by Vowron Prime
“You may refer to us as princes, and I am Prince Zazanur. Here in Thesbea, royalty is determined by wealth, and there can be no question that you stand before the wealthiest individuals in all of Thesbea. Our goddess, however, is more than welcome to refer to us in any manner that pleases her,” he said with an ingratiating smile.
“The pleasure is all mine, Prince Zazanur,” Nina responded. “You have built a truly magnificent city here. It seems you lack for nothing. Yet I believe that the offer I am about to propose will be of great interest to you. To all of you,” she added, addressing the other princes.
“We would be honored to hear the words of a goddess, even if they are delivered through a Zevan’s mouth.”
Nina flashed a brilliantly diplomatic smile. “Your graciousness knows no bounds. As you are no doubt aware, we have recently rescued Nesthein from the werebeast hordes. A timely intervention, given that the city was about to fall to those wretched creatures.”
“And for that, you have our thanks. We shall see to it that you are compensated accordingly.”
Nova smiled politely. “We thank you for your magnanimity, though such payment is hardly necessary. Consider it a gesture of good faith, upon which we wish to build our relationship.”
“I like this one, Zaza! She has the spirit of a merchant!” another prince roared in a deep baritone. “A deal with the gods? When has such fortune ever befallen us?”
“We come to you proposing an alliance between our peoples,” Nina continued. “We ask that you furnish us with your finest troops and a promise to come to our aid in times of need. In return, we will lend you military aid when Thesbea comes under werebeast attack. We would also like to establish business relations with your country, especially the purchase of certain metals and minerals at rates that would be favorable to you.”
“And what would the gods stand to gain from such an alliance?” Zazanur asked. “We already provide you with a steady sacrifice of mages every year, yet now you want more? With your chariots and your Ultimators, why would the gods care for whatever meager metals we could provide?” he asked, eyeing Krar nervously. The alien orb’s perfect silence may have put them more on edge than if he’d made some sounds.
“Fair questions. Please allow me to explain. I speak for Nova, and Nova alone. My goddess does not represent the interests of the rest of the gods, and we are not proposing a sacrifice. In fact, we strongly oppose the yearly mage tribute that you offer the others. We would work with you to build a relationship of equals, breaking free from the shackles of the abusive relationship that you know today.”
“It almost sounds as if you are working against the rest of your pantheon. Is this true?” said the stern prince dressed in leather armor. Given his armored attire and no-nonsense voice, Nina immediately took him for a military leader.
“My apologies to the prince, but may I have the privilege of your name?”
“Dasan.”
“Prince Dasan, your suspicion is correct. We oppose the existing rule of the gods, as we wish to establish a fundamentally mutually beneficial relationship with the Zevan. The current system is abusive and unfavorable to you all. We hope to start anew for a better tomorrow.”
“And so the truth is revealed,” Dasan replied. “Nina, you said your name was? As much as we would like to capitalize on such a favorable business deal, the Thesbeate does not involve themselves with the affairs of the gods. We mortals do not usually survive divine conflicts.”
Refusing to yield, Nina addressed Dasan directly, meeting his gaze.
“Can you really afford not to react? You have seen firsthand how easily we can deal with the werebeast threats. They may have been thwarted for now, but how long will you last? There will be more—this we can guarantee. How do you plan to save yourselves when they do return? And that’s not all.”
Nova spoke for the first time, mustering her best regal voice. “Your gods are poisoning your water supplies. Tell me, have you had any incidences of Zevan turning into mindless monsters?”
Her statement prompted an exchange of furtive glances among the Thesbeate. Nina mentally pumped her fist; they had these princes by the balls.
“I take it you have, then?” Nina said. “So you see, you’re already embroiled in the scheming of the gods, Prince Dasan. Luckily, we can help with both problems. With our technology, you can fortify your cities with the weapons of the gods themselves, reducing your casualties. We’ll advise you on effective tactics and strategies for countering this threat. With our help, you can defend yourselves without having to lower your head to other countries. Furthermore, we’ll also show you how to redirect your freshwater, stopping the toxin that is mutating Zevan across this planet.”
“Are you certain that this toxin is spreading through our water?”
Nina had been prepared for a battle to convince the princes of the importance of purifying their water, but they all seemed to accept her words straightaway. She made a note not to underestimate these people. There was a reason why Thesbea was the other major power on this continent.
“Absolutely. The white trees that the gods tell you to avoid at all costs… Have you ever noticed how they are positioned directly in the rivers that feed your cities?”
“She is right,” another prince responded. “We have every tree mapped, and they are very much in our waterways. Our own experiments show that the water around each lake has… fascinating properties.”
“Then you know what that water does to people. It is being carried through the rivers. Diluted, but deadly if imbibed over a long period of time. In my opinion, this threat is even greater than that of the werebeasts.”
The princes’ expressions had shifted. Where they were previously ambivalent, she now saw veiled optimism at her pitch—more than enough to work with.
“All we ask in return is access to your intelligence network as it pertains to the actions of the other gods, along with a small supply of your best troops and mages, whom we will return to you after their tour of duty, equipped with the best weapons of the gods.”
“Weapons that could defeat an Ultimator?” Dasan asked, much to the discomfort of his fellow princes.
“In certain situations, if the right tactics are employed, yes.”
“Are there any other conditions to your proposal?”
“Nothing major. We’d like a plot of land, ideally just outside Synaroa, to use as an embassy between our peoples.”
Zazanur spoke up once again as the others pondered her offer. “If the gods learn of this…”
Nina shook her head. “No, we will operate in secret for now. There will come a day when we ask you to rise up against the other gods, but that time is not now. When that day comes, we guarantee that the gods will be in no condition to punish any of you for your wrongdoings.”
“And if they are?” Dasan said.
“Then you will have no obligation to respond,” Nina replied.
The Merchant Princes of the Thesbeate conferred with each other in hushed voices for several minutes before Dasan spoke again.
“The issue has been deliberated. All in favor of this partnership?”
Every prince apart from Zazanur raised their hand, though after a look from Dasan, he too conceded. His hand slipped up.
“The Thesbeate unanimously approves of this decision.”
“My friends,” Nova said, “you have chosen well this day. I promise that it will not be a decision you will come to regret.”
“We look forward to a prosperous relationship, my goddess,” Zaza replied. “If it pleases you, we can confirm the details with your aide at a later date. Now, let us entertain you with our famous Synaroan hospitality, to celebrate this new venture!”
“It would be our pleasure to accept,” Nina said. After a few further pleasantries, the pair bid their farewell and was escorted to a nearby inn where they were assigned the most lavish rooms, replete with ornate poster beds and intricate rugs. Incense burned in the corners, giving the accommodation
s a homey-yet-exotic feel.
“I wish I had contributed more. Was that really all right?” Nova fretted.
“It was more than okay! You were wonderful! That went about as well as we could’ve hoped, and to be honest, your interactions with average Zevan like the one in the street mean a lot more than getting all buddy-buddy with their leaders. Politicians are all backstabbing schemers. Nothing you say or do will change that.”
“Then, do you mean…”
“Oh, they won’t betray us. At least, not yet. But they have literally nothing to lose by accepting our offer, and if the rest of the Dyn ever discover what they’re up to, they can just blame us for blackmailing them into it, claiming they had no choice.”
Nova tapped her chin, nodding. “Yes, that does seem like a plausible course of action. I suppose we should reap the benefits of our relationship before that happens.”
“Yeah, I mean, with Magnus and the rest of the Resistance, we’re not exactly gonna let that happen. By the time the Dyn discover our networking, I’m sure my bro will have them at death’s door. At that point, our relationship with Thesbea will be the least of their worries. I wasn’t lying when I said that earlier.”
“Yes, if we continue to expand our connections at this rate, I can see how we would become a force to be reckoned with. I truly do want to make a difference, though. While I understand I have a role to play as the Resistance’s figurehead, I will do everything in my power to see the dynamics between the Dyn and the Zevan change. This cannot go on.”
Nina smiled and squeezed Nova’s hand. “You’ll do great, Nova. I have no doubt about it. With how smart you are, I wouldn’t be surprised if you become our most valuable member. But hey, are you really okay? I’ve never seen you get a headache before.”
“I—I think I should be all right for now. I will submit to a checkup once we return to Sanctuary. It is just… some of those images were so vivid. I can’t help but wonder where they came from. I have no memory of those events, and my memory is eidetic.”
“A dream, maybe?”
“Doubtful. I remember every lucid dream I have. This feels more… familiar. More real, like an actual memory. But I cannot place it.”
An attendant entered their room with tea, describing in detail exactly which province the leaves came from and how they were harvested. The girls spent the afternoon chitchatting and tasting the local teas on their balcony that overlooked the canals.
Just as they were preparing to dress for the evening’s festivities, the Resistance guards posted within their room opened the door to admit Krar’eaks through. The spherical alien dismissed their Synaroan attendant with a wave of his mechanical appendages—an action that caused the Zevan to stiffen and dart out of the room.
“Nova, it’s an incoming transmission from Sanctuary. The Legatus has made his move. He’s taken your family hostage and is threatening to execute them unless you turn yourself in.”
Silence.
Nova’s reply caught in her mouth. Her hands trembled, and the teacup slipped from her fingers, shattering on the floor.
Forty-Eight
“How did we not get wind of this? Why are we only discovering this now?” MC admonished his leaders who had congregated at Sanctuary’s CIC, his fury patently evident.
“Apologies, Magnus,” Krar replied. “This caught our intelligence network completely by surprise. The Legatus must have employed only his most trusted subordinates to maintain utmost secrecy, or we would have known.”
Projected above the holotable at the center of the CIC, the Legatus said, “As you well know, I am XVII-32043-β, presiding Legatus over planet designation IV-3259. To the terrorist traitors harboring the criminal known as XM-72421-α, I have a proposal. In my prodigious magnanimity, I will allow you a choice. Yield the artificer to me, and I shall grant clemency to all Dyn terrorists for your prior transgressions. I will welcome you back with open arms if you pledge to serve Ubiquity Prime, but know that there will be no second chance. Should you refuse, I will be forced to terminate all of you. Including everyone the ex-artificer holds dear.”
The hologram cut to men and women in chains who had obviously been abused.
One cried, “Don’t do it! Don’t listen to—”
“Know that I do not make empty threats,” the Legatus said as he slapped the captive hard across the face, sending blood flying. “If you wish to save these Dyn, you will have the artificer meet me at the date and time specified in this message. Come alone, but please do bring your Ultimator slave along. His presence should prove amusing.” The Legatus shook his head sadly. “I do sincerely hope that you accept my offer. You do not want their blood on your hands.”
“Then don’t fucking kill them, asshole!” Nina spat after the recording cut out.
“This vidsphere is being broadcasted across the entire planet on an encrypted Dyn protocol.”
Which means they know you’re spying on them, which means they’ve been feeding you misinformation all this time, MC thought. Why the Legatus would reveal that hand at this time, he didn’t know.
The girls had flown back to MC’s position as soon as they were done with their negotiations. Reaver had gone hypersonic to return to Sanctuary as fast as possible. It had been cramped and uncomfortable with such a full cabin on the way back, but due to the gravity of the situation, no one had complained.
MC had done everything he could to pacify Nova, yet even now, she was beside herself with worry. He felt more than a little guilty; after all, he had promised to help her family out should an opportunity present itself. The Resistance was now far more equipped to undertake this mission than ever before.
“What did the Legatus mean by ‘Ultimator slave’?” Krar asked, spinning around to face MC.
The room fell silent. Nova spoke up. “They must have believed that to be the reason behind MC’s powers.”
“Is that true?” Krar asked, enunciating each word.
“No. Of course not!” Nova responded immediately. “As I had said, I successfully thwarted Magnus’s indoctrination. It was the mutagenic pond that gave him his abilities. There is precedent here—the Trilnyth obtain their powers in a similar way. At least, the ones that don’t perish in the process. Would you truly believe the Legatus’s lies?”
“No,” Krar said at length. “My apologies for doubting you, Nova. Paranoia has kept us alive, but I’m afraid such caution is not without its drawbacks.”
The tension in the room dissipated, and for good reason; the Legatus was easily the most hated individual on the entire planet. No one believed the Legatus’s amnesty offer. It was obvious that the instant the Resistance fighters turned themselves in, the Legatus would execute them. Brutally, if his personality was any indicator.
“So, how shall we respond?” Krar asked, deferring to MC, who sank into thought.
“I will meet with the Legatus,” Nova said.
“Like hell you will!”
“What choice do we have? We cannot jeopardize their lives! If I go, there is at least a chance you might be able to save them!” she shouted, panicking.
“And risk you in the process? Look, I think we all understand how that fucker operates by now,” MC said, addressing the room. “This is obviously a trap. He’ll lure us out only to kill us off. Why would he do a prisoner exchange with her? And granting amnesty? Give me a break. He has absolutely nothing to gain.”
“Still, we cannot ignore his summons, can we?” Krar said. “The Resistance’s reputation would be in tatters if it became public that we ignored the plight of these Dyn. If we ignore his challenge, there can be no doubt that the Legatus will exploit the situation.”
MC nodded. “If I were him, I’d smear damaging propaganda all over the planet, scooping up any neutral Dyn to my side. The enemy’s popularity should be at an all-time low with the victories we’ve had lately. Let’s not undo that progress. Besides, I’m not going to let Nova’s family die.”
He took a sidelong glance at Nova’s tearsta
ined face. Even now, it took everything in his power to override the parasite and resist the urge to go and hug her, to tell her that everything would be all right. Hell, he didn’t need a parasite—it’s what he would’ve done, anyway. What good was all of his power—the Resistance’s power—if they couldn’t protect their own?
“We aren’t going to ignore him,” MC said. “Guys, this is a typical hostage situation. There are any number of responses to this, but we have some great tech we can leverage. There’s got to be a way to save those Dyn and keep Nova safe, too. Ideas?”
His tone implied that the question was more of a directive, and the room fell into silence as everyone wracked their brains attempting to come up with a plan.
“There is… one tactic we can try.”
Of all people, it was Sarek who’d spoken, looking like he had a rod shoved up his ass. Likely because he did.
“The illusion fields we use to cloak the base have semi-portable variants. We do not have such a device here, but with two matter fabricators now at our disposal, it would not be an impossible task to create one or two in time.”
Nova’s eyes narrowed. “You mean to disguise someone else as me? It could work.”
“Will it, though?” MC asked. “You know this tech a helluva lot better than I do. Can the Legatus detect that?”
She nodded. “It ought to work. My people’s cloaking technology operates across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Without an Omni-sensor array, it would be all but impossible to defeat.”
“The sensors she refers to are generally mounted on our capital ships,” Krar chimed in, “and at key fixed positions. It is the same technology that led to your squad’s discovery within the Qephyx antigravity research facility.”
“These coordinates look to be in an empty field,” said MC. “What are the chances the Legatus hauls out one of those capital ships?”
“It is a distinct possibility, but we will be able to monitor the situation via our satellite system. The Tensa do have the same cloaking technology as the chariots, though it is rather difficult to entirely conceal a craft of that size. There would be a signature. Evidence we could track.”
