Blood on the Water

by Mark Hildebrandt

  “Why did your people cut down all the trees? That doesn’t make much sense.”

  James nodded his head, “For the most part it happed long ago. But once something is done it is difficult to undo. This is the area where the Europeans first settled. The trees were cut down for timber. In my universe, this area is known as northern Virginia, and millions of people live within fifty miles of here. I’m surprised there are no large cities here in your world.”

  “That’s odd.” She said, “There have never been large cities in this area. When the Empire arrived on these shores, there was very little evidence of civilization along the coast, just small almost semi nomadic bands living in these great woods. The Empire was looking for food not trees, and that plus a rudimentary civilization is what was found in the center of the province. The Mississippian culture was well established, and vast fertile plains extended further than anyone could imagine in all directions. The plains were just what we needed to grow the food the Empire demanded. As a result, all the major population centers are to be found in the middle of the continent. People settled where there was work, farming, processing, and food distribution. A few large communities developed on the coast north of here to take advantage of the abundant fish stocks, but not much around here. Oh, wait a minute, there are also several large cities in the mountains just west of here, and south on the coast. They grew and flourished when the Empire needed coal and liquid hydrocarbons to fuel growth. Of course, that ended long ago with the practical development of fusion technology, consequently those cities quit expanding long ago.”

  “Your history is so different from the one I know,” he said taking her hands. Then with a quick kiss, “Come on let’s see the lake.”

  Cassandra smiled, “Well that’s fine, but you go first. I want to be able to get out of the way if you fall.”

  They walked at a comfortable pace occasionally exchanging short anecdotes for about two hours. It was an invigorating walk. The tall trees obscured the sun, so they hiked in the cool shade. About noon the trail opened onto a lake, although very large pond was probably a better description. James pointed to a clear spot near the water but still in the shade of the forest trees, and suggested they sit. “That is an excellent idea.” She answered, “I could use some water.” The shade was cool and so was the water. Cassandra grabbed the knapsack. “Hmm, looks like we have some bread, cheese, fruit and smoked meat. Are you hungry?”

  “Not really. That was a pretty big breakfast. I’ll just have one of the apples”

  It was a beautiful day, and while sitting in the shade looking at the water, they once again began telling each other stories of growing up, school, family the kind of stuff two people relish hearing in a new relationship. During the middle of one of James tails, Cassandra developed a large schoolgirl grin. The smile must have been unnerving because James stopped. He obviously knew the story was not supposed to be funny, and asked, “What is it?”

  Cassandra slowly moved closer to him and with the smile undiminished whispered, “Why don’t we take off our clothes and go swimming?” She was pleased to see James begin to smile as well, but it quickly faded. “What’s wrong she asked? It would be fun.”

  “Nothing’s wrong. I thought you were whispering so no one would hear us, but that’s not it is it?”

  “What do you mean hear us? There is no one anywhere near us.”

  “You must be losing your touch. Optio and the Decum are all around us.”

  Becoming somewhat flustered she said, “Now wait a minute. Optio sent the men on stealth training, besides I would know if they were around. I’ve always been able to pick them out of a crowd anywhere in the world.”

  “Like I said you must be slipping. Because I think Optio’s stealth training could use some work. Look over at that tree,” he said pointing, “I believe that is Atticus behind it. And over there in that rhododendron bush, I think that is Corvin. If you give me a few minutes, I think I can spot all of them. I counted seven following us, although Optio didn’t come close very often.”

  She looked, and sure enough every place James pointed, she could see one of the legionaries. She must be losing her touch, she thought, and finally gave up and called out to the Decum to come join them. Optio explained he was trying to teach his men to execute their job, without the use of sensors, only eyes, ears and nose. “Obviously,” he said, “They needed work.” The nine of them sat and talked and laughed, for most of the afternoon. Finally, she decided enough was enough and leaned over and whispered to James, “Maybe the lake was not the best of ideas, but I know the shower in my room back at the villa is private. What do you say we go back and get wet? My back feels a bit dirty.” Once again James began smiling, and Cassandra could tell this was not the kind of smile that precedes laughter, but the kind that comes in anticipation of a long-awaited treat.

  The walk back to the villa became a something of game with the legionaries trying to approach without being seen while Cassandra and James tried to spot them as far away as possible. Back inside the confines of the villa, the team went to the military quarters, and Cassandra found the shower was filled with even more sensual pleasure than she had anticipated during long the walk back from the pond. And as the next few days unfolded, she discovered physical and emotional pleasures never dreamed possible. The days were spent hiking, swimming, relaxing and talking nonstop with James. And the nights, well she did find a little time for sleeping. For the first time, she could ever remember, she was truly happy. It was better than the best vacation she ever had, and she did not want it to end.

  Then it came, the call from Marcus. All the fuel had been synthesized and would be delivered to her laboratory in three days. He had gotten most of James test results compiled but need to recheck a couple of items. The Senate was shut down and most members have left on summer recess, leaving Kukulcan powerless for the time being. He would send a ship to pick them up tomorrow, fly them to Rome, for a couple of days, then on to London. She would be able to keep her promise and send James home.

  Chapter 32

  - A lab rat -

  James felt a flood of emotions engulf him as he sat looking at Cassandra during the flight back to Rome. The emotions were intense and disparate, but they all had one thing in common, adrenalin. One minute his heart would be racing from fears of being blown into thousands of tiny pieces from one of those magnetic rifles, and the next, fear buried long ago of hospitals, and the knowledge that was his destination. And there was Cassandra, what a beautiful woman he thought, and smiled brightly when she turned to look at him. She returned his smile, gently stroked his hand, and once again directed her gaze out the window. That smile released every bit as much adrenalin as any of the other thoughts, but it was accompanied by something else. He felt butterflies in his stomach, he felt light headed, and he felt his heart race all at the same time. No sooner than he attempted to understand the feelings, she evoked, then reality whatever that was, crowed its way into his mind. This always was an impossible relationship, and its demise was inevitable from the beginning. How could he reconcile the fact that she felt like his true kindred spirit when they were never supposed to meet? They were born and lived in completely different universes. Had it not been for her experiments, they would have never known of the others existence. James had once told her, ‘one cannot predict the future,’ and that was still true. He didn’t know what would happen, would he ultimately make it to London without being captured or killed by this Kukulcan, and once there was her experiment even reversible. Wow, now there’s a thought he grimaced. Suppose the machine dumps me in the wrong dimension, then what. Maybe it would be best to stay here.

  He thought about that. Stay in this crazy mixed up world. There is no doubt it has been a great adventure, and he didn’t owe anyone anything in his world. He had no emotional ties, and there is still so much to learn. When he realized he was still staring at Cassandra, he also realized for the first time since his mother, and subsequently his father died; he did have
something to lose.

  The plane landed at the same military airstrip they had departed from, and although it had been only a few hands full of days, it seemed like a lifetime had passed. A standard computer operated limousine met the plane and whisked Cassandra, James and the remnants of Optio’s Decum to Marcus’s hospital.

  Once in the Ministry, Optio left his men in the main reception area while he, Cassandra and James were wished off to Marcus’s office. They were met in the office reception area by a tall attractive woman. “Dr. Vespus and Dr. Woodman, I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Aeliana I’m Dr. Vespus new assistant. He has been waiting for you. I’ll announce your arrival.”

  No sooner had Aeliana keyed the intercom then Marcus appeared at the office door, “Cassandra! Oh God it is good to see you safe.” He embraced her reiterating how pleased he was she was home, then turned and nodded to James and Optio. “Please come into my office.” He said as he led the way. “Aeliana. See that we are not disturbed.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Once inside with the door closed, he pointed to the comfortable chairs facing his desk, and while he took his seat, said in a calm voice, “Please sit. We should talk.” Cassandra and James were seated while Optio remained standing at parade rest near the door. Marcus again urged Optio to sit, but he declined preferring to stand.

  “Cassandra that Senator is insane, I can’t believe he tried to use you, my own flesh and blood to get at me. I’m so glad you were able to escape.”

  James noticed Cassandra’s face grimace, while she took a deep cleansing breath, and then let it out. “Oh, stop it Marcus! The Senator wasn’t using us to get at you. He came after us for a reason. Now I want you to tell me why. I want you to tell me what is going on, and not just the high points, I want all the detail, including what the hell you are up to.”

  “Cassandra, I’m not sure I know what you mean.” Marcus responded sitting back in his chair obviously flustered by her outburst.

  “Marcus when we left, all you told me was, the war between the Senate and Emperor was worse than it has ever been. That you had just discovered your assistant Quintus was a spy, feeding the Senate classified Ministry information. That Senator Kukulcan was a madman and prepared to destroy the Empire. And that James and my research were crucial to the survival of Empire and the Vespus line. Now I want you to tie all these disparate facts together so a dumb physicist like me can understand them.”

  James watched Cassandra and could almost see her blood pressure increase. The amount of controlled rage surprised him. Most of it, must have been building since the call yesterday at the lodge, and that would explain why she has been so solemn. God help Marcus if he doesn’t answer her questions, because as James knew, this was her world, and she was aware how to get what she wanted.

  Marcus sat back in his chair and towered his hands. “Very well, but this might take quite some time, and I thought that was to be our ‘family discussion.’

  “Marcus, this is our discussion, and as far as James and Optio are concerned, I have no secretes from them. I have learned they can be trusted, perhaps more than anyone else.” James noticed Marcus flinch ever so slightly at the last comment, and the insinuation she could trust James and Optio more than her brother.

  “Very well, but I’m not sure where to begin.” He said in resignation.

  “I don’t mean to be flippant,” Cassandra said, “But how about at the beginning?”

  “Yes of course.” He paused looking at the ceiling as if for some divine inspiration, “I think it started when I was summonsed to an audience with Emperor Claudius. He threatened me, Irena, the children, you and every other Vespus if I did not develop a cure for the virus quickly.”

  Marcus spent the next hour discussing in minute detail his encounters with Kukulcan, and the Senator’s threats to the family. All of which could be easily avoided, according to the Senator, if Marcus betrayed the Emperor and delayed the viral research. He spoke of Kukulcan’s apparent insanity, believing he would be instrumental in the overthrow of the Empire. And he told of Chac, Kukulcan’s son and his involvement in the Morning Star religion. A disgusting heathen sect that condones and practices human sacrifice. Then he moved to the Quintus affair, and the fact that no place in the Empire or Imperial branch of government was safe from Kukulcan’s spies. Finally, he got to his viral research and the phage. Marcus explained how the phage was scientifically engineered to destroy the virus. He discussed the human experiments, and the success they had had removing all traces of the virus in tertiary phase patients, patients that were now virus free. He told how his researchers had developed a quantitative viral titer that can be used to determine exactly how much phage vaccine needs to be given to destroy the virus. He finished by saying “The cure works. We have a vaccine.”

  When he stopped, Marcus was smiling; Cassandra was not. James could sense her iteration, and because he had not addressed her main question, the one involving him, James was becoming irritated as well. She glanced at James, only for a moment, but long enough to convey her displeasure then turned back to Marcus, “Marcus, I’m extremely glad you have identified a cure, but you have yet to answer my question. Why were James and my research so vital?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I seemed to have neglected that aspect of the viral research.” He said innocently looking from one to the other, “You see we were at an extreme disadvantage, because everyone on the planet, or in the solar system for that matter, has the virus. It was critical to our work to have an uninfected control sample for several reasons. Your research was my only opportunity to procure tissue samples from a non-infected person, and James was exactly what we needed. The Lab work we conducted when he was last here conclusively showed he was not infected and had never been as evidenced by the lack of viral antibodies. We collected tissue samples and used those to study and document transmission pathways, and more importantly the effect of the phage on non-infected systems. It was the last thing we needed to complete the vaccine, and now that we are done, it is time to send James home.”

  James felt a sinking feeling in his stomach at the word home. He suspected Cassandra did as well, but all she did was nod her head. Then in a voice dripping with irritation, say to Marcus, “So that is it? That is the only reason you needed James? That is the only reason the Ministry funded my research? To obtain a damn laboratory control sample.”

  “Yeah, that’s about it. I’m sorry for all the confusion, but until I knew we had a cure I couldn’t allow any thing to happen to either of you, because if our samples, here in the lab were damaged I needed James to collect more. And you must remember, Kukulcan would have gladly killed both of you to stop me from developing a cure in time to save the Emperor. So, you see, that is how you both tie into all of this, and that’s why we no longer need James and we can send him home.”

  Cassandra reached over and took James hand and squeezed it. That was the first sign of affection she had shown all day, and James relished the touch. He knew he would miss it. She turned back to Marcus, “Well I need to check my notes, but as I recall we still have a couple of days before the dimensions line up. I promised James a tour of our vineyard, so I think we will go to Tuscany. Will you make certain the fuel is delivered?”

  “Certainly, but you can’t leave yet. I would like to have James stay overnight and have some tests repeated. You will be able to leave about midday tomorrow. Will that be okay?”

  When Cassandra looked at him, James knew the panic was showing on his face. It was a completely involuntary reaction, but he could also see in her expression complete understanding, and acceptance. She smiled at him and once again squeezed his hand. “Very well Marcus, under one condition. I will stay with him.”

  The office door opened, but before Marcus could fuss with Aeliana, Josephus walked in. Marcus at first appeared irritated by the interruption, but the sight of Josephus had a calming effect. “Josephus, we were just about finished. I’ll be right with you.” He turned back to Cassandra, “If you
wish to stay here with him, that will not be a problem. I’m sure we can accommodate both of you. I’ll have Aeliana tend to it.”

  James had no idea how Marcus had summonsed his assistant, but not more than thirty seconds later, she was standing in the doorway. She looked briefly at everyone then said, “Yes sir. What can I do for you?”

  “Please assign Dr. Woodman to one of the Senatorial suites, and make it one of the large ones, because Dr. Vespus will be staying with him. I want to have some tests conducted and will send the relevant request electronically to the appropriate labs. I want you to keep everything in that temporary file you started last week, same ID number.”

  “Yes sir. Give me a minute to make the arrangements and I’ll be right back.” The attractive assistant turned and disappeared.

  The dread of being in a hospital had started to settle on James, but when he looked at Cassandra and she gently squeezed his hand, it immediately waned. He decided if she were here with him, he would make it. Hell, it couldn’t be any worse than being shot at with one of those super powerful magnetic guns. He took a breath and settled back into the chair. A few moments later Aeliana returned and led them to the suite while Optio remained with Marcus and Josephus. Marcus explained the three had a few things to discuss. “As soon as we are done, I’ll show the Optio down to your room, but I don’t think you will need a body guard while in the clinic.”

  ◆◆◆

  The suite was not the one he stayed in during his first visit. This was one was larger, and in addition to a spacious sitting area, with a beautiful view of the city, it had two large beds. As soon as Aeliana left and the door closed, Cassandra slid into his arms, and the two kissed with a need that far exceed simple passion. It was interrupted with an announcement that a laboratory technician was at the door and needed to collect some samples. Cassandra opened the door for the technician. He requested James sit in one of the chairs, wrapped his arm with something thick and cumbersome and then began waving a sensor of some sort over James’s extremities. “Do you know what is going on?” James asked Cassandra.