“Those were two completely different incidents,” said Monsignor Zerakan. “The major informed us of your failed rescue of the late Professor Jaskok. Why one of my priests would be there, I have no idea. Regardless, that has nothing to do with the attempt on the major’s life yesterday.”
Trinity locked eyes with the monsignor. “If the attack was actually an attempt on the major’s life or just an attack to kill peacekeepers, then I’d have to agree with you. On the other hand, what if yesterday’s attack had a different target?”
Both of the monsignors looked at each other before turning to Major Criteron.
The major turned to face Trinity. “Who, Trinity?”
“Me.”
“You?” said the major. “Why would—”
“Because I was sent her to get to the bottom of why the professor was kidnapped and to find out what’s so important about the information on that disk of his. I think someone would rather I not succeed.”
No one said anything for several seconds.
Facing the two monsignors, Trinity went on the offensive. “All political correctness aside, what’s at the bottom of this civil war of yours?”
Monsignor Zerakan looked at Major Criteron. “Are you allowing this woman to speak for you?”
The major nodded his head. “I am. Just so you know, I think you’re getting very close to making an insult. Remember what I said.”
Surprisingly the green-robed man didn’t protest. He pointed at his blue-robed counterpart. “Our two sects were entrusted to care for the Hallowed Gem and to keep it safe. During the time it was in the care of the priests of Monsignor Detarus, it disappeared. Monsignor Detarus claims it was stolen. I believe otherwise.”
Monsignor Detarus stepped toward Monsignor Zerakan with a raised fist. Major Criteron positioned himself between them. “I’ll have none of that here.”
Turning to Trinity, the major said, “Each sect blames the other for the gem’s disappearance. This feud’s been going on for a year now. Thousands have been killed. The only thing that’s prevented a full-scale civil war has been the presence of our peacekeepers.”
“Which will soon no longer apply if you’re pulling them all back here,” said Monsignor Detarus. “My people will be left to their own devices for protection.” He looked over at the green-robed monsignor. “However, I can assure you we won’t be helpless. We’ll defend ourselves against anyone who attacks us.”
“As will we,” said Monsignor Zerakan. “If your blue-robes don’t return the Hallowed Gem, we’ll get it back by force.”
“Enough,” said Major Criteron. “This is getting us nowhere.”
“Why is this gem so important?” Trinity asked. “Is there only one?”
The two monsignors stopped glaring at each other long enough to look at Trinity.
“You ask us why the gem is so important,” said Monsignor Detarus. “It was given to us by the Creator ten thousand years ago. Since the time of the two brothers, the Hallowed Gem has allowed our priests to connect with their inner source of energy. Without the gem, there would be no more priests.”
Monsignor Zerakan raised one finger. “One gem, that’s all there is and all there will ever be. Ten thousand years ago, the brothers Tremar and Osolo discovered a rift in the earth. When they investigated, they found a massive object composed of black metal at the bottom. Although the brothers didn’t know it at the time, they’d stumbled upon a crashed starship. While exploring the wreckage, they found the Hallowed Gem. Realizing the Power of the gem, the brothers swore an oath that they would devote their lives to keeping the gem safe.”
Major Criteron rubbed his chin. Trinity thought he looked a little like a confused child. For some reason, she thought his actions looked cute. She quickly shoved the thought aside.
“I knew about the gem, of course,” said the major. “I hadn’t heard about the starship. It crashed ten thousand years ago, you say?”
Monsignor Detarus shook his head. “It was found by the brothers ten thousand years ago. The starship itself was much older. The only identifying marking on the wreckage was an insignia of a black dragon with a red stripe down its side.”
“Perhaps we should inspect the starship,” suggested Jennifer in Trinity’s shared space. “It could provide some necessary data to complete our mission.”
“Where’s the crash site?” Trinity asked way ahead of her battle computer. “It might be useful for us to investigate the wreckage. If we’re lucky, we might be able to learn something that could help us locate that gem of yours.”
Monsignor Zerakan snorted. “I have no doubt Monsignor Detarus could tell us the location of the Hallowed Gem this very minute if he wanted. As to the wreckage, it’s been salvaged. Nothing remains at the crash site.”
“Salvaged by who?” asked Major Criteron.
This time it was Monsignor Detarus who replied. “The combined council of priests contracted the salvage to a Carsoloian company ten years ago. They finished the salvage last year. In return for salvage rights, the Carsoloians built the magnificent temple that was the location of the gem until the Osoloian priests stole it.”
“It wasn’t we who stole it,” said Monsignor Zerakan. “It was in your possession when—”
“Why?” asked Trinity amplifying the question through her battle helmet’s external speakers.
The overly loud question startled the two monsignors enough that they took their eyes off each other and glanced at her. Even the major looked at her wide-eyed.
“Uh, why what?” asked the major taking the lead.
Trinity folded her arms and sat against the edge of the major’s desk. “Why does each of the priest sects think the other stole the gem? Has it ever occurred to you that a third party might have taken it?”
“Do you think we’re stupid, woman,” said Monsignor Detarus. “Of course we considered it. We—”
Speaking over his opposite, Monsignor Zerakan said, “The possibility has been investigated thoroughly. The temple is impregnable. Only one of the senior priests could have gained access. The gem was in the custody of the Tremarian sect. The culprits are obvious.”
Monsignor Detarus opened his mouth, but Trinity cut him off before he could speak.
“Was the area checked out by a wizard scout?” Trinity asked.
“What?” said both priests at the same time.
“A wizard scout,” Trinity repeated. “We have abilities that go far beyond those of most people. Did you have the area where the gem was stolen checked by a wizard scout?”
“Cavos has no wizard scouts,” said Monsignor Zerakan.
“We have no need,” added Monsignor Detarus. “Our priests have Power reserves the same as the Empire’s wizard scouts. We have similar sensory abilities of our own.”
“He’s right,” said Jennifer. “The information you’re feeding me from your passive scan indicates both priests are connected to large Power reserves.”
“Everyone has at least some Power,” Trinity replied in her shared space. “Even the major here has a Power reserve. It’s quite large too from what I can tell with my passive scan. I’ll bet he could’ve qualified for wizard scout training when he was younger. He’s too old now, of course. He’d never make it through the physical training in pre-Academy much less the Academy itself.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” said Jennifer. “Based on what I can tell with my sensors, he looks like he’s in pretty good shape.”
Trinity took a closer look at the major. She had to admit he was slim and trim. He’s not bad looking either, she thought before she caught herself and got her mind back on the business at hand.
Major Criteron picked up on Trinity’s line of questioning and took the lead. “No slight to your priests, but sometimes a second set of eyes can see things in a different light. Perhaps Trinity could spot something your priests missed. As I said earlier, she’s the best wizard scout in the Empire.”
“There he goes bragging on me again,” Trinity told her bat
tle computer. “What gives? I got the impression he resented me the first time we met.”
“Perhaps it’s your charming personality,” chuckled Jennifer. Growing more serious, she said, “Or more likely it’s your actions during the fight yesterday. You really did save a lot of lives.”
“I couldn’t have done it if he hadn’t blown open the escape hatch.”
“Actually, it was Sergeant Ron who blew it completely off,” said Jennifer. “I calculate the major’s charming personality may be having a greater effect on you than you think.”
Trinity frowned. The monsignors must’ve thought the frown was directed at them.
“We meant no slight to wizard scouts,” said Monsignor Detarus. “Even on Cavos we’ve heard of their prowess.” Looking at his green-clad counterpart, the monsignor said, “I see no reason why the wizard scout can’t inspect the security vault where the Hallowed Gem was kept. It’s empty after all. What harm can she do?”
Monsignor Zerakan frowned before nodding his head. “None I suppose.” Giving an evil-looking smile, the priest added, “As long as she’s accompanied by a male. Perhaps the major would want to inspect the vault as well. He could meet with the council of priests afterwards and explain his rationale for pulling back his peacekeepers.”
“Yes, of course she must have a male escort,” said Monsignor Detarus. “We can’t have a female wandering around the temple unescorted.”
Before Trinity could think of the right words to tell both priests what she thought of their chauvinist ways, Major Criteron spoke up.
“I would also like to see the area. Trinity and I will be at the temple this afternoon if it’s convenient. We’ll be bringing along a couple of others as well.”
“That will be acceptable,” said Monsignor Detarus.
“Err…,” said Monsignor Zerakan, “as long as any females have male escorts.”
“Yes, as long as that,” agreed Monsignor Detarus.
Both of the priests gave forced smiles. Trinity didn’t smile back. She noticed the major didn’t return their smiles either.
“At least he seems to be on your side,” said Jennifer.
Trinity mentally snorted. “That remains to be seen. The day’s still young.”
Chapter 9 – The Temple
___________________
Trinity, Telsa, Major Criteron, Charlie, and Sergeant Ron walked through the lavish halls of the temple. The two monsignors led the way. A gaggle of a dozen tattooed priests followed behind. The priests wore an even mix of blue and green robes.
“I don’t think they trust each other much,” whispered Telsa out the side of her mouth. “Did you notice how the two sects glared at each other when we linked up?”
Trinity looked down at her short companion and whispered back. “Believe me, I noticed. I also picked up on how they looked at us. I don’t think we’re high on their popularity list either.”
The short female nodded her head.
After walking along several long, marbled hallways, the two monsignors led them to a massive, metal door. It was open. Beyond the door was an empty room with a single small table. The table was as devoid of content as the room. Trinity sensed streams of energy in the walls around her.
“Ah,” said Jennifer intruding into Trinity’s thoughts. “The room’s composed of titanium. It’s not energized at the moment, but if it was, it would be an impregnable vault of solid creallium. I calculate not even dimensional shifting creatures could enter; at least none that are in my databanks.”
“Well, I don’t happen to be a shifter, so that doesn’t really matter, does it?” Trinity said. “As to impregnable, if we’re to believe what we’ve been told, someone sure as hell got in here.”
“This is where the Hallowed Gem was kept,” said Monsignor Detarus. “We only took the gem out during initiation ceremonies for new priests. Automated plasma weapons line the entrance corridor as well as the rooms above, below, and to the sides. A dozen priests are always on guard when the gem is in the vault. A year ago it was my Tremarians’ turn to guard the Hallowed Gem. When the vault was opened to get the gem for an initiation ceremony, the room was empty.”
Monsignor Zerakan waved with one hand toward the open door. “Don’t you want to go inside? Or did we bring you here for nothing?”
“I see fine from here,” said Charlie.
Trinity nodded her head in agreement. “The room looks too much like a prison cell for my comfort,” Trinity told her battle computer.
“Amen to that, sister,” agreed Jennifer. “I recommend you form an active scan and let’s get started. I calculate your friends here won’t be bringing you back for a second look any time soon.”
Trinity drew Power from her reserve and reached into the room gently probing the table, walls, ceiling, and floor. Every wizard scout had a specialty, and hers was detection. She’d always had a knack for scans. It didn’t take long for her to key in on a residual energy radiating from the table. The energy was faint, but it was strange enough that it drew her attention.
“I calculate the residue is leftover energy radiation from the priests’ gem,” said Jennifer. “The frequency doesn’t match anything in my databanks.”
“Charlie,” Trinity said. “How about concentrating on the table? Do you see what I’m seeing?”
Trinity sensed the Sterilian form a line of Power and reach into the room. The old lizard’s scan touched the table. Not surprisingly, another line of Power reached out from Sergeant Ron and touched the table as well.
“What’s going on?” asked Telsa. “What are you seeing?”
“Strange Power,” said Charlie. “Never see.”
“Same here,” Trinity said. “My battle computer claims she can’t find anything like it in her databanks.”
“Hey,” said Jennifer over the battle helmet’s external speakers. “What do you mean claims? I requested a matching search through the tele-network and got no hits. What else do you want me to do?”
“Don’t get your panties in a wad, Jennifer,” Trinity said speaking out loud as well. “I didn’t mean to imply otherwise.”
Trinity sensed Sergeant Ron pull his scan back. The old man scratched his beard before looking at her. “Well, I’ve sensed something like it before. It was almost thirty-five years ago, but I know what I sensed then, and I’ll never forget it. The old energy reading I’m talking about came from a starship from another dimension, or at least that’s my theory. I’m guessing that starship I encountered must’ve had a similar gem on board.” The Defiant’s captain turned to the two monsignors. “Trinity told me that crashed starship of yours had a black dragon insignia on it. Is that right?”
“It did,” said Monsignor Zerakan. “But if you’re trying to imply our crashed starship is the same as the ship you encountered, you’re wrong. The wreckage the two brothers found was tens of thousands of years old.”
“Oh, I’m not trying to imply anything,” said Sergeant Ron. “I’m just saying the two energy frequencies are similar. I wasn’t that proficient with scans back then, but I still sensed enough to know the energy wasn’t from our galaxy. The residual energy from that table is the same as from thirty-five years ago. I don’t think it’s from our galaxy either. I don’t even think it’s from our dimension. At least that’s my opinion. Take it for what it’s worth.”
Telsa walked up to the vault door and stepped inside. “Well, unlike you all, I don’t have a Power reserve. I can’t sense anything. I’ve got to use my eyes.”
“Who told you that?” asked Sergeant Ron.
The short female looked up from her inspection of the table. “Who told me what?”
Trinity stepped closer to the door, but she didn’t step inside. The place really did make her nervous. “I think he means who told you that you don’t have a Power reserve. You’re actually connected to a very large source of Power. From what I can tell, you share a reserve with other creatures, but then most people do. In most cases, that doesn’t mean much. I share a res
erve with a dozen other creatures, but I don’t think they even know they’re linked to it. It’s never been a problem for me.”
“Yeah,” said Sergeant Ron. “The commandant told me everything has at least some Power. In most cases it’s minute, but in your case, Telsa, it’s quite large.”
“Really?” asked Telsa. “Then how come I can’t sense things like you guys?”
“You not trained,” said Charlie. Pointing at Sergeant Ron with a thumb and then back at himself, the Sterilian said, “Commandant train us.”
Trinity nodded her head. “He’s right. You’ve got to be trained before you can use your Power reserve. There are exceptions of course, but in almost all cases, it takes a wizard scout diviner to unlock a person’s Power source. I’m not a diviner, otherwise I could help you do it. Only about one out of a thousand wizard scouts are diviners, so they’re pretty rare. If you went to the Academy for wizard scout training, one of their diviners would teach you.”
“Ha,” said Telsa. “That ain’t happening. I’m a scientist, and that’s all I ever want to be.”
“Now that’s the smartest thing I’ve heard you say since you came onboard the Defiant,” laughed Sergeant Ron. “Sure there are some perks to being a wizard scout like non-aging for instance, but they’re outweighed by the bad in my opinion. Isn’t that right, Trinity?”
Shrugging her shoulders, Trinity thought back to her life as a wizard scout. It certainly hadn’t been easy, and she’d given up a lot for the privilege of wearing the scout’s golden-dragon insignia.
“Non-aging?” asked Major Criteron. “Are you saying wizard scouts are immortal?”
Trinity shook her head. “Not hardly. When I’m injured, my Power reserve attempts to return my cells to my DNA baseline which in turn heals whatever damage I’ve taken. Aging is an injury as far as my Power reserve is concerned. I was twenty-six years old the day I had my DNA baseline taken. From a physical standpoint, I’ll be twenty-six years old until the day I die. However, I can and will die. My Power reserve will weaken over time. Eventually it will fail. When it does, I’ll die. Or if I use all my Power during a battle fighting, or if I attempt to heal so much damage my reserve is depleted, I’ll die. Assuming I’m not prematurely killed, my reserve will fail in the one hundred to one hundred and twenty year range. That normally doesn’t apply for most scouts. It’s rare for a wizard scout to live that long. Our average life expectancy on active duty is only five years after we leave the Academy. I’ve lasted twelve. The odds increase every day that I’ll be killed or my Power reserve will be so badly damaged that I’ll be medically discharged from the corp.” Locking eyes with Telsa, Trinity said, “I agree with Sergeant Ron. A life as a scientist would be a whole lot easier.”
Trinity Unleashed (Wizard Scout Trinity Delgado Book 1) Page 9