Both the other doctors stared at Omar. As his colleagues they had seen Omar blow off many women. In their mind he was a man obsessed with the pursuit of knowledge and he was not going to allow anything to get in his way. This was very out of character for Omar.
Doctor Graham laughed, "Omar, try to pick your jaw up off of the floor." He turned to the waitress and looked at Omar. "Omar, this is Sasha. She is my brightest student. She is finishing her Doctorate this semester."
She smiled at Omar, "Dr. Metzger, it is a pleasure and a privilege to meet you. I have been following your work on harnessing solar power (I mean the parts that aren't classified information)."
Omar was puzzled. He raised an eyebrow. "You have been following my work? I didn’t realize I had people following my work." He then smiled at her.
"I know of several students who are following your work. And though your name is not well known at this point I am willing to bet that it will be in the coming years." She spoke with admiration that Omar was not used to.
"I... uh. Thank you." It was all he could say. "I would love to talk to you sometime about your work, but for now let me get you started on your orders. What will you be having to drink?" she asked.
"I would like a Coke," said Dr. Graham.
Dr. Gupta smiled at her and said, "I would like some tea, do you have Assam? If not I will take water."
She nodded, "I will check for you."
She looked at Omar with a twinkle in her eyes. "And you, Dr. Metzger?"
He smiled back at her and said, "I would like cold water, no ice, with a lime wedge in it."
She smiled, "Interesting. I'm sure we can do that."
When Sasha left to get drinks the other doctors question Omar's obvious interest. "It seems you are enamored with my student Dr. Metzger and I know for a fact that she is fascinated with your scientific ideas," said Dr. Graham.
"Well, I think those are strong words. However, I do find her interesting, bold, and attractive. I wouldn’t be opposed to taking her up on her offer of talking later as long as you don’t have a problem with me taking an interest in your student," said Omar.
She had walked up on the last part of what Omar had said to drop the drinks and take the food order.
Dr. Graham looked at Sasha then Omar, "She is a grown woman and I honestly think the two of you would get along well." Sasha looked a little perturbed at the nature of the conversation about Dr. Graham's approval or lack thereof. Before she was able to say anything Omar spoke, "Sasha, when does your shift end? I would love to take you for some coffee when you are off."
It worked to change her focus and attitude. "I would really love that."
She took their food orders and then left. Then Omar's dream ended and he woke to find himself still in a hospital bed. He woke with the faint memory of the rest of his evening with Sasha.
They had spent all night talking over coffee and desert at a local diner. But the night was interrupted when Omar was paged with '911911' which was a signal that Misaki was in critical condition. Omar excused himself with apologies and explained in minor detail to Sasha what had happened. She was understanding and genuinely concerned for his sister.
Omar left the diner and mad a phone call from a pay phone. Misaki's heart had stopped beating for almost a minute and then just started back up. They could not find the cause.
Omar, who was deeply concerned for his sister, took the first flight out of Southern California to be with her. Sasha and Omar had tried to reconnect after Misaki stabilized but they just kept missing each other. Years went by and then they had worked on a project or two together but things had always seemed awkward. Mostly Omar was awkward not really knowing what to do or say to her. Over the years they had become friends but before Omar had left through the portal it had seemed that Sasha had wanted things to get serious. Omar found himself thinking fondly of the idea. He sat in his bed pondering Sasha for some time.
THANATOS SAT IN HIS ROOM in the Magi tower and waited. After some time a portal opened and a Gauntman stepped through. Thanatos gave him a look of disgust. He hated having to report to lower races. He knew this Gauntman from one meeting in the past, his name was Chorphas.
The unnaturally thin man was wearing a cloak. He has to know how ridiculous he looks. It was as if someone had placed a cloak onto a hat rack. The man was entirely too thin for such fashion.
Chorphas looked at Thanatos as if reading his thoughts. He had a longer goatee than most Gauntmen and was a sorcerer who had apprenticed directly under Haylale. He had glowing blue eyes and his voice was almost mesmerizing like a beautiful song.
“Report,” was all that he has said.
“Does the master live?” “Report, now. What have you been doing since the battle? Then you will get the information you require,” said Chorphas with a menacing look in his eyes.
If I kill him the master will be angered, if indeed the master still lives. Thanatos and the other servants had never seen a creature in rebellion to the creator struck with the Sword of the Spirit. None knew if it was possible to survive the attack but surely the master would. The other side had prophecies yet to fulfill involving the master.
Thanatos gave him a level look. “I watched the battle and as the master attacked Omar, I went to finish the job. Before I got there one of my minions told me that the master had been slain with the Sword of the Spirit. Instead of killing Omar, I started a process that may make him a very useful tool. I found him just south of Lake City, he was indeed dying. So I gave him my virus and then gave him the cure, but just enough to keep him alive.”
Chorphas interrupted with, “Virus? I know not of this.” I could kill him and the master might still let me live. I could make him my servant. “I am from a dimension where I rule earth. It is because of my virus. When I came to earth, the human population caught my virus. It kills them but keeps them animated doing the most mundane of tasks. My own servants there – other demons – manipulate their tasks to their liking. This virus has a regeneration effect and once given, if given some of my blood the virus' effects are reduced. I used this to save his life. And I plan to convince him to take a large enough dose to corrupt his mind.”
Chorphas just stood there stroking his goatee. “How do you plan to get him to do this? I thought your blood was the cure once taken again.”
Thanatos nodded, “Yes but if taken a third time it gives a regenerative ability like those who die from my virus. It does not kill him but will give me the ability to possess him at any time I like. From any dimension I could take control of his body. I will sell this on evolution, I will tell him that my blood will cause his body to evolve to a point where it heals itself at a rapid rate.”
Chorphas smiled, “This will work. You have done a good thing here and given the master an advantage here on Soterion. You may not possess him without direct permission.”
It would be so easy to snap his neck. “Of course.” “The master is alive, the sword alone cannot kill him. I want you to take up residence in the Tower of the Magi, make it part of your deal with Omar.” With those words Chorphas waved in the direction of a wall in Thanatos’ simple room and a portal appeared. Then he stepped through and was gone.
Thanatos could tell that Omar was on to him. He would need to share more of the truth with Omar and sooner than he had planned. He needed his trust, but he would not tell the full truth of course. That would gain him nothing.
He was still positive that he could manipulate Omar with the right words.
A FEW HOURS AFTER OMAR WOKE from his dream of Sasha he was informed that it was time to eat. He was spoon fed something that had the consistency of sand and Jello mixed together. When he asked, he was told it was a substance filled with natural herbs that would help his healing.
Sebastian came in to visit him and shut the door behind him. “Hello my friend, how are you?”
“How do I look?” asked Omar with a smile.
Sebastian grimaced, “Like something that the cat dragged in.
That is the saying on earth, isn’t it?” Omar laughed, “Yes, you got it perfectly. I feel helpless Sebastian. That dragon downed my blimp and there was nothing I could do. I should have died.”
Sebastian looked troubled. “Yes, you should have. We surveyed the wreckage and no one could have lived through that, moss or no moss.”
Omar asked, “What do you think it means?”
Sebastian glanced over at Omar, “I know what it means and you will not like this news.”
Omar shook his head. “Tell me.” Sebastian nodded, “Kleis figured it out. He said that the last name he gave us wasn’t earthen and therefore had some kind of meaning. ‘Sathaton’ is an anagram for Thanatos. We think he is the arch-demon who Kasey and Myles faced in the tunnels of Musterion.”
Omar sighed. “Let us get this over with. I want you to send for him and make sure our meeting is private.”
Sebastian began to object, “But...”
Omar shook his head, “None of that, have it done.”
Sebastian bowed and left.
Omar waited and after some time Brian entered the room alone.
Omar looked him in the eyes, “It is not every day that a man is healed by an arch-demon who was taken down by his friend.”
Brian smiled, “You are smart then.”
Omar shook his head, “Unfortunately it wasn’t me that saw it.”
“A wise man surrounds himself with those who have skills he does not possess,” said Thanatos giving him a playful look.
Omar got to the point. “What is your game?”
Thanatos looked wounded, “I am not an arch-demon. Do you believe in demons, Omar?”
“Well, no I just…”
“Good, then you will have no problem when I tell you the truth,” Thanatos interrupted.
“Out with it then,” said Omar impatiently. “I am a man from a planet with a much more evolved human species. You are alive because of my blood. It has regenerative properties. If I were to give you another dose, you would be healed. Otherwise from the looks of it you will be a cripple for the rest of your life. It really is your choice,” he posed.
“And what condition do you hang this on?”
Thanatos smiled, “Only that I am allowed to remain amongst the Magi without violence against me.” Omar thought of all that he had been through… feeling so helpless. He never wanted to feel that helpless again. Regeneration would help toward that goal. Well, Myles isn’t the only one who can take a gamble.
Omar gave Thanatos a serious look, “Do it, and do it now before I change my mind.” Thanatos removed a syringe from his pocket and drew some of his blood from his forearm without flinching. Then he reached over to Omar's arm and injected it.
Omar immediately began to regain feeling in his body. There was an initial sharp pain where bones were broken and then a warmth as shattered bones became whole again and he could feel his skin healing away from his bandages that had once been stuck to his body by blood. Omar looked at his body in shock. After a few minutes he was able to use his arms and hands. He grabbed scissors and cut away at the casting. He slung his legs over the hospital bed looking at Thanatos with hope and stood on the hospital floor. Omar smiled in awe, “Archdemon? More like Arch-angel! And all you wanted was a room in the Tower of the Magi for this?”
Thanatos smiled, “Yes, that is all.”
Omar shrugged, “Well sir, you are welcome to stay in the tower as long as you would like.” He called to the doctors who walked into the room with complete astonishment. “I need for you to send for Kleis. There is much that must be done.”
One waved a nurse off to tend to his request and asked, “How? How has this happened?” Omar turned to him, “You will get my full report, I promise. For now I must go to my quarters.” The doctor nodded at the delay to his question, though it looked like he'd rather ask a million more. Then Omar addressed Thanatos again, “Brian, you may go back to your quarters. Please let the Magi know of any provisions you will need within reason and they will be given to you.”
Thanatos bowed with a grin. “It is good to see your countenance change. Have a good day Omar.” As Thanatos left, Kleis walked into the room. He looked just as surprised as the doctors had been, and Omar gave him a smile, “I'm going to get a lot of that, aren’t I?”
Kleis shook his head, “None but these doctors, Sebastian, and I know of your previous condition.” Omar nodded in relief. “Walk with me.” He waved for Kleis to follow. It felt good to walk; something he recently thought he might never do again. I cannot be weak; I will not be taken by surprise again.
Omar and Kleis walked up a flight of stairs to a pair of shiny doors. The Magi had invented gear, pulley, and steam powered elevators for the tower, and they were made of the coppery Deanatee metal. When they got in, gears shifted all around them and steam filled pipes hummed with fresh steam pumping through them. As the elevator began to lift Omar spoke to Kleis in German. Because of the introduction of the German Bible to Musterion, the language had almost become a second language for the Akana. Omar said, “Kleis, I must tell you what Thanatos has told me. He admitted to being Thanatos and told me how he healed me. He gave me his blood. Tyree said that Thanatos worked for the Great Red Dragon and I trust Tyree. If Thanatos is evil he had other reasons for giving me his blood.”
Kleis nodded, “I am glad you did not fall for his smooth talking.” Omar shook his head, “No, Myles was better at smooth talking than Thanatos was back there; I saw straight through everything he did. I had to use him to get better, but I fear there will be repercussions unless I take action now.”
The gears twisted and turned, and the doors came open leading to Omar’s level at the top of the tower. He turned to Kleis and put a hand on his arm. “Kleis, I want you to spend some time with Thanatos. Use the light bending device that I gave you. It has my image captured on it. Use it to look like me. You are the smartest creature on Soterion and as far as the Magi go. You are my secret weapon. At the end of whatever game you play with Thanatos, I need a few vials of his blood. But most importantly, Thanatos must die.”
Kleis cocked his head, “You want me to kill him?” Omar gave him a level look, “I want you to tell Queen Ariana. Caelsis is her Kingdom and she should know that a powerful force has maneuvered into it."
Kleis nodded, “And what of you?”
Omar shook his head, “I will leave the tower for a short time and hope to return to find this dealt with.”
“I won't let you down, Omar,” Kleis said with pride and confidence. Then Omar did something unusual, he hugged Kleis. Kleis stiffened initially but soon hugged him back. “If he is an arch-demon, I bet you can outsmart even him. Farewell, Kleis. Be careful,”
Kleis bowed and closed the elevator doors. The gears rotated and the elevator went down. Omar turned to survey his quarters. The entire level of about five thousand square feet was his. He had room after room to himself. The walls, ceiling, and floor were made of white marble with dark green veins. He passed his study and went to his bedroom where he had a beautiful sky-top view of Caelsis. Omar poured himself some wine; a bottle of 1997 Romane Conti that he had brought from earth and saved for a special occasion. What was more special than to be alive? As he relaxed, he turned on his solar-powered laptop for the first time this decade, and played Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven. Omar swirled the glass of wine under his nose taking in the aroma of berries, spices and leather before taking a sip. He walked out to his balcony to look upon the magnificent city of Caelsis. It was evening – he wasn't sure what time, but he could see the whole city through the glow of Castle Enigma that radiated in iridescent colors.
As he was lost in the tinsel of the city, the wine glass slipped to the floor. The shards of glass mixed with the spray of wine.
Blood. Violent images jarred his mind. The beast from his dream… The dream he had all but forgotten. They came and went in a flash. The beast was clawing at him and searing him with those hungry eyes. Omar staggered back away from the w
indow. He looked down at himself, ripping the shirt off his throbbing arm and chest.
Scars. Every blemish on his body had vanished but those . The reminders of his greatest fear. It wasn’t a dream. It was real. Panic fell over him as he searched to either side of him and turned around. There was no one… Nothing. Images of claws and teeth flashed in his mind again. Omar cried out and dropped to huddle to the ground. The images came and went relentlessly. For hours he lay on the ground next to his lavish bed, tears streaming until exhaustion finally brought sleep.
5
At Sea
Myles woke with a nasty taste in his mouth. He could not tell if it was the captain's whiskey or some other poison. Never drink a pirate’s booze.
He sat up from the captain’s bed and abruptly felt the sway of the boat. That was enough. He ran out of the captain’s quarters to the deck, gripped the side of the ship, and heaved out the nasty bile he had drunk the night before.
“Ha ha! Tastes even better comin' up don't it,” sneered a voice from above.
Myles waved him off with one hand as he wiped his mouth on his coat sleeve. The ship swayed again, and Myles had to stop himself from going another round. Ignoring further jeers from the pirates, he set off to find the captain. At the front of the ship the captain was looking through a telescope with a short figure at his side. As Myles approached he realized that the figure was some form of humanoid machine given life.
He was shaken by the sight of it as it had characteristics of both machine and man. It was too human and too machine. Its face was made of copper with bolts attaching it to the rest of the head which was open from the back showing moving parts and gears. As it turned to look at him, he noticed that its eyes glowed with a blue light.
“Hello, you must be Myles. I have heard much about you,” it said without moving its mouth. Myles only blinked in response. Before things got awkward the captain spoke. “I told you that I had a dreamer on board. This is Rom, he is the dreamer I spoke of.”
Bridgeworlds: Deep Flux Page 9