Blood on the Water

by Mark Hildebrandt

  Dr. Krank, looked at his shoes and softly replied, “No, both died. You must understand there was so much damage to the vital organs from the virus, destroying the virus was not enough to save them.”

  Marcus remained ebullient, but the researcher’s mood seemed to darken with the report. Finally, with his smile beginning to wane Marcus glanced first at Krank then Singh, “Why do I feel you are not telling me everything. You damn well better tell me the complete story, or I’ll have you chasing dust devils on Mars! We knew the patients were terminal, if the virus is gone why the long faces?”

  The outburst drove all the remaining color from Dr. Krank’s complexion, but after looking to Dr. Singh for support, he started again, “Dr. Vespus the excess phage tends to accumulate in the liver. It appears to interfere with hepatic function and poses a potential problem for non-terminal patients.”

  Marcus drew a deep breath before he spoke, “So the treatment works. Good, now I don’t want to hear about liver failure, I want to hear about how we get rid of the virus, and not kill healthy patients.” Turning back to Dr. Singh, “Tell me how your team is addressing this?”

  “We have a two-pronged approach. First, Dr. Armstrong is working on a method to titer low levels of virus, which will allow us to quantify the exact amount of phage to administer. If we can keep the dosage to an efficacious level, there will not be an excess to accumulate in the liver. And secondly, we are looking for an external blood filter, much like a dialysis machine.”

  After considering Singh’s words, Marcus slowly nodded his head, “That sounds like a good plan to me. Both strategies have merit, and I always like to have some redundancy built into a plan.” Marcus knew he needed to keep the pressure up, if this work were to be completed in his time frame. Regardless, they had made a breakthrough. He smiled, now all they needed to do was clean up the loose ends. “Dr. Singh, I expect you to keep moving. I want to be in a position to begin testing on a healthy patient in two weeks.”

  “Yes sir.” Singh responded, and then with a puzzled expression asked, “But what about Senate approval of the test protocol?”

  “I told you that was my concern, not yours. I am working with the appropriate agencies and we will be ready. And all I can say is you better be as well.” Marcus nodded to all three researchers, turned and left.

  ◆◆◆

  Having missed lunch, Marcus arrived at the palace, dressed in an appropriate tunic, precisely at one o’clock. Anyone seeking an audience was required to be seated in the reception hall waiting room thirty minutes prior to an appointment, making it a very familiar place to Marcus. Aside from the fact, he had been sitting in this very spot just a few days ago, it seemed much of his adult life had been spent in this room. Ten years ago, part of the Minister duties he assumed from his father were monthly update meetings with the Emperor. That coupled with the occasional unscheduled audience, added up to a lot of thirty-minute intervals over the past decade.

  At precisely one thirty the throne room door opened, two palace guards appeared and escorted Marcus to the Emperor. He was sitting in one of four low-backed brown leather chairs forming a semicircle in the corner of the room, sipping an espresso. “Marcus come in, please sit down.” He said pointing to the chair on his left. “I am so excited to hear about the cure you have developed, and in only three days. I am impressed.”

  Marcus bowed and eased into the chair. How the hell was he going to redirect the Emperors thoughts, from cure to Kukulcan, he wondered. Well it’s a good thing he had managed to get time to be briefed by Singh. Better start with the phage, unfortunately the Emperor could be a little stubborn at times, so Marcus took a discrete breath and started, “Excellency, we have proven the phage destroys the virus, in vetro, in vivo and actual patient studies.”

  Marcus paused to choose his words carefully, and in the moment of calm, Emperor Claudius boomed, “Damn it Marcus, do not start that scientific patter with me. Just get to the point. When can I announce to the world we have a cure?”

  Marcus nodded, “Of course Excellency. The phage research I described to you at our last meeting is one hundred percent effective. It kills the virus, but we have yet to work out the dosing details. I expect we should be able to announce an effective treatment in three weeks.”

  The Emperor sat back in his chair and gave Marcus a befuddled look. “That is good news Marcus, but why have you found it necessary to interrupt my schedule? An electronic note would have been sufficient, don’t you think?”

  Marcus sat up straight and cleared his throat. Now came the tricky part. He needed to have the Emperor understand the threat he was facing, and he needed to convey the message before the Emperor lost his patients. “Excellence, that is true, and an electronic message would have been appropriate, but we face an additional threat.”

  Claudius leaned back in his chair and scrutinized Marcus, “What do you mean additional threat, and to whom does we, refer?”

  Without over thinking what he needed to say Marcus began, “There is a Senator Kukulcan, who has initiated a personnel war against you and the Ministry. He has targeted my research project and is attempting to sabotage it.”

  The Emperor began to laugh softly, “Marcus you are a scientist, your scientific babble often confounds me, but you are nevertheless good at it. You are good at your job, but you are not a politician, and have no business getting involved in political matters. I suggest you go back to your laboratories, keep your head down and come back in three weeks with a cure.”

  “Excellency if only I could. I did not choose to become involved in this battle, and would gladly walk away, but if I am to return in three weeks with a cure, I need help dealing with Kukulcan.”

  Claudius pondered the words for a moment and slowly leaned forward, “Marcus we have known each other since we were small boys, and I may not have always understood you, but you rarely talked nonsense, until now that is. What you say makes no sense. If the virus is not stopped, it will kill us all, including that backwater Senator.”

  “Excellency, I agree completely, it is irrational to interfere with my research. But Kukulcan is not a rational man. He is, in my opinion, unbalanced, and will destroy my research to get at you. He will do it gladly, because he believes he is immune to the virus.”

  For the moment Claudius appeared intrigued, “I have studied this man, Kukulcan. He appears to be ambitious, true, but in reality, he is not much more than a barbarian. He doesn’t even cut his hair like a normal citizen. I have seen no irrational behavior in his political maneuverings. He appears no more unbalanced than the rest of them. Besides, I don’t see how he can have any effect on your work.”

  “Excellency, I can assure you he is trying. He has attempted to kidnap my sister. He plans to use her to force my hand, and I fear he won’t stop there; I need your help to protect my family, so I can concentrate on my work. My mind must be at peace, if we are to announce a cure in three weeks.”

  Once again, the Emperor sat and contemplated Marcus’s words, but before he could say anything, his assistant Octavius appeared standing directly in front of the two, and announced the next appointment was waiting. “Very well.” The Emperor responded. Then looked Marcus directly in the eye and said, “Marcus, I don’t have time to deal with your problems, but I will give you total Imperial authority to do whatever is necessary to finish your work. I give you permission to command any Imperial resource without question, be it Judiciary, Military or Police. Octavius prepare an Imperial Baton of Authority for Dr. Vespus.”

  “Yes Excellency.”

  “Good” The Emperor rose started to follow his assistant out of the room, but stopped, turned and glared at Marcus, “Understand this Marcus Vespus. If your actions cause any disgrace to fall on the Imperial branch, I guarantee you will regret it.

  Chapter 20

  - Not at this point in the game -

  Marcus sat admiring the baton as the vehicle speed back to the Ministry. He had programmed it to take him directly to Josephus’s
office and not the main complex. He needed to discuss this new development with his old friend as soon as possible. Marcus sat back and looked closely at the baton in his hand. He marveled how similar its appearance was to the pictures in the history books. It appeared to be nothing more than a simple, although elaborately carved, white stick about fifteen inches long and one and a half inches in diameter. Two thousand years ago, it was used as a symbol of Imperial authority. It would be given to field Generals charged with carrying out the Emperors wishes. The baton Marcus held conveyed a similar meaning, as holder of the baton, his words were those of the Emperor’s, but the modern baton also contained special transmitters to alert all police, military, security forces and systems, the holder had absolute authority. As holder, Marcus was Emperor.

  The vehicle stopped at the unremarkable three-story building, which housed the Ministry security operations. It was at the far end of the Ministry complex, and because of the distance, rarely visited by Marcus. This deserves a personal visit, Marcus thought, turning over the baton one last time. Smiling he opened his tunic and slipped it into a pocket, that might as well have been designed for the task of cradling the precious cargo.

  Josephus’s office was on the top floor and afforded a panoramic view of the clinic. Marcus often wondered why Josephus chose to look at the glass and composite buildings of the clinic, when he could have a beautiful view of Rome, if the office were moved to the other side of the building. Marcus had notified Josephus by electronic message he was on his way.

  He found Josephus giving instructions to three high-ranking security team members. Not wanting to interrupt, Marcus walked to the window where he quietly surveyed the clinic grounds, while waiting for Josephus to finish. As soon as the three were dismissed, Josephus joined Marcus at the window. “Tell me. Why did you select and office with such a view?”

  “What would you have me look at Marcus? The city of Rome? No that is not for me. This is what I wish to look at. These building represent the Ministry of Health and Environment, and that is my world now. I saw the other world during my twenty years with the Third. We traveled to every corner of this planet. Don’t misunderstand, it was beautiful, it was wonderful and full of adventure, but that is the past. Today my life is right here. Those gray composite buildings, the people in them and the work they are doing to keep the Empire safe, those are the things that are important now. By doing my job, I am protecting the view on the other side of this building.

  “So, how was your meeting with the Emperor?”

  Marcus turned to face Josephus smiled reached inside his tunic and pulled out the Imperial Baton. Neither said anything, they just looked at the object. Josephus had been Marcus’s Security Director for the ten years he had been Minister. The two had become friends over that time, and for the first time in the relationship, the expression on Josephus’s face surprised Marcus. “I thought it went pretty well, but after looking at your face, I’m not sure.”

  The words seemed to give Josephus time to regain his composure, “I heard a rumor … it appears the rumor was true.” A hint of a smile had appeared on his face, “I offer my congratulations,” then in a very somber tone he added, “and urge caution; that kind of power can be very destructive.” He turned from the window and pointed to a chair. “What are your plans?”

  Josephus’s words caused just a tinge of irritation to ripple through Marcus, but the feeling quickly passed. Josephus had become more than a Security Chief; he was also a friend. His words emanated from that friendship, nothing else. “Thank you, and I will heed your words. I am certain, after having spent my entire life in the shadow of power, I can wield it for the betterment of mankind, and not just me and my family.” The two sat in facing chairs.

  “Now down to business. We need to launch a counter attack against Kukulcan. He cannot be allowed to think he controls game. Have you found anything useful regarding his son or two daughters?”

  “I think I have. His son, and to a lesser degree both daughters, are active in a Mayan group called ‘The Morning Star’. The group is borderline subversive and has been under police surveillance for some time. Kukulcan’s son, Chac, is one of group’s highest-ranking leaders.” While Josephus talked, Marcus leaned back in the chair looked at the ceiling, and carefully considered every word he heard. “The group,” Josephus continued, “has to date avoided detention by claiming it is a religion. They claim, not to be a threat to Rome, but then talk of the world being remade at the end of something called the ‘long count’. There is no official ‘Morning Star’ document explaining how the rebirth happens, but it does seem clear, Rome is not going to be part of the new Mayan order.”

  “I think that is it, Josephus.” Marcus said with the corners of his mouth turning just slightly into a smile, “I think it is time we round up ‘The Morning Star’s’, leader and hold him for questioning. If he has been under observation, then the detention should not be a complete surprise. I suspect the timing, however, will send the desired message to Kukulcan, don’t you?”

  “Yes sir. I agree and have already alerted the Police in Ushmal.”

  Marcus’s upturned grin had transformed into a full smile. “Josephus I’ll never be able to keep up with you, oh wait a minute. I think we should also collect Chac’s wife, don’t you?”

  “I hadn’t planned to.”

  “Well I think we should. If it comes down to it, it will be tit for tat; Cassandra and James for Chac and his wife.”

  “I will make it so.”

  “Excellent Josephus. Please make sure the two are not harmed, just detained.”

  “Anything else sir?”

  Marcus was still contemplating the ceiling, and certainly feeling better about the situation. He would be able to go home and explain to Irena everything humanly possible was being done to protect Cassandra.

  Thinking Marcus hadn’t heard him Josephus repeated, “Do you suggest any other actions sir?”

  “Nothing just yet, but I do think, we should keep the two daughters under discreet observation. I don’t want them to disappear. If my family is out in the open for all to see, then I think Kukulcan’s should be as well.”

  Josephus nodded, “They already are.”

  “Oh, and one other thing. Can you please increase the protection around the villa? I want to make sure it will be damn difficult for him get to Irena and the kids.”

  “I doubled the protection this morning”

  Marcus sat up straight and leveled his gaze on Josephus, and tried his best to give his friend a piercing stare, “Why do you bother to ask me a question? Because you already know what my answer will be and have already taken the appropriate action. Do you do that, just to fool me into thinking I’m in charge around here?”

  This time it was Josephus turn to smile, “Oh Dr. Vespus, everyone knows you are in charge around here.” He said with only a slight hint of sarcasm but grinning from ear to ear.

  “Yeah, everyone.” Marcus said. “I’m going home where there is no question, I’m not in charge. Give me a call in the morning when Cassandra is on the boat.”

  “Certainly Marcus, have a good night.”

  ◆◆◆

  It was six thirty and still full daylight when Marcus arrived home and found his two children playing in front of the house. He couldn’t help but think summer is the best time of year. Smiling, he got out of the car and was mobbed by the pair. Titus was pulling him in the direction of the make shift goal and pleading with him to play keeper. Verina on the other hand, had a different idea, and wanted him to join her in the tree house. He finally gave up, and plopped down on the ground with the two, for a three way-wrestling match. They were all three laughing and giggling rolling around in the grass, and he figured much to momma’s chagrin, getting plenty dirty.

  The fun lasted for quite a while before Irena appeared in the doorway, and announced it was time for the children to eat and get their baths. The words were met with a chorus of moans, but all three knew arguing would only make t
hings worse. The children ran off with two of the servants while Marcus walked over kissed Irena on the cheek, looked into her eyes, and said, “Let’s talk.”

  They walked through the Atrium and out on to the patio and sat on a comfortable couch facing the fountain. A servant brought a cocktail for Marcus and glass of red wine for Irena and set them on the table. Marcus looked at Irena and started, “Irena, I’m sorry. You are far more important to me than I will ever be able to put into words. I never meant to exclude you from anything. I can tell you why I did, but I don’t have any excuses. Fear for you, fear for the children, and fear of losing you drove my actions.”

  Irena frowned at him, “Please don’t try to tell me that after all these years you don’t know me any better than that. We have had disagreements. That’s normal; sometimes a fight is necessary to clear the air. But this one; this one was the worst. Because when you excluded me, and pushed me away, you hurt me, and that hurt will take time to dissipate. I may make your life miserable for a while, but I’m not going to leave you. You are stuck with me till the end.

  “Now weather we spend the rest of our lives exchanging nothing but two-word sentences, or if we try to get back to the way we were, it is up to you. You can either begin by including me, or you can walk away. Which will it be?”

  “Irena, you are important to me, and I want us to be the way we were, the way we have always been.”

  “Fair enough, that is what I want as well, so go ahead. Tell me what the hell is going on.”

  Marcus took a sip of his drink to wet his lips, “I’m locked in a battle with a madman. His actions are unpredictable. He is powerful, and I fear he can do almost anything to get at me, including hurting you and the children. I was afraid if I told you, you would insist on taking them someplace far away from Rome and leave me to battle this lunatic alone. I need you with me, you keep me in balance, I cannot win without you. Yet I cannot avoid this battle. He plans to destroy the Emperor and the Empire, and he must be stopped.” Marcus watched as a look of apprehension and anger appeared on Irena’s face. He needed to find the proper words to draw her to him and not drive them apart. “I excluded you because I didn’t want you to worry, not because I didn’t trust you, and not because I don’t need you. I need you like no other, and you are the only person in the world I truly trust.” His words were heart felt, and he knew his expression conveyed it.”