The Godking Conspiracy

by Cheree Alsop

  Kovak let out a breath that made her hair dance along her cheek in a tickling wave. “I’ll be as careful as I can.”

  Nova knew she wasn’t going to get a better promise than that. She chose to let it go.

  A throat cleared, reminding her that they weren’t alone in the medical bay. She stepped away from Kovak and shot Farlon an apologetic look.

  “Thank you for coming with us. Evia can use all the help we can give her at this point.”

  The Quarian Lord gave a regal nod. “I’m glad to finally be of service to someone. Believe me when I say that the cell on Malivok’s moon got a little old after a while.”

  “I counted the bars more than once,” Kovak said. “I’m sure you noticed—”

  “That there were as many bars as we had bullets left after our final battle with the Centari?” Farlon finished. “I noticed and wondered if the ‘Verse was trying to hint at karma. Then you showed up and confirmed it.”

  Kovak grinned. “Glad I could be of service.”

  Farlon glanced behind him. “What about Anaya?”

  The concern that tightened Kovak’s face was deep with worry. “I’m hoping she’ll sleep for a long while. She was exhausted.”

  “I can’t believe they really tortured her,” Nova said.

  Kovak’s head lowered. “It’s my fault. I never should have left her there.”

  “You didn’t know what they would do,” she said, hoping to give him some relief from his guilt. When he didn’t answer, she set a hand on his arm. “I’ve trusted Parliament my entire life. I never saw the darker side of it until you brought me to the House to save my life.” She shook her head and told him honestly, “I feel like my life has been a sham.”

  He met her gaze and his eyes sparked with emotions that made her stomach warm. “Because of you, I’m here and not in some prison cell.”

  “Are you sure you want to thank me for that?” she replied. “You might want to wait and see if we can save Evia.” The words hurt her to even say them.

  “When we save Evia,” Kovak corrected gently. He touched her chin softly. “Don’t lose faith yet, my heart. We’ve got this.”

  He turned away and left her staring after him as he made his way to the doorway and passed through it.

  Farlon paused beside her. “You’ve got the Captain reduced to pet names.”

  “Is that bad?” she asked, curious as to what the Quarian would say.

  “On the contrary,” he replied. “You’ve given him something to live for. Beware anyone who tries to kill him now.”

  She left the room at his side. “What do you mean? Shouldn’t they always be afraid of a gladiator?”

  He gestured at the Smiren’s back before Kovak turned the corner ahead of them. “I knew the first time I saw him in battle that he was the most dangerous creature in this Universe.” He glanced at Nova out of the corner of his eye. “But I’ve never seen him with that look on his face.”

  “What look?” Nova asked even though she felt like she knew what he was talking about.

  “The look that says he has found his peace, and you’re it.” He shook his head. “I pity the fool who tries to hurt you or anything you care about, because he will tear them apart limb from limb to see that you are happy.”

  Nova heard the door to Kovak’s room open. The greeting of ‘Welcome Smiren scum’ made her smile. “I don’t know about that. He’s got his soft edges.”

  The gladiator walked back out of his room wearing only the ragged pants from the moon base. His lack of shirt made Nova’s cheeks redden.

  “Are you done talking about me?” the Smiren asked. “We have a Godking to stop.”

  Farlon shot Nova a knowing look. “Limb from limb,” he said quietly.

  “I heard that,” Kovak called over his shoulder.

  They reached the bridge in time to see the ship touch down in a mostly-empty landing bay.

  “They bought your story about the repairs?” Nova asked.

  “Yes, they think our thrusters are malfunctioning,” Junquit said. “You might want to hurry and get out of here. They’re sending a crew over.” She pulled up another screen. “The atmosphere is clear. You shouldn’t need breathers.” She shook her head. “Looks like Malivok’s done his homework.”

  Nova glanced around the bridge. “Where’s Jashu Blu?”

  “Helping Gardsworn break the thrusters,” Redden told her. “He was very excited to do it.”

  “I’ll bet,” she said with a worried smile. “Junquit?”

  “I’ll keep him safe. Don’t worry. Gardsworn mentioned having him catch all the fiests in a crate so they stop chewing through the electrical lines.” The pilot’s voice was thick with concern when she said, “You guys be careful down there. That’s a pretty big pyramid of explosive potential.”

  “We’ll be careful,” Nova said.

  “Yeah, our goal is to not explode the pyramid,” Farlon told the pilot.

  Redden elbowed his brother. “You kidding? I figure it’s the fastest way to get rid of the Godking.”

  “Fitting,” Farlon agreed. “Send him into the void on a pyre of his own making. I see the poetic justice.”

  At Nova’s wide-eyed look, Kovak said, “Don’t worry. They’re kidding. I’d prefer not to be incinerated into Dark Matter oblivion alongside the Godking. Right, guys?” He shot them a stern look.

  The Quarian brothers exchanged a glance, then grinned matching grins. “Of course not,” they said together.

  Nova laughed. There was something cathartic about seeing the pair of them joking around together again. So many of her childhood escapades had been spent at their sides. Farlon was a different person from the haggard, stressed soldier they had found in the cell on Malivok’s moon base. Kovak’s help had done him wonders.

  She looked at the gladiator, amazed at how many different sides the Smiren had. How had he turned from the ragged, dirty, savage prisoner of Roan Seven to the self-assured commander who made her feel confident even though their plan was likely to be one that ended in death for either her planet, her crew, or both? Her heart gave a painful thump at the fact that everything he did was for her. Why did he follow her to the ends of the ‘Verse? What made him care so much for the things that mattered to her? Did she really deserve such love and devotion? How did she dare ask so much of the man after all he had been through?

  He glanced at her and found her watching him. “What are you thinking?” he asked quietly.

  She swallowed down the knot of emotion that had risen in her throat and said, “That we better get going. We don’t want the Blavarians to catch us on our way out.”

  He nodded, his expression one of curiosity as though he guessed she wasn’t being fully honest. “Let’s hurry. I have an idea of how to get to Malivok.”

  His tone caught her attention as she followed him through the door with the Fay brothers close behind. “Why do I have the feeling I’m not going to like it?”

  “Well, for one, it involves me looking as though we came straight here from Malivok’s moon,” he said with a gesture at his clothing choice.

  “Why is that?” Nova asked in alarm. “Aren’t we shooting our way in, guns blazing and all that?”

  “My goal is to not have to,” the Smiren replied. “If we don’t have to risk your safety, it’s worth a little humility.”

  He put his hand to the panel and the hatch slid up. A poorly-lit cavern was revealed. The rough floors and blasted tunnel beyond made it clear that little time had been spent on aesthetics. Nova imagined the transporting tunnel for the Andenite was little better. Malivok was focused on only one thing; the thought of his pyramid sent a shiver down her spine. She pressed the controls for the ramp to lower.

  “And how do you plan on that?” Redden asked.

  The gladiator pointed toward the commotion that came down the tunnel. “You need uniforms.”

  Farlon grinned. “I like this plan already.”

  Three unconscious soldiers later found them walk
ing up the tunnel with Kovak in handcuffs.

  “I really don’t like this plan,” Nova said.

  Redden checked his guns. “Look at it this way. Farlon found out that Malivok wants blood sacrifices to activate his pyramid and he’s desperate for strong blood. Besides, he already thinks we’re bringing Kove. That’s the reason we were allowed to leave the Blavar Star System.”

  “Do you think he knows we took Anaya?” Nova asked.

  “I’m hoping he’s so focused on this pyramid that his personnel hierarchy is the last of his concerns,” Kovak replied. “There’s always the chance he knew Anaya was a spy.”

  “Do you really think he’d put her in such a high rank?” Redden asked.

  “That’s what I would do,” Kovak and Farlon replied at the same time.

  Before Nova could ask, Redden nodded with dawning comprehension, “Keep your enemies close.”

  “So he probably knew,” Kovak said. “Her life was in danger.” He paused, then said, “And I think she knew it, too. She might have killed me to keep herself safe.”

  The sorrow in his voice struck Nova hard. “You came here to save her.”

  “I should have saved her a long time ago,” he replied.

  “As I recall, you were busy saving the ‘Verse when we met,” Farlon pointed out. “Not a lot of time there for individuals.”

  Kovak didn’t reply. The mask of indifference had settled over his face.

  Nova knew the expression well. He was done talking about his personal life.

  She searched for a change of subject when sounds up the tunnel cut them off. A troop of six soldiers appeared wearing the same uniforms Nova and the Quarians had borrowed. They drew up when Nova’s group reached the mouth of the tunnel.

  All six soldiers saluted. Nova realized Farlon’s uniform shoulders had three stripes. Fortunately, the Quarian was smooth on the reply.

  He saluted in return and said, “Prisoner transport from the ship that had thruster failure. Are you the team sent for repairs? I need my ship up and running as soon as possible.”

  The soldiers exchanged confused glances.

  “I thought they already sent a team down,” a man with blue hair said.

  Farlon’s gaze darkened. “We haven’t seen anyone.” He put all four sets of hands on his hips. “I’m disappointed by the lack of response. It’s imperative that my ship is up and running by the time I return from dropping off this prisoner. Do you understand?”

  The soldier’s face paled. “Yes, Corporal. Sorry, Corporal!” he replied.

  They hurried down the tunnel.

  Nova stifled a laugh.

  Redden elbowed his brother. “Remind me not to get on your bad side!”

  “I’ve been telling you that our entire life,” Farlon replied with a grin.

  “Time to focus,” Kovak said. The seriousness in his tone sobered the group. “Let’s find Malivok. Something doesn’t feel right here.”

  Nova realized as soon as he said it that she felt the same way. A foreboding sensation pushed against her. It felt like the opposite of electricity. Instead of tingles running along her arms, she felt as though her energy was being pulled from her with each step. The atmosphere was harder to breathe and, despite Junquit’s assurance that it was safe, she was beginning to wonder.

  They left the tunnel and stopped as a group. Everyone stared at the enormity of the pyramid before them. The translucent stones were stacked so high Nova couldn’t see the top. The dull golden, nearly see-through, color showed the shadows of workers hauling more bricks to the top. Each stone was taller than Nova. She could hear the groaning of the laborers as they were pushed to work faster under direction from above.

  “This is insanity,” Redden said.

  “Immortality is an insane ambition, unless one is driven by true inspiration.”

  Nova’s heart fell at the familiar voice. She turned with the rest of the group.

  “Hello, Rishton.”

  Lord Briofe gave a low bow. “My Lady.” He glanced at the Fay brothers. “My Lords. Have you finally come to your senses?”

  Redden was about to say something, but Nova cut him off with, “Yes. We’ve been discussing it and we feel that the Godking’s plan is the lesser of two evils.”

  Happiness lit the Cadonian’s face and his green eyes sparkled. “I am overjoyed to hear it! Surely the Smiren’s sacrifice will put you back in the ignoble Godking’s good graces.” He lowered his voice and said in a whisper they could all hear, “He’s been getting desperate for enough strong blood to ignite the pyramid.”

  “That’s what I heard,” Nova said, keeping her tone cool. “I figured a warrior like this gladiator would be more than welcome.”

  Redden looked from one to the other before he cleared his throat and said, “Surely the greatest fighter in all the ‘Verse could tip the scales in the Godking’s direction.”

  Lord Briofe gave another gracious nod. “He will be more than happy to see you. Let’s go with haste, shall we?”

  Glances were exchanged as they followed the man into the pyramid. Golden light filtered down from where the planet’s weak star managed to catch its beams in the stone. Nova’s questioning look was met by Kovak’s approving nod. At least her quick thinking had gotten them closer to Malivok instead of thrown in another cell.

  The chains between Kovak’s handcuffs jangled with each step. Nova wondered if he had noticed that her cousin barely looked at him as if he was beneath the Lord’s regard. She kept her mind occupied by imagining what Kovak would do to Lord Briofe when they were done. She hoped it had something to do with limbs being removed and perhaps other members as the skuzzy Lord justly deserved.

  A row of soldiers met them before the great internal room of the pyramid. Their weapons were already drawn and they eyed the approaching group with hostility.

  “Calm yourselves,” Lord Briofe said. “They’re with me. They have a sacrifice for our benevolent Godking.” He flicked his fingers. “Move.”

  The soldiers moved aside, revealing access to a mechanical lift. The Lord stepped onto the metal platform and motioned for the others to join him. When they were all on, the Lord put his hand on a panel and the lift began to move slowly upward.

  Lord Briofe glanced at Nova. He cleared his throat as if nervous, then said, “I’m hoping that since you’ve reconsidered your allegiance to our magnificent Malivok, that you may also have thought more about my other, uh, proposal.”

  All eyes turned to Nova. She felt the red blush burning through her cheeks.

  “Don’t answer me now,” Briofe said. “I understand that one thing must precede the other. Just know that if you accept my offer, we will rule this Universe at our noble Godking’s side.” He smiled and it sent a shudder down Nova’s spine. “I will see to all of your needs. You will never want for anything. Our royal bloodline will create offspring of pure lineage fit to command. You will have everything you deserve.”

  Chapter Eleven

  KOVE

  I could feel Nova’s discomfort at the Lord’s offer. Uneasiness filled me despite her obvious distaste at the thought of marrying the piece of Pedonian excrement. She did deserve comfort, security, and the knowledge that when everything was over, all of her needs and wishes would be met. The knowledge that I was a gladiator with a price on my head from the same Accords that brought her security wasn’t lost on me.

  An elbow struck my ribs. I glanced at Redden. He rolled his eyes and shrugged behind Lord Briofe’s back. I stifled a wry smile at the thought that the Quarian had read my mind. I shook my head and shrugged. The chains rattled.

  “I suppose the torture has taken the fight from him?” the Lord asked as if I wasn’t there.

  Nova threw me an embarrassed look. “Yes, um, he has chosen to come without a struggle, seeing how it is for the good of the Universe.”

  “Yes,” Rishton Briofe said with a knowing nod.

  He looked at me this time. I had the presence of mind to lower my gaze and appear d
uly submissive and humble as I should be after making such a decision.

  “Yes,” he said again. “I see.” I felt his gaze on my tattoos. “I feel as though such strong Smiren blood will have an impact on activating the Andenite.”

  Farlon gave the Cadonian a searching look. “How do they use the blood?”

  “Oh, you’ll see,” Briofe replied with a gleam of anticipation in his eyes. “In fact, you shall see right now.”

  The lift rose above the steps of the pyramid, bathing us in the strange murky haze that made it through the planet’s thick atmosphere. The smell touched my nose at the same time as a scream rent the air. My eyes locked on a huge form surrounded by soldiers. The soldiers tossed a body to the side, leaving a spray of blood in its wake.

  Blood covered the steps in front of us all the way down the side of the pyramid. Where it ran, the stones of the pyramid glowed faintly golden. The sight made my heart slow. Was he truly activating the Andenite? If it did explode the way Redden feared, the entire planet, the star system, and with all probability so much more beyond would be a victim of the destruction. Many, many lives would be lost. What was the Godking thinking?

  “Next,” the man in the middle called out. He turned to the left and I saw him clearly between his soldiers.

  Surprise struck me with the force of a sledgehammer. Smiria ancestral tattoos ran up the man’s arms and down his massive bare chest. Only members of the Smiren race were able to survive the process necessary to wear the tattoos. The man was undoubtedly part Smiren. I had no idea what other blood ran through the man’s veins, maybe Drakornian or Gilanthor given the way he towered above everyone around him, though most races tended to avoid Smirens out of superstition or fear.

  He turned and my heart stopped entirely.

  “Dad?”

  The word escaped my lips. I felt Nova and the others stare at me, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of the man I hadn’t seen since the day he sold me.

  A man in handcuffs was shoved forward. He stumbled to his knees on the steps before the Godking. He tried to scramble backwards, but one of the soldiers held him in place.

  “Your sacrifice this day will be remembered in the vast chronicles of my immorality,” the Godking said. “May your blood grant me endless life.”