Elric turned his attention to the casino, accessing those cameras. There, in safety and luxury, Londo gambled and drank, as was his habit. Wait thirty minutes, Elric said to Carvin. Then go.
Carvin sucked her lips in nervously, nodded.
All is according to plan, he said. They will believe we have sent you in a desperate attempt to secure another transport, another misdirection. You are prepared?
With a quick flick of her hand she produced an ace of diamonds between index and middle fingers. On her index finger she wore the signet ring engraved with the rune for solidarity.
Elric smiled. You will do well.
Carvins grin lit up her face. With a flourish of her hand the card vanished. She hurried off.
In his minds eye he visualized a blank message screen. Begin . He imagined the message being broken into bits of information, traveling through the air to Fed, reassembling itself.
Fed would steer Vir toward them now. The extra hour the Shadows had taken meant that Vir had made a few extra trips around Down Below, but he would arrive only a bit worse for the wear.
Elric looked up at Ing-Radi. I will take care of John Sheridan. I had planned to meet him, in any case.
If I may. You must first take care of yourself. Else our task will not succeed.
She reached toward him, and he stepped back. It was her nature to heal where she saw hurt, as she had always done. Yet now she had no organelles to spare. She needed all her healing powers for herself.
He straightened, trying to hide his fatigue. I am well enough. In two more days, we will have eternity to rest.
It is not yet your time. That element of your plan is flawed. You must save yourself for the mages. And for Galen. He still needs you.
Elric pushed thoughts of Galen from his mind. What Galen needed, or what he himself needed, could play no role in their plan. What the mages most need is for us to succeed. No matter the cost. I am sorry. I must go.
We will discuss this again.
Elric left the observation room through the heavy circular metal hatch and made his way through the shadowy, irregularly shaped spaces that comprised the large section of Down Below they had claimed for themselves. These levels had not been built for habitation, but to contain the machines and structure necessary to support the rest, in an arrangement that allowed maintenance personnel access when necessary. The recycled air, confining dimensions, and unrelenting lifelessness were oppressive.
He entered the corridor that marked one boundary of their territory. Like much of Down Below, it exhibited a peculiar structure, stretching two stories high, with a catwalk running above. The overhead lights had been dimmed and repeatedly faded on and off, creating a forbidding atmosphere. To warn off intruders, the mages had marked the walls with glowing runes and arcane diagrams. The rune for solidarity occupied a prominent place.
Elric reached an intersection. Vir would come from the left. Elric withdrew to the right and created the illusion of a solid wall to hide his presence. Here he would wait.
Over the next two days, Elric knew, his deception would either succeed or fail, and their fate would be sealed. Events must be controlled precisely, each falling into place at exactly the right time. His energy and concentration must not flag. Elric worried that he would not be equal to the demanding schedule. Yet the best deceptions happened quickly, before the targets had time to think. And all was ready.
False arrivals had continued for days, and the fifty of their group were constantly appearing in many different guises in various locations throughout the station, so that their numbers seemed much greater, and so that mages who were not here, including the other members of the Circle, appeared to be among them. Their numbers had been increased in the station database as well.
Extensive food and supplies had been ordered, as if to sustain them over a long period. It had been made clear to all the vendors that the supplies must be available by the day after tomorrow, when they were leaving.
Three of the younger magesEmond, Chiatto, and Ak-Shanawere generating an elaborate web of false communications, from mages who were not here to other mages who were not here, discussing their fictitious activities. All on the chance that the Shadows could detect their communications.
Of course that was the great unknown: the Shadows. Their powers and their thoughts. The mages had searched the station for anomalous bodies of static and found none. Shadows, if they were here, had to be few. But it would take only one to see through their illusions. Elric hoped that the Shadows, if here, remained hidden, depending on Morden to serve as their eyes and ears.
Elric had studied Morden as much as time had allowed. Though the Shadows servant remained an enigma, Elric believed he knew enough to manipulate the man. As Elric had expected, Morden had avoided the mages since their arrival. Instead he used others, whether they knew they were being used or not. Morden used the senator and John to try to detain the mages, Londo and Vir to gather intelligence on their numbers and purpose. And in just the same way, Elric would use Londo and Vir to carry what information he desired to Morden.
But soon, Elric knew, Morden would confront him. And Morden would present the Shadows final offer.
In his minds eye, Elric saw Vir drawing close. Several mages in disguise ran past Vir, as if fleeing.
What is it? Vir cried out in panic.
Techno-mages! Beel yelled, pushing past him.
Vir pressed himself back against the wall, murmuring to himself. Attaché to an ambassador. How dangerous can that be? They never told me that the ambassador was a madman. Go to the techno-mages, Vir. Arrange it, Vir. Obviously they dont want to be bothered. Obviously they wont be happy to be bothered. And who will they take that out on, I wonder.
He took several heavy breaths, straightened, continued onward.
From Elrics position, the illusory wall hed conjured appeared no more than a dark screen. Through it, he watched Vir approaching the intersection. It was time now to convince Vir that the mages wanted nothing to do with Londo, when the opposite was actually the case.
Vir peered around the corner into the corridor that separated them, took in the glowing runes on the walls. He withdrew his head, then, after a moment, extended it again. Hello?
Vir took a few steps into.the empty hallway. He spoke loudly into the silence. I am Vir Cotto, diplomatic attaché to Ambassador Londo Mollari of the Centauri Republic. I am told by the people running that way that this is where I can find the techno-mages. I am here on behalf of Ambassador Mollari, and I need to speak to someone who is in charge.
Fed was positioned at the next cross-hallway down. A low growl came from there, and it began growing steadily in volume. Elric accessed the probe on Virs cheek, the image appearing in his minds eye. A red light leaked from the cross-hallway into the main passage, and then there was the sound of massive movement.
Vir stared anxiously at the light. Obviously it would be at your earliest convenience.
The demon emerged, scaly and red, its massive form bent, filling the two-story corridor. The floor shook with its footsteps as it stalked toward Vir, studying him with two piercing white eyes. Its mouth opened to reveal a set of fierce pointed teeth and breath that reeked of rotten meat.
Vir stood frozen in place. Only when the demon stopped, towering over him, did his lips somehow regain the power of movement. He spoke very, very quickly.
My name is Vir Cotto, diplomatic attaché to Ambassador Londo Mollari of the Centauri Republic. My name is Vir Cotto, diplomatic attaché to Ambassador Londo Mollari of the Centauri Republic. My name
Elric created an illusion of himself standing on the catwalk above Vir. He visualized the illusion speaking, giving it voice. Stop program.
The demon vanished.
You dont frighten easily, Elric said through his illusion. While Virs attention was fixed on his image, Elric dissolved the false wall of the corridor, stepped out behind Vir.
I work for Ambassador Mollari, Vir said. After a while, nothing bothers y
ou.
Elric dissolved his image in a flash of fire and spoke now with his own voice. What does your master want from me?
Vir jumped at the sound of Elric beside him. Yet he quickly recovered. There was more to this fool than his foolishness. My employer requests an audience.
Im sorry, Elric said, his tone modulated to convey he was not sorry at all. Neither I nor my brothers do private audiences. We have nothing more to say to anyone on this side of the galactic rim. If their purpose in gathering here had been unclear to any, it would remain so no longer.
Vir smiled and rubbed his thumb against index and middle fingers. Aha. But hes willing to pay. Londos mind-set had contaminated his servant.
Money is also irrelevant. Where we are going, it will do us no good.
Let me put this another way. If I go back without a yes, the personal consequences will be profoundly unfortunate.
And if you try to force us to walk where we do not choose to walk, the consequences will even be more unfortunate. Elric turned away and started down the corridor.
Excuse me. Could I at least get a name, Vir said.
Elric stopped and faced him. Elric. He paused for effect. There is an old saying. Do not try the patience of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger. Do not come again, Vir Cotto. He walked away, satisfied with the encounter. Vir would deliver their message, and Londo would refuse to accept the rebuff. His ambitions would not be so easily denied.
As Fed and Beel manipulated Vir back through Down Below, Elric retreated to his private room, little more than a utility closet with a sleeping pallet. His duties were not ended, yet the throbbing in his head was growing stronger, and he could not let the others see him like this. He cursed his weakness.
He lay on the pallet and accessed the security cameras in the casino. Cameras were numerous there, to watch for cheating, so he could observe nearly anything he wanted.
The casino created a comforting, intimate atmosphere with dim background lighting and soft music. Occasional bright lights emphasized various areas. Glowing bands of white ran along the circumferences of the gaming tables, while brilliant columns of blue marked the way to the wheel of fortune. A bar surrounded by a cluster of tables provided a place for refreshment. Among the many patrons sampling the entertainments, Londo sat at one end of the bar.
Carvin entered. Dressed in her Centauri silks, she caught Londos attention immediately. Londos appetite for power was followed closely by his appetite for beautiful women.
She settled herself at a high-stakes poker table, opening her purse and pouring a pile of chips out onto the table. Before a new game began, he downed his drink, slipped off of his stool, and approached her.
Elric accessed the camera over the dealers shoulder.
My dear lady, you must be new to Babylon 5. I would remember if I had ever seen someone of your incredible beauty before. He thought himself charming, this butcher of Narns.
She smiled. Yes. Thank you.
He took her hand, laying his on top. I am Londo Mollari. As ambassador to Babylon 5, allow me to officially welcome you.
Carvin, she said.
He released her hand, sat down beside her. An unusual name. You are alone, my dear?
Not anymore.
He laughed. It is fortuitous, our meeting. Some of the clientele here, they prey on tourists. I can protect you.
I would much prefer companionship to protection.
Londo inclined his head, clearly enchanted. As would I. Your accent is curious. Where are you from, if I may ask?
I was raised by a Human. Though Carvin was young, she handled herself well.
Ah. That explains your delightfully direct manner. We Centauri play far too many games between men and women.
Ive always found sex far too enjoyable to postpone with games. She picked up one of her chips, ran her thumb over it in a circular motion. Yet games, too, have their place. They are a great measure of character. I can tell by gambling with a man whether Id enjoy having sex with him.
The dealer was beginning a new game, and Carvin tossed in her ante while Londo tried to get his mouth to close.
Will you play? Carvin asked.
Londo roused himself. By all means, dear lady.
Im glad, she said. But I must tell you, Im no lady.
Five players were in the game. The first few hands passed uneventfully. Carvin bet heavily and lost. Londo bet more modestly, folding each time before Carvin. He had to keep rechecking his cards, unable to concentrate.
Then Londo seemed to get a good hand, raising several times, until only he and Carvin remained in the game.
Londo pushed a stack of chips into the center of the table, raising a hundred credits. And what kind of gambler do you prefer?
As he drew his hand back, she brushed hers against it. The kind who is fearless. She pushed a pile of chips to the center, raising by two hundred.
Vir came up behind Londo, his timing nearly perfect. I should have known. Here I am risking my life for you, and youre offbeing you!
Vir! Never sneak up on someone playing poker. How many times have I told you that?
Vir raised his hands in a placating gesture, bowing slightly. I know. Im sorry. Im just a little rattled right now. I need to talk to you, Londo. I have news, on a matter you were eager to pursue.
What, now? I am in the middle of Londo studied him. At last! You are as slow as a Narn ordered to fetch the whip.
Hey! another player said. Are you playing or not?
Londo looked longingly from the large stack of chips in the center of the table to Carvin, then back to the chips, then back to Carvin. I must fold, dear lady. Affairs of statethe type that are rather less entertaining, Im afraid. I hope that we may play again sometime.
I would enjoy that, Carvin said.
Londo stood, took her hand, and kissed it. Virs eyes widened as he saw the signet ring on her finger. It carried the rune for solidarity, the same rune that had been prominently displayed in the hallway Down Below. He had made the connection, as he was intended to do. Part of an idea had been planted. If the Shadows continued with the same strategy they had used in the past, they would provide the other part of the idea.
Vir pulled Londo anxiously away from the table. Within a few minutes, Londo would be forming a new scheme for obtaining the mages blessing. Londo would raise the stakes, and Elric would have his excuse to retaliate.
Everything was going according to plan. Elric released a heavy breath and brought his hand to his temple. That cavity of darkness in his skull pushed outward, pressing at the backs of his eyes, at his forehead. The pain pounded stronger with each beat of his heart, as if a great darkness would burst fullblown from his skull.
He must monitor Londo closely. And very soon now he must arrange his meeting with John Sheridan. And then he and Morden must face each other.
But all that could wait a few minutes. Just a few. Until the pain passed.
* * *
chapter 10
The customs agent on Thenothk 4 opened the sample case with the FTL relay. Galen looked across the spaceports vast lobby of black stone, feigning disinterest, though adrenaline was pumping through his system. The tech echoed his anxiety.
The agent, a skeletal alien of a species Galen had never seen before, gave the relay a cursory examination, closed the case, and passed them on. He had a long line of passengers to check. Blaylock picked up the sample case and his suitcase, and Galen followed with his valise.
The lobby was busy with activity. The port seemed understaffed and overwhelmed by the number of beings passing in and out. Galen accessed his sensors, scanned various frequencies, searching for well-defined areas of static. Blaylock walked beside him across the lobby, head turning casually from side to side. Blaylock nodded subtly toward a far corner. At the upper end of the infrared band, Galen found a large area obscured by static. A cluster of Shadows.
Suddenly the idea that they could come here, could gather information without being discovere
d, seemed ridiculous. They kept walking, two businessmen anxious for wartime profits. The gravity was slightly heavier here than on Soom, making Galens feet drag. With each step he expected someone to denounce them, to demand that they stop.
Galen glanced at the many beings that surrounded them, telling himself that among all these, they would be overlooked. Blaylock had stressed that they would have the best chance of success if they avoided any conjuries that might be detected. By this he meant messages, illusions, shields, or weapons. But the truth was, they didnt know how many of their conjuries could be detected by the Shadows. And even if they cast no spells, they constantly radiated mage energy that could well be noticed. Now Galen understood why Blaylock had said their visit here would be brief.
Blaylock had stressed the use of probes. Since the microscopic devices utilized a more conventional technology, if they were discovered, they would not betray the presence of mages. Already he and Blaylock had planted them on many of the ships passengers, including Rabelna Dorna, and Blaylock had skillfully slipped them onto several of the spaceport employees.
The two of them came out of the port onto a narrow street, towering buildings surrounding them on all sides. The noise was terrificlike a thousand stet-hammers breaking through metacrete. Great engines roared, metal screeched on metal. The sour-smelling air seemed to become lodged in his throat, and Galen started coughing.
Breathe lightly, Blaylock said. The air is filled with poisons.
As Galen struggled to bring his breathing under control, he studied the area. He knew it was afternoon, but he could not find the sun. Plumes of smoke rose into the sky, creating a black haze that made it seem like twilight.
A new wing for the port was being built to their right, the source of much of the noise. To their left, an oversized lift was negotiating its way out of the port and onto the narrow street. It carried a massive energy generator, its sharp silvery edges standing out against the dark buildings.
The streets were busy with traffic and filled with many different species: Drakh, Streib, Wurt, and in smaller numbers, Humans, Centauri, Drazi, Pakmara. There were several species he couldnt identify at all. In the doorway of the building across the street, Galen caught a glimpse of static. Another up the street, moving away from them. Two more beyond that. Galen realized the impossibility of their task. One Shadow had nearly destroyed them before. This place was filled with them.
Babylon 5 17 - Techno-Mages 02 - Summoning Light (Cavelos, Jeanne) Page 15
