Archangel of the Fallen

by Devin Lee Carlson

  No other choice and at his wit’s end, Sabree called for his wingman. “Brian, I need your help.”

  In no time, Brian appeared on the beach, ready to ignite Spitfire if need be. “What’s wrong?” His eyes widened at the site of the cabana. “Where’s Ariane?” Both brows wiggled up and down. “Nice digs.”

  “She locked me out of the honeymoon suite. Wailing like a banshee.”

  “What’d you do?” Brian shoulders slumped. Spitfire flipped back into the carry-all stone.

  “How dare you insinuate I’ve done something wrong. I’ve been a gentleman all day. Poured on the romance. No matter what I do, she hates it here. Must be pregnancy hormones run amok.” Sabree raised his hands. “Well, do something.”

  “Back in a flash.”

  While waiting, Sabree opened the mini fridge and pulled out a bottle of sweet red. He inserted the cork in a slot on the front door. A press of the button sent a bottle opener to work. No need for a glass, he drank from the bottle. Could Speedy Gonzales escape Ariane’s rat trap? He hoped so.

  First bottle drained, he grabbed another and paced back and forth around the bed. What a nightmare this honeymoon turned out to be. Sabree slammed into Brian when he popped in front of him. “Merde!” Wine discolored his white shirt. “Even trains have a warning bell. What did she say? Does she forgive me?”

  “Got an earful,” Brian said. “That’s for sure. Brian this, Brian that, on and on about me.” His darting eyes glanced about before he sat next to Sabree on the bed. “Don’t get any ideas.”

  Sabree chuckled. “So, I spoke too much about you.”

  “You blew it.” Brian stared ahead at the ocean.

  Sabree set his gaze on the coast. The sky dark and the beach lights turned off, the outer rim of the Milky Way splayed across the horizon. “You’re the one thing Ariane and I have in common. What else could we talk about? Something must be bothering her.”

  “Aye right, Einstein,” Brian said, his tone riddled with sarcasm. “Heaps of things.” He patted Sabree’s knee. “She complained about it being too lonely here without other guests. Creepy even. Too many robots interfering with the natural beauty of the island. Worst of all, you refused to open up to her. She knows nothing about you.” Brian took the bottle from Sabree and swigged the rest. “You both jumped the gun. Got married before you even knew each other’s birthday. Wham bam, thank you ma’am.”

  “It’s not like that. It all happened so fast, she wanted me, I wanted her. Ariane behaved as if she had known me for years. Those strange memories she shared with the future Ariane influenced her decisions. I don’t understand how.”

  “Anti-gifts inherited from Turian. I’ve read her mind. When angered, she’s an open book. She envies my link to aThorsis. But she doesn’t understand or realize the sacrifices forced upon me. Death or success. No love, no children. Leave humanity behind.” Brian raised the bottle. “Here’s to no booze or sweets.”

  “The utmost sacrifice,” Sabree said with a chuckle. He had always been a Casanova of sorts: a light peck on the hand, the lavender gaze melting females and males alike, and a quick quip here or there to appease people in general. Aloof, not intimate characteristics. His inexperience at intimacy shined like a beacon. He sighed in conclusion. “Back to Ariane though. Can you fix us?”

  “That’s up to you, but I can act as a referee.” Brian swore a soft curse if by chance the computer was listening for keywords. “And, Sabree, this honeymoon was my idea not yours. So I need your input this time.” He got up to look inside the fridge. “Bet these bottles cost a week’s pay each. But hell, no need for money where I’m going. None of us will, so enjoy the splurge.” His gaze darted around the top of the cabana. “Should be no cameras—too kinky—but maybe a few hidden speakers. Reminds me of Alexa listening in, waiting to respond to your wishes. He spoke in a robotic female voice, “Do you wish to purchase this week’s paper towels?” Brian chuckled at his own joke.

  One side of Sabree’s mouth twisted upward. “That black box in your office? Her name is Alexa? Crazy humans. I sure could use another drink, Alexa.”

  A bottle shot out of the mini fridge and grazed Brian’s forehead. “Ouch! What the—”

  Sabree’s quick reflexes caught it. “Wow, now that’s service. Are you okay?” He winked when Brian nodded. “Grab a bottle and sit. We have much to plan.”

  The music throbbed a rhythmic pulse that matched the passionate throes of lovers and their dancing. Sabree exchanged glances with Brian. “Care to head for the bar?”

  Again, Brian’s gaze shot overhead. “The sooner the better. Can’t think between the thumping beats.”

  With bottle in hand, Sabree led the way. “Follow me.” He spun around when the cabana screeched like metal on metal as it sunk back into storage. A few pillows shot into the night sky. The island reflected his own chaotic emotions. He almost jumped into Brian’s arms when one of the pillows landed in their path. “Weird. I don’t think the island likes me.”

  “At least it tossed a pillow at you. Try a bottle in the noggin.”

  37

  Automation Damnation

  T he night dragged on. After we downed the finest bottles of liquor the island had to offer, on my tab of course, we sat outside to watch the sunrise. Neither of us were polluted, our systems discarding the sugar as fast as we pumped it in. The Colton tablets helped metabolize the alcohol.

  “Quite the night,” I finally said. “One I’ll take with me into the realm.” We talked about everything under the moon. The battle, Sabree as my first in command, the portal universes, and last but not least, Ariane. One thing that remained true about the future Sabree I had befriended and this one, whom I was still working on, neither revealed much of their past if any at all. More than four thousand years of history made up Sabree’s lifetime and I knew squat, except how he wanted to find companionship, a best friend, which I learned during the time travel back to musketeer land. This was his one true desire other than returning to the stars. No wonder Ariane complained.

  The liquor warmed my gut, built up the courage to speak my mind. “You’re a secretive man, Sabree. A mystery.”

  “Ariane said the same thing. The past is the past. I do not dwell on it.”

  “Not even to ward off past transgressions?”

  “I am a man of few words and no history.” Sabree knocked over the last bottle he emptied as if to accentuate his meaning. “We drank all night and still have no plan.”

  “Aye, laddie, that’s where you’re mistaken. You just don’t know it. Hold on. I’ll be right back.”

  “Ask Ariane if she wishes to join us.”

  I rose from my seat and walked the old-fashioned way to the honeymoon suite. Too many surveillance cameras might record the high speed. Too many listening ears. What idiot said this joint was paradise?

  I knocked on her door and spoke telepathically at the same time. “Ariane, it’s me. Time to wake up.” A low hiss filled my mind.

  “Never fell asleep. Up all night wondering if I made a mistake. Do the Malakhim have divorce lawyers?”

  “Seriously, Sis? One night and you’re already looking for the easy way out?” I leaned on the door. This might take a bit longer.

  “No. I just need time to sort out my feelings. A day at most. Keep him occupied today and we’ll meet for dinner at eight. I promise.”

  What could go wrong in one day? While I leaned on the door, it rattled. Closer examination revealed the inner bolt latched and then unlatched, over and over again. “Something’s wrong with your bolt lock. Better call the front desk to have it repaired.”

  “Who cares. I don’t want to see another automaton.” She cracked the door open. “Please, Brian,” she said aloud. “Give me today.”

  I peeked through the small gap and smiled. “Brian’s the name, marriage councilor’s the game. Do you have the thistle?”

  “It’s on the nightstand. I’ll put it in my purse if I go shopping.” She poked the top of my nose with her
finger. “Keep Sabree busy and away from the shops.”

  “Outdoor adventures then.” I winked at her. “Sabree can’t get enough of the great outdoors.”

  “He showed an interest in the Underwater Sea Park.”

  “Call if you need anything.” Then I added, “Telepathically, Sis.” I left when she eased the door shut.

  Back at the bar, I tugged the edge of my heavy sweater. “Need a change of clothes.” We had enough time to sneak in the shops to get a few things before Ariane arrived.

  “The shops are this way.” Sabree pulled off his stained shirt and tossed it aside. “I need something casual.”

  His disgust oozed from him in force. “Not your lucky shirt anymore?” Sabree never offered a comment. I now understood how my sister felt.

  Half an hour later, Sabree stepped out of the dressing room wearing turquoise shorts that hung at his knees and a printed tee shirt to match. Never seen him in shorts and decided he might be able to pull off a kilt too. I bought identical shorts in lime along with a matching tee. Teva sandals too. A wee bit matchy-matchy. Hopefully, my sister wouldn’t poke fun at us.

  Turning to Sabree, I jabbed the school of fish on his shirt. “Did you buy this on purpose?” I held out my tee to compare. “We’re both wearing shorts, the same expensive pair and tee shirts with sea life themes.”

  Sabree absently pointed at the stingray on mine. “So we match. Does it really matter? We’re going to the Underwater Sea Park.” He flicked my shirt and walked toward the exit. “It’s just us. No Ariane.”

  Not always a wealthy man like Sabree, I was still in sticker shock. “The two outfits and Teva’s cost me five hundred.”

  Sabree whispered, “Wait till they bill you the grand total. We’ll both need another night at the bar.”

  “What the hell, can’t bring it with me. Neither can you and Ariane inside the portal.”

  Sabree walked ahead with his hands in the short pockets and his head hung low. “I’d trade all the money in the world for my wife’s love. I’d doubt she will remain by my side.”

  “Bullshit,” I sneezed to disguise the profanity, worried the automatons might haul me away. A quick dash of speed caught me up to him. “Come on, lover spats happen to the best of us. She needs a day to herself. Tonight, at dinner, I will referee, make sure you talk about each other.” I stopped short and grabbed Sabree’s shoulder. “What the—”

  In front of the bar, the one we drank dry last night, six robots holding trays zoomed our way. Their whirling wheel feet spun like mad—like one of those cartoon robots. I pushed Sabree against one wall while I sped to the other side. After each one passed by, they stopped, spun around, and charged again. “We don’t want anymore,” I hollered at the lead bot. “Get lost.” They all stopped.

  “Sorry, sir. But you said you needed another night at the bar.”

  Sabree bent over to slap his knees. “My fault,” he said between chuckles. “Too eager to please.”

  “Eager my ass, these bots are dangerous. They got it wrong. It’s daytime not night. Come on, Sabree. The park awaits us.”

  “No breakfast?” Sabree asked. He kept glancing back at the robots that circled around one another. “The robots seemed lost as if deprogramed.”

  “Makes sense. I told them to get lost, remember?” I offered Sabree the bag of Colton tablets. “Munch on a few of these. We’ll get something sweet later on.” I stopped again. “Wow.”

  Sabree whistled. “Wow is right. This park is huge. It has amusement rides. Look! Spun sugar.” He grabbed a wand of cotton candy and pointed to the left. “There’s the underwater walkway.”

  At the extreme rate this island’s automation sought to please, I warned Sabree. “Be careful what you ask for in there. We might end up underwater.”

  He pulled off a long beard of cotton candy and devoured it, mumbling as he spoke. “Sage advice. Have to watch what we say like when we confronted White Ghost.” His green eyes shone with excitement as he tossed the rest of the pink fluff into a trash receptacle. “Sea walk or rides first?”

  I had with me an overgrown kid at heart. Let him pick. “I’m game for anything as long as it doesn’t twirl in sharp circles. Haven’t walked off all the liquor yet.”

  “The park tour ride then.” Sabree grabbed my arm and let go as if I were contagious. “Follow me,” he said.

  Pretty sure he wasn’t used to touching bare skin instead of the usual sweater sleeve. “No lines at least.” Sabree walked up to the robot. I waited while he slipped his keycard inside its chest twice. My fingers tapped the bot’s head. “Let’s go more than once.” When its eyes turned red, I scanned the area behind us. “No one else in line.”

  “As you wish,” the automated voice droned. “All aboard.”

  Sabree climbed the stairs leading to the ride that modeled a long sea snake. Bright green and yellow, each segment consisted of four luxury compartments. I followed him to the first row and paused when he hopped into the front seat.

  Full of uncertainty, mostly disapproval, I asked, “Why the front?”

  “Why not? Ever hear of front-row seats?” Sabree slapped the empty cushion next to him. “The best view, the best experience.”

  I never cared for the front seat of anything that delivered danger first and foremost. So, I sat in the row behind him.

  “Coward.” His hands pulled on the bar that had slid across his lap. “Giddy up.”

  “Easy, Sabree. Be careful what you wish for.”

  The ride took off like a shot. Made the fastest roller coaster equivalent to bumper-to-bumper traffic. Screeching metal drowned out my screams. Sabree’s hair whipped in my face when I leaned forward to hide behind him. Every corner jerked the snake train, giving me whiplash. The ability to focus returned on a straightaway, so I stole a glance at Sabree and squeezed my eyes shut. Unbelievable.

  Sabree hollered in delight. His arms waved overhead as the ride whipped him about. He laughed hysterically. “Whoopee! We get to go around again.”

  Stupid me, opened my own yap after I warned Sabree to be careful. My stomach never caught up when we stopped to load other passengers who didn’t exist. I spoke telepathically, “Shit. I asked it to go around more than once. That could be fifty to eighty times.”

  “Want me to ask it to slow down this time around?”

  “Let me.” I hollered above the tinny music. “Let’s go a lot slower this last time around. Please.” The entire train jerked forward an inch, stopped, and then jerked again. The frigging snake train, that I had grown to despise, hauled us forward an inch at a time. “This is ridiculous. How does this place stay in business? Attract customers?” Laughter the only answer, I wanted to smack the back of Sabree’s head. “Not funny.”

  “You said a lot slower did you not?” Sabree’s merriment almost matched his hysterical laughter of the faster ride. “Thought you loved speed, Brian. Couldn’t handle the last round?”

  Beyond upset, irate with the automation-gone-loco, I barked when I should’ve whispered. “I control my speed, not some ride hellbent on exaggerating everything we ask for. This bloody ride needs to stop.” Oh, no. Hands gripping the bar, I scrunched low to brace myself. The snail ride came to a stop on the next jerk forward. We had advanced only a few inches from the loading platform.

  “I’ll ask it to go around one more time at fifteen miles per hour. So we can see the sites.” Sabree winked a bright green eye and smirked. “Too late, I think it already heard me.”

  “No, I’ve had enough.” I tried to lift the bar, but it held tight. I yelled to the robot. “Unlatch the bar. I’m done.”

  “Sorry, sir. Another customer requested to ride around at fifteen miles per hour. Enjoy.”

  “Shit, shit, shit.” My hands slapped the bar repeatedly. I was having a tantrum. “So, sue me.”

  “Watch out,” Sabree said between laughter. “The park’s lawyers might just do that.” At the steady pace, he raised his arms again as the ride went around the corner over the
underwater tunnels.

  Show off. He acted like an excited child just to make me look bad. At least at this speed we could take in the sites. I settled down by the time we inched over and under some of the park rides. Then all hell broke loose again. Trepidation filled my soured gut.

  Sabree lowered his arms and grabbed onto the bar. “Watch out!”

  The snake slipped off the track and came to an abrupt stop. The gears ground into steel, the screeches piercing our eardrums. The first speed through must’ve damaged the track. The snake was pinned under the roller coaster a few feet overhead and the lazy river ride a few feet below. Two choices, neither option wonderful, made me ask, “Should we get wet or risk being run off the track by a rollercoaster?” I squeezed my eyes shut to gather myself. “That’s it, I don’t care how many surveillance cameras there are. I’m JLS flying off this mother and you’re misting. Got it?”

  “Oui, but—”

  “No buts, Sabree.”

  A few neon green tubes floated beneath us. Sabree pointed at them. “Let’s jump into the tubes and ride the lazy river back. Why risk exposing ourselves?”

  Like magic, the automation released the lap bars after Sabree mentioned the idea. “I’ll expose something pretty soon and the dummies running this show won’t like it.” Something had gone wrong with the staff behind the scene. Asleep on the job or bigtime jokesters? “What’s with you guys?” I asked, waving a middle finger at the unseen.

  “Last one in a tube is a rotten egg.” Sabree stood up and dove into the crystal-clear river below. His voice rose in a cheer when he hit the mark, landing his backside into the middle of a large tube. “Jump in. Hurry up.”

  Again, unbelievable. The future Sabree never had the balls to jump into things full throttle. Always insisted that I made the first move. I raised the bar across my lap and leaned over the edge. A cotton-candy pink tube floated down the lazy river. My mark. I stood to ease myself over the edge. The entire car tilted suddenly. I flipped over, head first into the river. Missed the tube entirely and splashed into the chilled water. My bearings lost in the netherworld, the pink monstrosity smacked me alongside the head. Not hard enough to hurt, but enough to make me swallow water. My curses would have filled earfuls of guests if we weren’t the only ones here.