by Jay Allan
The First was silent, allowing any who dissented to speak. He moved his gaze around the table, pausing to focus at each of the elders. There was not a sound, not an objection. Just a series of slow nods as the First’s eyes fell on each Tegeri.
“It is decided then.” The First looked toward T’arza. “We will dispatch a large force of New Ones to the planet the humans call Oceania, and they will launch an offensive designed to interdict the human supply lines leading from Earth through Oceania to Earth. We will do nothing to arouse undue suspicion of collusion between our forces and Taylor’s. Indeed, we will not even disclose our efforts to the general. The New Ones sent to Oceania will be armed and equipped in exactly the same manner as our forces already deployed there and on other Portal worlds.”
He nodded slowly to T’arza. “You, T’arza, are the architect of this plan, and you shall have the authority of the Council to execute it as you see fit within the scope of the Council’s decision.”
T’arza bowed slowly. “My thanks to you, Honored First…” – he turned his head and looked down the table – “…esteemed Grandmaster, fellow elders. I shall endeavor to act honorably, as directed by this great assembly.”
Chapter 20
Official Announcement
The Office of Raul Gabriel Esteban
Secretary-General of UNGov
The Secretary-General has had a minor surgical procedure to address a chronic health issue. The condition is not dangerous, and the procedure was completed without complications. Secretary-General Esteban is resting comfortably and expects to return to a normal schedule shortly. He is gratified by the outpouring of support and good wishes from around the world.
“The Secretary-General has now missed three consecutive meetings of the Secretariat.” Chang Li sat behind his massive wooden desk, his face twisted in a concerned frown. There was a floor to ceiling window behind him with a view of his gardens and the lake beyond. Chang’s villa was a magnificent structure, equipped with every imaginable luxury, but its privileged owner wasn’t enjoying any of it. He was too worried.
“We have tried to get updated intelligence on his condition, but his security is impenetrable.” Zhao Min sat opposite Li in one of the plush leather guest chairs. He was bald with a long scar down the right side of his face, giving him an imposing look despite his neutral expression. “Anton Samovich met with him several times in private, but it appears that he too has now been shut out.”
Li leaned back in his chair and sighed. “Could they have planned something?” His hand tapped nervously on the desk top. “Esteban was supporting Samovich in the last few meetings he attended.” He sat silently, pondering the possibilities. None of them seemed appealing. “Is it possible Samovich has secured the Secretary-General’s support?”
“Perhaps it is time for more aggressive action.” There was a deep current of menace in Zhao’s voice.
“How much more aggressive can we get than trying to assassinate Samovich?” Li’s voice softened noticeably. Even in the confines of his heavily guarded chateau, he was uncomfortable speaking of the attempt. “I’ve had to do considerable damage control from that. Even my allies are concerned now.” He looked up and stared at Zhao. “And for all the risk involved, the operation was botched.”
Zhao returned Li’s gaze. “That was probably the doing of Alexi Drogov. It was just bad luck that he was with Samovich when the attack occurred.” Zhao paused briefly. “At least Drogov was killed while foiling the plot. That is a considerable achievement. He was an extremely dangerous man, and completely loyal to Samovich. His death removes many risks.”
Li snorted. “Yes, I would expect one professional killer to admire another. But Samovich is the true threat, and if he is able to find any evidence linking this attack to me, we are in deep shit, my friend.”
“I planned the entire thing, boss. There is no trail leading back to you.”
“I hope you are right.” Li looked back at Zhao, his expression uncertain. “Samovich claimed to have captured one of the assassins.” A pause. “If that is the case, I can assure you that no one has greater resources for interrogation than Anton Samovich and his internal security apparatus.” His eyes bored into Zhao’s. “If he has a prisoner, he will break him. There is no doubt.”
“He does not have a prisoner.” There was an unsettling smile on Zhao’s face. “I told you, I planned every aspect of the operation. The assailants were all poisoned before they even launched the attack. None of them had more than an hour to live.”
Li’s eyes widened. This was the first he was hearing of Zhao poisoning the operatives. “Are you certain none of them could have survived?”
“Absolutely. There is no antidote.” Zhao’s smile grew. “You can be certain that Samovich has no prisoners. If he says otherwise, he’s trying to play you.” Zhao paused for a few seconds then added, “I would have briefed you fully, but you said you wanted no connection to the operation.”
“That is very interesting, Min.” Li returned Zhao’s grin. “Very interesting indeed. If Samovich was trying to rattle me into giving something away, he must not have any real evidence. Or at least he didn’t then.” His smiled widened as he spoke. “And if anyone should have been able to turn up something damning, it would be Samovich.” Not for the first time, Li pondered the inconvenience of squaring off against a man who controlled a worldwide intelligence and enforcement operation.
“As I said, Chang, they don’t have anything. They can suspect all they want, but they can’t prove a thing.”
Li nodded. “Perhaps you are correct, perhaps it is time for us to consider a bolder strategy.” He looked down at his desk, and the smile faded slightly. “I’ve been unable to get any real intel from Juno. I have no idea how the battle is progressing there, but if Samovich pulls off a win, it’s going to be too late.” The smile disappeared completely. “I’ll be as good as dead. And you too, my friend.”
“Then we can’t let things come to that.” Zhao had a bloodthirsty streak, one he didn’t try very hard to hide. “And with Drogov dead, the time couldn’t be better for a move. He was a very dangerous man, and a highly unpredictable one. There may be a hole in Samovich’s security now, an opportunity that won’t last long.”
Li sighed. He had no problem with killing to get what he wanted, but he didn’t particularly enjoy it. He knew his associate thrived on it, rejoiced in the artistry of the kill. Alexi Drogov had been like that too, Li knew. Perhaps, he thought, all the truly great killers share that trait. Maybe now was the time to hit Samovich, while he was still reeling from the loss of his longtime associate.
“We would have to attack Esteban and Samovich simultaneously, or at least close to it.” Li spoke softly, the tension in his voice obvious. “And we would have to move quickly to seize power. There is no way to predict how the remaining members of the Secretariat will react to the assassination of two members, but it won’t be good. We need fear and speed working for us. We need to present them with a fait accompli. I must be in firm control of the vital branches of government before I call upon the Secretariat to confirm me as Secretary-General.”
“We will have to plan it well. We’ll need key members of the bureaucracy involved. If you control the vital functions of government, the other Secretaries will be helpless to oppose us.” Zhao paused. “Samovich’s internal security apparatus is a concern. There is no way to know how they will react. I wouldn’t want to begin to guess at what methods he has used to ensure loyalty from his top operatives, or how well these will continue to function after his death. Will his top people seek revenge, or will they move to secure their own futures?” Zhao didn’t expect an answer. Li didn’t know any more than he did.
Li leaned back in his chair and stared at the wall. His stomach was clenched into a knot, and his head pounded like a hammer on an anvil. He couldn’t believe he was even considering a plan like this. The risks were incalculable, but the rewards…the rewards were beyond measure. All his life he’d dreamed
of reaching the pinnacle, the ultimate power. Now he was just a single step away. It was a dangerous plan, but he was in no less peril if Samovich’s forces defeated Taylor, and his enemy ascended to the Secretary-General’s Seat. He took a deep breath and summoned all his courage.
“OK, put together a plan. I want this ready to go as soon as possible.”
* * *
Alexi Drogov walked across the polished marble floor of the main gallery and into the study. He still had a small limp, but otherwise he felt remarkably strong for someone who’d been near death 9 days before. Drogov wasn’t much of a scientist, but that didn’t stop him from appreciating the miraculous nanotechnology that had saved his life.
“You look good, my friend. For a dead man. I have received numerous condolences.” Samovich was sitting in a plush leather chair next to the fireplace, a small tablet laying on his lap. It was snowing lightly outside, and the manicured grounds of Samovich’s villa covered with freshly fallen snow created a perfect winter image. It was a peaceful scene, soothing and beautiful. But the serene vista was lost on Samovich and Drogov. Both men knew the current situation was anything but peaceful.
“That nanotech is amazing.” Drogov walked toward a chair next to Samovich and gently eased himself down. “I’d swear I’ve even got less pain in places I had old injuries.”
“I’m sure you do. The nanobots are programmed to fix anything in your body in less than perfect condition. They are quite an amazing development. I’ve kept the wraps on their true capabilities, but their capacity to extend human life is incredible. With the right programming, they can cure any disease, even rejuvenate body parts subject to age-related deterioration.”
“That’s amazing. A step toward immortality.” Realization hit Drogov. “They could cure Esteban, couldn’t they?”
“Almost certainly.” Samovich nodded as he spoke. “The nanobots can easily be programmed to seek out and devour cancer cells anywhere in the body. Indeed, if the life-extending capabilities live up to expectations, they could not only cure his illness, they could keep him alive another 50 or 60 years, at least.” He paused for a few seconds. “Of course, that would be an intolerable situation. The old fool has stood in my way far too long as it is.”
“That is why you have kept this technology secret.”
“That…and other reasons too. First, it is still being developed. You are the first non-modified soldier to have the nano injected.” He glanced up at Drogov. “Sorry to use you as a lab rat, my friend, but there was no choice. It was the only way to save you.”
“I’ve never been happier to be used in an experiment.”
“I’m thrilled it worked. We will need to think long and hard about how to handle this technology in the future. We certainly can’t afford to have it become common knowledge. It is far too expensive to be used on most people, and the demographic and economic realities of significantly extending the average person’s life span are problematic anyway. However, if the population is aware of it, they will want it. It’s one thing to take their freedom; it was something they didn’t use much anyway. But they’re all scared of death, and they will riot in the streets if they think there is a way to extend their miserable lives. It could be a source of dangerous unrest.”
Samovich picked up the tablet and set it on the table next to him. “But we have other things to deal with first. I’ve been keeping close tabs on our friend Chang Li, but I haven’t been able to find out much. I’m afraid he’s gone completely dark. As far as I can see, he hasn’t left his villa in over a week.” There was concern in his voice. “I think you were right. He’s plotting something. He’s a miserable piece of shit, but he’s not stupid. We can’t underestimate him. And I can’t tell what’s true and what’s bullshit in Keita’s reports, but the battle on Juno is certainly not over yet.”
“You want to move against Li?” Drogov leaned back in his chair, enjoying the warmth from the hearth. He was still a little sore, and the heat from the fireplace was soothing.
Samovich nodded gently. “I don’t think there’s a choice. I haven’t been able to get any evidence to prove he was behind the attack on my office. And I don’t think we have time for you to start poking around now that you’re up and about.”
“You know I agree.” Drogov tended to favor any plan that included riddling an enemy with bullets. He paused, staring right at Samovich. “And Esteban?” Even Drogov lowered his voice when discussing the assassination of the Secretary-General.
Samovich sat silently for a few seconds. Finally, he sighed and said, “I just don’t know. I was giving him regular briefings, which was a good way to stay close to him, but that stopped about ten days ago. He looked like shit when I last saw him. He could die any day now, and we wouldn’t have to take the risk of getting involved.”
“Or he could linger near death for weeks, months even.” Drogov leaned in toward his friend. “And if he found out about your nanotech and that you withheld it from him…we’d be screwed all kinds of ways then, wouldn’t we? I know you’re keeping it under wraps, but you know better than anyone, no secret is totally safe.”
Samovich sat quietly, his eyes drifting to the fire. He stared into the flames, his mind analyzing every aspect of the situation. No matter how he considered it, he was making guesses, gambles. Samovich liked facts; he always tried to make decisions based on solid information. But there were too many variables now, too much he couldn’t predict. He’d just have to make his best guess on how to proceed.
Finally, he turned toward Drogov. “Yes, Esteban too,” he said softly.
Drogov just nodded, and the two sat quietly in front of the fire for a long while.
Chapter 21
From the Writings of T’arza, Elder of House Setai:
The humans are our brethren, so it was written by the Ancients. They are like us in so many ways, yet still there is a gulf between us. For they are unlike us also, many of their behaviors and philosophies completely alien to the Tegeri mind.
Nevertheless, despite these differences, despite decades of war between our races, despite the unconscionable behavior of their leaders, I find myself drawn to them. I experience a strange feeling of kinship, particularly with the human Taylor. I see in him what his people can be, the strength and ability they can at last achieve if they choose to stand for their own, to truly think for themselves and shed their dependence on those unfit to lead.
The humans have not yet chosen their final destiny. The time of that ultimate determination is now upon them. Will they finally stand for their own, basking in the light of freedom and enlightenment? Or will they continue to be slaves, their liberty and self-determination willingly surrendered to those who would be their masters? The first path leads to the light, to wisdom and a place as the guardians of the universe. The latter leads to servitude and despair, to darkness…and ultimately to destruction.
I have thought and meditated many long hours, yet even I do not know what will happen, how this ultimate fate of man will be settled. They have the capacity for greatness, the humans, yet they are easily distracted and misled too. They may yet throw away their destiny. Only the passing time will tell. And the fate of the galaxy may depend on the path man chooses.
T’arza stepped through the Portal, ignoring the brief feeling of disorientation that accompanied a transit. Centuries before, when he was young, he had traveled through many Portals, exploring numerous worlds, each different and enlightening in its own way. He pursued knowledge and enlightenment for their own sake, and his restless heart drove him onward, seeking to learn the secrets of the universe. He relished the gift of the Ancients, the paths they left to the universe.
It was obligation that ended his travels, not boredom, not the quelling of his thirst for knowledge. The duty to assume the eldership of his house was not a responsibility he could refuse. He returned sadly to Homeworld, abandoning the adventurous spirit of his youth to take up his new role. There he’d remained for many years, wisely tending to the
affairs of his house. Until he journeyed to Erastus at the behest of the Council to initiate contact with Taylor.
He had almost forgotten the strange feeling of a transit, and the wondrous experience of stepping through the gateway and emerging instantly on a world far away. He’d always been amazed at the notion that he could look at a star, seeing light that had begun its journey to him a century before then, with a few simple steps, he could be on a world orbiting that sun, staring up at Homeworld’s star, seeing the past again, light that began its journey 100 years before.
Tegeri science was highly advanced, far beyond anything humanity had attained, yet man was next in line among all the children of the Ancients, his technology ages ahead of the other races. On the other worlds where life had been nurtured slowly toward intelligence, beings still struggled to master fire and till the ground with blunt tools.
Yet the humans, even the Tegeri, were children compared to the Ancients who had come before. Tegeri science, unimaginable wizardry though it would appear even to man’s greatest minds, couldn’t begin to explain the Portals. They were the masterwork of the Ancients, a wonder that defied all of the Tegeri’s comprehension of the universe.
How, he wondered, can we possibly stand against the Darkness when the Ancients could not? What could the Tegeri and the humans do that those who came before, the great beings who built the Portals, could not? Was it violence and war? Were the Ancients too peaceful, too completely devoted to knowledge and scholarship that they simply could not adapt to warfare? Could it be that simple?