by Brandon Barr
Pike had been absolved of his crimes without paying the price of shame, without going to those he’d hurt and asking for their forgiveness.
It was all very confusing.
“Can he be changed back?” Aven asked.
“Yes, if we ever return him to his old life, he’ll be changed back, and the new memories will be replaced with the real ones. Although I’m told we can soften him, so that if he returns, he’ll be slightly less the monster he was before.”
A sudden shudder ran through the ship. Aven turned toward the pilot’s window. They had stopped right next to one of the buildings. The pinpoint lights he’d seen from far away glowed brightly through large, round windows.
“We’ve docked,” said Rueik.
Karience ran her hands down her white cloak and straightened herself. “You’ll soon be meeting the other Guardians. They’re anxious to greet you. Come.” She waved for them to
follow.
Winter’s fingers tapped on Aven’s as they left the bridge. You don’t feel bad for him… do you?
I don’t know how to feel.
I’m glad, she tapped. The past is erased.
Erased. The back of Aven’s neck tingled at the thought. Winter squeezed his hand. He put his arm around her as they followed Karience. Where was he going? Where was Winter taking him?
Chapter Seven
WINTER
The hallway inside the large bubble structure was brightly lit, as if pieces of the sun had been captured and placed in strips that ran along the walls.
Winter soaked it in. The lights. The strange edgeless architecture of circles and soft corners and rounded seams. Beautiful. Simple. For a girl who had lived in a hovel underground, it was exotic, bordering on unreal. She found herself wondering what the forests and wild lands of these master builders looked like. So much had happened today, so fast. She’d seen the ocean for the first time, the breathtaking color of the vast water, the shore lined with cliffs. She experienced a yearning to put her feet down upon that shore and see it up close. The view from the starship was grand, but it robbed one of hearing the sounds and smelling the aromas that were woven into the beauty of that space.
She sighed at the recollection of the many places she’d spotted from up high that she would have loved to explore. Even here, underwater, there was so much to take in.
As Karience led them, Winter noticed just how exquisite her shining gray hair was, twisted around almost as if it were a queen’s crown. She looked about fifty years old, but her graceful movements were that of a younger woman, so full of life and purpose.
“This is our undersea home, if we should ever need to live here again. It was built when we first arrived, before we moved into Anantium, your Royal City,” she said.
A series of large portholes appeared as they continued down the hallway. Outside, in the bluish-green of the murky water, were long, silver fish hovering above a rock outcropping. The rocks were covered by orange and red reedy plants. Kelp. A few smaller fish darted in and out of the underwater plants, which swayed slightly in the current. And this overwhelming beauty was everywhere, surrounding them.
Winter wanted to stop and stand there all day, just staring at the mysterious sights of the sea.
“We keep the starship down here,” continued Karience. “That’s a standard on the primworlds. Can’t have the scientifically inclined getting too much of a look at the mechanics.”
Scientifically. Mechanics.
The words became clear to her. Scientifically was a word describing how one studied the behavior of nature to find patterns and predictability, and use what was found to explain consistently why and how things work as they do. Mechanics was simply a word for how things worked. The knowledge thrilled her. She loved how it seeped into her thoughts so effortlessly. Karience had described the care the Guardians took not to advance the primitive worlds, and Winter sensed the VOKK aiding her in understanding why that should be. It could kill their dignity, make them feel as if they were inferior, make them resentful. It would steal the joy of discovery and leave them with a sense that they would always be standing on the shoulders of another, and never on their own two feet.
Winter understood this caution, but tasted none of the resentment. The VOKK was exhilarating!
Karience ushered them in to a small, round room with a waist-high metal bar running around the perimeter.
“Hold tight,” said Rueik.
“And prepare for some of your internal organs to shift about,” said Arentiss. “Some people are not agitated by the sensation, but if your biological makeup is similar to mine, you may experience the acute need to vomit.”
Biological. Acute. Winter soaked the words in.
Rueik snorted and looked at Winter, then her brother. “You’ll be fine. Arentiss feels like puking when she runs too fast.”
“That’s not true,” said Arentiss. “He is contriving a joke without basis in reality. A habit of the intellectually lazy. I have never vomited while running. And having observed his lack of an exercise routine, I’d hypothesize that I could utterly defeat him in a foot race.”
Rueik grabbed the metal bar with an air of exasperation. “Utterly defeated? Truly?”
Winter grabbed the bar with both hands.
“If this makes you uncomfortable,” said Karience, “count to thirty as fast as you can and it will be over. Ready? Transport.”
A humming sound began, and then the room began moving upwards at such a speed that she thought she might fall to the floor. She gripped the bar like it was the edge of a cliff. Arentiss was right, her insides were shifting about. It was an uncomfortable sensation. She looked over and saw Arentiss staring at the floor, face as white as cow’s milk. Behind her, Rueik was watching, relaxed, a glint of humor in his eyes.
And then, abruptly, the room slowed and stopped.
Still gripping the bar, Winter felt her innards settle back into place.
Aven took her hand, and they followed Karience out of the moving room.
You all right? tapped Aven.
My stomach dropped through my feet, tapped Winter.
Aven smiled then tapped, I thought I was going to be crushed to the floor.
Winter smiled, relieved to see Aven in such good humor. How are you feeling about…today? Everything?
Aven tapped, I don’t like this.
Winter hesitated. I’m not forcing you to follow me.
She waited a moment, but felt the tension in his fingers and added, I want you to be happy, but I can’t be the sister you want me to be. I’m on a different road than you would choose.
I know that, tapped Aven. I’m not talking about that.
What, then?
The Guardians. We need to be cautious.
Why?
They have so much power. What they did to Pike. What they know about us. The thing they put in our brains—the VOKK. It’s too much control. It reminds me of the Baron and the Watch.
Winter winced. Her brother’s concerns were real, but she didn’t like the conclusion. Power was dangerous, but in the right hands it didn’t have to be. Wasn’t that what the Guardians were: an example of power used for good, to bring peace to endangered worlds?
This power feels different, she tapped.
Maybe that’s because it’s craftier, hidden behind a mask.
She knew she shouldn’t be annoyed by her brother’s caution, but she was. He didn’t trust the Makers, and she couldn’t expect him to. He didn’t have the peace she had. She was chosen, she was in the middle of the Makers’ plan, so she was free to follow without fear.
I’m willing to withhold judgment, tapped Winter, and I promise to be cautious.
Aven seemed like he wouldn’t respond, his fingers stiff in hers. Finally he tapped, All right.
It was good enough for Winter. She knew he wasn’t all right, but maybe time would change that.
Karience stopped at an enormous metal door and voiced a command. The door opened in four pieces that slid ba
ck, disappearing into the wall.
“The transporter has taken us from the sea port up to the top of the Guardian Tower,” said Karience. “It’s time for you to meet our Guardian Missionaries here on Loam.”
As Winter crossed the threshold, she noticed four Guardians waiting for them on the other side, at the center of a large, undecorated room. Each was clothed in the same white, fitted shirt and loose white pants, on their right breast the starship bursting through a shattered sword. Three of the Guardians had the same white-red-black sigil beside the starship, just as Arentiss and Rueik had, indicating they were Missionaries. Winter was attracted to the title and wondered what kind of missions they were on.
The fourth man wore a different sigil. Green-red-green. He looked older than Karience, with more creases around his mouth and deeper lines beneath his eyes. His skin was almost as dark as Karience’s, but there was a reddish quality about it, as if a shading of crimson was stirred into the dark paint that made up his skin. He was not as handsome as Karience was beautiful, but the disposition of his face was that of an old warrior, full of stories and wisdom.
It was on this man’s shoulder that Karience rested her hand. “Welcome to your new home,” said Karience. “This is my warden. These three men and women, along with Rueik and Arentiss, make up the total number of Guardian Missionaries here on Loam. I’ll let them introduce themselves, starting with my warden.”
The man stepped forward. “My name is Nephitus. I oversee the men and women of the Shield Force. We monitor all travel coming and going through the portal. This tower has twelve levels. Below you are nine levels belonging to the Shield Force and to Loam’s security personnel. There are Emissary quarters amongst the Shield Force members, but Karience tells me you’ll be staying here, on these upper three levels with the Missionaries. Far too much energy and youth for my tastes,” he said with a slight grin. “I have had the privilege of serving as warden on another world that achieved full chartered protection under our order, and I hope to live to see the day your world achieves this end.” Nephitus bowed and stepped back into place beside Karience.
The next person in line stepped forward. She was a short, round-faced girl, her dark hair falling down her head in short curved strands, curling just under her jaw line where it was cut in a straight line. Winter thought she looked only a little older than herself, and she noticed that her skin was almost the same leafy brown as hers, but was distinctly lighter.
“Welcome,” said the girl, then stopped, a questioning look in her eyes. “Pardon me, Karience, but I thought there were three Emissaries coming?”
“Pike is with the physician on the ship. His memory had to be wiped, as you all know. After he recovers, I’ll bring him to meet each of you.” She nodded for the round-faced girl to continue.
“I want to welcome you both to our order, Aven and Winter. My name is Daeymara. I’m a Missionary in C-group along with these two on my left. I come from an upworld world very different from yours, so if you ever feel out of place, it’s alright. Come and ask me any questions you want. I won’t bite.”
She stepped back, and a sturdy man on her left stepped forward. He was a mix of youth with a mature face, probably close in age to Arentiss. Muscled arms and neck protruded from his white shirt, reminiscent of Gray Bear, only this man’s head was hairless. She’d never seen anyone so young with a bald head. Had he some disease? Or was this normal where he came from? Perhaps he had cut it off? She couldn’t help thinking of a giant potato when she looked at his head. His complexion was potato-like, a blotch of dark brown freckles dotting his very fair skin. If not for the strangeness of his naked head, he would have been uniquely handsome, like Rueik.
“My name is Hark. I’m a Missionary in C-Group.” He folded his arms across his chest, the fitted white shirt strained to accommodate his muscles. “Like Daeymara said, welcome. I hear you come from a sape farm. Your berries work wonders on my intestines. I’ve never had such good shits in my life.”
Most of the Guardians laughed. Even Karience held a smirk on her lips.
“I come from a mining colony called Beryllium Hole. Lived on the same floating space rocks all my life. Then two years ago I joined Karience and her team here, and if she’ll pardon my bragging about her, she’s a damn smart leader. Surpasses all the crew captains I worked for in the mine pits.”
Hark stepped back in line.
“You’re in good company,” said the girl beside Hark, the last in line to introduce herself. “I am Zoecara. On my home world, my name means ‘pretty weed.’ As I see it, weeds can fit in almost anywhere, and so can I. There are many cultures amongst us, but don’t let that be a wall. You can be open here. We here are like a family, but better. I know that sounds strange, but it’s true. Everyone here has passed the rigorous psych tests. Everyone here is stable, competent, thoughtful, and intelligent. And we have a common purpose.”
Winter observed Zoecara’s hands. They moved gracefully as she talked, in harmony with her words. Even the movement of her head and her shoulders had a soft, slow rhythm to it. And she was very pretty. Her skin was a mix of gold and bronze, and her dark lashes made her grayish-violet eyes even more captivating. Everything about her face and body had balance, smoothness.
“I want to assure you that, though we will befriend Pike when he recovers, we won’t forget who he used to be. We saw the report and know why he needed a brain wipe. Your Baron probably thought he’d have a spy in our ranks, the bastard. I don’t know if that makes you feel better, but if I were in your place, I’d want to know others would never forget his true nature.”
Zoecara’s lips pinched into a small, reassuring smile, then she stepped back into line with the others.
“Thank you,” said Karience. “I think Winter and Aven have had just about the fullest day one could possibly endure. Their land baron, Rhaudius, as Zoecara alluded to, is the worst kind of Royal oink you could imagine. I had to use the good night device aboard the ship and then, afterwards, negotiated with the ass for Winter and Aven’s lives.”
“Do you expect him to cause trouble in the quorums?” Nephitus asked.
Karience raised an eyebrow. “I’d be surprised if he could. I talked to some of the Royals prior to the mission. King Darmelion made it seem that his reputation preceded him in most circles. Princess Liyza wrinkled her nose the moment I mentioned his name. I think the majority of Royals have enough good sense to humor his complaints but ultimately do nothing. I already sent a report to the Magnus Empyrean, just in case there is trouble. I have to catch up with Alael about Pike. Nephitus, I’m sure you’re needed back at the God’s Eye.” She glanced at Winter and Aven. “I’ll leave you in the hands of our Missionary enclave. They can show you to your quarters. I’m certain you are near exhaustion.”
The moment Karience turned to leave, Winter felt Arentiss' hand on her arm. “If I can separate you from your brother, I’d be glad to show you your room.”
Winter hadn’t realized how tired she was until Karience mentioned it. She was full of questions and anticipation of what was to come, but her eyes ached for rest. She lamented the loss of the cozy tree nooks and grassy knolls that dotted the woods around her farm. A bed would do, though.
“Thank you, Arentiss. I am tired.”
Aven was already in conversation with Hark, so Winter tapped him goodbye.
See you when I wake?
What? tapped Aven with a smile. We’re not asleep? I thought this was a dream.
Chapter Eight
ZOECARA
“Kiss me. Again,” said Zoecara. “Harder.”
Rueik’s eyes were soft. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“That’s impossible. You’re too sweet to hurt anyone. Now kiss me like I want!”
He dug his lips into hers, pressing her hard against the wall. Zoecara drank it in. It was good. Good enough. She wished he would scratch all her itches.
After a long while, he finally pulled away for breath. She pressed her forehead to hi
s shoulder.
“That was good,” she said in a long breath. “I wish you would…you know. Finish me.” She sighed. “I want it. I want you.”
He lifted her chin with a finger, and looked into her eyes. Whatever thoughts were smoldering behind those green eyes, they were unreadable, not necessarily born of lust. She gritted her teeth in frustration. Prim cultures bred such strange moral qualms, and the sexual ones were really especially annoying.
She needed to back down. She had pushed him too hard again.
“I’m sorry,” she said in a penitent whisper. “I lost myself in the moment.”
Rueik kissed her softly on the forehead. “I love you.” His eyes looked remorseful as he ran a strong hand under her jawline and up the side of her cheek, brushing her ear. “One day, after our missions, I promise I’ll wed you. You will be mine, and I will be yours. Until then, we need to be patient.”
Sometimes she wondered if he wasn’t the one controlling their relationship, and not the other way around. But every time they were alone he said he loved her. And she’d found that devoted love was better than mere sex, when it came to getting someone to do what you wanted.
“I found something for you. Something you’ve been wanting.” She retrieved a small device from a pocket in her uniform.
“Impossible!” said Rueik. “How did you get it?”
“Don’t ask,” she said with a smirk. “Now you can study the physician craft, without waiting another year to get approved. It’s the physicians’ complete manual, everything from brain wipes to broken arms, with instructions for using the different devices.”
Rueik took the screenbook and held it up. “You’re amazing. You know what this means to me? I’m holding a dream in my hands.”
“I know how much you want to make a difference in people’s lives. You’ll make a wonderful physician, Rueik. And I’ve been busy with other acquisitions today. Good things come in pairs.”