Zerachiel sets down his teacup. Taking a deep breath, he stands and straightens his robes as he makes eye contact with every person there. A profound aura of resignation and determination emanates from him as he speaks. "Even archons die. A death like that is torture. I am a coward."
Doss calls out to him. "Zerachiel?"
"Forgive me." Zerachiel rolls up some microgrenade tape and swallows it before opening the door to the ship and going out into the snow. With one final bow, he hits the button on the detonator in his hand.
Katarina screams as she watches the blood rain down on the snow. Scraps of melted metal and singed flesh fall across the glass windows of the ship. She catches Doss as he collapses to the floor. The grief is too much for him to bear so he loses all control of himself.
Velex slams his fists on the wall of the ship. "Damn."
"Tell me the truth, Velex." Jarred says. "Is what Jayce going through truly that bad?"
"It's the worst fate I can imagine. I fully understand why Zerachiel did what he did. You should know that if we got Jayce out of Paradise, this experience will undoubtedly have a lasting negative impact on his mind. With how fragile his mental state was already, he may never be the same man you married."
"I can't think like that." Jarred looks around at everyone. "What about Doss?"
"He can't."
"Why not?"
"Because I have to take over Kazimir's job." Doss says through his sobbing. "Once we get his microchip back from the Blood Force, all of his thoughts, knowledge, and memories will be uploaded into me. I'm not a T.I.M.E., but my wings can hold the information and . . . change me."
Velex leans against the wall and crosses his arms. "Basically, Doss becomes a pseudo version of Kazimir so he can continue the research in his place."
"So what are our options moving forward?" Jarred asks.
"We have to get Zodiac. That's why Clark took him down to Earth. He wants us to go to Paradise and fight. No doubt it's an ambush, but what other choice do we have? Then we have to stop Clark's robot army and shut down Paradise once and for all. We're running out of time. I am willing to sacrifice the failsafe in order for Kat to take Jayce's place. I'm only doing this because I owe you for nearly having you burned to death, Jarred."
"Don't take my wife from me." Doss begs, literally on his knees. "Please. I realize you need your husband, but I need my wife. Tell Kat not to do it. She'll listen to you."
"Before you make your decision, know that I am placing my life in danger as well." Velex says. "When we make the modifications to Katarina's body, they will be the same changes for creating the failsafe program. Once she is connected to the Paradise network, there is a very real possibility that she will shut down all the remaining T.I.M.E.s anyway. Jarred, take this chance before I change my mind. I've lived a long enough life. If I die from this, I'll be all right. It's up to you now. Once you agree to this, I will operate on Katarina during the trip to Earth. Don't listen to Doss. This decision is between you and Kat."
Jarred pulls her to his chest and holds her face close to his. "Kat, look at me."
She looks into his eyes and is close enough to feel his warm breath on her face.
"Kiss me if you're sure this is what you want."
"I want you to be happy."
"I leave it up to you. Whatever you decide, I will always love you like the sister I never had."
After a few intense seconds, Katarina kisses Jarred and embraces him. "I'll do it."
He picks her up in his arms and keeps her there as he starts to cry. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
19
Velex leans back in his captain's chair at the command bridge and puts his feet up on the console. They're about two days out from Earth at this point and Katarina should be waking up from the procedure shortly. It was difficult relearning how to do this stuff after so long. At least he didn't have to make her into a T.I.M.E. That procedure is a lot more risky. He had helped Kazimir make the archons over two hundred years ago, but he had never actually done any of the surgeries himself. He's grateful that Gabriel was able to lend a hand. Medical things like this have been in Kazimir's and Zach's hands, but that was, of course, impossible this time. As long as Gabriel could keep Katarina from bleeding to death or keep her heart from stopping, Velex was able to install all the equipment pretty easily. Even Doss was there to help, despite his severe disapproval in the entire thing. Though, if Velex was in his place, he would feel the same way. There's no way in hell he would let his wife go die for someone else. And it's not just because Jarred is a Nymph, either.
Honestly, the only reason Velex even entertained the idea of Katarina taking Jayce's place was so they would have more cooperation once they got to Paradise to kill Clark. One way or another, Adam Clark will die soon. Velex will do whatever he has to ensure that he does. It will be a long battle coming up once they arrive in Paradise. Even if it isn't a drawn out event, he knows it will be bloody and painful. Clark won't be taking prisoners this time. He's out for blood and for conquest. His goals reach far beyond the IGR or Earth. He wants the entire galaxy. Then he will more than likely not stop there. There haven't been many reports of life outside of the Milky Way yet, but there's not a doubt in Velex's mind that Clark will make it a point to hunt them down and enslave them. They have to get to that irradiated nanobot power armor and destroy it before it can entrap more innocent people and make them fight for tyrants.
They've lost so many people already. These past few months have been hell. Now Kazimir is gone and will never return. The only solace Velex can find is that once they get his microchip back from wherever it is, his thoughts and aspects of the research he was doing will be uploaded into Doss. Maybe not all of Kazimir will be forgotten. He was such an integral part of everything from day one that it would be a travesty to forget his contributions now.
A crewmember calls out to him from across the room. "Captain, we have an IGR ship quickly approaching. It is sending out a radio transmission. Would you like to answer it?"
"Go ahead. Put it through on the speakers."
"Yes, sir."
A female voice comes over the speakers and she sounds excited. "Stealing a ship from the IGR is usually punishable by death. How would you like to die?"
A huge grin spreads over Velex's face. He knows that voice. He picks up the microphone. "Is this who I think it is?"
"Hildegarde Annette Morgenstern, at your service. You didn't think I'd let you have all the fun, did you, Axel?"
It is her. "Annette! What a pleasant surprise. Welcome to our band of mismatched vagabonds. What happened to your Blood Force ties?"
"I decided that Adam Clark needs to get his ass kicked." Annette says. "I also have a special friend on board. You may know him by his bright orange sideburns and the bazooka he loves to carry around."
"Samuels? I thought all the inquisitors were killed."
"Not this one. He refused to give up. Now he and I share joint power ruling the IGR and we're getting married."
They're getting married? Didn't they just meet? "Married?"
"Indeed. He's quite the charmer."
"Wonderful." Velex says. "I know Jarred will be happy to hear that news. And I think that you and Samuels will be great leaders for Himmel and the rest of the IGR."
"There's always a spot for you if you decide to join up with the military again."
He crosses his arms. "I thought you had to kill me."
"Nah, it's too messy. But in all reality, we could use our admiral."
"I wish I could, but I'm not going to make it out of this."
"That's an awful premonition." Annette says.
"It's not a premonition. It's the plan. Katarina has been changed into a wingless archon so she can try to take Jayce's place in the Paradise security network, but as you know, she is the T.I.M.E. failsafe. I gave Katarina orders to activate the failsafe program if things go south."
"And kill lover boy in the process?"
Velex looks behind him to make sure Jarre
d isn't in the room before continuing. "Wait until you get to Paradise. Then you'll see the state that Jayce Cunningham is in. It will be a mercy killing."
"And how does Jarred feel about that decision?"
"He doesn't know." Velex says.
"So you're planning on killing his husband without his consent or knowledge beforehand?" Annette asks. "Are you sure you're not a Blood Force agent?"
"Believe me, it's not the course of action I want to take. But if we can't find a way to kill Clark, it will be our only option."
"Then we'll kill Clark."
"That's easier said than done." Velex says. "He has an army of robots, cyborgs, and Paradise citizens enslaved in power armor. We are outnumbered 30:1."
"Even with the army I'm bringing?" Annette asks.
"There weren't that many soldiers who survived the Blood Force attack."
"True. However, we have other allies."
"Other allies?" Velex asks. "Who else is there?"
"Ever heard of a little place called Olympus? The Nymphs have sent a contingent of soldiers. We have ourselves a convoy."
He laughs. "This is going to interesting to say the least. Nymphs and humans have never fought together against a common enemy. It's been Nymphs versus humans ever since that misunderstanding."
"You mean your misunderstanding?"
Velex rubs his eyes and sighs. "Yes . . . it was my fault."
"So you finally admit that? Interesting. Are you being nice to that little baby Nymph you have on board?"
"Nova?" Velex asks. "She's adorable. I couldn't hate a child like that."
"When are you going to find another woman?" Annette asks.
Where did that come from? Now is definitely not the time to be discussing things like that. "Annette, you know I can't get married again."
"But you can sleep around with secretaries?"
"That was one time." Velex says.
"Sure it was. And what about that one time I had with you in your vacation house? Was that just one time? And you getting down on one knee and proposing didn't mean anything either?"
He had been trying to forget about that. "You rejected me so I didn't think it meant that much to you."
"We have never been right for each other and you know that." Annette says. "If we get out of this, you should settle down and have a family."
"Maybe I'll look into it. Who knows? Right now, we have a lot more to deal with."
"Well, I have to go give orders to my crew and make sure they know the plan." Annette says. "We will be providing manpower to combat Clark's basic forces while your men and Katarina get to Jayce."
"Sounds good. Keep in touch." Velex sets down the microphone and stretches his arms. Today has been a long day, but it's refreshing to know that he won't be alone going into this.
The door behind him slides open and Jarred pulls up a chair next to him. "We need to talk."
"What is it?" Velex asks.
"I don't want to do this."
"Why not?"
"Something's not right." Jarred says. "I can sense it. If we go down to Paradise, some of us won't survive. It's not worth it."
"It's a little too late to change your mind. Katarina's transformation is complete. That's what you wanted."
Jarred sinks down in the chair. "I should never have asked her to do this. Why would she give her life for Jayce? I don't understand it. I've been awake all night with these questions burning in my mind."
"Maybe she feels indebted to you for all you've done for her." Velex says. "Androids rarely feel that way towards their owners, but apparently you've done something right."
"That's it. I could order her to not do it."
"But then you'd break her heart. Let her do what she wants. If she cares about you this much, it would completely crush her if you let Jayce die." Velex takes Jarred's hand. "Did you think that maybe this is her way of atoning for her own mistakes? One could argue that both Isidore's and Byron's blood is on her hands. If she feels that this is the way she wants to make up for her failures, why stand in her way? She is a much stronger woman than many people give her credit for."
"I know that, but this can't be the only way to do this." Jarred says.
"If you come up with anything, let me know and we'll do it in a heartbeat. If you're concerned with Katarina's fate, you may want to speak with Doss."
"He's the last person who would want to talk to me right now."
Velex traces the three scars on his hand that he is continually reopening to pray. "Doss has certain . . . talents when dealing with those who are about to die. He will undoubtedly be discussing options with Katarina as the time for that draws closer."
"What do you mean by that?"
"There is a reason that the archons look like angels and it's not just for them to look intimidating."
"You're not saying that he's actually an angel, are you?" Jarred asks.
"I'm saying that when Katarina dies, Doss will be the one to help her let go. I've seen his abilities firsthand when he guided my son Sean. This is the one thing he tries to keep hidden because it is uncomfortable for him and after each time he does it, part of himself dies as well."
"You will call me Uriel when discussing this, if you please." Doss says as he joins them, holding onto his white rosary. "It's out of respect and veneration."
"Have you been praying?" Velex asks.
"Nonstop." Doss says. "I'm prepared to do what I have to when the time comes. Jarred . . . this isn't your fault. Will you forgive me for harboring anger towards you?"
"There's nothing to forgive. I would be upset if I was in your position as well. It's not the best course of action and I'm aware of that, but Katarina wants this."
"That's why I'm not going to stop her. I do have one thing to ask of you."
"Anything. What is it?" Jarred asks.
"Don't let her sacrifice be in vain."
"I-"
"Make sure you save Jayce then go somewhere with your two children so you all can live in peace far away from this." Doss says. "Don't let him go. You need to be a family."
"That means a lot coming from someone so religious."
"It's not my place to judge. We can never truly know what God's intentions are. I have come to the realization that if humans attempt to define what God's ultimate plan is, they have the unsettling habit of corrupting it and using something that should bring comfort and peace to instead bring war and hatred. Even through all of my studies and time with the church, it is difficult for me to find evil in the love between two people."
"We're all hoping this goes well, Jarred." Velex says as he watches the lights flickering on the consoles. "If anyone can find true love in these hectic times, it needs to be nurtured and cared for. Humanity is nothing without love."
"Does Technotheism teach that?" Jarred asks.
"No. Being human does." Velex picks up the radio again. "I think there's someone you need to talk to who will make you feel a bit better about all of this."
"Who is it?"
"Your prisoner buddy, Samuels."
Jarred's face lights up. "He's alive?"
"Yep. He's on an IGR ship coming with us to help fight against Clark's forces."
Doss heads to the door. "While you're doing this, I'm going to go speak with my wife."
"Do you have your plan in place for when she dies?" Velex asks.
"I will soon enough."
* * *
After the metal door slides open, Doss steps into the room where the medical equipment is still buzzing and beeping in the dim light. He goes over to the bed where Katarina is waking up and shifting underneath the blanket.
Gabriel looks up from the holographic book he is reading in the corner. "She's fine. We were able to finish the procedure without complications."
"How are you doing today, Gabriel?" Doss asks, remembering the way he was struggling as a result from the torture. "Feeling better after getting some sleep?"
He collapses the hologram and slides the
disk into his pocket. "I'm as good as I can be, I guess. I couldn't take a shower. The water still scares me."
"Waterboarding is rough, man. I've been subjected to that far too many times. You have my sympathies."
"Yes, well . . . I think I'll go lie down and get some more sleep." Gabriel says. "If Katarina is still in pain in fifteen minutes, come get me and I'll give her some more morphine."
"Thank you."
Gabriel goes to the door. "No problem. Hey, Doss?"
"Yes?"
"I like working on the same side again."
"Me too." Doss says with a warm smile.
"If we live through this, we need to get back to being best friends like we used to be."
"I'd like that." After Gabriel leaves, Doss drags a chair over from the table and sits next to the bed. He leans over the bed to look at Katarina.
She opens her eyes and smiles. "Doss?"
"I'm right here, baby. How are you feeling?"
"Strange. Is this how all archons see the world?"
"I think that's probably the morphine talking." Doss says.
"You're probably right." She weakly takes his hand and rests her face on his arm. "Are you mad at me?"
What? Why would he be mad at her? Oh. The Jarred thing? "Not at all. I'm proud of you for setting your mind to do something this admirable. You're such a brave person."
"No. I'm not. If I was brave, I wouldn't be so scared."
"That's not true." Doss says. "It's the fact that you are so scared, but still determined to do this that makes you brave. If you feel this strongly about something, I will never stand in your way."
"I should have gotten your permission first."
"No." He kisses her hand gently. "You're going to do what you believe is the right thing. You have my permission, Kat."
"But after I die, what are you going to do?" Katarina asks.
"I'll do what I need to do. I'll have Kazimir's information installed once we find his microchip so even though I'll still be myself, I'll have to carry on with this research on Himmel."
"And the other archons?"
"The only ones left are Gabriel and Jophiel, but I think that Jayce won't be an archon for long. He will be with his family and that's exactly where he needs to be. Then Gabriel will probably be watching over Zodiac. He is his bonded one, after all."
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