Lee shook his head in thought. “What about those horrible experiments on people with mutate-genes? Did that lead Ludvig to the treatment?”
“No. That got a little crazy.” Trok raised his eyebrows. “I’m sure you remember the theory that mutate-genes would continue to pass on to future generations?”
Lee nodded.
“Well, now millions of people have genetic quirks. Nothing ever came of the accusations that they held viral antibodies, so they’re not experimented on anymore. But they’re still not exactly accepted by the rest of the population. It’s kind of funny, in a stupid way. No one living today remembers why they were originally persecuted, but now it’s because they’re just…weird. They’re called MOB now, the Misfits of Breeding.” Trok sighed. “But they also have their uses. The Dominion embraces MOB who are gifted in ways that could be useful – as soldier operatives, labor workers, whatever. Since the genetic abilities show up during puberty, many MOB eagerly join the Dominion Youth to escape persecution or sometimes just to make a life for themselves.”
“So from a young age these kids get indoctrinated and never turn back.” Lee was starting to grow angry, which Trok had come to respect as a sign of decency in anyone who heard the Dominion’s evils. “It sounds like most people are sucked into this Dominion system. Please tell me the Kota aren’t the only ones refusing to go along with it.”
“No, there are other rebel groups,” Trok said without enthusiasm. “Once the Dominion formed, a few old militaries joined together in an attempt to regain their individual nations. That plan led to a slaughter, unfortunately, as former allies turned against them for fear of losing the DRK treatment. After that, the Olanders cracked down and took control of every military instillation across the planet. As the Dominion took more and more, the rebels lost more and more. Now, the rebels simply can’t do much against the Dominion’s massive forces. They just don’t have the resources. For one thing, anyone condemned as a rebel loses their financial accounts, their ID tag is flagged. The ID tags make it impossible to remain undetected for long, unless one is surgically removed – and if they do that, say goodbye to the DRK treatment. Since the rebels have no real way to function, they’ll never get the resources they need. And I won’t even horrify you with how little education or training they have. These Kota soldiers are tough and would give their lives to protect our people, but they’re no match for what they’re up against. Other rebel groups have more experience – they’re far less isolated than the Kota here in the Great White North. But, the Dominion always has the upper hand, no matter the playing field. Untrained and outmanned, the rebels do what they can, but it’ll never be enough.”
The hummer turned onto a new road, nearing their destination.
“But now I’m back,” said Lee. He appeared to be thinking aloud. “Even with so few Kota left, we could do the world some good. We could speak out, gain strength…”
Trok felt a flush of worry at this. “No, Lee, you don’t understand. The Dominion isn’t just a corrupt government like those of our day. They’re unstoppable. All-powerful. They could kill the remnant openly and no one could do a thing about it.”
No one would do a thing about it, he thought. I’ve seen enough history to predict how things will go. The Dominion will destroy the Kota eventually. Probably soon. It’s only a matter of time.
“But we have the prophecies, Troy,” Lee reminded him with growing excitement. “There is something we can do, even if we don’t see it yet. You and I are meant to be the Bearers of these Marked Warrior children, and our people will listen to us. We have to prepare for the children’s arrival. I’m sure of it.”
Trok looked at his brother uneasily as the hummer swung up a side street through the abandoned village.
Have I become too cautious? he thought. Am I too patient? I know the Kota are running out of time, so is Lee right? Do we need to move on these prophecies fast? But we don’t understand what these children are meant to do…
Finally, the hummer pulled up in front of a three-story hotel on the main strip of the otherwise abandoned village. Already Trok saw dozens of people waiting at the hotel entrance or peeking through windows.
This is risky, thought Trok. The Dominion patrols could stomp us out once and for all if they discover we’re here. We can’t stay long. These people will have to scatter back to hiding once Lee and I come up with something hopeful to tell them.
The last of their caravan pulled into the parking space beside them.
“You’re already a celebrity,” said Trok. “Are you ready for this?”
“I have to be.” Lee also looked out the window, and he took a deep breath.
A soldier opened his door and pushed the wheelchair close.
Lee faced Trok with a wink. “Well, my Bearer brother, let’s not keep them waiting.” He then allowed the soldier to help him into the wheelchair.
Trok had to smile, and he got out of the vehicle on his own.
The crowd ran up and called out to Lee, wishing him well. They included Trok in these well-wishes when he joined his brother. Trok once again felt uncomfortable with the near-worship level of admiration these people had for him. Lee, however, had always been a people-person, and he shook hands with the Kota as the soldier pushed his wheelchair at a slow pace through the crowd.
When they reached the hotel entrance, a young woman hurried forward to open the door for them. She was very beautiful, and Lee held up his hand for the soldier pushing his wheelchair to stop.
“Thank you,” Lee said to the woman. “What’s your name?”
“Vedanleé,” she said with a smile.
Trok looked at the woman more closely. Vedanleé. He knew this name, for some reason. He didn’t think she looked familiar, though. Trok guessed her age at thirty. Her long, golden hair reached to her waist. The delicate features of her face were stunning, but Trok caught a flicker in her eye that made him nervous.
“Thank you, Vedanleé,” said Lee with a charming smile. “I hope to see you again soon.”
“I’d like that.” Standing aside, Vedanleé only glanced at Trok as they entered the hotel lobby.
Lee looked up at Trok with a wide grin on his face. “Nice girl.”
Trok felt uneasy. Making a decision he’d regret later, he said nothing. He went to find someone who’d help Lee to the room prepared for him.
7
“Who’s to say”
Lee hadn’t listened to Trok about keeping the wedding celebration small, judging by the number of people in the decorated warehouse. At least he’d picked a remote setting. Snow blew hard outside the abandoned airport, and Trok hoped this would blind the Dominion to their location. For added security, Lee had posted Kota soldiers around the airport, for what that was worth.
Over the past few months, Lee had quickly become the much-beloved leader of the Kota remnant. Trok, never comfortable with the position, was happy to turn over command. He was also relieved to have someone in his life from the old days. No one remembered anymore what Earth had been like, and it was disheartening to see the lack of hope in even the Kota remnant. Man knew no other way, remembered no better time.
But now my gung-ho little brother is awake, thought Trok. I prayed for centuries that he’d take to this job and restore hope in the remnant… Be careful what you wish for.
Lee stood from his bridal table to make a speech. He wore a fine black suit, and his wavy, graying hair and beard were neatly trimmed. He held up a hand to gather attention. “My people, I’m so pleased we could gather here tonight. The Dominion may rage outside these walls, but they can’t take this happy moment away from us.” He lifted his drinking glass to the crowds. “To happier times ahead!”
The Kota, seated at tables around the warehouse, cheered and toasted their leader.
Trok tried not to frown.
To his dismay, Lee was convinced the Kota remnant needed to stand up as a voice against the Dominion, although Trok knew this would earn them a swifter death. T
rok always thwarted the Dominion patrols hunting Lee’s group, but he hadn’t been able to warn the last Kota on the Southern Continent in time. They lost fifty people that day. Lee chalked it up to a necessary sacrifice, mourned with the rest of their people, but went right back to sending missionaries to the nearest rebel camps.
He needs to be more careful, thought Trok. Why won’t he listen to me?
More troubling still, Lee had thrown himself into the self-appointed work of fulfilling the prophecies. First and foremost, he’d sought a wife among the Kota. Lee’s drive to produce the Marked children worried Trok for a number of reasons.
Lee sat in his seat and kissed his bride before turning to his cake. Vedanleé smiled at her husband. She looked stunning in her flowing white dress.
I wish I could go back and prevent their meeting, thought Trok. But would it do any good? She would’ve gotten her claws into him eventually. Well, no, that isn’t fair. I’m not sure who’s using who in this happy romance.
There was indeed a reason Trok had heard of Vedanleé. She was originally from a clan of Kota in northern Eurasia, a region now simply known as part of the Mainland-Euro. In her native lands, she’d been renowned as a witch – a lifestyle of controlling the unknown that the Kota firmly knew to be wrong.
Okay, thought Trok, judging her on that count is a little hypocritical and narrow-minded. I wave my hand and open portals to another dimension. How far off is that from magic? But what they saw Vedanleé can do is…different. Somehow.
Trok’s biggest concern with Vedanleé was this: She’d been the chosen companion of Thurston Olander, the current Dominion tyrant. Vedanleé had even bore him twin sons. Because of this, Trok worried about her loyalties. On the other hand, she didn’t have any great love for Olander now. He’d taken her boys from her once he got what he wanted, namely heirs. He’d then tried to kill Vedanleé. She’d escaped and begged the Kota remnant to protect her, and that’s how she’d ended up with this group.
I can’t see much of her past because of her magic, thought Trok. I understand people change. Loyalties change. But something about her is just off. And I know she’d do anything to get her boys back. If Olander wants to kill our people so badly…
What Lee continually pointed out was that Vedanleé had repented of her former life and deserved a clean slate. She did have Kota ancestry, so he’d decided she was suitable to produce offspring. Hence, this wedding now.
Trok sighed.
At least I kept my doubts out of my best man’s speech, he thought.
Rising from his seat, Trok needed to stretch his legs – not that he felt any stiffness, but on principle he was never comfortable in any one position for too long. He made his way around the wooden tables decorated with pine branches and homemade candles. Celebratory Kota smiled and greeted him.
Trok had no planned destination, but he arrived at the drinks table. Here he stood and observed as people moved to the dance floor. He noted without surprise that several Kota had turned out in their best for the special occasion, but fashion had always been foreign to him.
“Sir.” A lovely woman came to stand beside Trok at the punch bowl. She poured herself a drink and then one for him.
“Thanks.” Trok smiled at her and took the offered glass, unsure what to do with it. He never ate or drink because his body didn’t need it. And it wasn’t as if he could taste anything.
The woman stood awkwardly beside him for a silent minute, then crossed to join her dancing friends.
Lee had viewed this entire encounter, and he approached Trok with a laugh, clapping his hands. “Smooth, Troy. You could loosen up a little. It is my wedding.”
“Sorry. Afraid I’m doomed to remain a bachelor.”
Lee laughed and examined the woman. “Too young?”
“By about five centuries.”
Chuckling, Lee slapped Trok on the back and turned to watch the dancers. “Well, the prophecy does say only one of us is to ‘seed’ the Marked children, so I guess the responsibility is mine, old Interceder.”
Trok’s eyes drifted and found Vedanleé dancing in the crowd. “Lee, be careful. That woman… I’m not sure you’ve made the wisest choice.”
Lee’s jovial nature fell several degrees in warmth. “I know you don’t like Veda, but that’s going a bit too far.”
Trok tried to soften his delivery. “I only mean she’s been through a lot. If you thrust prophetic responsibility on her, it might be too much. Her last lover wanted her for offspring too, you know.”
“I’m not-”
Trok held up a hand. “Your heart’s in the right place. But everyone knows you’re single-mindedly focused on bringing the Marked Warriors into this world. Vedanleé just wants to be loved.”
“I do love her,” Lee insisted as he gazed at his dancing bride. “Everyone loves her.”
Not all these people love her, thought Trok. Many whisper that Olander’s hatred of her puts the remnant at risk. There’s no real danger of Vedanleé being reported, but the Kota are wary of her.
Lee smiled as he watched his bride. “You’ll see. She’ll be great.” He waved to Vedanleé. “Honey, come say hello to Troy. I need to check with Davis about travel arrangements. Keep my old, bachelor brother company, would you?”
Vedanleé left the dancers and pulled up her gown to walk over. Lee pecked a kiss on her cheek before leaving her with Trok and heading into the crowds.
Trok studied the woman beside him. Vedanleé’s shy, reverent nature had changed of late. With Lee’s support, she seemed less fearful of the Kota’s suspicious glances. This might’ve been a fine thing, but her confidence had crossed a line into defiance.
She’s using Lee’s position to protect herself, thought Trok. You have to respect the woman’s survival instincts. If Lee’s defensive of her with me, he’ll certainly stand up for her against any of his followers.
“Trok,” said Vedanleé with a smile and a curtsy. Then she laughed. “Let’s not pretend, shall we? I know you’re not happy about this.”
Trok glanced away from her. “I’m sorry. I’m just worried and trying to keep Lee out of trouble.”
“And I’m trouble?” she teased. She looked at the crowd, her smile flickering. “They certainly think so. I heard one woman saying she was sure Lee only married me because he had to.”
Trok looked at her.
Vedanleé rolled her eyes and continued facing the crowds. “I’m not pregnant. Not yet. Calm down.” Then she looked up at him. “But shouldn’t you be happy if I was?”
Trok tried to be delicate. “Vedanleé-”
“Please, call me ‘Veda.’ Everyone I like calls me that, and it’ll help me pretend we’re friends.”
“Veda,” Trok began again with a slight grin. “Of course I’d be happy to see these prophecies underway, if I was sure everything was as it should be. But Lee’s acting a little rash – most of the Kota know my opinions, so I’m not telling you any big secret.”
“No.” Vedanleé paused and pulled her golden curls over her shoulder. “I admire Lee’s passion and commitment to our people. But you’re right about him needing to be careful. Lee is…young to this world.”
This shared understanding surprised Trok.
“But,” she went on, “Lee’s not making a mistake with me. I can help him, Trok. I know you think my past makes me unworthy of your brother, but-”
“It’s not that.” He faced her and realized he truly meant this. “I’m concerned for your welfare, Veda. Thurston Olander nearly ruined your life. I can’t imagine how much it must’ve hurt to give up your boys. And since your future children will be so important… I don’t want you to get tangled up in something if you’re not ready to deal with it.”
Her smile was gone now. “What would you have me do, Trok? Go into exile? Let Thurston kill me? Lee is offering me the best life I could hope for. And if I’m promised more children…” Her eyes moistened, and she reached up to wipe away a tear. “Stop trying to ruin this, Trok. Who’
s to say this isn’t exactly what your precious prophecies want?”
Trok considered this, but he had a feeling… “You don’t actually care about the prophecies, do you? Veda, what if your future children are destined to leave you too? I’m not saying Lee or I would take them from you, but they’re meant to do something great. We have no idea what that means – that’s mostly why I want Lee to be more careful. You might not be able to protect them. And I know my brother, Veda. He’ll drive these children to whatever destiny’s set before them, since it means saving the world. If…” This was so tricky. “If you don’t believe these prophecies matter, you need to give this up right now. For your own sake.”
Without another word, Vedanleé put on a mask of happiness and walked away toward a group of laughing women.
Great, thought Trok. I’m just making things worse.
A short time later, Lee stomped toward Trok. “What did you say to Veda?”
“I was only trying-”
“Can’t you mind your own business?”
Trok looked around, but fortunately most of the Kota were out of earshot.
“Did you tell Veda you’d send her back to the Dominion if she didn’t leave me?”
“What? No!”
“Oh, really?” Lee crossed his arms.
Trok tried to diffuse the situation. “You’ve been drinking, and we both know how you-”
“This watered down swill wouldn’t get a fruit fly drunk!” Lee pointed a finger in Trok’s face. “I’ve had it with you! I thought you were just jealous because these people chose me as their leader instead of you, but that’s not all, is it? I’m moving forward with the fulfillment of the prophecies, and you can’t stand the fact that you’re not an important part of it! So what, you were going to chase off my wife? Are you so disconnected from reality that you honestly think I’d side with you over the woman I’ve sworn to spend the rest of my life with?”
The Kota Page 7