Reno returned a nervous look. “Out here?”
Naffi chuckled. “Oh, yes, how quickly I forgot about your infatuation with her.”
“I wouldn't call it an infatuation. I barely know her.”
“Your reaction says it is an infatuation. But do not worry, I won't expose or make light of your desires in front of her. I'll leave that up to you.”
A comm was opened, and a message was delivered. Ten hours later the personal shuttle of Vara was landing in the docking bay. Naffi and Reno were both there to greet her.
Naffi bowed his head. “My other half. It is good to see you.”
“Thank you, sir. I do have some news of our search, but nothing definite.”
“Excellent. Have you eaten? We are due for a meal.”
“Famished.”
“I have to warn you though. These meals are all packaged. We do not have a chef aboard.”
“I work well with either, sir.”
Naffi smiled. “Yes. I suppose you always have. Come... this way to our modest diner.”
Chapter 17
_______________________
Naffi said, “So, tell us about your progress.”
Vara replied, “We have two leads on supplies we believe are being routed to that station. They have done a good job of covering up the final destination, but it's only a matter of time before we have it. We also have people watching their people. If for instance Marwal makes a journey home to see his family, we may be able to follow him back. So the reality of the situation is we don't yet know their location, but we do have leads.”
“Has there been any indication there are investigators seeking my hidden assets.”
“Yes. Three times now the same detective has come into a storefront we use to move supplies. But she has gone away with nothing of substance each time. And nothing that would indicate it was owned by anyone but the legally registered owner. The inventories matched the financials almost exactly.”
“And if they return and find evidence of it being part of our network?”
“They won't. But if they did, each of our entities is heavily isolated. There are no ties from this location to any of our others. They would have to raid a dozen places simultaneously before we would feel an impact.”
Naffi nodded. “Excellent work. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have something to check.”
Reno looked up. “What would that be?”
“It's personal. I'll be right back.”
Reno was left staring at the door.
Vara asked, “Are you OK?”
Reno glanced down at the table. “Yes. Sorry.”
“Let's get right to it then. Are you interested in me?”
“What? Did Naffi say that?”
Vara smirked and kept a smile. “He doesn't have to. That bead of sweat on your brow gives you away.”
“What? I don't have sweat on my brow.”
“I was trying to make a joke. And it's OK. I like you too.”
Reno scratched the side of his head, twisting the bits of white fur in his fingers. “This is a bit awkward.”
“It shouldn't be. Look. You're a brilliant scientist. Intellect fascinates me. How you can focus that deeply on your work and build something as spectacular as this station? I'm in awe... and intimidated.”
“By me? You are running an entire underground operation, dealing with who knows how many people while keeping everything straight in your head. I'm the one in awe.”
Vara smiled. “Well thank you. I suppose I never thought of what I do as awesome in any way. I organize people and they are the ones who do all the work.”
“And that's where we differ. You are good at delegating tasks to others while I prefer to keep as much as possible to myself. I don't do well with relying on other people for things I consider crucial. I fully understand that sometimes you have to, but that doesn't mean I like it.”
“If this all came to a stop tomorrow, and you could no longer do related research, what would you do with your life?”
“Do you know something? Are Nunol and Marwal getting close?”
Vara chuckled. “No. Sorry. Didn't mean to raise alarms. It was more of a lifestyle interest question.”
“Oh. Well, I suppose I don't really know. These adventures would certainly be a second choice, but you said that option would be going away.”
“Away for this question, yes.”
“I suppose I don't know. That might take some deep thought.”
“And that's where we are alike. I love what I do. And if it went away, well, I feel as though I would be lost.”
“You are beautiful, young, and intelligent. I would have to believe opportunities would have to be jumping at someone like you.”
Vara leaned forward. “Thank you for the compliments. And I can assure you our ages are closer than you think. And while those opportunities might be jumping at me should I become available, I can't imagine being happy doing something else. That's probably the reason I've remained single for as long as I have. I've just never found the time to consider a mate.”
Reno gazed at her for several seconds. “Strange. Until this very moment, I hadn't considered doing so. The scientist in me wants to ask where I would find the time for such an involvement, while my Human side longs for it.”
“Your Human side?”
“Yes. I'm afraid my mind has been infected with Human thought. In the last few months I've spent an equivalent of dozens of lifetimes as a Human. It's strange, their emotions are heightened. If you like someone, that feeling is more intense. The same holds true for the flavor of a food or the colors in a natural scene. I can now find the sound of a special someone's voice attractive.”
Before realizing what was happening, the two Opamari had their hands stretched across the table to exchange a touch.
Naffi walked in with a grin. “I knew it. My two favorite people. This is... a superb development.”
Vara said, “Other than Nunol and Marwal, who want you in prison, we are the only two people you now know.”
“Sad, but true. Which brings me to a question. We were thinking, it might be a good idea to send you on a few excursions.”
“Me? Why?”
“As a backup plan. Currently, Reno and I are the only two with clones that Marwal is looking for. Should we throw a female Human or two in the mix it would make us that much more difficult to track down. And I believe it would be comforting for us to know we had someone else to send in a pinch. Besides, I think we owe it to you.”
“Owe it to me? How?”
Reno said, “For the experience. There is nothing like it. The adventure, the emotions, the interacting with another species... I can't tell you how much joy it has given me. Enough that I could spend the rest of this life living lives there, if that were to be possible.”
Vara looked directly at Naffi. “Are you of that same opinion?”
“Doubly so, if that is possible.”
“I've never shied from adventure. If you think this is a worthwhile use of our resources, send me back.”
Reno clasped his hands together. “You will very much enjoy it. I'll go ready a clone.” He hurried off with a grin on his face.
Naffi gestured toward the door. “Come with me. I'll go over a few things and maybe play back a few of the recordings we've made.”
“Reno is certainly excited.”
“Because he knows how powerful an experience this is.”
“What will I do when I go back?”
“We can either send you on an exploratory tour or give you a mission.”
“A mission, definitely.”
“OK. We are in the middle of a series of wars. Not so much now I guess as we were victorious, but there are powers that want to break up our newly formed Empire. We know the names of some of those involved, but not all. You will be taking on the task of infiltrating their organization and retrieving names.”
“That sounds risky and adventurous. I like it.”
“It is a
strange existence. You are there, and you are living, and your life back here is not in danger. Well, let me take that back. Your mental state may be in danger, but I believe you to be more than strong enough to handle whatever comes your way.”
“And what might come my way?”
“For one, death. It will most certainly come to you. It is both terrifying and liberating at the same time. You die, but then your mind here is released from its connected state and you will feel the most blissful relief you have ever felt. But as another unique sensation, while joyous to be home, you will also long to go back. The whole affair will be mentally taxing, but richly rewarding at the same time.”
Reno brought around a female clone. London in 1809 was selected as a target and the clone's memories were loaded with information about that time.
When the bio-link connection was made, Vara sat up with her eyes wide. “What? Oh, this is... different.”
Naffi said, “Just think and you can command it to walk, jump, talk... whatever you want. You are in complete control.”
The clone stood and walked the room. After jumping in place for several seconds, it sprinted forward and slammed into a wall, its head bouncing off with a look of confusion and pain.
Vara rubbed her own forehead. “That hurt.”
Reno took her arm. “Are you OK?”
Naffi chuckled. “What was that? Why did you just run forward like that?”
“Impulse.” Vara returned a sheepish smile. “I wanted to see what would happen. Didn't know I would feel every bit of the pain.”
Reno said, “Not only do you feel the pain, but all the sensations seem to be heightened. You will hurt, you will ache, you will bleed, and bruise, and break. Your body here is protected and safe, but your mind is completely connected, and you will remember everything when it is over.”
Naffi looked at the clone. “You have a knot on your forehead. We can get another clone if needed.”
“No. I'll keep the one you gave me. That was my mistake.”
Reno moved his hand in a swirling motion. “Walk around the room for a few minutes. Get used to the feel of your new body. And keep in mind, it gets better when we put you to sleep here. Everything will become clear and easy to interpret.”
Naffi said, “For now just lie back on the table and close your eyes. That in itself will help.”
Vara followed the advice as her clone walked the lab, touching equipment and testing its balance and mobility.
The clone spoke. “This is a most bizarre experience.”
Naffi laughed. “Just wait until you are back and interacting with Humans. I would suggest you spend a few weeks familiarizing yourself with the people before attempting to infiltrate. Pick a name for your clone, well, at least two names as is tradition with Humans, and of course dress yourself before going out.”
Reno said, “We'll be dropping you into a home on Chancery Lane. You will find clothing for a male, which you will have to make do with until you can shop for your own. And you will find a substantial amount of coin that should allow you to see to any needs.”
Naffi asked, “I wasn't aware of this house, where did it come from?”
“My last journey. I thought it might be beneficial to us to have a place there for conducting operations.”
Naffi smiled as he patted Vara on the shoulder. “That will work much better for you than our normal start of being naked in a field.”
Vara nodded. “I'm ready.”
“We'll put this body under just before sending the clone back in time. For a moment you'll feel a falling sensation, after which you'll open your eyes in your new existence. Oh, and there is a slight delay when you first arrive before your vision returns. Don't panic. It will happen.”
Reno stood over her. “One last thing. The clone of Marwal will likely be there and looking for you. Blend in as best you can. Keep yourself unseen. And you'll want to prepare a way to take your life if capture is imminent. Oh, and you'll want to immediately sell the house and acquire a new one. The moment you arrive, Marwal will know when and where you are.”
Naffi said, “If at any time it becomes too overwhelming or risky, don't hesitate to find a way to quickly end the clone's life. We can warm and ready a new one and send you back again to the same time, only seconds later.”
Vara smiled. “You've both been over those things at least three times now. I am ready. Let's proceed.”
The clone laid back on the slab and the chamber closed over her. An injection was given to Vara and she was fast asleep. Reno gave a nervous wince as the violent ripping sound of space-time being torn apart echoed through the lab. Seconds later, the scientists were seeing the inside of the home Reno had previously purchased. Ornate, dark-colored wood paneling covered the walls of the room.
Naffi frowned. “It looks dismal in there.”
Reno scowled. “Dignified, not dismal. It was a sign of wealth and prestige at the time.”
“It could use some open windows and bright colors. It looks more like a dark cave than an area to be lived in.”
“It was a study. And look at the carving on the face of that desk. Spectacular.”
Naffi chuckled. “We all have our own tastes, I guess.”
Vara's clone walked through the house. “Interesting. I've never seen décor like such.”
“Depressing, isn't it?” Naffi smiled.
“Not at all. Somewhat primitive as compared to our standards, but intriguing. It has its appeal. I could see myself spending time here if only to study it.”
Reno grinned. “My feelings exactly. And one of the reasons it was acquired. Sit by a warm fire in the evening up in the master bedroom or watch the people walking past the front window. I found it warm and relaxing there.”
Naffi chuckled. “Both of you are demented.”
Vara woke on the table. “That... was... probably the most visually and emotionally stunning thing I have done in my life.”
Reno helped her sit up. “Come. Show us the highlights.”
The three Opamari pulled their chairs in close to the display console as Reno worked the controls. “Where to first?”
Vara thought for a moment. “Day three. Just after noon. I walked to William Pitt Bridge, the people call it Blackfriars Bridge because of the monastery there. I walked out and was admiring the small boats paddling by in the water, when one of the men you had shown me from the conspiracy walked by. I smiled, which drew his attention and he stopped.”
Naffi smirked. “Not still in men's clothes, I hope.”
“No. I had resolved that problem the day before. Anyway, he introduced himself as Sir Ellis Burroughs. After introductions he asked to walk with me.”
Reno furrowed his brow. “For what purpose?”
Naffi replied, “For the purpose of her being in an attractive, well-dressed, female body. She will be drawing the attention of men. If you are going to be jealous, perhaps you shouldn't watch.”
Vara frowned. “That wasn't a very nice thing to say.”
Naffi apologized. “I'm sorry. Consider it the Human side of me.”
Reno shook his head. “I don't think it's a side any more. More like the majority.”
Vara said, “May we proceed?”
Naffi gestured toward the display. “By all means.”
Reno became increasingly irritated as Jessica Tennet, the clone controlled by Vara, worked her wiles on the conspirator.
“So, Mr. Burroughs, what do you do for a living?”
“I trade in cotton. Imported from America. Are you from London?”
“I'm from here and there. I travel. Have you been to Genoa?”
“I can't say I have been, no.”
“I spent the last year there with my aunt and grandmother.”
“So you are Italian?”
“No. Before that it was Germany and before that France. I've even spent time in New York.”
“You don't say? I have several friends I do business with who are from there. Perhaps you would joi
n me for dinner sometime? I would love to introduce you to them.”
“I would like that, Mr. Burroughs. You were at a brisk walk just before, were you on your way to somewhere important?”
“I was, but that can wait.”
Vara reached out and paused the play. “It seems Human males are similar to our own. In his eagerness to continue our conversation I was invited to a dinner at a nearby home. It is the residence of another conspirator, Michael Thomas. If you'll proceed to this next evening I believe you will see fully half of the participants are listed on the conspirator rolls.”
Naffi shook his head as he smiled. “Efficient as always Vara. I look forward to seeing your progress.”
Chapter 18
_______________________
Reno watched with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face. “Look at them, throwing themselves at you as if you had some magical powers.”
Vara shrugged. “And several were quietly bragging to me about their conspiracy to throw out the French. And it got even better. I was invited to several more parties over the weeks that followed. I believe I now have a complete list of names of all who are in this, except one. Most are merchants with trade ties to the Americas.”
“Who is this one you're missing?”
“They call him the Apostle, but that isn't his real name. There are only three individuals who know his identity. You'll see in the coming clips where I attempt to get close to him.”
“Is this going to make me uncomfortable?”
“Why would it?”
Reno stared for several seconds. “Never mind.”
“Well, I guess it doesn't matter, I was unsuccessful. None of these men were lured by my female ways.”
Reno squinched his eyes as he looked at the parameters of the display. “Wait... it says you only lived another twenty-six days. What happened?”
“I had left the home of one of the conspirators after a meeting. It was dark. I blacked out. I can only believe I was struck from behind. I awoke in a room where I was beaten continuously as they asked who I worked for. My body succumbed to the damage before they got an answer.”
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