by Peter David
chapter 13 The lady Mariel was busy writing a suicide note when the knock at the door interrupted her. Her task was not one that she had undertaken lightly, or spontaneously. Indeed, she had been laboring over it for some time. She had worked over the word choice, selected one, and then discarded it, wanting everything to read properly. It hadn't been an easy business, this writing notion. She would choose a word, then pace the length of her villa-which was hideously small, a gift from her father when she reached her age of ascension and, at this point, the only piece of property remaining to her, sufficiently secluded off in the forest so that it had been spared the bombings of Centauri Prime-only to return to her work and cross out the word. "How do writers do it?" she asked at one point, although there was no one there to answer. No one there. Once upon a time, there had always been someone there. But not anymore. Thanks to Londo ... they were gone. All the suitors. All gone. Fortunes, gone. Life, gone. She wasn't entirely certain that she was actually going to go thro ugh with the suicide. Granted, she was depressed, but the more overwhelming concern for her was that she was bored. She lived this pointless existence, filling days, killing time, and accomplishing nothing. Society was closed to her, doors slammed shut ... again, thanks to Londo Mollari. When his holographic image had loomed over all of Cen- 156 tauri Prime, she had stood there at the window of her villa and screamed imprecations for the entire time that the figure had stood upon the horizon. Right after that, she had started the suicide note, deciding that a world where Londo Mollari was emperor was one in which she simply did not want to exist anymore. But since the suicide note was going to be her last act of record, she wanted it to be just right. And since she was not a writer by nature or by craft, well ... it was taking a while. Still, she was quite close to finishing a useable draft, and then-that would be that. The only thing remaining would be selecting the means, and she was sure that she would probably go with poison. Certainly she knew enough about different types, and what would be both effective and painless. Her mother had taught her well in that regard, possessing rather extensive knowledge on that topic. Her father had also been well aware of her mother's erudition along those lines. It had served nicely to keep him in line, and he was quite candid in stating that his wife's mastery of terminal ingestion was the secret to the length and relative calm of their marriage. When the knock came at the door, Mariel put down her work and called "Yes?" while making no attempt to hide the irritation in her voice over being interrupted. "A thousand pardons, milady," came the reply from the other side of the door. The speaker sounded rather youthful. "But your presence is requested at the Development office." "The what?" Having been forcibly removed from the life of politics and the court, Mariel paid very little attention these days to the government or the way in which it was set up. "The Office of Development, overseen by Chancellor Lione." It wasn't a name that meant anything to Mariel. She began to wonder if this was some sort of elaborate prank. Or worse, a ploy to get her to open the door so that some sort of assassination attempt might be carried out. After all, Londo was emperor now. If he carried within him a need for revenge against her, certainly he would have the resources to dispatch someone to attend to it. Then again, she was preparing to kill herself anyway. If someone was going to show up and do the job for her, certainly it wasn't that much different. Still, protocol had to be observed. "Just a moment," she said. She was wearing the sheerest of nightgowns. She had little need to get dressed these days, since she was on her own and no one came to visit her. Even the fellow who delivered food to her once a week simply left the supplies outside the door. Indeed, that had been one of the considerations that had sent her thoughts toward suicide. It wasn't just the humiliation and the ennui, it was also a matter of practicality. Soon what meager savings she had would run out. The delivery fellow had intimated that an "arrangement" might be able to be worked out, and he had suggested it with an unmistakeably lascivious grin. The thought of falling so far that she was actually considering the "arrangement" had been what had finally propelled Mariel's thoughts down the road of embarking upon final festivities. It had also resulted in the supplies being left outside the door. For the sake of propriety, she tossed on a robe over her gown-a sheer robe nonetheless-and answered the door. There was a very serious-faced young man standing there. She noted his discipline; his gaze did not so much as flicker over the lines of her body. If her beauty had an effect on him, he did not let it show. "Lady Marie]?" It was intended as an interrogative, although there was very little question in his tone. "Yes.,, "I am Throk of the Prime Candidates. Chancellor Castig Lione wishes to see you." "Does he now?" She arched one curved brow. "And he has sent you to fetch me?" "Yes, milady." "And if I do not choose to go?" She said it with a slightly toying tone. She had not played with a young male in some time. Pleasantly, she found that it still amused her. "Will you take me by force? Will you sling me over your shoulder as I struggle and plead for mercy?" "No, milady." "Then what will you do?" "I will wait until you choose to go." "Then that is what you will have to do." With that, she closed the door. It was getting late in the evening. She prepared herself a meager and carefully rationed dinner, ate it slowly and sparingly , worked on her suicide note, read a bit, then went to bed. When she awoke the following morning, she glanced out her front window and was dumbfounded to see Throk standing exactly where he had been the previous afternoon. As near as she could tell, he hadn't moved from the spot. He was covered with morning dew, and a passing bird had seen fit to relieve itself on his shoulder. She opened the door and stared at him. "My, my. You're quite determined, aren't you." "No, milady. I simply have my orders. Returning without you would not be following my orders. I was told to treat you with all courtesy. That, in fact, to treat you with discourtesy would result in my answering directly to Minister Durla." "Who?" "Minister Durla. The minister of internal security." "Oh." She frowned. The name was vaguely familiar, but she couldn't place it. No matter. It probably was not important . "And so you have chosen to wait." "One choice is no choice, milady." "A good point. Come in." "I will wait here, milady, if that is acceptable." The edges of her mouth crinkled. "And if it is not acceptable?" "I will still wait here. I was informed you could be quite seductive and was explicitly told not to enter your domicile for fear of being distracted from my mission." "Ooo. `Quite seductive.' I like the sound of that" She laughed lightly then. This was the most amusement she'd had in ages. "Very well, Throk. Remain there. I will attire myself in something more suitable and then go with you to speak with this chancellor of yours. Oh ... and Throk. . ." "Yes, milady." ` A pity you didn't come in. I was going to let you watch me change." She winked one eye lazily as she noted a telltale movement under Throk's shirt while the youth fought to keep an impassive face. She slid shut the door, then leaned against it and laughed some more, her shoulders trembling in silent mirth. She'd forgotten what it was like to entertain herself in that manner. The day was getting off to quite a start. The Office of Development was more than just an office. It was an entirely new building, tall and gleaming, part of the renovations that had been going on across Centauri Prime. Most impressive, she had to admit. Castig Lione's office was on the top floor, which, for some reason, didn't surprise Mariel in the slightest. Lione rose from behind his desk as Throk ushered her in. "Milady Mariel," he said, the picture of graciousness. "Young Throk left to fetch you yesterday. We were beginning to lose hope." "Your noble officer was delayed in rendering assistance to me. He is to be commended," Mariel said smoothly. Just to see Throk's expression, she cupped him under the chin and tickled him behind the ear. Nonetheless, he remained impressively impassive. "Well done, Throk," Lione said. "You may leave us, now." "Yes, sir," Throk said in a voice that sounded faintly stranBabylon gled. He bowed quickly to Marie] and got out of there as quickly as he could. "My congratulations, milady," said Lione, as he gestured for her to take a seat, which she promptly did. "You have managed the formidable feat of causing Throk to be disconcerted . I thought no one was capable of that." "I am not
no one," Marie] said. "True. Quite true." He seemed to contemplate her for a moment, and suddenly said, "I have been remiss. Something to drink?" "No, thank you." He nodded, then pulled a bottle from his desk drawer, poured himself a glass, and downed it. "You are doubtlessly wondering why I desired to see you." "No." "You're not?" She gave a small shrug of her shapely shoulders. "The world and the events that transpire within it are altogether too insane for my tastes. I prefer to simply allow them to unfold, rather than try to anticipate anything." "Well said," he chuckled. "Best not to give things too much thought. That way lies madness." "Speaking of madness, how is the emperor?" The well-delivered jibe prompted an appreciative chuckle from Lione. "I, of course, would never dare to make such an obviously disrespectful comment," he said. "But I suppose that having been married to the emperor at one time accords certain ... privileges. Are you sure you want nothing to drink?" "Quite sure. What I would like," and she rearranged her skirts delicately around her shapely legs, "is to know why I have been summoned here. I do have a good many things to attend to . . ." "Do you. Do you really." Something in his voice had changed ever so slightly. A slight coldness crept into it, perhaps even a hint of contempt. Lione glanced at his computer screen, apparently checking a file that was displayed upon it. "Once upon a time, milady, your activities were quite easily tracked. They consisted of a series of public appearances, parties, social engagements at high-profile establishments, and so on. However, I have no clue as to what you might be up to this fine afternoon. No sign of any activities at all. Or perhaps you're simply trying to keep a lower profile these days." Her lips thinned as her smile dissipated, to be replaced by a hardened look of barely restrained impatience. "Are you endeavoring to make a point, Chancellor? If so, what are you trying to say?" "I would assume, milady, that I am not saying anything you do not already know. As closely as we can determine, you ha ve fallen on extremely hard times. You are nearly out of money." Apparently warming to his topic, he leaned forward, interlacing his fingers. "Furthermore, it was bad enough when you were simply divorced by Londo Mollari. But now your former mate has risen to the exalted rank of emperor. That makes you an imperial discard. The men who once flocked to you so eagerly now desire to keep their distance. They do not desire to tempt fate, in the event that the emperor might either form a new attachment to you, or else seek you out for some rather distressing punishment. Your beauty may well be without match, Milady Mariel ... but there remain quite a few women out there to choose from, many of them well-connected. And few of them present anything resembling the potential difficulties that would face anyone seeking your ... favors." "Did you bring me here to insult me?" Mariel asked. She could feel her irritation mounting quite rapidly. She had not been certain why Lione had wanted to see her, but never would she have been able to guess that it was because he wanted to torment her. "Not at all." He seemed stricken that she could think such a thing. "Milady, I have nothing but the utmost respect for you. I have brought you here at the suggestion and recommendaBabylon tion of Minister Durla, but also because I genuinely believe that you will fit in nicely with our plans here at the Office of Development. Although what we have in mind is, well well..." And he smiled. "Not precisely within the official purview of this office, if you understand my drift." "I would like to say that I do, but I would be lying." He stood then. She remained where she was as he sauntered around the room. Since he had only half risen from his chair earlier upon her arrival, she had not realized quite how tall he was. "There is a great deal of resentment toward the Interstellar Alliance, at present," he said. "At present?" She chuckled lightly. "There has been for some time, and that situation will continue, I'd wager." "Yes, as would we. And since the IA promises to be something of a presence in the galaxy for some time to come, we have a certain ... obligation, shall we say ... to protect Centauri interests in that regard." "Protect them how? They have already dropped enough bombs upon us to wipe out a less hardy race. It's a bit late for protection now, is it not?" He looked out his window, seemingly pleased with the view. "It is never too late, milady. I am overseeing the creation of a ... a department, if you will. A quiet section of the government that is not of the government . . . if you see my meaning." "I am ... beginning to," she said after a moment of consideration . "You're speaking of a bureau within the Centauri government charged with spying upon the Alliance." "Please, milady," protested Lione. " `Spying' is such an ugly word." "Really. What word would you prefer?" " `Espionage.' Far more elegant, don't you think?" "You speak of things that could potentially involve great risk," said Mariel thoughtfully. "I do not embark on such undertakings lightly. What would you have me do?" "Only that which you are more than capable of accomplishing , milady," said Lione. He had been circling the room, but now he stopped next to her. In what might be seen as a somewhat bold move, he rested a hand on her shoulder. "Your beauty, if I may say so, is exceptional." "You may say so," Mariel told him. "And you are implying that a beautiful woman may accomplish a great many things, particularly when it comes to eliciting information from easily manipulated men." "Quite." "But beauty, my dear chancellor, is very much in the eye of he who beholds it," she reminded him. "The most beautiful Centauri woman on the face of this planet may be considered quite hideous by a Drazi, for example." "True enough," admitted Lione. "But you are overlooking two things. First, there are many cross-species standards for beauty that you already surpass. To Human eyes, you are exceptionally attractive. Also, your features would not be found displeasing by a Minbari. And my understanding is that the Narn ... well, the Narn find pale skin rather exotic, so I'm told." "You're told correctly," Mariel said, remembering the attentions paid her by G'Kar. Certainly part of their relationship had been spurred by the fact that G'Kar drew great pleasure from cuckolding his old opponent, Londo, but certainly the Narn was attracted to her as a female, as well. "And the second thing that I am overlooking?" "Charisma, milady. You have a great deal of charisma, and I am certain that it would serve you in good stead, even with those races who would consider a Centauri female to be less than aesthetic." "Why, Chancellor. You certainly know how to flatter a woman." "But I do not do so idly, I assure you. I feel you could be a most valuable operative for us, Milady Mariel. And I speak not only in terms of espionage. There may be the occasional requirement for sabotage or. . ." "Murder?" she finished the sentence. "Oh, but let me guess: `murder' is a distasteful word as well." "Since you bring it up ... I personally have always preferred the term `relocation.' " "Relocation?" "Yes. To the next life." ` Ah." She smiled. Clearly the chancellor was not without a sense of humor, however morbid it might be. He came full circle around his desk and seated himself once more. "Doubtless you are wondering how this will benefit you directly." "It did cross my mind. Unless you were intending that I should become involved out of the goodness of my hearts." "I have no doubt that there is much in your hearts, milady, but how much could be honestly described as 'goodness,' I would not care to find out. In answer to your question: Titles and lands, I regret, presently would be out of my reach to provide you. This aspect of my office must maintain a low profile, and to elevate you in such a manner would be too conspicuous . It might draw questions. "However, we can easily provide you with attractive remuneration , drawn from certain discretionary funds we have at our disposal. Furthermore, I believe you will find that certain doors to society will slowly begin creaking open for you once again. Your attracting some attention can only be beneficial to the cause. Just ... not too much attention, if you-" "Understand your meaning? Yes, Chancellor, it's quite clear." "Your missions would come from this office, and you would answer directly to me." "And if I were to find myself in any sort of difficulty derived from my espionage activities? If the truth behind one of my `missions' were to come out, and I found myself facing charges of being a spy? What then?" "Then," sighed Lione, "I am afraid that you would very likely find yourself in rather disastrous straits. Might I suggest that you not be found out?" "So you are saying I would be considered. . . disposable." She sm
iled humorlessly. "It would not be the first time. Since Londo already disposed of Daggair and myself, I have some experience in being considered easily dispensed with." "Do you think that the lady Daggair would be interested in becoming involved, as well? Or, for that matter, the lady Timov? Granted, she is still the emperor's wife, but our understanding is that there is no love lost between the two of them. She might be willing to accommodate us." Mariel gave the question some serious consideration. Then, slowly she shook her head. "I would not, if I were you, Chancellor . Daggair very much enjoys playing at being the manipulator . Politics and gamesmanship are something of a hobby to her. But she remains a dabbler, nothing more, with overmuch confidence in her abilities. I doubt she truly would have the stomach for the stakes that you're describing. "As for Timov ... you underestimate her, I think. She is superb at developing rationalizations for disliking Londo, but in my opinion, rationalizations are all they are. She was quite young when she married Londo, and she was quite starry- eyed when she did so, although it was an arranged marriage. I believe that some of that stardust remains, although it is very much tucked away in the corners of her eyes where she thinks it will not be noticed. I would not count on her being willing to betray Londo. Furthermore she is far too outspoken, and certainly does not suffer fools gladly. There is no subtlety to her, which would make her a less-than-attractive candidate. "There are, however, others," she added thoughtfully. "Other individuals who might very well be of the caliber that you are looking for. In my time, I have had the opportunity to make the acquaintance of many `dubious' individuals. I can provide you with a list of names, if you are so inclined." "You see? Your usefulness to us begins already." Then he tilted his head slightly. "You seem thoughtful, milady. Is all well?" "I am just ... thinking about the other wives. Londo's, that is. Sometimes I look back on that part of my life as if it was someone else's entirely." She laughed softly. "Do you know what Londo used to refer to us as? `Pestilence, famine, and death.' " Lione shook his head politely. "I am afraid I do not understand the reference." "Oh, it relates to Earth. Londo is quite the aficionado with Earth legend. One of their religions apparently states that, when their judgment day arrives, it will be heralded by four horsemen. And three of them would be pestilence, famine, and death." "Earth customs seem to hold endless fascination, not only for Londo, but for his former protege, Vir, as well." Clearly struck by a thought, he added, "Who would the fourth horseman in this mythical quartet be?" She frowned, trying to recall, and then her face brightened. "Oh yes. War." "War." Castig Lione chuckled. "Considering where Londo led us to, that is quite appropriate, don't you think?" "I try not to think, Chancellor," Marie] said. "Oftentimes it gets in the way of living my life." "So we have an understanding then, milady?" "Yes. Yes, I believe we do." She extended a hand in a rather elegant fashion and Castig Lione took it suavely and kissed her knuckles. "I can trust to your gentlemanly nature, I assume , to make my `remuneration' a fair one, so that we need not discuss such annoying matters as exact sums at this time?" "I am quite certain, milady, that you will not be disappointed." "And I thank you for thinking of me in this matter." "Well, milady ... as I mentioned earlier ... to be honest, it was Durla who suggested your name to me m connection with our endeavors." "Durla . . ." Her face blanked a moment, and then she recalled once more. "Oh, yes. That minister person. Do be so kind as to pass my thanks along to him, then. And by all means, Chancellor ... do not feel circumscribed by the business nature of our relationship." "Milady?" Mariel, clearly not feeling any need to expound beyond that, simply withdrew her hand from his, then walked out of the room, stopping only to toss a small-but-knowing smile over her shoulder. It seemed to Castig Lione that Durla was taking extreme pains to sound casual when he inquired, "Oh ... and did you have the opportunity to meet with the Lady Mariel?" Durla had regular weekly meetings with Lionc to discuss an assortment of projects. Indeed, Durla had meetings with all of the chancellors who answered to him. Lione was accustomed to them. In his case, he would sit there and speak at length about plans of the Development Office, both short- and long-term, and Durla would appear to be listening and nodding, although whether he was truly attending to anything that Lione was saying, Lione never really knew for sure. This time, however, Durla seemed quite attentive. His forced attempts to appear nonchalant came across as just that: forced. Lione wasn't entirely certain why that would be, although he did have his suspicions. "Yes. Yes, I did." "And how did it go?" "It went quite well. She is an extraordinary individual, the lady Mariel is. A great deal of charm and personal charisma. Your assorted suggestions for our bureau of espionage have been superb up until now, Minister, but the inclusion of Mariel may well be one of your most perspicacious selections yet." "Good." The minister said nothing for a time, and Lione couldn't quite tell whether he was expecting Lione to continue speaking or whether Durla was simply lost in thought. To play it safe, Lione said, "I have been giving some thought to naming the division of the bureau, sir." "Naming?" Durla momentarily seemed puzzled. "Yes, Minister. Certainly we should have a means of referring to the division that is to oversee the gathering of information and other ... activities ... in regard to the Alliance. However, calling it the Espionage Division would seem a bit obvious." "Yes. Yes, absolutely, I agree." Durla pursed his lips, considered it, and then said, "Designate it as the Division of Public Works." "Public works. Very well, Minister. May I ask how you-" "Did she say anything about me?" The question had come out all in a rush from Durla, and it caught Lione momentarily off guard. "She, Minister? Do you mean the lady Mariel?" "Yes, yes. You did tell her that it was upon my recommendation that she was being brought into the Division of Public Works." "No, sir, because at the time, we were not calling it the-" "Do not fence with me, Lione," said Durla, in a voice that seemed to suggest Castig Lione was suddenly in danger. By this point, Durla's attitude had more or less confirmed Lione's evaluation of the situation, but Lione was not about to say what was on his mind. He had a feeling that doing so could prove to have rather nasty consequences. "Did you mention me to her. I simply wish to know." "Why do you wish to know, sir?" asked Lione. "Because," Durla said steadily, "if I should happen to encounter her at a formal function, I wish to know if she knows that I know of her involvement so that I do not say something out of turn." hione slowly nodded, running Durla's last sentence through his mind a couple of times to make certain that he had followed it correctly. "I ... understand, Minister. In point of fact, yes, I did mention your name to her. Twice, I believe, although I would not swear to it." Durla suddenly seemed rather interested in tapping the surface of his desk with his finger. "Indeed. And ... what did she say? In regard to me, I mean. She did indicate that she knew who I was." It might have been Lione's imagination, but it seemed as if Durla was puffing out his chest slightly as he said that, as if completely absorbed in his self-image. "Yes, sir. In fact. . . now that I think of it ... she did ask me to thank you for recommending her." "She did!" Durla slapped his hand on the desk as if he'd suddenly had an off-the-cuff recollection of where he had left his wallet. "And why did you not say this earlier, Lione? If you are to be overseeing an intelligence-gathering division, it might behoove you to be more efficient in transmitting important information to me, without my having to drag it out of you. Do you not agree?" "Wholeheartedly, Minister. I shall endeavor to do better in the future." "Did she say anything else? You said she knew who I was. Of course she did," he answered his own question. "She must know. Everyone does." "She definitely had an awareness, Minister. When I mentioned your name, she said ... now what was it? Ah. She said, `Oh, yes ... that minister person.' " The temperature in the room dropped substantially. " `That ... minister person?'Are you quite certain that is what she said?" "Word for word, sir." Durla's face hardened, and it was at that moment that Lione knew precisely what to do. He leaned forward in his chair, his tall frame almost bending in half as he gestured in a conspiratorial way that Durla should lean forward. Clearly confused, Durla did so, and when Lione spoke, it was in the whis
pered tone of someone sharing a very great secret. "She is a very subtle individual, sir." "Subtle." "Sublimely so, yes. However, sir, she is still merely a woman ... and I have always been a fairly astute judge of the breed, sir." "I don't quite follow you, Chancellor." "I believe, sir, that she may have more ... consideration for you than she lets on. Oh, but. . . perhaps I'm speaking too boldly here-" "No, no," Durla said quickly. "I need to know whatever might be on your mind, Chancellor. By all means, be bold." "Well, Minister," the Chancellor said, warming to the topic, "although her words seemed dismissive, there was something about her tone of voice that indicated otherwise. Almost as if she was trying mightily to give the appearance of having only the slightest notion of who you were. But let us be realistic, Minister ... who on Centauri Prime does not know Minister Durla of Internal Security? The idea that she would not be instantly familiar with your name is simply absurd . A far more reasonable supposition is that she was being- "Subtle?" "Yes. Precisely. I could see it in her eyes, sir. It was quite evident ... if one knows what to look for." "Well ... that is excellent. Most excellent," Durla said, looking remarkably cheered. Lione sat straight up again and Durla continued, "I have no doubt that she will be a valuable addition to the Division of Public Works. Good work, Lione. Good work all around." They chatted for a few more minutes about assorted business matters: The current membership of the Prime Candidates , and how it could be increased. An archaeological project that Durla, for some reason, was in the process of commencing on some outlying world. But Lione wasn't listening . Instead his mind was racing in regard to the situation that had presented itself to him in such stark and clear relief. There was no doubt, as far as Lione was concerned. Clearly Durla was besotted with the woman. When it came to matters involving the lady Manel, Durla obviously could not be counted on to think straight. That was a useful piece of information to have. Lione had no idea quite yet how, or if, he would turn it to his advantage. But he had no doubt that, sooner or later, it would come into use. A useful little hole card ... and one that would be his to play when it suited his needs.