=They’ve shown us nothing,= Jai wrote to Robert on his palmtop. =Just inoperative consoles.=
Robert had swept the office for monitors, and dismantled several, but Jai doubted they had found everything. Instead of speaking, he passed his palmtop to Robert. That didn’t guarantee privacy either, but it would help. Jai wondered just how paranoid he would become, living among the Aristos.
They were sitting at a table in Jai’s suite on the space station. Robert wrote on the palmtop, =Some command stations must work; otherwise this station wouldn’t operate at all.=
=I want to see the Lock,= Jai wrote.
Robert’s forehead creased. =This is it.=
=We haven’t seen the actual Lock.=
=You mean the singularity in spacetime?=
=Yes.=
Robert blanched. =It will suck us away. Take our souls.=
It wasn’t the first time Jai had heard a Eubian express superstition about the Lock. He didn’t miss the irony, that Aristos felt soulless to psions, yet Eubians feared the Lock that protected Skolians would suck away their souls.
=It can’t affect you unless you walk into it,= Jai wrote. =Even then, only a psion would feel anything.=
Robert stiffened. =I am a taskmaker.=
Damn. Jai knew he had blundered. He had lived most of his life surrounded by psions. It wasn’t until he had gone to live with Seth Rockworth on Earth that he realized most people weren’t empaths or telepaths. Although he had kept his abilities to himself, he considered them a benefit, traits he greatly valued.
Eubians didn’t share that opinion. They saw psions as inferior. Weak. Although most providers lived in a luxury few taskmakers could ever attain, they were at the bottom of Eubian social hierarchies. In contrast, Robert was close to the top. If Jai implied he was a provider, it would be a grave insult.
=You are a lord among taskmakers,= Jai wrote. =You are my respected aide.=
Robert lifted his head. =It is my honor.=
=I will go into the Lock alone. As a Highton, I’m immune to its effects.= Jai had wanted an excuse to dump his guards, and Robert’s superstition gave him an opening. =You and the guards will wait outside.=
Robert took the palmtop from Jai. =I would give my life rather than let you risk entering the Lock alone.=
=I won’t enter. Just view it.= Although he could use the Lock to join the Triad, it would be about as smart as shooting himself with a laser carbine. Command centers all over the station would come to life. Not only would it give him away as a Ruby psion, but he would also be handing the Hightons a Key who was already in the Triad.
Jai had come here only to find Kelric. His uncle was the one who should join the Triad; Kelric had the experience, maturity, and background to rule as Imperator, the military commander of the Skolian Imperialate. Jai’s mother had been Imperator before she died, but no one held the position now.
The other two Triad members were Jai’s grandfather and Jai’s great-aunt, the Ruby Pharaoh. His grandfather was in custody on Earth; their military refused to release him for fear the Ruby Dynasty would build another psiberweb and go back to war with Eube, throwing world-slagging armies at each other until they destroyed civilization. In his darker moments, Jai wondered if the people of Earth weren’t right.
ESComm claimed that Dyhianna Selei, the Ruby Pharaoh, had died when they captured her husband, Prince Eldrin, but Jai had his doubts. If they had killed her, they would have trumpeted it across interstellar space. That they were so quiet made Jai suspect they didn’t know what had happened to her. But if she had escaped, why didn’t she reveal herself? The silence unnerved him. The Skolians were demoralized; her appearance now could reenergize her people much as Corbal claimed Jai had done for the Eubians. So where was she?
Jai exhaled. Perhaps the Ruby Dynasty truly was broken, with only his grandfather in the Triad. Jai had found no hint of his uncle Kelric here. It disheartened him: he had been so certain. The escaped provider was probably someone else, a man who just happened to resemble the uncle Jai had seen only in holos. It was stupid to hope. Kelric Valdoria had been dead for eighteen years.
Regardless, Jai wanted to visit the Lock. He felt compelled, an impulse that had grown as the day passed.
Robert wrote on his palmtop. =You must take an active comm into the Lock. And we will monitor you. If anything goes wrong, we will be ready.=
Jai didn’t want them monitoring him; it would limit his actions. But it was probably the best he could do. If he kept insisting on privacy, it would arouse suspicion. Relaxing his barriers, he concentrated on Robert. His aide genuinely believed only a Highton could enter the Lock without being destroyed. But if Robert thought Jai was in danger, he would go in anyway, even believing he risked his soul.
=You honor me with your fealty,= Jai wrote.
Robert looked pleased. =We should go now, during the night shift.=
Smart man. =Yes. We are less likely to encounter obstacles.=
Robert understood exactly what “obstacles” Jai meant. =I can hide us from ESComm Security.=
Jai grinned. =Good.=
The only entrance to the Lock was through an ancient airlock. Unlike modern airlocks, which were permeable membranes that clung to a person as they stepped through, this one consisted of two solid hatches. Jai waited with Robert next to it while two of his Razers used their palmtops to check the monitors inside his body. His other two bodyguards opened the outer hatch of the airlock. Jai wondered why the Lock chamber needed it. An extra safeguard, perhaps, in case this section of the station ever became cut off from the rest. Psions strong enough to use the Lock had always been rare and well protected.
After he stepped through the hatchway, his guards shut the hatch, closing him into a metal antechamber. He tried the inner hatch, straining to turn its circular handle, but nothing happened. He tried pulling it the other way.
Nothing.
Jai frowned. Could he even enter?
Come.
Jai froze. He felt the thought as a sense of meaning rather than an actual word.
I know you, Jai answered. It was true. The sentience had been trying to contact him since he boarded the station.
No answer.
Jai tried again. How do I enter?
I will veil you.
Veil? I don’t understand.
An impression formed in his mind, neither words nor images, but he understood. The Lock would disguise his actions within its chamber so the guards monitoring him would know nothing of what transpired.
How do I open the hatch? Jai asked. When no response came, he tried again. May I enter?
The handle turned and the hatch swung open.
Taking a deep breath, Jai stepped through the hatchway into an octagonal chamber about twenty paces wide. The dark shapes of consoles hulked in the gloom, but across from him, a corridor sparkled, shedding the only light. Its path arrowed straight back until it became a point in the infinite distance. That had to be an illusion; it couldn’t go on forever within a finite space station. The corridor had no walls; transparent columns delineated it, each filled with clockwork mechanisms that looked as if they were made from precious metals and ebony. Lights spiraled within the columns, racing around and around, hypnotic.
Jai didn’t know how long he stood enthralled. Gradually he became aware of the chamber around him. He could just make out the dormant consoles against its walls. A dais rose to his left, and a great chair stood there. Its armrests were rectangular blocks threaded with conduits, glistening with trapped light. Equipment embedded the backrest, a slab of metal several meters high and half a meter thick. Blocky and solid, the shadowed chair stood like an empty throne.
He walked to the dais, inexorably drawn. The pulse of the chamber rumbled through him like a heartbeat.
Jai went to the chair. It adjusted to his weight as he sat down. Looking out, he saw a console on the opposite wall, indistinct in the shadows.
A man was working there.
Jai froze. He kne
w that man. Few had such great height or massive build. Even in the dim light, his skin and hair glinted.
Kelric? Jai formed the word in his mind. The man remained absorbed in his work. Even knowing he was there, Jai could barely see him.
Jai didn’t know how long he sat without moving. Then a man’s thought reverberated in his mind, ragged and harsh, raw with power. Suspend.
The Lock answered: Done.
And it died. The heartbeat vanished; the luminous corridor went dark; the sentience ceased. Jai suddenly felt bereft.
The man left the console then and walked to the darkened corridor. He paused at its entrance, glancing back—
And looked straight at Jai.
9
The Promise
The man’s aura of power was tangible, evoking the myths of Ruby gods from five millennia ago. Jai was so startled, he nearly forgot his role as emperor. He had to catch himself from responding like an astonished boy.
When he recovered, Jai summoned up his most aloof Highton tone. “Are you done staring at me?”
The man stood motionless, his face unreadable. “How did you get in here?”
“I should ask that question of you.” Jai leaned his elbow on the arm of his chair, copying his grandfather’s regal pose. “You were intent on your work. Killing the Lock, I gather.”
Recognition flared in the man’s gaze. “You’re the one who spoke in the broadcast from the emperor’s palace.”
“You saw the broadcast?”
“From a distance.” With a quiet certainty, he said “I know you.”
Jai wished he had some of those nanomeds that controlled his sweat now. Did this man remember him from Edgewhirl—or did he recognize a deeper kinship? Even if this was his uncle, Jai couldn’t reveal himself. The Ruby Dynasty was about as likely to welcome a Highton into their midst as they were to eat machine parts. Nor did Jai have any reason to believe they would protect his secret.
He schooled his face into what he hoped was a convincing Highton arrogance. “I should think all settled space knows me by now.”
Kelric spoke in a low voice. “You’re a Qox.”
Although Jai laughed, it felt hollow. “Not a Qox. The Qox.”
It was a long moment before Kelric answered. “The emperor’s heir.” He had remarkable composure given his situation.
Jai thought of Corbal’s intent to make him a puppet emperor and his anger sparked. “I am no heir. I rule Eube. As Jaibriol the Third.”
“Jaibriol the Second had no heir.”
“Of course he did. Me.”
Kelric studied him with an unsettling concentration. “I know you from somewhere.”
Worried now, Jai tried to redirect him. “Perhaps you were dazzled by your time in the Lock, Lord Skolia.” Too late, he realized what he had said. Lord Skolia. His subconscious had recognized the truth; Kelric had already joined the Triad, becoming Imperator.
Kelric’s realization was so sharp, it pierced Jai’s mental barriers. “You’re Jay Rockworth. The Dawn Corps volunteer on Edgewhirl.”
Jai waved his hand, hoping it looked like a convincing dismissal. “This was all in the broadcast.”
“That you were with the Allieds?”
“That my parents hid me on Earth. The Allieds discovered it and traded me to Eube.” Faced with this man who might be his uncle and the Skolian Imperator, Jai couldn’t maintain his cold veneer. With wonder, he added, “I had no idea who you were, that day on Edgewhirl.”
Kelric exhaled. “Nor I, for you.”
Jai hesitated, afraid to discover his hopes were wrong. But he made himself ask. “Which one are you?”
“Which one?”
“In the Ruby Dynasty.” Jai held his breath.
Then the man said, “Kelricson Valdoria.”
Tears stung Jai’s eyes. Memories of his little brother flooded his mind, stirring his loneliness. “Del-Kelric.”
When Kelric’s recognition of the name jumped in his mind, Jai wanted to kick himself. He had to be more careful. He strove to recover his Highton tone. “Where did you come from? You’ve been dead for years.”
Kelric evaded the question. “Why were you with the Dawn Corps? It makes no sense. You expressed sympathy for the Ruby Dynasty.”
Jai shrugged. “Perhaps you remember what you wish.”
“No. And you look familiar. I don’t know why. But I know you.”
Jai longed to reveal himself, to seek the solace of his kinship with this man. He didn’t dare. But he could help his uncle escape. He stepped down from the throne and walked to Kelric. Laying his hands on the rail separating them, he regarded his uncle steadily. “Go. Now. While you can.”
“You would let me go?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Sorrow tugged at Jai. If anyone could help him ensure his parents hadn’t died in vain, it was Kelric. His hopes, fears, and longing all mixed into his voice. “Meet me at the peace table.”
“You want me to believe you wish peace, when you have a Lock and two Keys?”
Jai tilted his head. “What Lock? It no longer works. We had one Key. We gave him back.”
Kelric waited. Then he said, “Gave who back?”
“Your brother. Eldrin Valdoria.”
Kelric stiffened. “Don’t lie to me, Highton.”
“Why would I lie?”
“It’s what you Hightons do. Lie, manipulate, cheat.”
He heard the pain that underlay his uncle’s anger and knew Kelric had suffered his own trials. Would that I could tell you the truth. Jai hurt so much, surrounded by Aristos, cut off from his former life, unable to confide in anyone. He struggled to maintain his crumbling Aristo facade. “I’ve little interest in your imagined list of Highton ills.”
Kelric spoke slowly. “Eube would never give its Key to the Allieds. Not when you finally had a Lock. Nothing is worth it.”
“Not even me?”
Kelric went very still. “You, for Eldrin?”
“Yes.” Jai could sense his uncle’s mind even more now; Kelric wanted to believe his brother was in the custody of the Allied Worlds, but his hope fought with his conviction that the Aristos would never trade their Ruby psion.
“You are right,” Jai added dryly, thinking of his dismal showing as emperor. “It wasn’t a universally popular decision. But it is done. I am emperor and your brother is an Allied prisoner.”
Although Kelric controlled his expressions, Jai was picking up more from his uncle, including Kelric’s innate decency and stoicism. The older man’s sorrow for the family he had lost also filled his mind. He didn’t believe Eldrin was free; he thought Jai was taunting him while Razers waited to take him prisoner.
Troubled, Jai said, “I am alone.”
Kelric froze. “Why did you say that?”
Jai silently swore. He had become so caught up in their exchange, he hadn’t realized he was responding to his uncle’s thoughts. “You didn’t wonder if I had guards? I find that hard to believe.”
Kelric didn’t hide his disbelief. “And you just happened to come in—alone—when I was here.”
“Ah, well.” Jai realized he could only stretch the truth so far. “It would be a great coincidence, yes? But I knew you were here.”
“How?”
“Perhaps you could say I felt it.”
“Perhaps. I don’t believe it.”
“I suppose not.” Jai rubbed his chin, trying to think of another excuse. “I detected your entrance in the station web.” He felt as if time were rushing past them. The longer they spent here, the greater the chance his guards would come for him and find Kelric. “Imperator Skolia, meet me when we can discuss peace.”
“Why should I believe you want this?”
“Ask for something I can grant as proof of my intent.”
Kelric paused, thinking. Then he said, “There is a man. A Skolian. Jafe Maccar, captain of the Corona.” Anger sparked in Kelric’s mind. “After a battle at the space station Chrysal
is, Maccar was sentenced to ten years in an ESComm prison. Unjustly.” His forthright gaze became a challenge. “Pardon him.”
Jai knew nothing about Maccar or why ESComm had sent him to prison. Nor did he know if he wielded enough authority to make a pardon stick. It would certainly alienate ESComm. But he could admit none of that to Kelric, so he said only, “I will consider it.”
Kelric’s expression clearly said he expected Jai to do nothing. It bothered Jai that his uncle thought his offer was false. He motioned upward, a well-known gesture meant to include all Eube. “It’s like a great thundering machine I hold by the barest thread. If I am to find a road to peace, I need your help.”
Kelric stared at him for a long moment. Gradually his wariness changed, becoming a quiet incredulity. Then he spoke in a low voice. “You’re a telepath.”
Jai froze, horrified. “No. I am what you see. Qox.”
“At what price?” Kelric asked. “What must you suffer to hide the truth?”
Jai couldn’t answer. It hurt too much. Instead he said, “Was anyone here when I came into the Lock? I never saw him.”
His uncle answered with an unbearable compassion. “Gods help you, son.”
“Go.” Jai felt as if he were breaking inside. “Now. While you can.”
Kelric stepped into the darkened corridor. He started to walk, his back to Jai, his steps measured, as if he expected an attack.
“Lord Skolia,” Jai said.
Kelric turned back, poised and tense. “Yes?”
“If you make it to Earth—” Jai lifted his hand as if to reach out to Kelric. Then he caught himself and lowered his arm. “Go see Admiral Seth Rockworth.”
The older man paused. “I will go.”
Then the Imperator continued down the corridor. As he strode along that avenue of the ages, Jai thought:
Gods’ speed, my uncle.
On Jai’s second day at the Lock, Colonel Muze took him to visit its operational command center. Officers crewed the consoles and lights flickered everywhere. Jai stood flanked by Muze and Robert, his hands clasped behind his back, watching a holoscreen that curved around the forward bulkhead showing the panorama of space. Stars glittered in a multitude of colors, and spumes of interstellar dust glowed, moving out of view as the station rotated. In the distance, another space station came into view.
The Moon's Shadow (Saga of the Skolian Empire) Page 8