanded the entire system be upgraded that very day.

  She tossed aside that chip and popped in the next. “Oh, hell.” This one reported news of a possible strike on the FIST.

  A new commander had essentially turned back the clock and was overriding workers’ safety concerns and family rights issues. She dispatched a host of negotiators to Trien at once and spent the rest of the morning studying grievances.
Apparently, few of the changes she’d incorporated when Alitus’ parents had been killed had been kept.

  “Idiot.” With a sigh, she leaned back in her chair.How is it that the worst idiots always end up being promoted? She sighed and rubbed the area between her eyes.It might not be right, or moral, but it sure makes government what it is.

  She called for Alitus, remembering only when her new assistant entered that she’d promoted Alitus to Minister of Imperial Intelligence and replaced him. This one was sharp and quick, hand picked by Alitus himself from among his own assistants, but Jarod would never match Alitus in intelligence and ability.He’s not that good looking, either, damn it.