"Jarred doesn't get to touch anything in this room." Kazimir opens a locker against the far wall and takes out a protective suit which he tosses to Jarred. "Put this on and keep it on at all times while you're in this room. This is nothing to play around with. If you are waking up, then others will as well."
"Kazimir, what is going on?" Velex asks.
"Gentlemen, Paradise has awakened."
"What are you saying?" Velex asks.
"Jarred can't be around electronics like this. He just shut down the primary atmosphere generator. It should be running on emergency backup power. Get Zach and tell him to meet me at the maintenance entrance to the reactor. He'll know where that is. We have to get it running at full capacity before the temperatures drop down to dangerous levels."
"Hold on! Why would Jarred touching this computer be able to shut down the atmosphere generator as well as what looks to be every other thing requiring electricity on the planet? That's not humanly possible."
"Exactly. Don't tell me you didn't know what Jarred is." Kazimir says. "Why do you think he was able to get off of Barren Void so easily? He hitched a ride with his people."
"His people?"
"Nymphs."
Velex's face turns red and he picks up his chair then throws it across the room where it slams into the wall. He draws a laser pistol from under the table and aims it a Jarred. "Surrender now, demon. I may not be the admiral anymore, but I can still arrest you and take you to the Inquisition where you will feel the mighty flames of justice to send you back to hell where you belong."
Kazimir steps between them and reaches out to his cousin. "Axel, give me the pistol. It won't hurt him anyway. You know that."
Velex takes aim at Kazimir instead. "Then I'll use it on you if you stand in the way. You know my history with those devils. How could you willingly harbor one of their kind, especially around all of our plans and technology? You should be facing execution with him."
Kazimir holds up his hands. "Calm down. You're not actually going to turn him in, are you? It's Jarred. It's not like this is a recent development. He's been a Nymph for six years."
"What? Six years!"
Jarred turns to him and tries to reason with him. "Velex, it's me. I haven't done anything wrong. Why do you hate them so much?"
"You're evil. You aliens took my wife from me now I'll kill every single Nymph to avenge her death."
"It's awful what happened to your wife, but I didn't do that. I wasn't even alive back then. I wasn't born a Nymph. I was changed into one against my will. You know me. I would never hurt an innocent person like that."
"Shut up, Nymph." Velex holds his watch to his mouth and speaks into it. "This is Axel Velex. I've found a Nymph inside the city. Meet me outside the science lab. Requesting reinforcements."
"Go with him, Jarred."
Is he crazy? "What? No. They'll kill me."
"There's nothing I can do." Kazimir says. "Don't fight him. Those inquisitors will be here and you won't stand a chance against all of them."
* * *
The crashing of waves and chirping of birds greet Katarina as she wakes up in Doss's arms. Soft yellow sunlight fills the room from the open windows where the lace curtains billow slightly in the unseasonably warm air. She yawns and rolls over where she's met by Doss's warm brown eyes and bare chest.
"Good morning."
She kisses his pale pink lips and runs her hand over his smooth head. "You're still bald."
He laughs and holds Katarina close to his chest. "It will grow back. Don't worry about that."
"Never leave me again."
Doss pushes her down into the bed as he rolls over on top of her. "I won't. It killed me to find out that you had been left on Barren Void, but I had to stay strong for the grander purpose we have all been working towards."
"And what's that?"
"You will find out soon enough." Doss slips off his boxers and kisses his wife. He tangles his fingers in her hair. "But right now, we have other things to attend to."
Katarina pulls him down on top of her and becomes lost in his presence, his warmth, and his wings that surround her to keep her safe from the world around them.
* * *
Jarred pulls against the chains that are wrapped around his legs and torso, securing him to the metal pole. Well, this is inconvenient. The citizens of Himmel have gathered around and shout insults at him. Even with Jarred's increased strength, he can't free himself from these bindings. He's forced to watch the inquisitors and soldiers pile straw and wood around his legs. The city is dark where bright lights used to burn and flicker in the night. The temperature is already plummeting and Jarred can see his breath fogging in the air. It's eerily ironic that he's about to be burned alive and he's shivering in the cold.
For such a technologically advanced society, why do they choose to execute Nymphs in this primitive manner? He knows exactly why. They're scared. Back before they were captured, Jayce would tell Jarred all kinds of history stories about things like this where people were burned at the stake because the government or clergy were afraid of their ideals or beliefs. Jayce was very fond of one woman in particular named Joan of Arc.
A French martyr blessed by God, accused of heresy, and betrayed by the people who she trusted and fought for. If only Jayce could see Jarred now. So is that his fate? To die as a martyr for some alien people who have next to no allegiance to him? This is not even on the list of ways he thought he would die. And he's thought about it a lot. At the top are being shot, explosions, stabbings, being thrown from a thirty story building after accidentally insulting a client's daughter who turns out to be a hooker . . . the basics.
Master Director Samuels steps forward and addresses the crowds. "Today we send this demon back to hell. His death will serve as a warning to all the Nymphs who will try to destroy our beloved IGR and that humanity will never bow to forces of evil."
Kazimir or someone better have a plan and do something quickly or things are about to get a lot hotter than Jarred likes them to be. If he's so much of a threat with supposed super powers, then why can't he free himself from this situation? Besides, aren't Nymphs rumored to be immortals? Maybe fire is their only weakness. Well, he's about to find out.
Samuels steps closer to Jarred and whispers to him. "I'm so sorry about this. I warned you to stay hidden so no one would find out."
"There's nothing you can do about this?"
"Not when Dressler himself is standing right over there." He motions back behind him. "Jarred . . ."
"You can't say anything?" Jarred asks, sounding more and more desperate. "What about us being a team? I look out for you and you look out for me?"
"I can't help you. I already tried and I'll be put in the stocks for that tomorrow."
"This isn't right."
Samuels puts his hand on Jarred's shoulder as he takes the torch from an inquisitor and lights the bundles of sticks and straw on fire. "I know. If there was anything I could do to help you, I would. May God have mercy on your soul. You're a good man, Jarred Cunningham. Say hello to your father for me."
* * *
After the execution and enough whiskey to numb the guilt, Velex makes his way through the dark frozen streets. He holds his wool coat tightly around his body and looks up at the dull reddish brown light from Proxima Centauri. The vast emptiness spreading out in all directions from this point on this one planet only makes him feel more insignificant and as if he's drowning in the waves of guilt that sweep over him now. Vehicles and hover cars speed by with people all going somewhere with a purpose. Now Velex can't stop wondering what his purpose is. Even more pressing than that is the question he is desperately attempting to ignore. Did he do the right thing? It's not like it's his fault that Jarred was a Nymph.
Velex opens the panel on the wall outside the lab by the door so he can manually unlock it due to the power outage. After he pushes it open and closed behind him, he walks down the hallway into the darkness that is only lit by hundreds of candles lining the ta
bles. A small generator is powering a single computer in the back corner of the main room where Zach is working on some program.
Everyone looks up at Velex and glares daggers at him. Even Zerachiel, who is usually not influenced by his emotions, turns his back coldly to him.
Kazimir is the only one who says anything. "Are you done?"
"What?"
"Have you satisfied your bloodlust?" Kazimir asks. "Betraying friends is more evil than anything that Jarred could have ever been capable of doing."
"It's done. I'm not talking about this anymore. Get back to work."
"You know, I thought for sure that you would have given up on your petty hatred by now, but I can see that it has only grown to the point of consuming you. Well, maybe the news I got today from a spy down in Paradise will bring you back to reality. Remember our little experiment with autoreproduction in androids?"
"Where are you going with this?" Velex asks.
"Jarred was going to be a father. Now that baby will never know one of his fathers because of your blind hatred for an entire race of people. I hope you're pleased with yourself, Axel."
10
Gabriel bundles the tiny baby in a soft blue blanket then places him on the middle of the bed next to Jayce who has been the ideal patient. "Jayce? Say something to me."
"Did you do it?" Jayce asks.
"I'm done. You're all stitched up and your body should return to normal soon. After only one week of gestation, your son is a healthy six pound baby."
"What does he look like?" Jayce asks as he manages to sit up with the pillows behind him.
"He has a full head of black straight hair like yours and Jarred's bright hazel eyes. There's a birthmark on his chest that resembles the Scorpio zodiac sign. It's actually pretty cool."
"What is today's date?"
"November nineteenth." Gabriel says. "Whoa. That makes him a Scorpio. Creepy."
"Zodiac. That's his name."
"Fitting."
"Can I hold him?" Jayce asks.
"Of course." Gabriel places the blanket-wrapped baby into Jayce's arms. "Be gentle."
As he holds the tiny baby, Jayce begins to smile with a warmness that Gabriel has never seen before. Could this baby truly help him break past all of his sadness, mental instability, and fear? But now to tell him the news that must be carried out, but will inevitably break his heart. "Jayce, I'm sorry, but we can't keep Zodiac here. It's just too dangerous and I can't do enough to keep him hidden from Clark."
He sounds hurt and concerned. "What are you saying?"
"I have to send him away to some place where he can be safe until he's older."
"But he's my baby . . ."
"I know, but don't you want him to be safe?" Gabriel asks. "Clark will kill him or do all kinds of horrible experiments on him. Let me take him somewhere where he can grow up without that kind of torment."
Jayce delicately kisses Zodiac's head. "What about Jarred? Could you take Zodiac to Jarred? He will be able to take care of him."
"That was the plan."
* * *
Kazimir puts down the stack of papers they've been having to use instead of the files on the database since the power outage and looks up as the front door to the laboratory slides open. From the hallway, a muscular archon with copper wings and a rough red beard steps into the room. His eyes land on the charred and unconscious man lying limp in those strong arms.
"He's alive, but barely."
"Raguel, thank you for your help. Go ahead and take him down the hall to his room. It's the third door on the right. He must be exhausted from that ordeal."
"He better be glad that I was there to put out the flames." Raguel says. "Contrary to popular belief, Nymphs aren't immortal."
"Are his burns too serious? It looks awful."
"His legs up to his knees are pretty bad. From his knees to his hips are moderately burned, but he should survive if we can get some medical equipment up and running. To be honest, it was the worst sight I've ever seen. He was still conscious when I got there and he couldn't stop screaming. I've never seen a human suffer that much. Even if we repair his body, I fear that his mind won't be the same."
"Then we'll do all we can." Kazimir says.
"I took three bullets for him. Apparently inquisitors don't like it when people stop executions and fly off with the prisoner."
"You have my thanks. I'll get those bullets out of your back and stitch you up. Oh, one more thing. Try to sneak past the kitchen. That's where Velex is right now. I don't need him finding out that Jarred is alive and trying to finish him off or have him arrested again. I've already set up the generator in Jarred's room. Blice and Zach will be able to operate on him then we'll fix you up."
Raguel turns down the hallway but then stops. "Creator?"
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry."
Kazimir smiles. "You're forgiven. Just never betray me again."
"Oh, you should know that Gabriel has taken up the duties of caring for and protecting Jophiel. I mean Jayce." Raguel says. "I think he's going to become his guardian archon."
"I know. Looks like all my children are finally coming home."
* * *
Katarina tires to turn on the lights, but nothing happens. "Doss, I think the power's out."
"Huh. They must be doing maintenance or something. It's cold in here."
She goes over to the window and peeks outside. "Something's not right. Look outside."
Doss joins her side and puts his arm around her back. "Looks like something happened to the atmosphere generator. That explains the red light and the sudden drop in temperature."
"Should we head back to the lab?"
"I'm not sure."
The door opens behind them and a sharp voice pierces the emptiness. "Isn't it beautiful, Uriel?"
Doss spins around. "Michael!"
Michael's black wings are shortened and rough where they were clipped by Kazimir's laser to prevent him from flying. His tattered white robes and skin that is nearly as pale are streaked with mud and spotted with rust-colored blood. He reaches to his belt and pulls out four throwing knives. His evil grin sends a chill down Katarina's spine. He pushes his greasy black hair out of his face to reveal his eyes which are blazing with an insatiable darkness.
Katarina's heart begins to race as she watches Doss look around for a weapon. That's right. He lost his sword when he crashed into Clark's space carrier. Neither one of them brought a gun or a laser pistol out here because they didn't think there would be a need for one. How did he get off of Barren Void? Everyone thought he was dead. Well, if she and Jarred were able to get back to Himmel, then it's not entirely unexpected that someone else was able to find a way as well.
"We don't want any trouble, Michael." Doss says, trying to reason with the madman in the room. "Just put the knives down and we'll discuss things. Remember that it wasn't me who exiled you to Barren Void. Clark and Gabriel could have stepped in and saved you, but they didn't. We can work together, Brother."
"I would never want to work with a traitor like you. And Barren Void? Do you think I minded going out there? How naive are you, Uriel? That planet couldn't kill me if it tried. It was a nice little vacation for me to get away from crazy people like you. Now bow to me before I force you to kneel."
With a surge of confidence, rage, and perhaps a bit of stupidity, Katarina steps between Michael and Doss. She reaches over and picks up a heavy metal vase which she throws into the mirror hanging on the wall. Shattered shards of glass rain down to the floor. While Michael is distracted by the sound, she dives down between his legs and grabs the largest razor sharp sliver of glass. Slashing at the back of his legs, he cries out and sends a knife hurling past her face, missing by less than an inch.
By the time Katarina pulls the knife from the carpet and scrambles to her feet, Doss has already tripped Michael and stands over him with a lamp in his hands which he smashes on Michaels's face. A powerful kick to the stomach sends Doss crashing into t
he dresser. He falls to the floor groaning in pain and holding his side.
Katarina takes her chance to stab Michael between the shoulder blades. As she does, a ball of purple and black dark matter shoots from her other hand. The dark matter slams into the wall and spreads out from floor to ceiling, eating away at the sheetrock. When the wall collapses, dust and rubble fill the room. A flash of bright orange light speeds overhead as Doss lunges towards Michael. The flames surround the area, blocking off the door and the windows so no one can escape. That's it. Doss aims to kill him.
Just as quickly as her confidence had appeared, it is crushed when Michael's sweaty chest is pressed up against her back and with one strong movement, his large hand tightens around the back of her neck. The blade of a throwing knife is pressed dangerously against her neck. She dares not breathe for fear of it slipping and puncturing her skin. Her heart is racing and pounding in her chest so loud that she can hear it and feel the pulse in her artery vibrating against the knife.
Michael backs up to the door. "Stand down or I will kill her right here."
Doss wipes the sweat from his eyes. "You wouldn't."
"Are you willing to test that? Now put out your flames and get down on your knees."
"Doss, don't." Katarina gasps as the blade is pushed tighter against her throat. She tries futilely to pry Michaels's grasp from around her neck.
Doss glances around the room then holds up his hand as the flames die down and vanish, leaving the floor blackened and charred as embers still smolder in the corners. As he kneels down at Michael's feet, he locks eyes with Katarina. "It would be a shame if you got shot."
What? Is he trying to tell her something?
"I bet it feels weird to have dark matter all over your skin."
"Shut up, Uriel." Michael snaps.
Oh. She remembers now how she got shot, but the dark matter coated her skin and dissolved the bullet on impact. Can that even work with a knife? Even if it could, she doesn't know how to activate that ability again. She's used it once and that was on accident. Well, it's certain death for both of them if she doesn't do something. There's no way that she is going to let Doss be taken prisoner or killed. And Michael is just bloodthirsty enough to slaughter her as well just for the fun of it.
Paradise Awakened Trilogy Page 50
