by Nick Braker
Damn you, Magnus. I’ll kill you myself if you have sided with that queen bitch.
“Ruth,” Forasia said, “Magnus is sleeping with the queen. Why isn’t he locked up like you and your team? He claims he is working with Katerra to barter peace between our peoples. Does he use that excuse to leave often? You know him well enough, is he hiding something from you? Doesn’t it feel like he’s avoiding you?”
Forasia poured Ruth another glass and handed it to her. Ruth took it.
“Why did she send Carena?” Ruth asked.
“Because the first step in her goal is to fix the genetic deficiencies in our males. Please understand, I would like that to happen too but for different reasons. Katerra wants to breed an army. I want to fix the damage our scientists did to our people long ago. We are human, like you, separated over 6,000 years ago when our original species colonized new worlds. Your people to Earth, ours to Kron. Katerra is a coward and she used Carena to be the first so that if anything went wrong, Katerra could end her pregnancy. What kind of person would do that?”
Ruth tilted her head forward, rubbing it with her hand. She shook her head back and forth.
“I’m sorry to tell you these things because I know how much Magnus means to you.”
Ruth believed Forasia’s words were mostly true. It explained so many things.
“There is so much more to tell you but we have no more time,” Forasia said. “It will become more difficult to hide our meeting the longer you are away.”
“So,” Ruth said, swallowing. Her emotions were boiling over and her hands threatened to shake. She set the glass down and clasped them together. “What do you want from me?”
“If Katerra wins this challenge, she will continue her reign and Earth will be destroyed. It’s only a matter of time. If we win this challenge, I promise you, there will be peace.”
Ruth couldn’t trust any of them. She wasn’t falling for Forasia’s story even if it lined up perfectly with what she knew of Magnus.
“How does it work?” Ruth asked, shaking inside. Her stomach knotted and she wanted to throw up.
“It boils down to this. I want you to help me win this fight. If I call upon you, would you fight for me? You’d be saving your world and ours. I promise you this.”
Ruth knew she would tell Forasia yes but it didn’t mean she totally believed her. It wouldn’t end here, Ruth was going to find out everything she could about this Baal-Shir ritual. Everything.
“Yes,” Ruth said.
Ruth had a job to do and if she had to save Earth herself, so be it.
Damn you, Magnus.
Chapter 26
THE RITUAL
Kron - Citron
Monday, November 30, 1987 - 02:00pm
Magnus
The Baal-Shir ritual resembled Earth’s ‘vote of no confidence’ motion present in some political systems. A majority of Kron’s leadership, including the council of twelve, had voted to subject Katerra to the scrutiny of their people through the Baal-Shir ceremony, orchestrated by a Kron female named Forasia. Forasia had issued the challenge. Due to her efforts, Katerra teetered on the edge of losing control of Kron. Had Katerra anticipated someone might attempt such a coup? Probably, but her current mental state certainly contributed to it. By itself, Katerra’s emotional control had created the catalyst for the vote. Forasia’s work had been easy.
Magnus hadn’t spoken much to Katerra as she remained in her nurturing pool, oblivious to the plight of Kron or her own rule. As he understood it, she communicated with her children at a telepathic level. The children heightened Katerra’s emotions and her inexperience with the force of human emotions crippled her. Her susceptibility to the raw and chaotic emotional thoughts of 102 growing half-human minds overwhelmed her. As their minds grew stronger, Katerra’s control slipped further. Her only rest came when the children’s sleep patterns overlapped and their minds quieted. The various reprieves for Katerra had given her the opportunity to meet with the council and Forasia. Without them, Katerra would be unable to convince them she could still rule. They would have considered her unfit and possible psychotic. Only Magnus, Katerra and possibly Varuuk knew what was happening to Katerra.
That was days ago. Today, Forasia sat on the opposite side of a large, round table. Dark brown and ornately carved with geometric patterns, the table had been preserved through the centuries, used only for rare functions such as these. Six members of the council sat around the table to Magnus’ right and the other six to his left, equidistant from each other and Forasia. Thirteen members from Kron’s race and one human from Earth vied for control of the planet.
Forasia’s eyes never left Magnus’. She studied every move he made like a predator stalking its prey. Magnus could see her hatred for him. She could not hide her disdain. Did Forasia blame Magnus for Kron’s current plight? She had to have researched all the information they had on him from Kron’s computer systems. She knew everything about him and would exploit all of it during the ritual. Would she be one of the six that he had to kill?
The rest of the council and Kron tolerated Magnus’ presence. He represented Katerra as her champion and while he did, he remained alive. He had no doubt he’d be dead otherwise. Katerra had described only one of the council members to him, telling him that she would officiate the ritual. Her name was Manushri of the house Cordell. Katerra spoke fondly of Manushri and her mate, Tillair. The two had life-bonded three decades ago and, as Katerra told it, Tillair had managed to survive. The two were the oldest bonded pair on Kron.
“Let’s get this over with,” Forasia said, “so that we may rid Kron of its current infestation.”
“There will be no more of that, Forasia,” Manushri said, quickly. Manushri recovered from her reaction and added, “from either side.” She stopped to stare at both of them, in kind.
Manushri had snapped at Forasia. The comment had come too quick and Manushri’s decision to add Magnus was a cover. What did it mean? Was Manushri sympathetic to Katerra? He shrugged inwardly, it didn’t matter, the ritual’s rules could not be changed. Manushri could not help Magnus.
Manushri wore a dark blue cloak with matching pants. The cloak covered her ankles. Her white blouse, which matched her hair, covered her neck and stopped at her waist. Manushri’s eyes darted between Forasia and Magnus as she spoke giving Magnus the impression her mental faculties were not to be questioned. Her wrinkled face hinted at her age and Magnus guessed that she was well over 200 years. The Kron people matured to adulthood twice as fast as humans and lived roughly three times longer.
Manushri’s hands were leathery as she set the book upon the table and opened it. The book’s dark brown exterior blended with the ancient tabletop. Manushri had placed it upon a soft, white cloth, he guessed so as to protect both the book and the table. Magnus studied the book from his seat, pretending to casually look at it. Large lettering adorned each page. In most cases, the lettering measured an inch on each line. The letters made little sense as their alphabet differed completely from Earth’s.
“I shall read the rules of the Baal-Shir ritual,” Manushri said. “Forasia has submitted her challenge and the queen has accepted. The contest is to determine if the queen is fit to continue to lead the people of Kron. The ritual, in its simplest form, is a physical and mental competition between the queen and six challengers. Forasia has chosen to fight as one of the six allotted to her. The queen has abstained from representing herself, as is her right, and has chosen Magnus Carson of Earth to fight for her.”
Had Manushri meant that as an insult to Katerra? He still didn’t understand all the nuances of the Kron people but there were overlapping similarities in both verbal and somatic queues. Manushri didn’t care for Magnus either.
“You two,” Manushri said, pointing to Forasia and Magnus, “will represent both parties and will be required to choose as the rules allow. There must be three separate contests as each one is mandatory within our custom. The ritual requires it, three fights, no less. T
here is only one exception.” Manushri stared at Magnus. “If the queen or, in this case her designated champion, is killed there would be no need to continue with the remaining contests.” She paused, turning the page of the book. “Weapons are allowed but none can be taken with you. Historically, those that have fought in the ritual did so with only the talents they possessed.”
“Forasia, of the six fighters allotted to your side, you will be required to decide how many will compete in each of the three contests. As the ritual requires, you must decide this first and immediately before each individual fight.” Manushri paused. “You may choose anyone to represent you and may reveal your champions at any time before each contest.”
Forasia nodded.
“Magnus, you will decide the location for each fight. You may elect to wait for your opponent’s announcement of the number of champions before deciding but you must announce the location prior to Forasia announcing the names of the champions that will fight for her.”
Katerra had prepared him prior to the meeting but hearing it for himself, it still sounded completely barbaric and uncivilized.
“May I ask a question?” Magnus asked.
Manushri nodded.
“These rules are heavily in favor of the challenger,” he said, “and—”
“They are and it is by design,” she replied, nodding again. “A vote of no confidence should never occur but if it does, there is a good reason. We are not barbarians,” she paused, letting her words sink in. “I have studied your culture as I have others in the universe. Your species would simply go to war with each other, killing thousands and in some cases millions in each side’s effort to keep or to obtain leadership. Tell me, Magnus, between the two which one seems more... humane?”
Manushri understood Earth and she flaunted her knowledge of their culture and their language. She knew where he was going with his question. He decided not to continue and changed tactics.
“I’m not here to change it, simply to understand it,” Magnus said. “Thank you for your answer.”
Manushri paused briefly but then nodded at him. She continued.
“Should the challenger and/or her champions be killed their holdings will be forfeit and given to the people of Kron. As punishment, the queen may elect that their immediate families be executed.”
And we’re barbaric?
“Should the queen or her champion be killed in the contest, the challenger may elect that their immediate families be executed.” Manushri took a breath. “Finally, from this point forward and ending with the conclusion of the ritual, the queen, the challenger, and all designated champions cannot be harmed. Special dispensation will be given to all designated persons involved with the contest. They will be monitored constantly and protected. Any interference with this ritual will result in the responsible party’s execution. I’m certain both of you understand these rules. Do not deviate from them.”
Manushri stood and the council followed suit.
“We are finished,” she said.
They left the room, leaving Forasia and Magnus alone. Forasia placed her palms on the table as she stood. “You will not survive this.”
Magnus rolled his eyes. “No one needs to die. Rescind your challenge. As I understand it, it’s not too late.”
“I take no pleasure in my actions. I know what the queen is planning, as you have certainly surmised,” Forasia said.
“Then why not tell the people of Kron?” he asked.
Forasia’s head dropped forward looking at the ancient table she leaned upon. When she returned his gaze, it contained nothing but rage.
“The queen’s plan will die with her and those involved. We do not need you,” she said with clenched teeth, “any more than we need the Aliri vermin that interfere with our lives daily. You will die during the ritual, Magnus, and then your people will be eradicated.” Forasia pounded her fist on the table as she continued to glare at him. “There will be no... more... Earth.”
Forasia had mentioned the queen’s plan. How had Forasia figured it out? Only Katerra and Magnus knew what she planned. They must have a mole.
With disgust on Forasia’s face, she pushed her chair backwards with her foot as she turned to leave the room.
“Unlike Katerra,” Magnus said, as Forasia reached the doorway, “your judgment is clouded by hatred. Katerra formed her plan well before she began to experience the unanticipated consequences of her decision. Her goal is to save Kron, not destroy it.”
Forasia’s hands shook but she managed to smirk as she turned to glare at Magnus over her shoulder.
“She was contaminated the moment she mated with you on Earth,” Forasia said as her lips turned upwards into a knowing smile. Magnus kept his face neutral.
“Yes, Magnus, I do know... but for the sake of the people of Kron, in the end I will be the only one remaining who does.”
Magnus decided to take a gamble. Forasia’s emotional state might cause her to say something she didn’t intend.
“Tell me the name of the mole,” he said.
“I will, Magnus,” Forasia said. “I’ll promise you that... just before I cut open your throat.”
She turned and left.
Kron - Citron
Monday, November 30, 1987 - 05:00pm
Magnus
Magnus followed behind Manushri on her left with Forasia walking next to him on Manushri’s right. They each wore ceremonial attire historically used during the Baal-Shir ritual. Manushri’s robe flared outward at the top in a half moon, concealing her ears and the back of her head. The robe continued downward in lace like patterns of thin, sparkling platinum. The material of the dark blue robe was stiff and shifted back and forth as she walked. On her head, she wore a small circlet of polished smooth platinum decorated with gems upon her long white hair. Three strips of the precious metal covered her forehead, each of which were connected by links of silver.
Magnus wore a black robe over his dark gray tunic and pants. They had replaced his shredded Earth clothing with typical Kron attire which included various shades of dark, loose fitting clothing and black shoes. Katerra did not allow any luxuries for anyone and everything focused on their war with the Aliri. Today though, all of Kron understood the exception, their queen fought to retain her rule. Magnus rolled his eyes as he examined Forasia. She wore similar clothes as Magnus but her colors were based on bright shades of white. In their minds, he represented evil.
The group stopped at a parapet that jutted out from one of Kron’s buildings within Citron. The roar of the crowd below made him shiver. The knowledge of Rome’s history roughly 2000 years ago came to mind and he could see the carnage of gladiators fighting each other to death for the glory of Caesar and the bloodthirsty crowds that attended the events. He shook his head in disgust and focused on the area around him instead.
The building connected to a massive arena, enclosed by a latticework dome. Mammoth sized beams of metal created square sections filled with clear glass and covered with the black ash of Kron’s atmosphere. The pandemic substance existed everywhere outside Kron’s cities. He shivered thinking of how close he had come to dying and the horrendous suffering it had caused him.
On the far side, directly opposite Magnus’ position, a mirror copy of his building connected to the arena, too. The open arena between them measured a hundred feet down and roughly a football field in length. Raised seating surrounded the arena, giving spectators a clear view of the open field below.
Magnus sighed. Manushri noticed and tilted her head, raising her left eyebrow in inquiry toward him.
“Nothing,” he said.
Manushri turned back to the crowd and raised her arm, signaling the people of Kron with her hand to silence. Within seconds a hush fell over the arena as their attention focused on her. Holographic projection systems showed Manushri floating above the arena’s floor. Her skin, without blemishes, gave away her advancing years yet the intelligence in her eyes showed clearly. She spoke to the entire planet from he
r vantage point on the parapet. All of Kron waited for her announcement. Surely some of them already knew but this event had its formalities and those that did not would now learn of the challenge to Katerra’s authority.
“People of Kron. Your queen has served us gloriously for many years but one among you has challenged her authority and has evoked the ancient ritual of Baal-Shir. The queen has accepted the challenge. Some of you may already know this but there is more. A human, from Earth, is here on Kron by the will of the Queen. Magnus of Earth represents the humans and is their ambassador to our world.” The crowd jeered and their voices raised in protest. Manushri raised her hand and closed it into a fist. Whatever her motion represented, it worked as a hush fell over the assembly. “There will be no further interruption. I am clear on that matter. Learn it well.” She paused as her words sunk in to those who sat in the arena seats. “Your queen has ordered it and you will respect it until it is revoked.” Magnus kept his poker face on but he didn’t like the ominous implications of her words. If Forasia won, Magnus would be dead and his team would be executed. He had to win this for both Earth and Kron. They had to reach some level of cooperation. The Aliri would destroy the people of Kron otherwise. “Magnus has been chosen by the Queen and will fight for her. None will oppose this. Learn it well. The Baal-Shir ritual does not speak of who may be chosen and therefore it will be allowed.” Manushri surveyed the faces of the crowd below, daring them to speak against the queen’s decision. “Forasia of Citron of the house of Merak has issued the challenge against the Queen. She will be allowed to speak now.”
Manushri nodded to Forasia and stepped back allowing her to speak. She squared her shoulders and held her head high. Her visage projected over the arena floor and certainly across the planet to those that could not be here. Magnus understood the seriousness of the ritual to the people of Kron. This was as close to war as they would allow among their own kind.