“I can head back to IntelSys Tower if—” she began.
“You can stay with us,” Meia interrupted. “Right?”
“Ah…” He frowned, wondering why she seemed so attached to the captain. The look on her face was imploring, but even Reika seemed taken aback. “It would be strange to have her with us.”
“But there’s no real harm in it,” Lina said, startling him.
He looked at her and raised an eyebrow.
“Well, everyone knows you were allied with Mitsugawa before, and it would be a statement to the other Houses that his barony is on your side. It will show your compassion as well—that you’re willing to stand with them in their time of need. People will like that. It may also lead some to think you’re going to absorb Shiragawa into your barony, and that will strengthen your position among the other barons.”
He nodded. “I see. Well, there you go. Stay.”
Reika gave him a quick bow. Meia relaxed.
“It’s settled then.” He took in a deep breath. “No point in putting this off any longer.”
The Praetor was sitting at the head of the table when he entered the conference room. The sight of her made him shiver. He noted that she was the stereotypical type, with pale skin and silver rings around her black eyes like Modulus had. She did not rise at his entrance, but Sophi, seated closest to the door, was on her feet in a moment and approached him with widespread arms. Her long, milky braids swung about her legs as she moved.
“Cylus, what a relief to see you returned safe.” She embraced him and he felt the edges of her hood caress his face a moment before kisses landed on his cheeks. He did not return the gesture. “We have feared for your safety. Where have you been?”
He grasped her arms and maneuvered her away from him without answering.
Not missing a beat, Sophi turned to Lina and gave her the same welcome. “And it is good to see you alive and well, sister.”
“Thank you.” Lina inclined her head.
“You’ve added to your retinue.” She stood back. Her eyes lingered on Reika. “Is that where you’ve been? Seeking out new guards?”
“Among other things.” He did not want to reveal too much just yet. Meia was the ace up his sleeve against Zalor, and he was fairly certain that Sophi was on her father’s side.
He moved deeper into the room, standing next to the seat opposite the Praetor. The others followed, allowing Iapetus to enter. His domed head with its many glowing sensor-dots reached almost to the ceiling. Sophi’s head tilted upward as she took him in. Her hood fell back away from her face when her pale eyes reached his apex.
“You’re scared enough to have a war machine follow you around now? I won’t ask how it is you came by one,” she said.
“Not scared—” He smiled at Lina. “—not anymore. Care to introduce us?”
Sophi turned around and looked at him with a frown. “This is Praetor-Prime Prime Augusta. She insisted on seeing you this morning, though how she knew you would be arriving I can’t fathom. I only found out when Ben said you were here. How did you come, by the way? My people at the starport didn’t report you passing through.”
“Welcome to Keltan Securities, Praetor,” he said, ignoring Sophi. “I take it the Prime designation means you are someone of rank in the Abyssians?”
“I am the first,” she said.
“I’m honored.” He found his palms sweaty. The next few moments would prove if Ben had truly concealed their role in the deaths of Vargas and Olivaar or not. He sat down opposite her. “How can I be of assistance?”
Lina smoothed her skirt and sat down on his left. Sophi took the chair to his right as though she was on his side. It grated on his nerves, but he had to concentrate on the Abyssian.
“I am monitoring your metabolic responses,” the Praetor said. “Please answer my questions as honestly as you can. Would you like privacy for this interview?”
He swallowed. “Getting right to the point, I see. No, no privacy necessary. I have nothing to hide.” And no desire to be alone with you, he added to himself. He hoped Meia, Reika, and Iapetus would be equal to the task if it came down to preventing his arrest. He and Lina had discussed this on the ship. If the Praetors came for him they would flee in the Fukurō-maru and seek to strengthen their position elsewhere. They would use Revenant, of all people, to aid them provided he still wanted Cylus to be Premier. If he didn’t, well, they would confront that possibility later.
“I have several questions. You are aware that the planet known as Taiumikai in the system of the same name was attacked and rendered uninhabitable, are you not?”
His mouth fell open. He hadn’t expected that question at all. Wasn’t this about the deaths of his uncle and Baron-Scion Vargas? His surprise faded into a deep sadness. His friend may have been killed in that attack. Despite his ire at Sable for not responding to his calls for help, he wanted to see him again. Come to think of it, it was strange that Sophi did not in appear upset. Her bubbling greeting betrayed her callous nature, and it angered him.
“Please respond,” the Praetor said.
“I received the news but have no further knowledge of it. I cannot believe the Brogh managed an attack so deep in our space,” he said.
The Praetor nodded. “Are you aware of the other situation?”
He tensed.
“She means the attempt on the Premier’s life,” Sophi said.
“Oh, ah, yes. We just found out.”
“Do you have any Gaian associations?” the Praetor asked.
It took effort not to look at Lina. “No.”
“You are certain?” she asked.
“None I’m aware of.” He felt sweat grease his palms.
“Were you aware that before the attack on Taiumikai, Baron Mitsugawa went to the Elmorus system?”
“What? Why would he do that?”
“Answer the question,” the Praetor said.
“Is he alive?” He hoped the answer would be “yes.”
“Have you had any contact with him?” she asked.
“I haven’t heard from my friend in months.” He frowned as concern for Sable became anger with the Praetor. Why was she asking about him?
Abyssians cannot be trusted, he told himself. His body grow cold.
“Have you received any transmissions from Baron Mitsugawa, the Shiragawa Barony, or Elmorus?”
He scowled.
“Please answer the question, Baron.”
“No, I haven’t. I’m not even sure my friend is alive. Why are you asking about this?” Had Sable found something on Elmorus? Did it implicate Daedalus in something? It made a degree of sense for the attack Praetor Modulus made on them if Sable had. A chill ran down his spine. What could he have found?
“Have you received any transmissions from Praetor Nero Graves?” she asked.
“No.” Did Nero have something to do with this? He’d gone off to find evidence of what killed Yoji—evidence of Siren. Had Sable gone to Elmorus for the same reason? If so, why would Daedalus be so concerned? Did Daedalus have something to do with Siren? He suppressed the urge to gasp. Could Zalor be working with Daedalus? If so the he wouldn’t want them to find Meia, and wouldn’t want them bringing back evidence that Cylus could hold over his head. Maybe Modulus didn’t kill him because Zalor still wanted him to be Premier. Holding them prevented them from retrieving solid proof of his involvement with Siren, could that be his game? Yes, that made sense.
By the goddess, he thought, they are working together. How do we defeat both of them?
Anyone can be defeated, he thought to himself. We can do it together.
The revelation calmed him. He wiped his hands on his pants. Did Sable know that the two were in league? If he lived he might not be careful with such knowledge, especially after his home world was attacked. It might turn Daedalus against him, too. Sable was always quick to rush to the most righteous course of action. He hadn’t the mind for plotting, nor for using secrets to his greatest advantage. His lack o
f a devious mind was a trait that helped solidify their friendship. Cylus hated connivers once, though now he realized he had to be one to survive. If Daedalus and Zalor really were working together, would Lina’s plan still work?
“Do you know about the deaths of Baron Viktor Vargas and Baron Hagus Olivaar?” the Praetor asked. The shift in subject blindsided him, and he sat blinking for several long moments before he found the voice to answer.
“Ah, no,” he said.
“They were last reported leaving this tower before your departure from Kosfanter,” Praetor Prime Augusta stated. “Are you certain you have no knowledge of their deaths?”
“I am certain,” he said, trying to make sure his gravel-laden voice stayed steady.
“Have you had any contact with the Gaians of the Kosfanter Biodome?” Praetor Prime Augusta asked, startling him again. He expected more questions about Vargas and Olivaar and found himself staring at her with a slack jaw.
“Not for some time,” he said. “My father was the one with more frequent contact.”
“Have you had any contact with the Gaians of the Kosfanter Biodome?” she asked again.
He dry-swallowed.
“I’m a Gaian,” Lina said. He looked at her with wide eyes.
“Answer the question, Baron,” the Praetor said.
“Yes, I guess?” He felt his equilibrium waver. What would happen if she went after Lina? He wouldn’t allow it. Target the Abyssian, he messaged Meia.
The silver rings in Praetor Prime Augusta’s eyes gleamed in the light. Cylus licked his lips, waiting for her to announce his arrest, or Lina’s, or… something. The moment she so much as twitched he was going to have Meia’s combat drone blast her into the next room. He couldn’t allow himself to be arrested again. It would ruin everything.
Why is she just sitting there, staring at me? He wondered. He blinked, feeling sweat start to form on his brow.
The Praetor opened her mouth.
He trembled.
“Please exercise caution in the coming days. A few Gaians escaped arrest and your person may be in danger.” The Praetor stood up. “Thank you for your time. Your manservant system has my CPAd if you need to get in touch. Do not hesitate to do so. Daedalus predicts you will make a fine Premier.”
“What?” he said, thoroughly confused. Was Daedalus against him or not? If not, maybe Lina’s plan would still work, but if so? He shook his head. He didn’t know what to believe.
The Praetor headed for the conference room doors.
“Wait, I need to ask you something.”
Praetor Augusta stopped and turned towards him as the doors opened behind her.
“Do you know what happened to us?” he asked, trying to choose his words carefully in front of Sophi. He was afraid the Praetor would ask for a more detailed question, and tried to think of how to respond in a way that wouldn’t tip Sophi off.
“Yes.”
“Why?” He was relieved, but wished he could be more detailed. Perhaps later, he realized, if he dared use the Praetor’s CPAd.
“It is not your place to ask,” the Praetor responded, turned, and exited the room.
He stared at the doors as they slid shut.
“I will say it,” Sophi commented. “That was a very odd response.”
“What does it mean?”
Lina sighed. “It means we are a means to an end. You don’t tell your tools why you’re using them.”
A shiver ran down his back. “So, she just told us to shut up and do what we’re told?”
“Daedalus just did.” Sophi scowled. “I don’t suppose it’s any use for me to ask where you were and what you were referring to?”
“No.” He stared down at the varnished grain of the conference table.
She snorted.
“Sophi,” Lina said. “What happened to the biodome? Did they really try to resist arrest?”
“How would I know?”
Lina gave her a pointed look.
Sophi spoke after her long stare. “No, they were not given the chance to resist. The action started when the Abyssian bombed the biodome.”
Lina sucked in her breath. Her tight, blond curls bounced as she shook her head. “Why did she do that?”
“Why do the Abyssians do anything? It was the will of Daedalus. If I had to guess, I would say your cohorts knew too much. Lalande had been Mylar Keltan’s spy for years, and Yoji’s after that.”
“You’re implying they knew something Daedalus didn’t want them to know?” Cylus asked.
Sophi looked up towards Meia and Reika.
“They know everything,” Lina said. “You can speak freely.”
“They do? And why is that, sister?”
“Don’t start with me. I’m not in the mood.” Lina glared at her.
Sophi reached up and restored the hood over her head. “Fine. Just remember the point of a conspiracy is that it remain secret.”
Lina stared at her sister with a look that could cut glass.
“In light of recent developments, I think you better update me on what’s going on,” Cylus said.
“Why? Are you taking charge now?” Sophi asked.
“He’s the next Premier,” Lina snapped. “Don’t you think you should do what he says?”
Sophi cleared her throat and rose from her seat. “I guess the tower is yours again. I’ll be on my way.”
“Sophi, stay. We should be working together on this,” he said.
She moved to the door, but paused, looking over her shoulder. The hood hid all but the reflection of light in her eyes. “Well, just listen to you now. How things have changed. The Praetor’s right, you need to watch yourself. Lalande’s son escaped the massacre. I’m sure you’ll be on one of his lists, though friend or foe, who can say? I’ll be at Elthroa if you care to visit.”
Sophi left the room.
He frowned.
“What a bitch,” Meia murmured, spawning a snort from Reika’s nostrils.
“I’ll second that.” Lina fell back against her chair. “Was it me, or did the Praetor gloss over the deaths of Vargas and Olivaar?”
“She did. That was strange.” Cylus looked at Meia and Reika.
“It’s not anything I need to know about unless you want me to,” the former said.
“Keeping secrets is part of my culture,” Reika added.
He nodded. “I appreciate that.”
“Cy, we have to get our bearings. Things have changed here. I need to see if any of my contacts are still alive. We’re going to need them.” Lina drummed the table with her fingers.
“Are you sure that’s safe?” he asked.
“They’re on our side. Trust me.”
“I do, but Daedalus is after them. I don’t want you getting caught up in that.”
“Cy—” she started.
“All right. Take Reika with you.”
“With respect, Baron, I should check in with Baroness Cronus,” Reika said. “She must be devastated by the news of Taiumikai, and I still work for Shiragawa.”
“How are you holding up?” he asked her.
“I am not from the home world.” She licked her lips. “But, of course I am sad and angry about what happened. It is unforgivable.”
He nodded. “It must be rough.”
Her lips pressed together, and her ears twitched above her head.
“Weren’t the Cronuses leaving for Stolchem?” he asked.
“The travel-ban went into effect before their stated departure date,” Lina said. “They’re likely still here.”
“Of course,” he nodded. “Can you wait for Reika to get back?”
“I’d prefer not to. I’m worried.” Her lips pressed together in a tight line.
He took in a deep breath. “Okay. Go. I’ll head over to Intel-Sys Tower with Reika and see if I can find out what is going on from my aunts. Meia and Iapetus will come with us. We’ll meet back up here later tonight. Is that agreeable?”
Lina’s lips twitched upward. “Sound
s like a good plan. Thank you.”
“Be careful,” he added.
“Cy, don’t worry about me. You’ve got bigger concerns.”
“No, I don’t.” He sighed, wishing there were some way to make sure she could be safe. If he ever lost her he was sure he would go mad.
“I hate to bring this up, master, but my mechanical counterpart here can hardly walk around the city unnoticed,” Ben said. “He won’t even fit in the limo.”
All eyes were drawn to Iapetus’ armored frame.
“You’re right,” Cylus said.
“I’m not going anywhere without him,” Meia glared.
He licked his lips. “Well, Ben does make a good point.”
“It is all right, Lieutenant, I can—”
“No,” Meia said. The word was so final it made Cylus’ gut clench. Reika gave her a look but didn’t say anything.
“I need you with me. It was our deal,” he said.
“He will fit in a van,” Ben interjected.
“Then we’ll take a van over, but he stays in it unless we need him,” he said. “Ah, what’s the range on that Siren-cure transmission?”
“Being outside a building will suffice as long as transmissions are not blocked,” Iapetus stated.
“There, we have a solution. He comes,” Meia said.
Cylus nodded, relieved the issue was resolved. “He comes, and truth be told, I’m happy to have him nearby.”
“What about me, master?” Ben asked.
“Ben, I’m sorry but I’ve just left your system in the hands of the most conniving person I know. I think we’ll have to scan it for back doors and spyware, then sweep the tower for bugs. After that, I think—”
“Say no more, master. I understand completely.” Ben bowed.
“Iapetus can run a scan for that stuff,” Meia said.
“We’ll do it when we get back.” He sighed, lamenting the fact that he wouldn’t see a bath or rest for many hours yet. “And Reika, I’m sorry but I have to insist you let me tell the Cronuses about what happened in my own time. Do you understand?”
“That will be difficult.” She shifted her weight and bit her lip. Her tail wagged in the air behind her.
“I ask as a favor.”
Eye of the Abyss: Chronicles of the Orion Spur Book 3 Page 42
