The Dream Sifter (The Depths of Memory Book 1)

by Bundy, Candice

  "What do you do, traveling around as you do?" Rai asked, finally comfortable enough to ask him.

  "Tinker things!" Somnu replied, his attitude bringing a laugh from Jesse. He turned serious, leaning forward conspiratorially. "In all seriousness, besides the odd jobs fixing tech things I also do a bit of research on the side for folks. People make sure it's worth my time, and everyone's happy."

  "So investigating my past is right up your alley?" Rai asked, and Somnu inclined his head in response. "I'd better start thinking up a way to repay you," Rai replied, not at all liking the idea of being indebted to this man; a man she still did not trust.

  "Oh, I already said, I owe it to the Durmah. That and more," he replied. Still, as his eyes met hers Rai got the distinct impression that he did this as a favor to the Durmah, but not necessarily to her. Rai also wondered what he owed the Durmah for, but decided not to ask.

  "Oh! I'd almost forgot," Jesse said. "A temple healer came by today for you Rai, wanting to make sure those 'special' medicinals were working out for you. She was kind enough to leave another batch. She also asked that you stop by and get tested to make sure the treatment level is sufficient." Jesse shared all of this in a rather tongue-in-cheek fashion, clearly not pleased by the visit.

  That mention of the medicinals made Rai's skin crawl, reminding her of the numbing effects they'd induced. "Do you think I have to go to the hospice now? If they test me they'll know I'm only taking the normal plague treatments," Rai said, scared of what they'd do if they found out. It hadn't occurred to her that they'd follow up and check on her. Somnu eyed her closely, and Rai realized that she hadn't shared that particular moment at the Temple with him. It didn't surprise him, however, and Rai suspected that Jesse told to him about it when she wasn't there.

  "No," Jesse stated. "You do everything you can to avoid them. I told the Healer that I'd supervised you taking the special medicinal myself. I also told her that we'd send you by if anything unusual came up, but that we've just been too busy to spare the time right now, and it would distress our business to do without you. She wasn't willing to challenge me, or my honor, beyond that. She said she'd be by in another couple weeks to deliver the next batch, and then she left in a huff."

  "What did you do with it?" Rai asked.

  "Out in the storehouse. Why, you thinking of taking it?"

  "Never," Rai replied. "I just wanted to know where it was."

  "If you two will excuse me, I'd better get back to business before someone gets curious and comes over here," Somnu explained, standing and turning away from the alcove. "Do let me know if you remember anything else before I leave in the morning, all right Rai?"

  "Thanks again for your efforts. I truly appreciate it," Rai replied, smiling at him for perhaps the first time since they'd met. She still didn't trust him, but Rai found fewer and fewer reasons to treat him poorly. Jesse also took note of her shift in attitude, and smiled warmly at both of them. Rai considered that it was often easier to go with the flow than stand your ground.

  Somnu walked over to her and leaned close. "Don't lose hope, my girl. It's all bound to become known. Nothing stays hidden in the mists of memory forever," he replied. He clapped her gently on the arm and walking off toward the far alcove.

  Although his flesh hadn't touched hers--he'd simply touched the fabric of her shirtsleeve--his presence lingered. Although Rai'd sworn to herself she'd stop using her gifts lest she be caught in the act, she'd picked up scents from that brief moment and couldn't help but focus on them. Somnu held great suspicion and distrust toward her, which didn't mesh with his otherwise sweet demeanor.

  Continuing to stare at his back, those emotions became more intense. For a second Rai was certain Somnu viewed her as a threat, and one he was determined to expose. At that moment, almost in response to her probe, Somnu turned back and met her gaze. His icy eyes met hers, and Rai sensed a deep hatred in him. Still, he donned an affable demeanor and took a seat in the far alcove, his eyes bright with interest. Rai got the distinct impression that he'd stop at nothing to know her past, and he suspected something he hadn't yet shared with her. What he'd do once he knew, she had no idea. Rai shivered from the chill creeping up her spine.

  "Are you alright? Is it another flashback?" Jesse asked, noting Rai's expression.

  "Oh sorry. I'm fine," Rai replied, trying to pretend she hadn't just sensed Somnu's dark side. Rai chastised herself for opening up to him. You never knew what someone would do with information, and she didn't like the idea of him knowing what Jeweled Cove meant to her. Now move than ever, Rai doubted he had her best interests at heart. Although why he should think of her as some sort of threat, she couldn't begin to fathom.

  "It's just a lot to think about," Rai replied.

  "You don't do things the easy way, do you, sis?"

  "Oh wait, there's an easy way?" Rai joked back at her, feigning ignorance.

  "I'm sure there is, but I don't think I can tell you how to find it." Jesse laughed. "What I can tell you is that the pantry needs restocking and the linens need an inventory. Think you can handle that tonight?"

  Rai was grateful for something simple to worry about. "That sounds grand, Jess. I'll get right on it." She was even more grateful about Somnu's imminent departure in the morning.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  #BEGIN TRANSMISSION#

  #ROUTING CODE: GUARDIAN GRAEBER, GUARDIAN SEPT, ROAMING COM H3-29Y TO MATRIARCH BAULEEL, RAVEN'S CALL TEMPLE, RAVEN'S CALL#

  #ENCRYPTION: HIGH#

  GRAEBER: Regrettably, my concerns over latent physical memories were fully justified. It's clear the girl has ceased taking the sensory inhibiting medicinals.

  Today in the local market, I observed her blithely reading others, without a concern to the possible consequences. If she tries to harness her skills, especially without the memory of how to master them, she can't help but draw undue attention. We must insure that does not happen or all that we have worked for will be lost. Act quickly to get her back on the treatments before I run out of options.

  BAULEEL: This is distressing news. I've ordered a visit to the girl by the Temple healers, so soon she'll be back on the special inhibiting treatment. I share your concern over her latent memories resurfacing despite our precautions, but do realize this may happen regardless of whether or not she's taking the treatment. It's only an added layer of protection, not a guarantee.

  GRAEBER: I hope that visit will be soon enough. She could quickly become a danger in this state, and I fear our efforts may have been doomed from the start.

  BAULEEL: I don't believe that if the girl regains her, shall we call them 'gifts,' that they will necessarily cause problems. As long as she integrates into her new Sept for a number of years, what does it matter? Watch how she utilizes the abilities first before taking action. I bet she'll sense they're abnormal and do her best to hide them.

  You must decide for yourself how far you're willing to allow this trial to progress. I trust your judgment. I know you won't allow things to deteriorate past a reasonable level.

  The best outcome is for the girl to blend in and accept her new home. I still wish the cold-sleep crèche had been a viable option, but those were too obvious, and well watched by the others. Regardless, we must endeavor to keep her hidden. Every day that passes increases the likelihood the Anemoi won't discover her and what we've done to hide her.

  GRAEBER: This girl has never done well at keeping a low profile. Add to that her abilities, and thus you have my concerns.

  BAULEEL: I understand, but we have few other options. Please continue as planned.

  I've been spending a great deal of time with the Techs of late. The Zebio boy you found may have a natural immunity to the plague. Can you imagine? A boy with natural immunity. Why it took nearly six hundred years to manifest vexes me.

  I'll let you know what develops, but I'm hopeful. It's been far too long.

  #END TRANSMISSION#

  *

  Bauleel waited for the securi
ty door to the Technician's wing to open, hoping Journeyman Rilte would have additional news on the Zebio boy's status. She'd visited once since her initial meeting with Terem, and at that time, his clear and articulate mental state had impressed her. Bauleel estimated he'd been three weeks into living with the virus by now, a first for any of the Techs' subjects to date. Finished with the analysis on her blood sample, the security door beeped and slid open.

  The Matriarch stepped into the research facility's arboretum and found it unusually sparse for the hour. It was post-dinnertime for the Temple folk, but Bauleel doubted the Techs had all gone to bed already. She headed for the testing labs, and heard muted voices coming from behind the doors. If she didn't know the Tech's better, Bauleel would have sworn the discussion was not just a heated debate but also an argument.

  Outside of her normal style, and in an effort to return their tempers to a level more appropriate to scientific debate, Bauleel opened the wide door and stepped into a very crowded room with a bit of flourish. Bauleel counted heads--almost the entire group stood assembled here tonight. Whatever this was--her timing was impeccable. However, no one took notice of Bauleel's grand entrance and this in itself was unexpected. Although the Tech's didn't grant the Matriarch the same deference as the other Temple folk or general populace, Bauleel thought it somewhat surprising when they ignored her completely.

  She observed a number of debates taking place across the room, but it was so animated Bauleel was at first unable to grasp the heart of the problem. Overcoming her initial irritation, Bauleel realized that this was the first time she'd been able to watch a Tech discussion without them noticing. The novelty of seeing one of their private discussions kept Bauleel quiet for a few moments longer.

  "Look, let's review the progressions again, as there's still a bit of disagreement," the grey-templed Chief Girand spoke. His deep voice filled the room, drowning out everyone else. He stood in front of a projection whiteboard, which displayed a set of test results. She couldn't make out the details, but realized that they'd surely notice her if she moved toward the front. The room was simply too packed, and she too short and obvious in her attire.

  "With all due respect, Girand, I don't think any further review will cause us to change our minds!" Bauleel didn't recognize the speaker, but was amazed the woman didn't address Girand by his title. The lady must have been almost thirty, and had long, blonde hair.

  "The facts are simple. So simple, in fact, that I can restate them for everyone's benefit in less than a minute," she continued her argument, pacing back and forth in front of the group.

  "A young, male subject develops a resistance to the plague treatments. Shortly thereafter, his system succumbs to the plague, and we monitor him here under lockdown. His state slowly deteriorates over a period of three weeks. Disregarding the lengthened timeframe of his decline, this case is no different from any of the others we've witnessed over the past few decades. There is a great danger in thinking this case is different from what we've all seen before. We need to end this study before one, or more of us, is endangered the fruitless nature of the observations." She stressed this last point, a grave look upon her face.

  Whispers erupted all around. Clearly, she was not the only one concerned with the possible dangers of keeping a plague-ridden boy under observation long-term.

  "Don't be ridiculous, Selna!" rebutted Journeyman Rilte. Bauleel once again noted the lack of title being used, and wondered if this was just because of the heated debate, or if this was standard within this isolated Sept. "Yes, his state has deteriorated, but markedly slower than any other subjects to date. That alone is something deserving further study!"

  Bauleel despaired internally. The Techs were debating terminating Terem. How could that be? He must have immunity!

  "I share your interest in the boy, Rilte, and everything research into his progress can mean for Az'Unda!" Selna replied. "And I'd back an extended study of this subject, if I agreed it prudent. However, the boy's experienced two full-blown psychotic episodes in the past three days!" Selna's raised voice and manic pacing grated on Bauleel's nerves.

  "We can't yet know if those episodes are indicative of dementia due to disease progression or the result of his confinement and loneliness," Chief Girand said in what Bauleel considered more levelheaded tones. She also noted that his reasoned tones seemed to demand more respect from the group, as most quieted their murmurs as he'd begun to talk.

  "Have you watched the recordings of his episodes? Do you believe those rants of his were uninfluenced by the sickness within him?" she asked. Bauleel made a mental note to acquire a copy and watch it herself.

  "I was present during one of them," Chief Girand replied. "Although it was deeply disturbing, I can't say whether it marked a progression of the plague into his mental state or not."

  "Let's assume it isn't from the sickness itself, but instead his mental state. Look at the numbers on the sedation dosages required since he was brought here, including those two episodes."

  Selna keyed the control panel, and brought up a new graph. The first part of the curve showed low amounts but then constantly rose on the next dose. There'd been two significant jumps in dosage level, and Bauleel assumed spikes corresponded to the dates of Terem's psychotic episodes. The chart was clear, each dose built upon the level of the last one, with the levels practically quadrupling over the last three days. Bauleel wondered at what level the dosage became toxic.

  "Is it normal for individuals to build up a tolerance to the sedation medicinals?" asked a teenage boy. Bauleel didn't recognize the young Apprentice, but assumed at his age that he was quite new to the Technician Sept.

  "Yes, Bente, that is indeed normal. However, this subject's tolerance to the sedation medicinals has risen much more quickly than normal," Selna replied.

  "So, besides the boy requiring more of the medicinals that normal, what's the primary concern?" Bente asked.

  "The concern, at least to some of us here, is that the sedating medicinal is also used in much larger amounts for subject ... terminations," Selna replied. Girand frowned in response to Selna's explanation. "What do we do if the boy becomes immune to the treatment and we're unable to find a suitable replacement method when the time comes to euthanize? He will become immune to the medicinal eventually--especially at these dosage levels. What happens when his system succumbs to the plague, and we're left searching for a humane method of destruction?"

  With this question, the murmurs in the room grew again in volume. Selna wasn't the only one wondering what would happen, and Bauleel heard fearful comments close to herself. It a reasonable consideration, but Bauleel's larger worry centered on Terem not offering the solutions she'd hoped for.

  Girand moved to the whiteboard and keyed up a different graph, one showing a much more gradual curve. He turned back to the group, and all quieted in anticipation of his next words.

  "This graph charts the progressions I mentioned earlier. According to this, we will most likely have a number of additional weeks--perhaps even months' worth of study from this subject. We cannot predict the depth of value that we may reap from patience in this case. We've only begun studying the samples taken from the boy. Imagine what may be possible in the next few weeks!"

  "I'm not the oldest Tech here, but I doubt that any of you older than me remember having the opportunity to conduct experiments with a live subject. Our modus operandi has forever been to collect samples whilst the subject wastes away, and analyze the data and compile our reports after the fact. This subject represents an opportunity to test out treatments on a live, infected subject. None of us may have an opportunity like this again in our lifetimes." Girand paused a moment, letting his diatribe sink in on the assembled ears.

  "In my opinion, the unique nature of this case merits taking a few risks," Girand said. Bauleel had the clear impression he did not intend to bend from his stance. If he did, she would step in and supersede his orders. This case was indeed a singular opportunity.

&nb
sp; Selna stood her ground. "All of that may be true, but you didn't address my question, Girand. What happens when his system does fail? If he doesn't die naturally, we will have to euthanize him. How can we do that if the standard medicinals fail?"

  Rilte broke into the conversation, voice angry. "Last time I checked, Selna, it was our job to develop new treatments for the plague. This boy's survival extends our ability to test those on a live subject."

  At Selna's surprised look at Rilte's response to her question, Bauleel wondered if Selna even realized that she was coming across as abrasive.

  "And what about the risk to ourselves? The boy's state will degenerate over time, and in all likelihood he will become dangerous during this process."

  "Isn't it our job to take risks?" Rilte replied. "After all, how is this risk any larger than the one each and every Az'Un takes every day when they hope our medicinals will protect them? Than the risk the Guardians take defending us from Terrors every day? Than the risk new mothers take serving our colony with birth after birth? We all take our own risks."

  "The Guardians have toxins which are lethal to the plague. It's how they kill the Terrors. Surely one of those will be sufficient to terminate the boy when it becomes necessary," Bauleel said, choosing to end her silent watching and the mounting quarrel.

  For well over a minute, everyone turned to stare at her, adjusting not only to the presence of the Matriarch, but his or her previous lack of acknowledging her arrival. Selna was unable to close her mouth. Rilte appeared surprised, but amused with this turn of events. He at least gave her a slight, brief nod. She'd managed to quiet the room even more effectively than Chief Girand.