“Good. I’ve done what I can do. Nioka should be here soon. She’ll fine-tune the new attachment. You’re a lucky bird.”
Rasiana sat on the cot. “Thank you, Tazio, for saving Aquila. You know about The MasTer?”
“Kuparak informed us. He was hoping we’d be able to remove the personality from Rayn’s psyche. Now that it has taken over again—” The old man shook his head.
A slender woman a bit shorter than Tazio stepped into the cabin. Wavy, white hair framed an angelic face. Fine lines around jade green eyes glinting with specks of gold, crinkled deeper. Her smile warmed the room. She offered her hand. “It’s good to see you, Rasiana.”
Rasiana clasped it. A rush of images left her breathless. “You’re Keelyn’s sister.”
A solemn nod provided her answer. She released the hand. “Daar and Tazio, I know you have things to do. Let me see to Aquila, and then Rasiana and I must talk.”
The men departed.
Nioka explained as she worked. “Since The MasTer is holding Rayn’s personality at bay, Tazio and I decided it would be best if I inserted a new silica chip at the base of Aquila’s brain stem to amplify its telepathic abilities. It will help us to monitor her alter ego.”
“Kup told us there were no more shameenu on El Stroma.”
“I may be the last. Tazio has worked for the Rompeerial Courtesans for many sun cycles. One of them warned him I was being watched. He let it be known I’d been killed, and we disappeared. We hid at Cimondeli for a short time. You know the soldiers discovered it?”
“I do. You told Kup Rayn might have trouble with a renegade personality. How did you know?”
She ran a hand over the coverlet on the cot. Her expression grew distant. “She carries the ancient memories of two families. Jacy’s family had a couple of unsavory souls who created drama for everyone around them. It is not unheard-of for these unsettled personalities to reappear in future generations. Fisaco, The MasTer’s personality, caused decades of unrest between the Thornlandian and Charnlandian cultures. A lust for power, a desire to be adored, a need to control manifested in his dysfunctional personality.”
“How can we help Rayn control him?” A wave of hopelessness washed over her.
Nioka patted her knee. “Do you have the gift I gave you when you visited in Tahellive?”
Rasiana withdrew a small disc on a flesh-colored chain. “You didn’t tell me much about it when you gave it to me.”
“All things in their correct time, Rasiana. When Tazio and I created the birth-mates’ lockets, we added magnetite to act as a magnetic compass, a point of contact. Your disc is also magnetite. It will help you to awaken Rayn.” She touched a spot behind Rasiana’s left ear. “When The MasTer is asleep or unaware, press it here. It will stimulate a psychic switch and bring Rayn to the surface. Make sure The MasTer doesn’t learn you have it.”
Rasiana tucked the disc under her shirt. “I promise to keep it well hidden. Thank you, Nioka.”
Umbba appeared in the doorway. “The tukoolos have reported in. The Pheet Adole have been taken care of. It’s time to honor our dead.”
Vygel’s plans to destroy El SyrTundi made Rasiana sick to her stomach. Fascinated by Pheet Adolan technology, he had made good use of his time at Cimondeli and studied everything he could find. As a result, he had concocted a blend of chemicals to poison the planet’s water systems. An additional chemical added to the mix would ignite everything it touched. His calculations indicated that the most damage could be rendered when Alkina went direct after its next retrograde cycle. In addition to seeding the clouds, canisters equipped with humidity and pressure-sensitive detonators were hidden in strategic positions throughout El SyrTundi. When the climate reacted to Alkina’s return to a prograde orbit, the canisters would dump chemicals over the entire continent.
Discouraged and sick at heart, Rasiana observed the preparations. The MasTer and Vygel chose to disregard the wind and the potential it would carry the chemicals over El QuilTran. Life on the planet of El Stroma would be obliterated.
Keelyn had stressed the importance of knowing one’s enemy. Rasiana, therefore, observed The MasTer whenever circumstances provided an opportunity. It wasn’t long before she realized Fisaco’s personality lacked Rayn’s shameenu gifts.
Hurrying to Nioka’s small cabin, she shared her discovery and asked why this was so.
An ironic smile flickered and faded on the shameena’s expressive face. “If Rayn had shape shifted to a form of her choosing, her abilities would have transitioned with her. The MasTer, a separate and distinct personality who rose by overpowering Rayn, can only access his own talents.”
Fisaco’s discovery that he could not tether to a tukoolo led to a rage lasting for several turnings. When it finally abated, he shaped an ossifrage, one of the largest and most dangerous birds on El Stroma, and led small groups in forays against the Pheet Adole living between Tic Calag and Chunarrie. Word soon spread. Much to his delight, he became known as the Nightmare from El QuilTran.
For two moon cycles, Rasiana bided her time as he luxuriated in his power and wallowed in his menacing reputation. He studied SorTechory and practiced its tenets with a fervor frightening to behold. When he slept, a rare occurrence, he slept behind a locked door in a cabin aboard Capese . Vygel prepared and served meals which were tasted in Fisaco’s presence before he picked up a fork. The MasTer was quick to punish and slow to compliment. His followers learned to keep their distance. Vygel was the only exception.
Rasiana’s hope of releasing Rayn weakened by the turning. She lost interest in food and could not sleep. One turning, Daar took over the watch and sent her to see Nioka.
The shameena observed her with a mother’s concern. “How can you hope to help Rayn if you are worn out and starving?” She set a plate in front of her. “Eat every bite. Alkina goes retrograde in seven turnings. Hopefully, Fisaco will burn himself out and need to sleep soon. You are Rayn’s lifeline. You have to be ready.”
“What of Aquila. Can’t it help its compeer?” She chewed a tasteless bite and considered spitting it out. One look at Nioka, and she swallowed.
The shameena’s gentled features hardened. “Aquila cannot help, Rasiana. Until The MasTer sleeps, like you, Rayn’s compeer can do nothing.”
From that turning forth, Rasiana reported to Nioka at mealtimes. At night, she drank a sleeping draught. The return of her physical and mental energies revitalized her hope.
Excitement on the ship escalated as Alkina neared the end of her retrograde cycle. Arrangements were checked and double checked. Captain Cammoll and his crew were put on alert.
Then the unthinkable occurred. Vygel discovered Nioka, Tazio, and Aquila and informed The MasTer. Fisaco’s fury sent everyone scurrying for cover. Tazio, Nioka, and Daar were thrown off the ship. Clothed in a shield of invisibility, Rasiana watched Taze and Styn drag them to the bottom of the ramp and shove them to their knees. Vygel carried Aquila, masked and trussed, and flung the tukoolo after them.
Rasiana’s hope died in the echo of the doors clanging shut. She slipped away and gathered her things from Nioka’s cabin. A brief mind touch brought her up short. Oha fluttered from her hiding place and landed on her shoulder. Their tether formed. “Don’t worry. Headed to Tic Calag to join Katareen.” The tether receded. Determination blossomed.
The door sliding open sent Oha back into hiding. Moora, the Capese’s Roahymnian science officer, entered and put a finger to her lips. Gesturing for Rasiana to follow, she jogged down the companionway. Rasiana hastened after her, Oha clinging to her shoulder. Once inside the engine room, they descended to a level of the ship Rasiana had not yet visited.
Moora slid a panel in the wall aside and handed her a battery pack and a hand lantern. “He’s on the warpath and wants your head. Stay put. I’ll let you know when it’s safe to come out.”
Rasiana crawled into a cubby hole barely big enough to sit and lie down in and whistled for her tukoolo. Oha fluttered to the mat beside he
r. The panel closed. Footsteps retreated. A distant hatch clicked shut.
Switching on the lantern, she looked around. In a box to one side, she found packages of snacks and a water pouch; on the other side, a bucket and wipes. “Well, Oha, it looks like we’re not the first ones who have needed a hidey-hole.” She stretched out, tethered to her tukoolo for protection and slept.
Rayn haunted her dreams. Together they wandered the dusk of not being, the place where soul and heart waited to be united. Emptiness stretched in all directions—no sound…no color…nothing tactile…nothing aromatic. Formless and unformed, Rayn’s essence floated beside her, her vitality and life force trapped by The MasTer and The Box.
Rasiana jerked awake. The Box! What if I can get it to work against him? Nibbling on a cracker, she considered her moment of inspiration. I can’t get near it. She snapped a second cracker in two and offered half to Oha. I bet Moora can help.
What seemed like sun cycles later, the panel moved aside and Moora’s face appeared in the opening. “Pass me the bucket. I’ll empty it. You’d better get out and stretch while you can. We lift off in the morning.”
Rasiana pushed her chamber bucket out, crawled onto the deck, and stood up. “How long have I been in there?”
“Almost two turnings. The MasTer and Vygel are off the ship, so you can relax. I’ll be right back.” She picked up the bucket and made her way down the narrow walkway.
Rasiana stretched and paced, glad to be moving. When Moora returned, she hurriedly joined her. “Where does Fisaco keep The Box?”
“In his quarter’s. Why?” She set the bucket next to the panel
“Since you’re helping me, I’m assuming you are not in his camp.”
Moora nodded. “Correct.”
“Do you know anything about The Box?” Rasiana rubbed her chin.” How it works?”
“No, but Danza, our engineer, might. He’s always been curious about SorTechory. He befriended the SorTech, poor man.”
Rasiana swallowed. “Poor man?”
“After The MasTer learned everything he could from him, he slit his throat and left his body on a nearby beach for the animals. Fisaco is a nasty piece of work. Sure wish we could free Rayn. Let me see what I can discover.” Her com-button hummed. “They’re back. In you go.”
The panel had barely closed when the sting of SorTechory rocketing through her mind curled Rasiana into a fetal ball, hands clutching her head. Oha landed on her shoulder. Their tether connected in slow motion. Its completion brought tears of relief. She could only hope The MasTer had not sensed her initial reaction. If he did, she hoped he couldn’t track it.
The tingling current continued its search. Rasiana imagined Rayn’s alter ego in wading boots, standing in the center of a river, the graceful casting of the line a rhythmic hunt for his prey. Out and back, out and back… She pressed her hands against her ears. Oha nibbled her fingers and crooned. Her body relaxed. She sat up and rubbed her compeer’s breast. The searching energetic fingers retreated. Tears leaked down her cheeks. Oha drank them like nectar, her beak and tongue as gentle as a kiss.
T he ship’s trembling propelled Rasiana from a light sleep to wide awake. The electrical power source whined. Repeated shuddering shook Capese. Weightlessness hit her ears. The thrumming throb gradually equalized. Oha jumped to her knee, its frightened squawk drowned in a rhythmic clamor of metal on metal. The shuddering ceased.
They had only been underway a short time when the panel slid open. Moora waved her out. “Hurry. Danza managed to adjust a couple things in The Box. The MasTer is out cold in his quarters. Vygel is busy in the hold, preparing to dump chemicals on El SyrTundi.”
They left the engine room at a run. When they reached the companionway to The MasTer’s cabin, Umbba waved them forward. “Better not waste a moment. Vygel and his buddies could be back at any time.”
Rasiana shut the hatch and withdrew both the locket and the disc from beneath her shirt. Kneeling, she slipped the locket around The MasTer’s neck. A shudder shook the inert body. When the disc touched the spot behind his left ear, he twitched and moaned. His eyes popped open. A hand reached for her, caught her by the elbow, and squeezed. Energy rocketing through him arched his back.
Rasiana held her breath.
Awareness hit Rayn like a shower of sparks blistering her skin. The hum of the moonstone locket vibrated the vast emptiness. She grasped at her consciousness, clung to it like a dog to a bone, fought The MasTer with all her strength. The power of the shift propelling her into her true form left her gasping for air. Her hand gripped an arm—Rasiana’s. Relief turned her world into a spinning top.
Rasiana’s voice reached out to her somersaulting mind. “Rayn. I’m here. You’re back. Focus on my face. Breathe. In and out, in and out… That’s right. Slow your breathing.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks. She reached up and touched Rasiana’s face with trembling fingers.
Rasiana gathered her up in her arms. “I’ve got you, Rayn Jaradee Palmira.”
“Don’t let me go, Rasi.” Rayn gulped one panting breath after the other.
When the shaking stopped and her breathing calmed, Rasiana eased her to sitting. “How do you feel?”
Rayn clenched and relaxed her hands, stood up, paced to the hatch, and turned. “How long, Rasi?” She sank cross-legged onto the bunk.
“Over two moon cycles.”
“How much damage has The MasTer done?”
Rasiana grimaced. “With Vygel’s help, he’s done quite a bit.”
“Sounds like I have a lot to catch up on.” Her brow furrowed. “I don’t feel Aquila.”
Rasiana sat facing her on the bunk. “The MasTer threw him off the ship right behind Nioka, Tazio, and Daar. They managed to reach the cargo craft, the last one to leave El Stroma.” Her face grew grim. “The MasTer was furious they got away safely. It’s a good thing he couldn’t find me, or I would be gone, too.”
Rayn curled the fingers of one hand into fist and stared at it.
Rasiana touched her knee.
“Don’t worry, Rasi.” She squeezed her friend’s hand. “I refuse to let anger bring him—”
The hatch door flew open. Vygel stepped into the cabin and gaped. “Where is he?” He rounded on Rasiana. “What have you done?”
Umbba, his round face stern, filled the open hatch. “Tealin and I are here if you need us, Rayn.”
She smiled. “Thanks. Give us a minute. Then I’ll need to see the captain and be brought up-to-date.” Rising from the bunk, she challenged Vygel. “I recall a time, Vygel Vintrusie, when you made a promise to fight by my side. It appears, however, The MasTer has claimed your loyalty. What would you have me do? We have a long journey to make. I could use your support.” All traces of the smile disappeared. Her eyes hardened.
Vygel squirmed, then lifted his chin in defiance. “You don’t scare me, Rayn.”
“I’m not him , Vygel. I don’t use fear tactics to control those who support me. What I can’t have is you and your gang causing problems. You have a choice. You can join me, or you will be restricted to a specific area of the ship.” She moved to the hatch. “Think about it and let me know. I’m sure The MasTer won’t mind if you stay in his quarters for a time. Rasiana and I need to see the captain.”
Rebellion clamped Vygel’s mouth shut.
Rayn followed Rasiana into the companionway and closed the door. “Tealin, keep him contained until I get back. Umbba, take Watuli and round up Vygel’s followers for a meeting after I talk to Cammoll.”
The older man nodded. “Glad to see you, Rayn.” He hurried down the companionway.
At the entry to the bridge, Rasiana chose to remain outside. Rayn stepped through. “Permission to enter the bridge, sir.” Cheers of surprise and delight escorted her to the captain’s side.
He clapped her on the back. “Am I glad to see you!” He then grew serious. “Vygel dumped the chemicals to seed the clouds. Chemical rain falls on El Stroma. We can’t go back.”
Standing at his side, she gazed at the view screen. El Stroma, the only home she had ever known, had already vanished into the veil of stars covering the dome. “Where will we go?”
“Kuparak intended us to make for TreBlaya, a planet in the Inner Universe. It’s close to the DéCussate and has a small humanoid population. He felt it would be a good place to rest and regroup. Sound alright to you?”
Rayn sighed. “It sounds just fine. How long will it take?”
“This is an older craft, but Danza is a great engineer. He’s given us jumper capability, so I’d estimated four to six moon cycles at the most.”
He drew her across the bridge to a small office and faced her. “I need to know whether you can keep him contained?”
Rayn met his candid gaze. “I will keep him contained. If he even begins to raise his head, I’ll inform you. Or if you see it first, promise you will lock me in the brig.”
“It’s a promise. And Vygel?”
She continued to meet his eye. “You are the captain and this is your ship. Do what must be done.”
“Good.” He crossed the office. Lifting a long, narrow case from a storage locker, he placed it on the desk. “Kuparak asked me to give this to you if anything happened to him.” He handed her a palm-sized disc. “This is a rec-disc. It will explain. Put it in the slot here and press the green square.” He moved to the hatch. “I’ll give you a little privacy. Join me on the bridge when you’re ready.”
A quiet thud left her alone. Emotion left her shaking. “Oh, Kup, I’m sorry. I know you never intended to betray me.” Slipping the rec-disc into the slot, she rested a hand on the leather case, pressed the catch, and opened the lid. Her breath caught in her throat. A curved, jet-black sword, a ruby cabochon gleaming in the hilt, lay showcased against red satin. Trembling, she ran a finger along the blade and pressed the green square.
“Rayn, if you are listening to this, it means I am not there to present the sword to you in person. It is the Sword of Shyteno, the Thornlandian sword of truth. Keep it close to you. It will help you to ascertain the honesty of those with whom you do business. The MasTer must not discover you have it. Ask Rasiana to hide it unless you have need of it. When you make the return journey to El Stroma, take the sword to El QuilTran. It will help you to bring our homeland back to life.”
The UnFolding Collection Three Page 96