“How is your Overlord doing, Norm?”
“Alastor? Oh, he has been a bit agitated recently, something regarding one of the other Overlords. You know how it is – they are always at each other’s throats. I think the Executors encourage it.” He looked troubled, “Although I have heard rumors of another draft going to hit the slums soon. The Overlords and Executors all seem more focused on their own power struggles now.” He grimaced, “Their power is slipping. The Corporations are weakening.”
They stopped at the highest factory level, picking up workers who were on the nightshift. Even the walls of the station could not escape the pollution of the level, and had taken on a brownish tinge. Clara and Norm pulled out handkerchiefs from their uniforms, tying them around their faces. She handed a spare to Janus, who mimicked them with a few simple ties. Workers on the factory level were moderately skilled and could still do some things that the larger, factory daedulus machines could not. The factory workers, at least, had benefitted from the stagnation that seemed to be affecting Cerberus recently. There were rumors it affected the other Corporations, as well. And even if Cerberus was the best of all of them, Norm was right; Cerberus just didn’t seem to be as concerned with advancing itself or its industry very much anymore. Daedulus development – the ‘intelligent’ machines that ran Cerberus – had stalled. There were whole parts of Cerberus abandoned and forgotten. Manufactories sat idle with technologies deemed irrelevant or forgotten.
The lift jolted to a start once more and Janus stared in wonder at the heavy machinery and rising city around him.
Norm nudged him, “Here, lad. Put these on.” He handed Janus a wraparound visor. “I found these a while back. Why anyone would have thrown them away is a mystery to me.”
Janus stared dumbfounded at the hideous slitted sunshade, “Er, thank you Norm. What are these for?”
“Your eyes are unaccustomed to the sunlight; you will need them.”
Clara had turned to see what Norm had given Janus. “Thank you, Norm. Are you sure you don’t need those?”
“No, it is fine. I think Janus is going to need them more than I ever did. He has never been exposed to direct sunlight, has he?”
“No, he hasn’t.” Clara looked worried, as if just realizing.
Janus gave Norm an irritated look, “I’ll be fine.”
Norm ignored him. “Make sure you wear those whenever you are outside, otherwise your eyes might get damaged. You should also cover up as much as you can, as you are sure to get burned if you stay out too long.”
“Thank you so much for your kindness, Norm,” Clara gave him a glowing smile. Janus turned away, exasperated.
“Attacks have been stepping up lately,” Norm said quietly, dropping his voice to but a whisper as the tired workers filed slowly onto the lift. The lift departed again, and Janus perked his ears up, always eager to hear more about the world outside. From the corner of his eye, he watched Clara lean in towards Norm, stealing a surreptitious glance at Janus. “Why? How many attacks have there been?” Janus shifted his weight to place himself just a little closer.
The lift stopped on one of the military levels, letting off a group of repairmen.
“I have heard of at least ten. Mostly just minor Cerberus territories. The Overlords are blaming the Mercenary Legions, but it is rumored to be the work of one of the other Corporations.”
She whistled, “Wow, there haven’t been that many attacks in a long time.”
“Yes, since before the time you found Janus,” Norm said, biting his lip in worry.
Clara stared out at the city as the lift rose steadily. The fog and smoke were slowly becoming brighter. Streams of light cascaded from above. Absentmindedly, she turned to Janus, “We’re passing E-level. H-level is next.”
She smiled at him and then turned back to Norm, resuming her whisper, “I just hope that it doesn’t spill into the main city. I’ve heard that can be horrific.” Janus strained to hear.
Norm nodded solemnly, “Yes. But for now, it is just a problem for the corporate Executors. Hopefully though, the Corporation will start looking for more soldiers soon.”
“I hope not. I know you and I are safe from the draft, but Janus isn’t, and the last thing he needs is an opportunity to mouth off to a Corporate official.”
“Yes, but don’t you want him to have more opportunity? And there would be less people picking through the slums!”
“I don’t want him sacrificing himself for a Corporation that has done noth—”
Suddenly, the lift exploded through a layer of cloud and a blinding light cut her off. Janus struggled to shield his eyes from it.
They had reached H-level.
Chapter 3: Beyond the Slums
The depthless dark of Cerberus had given way to shimmering gilded towers of glass and marble, crowned in wreaths of white, while angelic statues and spires lifted towards a bright blue sky. A sudden warmth suffused Janus’ skin, and he pressed closer to the edge, struggling to absorb every glorious ray.
The lift slid silently into the station at H-level with Janus squinting upward towards the sky, unaware they had reached their platform. Sunlight streamed through the H-station’s glass dome. Gold-fluted columns reached from floor to ceiling, shining brilliantly in the sun.
Clara quickly hurried over to him and pulled him off the lift, chiding him, “Pay attention, you can’t afford to lose your head here!” Norm was already gone.
Janus let his eyes wander the station and suddenly felt extremely self-conscious. Staring down at the ill-fitting rags he wore, he could feel the eyes of the hundreds of elite that surrounded him and hear murmurs of ‘—can’t even dress servants properly.’
“Don’t worry. People always stare, but it’s nothing we can’t handle,” whispered Clara encouragingly.
She made a beeline out of the station and onto the main thoroughfare, Janus right behind. He was amazed by the bustling chaos around him. There were never so many people out and about in the slums; a crowd would be a magnet to the Rats. Out of the shade of the station Janus was forced to narrow his eyes to slits to see around him. Aside from the many stares, no one seemed bothered by their presence.
People avoid each other up here as well… Janus thought wryly.
Outside the station, Janus was surprised to discover it was enameled in a deep emerald green. It still possessed its odd angular walls, but the menace was gone – replaced by a thought of thriving flora, and abundant life. Gold Cerberus statues flanked the entrances, and the only S.T. within sight carried no rifle, but helpfully directed passers-by as they approached.
“Come on,” Clara was motioning for Janus to follow her, “we’ve got to get moving or we’ll be late!”
Janus was chilled in the early morning air, his breath rising in puffs as his skin searched for warmth against the thin rags. A gaggle of children momentarily stopped their play within a cloud to eye them uncertainly as they hurried by.
They were going to see Miss Middleton, but he knew almost nothing about her. Middleton was an Overlord, and a powerful one, only a step below the supreme masters of Cerberus, the Executors. Her home was the crown of one of the gigantic superscrapers that made up the multi-level metropolis.
And Clara was one of her maids. Janus knew she was thankful for it. Real, non-hazardous work was rare nowadays, and even then, most things were performed by Daeduluses – when they didn’t break, anyway.
Machines rumored to have been left over from before the Corporations were founded, Daeduluses were strange devices. They ran the factories. They made the food. Some moved like animals, and Janus had heard of a rare few that seemed to possess a spark of intelligence. But despite their skill at scrubbing floors, they lacked the understanding to value the subtle, yet messy, brushstrokes of a work of art. One too many paintings had been “cleaned” for Middleton’s taste. And so – Clara was a maid. At least, that was how Clara told him the story.
An iron-wrought fence of elaborate spirals enclosed Middleton’
s private hideaway, forcing passerby to steal tempting looks at sprinkling fountains and lush gardens of red, blue, and yellow. Deep jade green and sapphire blue walls shimmered in the sun, while gilded frames held sparkling crystalline windows overlooking the lawns.
Clara avoided the ornate gate that stood closed to all but the greatest of dignitaries, and instead made her way to a recessed door in the back. She knocked twice and a stately butler soon answered it, “Ah Miss Clara. Miss Middleton is expecting you and the young man…” he paused.
“Janus,” Clara chimed in with a bow.
“Very good,” Albert said, looking her over. “I’m afraid there isn’t enough time for a proper cleaning, but may I suggest you consider a change of clothes?”
Clara nodded her understanding and the butler stood aside to admit her and Janus into a set of servants’ quarters. A changing station for most of Middleton’s staff, the quarters bustled mostly with maids and cooks who urgently sought to prepare themselves for another demanding day at the behest of their master. Only the head gardener and Middleton’s favorite chef had lodgings here. Albert, the butler, was afforded space in the home proper.
Clara joined several women hustling to a set of showers in another room, leaving Janus behind to wait. Albert did not leave his side for a moment. When Clara emerged just a minute or so later, she wore a beautiful, flowing blue gown made of a rich silk. Another maid, wearing a gown of green emerged behind her, and rushed out the door, nodding respectfully to Albert as she passed. Carefully, Clara deposited her plain white servant’s uniform in a locker. It would be cleaned and pressed for her when she returned; Albert would ensure that it was done.
Together, the three headed out into the lawn. Clara was careful to avoid sullying or tearing her uniform on the high bushes and flower beds. Rushing into the house, they sped up the servants stairs behind the kitchen, and soon arrived in a small sitting room in front of two great oak doors with gilded handles set deep into the wood.
“Wait quietly,” Albert said simply. Clara fidgeted with her hands, but Janus crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. Soft lighting illuminated the hallway, casting the flowing oil-paintings of men and women in prodigious robes, all bearing the three-headed mark of Cerberus, in a gentle glow that was easy on Janus’ eyes. Dark rugs ran the length of the hall, overlaying elegant wood floors, while sculptures and antiquities lined the walls. Awed by the wealth and grandeur that surrounded him, he wondered what it would be like to live in such a place, waited on by servants and commanding all beneath him. Like an emperor…
Janus’ eyes roved the room as Clara whispered nervously to him, “No smart remarks…and think about everything you say. Miss Middleton is a very—er, grand woman and prone to sensitivity.”
Suddenly Middleton’s raised voice could be heard clearly through the thick wood. It was somewhat high – not pleasing in the slightest, “We aren’t interested right now! How many times do I have to tell you? Cerberus needs the extra support for our infantry units! And you charge far too much for everything else!”
Janus unconsciously leaned closer to the door, straining to hear what was being said. Albert glared at him, but Janus ignored him.
“Perhaps…other…could be made…?” A second voice said urgently. The voice was strange, with a thick accent.
Middleton’s voice suddenly became much softer, though it still carried. “How… offering?”
“10 per…” The voice said.
“Well…arrangements…suit well.” Middleton said pleasurably.
The great gilded knob twisted suddenly, and the left door cracked open.
“One week, Mr. Ambassador?” The door stopped in mid-swing.
“It would be better if we could make the arrangement sooner, actually,” the ambassador said.
“How about tomorrow, then, early morning? I was already planning on making several transactions tomorrow,” Middleton said, confidently.
“That would be excellent.”
“We shall eagerly await ODIN’s arrival. In the meantime, I will have someone show you to a room.”
“Your hospitality is always appreciated Overlord Middleton.”
Albert stepped forward as the door swung open entirely, revealing a dark-skinned man with dark eyes and silver hair in thick black clothing with a gold and red pin on the high neck. “This way please, sir.”
“Thank you,” the man said politely, but Janus caught the faint words of ‘hate that damn woman’ muttered beneath his breath.
Before he turned to guide the ambassador, Albert bowed towards the open doors and said, “My lady, your maidservant Clara and her son are here at your request.”
“Send them in.”
Janus stood up straight, uncrossing his arms. Albert glared at him, “Miss Middleton will see you now.”
Chapter 4: Middleton
As Clara led the way through the heavy oak doors, Janus could barely contain his laughter at the sight before him. His first impression of her was that of a pig in a peacock costume. Standing regally behind a cherry-wood desk, Middleton was the gaudiest, most ridiculous creature Janus had ever set eyes on.
Her nose was squashed and snout-like as the fat forced her nostrils outward and upward. Large plumed feathers and sequins decorated the gaudiest blue dress Janus could ever imagine. A monstrous sapphire necklace struggled to be noticed against her rolling bosom, while bracelets looked fit to burst from her wrists. Her fat face looked akin to a puffer fish, while her bulging body fought to escape the confines of the dress. Fingers like sausages drummed the desk before them, large rings stuck between the second and third knuckles, unable to pass any further. She breathed heavily, like she was in a constant struggle for air. And although her skin was smooth and fair, her hair was silver, a sign she no longer possessed the youth and vigor she once had.
He smirked, but quickly hid his smile. Clara stood trembling in front of him and Janus gave her shoulder a quick sympathetic pat before returning his stare to the generously sized woman before him.
She glanced up to see her visitors but returned her eyes immediately to her study of a parchment thin computer screen. The screen had the appearance of dull aluminum foil. Clara fidgeted nervously.
Rich tapestries and paintings hung from the walls, depicting great battles and victories of Cerberus. More than a few were dominated by images of Cerberus troops standing over crushed and broken armies. Lush blue carpet accented the dark swirls and dyes of the paintings and hangings.
Middleton unexpectedly looked up once more, waving her hand at the screen as it rolled up and closed like a piece of paper. Clara hastily broke her gaze and stared at the floor, unconsciously taking a step back, and giving Middleton a full view of Janus. She froze, a hint of surprise upon her face, but only for a moment. Middleton stared hard at Janus and barked at Clara, “This is your son?”
Clara took a quick bow, “Yes, Miss.”
Middleton looked unsettled, but shook her head.
Clara paled, but Janus didn’t blink. Middleton studied him carefully for a moment, but then turned to stare out the window behind her desk.
“You’re late, maidservant.”
“I’m sorry, madam, the troopers gave us trouble,” Clara stammered.
Middleton was silent for a moment, staring out at the grounds. “Do you know why I brought you here?” she asked, without even turning to face Clara.
“No, madam,” Clara said.
“What about you, boy? Do you understand why the two of you are here?” Middleton asked curiously.
Janus grimaced, “Well, you don’t really seem to be the mothering type, so I don’t think you’re planning on raining us with gifts.” Clara hissed warningly at him.
The laugh emitted from the piggish snout was uproarious and evil. Janus felt a sudden chill from the sound.
Clara was sweating as she leapt forward, “He didn’t mean any disrespect, Miss. He’s just a little foolish now and then.” She glared at Janus and made a swift chop across her thr
oat.
Middleton turned to them with a smirk on her face. “A little foolish? Your son has developed quite the reputation. If my Troopers are to be believed, this boy here has caused more than his share of troubles and annoyances. Enough for even the Rats to complain.”
“Surely you didn’t drag me up here just because some Rats whined,” Janus interjected.
“Miss Middleton,” Clara hissed at him.
Middleton smiled, “No, of course not. At least you’re smart enough to realize that. I’m more intrigued by other aspects of the reports.” She flipped open the parchment screen again. “’Boy moves swiftly.’ ‘Possesses unnatural speed.’ ‘Clever, but causes trouble.’ ‘Can’t pin down the damn mudfish’ – That’s my favorite. Rats are always so eloquent.”
‘And yet, when I tried to bring up the birth files on your son, I discovered he was unregistered. Do you know what the penalties are for not registering?”
Janus flushed with anger, “How am I supposed to register when I can’t even secure access to a lift without an Overlord’s order?”
Middleton smiled, “And do you think that excuses you?”
“Miss Middleton, I—” Clara spoke up.
Middleton’s smile vanished, “Do you know what the penalties are for harboring an unregistered individual?”
Clara shrank back.
A well of fury rose up in Janus, “Clara hasn’t done—“
The piggish woman ignored him, “You belong to Cerberus, boy, registered or not. Do you understand? It’s time for you to realize that. I originally summoned you here because of these reports. Cerberus needs more soldiers. I intended to send you for Trooper training, perhaps even to be an officer.”
Janus curled his lip in disgust, “You think I would agree to be—”
“Address me as ‘Miss Middleton.’ And say it before you say anything else. I’m finding your lack of respect annoying.” She motioned with her head towards Clara, her snout baring sharp teeth. “I’d hate to make an example of your mother. Do you understand?”
The Phoenix Fallacy Book I: Janus Page 3
