Crusader

by Cyndi Friberg

  After setting down the scanner, he picked up a syringe and motioned toward her arm. “Pull up your sleeve for me.”

  “Damn. I was hoping there was some fancy Rodyte alternative to needles.” She obliged with a weak smile.

  “Sorry. Even Rodytes have to pierce the skin to extract blood.” He fastened a compression band around her upper arm then swabbed the bend of her elbow with alcohol. “A technomage is someone who uses physically integrated technology to replicate Bilarrian abilities, what humans think of as magic.”

  “‘Physically integrated’ as in controlled with brain waves or surgically implanted?”

  He skillfully inserted the needle and drew several vials of blood. “Depends on the ability they’re trying to replicate. Internal nanites are necessary to amplify and create telepathic connections, while telekinetics can be accomplished with external devices.”

  “Can they replicate any Bilarrian ability?”

  “Most of them. But not every technomage can exhibit every ability.”

  “That’s pretty straightforward. Why did Bandar say it was complicated?”

  “Technomages belong to the Integration Guild and the politics surrounding that august body is extremely complicated.” After covering the tiny wound with a cotton ball and tape, he set the blood samples aside and disposed of the supplies he’d used.

  “We appear to have time.” She pulled down her sleeve and crossed her legs. “Can you tell me about the Integration Guild or is it forbidden?”

  “It’s not forbidden, but let’s move to a less clinical setting.”

  Happy to oblige, she scooted off the table and followed him to a spacious office down the hall. Though the room appeared to have been ransacked, it was easy to picture how it must have looked before the raid. The modern furniture was beautiful, the decor surprisingly tasteful.

  “Have a seat.” He motioned to the navy-blue sofa as he pulled one of the desk chairs around so he could face her. “How much has Bandar told you about our planet? Do you understand what caused the war?”

  His phrasing surprised her and gave her an opening to clarify something she’d wondered about since she first saw him. “You said ‘our planet’, do you consider yourself Rodyte?”

  “My mother was human, but I barely remember her. She died when I was still quite young.”

  “I’m sorry. That must have been hard.” His expression didn’t change and he said nothing, so she asked, “Did they meet on Earth or are there humans on other planets now?”

  “They met on Earth, but I’ve also run across humans on other planets. It’s really surprising that the general population of Earth is still unaware of how often aliens interact with humans.”

  “I think most humans believe what they need to believe to cope with life in general. Despite the arrogance of the conclusion, it’s easier to believe that the entire universe exists for humans alone.” Other more personal questions threatened to escape. How had his parents met? Had his mother been a captive? But Irron’s past was none of her business. Even so, she risked another. “Did you grow up with your father or were you forced into the military? Bandar said that happens a lot with of battle born sons.”

  “I’m not technically battle born. As you’ve probably guessed, my mother was a captive. But she was human, not Bilarrian, so my father couldn’t blame his ruthlessness on the war. He just saw a female he wanted and took her. Too many Rodytes view females that way.” He cleared his throat, obviously uncomfortable with the details. “I was raised by my father’s chosen mate. She was strict, at times harsh, but I never doubted her love for me or my father.”

  “Was she Rodyte?”

  He nodded. “She was and is. My father passed beyond several years ago, but his morautu still lives.” Before Ashley could find a response that didn’t sound trite, he added, “I became curious about my human roots in my youth, so my father arranged for an extended stay with my maternal aunt and uncle. I studied human medicine during those years then returned to Rodymia to complete my education. My understanding of human physiology is why Garin requested me for this mission.”

  Garin, Bandar’s powerful older brother. His name sure came up a lot. “Sorry about the tangent. Please tell me about the Integration Guild.”

  “Do you understand the basic conflict?”

  “Rodytes feel cheated out of their ability to work magic because they were exiled from their homeworld by the Bilarrians.”

  “Nice summation.” His expression turned distant as he paused to gather his thoughts. “There are two schools of thought on Rodymia. One group feels Bilarrians are to blame for all that we’ve lost and the only way to achieve justice is to take it back from them—by whatever means necessary.”

  “They’re the ones who started the war.” She hadn’t meant to say it out loud. She was just processing the implications of his statement.

  His smile was almost sad. “They would argue that the Bilarrians started the war and they’re only defending themselves against inexcusable oppression. My father belonged to that school of thought.”

  “But you don’t?”

  “I’m ambivalent about the entire situation. I understand both points of view and see value in each. I also see cruelty, bitterness, and hypocrisy.”

  “What’s the other school of thought?” From what Irron had said so far, it sounded like Bandar belonged to the first group, the ones determined to take back by force everything they’d lost.

  “A smaller, yet extremely devout, group has dedicated their knowledge and resources to regaining their abilities through technology. They’ll defend themselves when threatened, but they’ll never throw the first punch. They consider Bilarri the past and focus all their efforts on the future.”

  “That position makes more sense to me. Violence never solves anything.”

  Irron smiled again but his gaze remained clouded with memories. “Neither side is perfect. The ‘peaceful’ side is just as power hungry and ambitious as the warriors. I’m dedicated to saving lives, not taking them, but I admire the honesty in the warrior stance. The crime is well-defined, the enemy correctly identified, and the action is focused and final.”

  “And the pacifists, do you find their stance less honest?” She was beginning to see why Bandar had claimed this was complicated.

  “Infinitely.” He sighed before expounding. “It didn’t start out that way. This all transpired over hundreds of years. You understand that, right?” She nodded. “At first they only believed that war wasn’t the answer and technology would provide a way back for future generations. But as their technologies progressed they quickly realized that aptitude was still a controlling factor.”

  “I’m not sure what you mean. What sort of aptitude and why was it a problem?”

  “Back on Bilarri people are ranked and segregated according to their aptitude for magic. Those with greater potential for magic are admitted to the best training facilities and taught by the best instructors. Basically a person’s worth is defined by their capacity for magic. Our ancestors had little or no capacity, so they were deemed worthless and driven out.”

  Similar ranks and separation existed on Earth. They were just determined by wealth and power rather than magic. “That’s so unfair.” And she wasn’t just thinking about Bilarri.

  “There’s not a Rodyte alive who’d disagree with you. However, the injustice followed us to Rodymia. It just morphed into a different form.”

  “Technological aptitude rather than a capacity for magic?”

  He nodded, his expression downright grim. “The Integration Guild claims their purpose is to maximize each person’s potential through technology. The truth is darker.”

  “Do they use technology to control others or can only the rich and powerful afford to join the guild?”

  “You’re thinking in human terms. It’s not about money. Not everyone can tolerate, much less master, integrated technology. Those who can become influential and often rich, but no amount of money will buy the aptitude
. You’re either born with it or you’re not.”

  “So the guild only accepts those with a strong aptitude for integrated technology.”

  Another nod signaled his agreement. “And the more tech you can master the more powerful you become. The best of the best become technomages.” He shook his head as he glanced into the distance. “Our ancestors were abused and ultimately exiled because of characteristics they couldn’t control and now we’ve evolved into a society disgustingly similar to the one that discarded us.”

  “I see the hypocrisy,” she admitted. “Are there a lot of technomages?”

  “No one knows for sure. The guild is incredibly secretive. Only those ‘gifted’ enough to join their ranks are allowed to know their secrets.”

  “What a waste.” She fiddled with the hem of the lab coat. “On Earth they’d be super heroes.”

  Irron’s laugh was abrupt and brittle. “On Earth they’d sell their services to the highest bidder just like they do on Rodymia. Power corrupts. It’s almost inevitable.”

  “Then why do we struggle so hard to attain something that will inevitably destroy us?”

  He waved away the question with another laugh. “That’s way too philosophical for this old sawbones.”

  “Hello?” Bandar’s deep voice echoed down the hallway outside the office.

  She hopped up and rushed to the doorway. “We’re down here.”

  He turned toward her with a smile and headed in her direction. Dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, he had a small duffle bag slung over one shoulder. “Has Irron kept you entertained?”

  “He’s been a perfect gentleman.”

  Irron snorted. “Near enough.”

  Bandar joined them in the office and she led him toward the couch before asking, “Was someone able to unlock the file?” She sat, hoping Bandar would do the same.

  Instead, he pulled a data crystal out of his pocket and handed it to Irron. “With Sental’s compliments.”

  Irron palmed the crystal then stood up. “I’ll look it over and let you know if it was worth all this trouble.” He winked at Ashley. “I enjoyed talking with you. Now make him feed you. Your blood sugar is still a little low. There’s a nutri-gen in the lounge down the hall.” The doctor headed for the door.

  “Hold on,” Bandar called. “We’re stuck here for tonight. Where are the living quarters?”

  “The nicer apartments are on the left past the break room. I stashed my things in the first one, but all of the others are available.”

  Bandar nodded. “Keyran sent down guards, just in case. They’ll patrol in shifts.”

  “Where’d Keyran need to be?”

  “Didn’t ask. He just said they’d be out of range until sometime tomorrow.”

  Irron shrugged. “Works for me. Thanks to Sental, I’ve got plenty to keep me busy.” He pulled the door closed as he left the office.

  Bandar stood in front of the couch, towering over her as his gold-ringed gaze searched hers. Without the contacts, his eyes were even more penetrating than usual. “Are you hungry?”

  His sensual undertone hinted at a lot more than food. She licked her lips as the desire they’d ignited in the holding cell sparked back to life. She’d never been kissed as passionately as Bandar kissed her, never wanted someone so desperately. “Yes.” The word sounded breathless and needy, which accurately reflected her mood. She’d been off-balance and achy ever since she met Bandar.

  “Would you like me to feed you?”

  Again his tone made her think of anything but food. “I like all sorts of things that are bad for me.”

  One of his dark brows arched at the subtle slur. “What makes you think I’d be bad for you?”

  “Gee, let me think.” She stood, expecting him to step back. He stood perfectly still, forcing her into his personal space. “Within twenty-four hours of meeting you, I’d been stabbed, abducted and required to strip in a room being observed by who knows how many men.”

  “Letos stabbed you before I arrived, I asked you not to strip, and some of that should be softened by the fact that I saved your life.”

  Refusing to be intimidated by his obvious tactics, she placed both hands on his chest and stared up into his luminous eyes. “Saving my life wipes away the stabbing, but you still owe me for the abduction and humiliation.”

  A smile flirted with his lips, appearing then disappearing again. “Name your price, angel. I’m happy to pay.”

  “Lunch, or is it dinner, and a foot message.”

  His lips curved then parted as the smile finally took over his mouth. “Done.” He leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose then moved out of reach.

  She’d set the tone for their playful mood, so she shouldn’t be disappointed by his reaction. Even so, part of her had been hoping he’d sweep her into his arms and kiss her senseless again.

  Rather than dwelling on her irrational disappointment, she followed Bandar out into the corridor. “Did you bring me a change of clothes?” She motioned toward the duffle bag that still hung from his shoulder.

  “They’re just uniforms, but they’re clean and I think they’ll fit. I grabbed some toiletries while I was at it. I wasn’t sure how much longer we’d be here.”

  Her steps lagged, but her heartbeat accelerated. “You’re not taking me home tonight? Why not? Irron ran all the tests he wanted and I’ve done everything you asked me to.”

  He glanced down at her though he kept walking. “Ready to be rid of me already?”

  “That’s not the point. Fridays are basically my day off, but I have clients and friends who don’t have any idea where I am. They’re going to start worrying.”

  “It’s unavoidable.”

  “Not if you take me home.” She caught his upper arm and dug in her heels. “If not tonight, then when? I need to know what you have planned for me.”

  “Dinner and a foot message.” He said it with a straight face, which only made her want to slug him.

  “How much longer are you going to keep me here?”

  “Until I know it’s safe for you to leave.” Ignoring her restraining hand, he turned and continued down the hallway.

  She let go and fell into step beside him. “The bad guys have the documentation too. There’s no reason for them to come after me now. Why is my safety still a concern?”

  “I’m not sure it is. We need to understand what your father did to your genetics before we can—”

  “We don’t know that it was my father.” Even in her ears the statement sounded hollow. Daniel might not have done the procedure himself, but at the very least he’d known about it, allowed it.

  “We don’t know a lot of things, which is why it’s best if you stick around.”

  She wasn’t happy with that outcome, but nothing was gained by belaboring the point. She had no form of transportation, no money, no phone. Unless. “Do you have my phone? If I could check my messages and change my greeting that would alleviate most of my stress.”

  “I don’t have it on me. Let’s find the lounge and have a nice meal, and then I’ll see what I can do.”

  She’d half expected a terse refusal, so she’d take the partial win.

  They reached the end of the main corridor without finding the lounge. She glanced back, meaning to call out to Irron, but she spotted two uniformed guards who appeared to be shadowing them. “Those are the guards you mentioned, aren’t they?”

  “Just ignore them. I told the commander it wasn’t necessary, but he insisted.”

  His annoyance was obvious and she couldn’t help but ask, “Have you been a naughty boy?”

  “Always.” A slow, sexy smile reinforced the claim. “Shall I show you how naughty?”

  “Not with the guards watching.”

  The lounge was just off the main corridor and the room was surprisingly large. The guards remained in the corridor as Bandar and Ashley checked out their culinary options. Five round tables were arranged in a messy cluster in the middle of the room. Couches and chairs lined t
he perimeter walls and three large machines dominated the far end of the room. The one in the middle offered a selection of drinks in plastic bottles while the purpose of the other two was less clear.

  “What sounds good?” Bandar walked up to the machine on the right and activated a holo-control panel with a wave of his hand.

  “Is this a… What did Irron call it? Nutra-something.”

  “Nutri-gen. It’s short for nutrition generator. It’s a fancy 3D printer that creates anything edible. Well, anything as long as the pattern has been programed into its memory.”

  “So what are my options?”

  He navigated through the menus, many selections displayed with colorful images. “Most of these are Rodyte cuisine. Let me see if they programed any human dishes.” He made a face when he finally found the small selection. “Hamburger, cheese pizza and fried chicken.” He cringed. “Not very imaginative.”

  “How about a salad or turkey sandwich? I’m not very hungry. The only thing that really sounds good is a hot fudge sundae.”

  “That’s probably your low blood sugar talking. Wait. Here’s the sandwich menu.” He scrolled through the selections then paused. “Yep. Turkey is on the list. Each item is made to order. How would you like it prepared?” She told him her preferences and he entered the order, adding something for himself. The machine came to life with a low hum. She was about to ask how long it would take when a small door in front of her opened and a tray slid out. She took the tray off the serving shelf and looked at the food. Each meal was presented on a thin white plate with the appropriate flatware and condiments. Her sandwich looked fresh and appetizing, but she wasn’t sure what to make of Bandar’s choice.

  “What is that?” She nodded toward the long, narrow strips of yellowish meat, which had been slathered with a glossy brown sauce.

  “Grilled cyatta. It’s a large water fowl, popular for casual eating. Think spicy chicken strips with the emphasis on spicy. Most Rodyte dishes are spicy.” She accepted the explanation as he took the tray from her. “Would you grab us each something to drink”