by Joe Vadalma
As they dressed, Isaac said, “It is good to see you again, Michael and Raven. It was interesting watching you copulate. I had never seen a live performance of the act of love before."
Raven laughed. “Was it better than watching porn on video tape?"
"More informative. The video tapes I watched seemed rather staged, as though the people were simply acting."
Morgaine waited until they finished before replying to Raven's question about the mission. “I want you to think hard about that time that seems like a dream to you. Do you recall a man named Bachman?"
"I met him a few times even before that. Nasty guy. Wanted to take Isaac to perform some experiment on the robot or something."
"What he wanted was the secret of Isaac's brain. He finally used necromancy to contact the spirit of the man who invented that brain and learned how it was built. He used this knowledge to build an army of robots."
"I remember that during my dream of a time that no longer exists, a lot of robots were sent to fight Legion. But the robots revolted, killed Bachman and switched sides. I saw some of this through the visions of the Book of Seals and on the network news."
"Do you remember what happened to that army of robots?"
"No, actually. After they made peace with Legion, they seemed to have vanished."
"Not vanished. They went away."
"Away? Where? To another dimension?"
"No. To a planet in orbit around Epsilon Eridani. They built a starship that could travel faster than light. That's where you three are going."
Michael said, “To do what?"
"To act as my ambassadors. I have a message for the head honcho. I've had Isaac memorize it. You and Raven are along as Isaac's advisors in case anything unexpected happens."
"I see."
"Are you ready to leave?"
Raven raised her eyebrows. “Now? This moment?"
"It's as good a moment as any."
Morgaine pointed at a wall and said words in a strange language. An opening the size of a doorway appeared. Through it, Raven saw that it led to a clearing surrounded by woods. A saucer shaped ship was parked there.
Morgaine kissed both Michael and Raven on their cheeks. “Just walk through. It leads to the dimension of your world. The creatures who pilot the starship will bring you to the capital city of the planet where the robots are. The ship is large enough to hold a hundred thousand robots. If the robot leader agrees to my request, it will bring you, an army of military and manufacturing robots and equipment to build more robots back to earth. It will not take long to manufacture enough to defeat Legion."
Michael asked, “Who will lead these robots into battle?"
"Isaac. I've instructed him with a battle plan to defeat Frankenstein's creature."
"One more thing. What about my other friends?"
"I'll return them to Moonwood after you leave for Epsilon Eridani Two. Go now."
Michael took Raven's hand. As they walked through the gate toward the spacecraft, Isaac followed. Raven sized the saucer shaped ship up and down. She remarked, “How the hell does Morgaine expect us to get a hundred thousand robots on this thing?"
Isaac said, “This is simply a shuttle that will take you to the mother ship, which is in orbit in the Kuiper belt."
When they neared the shuttle, a door opened in its side and a ramp was lowered. No one came down to meet them, so they walked up the ramp and entered the spaceship. The interior was about what Raven expected, bulkheads of the same silvery metal as the exterior. As she, Michael and Isaac strolled down a narrow aisle guided by arrows, she could not detect any seams, bolts or anything that showed how the vehicle was put together. She found the fact that there were no corners—ceiling, walls and floors all curved into each other—disorienting.
They entered a bay with four acceleration couches. Raven strapped herself in, leaned back and relaxed while she waited for the vehicle to launch. When it did, there was no sound, only pressure pushing her into the seat. After a few moments, the upper half of the walls and the ceiling became transparent. Raven was awed. They had risen in a few short moments to an altitude from which she could see the curvature of the earth, yet the G-force on her had not been excessive. She recalled hearing about the tremendous forces on astronauts at liftoff. Apparently, whoever built the ship had a way of counteracting that.
She gazed with wonder at the beauty of the earth as it slowly dwindled until it was simply a bright point of light difficult to pick out from all the stars. She took Michael's hand. “Isn't this marvelous? Who would ever think that I'd have a chance to travel into outer space?"
Michael, however, looked sour. “I would feel better if we weren't doing this for Morgaine. I don't trust her. There may be dangers ahead that we don't even suspect."
"As long as we face them together, I don't care.” She turned around to look at Isaac. “What do you think, Isaac, isn't this exciting?"
"Excitement is not an emotion built into my software. I think Michael is right. There may be many dangers that Ms. Fabiano has not told us about."
"Oh, what a couple of killjoys you two are.” Raven felt that she could face anything as long as she was with Michael.
It took about eight hours to reach the Kuiper belt. During most of this time, Raven dozed with her head on Michael's shoulder. He woke her up as they approached the mother ship. It was enormous, saucer shaped like the vehicle they were on, but at least two kilometers in diameter. As they approached, a panel slid open. The shuttle flew inside it and came to a halt.
A voice came over a hidden loudspeaker system. Although it spoke English, it did not sound quite human. “You may remove your seat belts and enter the main body of the starship."
Raven unloosened her belt stretched. With her two companions, she walked back to the shuttle entrance. The door was open. Waiting to greet them was the most gorgeous creature Raven had ever seen. It was a woman with large wings, dressed in a long off the shoulder gown. But her face was perfection. Raven could not recall ever seeing any woman who radiated such beauty, not any model or movie star. Raven glanced at Michael. Appreciation of the creature's beauty showed in his eyes, and she was instantly jealous.
"Are you an angel?” Raven asked.
"You might call me that as I come from the heavens.” The female's lyrical voice was as rich as her face was beautiful. “On the other hand a more precise term would be ‘alien,’ since I was born on a planet thousands of light-years away from earth. My name is Adnachiel, and I welcome you aboard our starship. Would you like a tour of the ship, at least the parts that you are allowed to visit?"
Raven said, “Absolutely."
Michael asked, “When will be starting toward Epsilon Eridani?"
"We've already started."
"And how long will it take to get there?"
"Fourteen or your earth days."
Raven was thrilled. Two weeks aboard this ship with nothing to do except make love with Michael.
CHAPTER 27. OLIVIA'S REVENGE
Olivia scowled as watched the news on the National Romanian Broadcasting System. This station was government owned and operated by Legion's provisional government. It was broadcasting the elaborate state funeral in Jerusalem for Emperor Nicholas Bongiglio. Foremost among the dignitaries attending was Victor Legion. He walked solemnly down the aisle of the Church of Omega where Nicholas’ corpse lay in state. Mandy, the emperor's widow, dressed in black and wearing a diamond necklace, tiara and bracelets, hung onto the big man's arm. For a woman who had just lost a husband, she looked more like the cat who ate the canary, as she smiled and waved at people she knew in the audience.
"That bitch. That should have been me,” Olivia screamed at the TV screen. “That scoundrel Victor used me and threw me away for that skinny little whore."
The whole business of Nicholas’ death had been mysterious. No one ever said how the emperor, who was in the prime of life, died. One day it was simply announced to the world that he was dead and that Legion was
his successor.
When the funeral was over, Olivia shut her television off. She paced up and down for an hour before taking out her cell phone and speed-dialing Vlad Tepes.
In Transylvanian she said, “This is Olivia from Snagov."
Tepes’ gruff voice came on the line. “Hello, Olivia. Are you still in Romania?"
"Wasting away here. How was the funeral?"
"You know. All pomp and speeches extolling the dead. Typical state funeral."
"How did the emperor die? The government controlled news never said."
Tepes chuckled. “I am not able to tell you that over the phone. You never know who might be listening."
"So Legion is to be your boss and the tramp girl his empress."
There was a long silence. Finally, Tepes said, “I think I know what you're getting at. This is something we need to discuss in person. Come to Jerusalem and bring your friends."
"That may be difficult."
"I will arrange transportation. There's a small airfield that was once used by Communists and is now abandoned. I'll tell you how to get there by train. Meet me tomorrow at midnight with twenty of the biggest and strongest of your kind.” He told her which train to take to a town near the airfield and hung up..
* * * *
The following noon, Olivia, with twenty of the artificial men known as Titans, watched as commuter jet landed. As they boarded they were greeted by Tepes. He said to Olivia, “Come sit by me. On the way to Jerusalem, we can plan our strategy."
Olivia said, “Strategy for what, Your Eminence?"
"Don't be coy. You know damn well that it's you and I who should rule the world, not those two pieces of garbage, a creature made of spare parts and a gypsy woman."
"First tell me how Bongiglio died."
"He was a fool. I cannot understand how a man with his powers could be so taken with a lowborn woman that he let his guard down completely."
"So. It was that Mandy Blake who murdered him."
"Yes. Although she had been sleeping with Victor Legion, Nicholas allowed her into his bed. During fornication, she stabbed him.” He shook his head in a gesture of futility. “But, I guess we all have our weaknesses. His was his feelings for this Mandy. It's incomprehensible how man with his talents could be so stupid."
"That tramp Mandy has something. Her sexual technique must be superb. My stupid ex-lover has also fallen under her spell. I wish to see her spitted on sharp stake."
Tepes’ sighed. “That would be interesting. It's been a long time since I've seen a good impaling.” He licked his lips. “I derived much pleasure watching my enemies writhing in agony as the pole slowly penetrated their bodies."
"You are a wicked one,” Olivia said. She was tempted to caress him, but recalling what he was did not dare. “But now we must plan how to depose the new emperor and his mistress. Victor is one tough cookie and smart. Frankenstein made him that way. I don't how he can be destroyed."
"Flesh is flesh. What we need to do is lure him into a trap. I have an idea.” He lowered his voice to conspiratorial whisper and told her his plan.
* * * *
One of Legion's guards ushered Olivia into his throne room of the palace in Jerusalem. Legion rose from his throne. “Olivia, it's good to see you again.” He kissed her on the cheek and embraced her.
"And I you. Although I can't say that it was easy for me to forgive your going away with that Blake woman."
Legion bowed his head. “I'm sorry about that. But we are in love."
"So I've been given to understand. I guess I've finally forgiven you. I've moved on anyway. I've taken Eric as my lover."
"Ah yes, Eric. He's the tall blond, taller than myself in fact. Is he here?"
"I've brought him and nineteen other volunteers. I understand that there have been reversals in your push toward Moscow. I thought you might need them."
Legion laughed. “Twenty. That's fine. Too bad you didn't bring several thousand. The humans are offering tough resistance on the eastern front."
"Then you must go yourself and show your troops what a fine general you are. Let them see that their emperor is a man of war."
"You know, you're right. In Roman times and the Medieval period, the emperors and kings always led their troops into battle."
"I would like to ride by your side. You know that I was made to be a warrior woman."
Legion rubbed his bearded chin. He had grown the beard to cover up his scars. “Yes, I believe you would be a great asset to me on the battlefield. Of course, it would not be a good idea to let Mandy know that you're going with me. She may get the wrong impression."
"I promise not to tell a soul. I'll join you at the First Army encampment just outside of Moscow.” She bowed her way out.
* * * *
Mandy smiled into the mirror as she brushed her hair. She said to her reflection, “Who would've ever thunk it. Lil’ old Mandy Blake empress of the world. Of course it's not official yet. Me and Vic got to get hitched before they'll crown me. As soon as he gets back from the battle in Russia, we'll do the deed.” She frowned. “I don't understand why he had to go himself. I don't recall any U.S. president ever going to the front. They always sent their generals. Oh, well.” She sighed.
Someone knocked at her door.
"Yes."
The guard said, “There's a gentleman here to see you. It is the Vice Emperor, Vlad Tepes."
"Oh shit,” she muttered to herself. Mandy disliked Tepes, was in fact afraid of him. There was something evil and strange about the man. For one thing, one never saw him during the day. She recalled the vampires at Moonwood and shuddered. He reminded her of them. On the other hand, he was in charge when Victor was away and her lover's right-hand man. She should be respectful. Besides, he would not dare do anything to her. Victor would tear him apart.
"Tell him to come in,” she shouted at the door.
Tepes entered the room, came up to her and kissed her hand. “You look lovely, my dear. The emperor is a lucky man."
She smiled at the flattery. “Thank you, Vlad. Is there something I can do for you?"
"May I sit?"
"Of course. Perhaps you would like coffee, tea or something else to drink. I'll ring my servant girl."
He waved his hand. “No. Don't bother.” He pulled a chair over so that their knees were almost touching.
This made Mandy nervous. She knew that she had only to cry out, and the guard outside the door would come running, but there was something awful about the way Tepes’ eyes stared at her. His skin was as pale as a corpses, and a slight aroma of decay seemed to follow him. It gave her the creeps to be near him.
Once he was settled, he said, “The reason I have come to you is not about what you can do for me, my dear, but what I can do for you."
"Oh. And what's that?"
"Tell me. Do you know how old Victor is?"
"Almost three hundred years. Were you going to tell me that he's the monster created by Doctor Frankenstein? I knew that."
"Of course. Of course. I see that he's been very honest with you. But don't you see what that implies? He will probably live another three hundred years or even more. In fact, he may be immortal."
"Yeah. So?” Mandy wondered what Tepes was getting at. Was he about to reveal something unsavory about Victor? But what could be more unsavory than his creation out of body parts?
"Don't you see? In the years to come, you will age and finally die, but he will remain as he is."
Mandy pursed her lips. She had not given this facet of her relationship with Victor a thought before. But Tepes was right. Once she showed signs of aging, Victor would simply throw her over for someone younger. “It-it's something to think about.” She shrugged. “But there's not much that can be done about it."
Tepes leaned forward. Mandy pushed her chair away. She did not want him too close to her. He said, “But there is, my dear. There is."
"What do you mean?"
"How would you like to be immortal too? To
be young and pretty, forever and ever?"
"That would be nice, but it's impossible."
"No, it isn't. Of course, you would have to give up something."
"The sun."
"I don't get you. You're talking nonsense. Perhaps you'd better leave.” She rose to show him to the door.
He rose too. “Wait. Just give me a few more minutes of your time."
"Okay. Five minutes.” She glanced at her watch. “Exactly. Talk. Get to the point."
"Surely you must've heard the rumors about me or guessed by the paleness of my flesh or the fact that I'm never around during the day—that I'm a vampire."
She backed away from him. “I suppose I suspected it. Maybe I shouldn't wait five minutes but call the guard right this moment.” She felt the blood throbbing through her veins, and her heart beating faster than normal, and thought about what that blood meant to a vampire.
"Don't be afraid, Mandy. I won't harm you. What I want to offer you is immortality. I can make you what I am. Just think, you could live forever and always be youthful and beautiful."
"And be addicted to human blood."
"So what. As empress, you could have victims brought to you whenever you were thirsty. That's what I do. I never hunt anymore."
She squinted at him suspiciously. “Why would you do this?"
"As a favor to my friend, Victor. I know he loves you very much and would pine for you after you passed away. If I make you a vampire, the two of you could not only live forever but rule the world forever."
Mandy thought it over. When he put it that way, it had a certain appeal. “If I agree to allow you to do this to me, the only drawbacks would be that I would need to rest in a coffin or some other dark place during the day and that I would thirst for blood?"
"Absolutely. The procedure is simple and would cause you little pain. No more than you would feel getting a flu shot."
"What's involved other than you sucking my blood?"
"You must also suck mine. But once I've taken a small amount from you, you will desire that."