Probe

by Douglas E Roff

  “I’m very pleased to meet you ladies today. Octavio and Danny have filed very glowing reports about you and your families, and I have been looking forward to meeting you.

  “And who are you?” Bella’s question wasn’t intended to be rude or confrontational; she just wanted to be clear who she was speaking to.

  “My name is Dr. Edward St. James, and I’m one of the men you and yours have been trying to kill for the better part of the last two years, along with my son, my family and my colleagues.” Edward’s tone abruptly changed direction.

  “That was my husband. Certainly not me or my sister-in-law nor any of our children. We mean you no harm.”

  “That would include your son, Jason?” Edward spotted what he thought was the similar vein of deception in Bella that he had seen in her husband and son. And arrogance. Bella said nothing.

  Edward continued on. “In any event, you and your children are now free to go. You can take your Gens friends with you. The Black Shirts, however, will remain here as our guests.”

  “What Black Shirts? Who do you have? How many?”

  “We have about four hundred we captured a few nights ago.”

  “I see. Perhaps you can show me pictures. I’d be interested; so, would Helena.”

  “I’ll make arrangements. Now as to your repatriation, you and your children, including your son are to be released immediately.”

  Bella looked at Helena, and said, “I believe we would rather stay here, if you don’t mind. I believe it’s what you call ‘seeking asylum’. We both think we should stay put. Happy to help you with the Black Shirts, and anything else you’d like in exchange for your protection.”

  Edward was surprised and more than a little shocked by Bella’s response.

  Cindy said, “Dad, why don’t you take some time while we are going over photos to brief Rafi and Francois. Let Misti and I talk to the ladies.”

  Edward scowled at the thought but gathered his papers and abruptly left.

  Cindy turned to the ladies, “My name is Cindy Suarez and I am married to Edward’s son, Rodrigo. My sister-in-law here is Misti St. James, and she’s married to Edward’s son, Dr. Adam St. James. I believe that Adam is the one you call the Human. I think he’s the one you’ve been after for quite some time and I believe both of your husbands have been quite cross with him. But, let’s not waste time with past history. Perhaps you can explain why you want to remain with us.”

  “Simple. Both Helena and I, along with my two daughters, and her three of her children will be put to death as soon as we arrive back home.”

  “But not your son?”

  “No. He’s the one who would probably kill us.”

  ***

  Edward asked, “Can you explain?”

  Cindy said, “I explained to both Bella and Helena the events of the past week from Portland to Barrows Bay. I gave them a taste of the tech we have for them and thought they might want to share this intel with Paulo. But Bella will have her son Jason convey it onward to their father. The women and their kids simply refuse to go home. They said they would prefer to stay here where they’re safe, or, if they’re no longer welcome here, they can be sent anywhere in the world other than home. Germany, where they come from, would be their first choice.”

  “Are they being truthful?”

  “Positive they are. Very.”

  “I don’t like Bella. She sounds a lot like her husband.”

  Misti said, “She isn’t. And she and Octavo want your permission to …”

  “To what?”

  “To have a relationship. Helena too, with Danny. But’s that’s a different situation.”

  “Bella hasn’t slept with her husband in years. Helena has been taking human lovers ever since her youngest was born. These were arranged marriages, and it’s fair to say the arrangements are frayed.”

  “Did they know about not being able to, you know, change? I mean before they came here?”

  “No as to Bella. She had no clue. Helena has suspected but was unwilling to test her suspicions. It would’ve been instant death if confirmed.”

  “How did Helena guess?”

  “Smell. The scent of our human gradually disappeared. Bella noticed too but didn’t put two and two together. Didn’t understand what was going on. There were other things too, but the ladies didn’t exactly get out of the house much. And one more thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “They’re sisters. From Germany, and not part of the Collective.”

  “Black Shirts?”

  “No way. They are a splinter group called the Gens Germania. From the Black Forest region. Never part of the Collective but having what we would call diplomatic relations. The arranged marriages were to keep things cool between the two factions.”

  “What else?”

  The ladies have now both gone through the entire lineup of Black Shirts and have identified almost all of the detainees.”

  “Did we get the feedback from Demitri, Pyotr and the Fortizi’s?”

  “Yep.’

  “Matches?”

  “None, as suspected. They all had differing results from Bella and Helena. But Bella and Helena ID’s were independent of the other so no chance of collusion. They’re Id’s were virtually and, I would guess, accurate. So, truthful in all likelihood.”

  “What next?”

  “Send the Gens men home, give Bella and Helena whatever they want, and give Octavio and Danny your approval. Everyone will be very happy, and a lot less cranky. The two captives from the Grand Canyon wish to remain, too. But the Gens interrogators should be sent home along with the Asinimayovs.”

  “Done. What else?”

  “We’re all having dinner tonight, just the couples. At Bella’s. Benson is watching the kids; says they remind him of his own brood. He has four daughters and he knows every trick in the ‘little girl’ book. And he loves tea time with the little ladies.”

  “I assume I’m not invited?”

  “We all love you Edward, but no. Even Bella and Helena will adore you eventually. They just don’t know you well enough yet.”

  “And Adam? Does the Human know who Bella is?”

  “Let that be my surprise. He’ll be fine with it. Eventually.”

  Chapter 55

  The intel from the men was largely incomplete and useless. The intel from Bella and Helena just the opposite.

  When they met again, Bella said to Edward, “Talk to this one, number 267. He was in one of the helicopters. Listen to his accent. That’s Patrick Murphy O’Brien. These three are some of his top lieutenants. He was a top assassin for the Collective but went off the rails. Very dangerous. Then he went rogue some years ago and last we heard he had worked his way up in the Black Shirt Movement.”

  “Why?”

  “He’s human, too unstable and enjoys killing for sport. But he likes to play with his prey and that’s never permitted in Gens world. He’s dead if the Collective ever captures him.”

  “Good to know.”

  “There is no way that Demiti or his son didn’t know who number 267 was. Paulo and Enzo absolutely knew too.”

  “So, it’s likely that they all knew who this guy was and said nothing.”

  “Very likely. I also spoke to Pyotr before he left. He says that Patrick O’Brien was the mastermind behind Portland. You may want to have a deeper discussion with Marsha Nelson. Convince her that Patrick has turned back to the Collective in exchange for some quality time with a fresh young thing like her. Tell her if she’s not talking, and therefore unnecessary, you’ll be happy to let Patrick have some quality time with her. She can talk, or she can party with Patrick. Her choice. I’ll wager she’ll give you everything she has. He’ll say nothing.”

  “I’ll pass that along.”

  ***

  Dinner was enjoyable for all, even for the kids who separately got hot dogs, hamburgers and French fries along with chocolate shakes and a p
rivate showing of the latest kids’ movies that were out. The youngest children wanted old movies that they had already watched over and over again. The men with Benson all had kids of their own back home and it occurred to them that little kids here were just like little kids everywhere; human or Gens. Benson and his mates gathered up the children and took them to Helena’s quarters after dinner. There would be movies, popcorn and sugary soft drinks. The kids would be on sugar highs just as the moms were getting home. The men couldn’t suppress grins, knowing that this was what it would be like to be a grandfather. All fun and spoiling the kids, and no fuss to clean up afterward.

  The extended members of the Eight Families wouldn’t be in residence at the base for too much longer; Misti wondered if the ladies would take the time to explain how all this mess came about, and what might be done to avert all-out war. Helena and Bella were surprised by Misti’s openness and lack of hostility toward them. They agreed to explain what they knew.

  Francois was to return to France, collect his wife and take up residence at the Manor. Then he would begin his new duties. Rafi would get further background training along with Francois on the Gens Project, then he would return to the Manor and Bitsie. He would be assigned to Team Hannah in logistics, replacing Vera and some of Noki’s duties.

  Rod and Cindy had a new project and would begin planning immediately. Most of the team from the Barrows Bay Black Shirt incident would eventually move with them, after deciding the disposition of the captured Black Shirts. Adam and Misti would hang around a while longer to get to know the ladies and their kids better, then go home to the Manor, and wait out the balance of Misti’s pregnancy.

  Edward and his team of interrogators did have separate conversations with Marsha and Patrick. As predicted, Patrick said nothing and sat before his inquisitors stonily silent. At first, Marsha thought to call Edward’s bluff. She was then shown Patrick behind a two-way mirror. She was guided to Patrick’s ‘quarters’, with all his tools laid out. She reconsidered her silence and told them everything she knew. Even a couple of things she wasn’t supposed to know.

  Marsha said she didn’t have the coordinates for the exact location of the Black Shirt base, only driving times and general directions. She always drove to meet Pyotr from her home with her parents off base and had never been on base or ever met Saldana Ri. Saldana was paranoid and with ample reason. Lots of folk, Gens and humans alike, were out to get her.

  Edward had gotten what he wanted, he would use satellite telemetry to find prospective base locations. Then he would go for a visit with the Black Shirt leadership. Barrows Bay in reverse, redux.

  ***

  “I didn’t say that Edward and, as usual, you aren’t listening. I only said that they have a point, not that their reaction and plans were anything other than insane. But if you won’t listen to their concerns, there can be no basis for peace.”

  “What do Adam and your in-laws have to say? And Danny and Octavio?”

  “They agree. They aren’t taking sides with Paulo and Enzo, but then neither are Bella and Helena. They say they’ve never been on board with war.”

  “You’re sure, are you? You believe them?”

  “Hear them out and you decide. Everything they have told us is completely consistent with the Book of Gensarii, and that predates any subterfuge you think might be going on here.”

  “OK. Dinner tomorrow night, then you go home to London. How are the lovebirds doing?”

  “The ladies like sex. A lot. Bella is very attached emotionally, as are her girls. She’s in love. Helena, on the other hand, would like to try out some new experiences but I’ve told her no for the moment. Cindy has been quite firm with Helena about conduct while she’s here as a guest. She was reminded that she can always go back to no sex and confinement if that’s what she’d prefer.”

  “And Danny?”

  “Something to do. He isn’t in love. Can’t say the same for Octavio.”

  “This will not end well for anyone.”

  “Oh?”

  “Paulo and Enzo want a visit and want to see their wives and kids. Can’t really say no.”

  “Their wives are going to be brutally honest with their husbands. It’s the Gens way, apparently.”

  “Not our problem. They’ll be here in a month, maybe two. Better let the ladies know.”

  “A visit, right. Just that.”

  “If they’re being honest and cooperative, I won’t give them up, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  Misti said, “Better be square with me, old man. This better not be lie. They ae not bargaining chips.”

  ***

  Bella and Helena walked into the room and found only Edward present, which Bella immediately took for bad news. “I understand you wish to speak with me. What would you like to know?”

  Helena sat quietly, having nothing new to say.

  Bella was nothing if not honest and direct. Having no response, she continued, “You don’t like us, and you don’t trust us, is that it?”

  “Not precisely. Either you’re lying or shaving the truth, or you might be telling us only what you think we want to hear. Are you telling us everything you know that we want to know? Doubtful? I mean, why would you? And this ‘I’m in love’ act? Not buying it. Your conversion to the other side, our side, was too fast and too neat. So, no, I guess you could say I don’t trust you. But that’s mostly just related to you. Helena is far more believable and way more consistent with what we believe to be your social structure. You, simply put, are not.”

  “I see. Is this just one of your famous human intuitions or do you have some concrete evidence that convicts me?”

  “Concrete stuff. Intuitions and hunches form no part of my psyche.”

  “Give me an example.”

  “You have given us nothing, Bella. Not a single factoid that was useful. Almost all of that came from Helena, not you. The sole exception was Marsha and Patrick. That was useful and quite effective.”

  “And you’re sure about the other?”

  “Seen the video.”

  “Why don’t we have look again, shall we? This time turn the volume way up.”

  Edward brought up the video of Bella/Helena collaboration and she was right, there had been talk between the two. Just not in English and at a frequency bordering on just inside the human range of hearing.

  “Not sure what this proves.”

  “If you knew our oral language, you’d know exactly what I was saying.”

  “But we don’t know it and we continue to struggle with your written languages too.”

  “How about if I offered to translate, to work with Misti and your other decryption folks. Give you the keys to the kingdom.”

  “I might have an immense change of heart if any of this offer is true.”

  “Personally, I don’t care much for you, Edward. I think you are a small minded and set in your ways. Not the great man your kids seem to think you are. I think you’re every bit the psychopath that my husband is. Or your other analog, Saldana Ri.”

  “Go on.”

  “I think you’d like to kill us and kill us all. I think you see us, as a threat, and you think you know what you need to do. In this, you are no different than my husband or the Black Shirts. Everyone wants to kill everyone else.”

  Edward sat back in his chair.

  Then he said, “Were you aware that it was my son who ordered the retaliation? It is my son who would like to kill all your kind. I held him back. It is my son who would’ve killed your son, and the two Gens warriors I am willing to release. And he’d like to kill all the Black Shirts we have in custody and do Patrick and Marsha last and slow. I said no, and ordered the Collective prisoners released. You and your kids too, if you wish. And there won’t be any torture of your Black Shirt cousins.”

  “True,” said Bella. “But everything you just said Adam’s already said to me, to my face and to Helena’s. Wanted to be brutally honest.
Can’t say I blame him based on the incomplete facts he had at the time. But you, sir, hide behind his anger and fury, and let others move across the chessboard while you sit back and watch. In that, you and my husband are very similar. I suspect that you, like him, have more than your fair share of blood on your hands and much more than you will ever be able to wash off. So, I may not think that this is going in my direction, but at least I know where I stand right this minute with your son and your family. I detect no dissembling on their part. Alarm bells are ringing hard every time I see you, though. You aren’t an enigma; you’re a liar and a fraud.”

  “And yet here you are talking to me and asking for sanctuary. Perhaps I should send one or both of you back home to your families. Or maybe just the kids.”

  Bella said nothing to the implied threat of her children being murdered. Helena said, “Please don’t do that. We’ll cooperate in any way you wish. Just let us stay here and help you.” Her eyes were downcast and conveyed true anxiety.

  “As you wish. Just know that, unlike your folk, my threat was idle. I would never do anything like that, especially to your children. But you are spot on; I am not a nice guy and if I find that you’re lying, I will kill you both myself. I’ll send Misti and Adam in here to discuss your offer. Then you may come with us on a field trip. Both of you, along with your kids.”

  “Where to?”

  “Somewhere that isn’t here. That’s all you need to know for now.”

  “Will Octavio be coming along? Danny?”

  “Octavio, yes. Danny maybe. I assume that meets with your approval, Helena?”

  “Yes, of course. Danny and I are not a couple and not looking to be one. He’ll be glad when this is all over.”

  “Helena, would you be open to a new experience? Something mind blowing?”

  “Sex?”

  “Yes. That’s part of it anyway. Something I’m pretty sure you would enjoy.”

  “What do you have in mind?”