Legion's Riddle Trilogy Box Set

by K R Sanford

  Cybil offered Legion a chair, which he took like a ten year old boy. He slid down the back of the chair and on his rump.

  “How about those kids sliding down the dome?" Legion said. "Pretty good, don’t you think? I’m going to try that tomorrow. Wanna join me, Admiral?”

  Marco looked perplexed. “I’m gonna wear a helmet. Now, I don’t want to spoil the kid’s fun. One day someone will jump off where there is no water.”

  “Gotta stop you right there, Marco,” replied Legion. “The shape of the lip pillows out over land. The edge forms a bead when the dome was first made. It’s shaped like a bell curve. So when an object comes close to the bottom, it flares out and stops the object. Objects slow at first, then they stop completely before it can reach the edge. The lip is four feet off the ground. It doesn't matter what the object is, even a rolling sphere will come to rest before hitting the ground.”

  “Are you sure?” asked Cybil. “Those are kids playing out there.”

  “Pretty sure,” said Legion, “Yeah.”

  “Ah ha,” nodded Cybil with a disbelieving eye.

  “I’ll have some of the boys check it out first thing in the morning,” said Legion returning her condescending nod.

  Legion, eager to change the subject continued. “We are in negotiations with the Interstellar Forces. Together we will base the cosmic bridge in the Middle Corridor. When that happens, our first trial run will be to retrieve Walters and Chew. After that, I will switch my starbase back to automatic.”

  “Oh,” said Marco, “That’s interesting.”

  “Yes,” said Legion with enthusiasm. “We will finally have the manpower and the resources to build the cube.”

  “Yes, I remember your explanation about our galaxy being an attractor. Energy attracts energy, you said.”

  “Right,” said Legion. “The Riddle is happy things are shaking out well for the Middle Corridor.”

  Marco nodded. “We had a trying day, My Lord, so we are turning in early. Can we see you tomorrow?”

  “Yes, tomorrow is fine,” he said with his most charming smile. “Good night,”

  Marco and Cybil worked their way through the guests and went upstairs.

  Nico stayed with Legion until the late hours. In the morning he held guard outside Marco’s door.

  Marco and Cybil emerged from their slumber and greeted Nico.

  “Ah, Nico, I would invite you to breakfast but our diets are different I’m sure,” said Marco.

  I am photosynthetic,” said Nico in a soft tone.

  Marco acknowledged Nico with a turn of his head then started down the stairs. “What was that you used against Lao yesterday?” asked Marco, "Some kind of force field?"

  “It was high energy cellulose," said Nico. "It’s very hot, very dense and it hits like an electro-hammer.”

  “Are there more centurions, like you?” asked Cybil.

  “I can’t say, Cybil," replied Nico. "Our numbers are need-to-know.”

  “How many symbiotes are there in your tribe, Cybil?” asked Nico.

  Cybil laughed. “We are a pride, Nico. And, same thing: It is a need-to-know question.”

  “I didn’t see you eat last night,” said Nico. "Is your diet the same as Marco’s?”

  “Almost,” replied Cybil. “I am a carnivore. Marco is an omnivore.”

  “You have not been hunting on Ameda then?”

  “No,” replied Cybil. “I’ve have thought about it. I can hear the wildlife out there. Why do you ask?”

  “There is ‘large game’ in Emerald Sea near the Liometo settlement. The Festival is tomorrow. The rules state a new event can get added only if it gets announced before the start of Festival. This gives others a chance to compete. Are you interested in joining the hunt, Cybil?”

  “I’m curious,” said Cybil. Why do you want me to hunt and kill ‘large game’? Is this for food?”

  “The meat is edible, yes,” replied Nico. “These creatures are a danger to local fishing. They travel in packs like wolves. The packs need thinning because larger packs become bold and will overturn a boat. They will feed on the fisherman. It is important we reduce their numbers to make the waters safe for the Liometo. It doesn’t get done unless an award is on their heads or we offer a prize for the biggest male caught.”

  “I’ll let you know, Nico. Hunting the sea is not what I do. Lakes and streams are more to my liking. Mostly, I hunt the mountains and flatlands at night.”

  “Yes of course, cats are nocturnal.” replied Nico. “This type of hunt will get you wet from the seas.”

  “Okay, I’ll put it to you another way, Nico. Because, I know you mean well. I can’t go for that. No can do,” she said then walked into the dining hall. Marco followed but said nothing.

  Nico kept his distance and waited at the door.

  The morning was sunny and warm. The Amedans traveled in groups throughout the village. They cleared roads, the game fields and especially the dome from top to bottom. Everything in their way was buzzed with a warning for the start of the annual race.

  Spectators were lining Shrine Lake Road to get a glimpse of the riders. The horses were at the starting gate.

  The flag came down. “Aaann, they’re off!” shouted the announcer.

  The horses sprang from the starting line. Grunts and groans were heard as the horses fought their way into position. Dirt kicked from the track flew into the crowd. The spectators held their ground watching the horses thunder past then fade around the first turn.

  The crowd spilled onto the road. With a four hour race, the bookmakers were open for business. The gamers rushing the track to place their last minute bets with the bookies.

  Vito, with his arm around Marco tucked a bundle of tokens in his pocket. “Think of it as a way to build interest in the sport. You will remember the horses and the names of their riders. You will know what the dirt smells like. Hell, you’ll even remember what the horses smell like. It’s a big deal when you’re down here in the thick of things.”

  Marco, amused with Vito’s passion replied, “That’s true.”

  He turned to Cybil and before he could speak, Cybil retorted, “I suppose, you want to buy a race horse.”

  “Oh no,” said Marco. “Horses are fine. But race horses are twitchy. They are twitchy at both ends and demand a lot of attention. I was thinking of getting a boat and going after one of those sea monsters.”

  “If you do,” said Cybil. “You take Vito with you. And, I’ll bet you win the grand prize. What do you think?”

  “I don't know,” said Marco dismissing the question. “After they finish placing bets, come with me to my house. I want to show you how I live when I’m here. Vito, Nico, you come too.”

  “Okay,” replied Vito. “It might help to relax away from everything for a while. How about you, Nico? Does nature appeal to you?”

  “Yes, Marco’s invitation is very gracious. It will do me good.”

  “Suits me fine,” said Vito. “I will join the party.”

  “We can walk through the village,” said Marco, “If you don’t mind the exercise. It looks like you're in for a fresh photon shower this afternoon, Nico.”

  “Yes,” replied Nico with a three-sixty spin. “I’m looking to see if I recognize any intergalactic visitors.”

  “Do you recognize anyone, Vito?” asked Cybil.

  “Some,” replied Vito with a warm smile. “It is very kind of you to ask. Do you recognize any of your people, Cybil?”

  “Yes,” said Cybil. “Although I don’t know many by name, I can sense if they recognize me.”

  “It’s in the double takes they do,” replied Vito. “Some will wave. I meet so many at my casinos. I try to get my face out there. It is very good for business.”

  “That says a lot about you,” replied Cybil. “It says you are one of them.”

  “Yeah, that’s the idea,” said Vito, “Little do they know.”

  “Little do they know you as a fourth dimensional,” said Cybil, “An
d a member of Legion’s Riddle?”

  “A small few know the things you say,” said Vito. “It’s the unknown that frightens people. This is why we ask; what did you discover that needs to remain in silence. People will talk among themselves with misplaced trust. Their fear distorts the imagination and causes panic. Hysteria sets in like this. With strong drink, hysteria gets whipped up even more.”

  “Yes, corruption for fast gain is universal,” said Cybil.

  “What do the Liometo do to control corruption among the Elite?” asked Vito.

  “Nothing, they accept the cast system as it is,” Cybil raised empty hands. “What can they do?”

  “A new light dawns on the age of autonomy.” said Vito.

  “Is that a quote?” asked Cybil.

  “It is a quote by the Emperor Legion,” said Vito. “This village has all the charm of a Swiss village on Earth without the snow.”

  “Yes our people can make a city like this,” said Cybil.

  “They will have their chance,” said Vito. “Some of your people will become very wealthy.”

  “I hope so,” said Cybil.

  Marco pointed to the pub where Pawdell waited tables for fifteen years. He showed the Gates of Tildanfin. "This is the House of Tildanfin,” he said. “This is where he calls home. He is Master of Arms. This house is The Great Hall of the Vallians, and The Village Inn."

  Cybil took a step back in surprise. “I won’t look at Tildanfin or Saralil in the same way,” she said. “I knew they were well respected. But, this is impressive. The Village Inn rivals the Castle.”

  “Yes,” said Marco.

  “And yet, he and Saralil are at the castle,” said Cybil.

  “The Festival is an important event,” replied Marco. “For the banquet and opening day, Tildanfin shows support to his King by being at the castle. You won’t see them there until next year. During the off season, King Devin spends more time here at events and meetings than in his own castle.”

  Vito Laughed. “I know how that feels. Sometimes I'll ask myself if I’ll ever get home.”

  Marco labored up Shrine Village Main. He led them toward the foothills of Woodland Forest.

  Cybil took a deep breath of the cool air coming down from the hills. “The wildlife lives close to the village,” she said. “The Vallians don’t hunt the hills?”

  Marco looked perplexed. “You know, I don’t know.” He pointed with his chin to a narrow cobble stone road. “We turn up here. This is my road to the house. It’s up through the trees.”

  “Ooh,” chirped Cybil. “We’re in the forest already. That was fast.”

  Marco smiled from ear to ear. “It feels like a forest. Only, we’re on the edge, actually. The house is right through here.”

  He pointed through a stand of evergreens looming over a wide clearing. Wildflowers and mountain ferns were everywhere. A lush green lawn stretched over several acres like a valley meadow. In the center of the lawn was a pond. A rowboat was resting on the shore.

  Cybil jumped on the lawn and spun like a ballerina. She stood still with her arms out. “You didn’t say you had your own lake.”

  “It’s not a lake. It’s a pond.” Marco pointed down the hill. “That’s a lake,” he said.

  She gasped. “Oh my, look at that view. I didn’t realize Shrine Lake was so big. Where are the horses?”

  Marco strained to see the signs of the riders galloping on Shine Lake Road.

  Vito pointed at a cloud of dust outside the village. “There,” he said.

  “It will take all day to round this lake,” said Cybil.

  “It takes the leaders about four hours,” said Marco.

  Cybil nodded. “So, are there any fish in your pond?”

  “Yes,” said Marco with an air if pride. “Napgath and his two sons stock my pond every year. What do you think of that? Are you hungry?”

  “Yes I am,” said Cybil with a raise of her eyebrow.

  “There’s a fishing pole in the boat,” said Marco. “I’ll get it for you. And, I’ll get you a hat. It gets hot out there.”

  Cybil laughed. “I don’t fish that way,” she said striping off her clothes and running down to the pond. She waded in the shallows then ducked under the water. A minute later a panther emerged in the center of the pond with a fish in its mouth.

  “Well, look at that,” said Vito. “She’s got one.”

  The panther dropped the fish on shore and sprang back in after another.

  “Come into the house,” said Marco. “I’m ready for a real drink.”

  They climbed the steps to the front porch. Vito stopped. “Is someone here? I detect movement.”

  “It is very possible,” replied Marco. “This village has an open door policy. Everyone knows the other fellow out here.”

  “Good,” said Vito, “like home.”

  “That’s the idea,” said Marco pushing open the door. “Oh, there’s Jimmy. Balrug must be close by.

  Vito craned his neck around Marco. “Jimmy,” called Vito. “Is Balrug with you?”

  Jimmy thumbed at the door next to him. “He’s in the loo.”

  Vito nodded. “We were getting ready to start the barbeque. You are welcome to join us. Have you seen Hector or Ryan?”

  “Last time I saw them was at breakfast this morning,” replied Jimmy. “There are ribs in the cooler that look ready.”

  Balrug stepped out of the loo the same moment Cybil walked through the front door. Dripping wet and naked, she held up two large fish. She announced; “This proves, not all cats are put out by water.”

  Yes, well, you are right," said Marco. "Bring them in the kitchen and we will cook them with the ribs. Or, if you prefer your fish raw?”

  “No,” said Cybil. “Fresh fish can get eaten either way. That’s my opinion.”

  “That works for me,” said Marco. “Towels are in the bathroom, if you want something to sit on besides your bare butt.”

  “I do need to wash my hands,” said Cybil as she sashayed through the bathroom door.

  Marco raised a welcome hand to the purple and white sphere hovering in the middle of the room. “It is my honor to introduce a very special friend. He is the heart of the Arches of Ameda. Centurion Nico is here to watch over Cybil. He has the task, given by the Emperor, to protect us. We are going to honor him with our loyalty. Balrug, Jimmy, I would like you to say hello to Nico, Centurion of Ameda.”

  Balrug and Jimmy fixed their robes. They bowed. Marco and Vito did the same.

  “I didn’t expect that,” said Nico.

  At that moment, Cybil entered the room. A towel was wrapped around her waist. Her hair was bundled tight like a turban. She placed her hand over her heart. “Am I intruding?”

  The men looked to each other. None spoke.

  “I missed something, didn’t I?” She queried.

  “Introductions,” said Nico. “You missed the introductions.”

  “Well,” said Cybil. “You have all seen who I am. So, that makes us even. Doesn’t it?”

  “It does in deed,” said Vito. “What say we start the barbeque? Nico, light some wood on that pile of rock outside. Cybil, take Nico the meat and put some clothes on.”

  “I don’t have any clean clothes,” said Cybil. “Where is Shanna’s room?”

  “What’s wrong with the clothes you left on the front lawn?”

  “Oh, men,” she said. “Those aren’t right for the village. Besides, I was rolling on the grass wasn’t I? No, no, I need something that doesn’t make me look like warehouse attendant on a rocket ship.”

  Marco balked. “A rocket ship?” he looked to Vito for help.

  Vito threw back a blank stare. “I haven’t heard that term since grade school. Where did you hear that?”

  “Cybil held up a comic book from the kitchen table.

  Marco Laughed. “Rocket Ship to the Moon that has got to be Pawdell’s”

  “Where did he get it?” asked Cybil.

  Marco perplexed replied, “This is
an interesting question. I have no idea.”

  “Well, I will ask him next time I see him,” said Cybil, “I like the pictures.”

  “Okay,” said Marco. “In the meantime, it’s the second room down the hall.”

  Without a word, Cybil dropped the comic book on the floor and marched to Shanna’s room and closed the door.

  “I would say that would be a normal reaction any place in our galaxy,” said Marco.

  Vito cleared his throat. “Fashion is a constant everywhere,” he said. “I would like to discuss something important, Admiral.”

  “Such as?” replied Marco.

  “As you know the Elite Liometo are orbiting the Corsi Star. The Mastodon has reported a breakaway group from that orbit. They are reported as a small fleet of mercenaries with high energy weapons and fast ships. They are fighters, and an experienced group with hostages.”

  Marco chimed in. “And the Liometo, the ones already here at Festival, are we to pick them up?”

  “No,” said Vito you are to observe, only. I will negotiate with the breakaway group. But, I will need a few volunteers.”

  “Volunteers?” asked Marco. “You already have the Middle Fleet orbiting Ameda.”

  “This exercise will reinforce the Liometo Elite’s commitment to our galaxy,” said Vito.

  “What does that mean?” asked Balrug.

  “It means,” replied Vito. “Not everyone in the Milky Way system is keen on having Liometo here.”

  “Now I understand,” said Balrug. “The aggressive want to use their citizens for leverage.”

  “Yes,” said Vito. “This is another desperate move by opposition groups. The move is being interpreted as a political ploy to divide and conquer the Milky Way’s interests.”

  Jimmy smirked. “I’m sure Legion has done the divide-and-conquer algorithm several times in his head. I would say your negotiations are going to be easy. The Liometo’s chance to prosper will get defeated if the uprising isn’t quelled.”

  “I agree,” said Vito. “This is the kind of attitude I need in a volunteer, thank you. Are you in?”