by Jon Chaisson
It made Saone sick to her stomach to even think about this, yet she could not turn away. Spiritual wars were rarely, if ever, waged because of the psychological damage inflicted on both sides. A man could be in perfect shape physically, yet mentally brain dead from an energy blast pushed into his skull from close range. He could even live a normal life afterwards, like any other human on this planet...and yet his soul would be irreparably damaged. He would no longer feel what it was to love, to care...or to hate, or even to acknowledge that his life may be blessed with all the fruits of man. His soul would not know, because it would be dislodged, a permanent displacement from his own life.
Her father was willing to put millions of people — no, billions of people, all around the globe — in that exact situation, all for power over the Mendaihu.
She very nearly vomited right there in the van from those vile thoughts.
Strength, she heard within. Kryssyna, her arm still curled around her shoulder, had pulled her closer to her, rocking silently back and forth. Strength, she said again, and kissed her on the cheek.
By the time the white van reached the mansion at the cove below Lorenson Peak, most of the unmarked patrol cars had pulled away. Only two cars, an ARU cruiser and Councillor James' limousine, remained in front to lead the way. The cruiser stopped momentarily in front of the mansion, then pulled away, turning around at the cul-de-sac at the end of the street and leaving them alone. The limousine dropped the Councillor off at the front door, while Colin maneuvered the van into its usual parking spot in the three-car garage. Without a word he killed the engine, hopped out and went straight for the breezeway to open up the doors and deactivate the security systems. This left Matthew in charge of unloading the van. Each person grabbed the nearest piece of hardware and started bringing in the various remains of the Grieves Street headquarters.
Saone was taken in by their home base and all its grandeur. The breezeway off the garage led into the kitchen area, where Vigil's precious secrets were now piling up. Matthew instructed everyone to merely put things down on the kitchen table and floor, and he would rework everything back to normal once they'd gotten settled in.
“Your lodgings,” Matthew said with a bright smile, leading Saone and Kryssyna away from the collection they'd amassed in the room. “Come, follow me.” They walked through a short, cold, and white porcelain-tiled hallway presumably used by former kitchen staff, which led to the dining room. At the other end of the spacious and lonely room were large oak doors, stained a deep shade of burgundy, both slightly ajar. Through these doors Saone could hear voices; Colin and Councillor Jakes were having a conversation. She could not make out many words, but without even trying to sense the two, she could feel Colin's agitation. He was nervous about someone being here...she wasn't sure who. The Councillor? Saone herself?
She never found out, for as they came close to the door, the right one swung open and the two men were walking into the room, both with amused grins on their faces.
“Oh!” the Councillor gasped, stopping short. Surprise gave way to happiness just as quickly, as he moved forward again and offered his hand to Matthew. “Good to see you again, my friend.” He clasped Matthew's hand tightly, the other hand clasping over them. “I trust everything is still in order, then?”
“Good to be home again,” Matthew said. There was a slight hint of melancholy to his voice, but he wasn't about to admit it. “Are you staying?”
The Councillor bobbed his head. “For the time being, I suppose. It's only a quick ride across the river if I need to talk to any of the others.”
“You're always welcome here, Kell,” Matthew said with a smile. “You know that.”
“Much appreciated.” He momentarily shifted his gaze to Saone and Kryssyna, nodding courteously.
Curiously, Matthew started introductions with Kryss. Was he holding the best, or worst, for last? “This is Kryssyna Piramados,” he said. “She’s currently a rookie agent for the Alien Relations Unit.”
“Ah! Just like Colin, then?” he said, asking Matthew but greeting her.
“Oddly enough, we've never met,” Kryssyna answered for him and offered her hand. “An honor to meet you, Councillor James.”
He laughed warmly as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Please, we're all friends here. Call me Kell.”
“An honor anyway, Kell,” Kryssyna smirked. “You can call me Kryss.”
“And this...” Matthew said, waving a hand at Saone. “...is Saone Lehanna. Currently working for me at KJS.”
For a brief moment, the Councillor froze, the sudden recognition of her name, her face, and probably even her spirit signature hit him all at once. He fought bravely with an instinct to back away, won, and nodded courteously to her.
“A distinct privilege, emha Lehanna,” he said, his voice wavering only slightly. “Sa’im nyhnd’aladh, emha. I apologize for my rudeness.”
She swallowed her pride, accepted that he was doing his best, and held out her hand to shake. “No offense taken, sir,” she said. “An honor to meet you, Kell.”
He hesitated, but only for a second, before reaching out a hand and shaking it. She could tell he felt uncomfortable in touching her, let alone being in the same room with her, and so she was impressed by his willingness to overlook such a thing.
“I met your father a few times,” he said. “Admirable man, very strong in business...though his priorities in both life and spirit leave much to be desired.”
Somehow that made her feel better. To be honest, she’d met her share of councillors and politicians, and rarely had she seen such balance of spirit. Despite his own nervousness, he remained civil and welcoming. He truly was a spiritworker, and blessedly strong, and that impressed her more than anything else. She chose not to respond to his comment about her father; instead, she sent a small wave of recognition and deep respect his way. He didn't expect it, wavered slightly in his stance and stared at her, only to burst out laughing.
Peace, Love and Light to you, emha Lehanna, he said under his mirth. I am always here for you and emha Piramados.
She nodded slowly, with a slight grin. Peace, Love and Light to you, edha James. I’m sure we’ll be the biggest thorns in your side the next few weeks.
“Indeed!” he said. This made him laugh even harder, so much so that he was using Matthew to lean up against and catch his breath. Matthew glanced at her, expecting an explanation, but she decided not to give him one. This was a conversation between herself and Councillor James.
“Very impressive, my dear child,” he beamed. “Welcome to Vigil, both of you.”
“Sa’im taftika, edha,” Saone smirked. Kryss answered with a giggle.
“Well!” he said, clasping his hands. “I hate to be rude, but there is some pressing business in the Control Room that I must attend to. Good day to you both.” He bowed slightly, and moved past them, Colin in tow. Without missing a beat, the two picked up the intense conversation exactly where they had left off, exiting through the double doors on the opposite side of the room and into the main foyer.
Matthew watched them for a few moments, curious but not exactly concerned. A moment he shrugged it off and turned back to them with a smile. “Let me show you your rooms. They're side by side with a shared bath and overlooking the river, if that's fine with either of you. We have too many rooms and not enough people here, so you can change whenever you like.”
They both agreed and followed him past the oak doors and into the main foyer. They headed upstairs and she quickly lost her way as they took odd and unexpected turns through a few halls and side rooms, until they finally arrived at the far east end of the house. It took Saone a moment to realize they’d just walked the entire second floor without Matthew telling them where they were. She could certainly make her way back, maybe even remember how to get to some of these parlors if need be, but if she and Kryss were going to be living here, they were going to have to learn the layout of this house quickly. At the end of the hall, they stopped between t
wo doors, and Matthew unlocked both, letting the doors swing open. “There you are,” he said with the tone of a pleased hotelier. “I'll leave it to the two of you to choose who gets which.”
Saone, in a burst of gratitude, laid her hand on his shoulder and squeezed.
“Thank you, Matthew. I really appreciate it. We both do.”
A slight blush came to his face and he laughed off a stupid grin. He nervously scratched at his jaw to hide it. “You're welcome,” he said quietly. “You're both welcome here for as long as you like. Please, make yourselves at home.”
“We just might,” she nodded.
They both let go, and he started to back away, face still light crimson. “Page me if you need anything. There are wall comms installed in every room, just tap it twice to turn it on. I'll leave you two to settle in. I've got to clean house downstairs, so I'll be down there if you need me.”
“We can help,” Kryss offered.
“No, no...” he grinned. “We're fine.” And with that, he turned and left, leaving the two of them standing between the two doorways, staring at each other in confusion.
Slowly, a smile crossed Kryss' face. “Flirt,” she said.
Saone burst out laughing. “Shut up!”
Kryss laughed and tweaked her in the ribs, playfully nudging her away. “Move it, you're blocking my doorway.”
“Hey!” she shrieked. “Watch it, you!” She reached out and grabbed her in the sides. Kryss let out a gale of laughter as she crashed through her own door and slammed it shut before Saone could do anything else. Smiling, she entered her own room, but kept the door open. It was small but still spacious, completely furnished with a full-size bed, a large desk with her own workstation, and even a small refrigerator. On the east wall was a sunken shelf with a large vidmat tacked within it, a multimedia system, and a large array of music disks.
The only things that weren't here were her own belongings, somewhere in her old room at the old mansion in Pullock Street Heights. She wondered if they were still there, or if her family had gotten rid of them. At this point, she didn't care. It was all material. She was happy here, accepted by Vigil, accepted by others like herself.
She was where she needed to be.
Saone stared out her new bedroom window, slowly rocking the swivel chair left and right. Dusk was falling over Bridgetown, a muddled gray-blue hanging over the city, a poor imitation of the cool dusk of summer. The autumn's colors were muted, guarded. Yet the lights of the Sprawl still shone brilliantly across the water, beckoning those who saw it from a distance. In some respects, she thought, this view was even more beautiful than the view from the Crest at the other end of the city.
She heard a tapping at the door and twitched, startled by the noise. Someone was outside and it wasn't Kryss. She was working a late shift at the ARU right now, and wasn't due back for a few more hours. After a moment and a quick scan, she realized it was Matthew.
“Oh, uh...” she said, calming herself down. “Come in. It's unlocked.”
Matthew opened the door with a smirk. “Brave woman,” he said. He was carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses. For a brief second she remembered Kryss' remark and nearly blurted out something inappropriate, but caught herself just in time when she saw the seriousness in his eyes.
“Thought we'd talk,” he said, and placed the bottle down on the desk. He sat on the edge of the bed, bouncing on it once or twice. “Everything to your liking?”
“Oh...uh, fine,” she said, hiding a blush. “The clothes delivery this afternoon was a nice touch. I won't even ask how you managed to get my measurements.”
He laughed at that. “Oh, that! That was Jenn’s doing. Just some creative jacking into your most recent clothes purchases, tweaked the fashion a bit so you’re more Island and less Tower. She's the one you should thank.”
“I will,” she said, rolling her chair away from the window and pushing it back towards the desk. She glanced at the wine. “Duvalier,” she smiled, reading the label. “The good stuff, I see. What don't you have in this place?”
“A nullport,” he said.
“Ha! Well, knowing you, I'm sure you’ll wing it at some point in the future.”
“Heh...true...” He looked away, his face slowly growing sullen. “Saone, listen. I want to warn you now that things are going to be picking up rather quickly within the next few hours. It's going to start getting hectic, so I thought I'd give you a heads up. That, and to give you the chance to back off if you want to. We're not holding you against your will, you know. You and Kryss are free to come and go whenever you like.” He paused and let out a long breath of frustration. “I’m not sure how else I can say this without sounding coarse. We need you here, Saone. Both you and Kryss. Colin can't handle the ARU branch all by himself. He needs another set of eyes over there. And, well, I need —”
“You need me for leverage,” she said flatly. “You need a Shenaihu on your team.”
Matthew looked crestfallen. “Saone, that's not how it works.”
“Oh?” she bristled. “Then how does it? I'm a failure as a spy, my father proved that. Jacking is definitely not one of my strong points. What use could I possibly have? I’m pretty good with spiritsensing, that's about it. You've got Garry for that. He's stronger than anyone here.”
“He's security only,” he interjected. “Putting him anywhere else in Vigil would be a serious threat to his life as well as ours. He's part of an elite psicurity firm, he doesn’t ask questions, doesn’t take part. I’ve only hired him for the next few months. Do I trust him? Of course. Does he trust me? Well, that's up to question, but that’s not the point. What I'm trying to say is that each member here is important in his or her own facet. Sure, you and Kryss being Shenaihu is a plus, but you're here — you, Saone — because of your ties within the Warehouse. I know what happened there, when you tried to stop the One. You became intertwined with the rest of the ascension. I know your father stopped it, and the fact that Denysia still managed to connect with all those spirits out there is too important to ignore. She's a part of you now, Saone. You're a part of her. You share her heart, her memories, her thoughts, whether you know it or not. I bet you could tell me where she is at this very moment.”
Saone backed up, afraid to be put on the spot like this. Now that he’d put the idea in her head, she could sense Denysia, the One of All Sacred, right now, at this very moment. The clarity of the connection seemed like second nature. And it scared the hell out of her.
“Dehndarra Né hra nyhndah,” Matthew said softly. “The One is part of the whole, and parts of the whole make up the One.”
“She's...”
You can trust him, she heard from within.
“Who —”
It's me, She said. You can trust him, Saone.
Eyes wide and darting, she backed away further until she hit the corner of the bed. She startled herself, pushed away, and stood. She had her hands down by her sides, but she was flexing her fingers, ready to move.
“I advise listening to her,” Matthew said.
“She's —”
I'll need all of you soon, Saone...please, trust him.
“She's...at Moulding Warehouse,” she said, hardly believing herself. “Sitting with her sister. Five bays in, four tiers up, away from everyone else. They're talking about what will happen.” She gasped, feeling the sudden iciness in her chest. “Tomorrow,” she said.
“Yes,” Matthew said. “Tomorrow.”
Saone let out a breath and felt all the tension in her body spill away, all at once. She felt tired and weary from the constant fear and confusion. She slowly walked back to the desk, her mind reeling…she was wide awake and aware of everything around her. The newness of this room, its new furnishings, its comfort. She saw behind Matthew’s aloof façade, sensing that he was equally as afraid to face the next day as she was. He knew what was coming; she did not. Yet they both felt the same fear. “A new Season,” she said, and sat down hard on the swivel chair. She exhaled o
nce more. Not a sigh of resignation, but of acceptance.
“Yes,” he answered, and grabbed for the bottle of wine. “A drink before the war,” he said, and poured two glasses. He handed one to her, the other he held aloft. “Peace, Love and Light be with you, tonight and for the rest of your life, Saone Lehanna. Strength be with you.”
It had been awhile since she'd been toasted like that by someone other than a family member. It was touching, and eerily prescient in its own way.
Peace, Love and Light be with you, Denysia, she said within. Strength to you, for tomorrow we die.
“Goddess!” Matthew sputtered, having heard her words.
A shiver shot down her back, not from her own words, but from her continual connection with Denysia. She had heard it, and understood exactly what she’d meant. Saone closed her eyes and sipped from her wine glass. Things were not going to be the same, come morning. They were never going to be quite the same.
...to be reborn as Spirits in Peace, Denysia answered. A cycle ends, another begins, and we are all part of it.
“Goddess,” she said, and tossed back the rest of the wine in her glass. Matthew refilled them, and continued to do so until the bottle was empty.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Unbroken
She wanted to do this. For the first time in her young life, Denni wanted so very much to do this. She wanted to face her deepest fear and take hold of it, and mold it into something she could relate to and understand. Not just to overcome it, but to embrace it and wield it as necessary: to accept it within her spirit as she would any other emotion, positive or negative. This was not a strength of the One, but a simple strength of all Gharné. Very few chose to face it, even those in the role of deity. She was not alone in this, not in the least. She was surrounded by others equally strong in spirit, all supernatural in belief and strength, yet still mortal. Every single one of them facing the same uncertain fate.
