Blood on the Water

by Mark Hildebrandt

  At exactly nine thirty, the final presenter finished. Dr. Vespus rose, thanked his people, quickly left the conference room, and headed to his office. His director of security and administrative assistant greeted him. “Josephus are we ready to go?”

  “Yes sir.” The Director of Security responded. The Security Chief was from the Middle East. He was about fifty, tall thin, had neatly trimmed salt and pepper hair and unlike most from that part of the world, was clean shaven, undoubtedly a vestige of his service in the legion. Over the years, he had become one of Marcus’s most trusted advisors. “The ground transport is waiting at the front door.” He responded.

  “Good. Quintus, my sister Dr. Vespus is arriving with an important patient this afternoon. I want you to make sure he is given accommodations, suitable for a Senator, bathed, fed and scheduled for a complete physiological work up first thing in the morning. Make sure he understands, non-per oris after midnight.”

  “As you wish, Minister.”

  “Oh, and Quintus. I don’t want any traceable records, no names, no Citizen Protection Numbers. Code everything.” Marcus watched, as Quintus made notes to himself on his data control pad and nodded he understood. Marcus then turned to Josephus and said, “Let’s go.”

  ◆◆◆

  The transport was spacious, compared to the other institute vehicles; it also had a tinted one-way bubble. Typically, illegal for private transports, the tint gave the passengers the privacy necessary for protection and secrecy. “Marcus, you seem so tense. Certainly, the Emperor will have some of his sympathetic Senators from the Imperial party to help fend off the most aggressive attacks.”

  “I don’t think so. I grew up with the Emperor and know him as well as any man. He thinks this is just another example of Senatorial theatrics; he will not intervene. I am certain he feels this inquiry does not justify any Imperial involvement. He will let me deal with this alone. I just hope he is right, and this is simply a show, but I have an uneasy feeling the polls will reflect the people feel differently.”

  The vehicle was electronically cleared to enter the Senate building’s receiving area. Marcus and Josephus exited the car and were quickly escorted to the waiting room where they were greeted by a Senate security guard, “Dr. Vespus, the committee will be ready for you in just a couple of minutes. Please have a seat. I will call you momentarily.”

  Once seated Josephus turned to Marcus and whispered, “Don’t you think you should have brought a member of the research staff for support, and not the head of security?”

  Marcus turned and whispered back, “I have my reasons. You are exactly the proper individual to accompany me. We can talk later.” And Marcus turned and stared straight ahead without moving or saying anything for the next ten minutes, until he was called.

  The pair were led into the hearing room and directed to sit at a table a few paces in front of the Senators. This was a subcommittee and composed of only fifteen Senators. For any given subcommittee meeting, at least a third of the members would be off on other business. But as Marcus was sitting down, he noticed all fifteen members were present, not a good sign, he thought. He feared this was going to be a long day. Everyone one of those Senators is just itching to pontificate add nausea and paint a dismal picture of what the institute had become under Imperial control. The thought forced Marcus to suppress a smile, because in that respect, the Emperor was correct, this is much like theater for the Senators. They get to bloviate for hours and demonstrate to the constituents back home, how they are doing the people’s business. What a crock of fecal material Marcus thought.

  The Senators were sitting behind one large semicircular desk. For security reasons, there were no spectators in the hearing room, but live three-dimensional video was being feed into the information grid. It was readily available for anyone wishing to watch the proceeding. The tall Senator from the Mayan provinces, Kukulcan, began the hearing. In a practiced melodic voice, he said, “Dr. Vespus we have asked you here today to answer a few questions regarding the Institute for Health and Environment’s handling of the virus that is decimating our people. This virus has the potential to cause the collapse of the Empire and civilization itself. The thought that something so onerous could happen after twenty-seven hundred years of growth and prosperity for our citizens is unthinkable. I hope you realize the burden of protecting the Senate and people of Rome rests directly on your shoulders. It is you and the Emperor’s responsibility to keep us safe.

  “This august body of Senators has willingly funded the Imperial branch…”

  Marcus was doing everything he could to appear attentive during Kukulcan’s rant. For fifteen minutes the Senator droned on about how the Emperor was miss handling the most serious crisis in the history of the Empire. Marcus could not help but wonder; if there were no video, would these self-aggrandizing politicians carry on for so long trying to make themselves look important, while belittling someone else. There was no doubt in his mind without video, this would be a much faster meeting.

  Marcus could sense a change in direction as the Senator spoke when he started his next diatribe, by first saying “Dr. Vespus.” Even so, it still took Kukulcan five minutes to ask two questions. “Dr. Vespus, how long has the Ministry of Health and Environment been working on the virus problem?”

  “Senator, the Ministry first became aware of the problem in Aprilis of twenty-seven fifty-six, just over five years ago.”

  “And in those five years, Dr. Vespus, how many people have recovered from the malady?”

  “Senator, to date no one has survived an outbreak of the virus. We are…”

  Senator Kukulcan’s voice boomed in the conference room as he cut of any further comment from Marcus. “That is really the bottom line, isn’t it Doctor? In the past five years millions of the Empires’ best citizens have been cut down in the prime of their lives, while the Ministry of Health and Environment has done nothing. There has been no substantive work produced by the ministry to help save our citizens. I quite frankly am appalled at your lack of progress, doctor.

  “I may have additional questions at the conclusion of this investigation, but for now, I yield the floor to my colleague from the Chinese province, Senator Hsu.”

  Senator Hsu’s oratory was even less sympathetic to the Ministry and Dr. Vespus than was Kukulcan’s. One by one the fifteen Senators took the stage and threw all manner of debris at Marcus and the Ministry. There was not one single Senator aligned with the Emperor on the committee. The grilling lasted well into the afternoon. It finally ended with Kukulcan saying, “Dr. Vespus, thank you for your corporation. I believe that is the extent of our questions for today. You may be asked, to appear before the committee again soon to supply us with a progress report. I hope that meeting will be as productive as this one. You are dismissed and thank you.”

  Productive? The word echoed in Marcus’s head. He had no idea how anyone could see anything productive about this meeting. Did Kukulcan and the rest believe the constituents back home would sleep better, after watching those performances? Did they think they were so convincing that the people actually believe the Senators are working for them? Certainly, people were not that stupid. Those antics clearly demonstrate the only thing the Senators are worried about is their power. Unfortunately, the Senators know, the people they represent are very gullible, and have very short memories. Most will gladly vote for them again. Every Senator knows reelection only requires a few grandiose promises. Promises the Senators have no intention of keeping, or for that matter, could keep even if they wanted too.

  Marcus and Josephus were unceremoniously escorted from the conference room and back to the anteroom. With the door closed Marcus could finally breathe a sigh of relief, but he dared not talk. He was certain this room was carefully monitored. Josephus started to voice his relief as well. Marcus held up his hand, “Josephus, I’m exhausted. Just let me think for a moment. We can talk in the car.”

  Exiting the anteroom, a Senate Page volunteered to walk them ba
ck to their vehicle. He did not say anything, but discreetly slipped a piece of paper into Marcus’s hand. Unnoticed, Marcus slipped the note into his pocket, and nodded to the page as he got into the Ministry vehicle.

  Once sealed inside, Marcus finally felt safe. This was a Ministry vehicle, his vehicle, and completely beyond any kind of unwanted surveillance. He always felt dirty after a Senate hearing and dreamed of a long hot soak with Irena.

  Marcus reached into his pocked pulled out the note and opened it. A quick read, and he almost started laughing. Dr. Vespus. I hope you don’t feel we were too rough on you. I wish to discuss a couple of items away from prying eyes. Please meet me in one hour for a glass of wine at the Seven Hills.

  Kukulcan.

  “Dr. Vespus, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed that. By the gods, I would have rather been a gladiator facing an overwhelming opponent than have sat through that assault. Now why on Earth did you take me and not one of the senior researchers from the Institute?”

  Josephus question retrieved Marcus from the Senators message. He turned to look at the man, and started laughing, “Josephus, that is exactly why I chose you. You are a retired legionnaire. You know what it is to face real life and death situations. You were able to sit there calm and collected, and for all appearances untouched by the stinging insults the Senators hurled. Had I taken one of my researchers he would have been fidgeting and clearly unnerved. That kind of reaction to those Senators would have started a feeding frenzy, much like wounded seal surrounded by great white sharks. A frenzy I don’t know we would have been able to survive.

  “Now I’m going to drop you at the Institute. I have an additional errand to run. Josephus, thank you. You were the best moral support I could have asked for.”

  ◆◆◆

  The Seven Hills restaurant was located only a few miles from the Senate office building. It was one of the oldest restaurants in the area and survived primarily on government business. The restaurants success was in large part due to its discretion. It had developed into the one place were various politicos could discreetly meet and be confident any discussion would remain private. When Marcus arrived, he handed the Maître d’ the note, he had received from Senator Kukulcan, and was quickly escorted down a dimly lighted hall to one of the private rooms.

  When he entered, the Senator greeted him, no one else was in the room. “Come in Dr. Vespus.” The Senator said almost cheerfully. “We have some lovely red wine, olives, cheeses and perfectly prepared calamari with marinara.”

  Marcus accepted a glass of wine and both men sat down. Senator Kukulcan was an impressive figure. He was about six feet tall with long dark hair tied at the nape of his neck. He had dark eyes and an infectious smile, which he turned on Marcus with the glass of wine. “Dr. Vespus. I hope you realize there was nothing personnel in this morning’s proceeding. That was all for show, and the constituents back home.”

  “Sir, I serve the Emperor, and at his request have met with the Senate numerous times during my career. After all those meetings the one thing I have learned is, never believe anything a politician says in public.”

  Kukulcan erupted in what appeared to be forced laughter. “Oh, Dr. Vespus you cut me to the quick.” Then with a perfectly serious demeanor continued, “But a very wise philosophy. I’ll not mince words. I have a proposal, I wish you to consider.

  “This battle to wrestle your Ministry from Imperial control has been brewing for hundreds of years. Long before you or I became involved.” The Senator paused to take a drink of his wine and sample the calamari.

  During the brief silence Marcus said, “Senator that is one of the first things you have said that I completely agree with, and what’s more, I’m sure it will continue for many years after we are both gone. Now since it would not be good politically for either of us, if news we met were to be made public, why this meeting?”

  “Marcus you are correct, it would be bad for both of our careers. With that said, I will get to the point. I believe you are wrong about this battle lasting beyond our tenure. In fact, the end may be sooner than you think. As you are aware, the Emperor is approaching middle age. Should he fall victim to the virus, his son Flavious would succeed him. As you are also aware, Flavious is a buffoon, but one that can be easily manipulated by the Senate. Unbeknownst to Flavious, he has been surrounded by Senate influences for several years. It will not be a problem to rein him in and manipulate his orders to our advantage.

  “That brings us to you. When the Ministry of Health and Environment reverts to Senate control under Flavious, I am prepared to offer you, the same position you and your family have held for two thousand years. You will continue as Minister and head of the organization.” Kukulcan stared at Marcus, but this time he was once again smiling broadly.

  “Very well Senator, and for me to be afforded this opportunity. What do you expect in return?”

  “You do like to be direct, don’t you? We ask very little. In fact, that is what we want you to do, very little. I know your researchers have developed a promising new technique. One you did not address today, even though you were specifically asked about it.

  “Oh please, Marcus, forgo the pained look. We are not fools. We have developed a pretty good intelligence network over the last three thousand years. We know what is happening in every corner of the Empire.

  “Now what we want you to do is sit on your new development and drag your feet. It will look bad for the Emperor and help strengthen our case of oversight. Once he falls victim to the virus and Flavious is named Emperor then the Ministry will be ours. I hope you will still be Minister, but that is entirely up to you.

  “I think I have made my point and will take my leave. Please stay, enjoy the wine, order something else to eat, the bill has already been taken care of. I’ll just go out this other exit.”

  The Senator was gone, and Marcus just stared into space. He couldn’t believe they really expected he would turn on the Emperor and join them.

  Chapter 8

  - In-laws -

  Cassandra smiled to herself as she watched James. He was completely enthralled staring out the window at the passing countryside. He had not said more than two words since they ended the discussion on returning to his world. She hoped, she had not said anything to upset him. She found she really enjoyed talking with him. His innocence was part of it, but unlike every man in this world, he wasn’t after her name and position. Those things were completely foreign to him, which made him one of the few people, she felt she didn’t have to be on guard against.

  Shortly after reaching Mount Blanc in the Alps, Cassandra programmed instructions to decelerate when the vehicle reached the Italian Piedmont region. During the trip she had received a couple of unusual messages from her sister-in-law. At first the messages confused her. How had Julia known she would be passing by this morning, but obviously Irena had told her? There were no secrets between Marcus and Irena. Marcus could keep secrets from the Emperor, but not Irena. Then again, it was not some great state secret that she and James would be traveling to Rome, so why not stop.

  James turned from the window and asked, “Is anything wrong? I’m pretty sure Rome is a bit further south. How come we are slowing?”

  “That’s true. Rome is still a few miles south, but since I have no idea what my brother has in store for you once we arrive, so I thought we could stop for lunch. I know a nice little place in Torino. We should be there in a few minutes.” The car entered the outskirts of a large industrial city and slowed to what seemed a crawl in relation to the velocity, they had been traveling. They turned down a small side street and then onto what obviously was a residential drive.

  “This doesn’t look much like a restaurant. I thought we were going to have lunch?”

  Cassandra nodded and smiled, “I said I know a nice little place. I did not say it was a restaurant. This is my sister in-laws-house. She sent me a couple of messages while you were enjoying the Alps. She invited us for lunch. Come on, I’ll introduce y
ou, but James let’s just keep this simple. I’ll introduce you as a colleague from the Mississippian Province. Explain you have been doing fieldwork and have not kept up with current events. Does that sound reasonable?”

  James gave her a puzzled look and said, “I won’t say anything, I’ll just observe. Fair enough?”

  “Good.” She said as the bubble vanished.

  From the outside it looked much like a plain brick two story row house. A few windows facing the street and a large double door. Before they reached the front step, the doors swung open and an attractive middle-aged woman rushed up and hugged Cassandra. “It is so good to see you Cassandra. I’m so glad you stopped.”

  “It is good to see you too. It has been too long.” Cassandra said smiling and studying Julia’s face. Julia was a tall blue eyed blond, as was her sister, and although she obviously worked hard to stay in shape, her figure was beginning to reflect the advancing years. “Oh, Julia, this is Dr. James Woodman.”

  The woman curtsied slightly and said, “Nice to meet you Dr. Woodman.”

  “Please call me James. It is nice to meet you as well Julia.”

  She bowed her head slightly, turned and led Cassandra and James inside the house, through the entry and a large atrium, and out onto the enclosed patio. “It is just awful. I don’t think I have ever seen them treat Marcus like this.” Julia said obviously distressed. “I have a display set up over here. It is the feed from the Senate hearing. Have a seat and you can see for yourself.”

  A three-dimensional display was set up in the corner of the patio. It showed a desk full of Senators facing a smaller desk occupied by her brother Marcus and his Security Director Josephus. Cassandra watched for a few moments and thought to herself, it was just more of the same. She looked over at James, and was surprised to see, he seemed to be mesmerized by the spectacle. Good she thought; with him watching the show, she could focus her attention on Julia.