MindMage: BlackWing Pirates, Book 2

by Connie Suttle

  We'd administered the altered drug, combined with blood from the selected employee, to create successful replacements. None, including those closest to the actual supervisor, would realize they dealt with a replacement instead of the real thing.

  For the special six, we'd added the DNA of insects to the altered drug, not only to make them look like the humanoids they replaced, but to make them more useful to me at the same time.

  Those they'd replaced had also been treated with the altered drug, at my command. In a few days, once the drug became fully effective, we'd have another batch of hapless humanoids to sacrifice to our cause—once they were fully infected with the growing obsession.

  At first I was concerned that my secrets and plans would be revealed when Ba'Moru was chosen for an investigation.

  I should have known they were on the wrong track the whole time. My plan would remain safely out of reach of both Alliances, and soon enough it would be too late for them to do anything about it. P'loxett held secrets of its own, and I intended to use those secrets to full advantage.

  I was grateful that those who'd shielded P'loxett had kept parts of it in stasis, so little on the surface was changed. Therefore, the planet presented no enticement for investigation by anyone, including the Alliances.

  Our new base of operations suited my purposes perfectly.

  "Make arrangements for the final transfers," I commanded while holding back a laugh. How would the last of the enemy feel, when they realized the shocking answers to their questions had been right in front of them all along?

  King's Palace, Cloudsong

  Randl

  "You're the liaison?" Hulce had come to greet us on the palace grounds when our shuttle landed on Devarr's courtyard.

  "Yes, Prince Hulce," I nodded and addressed him properly.

  "Please, follow me," he allowed a smile to cross his features. Few recognized him or gave his correct title when they met him the first time.

  The others fell in line behind me as Hulce led us toward the palace.

  "King Devarr," I bowed properly to him when Hulce brought us to the throne room. Devarr wasn't sitting on the throne; he stood several feet away, as if he were waiting for the King to appear and was dressed more plainly than most royals. He awaited our reaction, and to see whether he'd be recognized or not.

  The others behind me copied my bow and remained that way until permission was granted by the King to straighten ourselves.

  "Please rise and make yourselves comfortable," Devarr was pleased and surprised that he'd been recognized so easily.

  "My King, this is Randl Gage, Founder San Gerxon's liaison for our journey to Campiaa," Hulce introduced me first. "He also recognized me," he added with a smile.

  "Ah. Liaison Gage, may I ask about your eyes? I would say you could be blind, except that you recognized me so easily. Is this some new technology, perhaps?"

  "No, your majesty, I am blind. The Founder will tell you himself that I suffer from occasional clairvoyance. In most cases, it enables me to recognize people and not much else."

  That small lie would serve me well with Devarr. I didn't wish to create another Amlis on Cloudsong.

  "Then you have a gift," Devarr proclaimed. "Shall we have a meal while you tell me about our journey and what will be expected of us when we arrive on Campiaa?"

  "Of course, your majesty," I agreed. "Thank you for your generous hospitality."

  Travis

  Damn, he's good, Trent sent mindspeech. They'll be eating out of his hand by the end of the day.

  He had several years' experience smoothing things over between Amlis and others, I replied. It isn't what he wants to do all the time, but he's perfect for assignments like this. They think his blindness makes him harmless enough. Even Kooper doesn't know what he's capable of doing if he sets his mind to it.

  It would be a tough choice as to who's better at this—Randl or Wyatt.

  Randl has an edge, because he can see what they want right away. Wyatt has to feel his way along; he's just really efficient doing it. Besides, Wyatt is needed on Campiaa, so we conscripted Randl for babysitting duties.

  I'm surprised Dori is doing so well as Randl's assistant.

  I think she's mesmerized by Randl's ability to smooth the way. Just wait—she'll ask for him the next time she needs that sort of thing on a mission.

  She'll owe us a favor if we loan him out.

  That sounds intriguing, I hid a smile as we followed a servant toward the King's dining hall.

  Randl

  "This is exceptional," I complimented Devarr on his selection of our after-dinner brandy.

  "Thank you. It came from Carek Prime, when we ah, made the move."

  "Your choice to bring it with you was an excellent one."

  Travis, Trent, Dori and I sat in the King's private study to have our drinks, after the others left to return to the ship.

  "We ah, have a concern to bring to you," Hulce cleared his throat and changed the subject. I already knew what it was, I merely waited for him to tell us.

  "What is that? Is there something amiss?" I set my drink down, feigning concern.

  "No, nothing is amiss, it's just that—Devarr and I have wanted a child for several years, and we recently selected a surrogate who satisfied our requirements. We didn't expect her to conceive so quickly, however."

  "Our concern is this," Devarr sighed. "We worry about leaving the surrogate and the unborn heir behind, with only the palace guards to protect them."

  "That's perfectly understandable," I said. "How may I help allay your fears?"

  "We ah, would prefer the surrogate be protected by the best in either Alliance—those who won't have an interest, perhaps, in changing the course of Cloudsong's history?"

  "I see your meaning," I nodded my understanding. "Shall I consult with Founder San Gerxon? I'm sure proper security can be arranged while you and Hulce are away."

  "That would be a welcome relief," Hulce breathed. "How long will it take to contact the Founder?"

  "I should have an answer for you in the morning, and, as always, you have the option of rejecting any or all of the Founder's choices. This is your child and a royal heir. You deserve the best we can provide."

  "Thank you," Devarr said. "We will look forward to speaking with you in the morning."

  BlackWing X

  Travis

  Mom and Wyatt found three guards each, and I hoped Devarr would accept at least four of those, so two could be on guard all the time. All six would be better, as that would mean shorter shifts, but Devarr would make that decision.

  Randl approved of all six when Wyatt brought them—I wasn't surprised. Neither Mom nor Wyatt would send anyone who couldn't be trusted.

  "Do you think Devarr has a credible threat from his own people?" I asked Trent as he walked into the Captain's cubby carrying his comp-vid.

  "Randl would be better at answering that question," Trent dropped the comp-vid on our shared desk and rolled his shoulders. I was Captain for the trip to Campiaa while he filed our reports and reviewed those completed by the crew before sending everything to headquarters.

  "Susan says the VIP suite is ready for Devarr and Hulce, and a cabin across the passage is reserved for Lenk and another guard. The Council member and an assistant are down the passage and within easy reach if needed."

  "I hope that makes Devarr feel secure enough," I said.

  "It's only four days," Trent reminded me.

  "Too bad we can't fold space with them."

  "True, but the less these people know about us personally, the better off we are. Traditional travel is what we're forced to deal with—it makes writing reports so much easier."

  "And it doesn't present a gap in ship's logs and records," I agreed. We had a hard enough time fixing those problems when they occurred. We didn't need to make more work for ourselves or Kooper, if we could help it.

  We'd already had a conundrum to deal with regarding BlackWing VII's destruction and the fact that
the crew had been pulled from one sector into another, so we could keep them safe.

  "I know what you're thinking," Trent said. "None of us are listed in the official records as a warlock or wizard, because we're not. It's tough keeping your ability to fold space out of everything."

  "Face it, the BlackWing crews are a special bunch," I grinned. "I need tea. Have fun crunching numbers, bro." I rose from the desk chair and walked out, leaving Trent with the worst duty of the day.

  King's Palace, Cloudsong

  Randl

  Dori and Vik came with me to present our choices for surrogate guards to Devarr, then escort him and his party to the ship, so we could get underway.

  Devarr invited us to his study; we stood there while Devarr examined the six guards we'd brought.

  "Are all of them trustworthy?" Devarr asked, as if the guards were things instead of people, who could hear his words clearly.

  "I would place my life in their hands, your majesty."

  "Good enough. I have one request, however."

  "What is that?"

  "May I have this one, too?" He pointed at Vik. Vik stood at least a head taller than the tallest of the guards, and looked as if he could handle the worst anyone could bring against him.

  Devarr had no clue what Vik could do if pressed.

  I knew.

  "What do you think?" I turned to Vik. The choice would be his to make.

  "I can handle it," he shrugged.

  "Good. Very good," Devarr declared. "I wish to place you in charge of the others. Is that acceptable?" Devarr turned back to me.

  "It is," I agreed. "I believe Vik will do well in that role."

  "Good. Then I accept all these. Lenk, advise them of the schedules, while Hulce and I make final preparations for our journey. Liaison Randl, please make yourself comfortable. If you have need of anything, let one of my attendants know."

  "I will."

  Vik and six guards followed Captain Lenk from Devarr's study, while Devarr and Hulce walked through a hidden door behind Devarr's desk. It was a narrow passage that would take them to the royal suite, with a few twists and turns along the way.

  You'll let me know if you see anything coming our way? Vik sent mindspeech.

  You got it, I replied. Devarr isn't completely paranoid, I added. There is a faction on Cloudsong that blames him for the destruction of Carek Prime. If they become a problem, use everything you have to keep the surrogate safe. Send mindspeech if things start to go wrong; I'll ask Jett Riffler for a CSD ship to shadow the planet, in case troops are needed to keep the peace.

  Thank you.

  Not a problem.

  BlackWing X

  Travis

  Devarr wanted Vik to stay and take charge of the other six, Randl sent. I allowed it. I hope you don't mind.

  I don't mind, as long as he's all right with it.

  He is, I asked him.

  Good. It's only for a few weeks, then he can go back to business as usual.

  Just what I was thinking.

  When will your party be ready to board ship? I asked.

  Devarr and Hulce are still making preparations, so it could take some time. Be ready for some delay.

  Roger that.

  Roger? Oh. Never mind.

  "Prepare for a delayed departure," I informed James and Nathan. "If you want a break or a snack, I'll take the helm."

  "Thank you, Captain," James grinned. He and Nathan left the bridge.

  Avii Castle, Le-Ath Veronis

  Sabrina

  "I can tune the scanners to look for something specific, but it will only look for that, instead of anything else a scanner would normally search for," I explained to Karzac.

  "Is it possible to create a scanner that will do both?"

  "It'll be bigger and more obvious than what people are used to," I said. "It'll take more time to get the proportions down to an acceptable size."

  "Build a prototype, then see if one of our warlock or wizard friends can reduce the size for us."

  "I—hadn't thought of doing that," I confessed.

  "The option isn't available to the public, engineers and scientists included," Karzac gruffed. "We have time constraints and an enemy who could be anywhere," he added.

  "I know." I didn't hold back a sigh. He and I had spent long hours in our makeshift lab at Avii Castle—I learned just before our move there that palace comesuli were already gossiping about my presence at meals with Queen Lissa.

  Lissa had arranged through Kooper to get our lab moved, so the gossip would stop. She'd made vague references to troubles in the past that were generated by careless gossip. She didn't want to add to that list.

  Someday, I intended to ask Travis and Trent about that. Meanwhile, I had a design to build to keep as many people safe from the Prophet as I could, and I only had days to do it.

  BlackWing X

  Randl

  "This is quite fine," Devarr said as he surveyed the VIP suite. It was elegantly furnished and quite large, even compared to the Captains' cabins.

  "I hope you will find it comfortable enough on your journey," I dipped my head to him and Hulce. "Captain Lenk is nearby, as are your other subjects and Council members. If you need something, all you have to do is ask. You are also welcome in all parts of the ship, although the Captain asks that you send a request if you wish to visit the bridge."

  "Understandable," Devarr smiled.

  "There is a comp-vid beside the bed. It will link you to the galley and to me, if you're hungry. You are also welcome to eat in the galley, as it has the best views from the windows, but we will deliver meals to your suite if that is your desire."

  "My King, I would like at least one meal in the galley each day," Hulce breathed.

  "Then we shall do that," Devarr smiled and humored his husband. "Your choice, of course."

  "Let us know in advance, and your table will be waiting," I said. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

  "I think we are quite fine," Hulce said. "Thank you for your assistance."

  I left their suite, knowing that Hulce was overflowing with excitement; he and Devarr had never had a vacation together, and the four days aboard ship presented an opportunity for such.

  Our guests are comfortably established in their cabins, I reported to Travis.

  Good. We're officially underway.

  My cabin felt confining, so I chose to sit in the galley to continue my research. Ba'Moru and the events there still troubled me, in ways I couldn't define. Quin had gone through all the images of those who'd disappeared, and they were all affected by the growing obsessions.

  She'd then gone through images of those left behind, and none of those were anything other than normal. As a result, Quin and I had asked Kooper for records on all visitors to Ba'Moru in the past five years.

  Quin, who'd received the images and information from Kooper, was going through the first of those records.

  So far, there'd been nothing to report.

  "You look like a man on a mission." Trent set his cup of Falchani black on the table and pulled out a chair to join me.

  "Ba'Moru is still bothering me," I admitted. "Quin is going through the visitor records for the past five years, but so far, nothing has turned up to warrant my uneasiness on the matter."

  "Dude, I would never discount your feelings on any matter," Trent said. "We know more than we did about Ba'Moru, and we need to know more before Shella is loosed on Campiaa."

  "I've looked into her records and at her images—she's as loud and shrill as they come," I said. "If somebody doesn't follow her slightest whim, they get dressed down in front of everybody else. She has no real friends; what she has are followers who are afraid of her, so they stick close and kiss her ass."

  "Never a good thing, that," Trent sighed and sipped tea. "Those people tend to have no concept of what their shortcomings are. Deep down, she's probably as insecure as they come."

  "How did you know?" I teased.

  "I know this may
come as a surprise, but I was already an adult when you were born, man. Trav and I have been to at least three institutions of higher learning, earning degrees from all of them. We've seen all kinds."

  "You know, I sort of knew that about you," I chuckled.

  "Now see—I knew that you knew," he pointed his mug of tea in my direction. "I just wanted to hear myself talk."

  "Whatever you say, Captain Trent." I didn't bother to hide my grin.

  "Feel like blade practice tonight? Trav and I wouldn't mind working off a few frustrations."

  "If whacking me with a practice blade will accomplish that for you, then I willingly volunteer."

  "Good. Nineteen bells in the exercise facility?"

  "I'll be there," I agreed.

  Queen's Palace, Le-Ath Veronis

  Winkler

  "They reserved the space for this conference last year, shortly after the announcement was made to reschedule the Conclave," Kooper took a seat in my study.

  "Why is this coming to light now?" I asked. Kooper's comp-vid was in my hand as I studied the information put out by the six largest logging industries.

  "The casino hotels aren't obligated to share this information; they can rent their rooms and meeting facilities to anyone, as long as those groups aren't convicted criminals. If we'd known or suspected, we could have asked about it. We didn't, and now we have a logging conference going on during the first five days of Conclave."

  "Because they want to push their agenda with every leader they can approach, no doubt."

  "That's not legal, but you know they'll try. Some will succeed, too, because they have plenty of money to buy dinners and offer valuable perks—all under the table, as you're so fond of saying."

  "The Eclipse is one of the smaller casinos, at least, at the end of the half-moon bay. Conclave will be housed at the Sandswept, near the other end and closer to Teeg's palace," I pointed out.

  "It's not a great distance to travel, and attendees will end up in every casino along that strip of sand. How the hell will we keep tabs on the royals and planetary leaders, look for interference by the Prophet and watch the logging industries at the same time?"