Babylon 5 11 - Psi Corps 02 - Deadly Relations - Bester Ascendant (Keyes, Gregory)

by Bester Ascendant (Keyes, Gregory)

  Beys expression didnt change, but hers did. Her eyes rolled back in her head and her back arched, hands spasming. She made a sort of clucking sound and fell wetly to the hardwood floor.

  He nodded. Three of you come with me. Al, I thought I told you He paused for an instant. No, I guess I didnt, did I? My mistake. Come along then. He broke into a trot

  They wound up another tight corridor, old wood. Oddly enough, the air had a strange, antiseptic smell.

  Bey approached a door and motioned. Two of the hounds kicked it in.

  Hey! The man inside was large, broad-shouldered, with aquiline features. He was just putting on a white shirt. The rest of his clothes lay in a heap on the floor. Listen, I paid good then he saw who they were.

  PPGs whined.

  No, Bey commanded. I want this one to go to trial. Take photographs.

  One of the hounds walked over to the man and kicked him in the crotch. When he doubled, he slammed the butt of his PPG into the base of his skull. The fellow went down, groaning.

  Bey ignored all of that and went to the bed. That was where Cristoban was. Al followed, almost unaware that he was doing so. There was blood everywhere. He noted, dully, that it had beaded on the sheets rather than soaking in, as if the sheets had been made withthisin mind.

  She was still alive, tied spread-eagle. Naked. One eye was swollen shut, and her face was battered beyond recognition.

  Help me

  Bey cut the bonds with a small knife.

  The ambulance just arrived, sir, one of the bloodhounds said.

  Tell them to hurry.

  Am I Im in trouble .

  Dont worry about it, Bey said, softly. Dont worry about anything. Just hang on, okay?

  I just didnt want I wanted it to be like it was

  It will be. Just like it was. Weve called your parents. Theyre coming to get you.

  Really?

  Really.

  And then she wasnt there anymore.

  Bey bowed his head, then straightened and stood. He looked terrible, like an angry god, a single tear trickling down one cheek.

  God damn them. Damn them to hell , Al suddenly caught, from Bey. It had a strange subtext, almost as if he werent talking about the criminals who had raped and murdered Cristoban at all, as if he meant

  But that was impossible.

  Come on, Mr. Bester, he said, softly. Its time we left, you and I.

  Bey swirled his coffee and gazed out at the creamy morning light on the canal. A paddleboat with a young couple in bright yellow shirts disturbed a family of ducks. A third-story window opened, and a beautiful girl with long, white hair leaned out to enjoy the hint of breeze.

  Im sorry, sir, Al said, sipping his own coffee.

  What are you sorry about, Mr. Bester?

  I know it upsets you when someone gets killed. Bey seemed to consider that for a long while, as Amsterdam quickened, and the streets began filling with men and women in business suits, the fronts of restaurants and shops rolling up. The older mans eyes took all of that in, and his face was placid, but Al was certain that if he dared to scan him, he would hear Stravinsky playing.

  A fellow goes out to the country one day, Bey began, and he stops in at this farm. Hes talking to the farmer, when he notices this pig with three peg legs. Three wooden legs and one real one. He asks the farmer about it

  Let me tell you about this pig, the farmer says. This is some pig. This pig saved my life once. The house was on fire, and this pig charged right in, dragged the wife and me out.

  Thats pretty amazing, the fellow said.

  Thats not all. This pig can do calculus and all kinds of mathematical whatnot. Why, some say hes even solved Fermats last theorem.

  Seems I read that in the papers a few years ago, the city fellow said.

  Yep. Reporters came out for that one. Also, this pig can play the pianohe prefers Chopin. He really is some pig.

  Well, I have to agree, the city fellow replied, but what happened to his legs?

  Well, says the farmer, when youve got a pig this special, you dont want to eat him all at once.

  Al blinked, felt his lips lift up involuntarily.

  Yes, it was a joke, Mr. Bester, Bey replied. You are permitted to laugh.

  Yes, sir. It was an awful joke, if I may say so, sir.

  Mr. Bester, somehow I dont think of you as a connoisseur of humor, so I will take that as a compliment. Cultivate a sense of humor, Mr. Bester. You will need it to survive. And if you use it correctly, you might even be able to convince mundanes that you are almost Human. He finished off his coffee.

  What do we do now, sir?

  Ill have to go to the arraignment this afternoon. I was thinking of sending you back to Geneva.

  If Im in the way, I understand.

  On the other hand, I have most of the day free, so instead I considered we might take in a few museumsthere is a very nice modern art museum here, you know. We can eat some frites and mayonnaise, wander along the waterfront, check out what was the red-light district, before the neo-Lutheran purge last century. Beautiful buildings that have seen centuries of the best and worst that Humans can do. We can remind ourselves that we are still alive, and that that is a fine thing indeed. What do you say, Mr. Bester?

  Al thought about all the studying he had backed up because of this trip.

  That sounds fine to me, sir.

  * * *

  chapter 9

  « » The blade flicked out in what seemed to be a straight lunge, but Al knew it was a feint-disengage. He went for the parry anyway, but instead of staying put or advancing to riposte as his opponent expected, he took a brisk retreat, caught the elusive steel with a second parry in prime , slid neatly inside the enemy point, and riposted at lasta difficult move, but it looked very elegant if you could pull it off.

  He pulled it off . Green light, his point.

  The score was fourteen-fourteen. Al returned to the en garde line and pulled off his mask. He saluted his opponent, a long-jawed, big-boned fellow named Emory. Al flashed Emory a smile. One more. Loser buys lunch.

  Emory nodded a little nervously.

  Perfectly relaxed, Al flexed his legs and dropped his foil to absence. They began to dance.

  Emory was a bit predictable. He beat, advanced quickly in a low line, lunged, disengaged. He cast his next moveor what he wanted Al to think was his next move, a retreat-crossback-fléche and instead did a lunge-and-duck, hoping Al would be suckered into running onto his blade.

  Al went for it. Give the guy a breakhe hadnt won a match all day, and this was, after, all, only practice. If they ever faced each other in an official bout, Emory would learn, to his dismay, that Al had been fencing about five notches below his best

  Well done, Al said, taking off his mask and saluting. He strode forward enthusiastically to shake Emorys hand.

  It was a good bout, Emory said. Im surprised I beat you.

  Dont sell yourself short. Youve got some good attacks. You sure suckered me with that last one. I guess Im buying lunch.

  Emory grinned. I guess so. IahI promised some friends I would meet them in the sandwich shop on the square. Would you mind being in company?

  Not at all, Al replied. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine.

  and the farmer says, Well, when you have a pig this special, you dont want to eat him all at once, Al finished.

  All five made faces. Emory aside, Al hadnt met any of them beforethey were all sophomores, and he was a senior.

  Thanks a lot, Al, one of the girlsAlembasaid. Makes my ham sandwich all the tastier.

  I strive to give pleasure, Al replied. They were all still chuckling, Alemba included.

  So tell us, Al, Emory said, after the moment had passed, what was it like, tracking down Brazg and Nielsson?

  Al put on a sober face. You heard about that?

  Everyone heard about that. A lot of us were rooting for you, when you had to be the statue of the week, but we were afraid to say so. The older kids

 
I appreciate that, but its just as well you kept quiet. The Corps doesnt punish without good reason. Going after those two was the dumbest thing I ever did in my life. I genuinely appreciated my punishment.

  Still, some people went too far. Fatima

  I felt sorry for her, Al said. I still do. I wish I had understood at the time how disturbed she was. Maybe I could have done something. He was surprised to realize that he really meant this. What she did to me was a symptom of her own problems. It didnt really have much to do with me.

  Thats right, you were there, werent youwhen she, you know

  Al nodded. That hunt was part of my punishment, my lesson. The Corps really wanted me to understand the evil thats out there, the kinds of things that can happen to telepaths in the mundane world. Believe me, when I saw what that sick pervert did to her He broke off, strategically.

  It must have been awful, Dierdra said, her violet eyes round.

  Lets talk about more pleasant things, Al suggested.

  Yeah, Emory replied. Like our trip on the lake next weekend Al, would you be interested?

  That sounds nice, Al said. Can I let you know in the next day or so?

  Sure.

  Later, when he and Emory were alone, the taller boy looked a little sidewise at him. Did you let me have that last point, in the gym today?

  Al chuckled. I never let anyone have anything. Havent you heard that about me?

  The older kids talk like that about you, Emory said, cautiously. I have to say, you arent what I expected.

  Al chose his words carefully. Its not their fault. I used to be a little too competitive. Ivelearned a few life lessons.

  Well, Emory said, a little awkwardly, youre okay by me.

  Thank you, Emory. That means a lot to me. See you in fencing tomorrow?

  Count on it.

  You wont fool me with that duck again.

  Well see!

  Al watched him go, surprised at the warmth in his chest.

  He was still at the top of his class. He still tested highest in psi-tests. And he hadfriends? Almost friends, anyway. People who liked having him around.

  Good morning, Al. Bey shuffled some papers from his desk. What can I do for you?

  I was wondering if I could take a rain check on the Geru exhibition this weekend.

  Bey nodded. He seemed a little stiff. I was going to talk to you about that. It was a little problematic anyway. Some things have come up. You have some other engagement?

  Some of the sophomores asked me if Id like to go out on the lake with them.

  Go, go by all means. This is what Ive encouraged in you, eh? You should be out with the other studentsfor your own sake, and because it makes a good impression. He glanced at his watch. If you have time for a walk, though

  Right now, sir?

  Yes. Is that a problem?

  No, sir. But Bey never went out this time of day.

  Forgive me that little subterfuge, Mr. Bester, Bey said, as they strolled along the parktike north quad. I wanted to mention something to you, and I wanted to do it where no one was likely to overhear.

  No problem, sir.

  Matters have come to my attention that will impinge on our talks.

  A little hollow seemed to appear in Als throat Oh. Anything important, sir?

  Yes, but I cant talk about it. And thats not what I

  Bey paused for a second, uncertainly, and for no reason he could nameBeys thoughts were, as always, carefully guardedAl felt a slight dread. Mr. Bester, did you ever meet with Director Vacit?

  Whyyes. Yes, sir. When I was six years old. He called me to his office after that incident with the Grins I told you about

  Hmm.

  Why do you ask?

  Mr. Bester, I worked closely with Director Vacit in his last years here. He took few into his confidence, but he confided in me now and then. Those of us who knew him well were aware that he took a certain interest in you, Mr. Bester. Over all of the other students. None of us ever knew why, not even Natasha, who was closest to him.

  I we, sir?

  Yes. It was one reason I was keeping my eye on you, out of respect for him, though as I think you know, Ive found reasons of my own to be concerned for you.

  Thank you, Al said, almost at a loss for words. II know youve saved my life, in more than one

  No, let me finish. I dont want to get sidetracked. The present directorJohnston, the one you met at your hearinghas done everything he can to remove the influence of Vacit. All of Vacits former aides are elsewhere, retired, orwell, Director Johnston has certain ambitions. And a certain vision for the Corps, which iswhich some feel is untraditional.

  This uncertain speech was not like Bey at all. But youre still here, Al noticed.

  Indeed. Bey plucked at his beard. He knows, Mr. Bester Johnston knows that Director Vacit took an interest in you. Like me, he doesnt know why. That bothers him a lot. And so he keeps a close eye on you, Mr. Bester. And those you associate with. You have a bright future ahead of you, Mr. Bester, but you have an enemy. He will be the more your enemy if you and I continue our association, especially now.

  Now, sir?

  I really cant speak of it.

  But, sirDr. Bey, I dont care about that.

  Yes, you do. You will. And you dont have all of the facts before you, from which to predict consequences. Mr. Bester his voice softened Al . I dont want to hear from you. Dont come by to see me. Dont message me. Respect my wishes in this. He turned, put a hand on his shoulder. But know that I am proud of you. Youve learned a lot

  Ive learned everything important from you, sir.

  You were an apt pupil. I will consider you a perfect one if you obey me now.

  I His chest was tight. I will, if you tell me to, sir.

  Good. Perfect. He reached into his pocket.

  I want you to have this. He withdrew something, something that fit into his palm. Al held out his hand stupidly and felt something cool pressed there.

  This was my first. It always brought me luck. Hang on to it. On the day you have earned the right to wear itand that day will come, Al, I do not doubt it in the leastI would be proud to see it on your uniform.

  He paused, as if to say something else, shook his head, and suddenly turned and walked away. À bientôt , Mr. Bester.

  Only when he was gone did Al open his fingers to stare at what he already knew was therethe brass and copper of a MetaPol badge.

  Two steps to your right, Al , Emory cast. He glyphed, too. Al saw himself approaching a shallow pit. It was perhaps a yard across. He paused for an instant, trying to will himself the ability to see through the blindfold, but of course that was impossible. He could only see through the eyes of his teammates. That was the point of the contest, really. One reason he had avoided such team events in the pastit meant trusting ones teammates completely.

  Trust. It came hard.

  He flexed his knees and leapt. The floor found his feet a little sooner than he expected, and he almost stumbled. Emory must not have noticed that, the extra height beyond the trench. Sloppy, but he probably hadnt imagined Al would jump, thinking he would edge around instead.

  Shooter, Al, two oclock ! That was Indira, and Indira was always precise. He dropped and rolled sideways, came up with his own simulator held level. Indira, on one side of the course, and Abraham, on the other, glyphed simultaneously. The two images were confusing, but necessary. With them he was able to triangulate where his opponentalso blindfolded, also coached by his teamstood. Al squeezed the contact, and was rewarded with a small ringing sound.

  A cheer went up from his side.

  You did it, Al! Emory cast.

  No , Al replied. We did it together .

  There was a celebration, of course. The victory had advanced them to the semifinals, and they all thought their chances looked good. For Al, it was a sort of revelation, this shared victory. It was mixedwhen he failed he let everyone down, and when he succeeded he had to share the glory. But being part of a team had its rewards, as
well. For the first time, he felt he was at the center of something, rather than clinging to a rapidly rotating edge.

  Something was still missing, though, and that something was Sandoval Bey. Al had struggled to understand the feeling of loss that had only seemed to mount as the months marched by. Three months, and not a word from the station chief.

  Part of him felt ashamed for missing Bey, because he was bright enough to understand the implications of what he felt

  Most of his new companions were latersmost had been raised for years by biological parents. They were all loyal to the Corps, all thought of the Corps as mother and fatherbut as surrogate mother and father, as replacements for their birth parents.

  For Al, the Corps had been his first mother, first father, yet despite that, his feelings toward Bey wereif he was honest with himselffilial. The primitive instincts that even the best telepaths inherited from their mundane ancestors still lived in him, urged him to focus on human individuals as parents.

  The faces he had once seen in his dreams were gone, left behind with childhood and the Grinsbut Beys face had taken their place.

  It was wrong. We are all mothers and fathers to one another .

  That had been the lesson imported by the Grins. That was the lesson of the Corps.

  It didnt comfort him much. He missed Bey.

  He shook his head. The excited conversation around him had shifted, and he tried to focus, to catch up. He didnt want them to think he wasnt paying attention to them, that he didnt value them. It was one of Beys lessonsif you show someone they have value to you, it automatically makes you valuable to them.

  So he joined in the conversation, pushing Sandoval Bey to the back of his mind.

  Half an hour later, a Psi Cop walked into the bar. He glanced around, and when his gaze met Als, recognition kindled. He came over.

  Alfred Bester?

  Sir? Yes, sir, thats me, sir.

  Would you come with me?

  Of course. He turned to the others. See you guys for practice in the morning?

  Sure thing, Al. You were great today.

  You guys, too. See you.

  The Psi Cop set a brisk pace. Sir? May I ask where were headed?