With that, he’s gone, the connection severed between us.
9
Traeton
AS MUCH AS I’D HOPED Videus would greet me—us—with open arms, I hadn’t expected to endure such a beating in the name of shock. He’s a sick, twisted man.
“Alright, what now?” I whisper.
I should probably simply ask the questions in my head, but I feel like if I keep doing it—I’ll lose all sense of myself. I need to keep whatever grasp on reality I can find in this hell.
~Videus will expect a more detailed report of what happened while we were away. We were lucky he had not the time when we first arrived.
My hand rises to my swollen cheek, “Yeah, lucky.”
~The beating was unfortunate. I am sorry you had to be aware for it. My master cares not for the face. It is always the first thing he will go for when he needs information, regardless from whom.
“Well, isn’t that super?” I say, spitting the last dregs of blood from my mouth. “What’s he got against faces?”
~I am not sure. It has always been this way.
“Maybe he can’t stand seeing the humanity in their eyes?” I offer, standing up.
It’s been five minutes since we were ushered out of the cage where Runa’s being held. Other than being restrained, she looked mostly okay. Which, truthfully, is both as much a relief as it is surprising.
“Why’s Runa still okay? I mean, not that I’m not grateful, but why hasn’t he hurt her?” I continue to whisper.
~My master is oddly superstitious for a man of science. Now that he knows he has the Daughter of Five, it is my belief, he will tread very lightly until he acquires what he needs.
“Which is?”
~He is hunting for the true prophecy before he proceeds. He wants to ensure his steps forward will be most effective.
“Effective for what? He already has world domination,” I say. “I mean, what more could a guy really need?”
~I do not believe that was ever the core of his motivations. It is far more difficult to parse out than this. He is a complicated creature and I feel at his very core, many of his insights may be compromised.
“Well, that’s a no brainer. He’s out of his goddamn mind,” I say more softly than before.
I really need to keep my voice down. The walls could have ears for all I know. With my good eye, I try to gander at the walls and ceilings to get a better look—but it’s hard to tell if there could be any listening devices. If he really wanted, Videus could hide cameras or mics just about anywhere and I’d be none the wiser.
~When my master arrives, I will need to take the forefront. He is most concerned about many things I have had in the works. If for some reason you falter with the dialogue, he will become extremely suspicious. It is the last thing we need at this moment. He will not hesitate to kill us both.
I nod—sounds like a good idea anyway. At this point, any civil dealings with Videus and I’ll likely find myself squeezing his throat closed—or die trying. That was my favorite way to dispose of him outta all of my daydreams, anyway.
The door to the vassalage cell opens, and in steps Videus—his mask made of blood and the idiotic looking bird headdress. I want to point out how ridiculous he looks, but mentally take a step back—allowing Caelum to do his thing before I make a mess outta everything.
“Caelum?” Videus asks, stepping inside the room. His dark cloak drags on the floor ominously—like it’s meant to sweep along the dark aura around him. It does a good job of it.
“Yes, my master,” I hear myself say.
So weird being in here, but deferring to someone else.
“Explain to me something. Why did you not come back to your body when I called upon you? Even without hearing me, I would have thought you’d have sensed the calling,” Videus says, taking another step inward.
“I did not hear the call at all. There is something wrong with the man’s mind, perhaps his nervous system is compromised. I am not sure why, but I was unable to be released at all,” Caelum says. “It may be due to the brain degradation we have spoken about. I fear that it may become increasingly more difficult to evacuate.”
There are truths mixed in his words that I feel resonate, but definite falsehoods as well. I’ll hand it to him, he’s a convincing liar.
Walking on by, Videus takes his headdress off and places it on a counter behind us. For a moment, his back is to us and it’s hard to tell what he’s doing. His bald head drops slightly and a slow sigh escapes him. Perhaps he’s more of a man than I gave him credit for.
“We’ll have to get you on the diagnostic table if this continues to become a problem, Caelum,” he says. “I can’t afford having you—”
“Would it be so bad if I were in this body instead of my own?” Caelum asks.
“I would hate to lose your ability to see from above. With the new weather controls I’ve been working on—you’re the only one I trust with some of my most sensitive missions,” Videus says, turning his head to the side and speaking over his shoulder.
I’m not sure why—but his silhouette looks so familiar. Could I have seen him before?
“I understand, master. I shall continue to try. I will let you know if I am unsuccessful. Have you perfected the white elephant technology?” Caelum says, continuing to stand as still as a statue.
Weather controls? White elephants. What on Pendomus are we talking about? And is it normal for such obedience? What the hell kinda master does that—erases any thought of free choice? What in the hell is Videus so afraid of?
“Not yet, but I’m very close,” Videus mutters. He raises a hand to his head and his fingertips graze the skin on his forehead.
Videus straightens his shoulders, and replaces his headdress. With his back turned, he looks almost weak.
I have to admit—this is not entirely the way I envisioned this meeting to go. At least, not after the last one. That—yeah, that was more like what I expected, I suppose. But this? It’s almost as if he’s tired of everything and he’s willing to let his guard down, just a little bit with Caelum.
~Caelum—listen to me, we could end this. Right now. His back is turned to us. He wouldn’t be expecting you to jump him.
Why wouldn’t we take this opportunity? It’s practically handed to us on a platter.
~What is it you expect me to do? This is not in my nature. I oversee things, hear things. I am not the brute force.
~Well, I am. If you’re not able, move over and let me handle this.
I can feel the trepidation creeping into my body, arising because of Caelum. As much of a crony as he has been—he’s right. He’s not a fighter. He’d much prefer hanging back from the fray and being a casual observer. I can’t blame him, but I can’t sit here and do nothing.
~Alright, if you must. But he will not be as easily overcome as you may think.
Then, just like that, my consciousness is pushed out front and Caelum’s has taken the rear. My hand slips to my back, as I reach for the electric blade I stashed earlier. I grip the hilt lightly, sure not to trigger the blade just yet.
I take a deep breath, preparing to lunge, but Videus turns around just as I’m about to flip the switch on the blade. I freeze in place, trying not to let my emotions and motivations show. There’s no way I can attack him head on and win. I’m not that stupid.
Videus slowly walks toward me again, his movements once again slow, and deliberate. As if the headdress gives him more clarity than simply being himself alone. He takes a deep breath, watching me for a moment. The dark, bloody space where his face should be is unnerving. I suppose it’s meant to be. Still, too bad he didn’t turn around completely when he had his mask off. I would have loved to have seen the face of the real man.
“Hello Traeton. I figured you would make your appearance sooner or later. You do have a way of continually popping up, unwanted. No patience in you whatsoever,” he finally says. “It’s predictable.”
I pull the weapon out, gripping it tig
htly as the ten inch blade of electricity flares to life.
Videus instantly laughs.
“Do you even know how to use one of those, boy?” he taunts.
“How about we find out,” I say, widening my stance.
Videus takes a step forward and opens his arms wide, inviting any attempt.
I lunge forward, hoping to catch him off guard with an immediate response. Videus holds still, not moving—not even flinching. As I jab the knife into his rib cage, the electricity scatters, shooting off into random particles in the air. What’s left is a rather awkward attempt at an uppercut.
A deep, boisterous chuckle emanates from Videus’ core as he tosses me aside without even breaking his stance.
My body slams against the wall, effectively knocking the wind out of me.
“Do you honestly believe there’s anything that could stop me? After all this time, all the attempts? And of all things, an electric blade? Sloppy, Traeton. Simply disappointing,” he says.
Struggling to regain my breathe, I grimace at him. Safe to say this plan between Caelum and I wasn’t one of my smartest. On the upside, at least we know Runa’s still alive. And now, if I make it outta here in one piece, at least I know where she’s being kept.
Crawling up onto all fours, it takes effort to stand. In a movement so fast, I’d say he wasn’t even human anymore, Videus is at my side. He grabs my throat, his fingers digging into the side of my neck as he squeezes and pulls me to my feet. He slides my body up the wall, my feet dangling inches from the floor—all with one hand.
Personally, I’m amazed at the show of strength. If he could do this—why bother with taking over Fenton’s body?
Without being able to see Videus’ expression, it’s hard to tell if he even cares. Could he crush my windpipe with one hand? Seems like he could.
“Why? Why are you doing this?” I spit, my words garbled and labored.
“I can’t allow you—or the Daughter of Five to destroy everything I’ve worked so hard to accomplish,” he says simply.
“What’s that?” I fire back, struggling to breathe. “Your pretty face?”
“Everything I’ve done—everything here that you see—it’s all to get him back. I have tried for centuries to repair the damage I’d—” he pauses for a brief moment, “The only way now is to push through,” he says, squeezing my neck tighter. “Keep moving forward.”
“Get who back?” I say each word slowly, trying to pull in as much air as possible.
“Do you not understand the nature of the delicate balance we cling to?” he says, ignoring my question. “The prophecy—if I don’t stop the prophecy now, all will be lost. Everything. There will be no way to keep trying. Look around you. Do you know how many times I’ve been to the past to help this ant farm progress to the level it is now? They owe everything to me,” Videus says. “And you want to take it away from me?”
His switch in motivations is confusing. Is it about some guy he wants to bring back? Or his pet project of the Helix. Anger floods Videus’ words with more emotion than I’ve heard him display since we met face to face.
“What are you talking about? You aren’t making any sense,” I say through gritted teeth.
Either Videus has truly lost his marbles, or his entire grip on reality. Maybe both.
Suddenly, the lights go out and emergency lighting engages. The ominous red lights take this Crematorium to a whole new level of hellish appearances.
“What’s happened now?” Videus snarls, tipping his head to the side and his grip loosening enough to allow me to rest on the floor.
In the background of my mind I make out most of Videus’ mental alert to the Salamanders and the rest of his cronies—thanks to Caelum still being connected.
~Find source. Make sure Daughter of Five locked away. Alert me…problems. Do not disturb me…ridiculous, mundane things. Much to do…expect not to be disturbed.
Salamanders flood the hallway outside, running in the direction of the rest of the vassalage cells and where Runa is being held. The sea of black creatures is in deep contrast with the washed out grey walls as the lights flicker back on.
Turning back to me, Videus says, “It’s fortunate for you, keeping you alive is worth more to me at the moment. As soon as you become more of a problem than you’re worth, I have no qualm in ending you. Even if—”
“I won’t help you. Whatever you have planned, I’ll do everything I can to get in your way,” I say, his lighter grip easing my words.
“Well, that’s unfortunate of you. Good thing I already have a man—well, a bird, actually—on the inside. I’ll simply have to get rid of your consciousness completely and give your body up to someone I trust,” Videus says slowly. “Would you like that instead?”
Inside, Caelum’s fear is almost as palpable as my own. If Videus tries to extract my consciousness—he’ll have full access to everything housed in our memories. That includes the location of the Archives as the Acropolis. For reasons still beyond me, it has a heavy relevance to the brewing war and I feel a need to protect it.
“Your man isn’t in here anymore,” I say, trying to throw him off. “I’ve destroyed him.”
“You lie,” Videus says, his eyes narrowing, “Caelum is more powerful than you’ll ever be, boy. His awareness spans millenia, handed down through those who came before. No boy would put a stop to him. Certainly not you.”
However, something falters in Videus’ words. It’s a split second flicker in inflection, but it’s enough for me to play on.
“How else do you think I was able to regain control of my body? Do you think your crony would allow me to try and stab you?” I say, trying to sound reasonable.
“Alright. How were you able to destroy him then? Spare no details,” he says, mockingly.
“Once I realized what was going on, it was like flexing a muscle,” I say. Not entirely a lie. In some ways, I’d been working on expelling Caelum from the moment I became aware of what was happening. I just hadn’t gotten complete control over everything. Sure, I’d been able to throw a wrench into things, I suppose.
“And this muscle—it did what exactly?” he says, his hand loosening a little more.
“I was able to regain control of my mind—take it back from him slowly until I could overwhelm him. From there, I was able to lock him away.”
I cringe. That’s not the way I should have described it.
“So, he’s not destroyed? Just locked away?” Videus says, considering.
“Same difference. You’ll never see him again,” I say, shrugging.
“Perhaps,” Videus says, wheels obviously turning in his mind. “Perhaps I’ve underestimated your mind, Traeton. If the SeizeScanner’s frequency wasn’t enough to open up your mind completely, perhaps we simply need to up the dosage.”
My eyes widen.
The SeizeScanner? That’s how this was done to me? How he was able to take control of my mind and insert Caelum.
I had no idea how this all started, or when. But now it all makes sense. The last time we were inside, Runa and I—when I pushed her out the door— I got tagged by the Scanner. All I could think about was protecting her. I thought I was done for until I woke up at the Lateral. But it was all just a ruse, I was meant to go back home.
“So that’s how you controlled my mind? The SeizeScanner?” I lament. “Was it meant to take over immediately? Or were you pissed your guy wasn’t able to spy right away?”
“Oh—why not. You won’t remember any of this once I’m done with you. The Scanner only allows me access to your coding so I could slip Caelum in. It wasn’t immediate. So to answer your question, I was happy with the results. Up until now, that is,” he says, leaning in close. “Oh, you fought me—fought Caelum. But I knew in the end the headaches would be overwhelming enough for you. I was, of course, right.”
My eyes widen.
The headaches. Of course—it’s all part of it. They started right after the Seize Scanner and only worsened over time.
No wonder the NeuroWands did nothing to help. They weren’t normal headaches. Why didn’t I think of that? It’d never occurred to me they were connected, either. Even after realizing Caelum was in here.
I’m an idiot of epic proportions.
Dropping his hand from my throat, Videus takes a step back.
“None of this would have to be necessary if people would simply comply. Instead, they and are such resistant creatures, believing they know better than their fellow man. It’s not true, you know. Some are not worthy of higher level thinking. There are some who are far too stupid to make intelligent decisions. They can’t see the bigger picture and they don’t know what’s best for them.”
“It’s called free will, you should try it sometime,” I spit.
Who does this guy think he is, really? The more he speaks, the more nuts he sounds. Sure, there are some pretty dumb people out there, but there are worse things to be—a homicidal maniac for one.
Placing a hand on one of the large stones of the wall, it lights up, scanning his palm. The wall dissolves, revealing a large arsenal of SeizeScanners, sonic resonators, and a myriad of other weapons for the choosing.
Videus grabs the largest SeizeScanner within reach.
“It’s time to get this moving along. Don’t you agree?” he says.
10
Runa
DO I FOCUS ON THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE? Or do I try to break out of here and be long gone before anyone comes back for another round?
I trace my hands over the point where the seams of the door should be, but nothing stands out. It looks like one solid pane of glass. If I try to break it, would it set off alarms?
~Don’t do it. The last person who did was consumed by the rain.
A woman’s voice enters my mind.
I don’t know if it’s reassuring to have so many people here to help, or downright creepy that they can answer my thoughts in this manner. The lack of privacy is unsettling at the very least. I need to learn to control the flow.
The Complete Pendomus Chronicles Trilogy: Books 1-3 of the Pendomus Chronicles Dystopian Scifi Boxed Set Series Page 57