by Vicky Savage
Asher’s previously gaping mouth forms itself into a huge grin. “Oh my god! That’s fantastic!”
Narowyn slumps back in her chair, seemingly stunned. “The Auguaries told us of this, and we hoped this day would come,” she says.
“The who?” I ask.
“The Auguaries, a distinguished organization of clairvoyants, telepaths, and empaths dedicated to maintaining balance and peace on the planet. We share our exploration reports with them on a bi-annual basis, and they reciprocate with information helpful to us.
“At a conference a few years ago, they made some rather startling revelations. We were told of a new Transcender who would join our ranks and whose presence would launch a new movement, greatly expanding our influence on this earth. Advocates of enlightenment and free will—the volitionists—are predicted to rise in power, and advocates of guided destiny will fall. Among other things, it was foretold that this person will expose corruption and graft inside the IUGA, which ultimately leads to its collapse.”
“And you think I’m that person?” Because I’d really rather let someone else take care of that.
“Apparently IUGA does, and their prediction models seem to bear it out. But do you know how long they’ve been aware of this prediction involving you?”
“From the beginning, according to Ralston. That’s why they kept me away from the Transcenders last year and hustled me back to Connecticut in such a hurry.”
“While this is wonderful news for the Transcenders, I’m afraid it has placed you in a dreadful situation,” Narowyn says. “We must put an end to this planned attack at once.”
“We can’t stop it. That’s the problem,” I say. “Ralston plugged in every scenario he could think of, and the prediction models all show that the battle takes place in one form or another no matter what we do. If we try to attack them in their caves, they use explosives to decimate our army. Most of them escape and proceed to attack the palace anyway. If we try to bar the two princes from entering the dome, word is sent to those inside to attack immediately. Some scenarios even lead to an all-out war between Domerica and Dome Noir—like if we try to sink their ships, or confiscate their firearms.”
Narowyn frowns. “But I’ll go immediately to the Inter-Galactic Confederation Court, tell them of IUGA’s involvement in this criminal plot, and demand an emergency injunction.”
“Yep, we ran that model too. If the Noirs find out we’re on to their plan, their orders are to attack at once. So, by the time you’re able to get an emergency hearing, the battle has already taken place … and I’m dead.”
Asher mutters a curse under his breath and Narowyn’s normally glowing skin blanches. “Good god, we shall not allow that to happen,” she says. “You must not go back. You must stay here where we can protect you.”
“Yeah, I could do that. But if I do, nearly everyone I love in Domerica will end up dying at the hands of the Noirs. The battle will take place whether I’m there or not. We also ran that scenario. Dome Noir is hell-bent on taking over Domerica, and IUGA is hell-bent on destroying me. There’s only one way I can survive and possibly save my family too.”
“What is it? Please tell us,” she says.
“Ralston’s put together a strategy that has a pretty good probability of working if we can get all the elements in place before the princes arrive.” Lowering my eyes to my hands, I twist my engagement ring back and forth. “I’m going to need your help in making my escape. I’m also going to need a place to live when this is all over.”
“Of course,” Narowyn says. “You’ll always have a home with the Transcenders. I’ve told you that. We’ll do whatever we can to assist you in executing your plan.”
I raise my eyes to hers. “You should know this will probably involve some danger. Your people may find themselves in the thick of the fighting.”
“I see.” She pauses and laces her slender fingers through the long strand of onyx beads around her neck. “With your permission, before you go into the details of Ralston’s plan, I’d like to include Captain Watterson of the Transcender Police Force in this discussion. His people are well trained and could prove quite useful in this matter.”
I gape at her. “The Transcenders have a police force? You never told me that.”
“A certain class of crimes exists which requires inter-galactic cooperation to solve. Because of our ability to travel among different worlds, Transcenders are uniquely qualified to address such matters expeditiously and without the need of special equipment. The Inter-Galactic Confederation has granted us broad jurisdiction in such cases.”
She holds up her index finger, like just a moment. “Call Captain Watterson, please,” she says, seemingly to no one.
“Calling Captain Watterson,” a disembodied woman’s voice replies.
I glance at Asher. “Voice activated assistant,” he says softly.
“Good evening Chief.” A male voice answers the call.
“Captain would you join me in my office please? And bring your Lieutenant.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Focusing on me again, she says, “We mentioned the Garugians to you last time you were here. They’re illegal dimension jumpers. Mercenaries, if you will. Hired by others to commit crimes on different earths and then disappear back into their own realm before their employers’ identities can be discovered. Our officers spend much of their time pursuing Garugians, but occasionally a situation such as yours arises.”
“How come I didn’t meet any Transcender Police officers when I came for lunch?”
Asher pipes up. “They don’t live in the main Chateau. They have their own barracks and training facilities on the edge of the property. So they’re not always here for meals. And, to be honest Jade, some of them can be a little different. They stay to themselves mostly.”
Narowyn’s lips curve into a small smile. “Since you had made your decision not to join our community, we did not wish to overburden you with information you’d likely never need. Now that circumstances have changed, you have many things yet to learn.”
I draw in a breath and hold it. I can only imagine what other surprises may be in store for me as a full-fledged Transcender.
THREE
Within minutes, the office door opens, and two men in black uniforms stride inside. Narowyn stands to greet them. The older of the two reaches across the desk to shake her hand. His skin is dark and smooth as a polished chestnut, his black hair cropped short.
“Nice to see you, Chief,” he says. “We were about to depart for a laserball game. What can we do for you?”
The younger man lingers near the doorway scanning the room with fierce, yellow-brown eyes set in an oddly angelic face. His thick, golden hair hangs to his hulking shoulders. A menacing gun rides low on his hip reaching nearly to his knee. He’d make the perfect model for a Black Ops Viking action figure. I swallow loud enough for everyone to hear. His wolf eyes fix on me for an instant before moving on again.
“Captain, I’m afraid you’re going to miss your game. We have a matter that requires your immediate attention. Urick, please come in.” She nods at Viking Man and he obeys. “Gentlemen, please sit.”
Narowyn seats herself behind her desk. Her normal gracious demeanor is now replaced by an air of steely power. It’s obvious who’s in charge here. We adjust our chairs so that we all face her way.
“Captain Watterson, Lieutenant—this is Jaden Beckett.” She gestures toward me.
The captain reaches over and shakes my hand. “Miss Beckett, we’ve heard a lot about you. I believe we were out on assignment when you visited last. Nice to finally meet you.”
“Thanks. Call me Jaden.”
“Jaden has come to us with a serious problem,” Narowyn says. “Her life and those of the royal family in Domerica are being threatened. Our friends at IUGA appear to be assisting those who would do her harm.”
A hard smile creeps across Captain Watterson’s face. “Surprise, surprise,” he says. “And why has the illustrious agency chosen
to vent its wrath on our Miss Beckett?”
Narowyn steeples her fingers. “It seems the Auguaries’ information was correct. IUGA’s own prediction models indicate that, in the not too distant future, the Transcenders will succeed in discrediting the agency sufficiently to cause its complete demise. Jaden appears to be the lynchpin in that momentous event. I believe she is the one of whom the Auguaries spoke.”
Captain Watterson slaps the arm of his chair loudly and jumps to his feet. “Well I’ll be goddamned! That’s the best news I’ve heard in a decade.” He beams at me. “Congratulations, Miss Beckett. It’s high time someone put an end to those meddling, manipulative, self-serving bastards.”
I shrink a little at his outburst. Congratulations don’t seem to exactly fit the situation, since my whole life is crumbling like a stale vanilla wafer. Not to mention my considerable discomfort at being slotted in some kind of savior role. I don’t need that kind of pressure right now.
“Captain, I appreciate your enthusiasm,” Narowyn says. “But Jaden finds herself in a grave and life-threatening situation. She has requested our assistance. I wanted you to be present while we go over the details.”
“Of course,” the Captain says, reseating himself.
Narowyn focuses on me. “Jaden, please take us through the specifics of your plan, and tell us what you would like from us.”
I lean forward and prop my elbows on my knees. “According to our information, Dome Noir has decided to attempt to conquer Domerica because conditions inside that country are dire at the moment. Food shortages, overcrowding, rampant crime, and now a revolutionary army threaten the existing monarchy. The bottom line is, they need a new dome to survive, and Domerica is in possession of the only existing plans and materials for a new dome.”
“But aren’t your domes virtually impenetrable?” Watterson asks. “How can they gain entrance if you’re aware of their intentions?”
“In point of fact, a bunch of them, hundreds maybe, are already inside. Some of them came to Domerica last year with Prince Damien of Dome Noir. After pretending to leave the country, they stole the powerful energy source reserved for the new dome. Damien threatened to use this energy source to completely destroy Domerica if his demands weren’t met. Eventually he was captured and the power cell recovered, but most of his men are still hidden in the countryside. They’ve supposedly helped to smuggle in other soldiers and have recruited some local criminals and ex-prisoners as well.”
“Could they realistically have amassed an army strong enough to capture the palace?” Watterson asks.
“That’s what we’re told. They expect reinforcements when the wedding party from Dome Noir arrives. Prince Gilbert plans to lead the attack himself on my wedding day.”
“Oh ho,” Watterson whacks the arm of his chair again. “Cunning. So they’re relying heavily on the element of surprise for their success.”
“Yes, that and the fact that the Royal Guard isn’t exactly well trained or well outfitted for an attack like this. We plan to ask for assistance from my fiancé’s people, the Unicoi, and from my father’s army at the Enclave. I’ll brief General LeGare, head of the Royal Guard at Warrington Palace, but his men won’t be informed until the very last moment. Ralston—the IUGA agent who’s helping me—says there are too many informants at the palace, and word will certainly leak out if the Guard is told in advance.”
“Surely your combined forces will be large enough to quell the Dome Noir army,” Narowyn says.
“We’ll definitely outnumber them,” I say. “The problem is they’ll have firearms and explosives. The only firearms in the dome belong to my father’s army. Possession of guns or explosives in Domerica is strictly illegal, so we can’t match them in terms of firepower. We’re hoping the reverse element of surprise will play in our favor. Plus, we plan to surround them and trap them inside the palace grounds.”
Captain Watterson rubs his chin thoughtfully. “You have a strategy in place for accomplishing that?”
“Yes, we have a solid plan, but we have to coordinate things quickly.”
“I wish we could offer you firearms, but the laws prevent us from doing that.” He shakes his head. “I assume part of your strategy includes moving you and the other members of the royal family to a safe, remote location well before the attack.”
“We’re hoping we can arrange for the royal family to hide out under guard in Old Unicoi,” I say. “It’s a mostly deserted city located outside the dome, deep inside a mountain. I doubt my father will agree to go, and Ryder and I will need to be visibly present at Warrington Palace or it’ll be obvious to everyone that something’s up.”
The Captain nods in understanding, Viking Man just stares, but Narowyn appears troubled. “What is the plan for your escape?” she asks.
“We plan to stage my death,” I say. “When the battle breaks out, my guards will hustle me to safety inside the palace tower room. When the Noir’s discover my hiding place, I’ll make a dash for the broken-down old walkway. The wood’s so rotten it won’t hold me, and it’s a fifty foot fall.”
“Good lord.” Narowyn frowns and twists her necklace nervously.
“Obviously, I’ll never hit the ground. After the floor gives way, I’ll immediately shift here. The real Princess Jaden’s body will be found on the ground beneath the tower room. IUGA still has it stored somewhere, and Ralston’s arranging to have it transported to Domerica.”
“I don’t like it, Jaden,” Narowyn says. “This is the weakest part of your plan. The rest seems fairly straight forward. But you’re leaving too much to chance here. It requires split-second timing, and many things could go wrong. Your life is too important to risk.”
“May I make a suggestion?” Watterson asks. “If IUGA can infiltrate this group of renegades, why can’t we? We could have Urick here approach them about joining their band. Who would turn this guy away?” He slaps Urick on the shoulder, and for the first time a spark of interest shines in his lupine eyes.
“He’ll already know Jaden’s location, and he can ensure that when they send men to find her, none of them harms her before she makes her shift to Arumel. If all else fails, he can at least warn her to get out early.”
Narowyn swivels her chair from side to side while considering this. “I suppose it would be beneficial to have someone on the inside. Someone to manipulate the things we can and to report back to us should anything significant change. Yes, I’m more comfortable with that scenario.”
“But won’t IUGA know he’s a Transcender?” I ask. “I mean won’t his illumo-whatever give him away?”
“They won’t be looking for him, so his imprint won’t set off any alarms,” Watterson says.
“He should be fine,” Narowyn agrees. “But if Urick is unable to infiltrate the group, we need to revisit this entire plan, Jaden.”
“Okay, sure, whatever you say. I’m just happy you’ve consented to help. I have one other request, though. My friend, Ralston—he may be just an automaton to you,” I glance at Asher who thinks automatons are little more than machines, “but he’s saving a lot of lives by helping me. IUGA will destroy him or use him for spare parts or something once they find out what he’s done. I want to bring him to Arumel with me. Is there a way to do that?”
Narowyn looks to Captain Watterson. He straightens his shoulders and runs a hand across his chin. “Yeah sure, since he’s non-human, it can be done. We probably won’t need any extra equipment. Maybe we can do it as a team shift. Strap him to one of the larger guys. We’ll take care of it.”
“And he can stay here?” I look to Narowyn.
“Certainly, if that’s what you wish. We have quarters for him.”
“Thank you,” I say, letting out a relieved sigh.
“All right then, I think we have a clear idea of what must be accomplished.” Narowyn pushes away from her desk. “Jaden, we’ll need regular updates from you once you’ve spoken with your fiancé and your father and the details begin to be filled-in. Timi
ng will be crucial. Asher will be your liaison.”
She turns to Watterson, “Captain, you will be in charge of efforts to have Urick gain access to the Dome Noir group, and you’ll put together a team to be on the ground in Domerica on the day of the attack. I’ll need daily reports from you.”
“Yes, Chief.” Watterson gets to his feet, and Urick follows suit.
“Thank you both. I look forward to hearing of your progress.” Narowyn comes around her desk and shakes hands with each of them. “Good luck, Lieutenant,” she says to Viking Man.
He grunts in return. The Captain tips his head to Asher and me as the two men leave.
“Asher,” Narowyn says, “please arrange to have a polycom assigned to Jaden. That way you two can communicate back and forth, and she can let you know in advance when she’s coming for an update.”
