“What exactly did you have in mind?” Bethos asked.
Lambda simply replied, “Peace.”
A simple enough goal. However… “I’m sure you realize peace is not so easy to obtain. You need a realistic plan.”
Lambda leaned forward, a spark of hope in his eyes. “And for that, I need someone with intimate knowledge of Zero Grade, someone like you. What do they want? What are they hoping to achieve with this war?”
Bethos laughed bitterly. “The same thing old blood like them always wants: Adoration. They want mortals everywhere to bow down and worship them day and night. They crave the undying devotion of their subjects. They can’t live without it.”
“But isn’t causing such destruction and loss of life counterintuitive to that? Don’t they realize people will hate and fear them?”
“Mortals aren’t complicated creatures,” Bethos said. “Since the days of old, they have always feared their gods. Even today, humans are perfectly willing to bow down and worship in the hopes of not being destroyed. Zero Grade understands this. They don’t distinguish between fear and love. As long as mortals are trying to curry their favor, they’re satisfied.”
Lambda rubbed his chin as he thought about this. “But doesn’t the Faust Kingdom already worship them? Isn’t that enough for them?”
“One country is never enough for them. They want the world.”
“Listen,” Lambda said, “I have an idea. Will you hear me out?”
“Certainly.”
Lambda told him his idea. After he finished, Bethos said, “Hmmm, it’s risky. But it just might work.”
The Morovian president nodded, a smile beginning to show on his face. “Good. I’ll schedule another press conference.”
* * *
The next day, the Academy faculty watched as President Joe Lambda appeared on TV for another press conference. But this time, he had a diminutive guest standing next to him in a shocking purple suit.
“Hello, again, fellow Morovians and everyone watching worldwide. At this time, I would like to introduce you to someone very special. In all likelihood, you’re going to find this very difficult to believe, but this man is none other than Bethos. The Bethos. I realize he looks completely different than how he’s depicted in Holoist paintings, but I can assure you, he’s the real deal. This man is indeed an honest to goodness god. What’s more, he runs a school for gods. Now, now; please hold all questions for the end. For the time being, there’s a lot that needs explaining. For years, Bethos and his school have been at odds with the organization that has been causing so much suffering as of late: Zero Grade. As you know, recently Zero Grade took control of several sites across the globe in order to harvest a powerful energy source they call the Ultimus Points. However, after several battles fought by Bethos’ school and Morovian forces, the enemy has lost fully half of these sites.
“Now we must think about the future. Great victories have been achieved these past few weeks, but we’re still looking at a long and costly campaign. At this moment, I would like to address Zero Grade personally. I know it looks like Bethos and I are allying to stop you, but the truth is, we don’t want any more bloodshed. We want to bring an end an end to the violence. With that in mind, we’ve come up with what we feel is an arrangement that’s equitable to both sides. You want followers, devotees to worship you, and as you are gods, that seems fair. So we propose starting churches to you in Morovia and other countries that don’t already worship you Lost Gods. I’ve spoken with the leaders of these countries, and with the exception of Chrichton, they are open to the idea.
“Now that you’ve heard our proposal, we would like to meet with you to discuss terms for a peace treaty. We will be awaiting your reply. And now, I will allow the members of the media present to ask questions.”
A pretty reporter in her twenties was the first to be called upon. “With all due respect,” she said, indicating Lambda’s guest, “how do we know you’re really Bethos?”
“A very good question,” he replied. “After all, I look nothing like the guy those racist idiots painted thousands of years ago. This might make me sound sinister, but I think a simple display of my power will convince you.” He paused. “Sorry, that did sound sinister, didn’t it?” He had a good laugh at that one. “Miss, why don’t you come up here and be my volunteer?”
She sheepishly made her way to the front of the room and up on the small stage. Bethos had her wave her hands above his head to confirm there were no wires of any kind, and then, before the shocked audience, he began floating above the heads of the shocked audience. And just to show off, he high-fived every single one of them.
But not everyone was convinced, so he decided to pull out the big guns. In front of their eyes, he blinked out of existence, and then suddenly reappeared next to Lambda. The reporters began frantically clamoring for him to explain just how the hell he did that.
“I have the unique ability to teleport myself or others to… well, a far-away place. I actually sent you all there a while back, but you were unconscious, so you probably don’t remember.”
After they calmed down, another reporter—this time a middle-aged man—stepped up. “Mr. President—”
“Yes?” they both said simultaneously.
“Err, President Lambda.”
“Go ahead,” Lambda said.
The reporter cleared his throat. “You propose starting a new church for Zero Grade. What do you say to those who view this as capitulating to the enemy in a time of war?”
“I can assure you,” Lambda replied, “that we are not giving in to the demands of mere terrorists. We are simply looking for common ground upon which to build a lasting peace. We are not giving ground, but have, in fact, taken it. We are operating from a position of strength.”
Another tough question followed. “You seem to be trying to force a religion on the people of this country. What if Morovians don’t want to worship Zero Grade?”
Lambda said, “I’ve lived in this country all my life. I know there is a segment of the population open to new ideas and new religions. I believe the Lost Gods can find their niche here.”
More questions followed. “What if Zero Grade isn’t satisfied with a mere niche?”
“What will you do if peace talks fail?”
“Are you prepared for a long-term war with gods?”
Lambda motioned for everyone to be seated for a moment. “I’m afraid there is still much we don’t know. We’ll have to wait for Zero Grade’s response before we take any further action. But everyone in this room had better believe we’re willing to fight them all the way if we have to.”
* * *
They didn’t have to wait long for Zero Grade’s response. The next day, the following message appeared on TVs across Morovia.
We are Zero Grade
We accept offer for negotiation
Dokiu, Faust Kingdom, two days from now
Once you are in the country, no Academy assistance allowed
Do not keep us waiting
“They’re not ones to mince words, are they?” Lambda said back in his office.
“I haven’t known them nearly as long as the other gods, but yeah; they like to remind you who’s boss,” Bethos said.
“They said they’re open to negotiations,” Lambda said. “Their disdain for us is evident.”
“Until a peace treaty is finalized, we’re still their enemies.”
Lambda sighed. “This won’t be easy. We don’t know what their terms will be, and if I read Zero Grade’s message right, I can’t rely on you for help once we’re in the Faust Kingdom. It’s not allowed, apparently.”
Bethos shrugged. “Nothing we can do about it. If we want their cooperation, we’ll have to play by their rules.”
Rising from his chair, Lambda turned to stair out the window. “In my youth, I used to go mountain climbing. It was so… exhilarating. You against nature in a struggle to see who would win. As I grew older, my life became more about me against
other people. I fought the opposing party for years to get my reforms passed.
“Now, it seems it’s about me against gods. Just goes to show you never know where your life will be headed.”
“Let me assign someone to protect you. This could be a trap.” Bethos said.
The Morovian president waved him off. “That won’t be necessary. Exodus Squad is more than capable of seeing to my safety.”
“One person,” Bethos insisted. “At least let me send one person with you.”
Lambda thought about it for a moment before saying, “All right. One person. But once we’re inside the Faust Kingdom, they’ll have to leave us. I don’t want to anger Zero Grade if there’s actually a chance for peace.”
They shook hands. “It’s a deal,” Bethos replied.
* * *
Maya got called into Freya’s office. “You wanted to see me?”
“Yes, Maya. Please, have a seat.”
Maya did so. “What’s this about?”
Freya explained, “Zero Grade has agreed to peace talks. They’ll be taking place tomorrow in the Faust Kingdom.” Maya was silent. “Is something wrong?”
“It’s just… after everything they’ve done to us, how can we just forgive them? Look at what they did to Ev! I don’t… I don’t think I want to make peace with them.”
“Maya, I understand what you’re saying, but you have to see the big picture. If we don’t make peace, a lot more people are going to die. The world as we know if could be ravaged or even destroyed if this war is allowed to continue. Please understand that.”
“I…” Maya was silent again. Finally she said, “All right. If that’s what you think is best. As a future goddess of love, I can’t be thinking about myself at a time like this. I have to think about the safety of others.”
“Thank you, Maya. That’s very mature of you.”
“You’re welcome. But what does this have to do with me?”
“President Lambda has agreed to let one representative from the Academy accompany him as he journeys to the Faust Kingdom. Bethos wants you to be that person. You used to be a member of Zero Grade, so he thinks your knowledge of them will help protect President Lambda during his trip.”
Maya hadn’t seen this coming. Being someone who had mixed feelings about peace with Zero Grade, she would have expected them to send anyone else. “But shouldn’t a full god like yourself or Professor Strong go instead?”
“Let’s just say Zero Grade feels very strongly about us. Bethos doesn’t want to anger them and ruin the chance for peace talks by sending someone on their most wanted list.”
It still didn’t make sense to Maya. “But I fought against them during the incident with Arcturus Reich. They put a bounty on Ev’s head!”
“Yes, but they didn’t put a bounty on your head, which means… well this is going to sound mean, but it means they don’t care about you. It’s really Ev they hate.”
“But…” She felt she should voice the real reason she didn’t want to be sent on this mission, but she couldn’t. That was between Ev and herself.
Freya’s pleading eyes drilled straight to her soul. “Please, Maya. I’m not asking for myself, or even for Bethos. The entire world depends on the success of this mission. Millions of lives could be saved if it succeeds.”
Maya sighed. Her mentor was right, and they both knew it. She had no choice but to accept for the sake of all mankind. “All right. I’ll do it.”
Freya gave her a smile that said she understood her pain and appreciated her willingness to rise above it for the greater good. “Thank you, Maya.”
“Don’t—” She wanted to put on a cheerful, gung-ho face, but she just didn’t have it in her. “Don’t mention it,” she said weakly.
* * *
Later, Maya went to see Ev in the infirmary. He was still the same; stable, yet unresponsive. Even though he was unconscious, she explained the situation to him. “And so they want me to help secure peace with Zero Grade. Even though I didn’t want to, I said I would. This is very important, Ev. Millions of lives could be saved if I do this. “I say that, but I’m terrified you won’t forgive me. They destroyed your life, they murdered your mother. What would you think of me if you were awake now? Would you hate me?” Her emotional control was beginning to break down as was evidenced by her cracking voice. “I couldn’t bear the thought of you hating me. You’re my light, Ev. Please, if you ever wake up, please understand why I did this. I know this is selfish, but please don’t hate me.”
If somewhere he heard her, if he understood, he did not show it. He remained impassive. She had no choice but to live with that, with the doubt that hung over her. She decided to push aside the thought that by doing this she might lose him forever. It was a thought she couldn’t face right now.
She kissed him and left the infirmary.
Chapter XII
The next morning, Maya arrived at the president’s private airfield at Vinguard International Airport. Joe Lambda’s plane, Vinguard 1, was being prepped for takeoff.
After a thorough, but pointless, pat-down outside the plane—they couldn’t take away any weapons she possessed and they all knew it—she was brought forward to meet the Morovian president. He was flanked by soldiers wearing the robotic armor they had seen in Adlo. She had hoped to never see Zero Grade’s technology again, but since it was not in their hands, she supposed she couldn’t complain.
“So you’re the bodyguard,” Lambda said as they shook hands. He sounded doubtful about her abilities.
“Maya Brünhart. I’m just a student, really,” she replied.
“As I told Bethos, my security detail is more than capable of handling any problems that pop up.”
“I’m sure they’re capable,” she said. “But President Bethos is concerned about an attack in mid-air. Those suits can’t fly, can they?”
“That’s classified,” a middle-aged man to his right said.
“Easy, Cid. I think we can trust them.” He turned his attention back to her. “No, they can’t fly. They have all the strength and speed of gods, but none of the other abilities.”
“Well, I can. If they attack from the air, I’m the best chance you have of fighting them off.” She neglected to mention the fact she’d never fought in mid-air. She inwardly smirked at the man called Cid as she thought, That’s classified, jerk.
An amber-skinned woman approached Lambda and said, “We’re ready to take off, sir.”
“Thank you, Lyra. Right this way, Miss Brünhart.”
Maya was escorted onto the plane, which looked even bigger on the inside. It had several floors and enough seating for hundreds of people. It also had a full kitchen, wi-fi, and a small movie room. Talk about traveling in style. A girl could get used to this, she thought.
Lambda gave her the full tour as the pilots did some last-minute checks. When it was over, she said, “This is all very impressive. But do you really trust Zero Grade?”
He frowned. “You know them better than I do. Do you trust them?”
“You want my honest opinion? No. I don’t. I’ve seen what they’re capable of. You and Bethos might trust them not to attack this plane, but with all due respect, I think you’re letting your desire for peace get in the way of logic. To be perfectly blunt, the chances of us all dying today are very good.”
“I know,” he said somberly. “I know we’re taking a big risk here, and I’m sorry a kid like you got dragged into it. But I believe some things are worth risking your life for, and, as the leader of this country, I have to be prepared to take those risks. That’s what I was elected for.”
She had to admit, she was really starting to like this guy. “Just as long as you understand.”
* * *
They took their seats, and the plane took off towards the Faust Kingdom. Maya had a deep sense of unease all throughout the flight.
Mid-way through, her fears were confirmed.
Hello, Maya. Someone was speaking to her via telepathy. Someone she
didn’t know.
Who is this?
My name is Athena.
A bolt of alarm shot through her, but she managed to keep her cool. What does a member of the Flawless Few want with me?
I wanted to warn you. We’re serious about peace, but an uknown group is heading your way. They’re dressed like us, but they’re not us.
What? Tell me you’re joking.
I don’t joke. It’s beneath me. We’ve dispatched a force to intercept the renegades, but they won’t be in time to save you. You and Joe Lambda’s cadre of stolen exo-suits will have to fight them off on your own. I don’t need to tell you that if Lambda is killed, Morovia will never agree to peace. Fight, Maya Brünhart. Fight with your entire being.
Until We Break Page 12
