by Adams, Tom
From the following discussion, Merrick gleaned that the Hierophants could match Shamon with financial resources and influence in key governments, businesses and organisations. There was enough by way of infiltration in high places to keep a conspiracy theorist awake at night for the rest of his life.
Enjoying the proceedings so far? The sudden question blindsided Merrick. He looked around and finally settled his gaze on the Vril Queen. She smiled.
You could have knocked before you came in, he sent. In answer to your question, I find it fascinating.
You realise none of this has much bearing on the most pressing matters at hand, don’t you?
What do you mean?
The immediate conflict will not happen in this realm. The greatest danger lies beyond the gateways, and we know next to nothing about Shamon’s movements there.
Maybe I can change that.
You’re about to have that opportunity if I’m not mistaken.
Before Merrick could reply he heard Shamon mention his name. “I’m going to ask Merrick to share what he has learned.”
It dawned on Merrick that he’d been asked to speak, but took a couple of seconds to gather his wits. “Erm, thank you for the opportunity to speak before such an illustrious gathering,” he said.
Don’t flatter them. They’re not swayed by gilded words, Naomi sent.
He retracted what he was about to say and took a different tack.
“I imagine you’ve heard about my first hand experience of Jagur Shamon, his stronghold and the operations in Celebrai. I can give you some detail about his strengths, but more importantly—weaknesses.” He proceeded to describe events in Turkmenistan, leaving out the use of his psychonautic power and how close he came to letting its swathe of destruction expand beyond control.”
When he finished, Blazej raised his hand to speak. Karapetian nodded his permission.
“Merrick, we are aware of your talents—your mind-penetrating skills, the psychonautic weaponry at your disposal and your ability to traverse between the realms. But how do you propose to utilise this strength?”
“I was coming to that,” Merrick said. “I have a proposal and a request.” He looked at the delegates, detecting their attentiveness. Most had great expectations of him. Some were cynical. He wasn’t sure which made him feel the most uncomfortable.
“I lack your collective knowledge of the occult world and its practices, but I do know that knowledge means power. I intend to pass through the gateways again, this time with the specific intention of locating Celebrai by an alternative route.”
Once again, the delegates murmured. “This is where I ask the Hierophant’s permission,” Merrick said over their voices. “I need to pass through the Paraganet gateway.”
“What do you hope to accomplish, and who will go with you?” Karapetian asked.
“Once Celestia is recovered, I’ll need her farseeing talents. It seems sensible to keep the group small, but I’ll need some muscle and an illusionist. My purpose is to gather intelligence, so the smaller I can keep the group the better.”
Karapetian turned to Jason and whispered something. Jason listened, then nodded his head.
“I agree to the operation in principle,” Karapetian said. “Whatever information we can get will help us understand the scale of the threat. But we need to proceed with caution. I’m concerned you’re putting yourself, one of our greatest assets, back in the firing line.”
“I agree,” said Blazej. “The further realms are countless in number, how certain are you of finding Celebrai?”
“I can’t tell, to be honest. But unless we have any other latent psychonauts in our midst I don’t see any alternative.”
“Very well,” Karapetian said. “We’ll discuss your plan following this meeting. Are there any questions for Merrick?”
There were some, which Merrick did his best to answer. Karapetian then brought the discussion to an end. “I now call upon Queen Naomi to give her contribution to our campaign.”
Merrick was pleased with the response he received, and relaxed while he listened to Naomi’s speech. She gave a brief history of the Vril and their longstanding aversion to involvement in the affairs of surface dwellers. She then laid out an impressive array of resources and personnel that the Vril were willing to offer.
“Our subterranean network offers a unique corridor to supplement those you already use,” she said. “The ability to cross national boundaries and even oceans will speed up the Alliance’s movements and allow the transfer of weaponry unhindered.”
“How secure is this network?” asked a woman whom Merrick remembered as the leader of the Immaculatan order.
“Completely,” Naomi replied. “Our people can detect the Ukurum’s influence at a distance. I can say with confidence we have never been compromised as a result.”
“It’s plain you have the ability to remain untainted,” said a rather swarthy and cynical delegate. “It’s also clear you have buried your heads in the soil rather than lend us aid in the past. How can we be sure your commitment will continue?”
Naomi looked at the delegate with barely concealed scorn. “The dealings of surface dwellers have hitherto been trivial in importance, marked by in-fighting and petty squabbles. The threat of the Ukurum is worthy of our attention and unlike some orders represented here, we have never been known to go back on our word.”
The delegate snorted at her response, but Karapetian didn’t allow him to speak. A tactical move that prevented a public display of dissension. “I think we have exhausted our brief for the present,” he said. “I move that we put our plans into action as far as we can, and meet again tomorrow. Before we finish, Jason has one more thing to say.”
Jason took the floor again. “This afternoon, we’ll be holding a short memorial for our recently fallen brother, Rovach. All delegates are welcome to attend and pay respects as your schedule allows.”
Karapetian closed the meeting and immediately approached Merrick. “Let’s go to the library and we’ll discuss your plan further.”
“I’ve a better idea. Meet in Celestia’s room, she needs to be in on the discussion and I haven’t even asked her about her involvement yet.”
“As you wish,” Karapetian acquiesced. “By the way, well spoken in the meeting there. You bolstered the confidence of more than a few delegates and silenced potential critics too.”
Merrick accepted the compliment outwardly, but inside his psychic antennae bristled. He couldn’t tell at this stage if his suspicion was justified or whether it was over-reaction on his part, but having the Outcasts in on the discussion would ensure he wasn’t duped again. Moreover, he had a subterfuge he could carry off with ease in the presence of friends.
~~~
Chapter 33
Sensitive to light
There was a surprise waiting for Merrick when he and Karapetian got to Celestia’s room.
“Destain,” he said. “Where did you appear from?”
Albany’s brother looked like he’d lost ten years, but in actuality he’d just lost a beard and several inches of hair.
“I come and go as the spirits lead me,” he replied with mock aplomb.
“Stop being a pretentious twat,” Albany said.
“Well, I’m glad brotherly love is still alive and strong,” Merrick said. “I take it you know Lazlo Karapetian?”
“I know of him from Albany.” He held out his hand to Karapetian.
“Lazlo doesn’t shake hands,” Albany said.
Karapetian recovered the situation with his usual charm. “No offence, Destain. It’s an affectation of mine. I’m happy to have you under my roof, and keen to hear what you can tell us about Shamon’s lair.”
“Wait a minute. If you’re here, Destain, then that means Arun—”
“Also travelled with me, yes.”
“Where is he? He’s okay, I take it.”
“He’s got a long road to full recovery, but I think he’s off the critical list.”
/> “Conscious?”
“Oh yes—and complaining that he’s not allowed any strong liquor.”
“C’est fantastique,” Celestia said. “If he is complaining, then that is a good sign, Oui?”
They all agreed it was, and resolved to visit the hospital wing after Rovach’s memorial.
“It’s a boost to get some good news for once,” Merrick said. “Now, I need to turn our attention to a more urgent matter.”
He leaned forward. “It’s been said more than once today, that in war you need to know your enemy. It’s also a good idea to know yourself. Over the last few months, I’ve seen this burden of power I’ve got manifest itself in many ways. I always had the ability to catch the thoughts of others and have a keen sense of their motivation. You could call it soft psychonautics. Lazlo opened my eyes to another latent talent; the ability to access the gateways. And then there’s the psychonautic weaponry I discovered, pretty much by accident. I’ve only used it a few times ... ”
He trailed off for a second as he saw again, like a diorama, his battle with Shamon and the slaughter of his forces outside Ashgabat. He cleared his throat and continued. “There’s too much uncertainty when I use it. In fact, I barely managed to reign it in when we made our escape from the stronghold. At present, I can just about manage to bottle it up using Arun’s techniques. But every time it’s let loose, it grows stronger, more unpredictable. Almost like it’s a separate part of me—or a part that should stay buried.”
“Yours is a most exceptional talent,” said Karapetian. “Even I could not have guessed the extent of your power. With time, we could learn to harness it more effectively.”
“But as we all know, time is in short supply,” Merrick said. “So, for the moment it has to remain locked away. However, the gateways are open to us, and the possibility of gaining some purchase in the dimensions beyond. Despite his cumbersome methods, Shamon has the upper hand here.”
“So what are you suggesting?” Destain asked.
“I’ve already sounded out Lazlo on this—I intend to pass through the Paraganet gateway and seek out further portals. From the few times I’ve used them, I’ve become more attuned to their presence. Even in Shamon’s lair I’d sensed the gateway signalling once he’d revealed it. I’d ignored it as background psychonautic noise, but now I’m attuned to the sound of the gateways voices, I can filter out the static and home in on them.”
“You say voices, as if they’re speaking to you,” Albany said.
“Yeah, although it’s less a case of speaking—more like singing using sub-sonic frequencies.”
“Can you hear the gateway down below us?” Karapetian asked.
“Yes,” he replied, amused. “Almost like a dolphin song.”
“Dolphins eh? Well, if you’re going to go exploring, then you’ll need some help,” Albany said.
“That’s right. I intend to see if it’s possible to gain passage to Celebrai.”
Celestia sat up. “Then you will need my far-sight—to warn of danger.”
“That would be more than welcome, Celestia. But I’m not going to push you before you’re ready. Destain, if they can spare you here, I’d like you to accompany me too. Your ability to mind-meld lends energy to the psychonautic map-reading I’m going to try. Would you be willing?”
“Yes,” Destain said without hesitation. “I can also use my clairvoyance to signal the nature of the choices we are presented with.”
Albany shifted uncomfortably. “Bro, no disrespect, but you need to work on that talent you’re claiming. It’s not exactly a precision instrument.”
Destain looked hurt, but Merrick moved on before a filial argument broke out. “With Rovach gone and Arun out of the picture, we’ll need an illusionist and someone with combat experience.”
“I’ll have Jason select some people from our academy,” Karapetian said.
“Er, thanks, Lazlo. I mean, you’re offering an illusionist and warriors, which is great, but I want my own people. I also have to limit the numbers. The infiltration has to be covert, so a platoon is out of the question.”
Karapetian stroked his chin. “Still suspicious, Merrick?”
Merrick sensed a psychic push from Karapetian. “It’s not so much that, I just want people who are on my wavelength. If you can give me two of your best, then that will suffice.”
“Very well,” the Hierophant said. “I suppose the timing of your mission depends on Celestia.”
“I’m ready whenever you are,” she said to Merrick.
“Now, hold on. You’re recovering from a serious injury.”
“Destain’s treatment is working wonders. I’m ready,” she replied.
In the end, they compromised and agreed to breach the gateway the following day. They each had much to do and left Celestia to get more rest.
Merrick made a bee-line for Mike’s room and found him busy at his laptop.
“Ah, there you are,” Mike said.
Merrick reached for a bottle of water from a dresser on the side. “I see you’ve been busy.”
“Yeah. The wireless network in this place is phenomenal, and the internet connection is faster than shit off a greased shovel.”
“I think it’s more than cutting edge technology contributing towards that,” Merrick said. “Unfortunately, it also means the Hierophants can monitor any data that comes in or goes out of this place.” He took a swig of water. “So, what have you got for me?”
“Good news and bad news. The good news is that I was able to get a score of hired help to respond on my hotline. The bad tidings? Only nine of them agreed to meet. I had to withhold so much detail that I came across dodgier than a used car salesman. I can’t be certain those that come will sign up for anything you’re going to offer. Some will only turn up because I offered them an attendance fee.”
“As long as they can meet me face to face, that’s all I need.”
“Mystical powers of persuasion?”
“I’ve got a trick or two up my sleeve.”
“Well let’s hope you can pull it off. I’ve set up the meet for five o’ clock. One of the guys suggested the local nature reserve. It’s usually deserted at this time of year.”
“Sounds good.” Merrick filled Mike in on the latest meetings and the good news about Arun, then returned to his room.
It wasn’t long before the time for paying last respects to Rovach came round. They all made their way to the Great Hall and stood in rows before a podium. A congregation of over two thousand must have been packed together under the hall’s decorative ceiling.
“You know,” Merrick said to Albany. “I keep wondering how many people this place provides a home for; and how far it extends.”
“I’ve known Paraganet house for over ten years,” Albany replied. “I’ve explored more of its nooks and crannies than most, but I kept finding new rooms, corridors and alcoves on a daily basis right up to the time I was let go. I imagine it extends miles underground. And of course, there’s certain quarters that are off-limits to plebs like me.”
“You occultists have a thing about being underground, don’t you?”
“It’s the best way to hide what should be hidden. Can you imagine a facility like this operating on the surface?”
The point was well made. As Merrick stood beside Celestia, to give support as necessary, a fanfare of music announced the start of the memorial. In the end it was an emotional buttress Merrick provided for Celestia. She had known him more than most and her sadness was palpable. Karapetian gave a heart-felt eulogy, followed by two musicians who played a moving piece on their peculiar instruments. Karapetian finished by bolstering the throng with inspirational words about the conflict ahead, and his confidence that they would prevail.
The service, if it could be called that, was brief, apt and fitting. Merrick gave Celestia a handkerchief to wipe her eyes, and even Mike appeared to have a lump in his throat.
Afterwards, they had a drink to Rovach’s memory at Arun’s beds
ide. The reunion of the companions was bitter-sweet. Merrick had forgotten how much he missed Arun’s wry sense of humour. They all agreed to toast Rovach with alcohol-free wine so as not to add to Arun’s torture.
“So, you’ve lost your drinking arm,” Mike said.
“Yes, that is the greatest burden I have to bear,” Arun replied.
Merrick looked round the room and noted the unlikely juxtaposition of drips and monitors, alongside potions and vials. Arun owed his life to this curious amalgamation.
The Vietnamese was hungry for detail on the rapidly moving campaign. After they had brought him up to speed he became animated, asking questions and making suggestions. He was particularly eager to rekindle the community of Outcasts he’d been nurturing during their time in Turkmenistan.
Mike agreed to work with him while the others focused their efforts on preparing for the trans-dimensional mission.
It was good to be moving forward again. Merrick had a sense of agency in their actions, not the disorientation of being tossed to and fro on the waves of circumstance. There was just one final brick to be added to the wall of his plan, and curiously, it relied on acquiring conventional means rather than arcane.
~~~
The mercenaries were already there waiting for Mike and Merrick when they pulled into the reserve’s car park. Night had fallen and they could only just make out the shadowy forms of nine vehicles—all SUV’s.
“A bit stereotypical,” Merrick said as Mike switched off the ignition.
“You mean the four by fours? It’s just convergent evolution. They’re the best tools for the job.”
“They kind of stand out a bit. Anyone passing will think we’re dealing drugs or badger baiting.”
“Quit worrying, this place is about as isolated as it gets.”
The vehicles were parked in a horseshoe. As Merrick and Mike got out of the car, three of them blinked on their headlights.
“Getting some light on the matter?” Merrick said, under his breath.
“Partly,” Mike replied. “It’s also an old men in uniform trick; throws them into relief. They can see our faces, we can’t see theirs. Mind you, having met some of these characters before, I’m not sure you’d want to see their mugs anyway.”