“For Founder’s sake, Niske,” Linden growled, raising a side arm. “Get your ass up now, or I will shoot you where you kneel.”
Niske stood up slowly, brushing the moist earth from his knees. He looked angrily at Linden and for a moment, it seemed as if he would leap at him. But his expression turned sullen, and the tense moment passed.
Linden nodded, holstering his weapon. “The main ship has been monitoring military communications. They just sent a message that a fleet is on its way and closing in on Selane. I do not want to be here when they land.”
Niske immediately forgot his anger, “How soon?”
“We have more than enough time,” Linden answered. “I sent the recall signal to the ship as soon as I received your message that the dark-bringer was finally dead. It should not take too long for them to arrive and retrieve us. There should be sufficient time to allow us to gather our equipment, load it back on the shuttle and depart well before the Grand Patriarch’s lackeys arrive.”
“If we find there is some extra time, then we may use the opportunity to investigate the Shrine.” He suddenly grinned. “But first, where is the body? I wish to see what is left of this pitiful man who would destroy the Light.”
“We left it back on the ground-bug,” Niske replied. “He was a very big man when he was alive, but now he is just an over-sized lump of charred meat.” He motioned for Linden to follow.
Linden turned to the two that were holding Sharné. “So, the dark-bringer had a female companion and lovely one at that.” He frowned, “Tie her up. I will question her later. Then go and get Penman. He is on the other side of the sculpture or whatever it is, trying to take some readings. I want you to begin packing up the equipment. Don’t bother with the shelters, they can stay.”
He turned to follow Niske. They walked out of the gate and headed for the nearby vehicle. Linden followed Niske to the cargo platform. He looked at the back of the vehicle. His eyes widened and his voice rose in sudden anger, “What is the meaning of this Niske? Is this your doing? Is it supposed to be amusing?”
Niske was thunderstruck as he looked down at the empty flatbed.
CHAPTER 39
The two hooded figures stood, facing each other. “The Grand Patriarch has set his dogs on me. It can only be that he knows of the Preservers and my involvement in the cause.”
“I know of the city-wide searches now being carried out, but I believe you are mistaken that it is because of your association in the Preservers of the Way. In fact, I am confident our organization remains quite secure. The Patriarch remains in darkness; he still has no inkling of our existence. As to the true reason for the Patriarch’s desperate city-wide searches, I know it is not due to your fellowship in our cause.” The Leader’s tone was low and Joselé leaned closer to hear the disguised voice.
“What else could it be?”
“I have well-placed sources within the palace. They tell me the Grand Patriarch’s daughter is missing and he has somehow linked her disappearance to you, Minister Joselé.”
“Me?” She drew back. “How did you know? I did not identify myself.” The voice synthesizer concealed the sudden alarm in her voice.
The Leader held up a hand, “Rest easy, Minister. My sources had already informed me of the Grand Patriarch’s hunt for a specific minister named Joselé. You coming to me with your concern made the connection seem almost certain and just now your own words confirmed your identity. Surely Minister Joselé, you cannot be surprised I guessed your identity? Your noble Light shines clearly through the robes of concealment.”
“I see,” she said. “I suppose being a fugitive has affected me more than I had realized. I did not think it through. Please accept my apology.”
“It is quite understandable. I can well imagine evading the Guardian’s enforcement teams has been quite stressful and I commend you for your success at eluding them.”
She bowed her head and thanked the Leader.
“And,” the Leader continued, “I want to assure you our security remains quite strong. Other than myself, and the immediate members of your cell, no one else knows of your identity or participation in our cause.”
She felt somewhat relieved, but was still troubled by the relative ease with which the Leader had identified her. She then remembered what the Leader had said earlier and all thoughts of her personal safety vanished. “You mentioned that Sharné is missing?”
The Leader nodded, “Yes. It seems the Grand Patriarch sent his daughter on a secret mission. Through my sources, I know now that it was related to the outsider.”
“Related to the outsider, how?”
“We have come to understand she was present when the outsider entered our system. The Patriarch lost contact with her and was unable to re-establish communications with any of the ships sent out to meet the outsider. He realized something went very wrong. When she appeared to be missing, the old fool somehow jumped to the ludicrous conclusion that you were involved.”
“How could he believe such a thing? Sharné has always been dear to me; he knows that.”
“Perhaps it has more to do with your outspoken opposition to both his out-of-proportion characterization of the crisis and the insane recommendations he has repeatedly put forth in the Assembly. You have made your position quite clear in a number of public forums. Your resistance to his arguments has galled him over the years. Can it really be a surprise to you that he believed you capable of striking at his heart through his only daughter?”
Joselé thought for a moment, “But still, it does surprise me. I think of Sharné almost as if she were my own. He was well aware of my affection towards his daughter and I am saddened to find he could even imagine I would do anything to harm her, least of all for petty revenge.” Another thought occurred to her. “Just a moment ago, when you discussed my opposition to the Grand Patriarch, I detected... do you disapprove of my public stance in opposition to his mad declarations?”
“Not at all,” the Leader answered. “In fact, be assured that I fully endorse your public position. Your open opposition has aided our cause. By remaining in the forefront in the public arena, you help distract the Patriarch and the government. Frankly, your activities have kept the focus on you and away from the Preservers. You have helped our concealment and thus our goals. You are to be congratulated and I did not, in any way, intend to criticize.”
She bowed her head. “Forgive me, I meant no disrespect.”
The Leader extended a hand and gently squeezed her shoulder. She looked up on feeling the Leader’s touch.
“Forgiveness is not required, for no disrespect was given. Your question was not at all offensive.” The Leader seemed to hesitate, then said, “As you have proven your worth time and again, I think that I can share with you more of the details surrounding the disappearance of the Grand Patriarch's daughter.”
Joselé said, “You do me honor and I will guard your confidence with my life.”
“Well said, but let us hope it does not come to that,” the Leader looked back at a closed door. “Perhaps it will be more profitable to take this conversation into the inner chamber where we can sit and be more comfortable.”
“I would certainly welcome a chance to sit. The Grand Patriarch’s agents have been scouring the city and I was forced to move often. I feared to stay at any location for long. I confess that I am quite weary.”
The Leader nodded, turned and walked toward the door. Joselé followed and was soon sitting in a worn but comfortable, thickly upholstered chair. She was sitting opposite the Leader in what must have been a personal library at one time. A few ancient, leather-bound books occupied some of the floor-to-ceiling bookcases that covered the walls. The smell of old leather and the acrid tang of rotting paper filled the air.
“Now then,” the Leader began. “At the meeting, I imagine you noted the absence of one of our more prominent members?” Before she could answer, the Leader continued, “I am of course referring to the General.”
“
Yes, of course,” she answered. “Before the assembly I noticed he was not in attendance. At the time, I could not recall him ever missing a meeting. And I was sure he must have had a very good cause for being absent.”
“Indeed,” the Leader answered. “He had the best of reasons.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, as with you and all of the Preservers, his identity was kept secret. Of course, as a member of the inner circle, I knew his true identity. You see, he really wasn’t a true general. He was actually a colonel in real life.”
“Your demonstration… “
“Yes, yes,” the Leader nodded. “I see you now understand. Those were his badges of rank. So you see he had the best of reasons to be absent; he is dead.” The Leader’s voice synthesizer then began to emit a series of strange coughing noises.
It took Joselé a moment to realize the noise was laughter.
● ● ●
The aide entered the office quietly. Talin wearily looked up. It was late in the evening and his eyes were bloodshot. He had been perfunctorily going over reports from his operatives in the field. He was not in the least surprised that all the reports were negative. Minister Joselé remained at large. In fact, he wished her continued success at remaining free, not that he would ever intimate his feelings to the Grand Patriarch. He just hoped it would be no surprise to the Grand Patriarch, given the size of the city and the limited resources at his disposal, she continued to elude capture. “What is it?” His voice was gravelly with fatigue.
“Sir, the Grand Patriarch sends word for you to meet him in his study. His message is that he has received important news.”
The Guardian of the Way’s heart lurched. As he rose from behind his desk, he asked, “Is it good news? Has there been word from the fleet?”
“No sir, I just came from the fleet communications center. Their next scheduled report is not due for another twenty minutes. They still have another full cycle before they reach orbit around Selane. The Grand Patriarch’s message does not specify the nature of the news. It must be related to some other matter.”
“Very well, I will go to him now,” he said curtly. “Notify me immediately if there are any new developments. You have my permission to interrupt us if there is any news from the fleet. Updates regarding the status of the manhunt for Minister Joselé can await my return. You may take your leave now.”
The aide quickly bowed and left Talin alone. He again looked down at the reports and smiled. Minister Joselé was quite resourceful and it should be no surprise to anyone she was able to elude his operatives. She had received help in avoiding his operatives; help from a well-placed source within the palace. However, time was on the Grand Patriarch’s side. She might not be able to avoid capture forever, even with the aid she was receiving.
Realizing with a start the Grand Patriarch was waiting, Talin hurriedly left his office.
The hallways were almost deserted at that time in the evening and in a relatively short time he arrived at the entrance to the study. The ubiquitous guards stood bracketing the doorway. The double doors were constructed of native wood and each had the Seal of the Grand Patriarch carved deeply into the door’s three panels. Someone on the other side must have heard his steps on the stone floor and opened one of the heavy doors. A richly liveried steward ushered Talin inside. He was guided to his customary chair. He often met with the Grand Patriarch in the study and its familiar warm surroundings were usually a source of comfort, but not this night.
Normally, the study’s fireplace, the centerpiece of the room, would glow with a warm fire blazing at its core. Tonight it was dark and cold. With the absence of the fire, the room seemed to be brooding in being denied its fiery heart. Two lamps vainly tried to fight the gloom, but dark corners and gray shadows became bold and made the room seem smaller than it was.
A brandy was gently pressed into Talin’s hand. Startled, he looked at his leader sitting across from him. He also had a drink in his hand. The Grand Patriarch told the hovering steward that he could take his leave. The steward placed the tray with the brandy decanter on a table within the reach of the Grand Patriarch. The steward bowed respectfully to the two men then left the room, quietly closing the door.
After the steward had left, the Grand Patriarch took an appreciative sip from the crystal snifter he was holding. He looked at Talin over the rim and said, “Please, do try it. It is from my private reserve, well over two hundred solars old. I must say there are times when I do appreciate the little extras that come with my station in life.”
Talin was unconsciously swirling the amber liquid, holding the crystal snifter in a cupped hand, warming it. He stopped and inhaled the complex aroma and took a cautious sip. The incredibly smooth liquid fire was delicious and he smiled his appreciation at the Grand Patriarch. “It is indeed a rare and delightful vintage. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
The Grand Patriarch waved a hand in dismissal. “I am glad you like it. I thought with the hours you have been expending, you could use a brandy.”
“My thanks again,” Talin took another sip of the brandy.
The Grand Patriarch set his drink on the table and sat back into the high-backed chair. “I have just returned to the Palace. On my arrival, I called for you immediately.”
The Guardian of the Way sat straighter in his chair. The drink in his hand was momentarily forgotten. He waited for the Grand Patriarch to elaborate.
“I was conferring with our Intelligence people. They would have notified you directly, but I wanted to be the one to break the news.”
Talin's heart skipped a beat, waiting for the Grand Patriarch to continue.
“They have received a number of partial messages from Janus Owens’ ship.”
Talin looked at the Grand Patriarch in surprise. “His ship? It yet survives?”
“Yes. I am happy to say that Janus Owens’ ship remains intact, a most favorable omen.”
Talin asked eagerly, “But what of Sharné? Did the message contain any information on her wellbeing?”
“The message fragments were garbled due to continued jamming by the attackers, but some of the transmissions were intelligible. So, although there remain some gaps, a portion of the message was successfully deciphered and some coherent information was pieced together.” The Grand Patriarch then paused.
Talin waited impatiently for the Grand Patriarch to continue. The silence lengthened. Finally, Talin could no longer contain himself. “Please, what did the message say?”
The Grand Patriarch’s face suddenly broke into a broad grin. “I am sorry, dear friend, but I could not resist. The message confirms what we suspected. My daughter is alive!”
Talin sagged in his chair, downed the rest of his brandy in one gulp, and said, “Thank the Founder!”
“Yes,” the Grand Patriarch beamed. “Sharné is alive, but there was more to the message. It told the story of what happened at the rendezvous point. It is hard to accept, but I must believe my daughter. Our ships turned against the Light Saber. It appears they tried to destroy it in hopes of removing Janus Owens.”
Talin was shocked by the revelation. “Thank the Founder they failed. But what of the Light Saber and its crew? Did they survive?”
“I do not know,” the Grand Patriarch’s smile had disappeared. He said solemnly, “But I have grave doubts. We have no way of knowing if there are any survivors. We only know for sure that my daughter and Janus Owens managed to escape.”
“How did it happen?”
“The message was incomplete and did not include very much detail but reading between the lines, it is safe to assume there was a coordinated mutiny aboard the two other ships. Once the ships were taken over, they must have turned and attacked the Light Saber together.”
Talin said quietly, “I see. Two against one, it would be a miracle if the Light Saber survived. She must have been severely crippled at the very least. What else did the message say? Do they remain on the outsider’s ship?”
The Gran
d Patriarch scowled, “I wish you to stop using that term. His name is Janus Owens and from this time forward, you will only refer him by name. Is that understood?”
“I beg your pardon. I will do as you say.”
“Good,” the Grand Patriarch’s expression relaxed. “As to your question, we do not know if they remain on the ship. The message is automated and gave two courses of action that they might have taken. One course was to make an apparent landing on Selane, but actually continue their flight in space; the other was to land, in reality, and evade the mutineers on-planet, while the ship continued on, unmanned. Since their attackers could also hear the message, they did not reveal the actual course they would take.”
“The fleet will need to modify its strategy to accommodate this new information,” Talin said thoughtfully. “Sharné and... Janus Owens could have made for the planet’s surface, or they could have remained on the ship. If they are on the ship, they are still being pursued. We must split the fleet so that half of the ships will continue on to Selane, while the other half is redirected to defend Janus Owens’ ship.”
The Grand Patriarch agreed.
“What else could Intelligence infer from the message?” Talin asked.
“Not much else, I am sorry to say. However, I have been assured our cryptographers continue to receive message fragments and more information may be forthcoming.”
Talin stood up. He had to notify the fleet of the change in the plan.
“Before you leave Talin, tell me, what is the status of your search for the minister?”
“She has not been located as of yet. The city is large and my people are spread thinly. I have called for additional resources from other cities. They are being integrated into the search effort as we speak.”
“Good.”
“Do you still believe she was involved with this incident? That it was she who put Sharné at risk?”
“Frankly, no,” the Grand Patriarch stood up. “I now doubt she had the wherewithal to plan and coordinate such an undertaking. But I want her apprehended, nonetheless. She defied my lawful order for her to present herself before me. Such a flagrant violation of the law will not be overlooked. The penalty is severe and must be administered.”
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