Jessit jerked away from the incense and took a breath of untainted air. “I am on a mission of vital importance.”
“I'm sure they'll find someone else to do it.”
“Damn you, old man. This is no time for games.”
“This is out of your hands, Taelen. You will be tested, and I know you will be returning with me to Alturis. You have a lot of catching up to do.”
“Kalya!”
“I am Lord Director to you, young brother. Get used to it.” Kalya brushed his robes past Jessit's legs and rode out in a swirl of incense.
Jessit staggered toward a nearby column to brace himself from the dizzying effects of the menze. Nausea overwhelmed him, and there was no time to reach a facility. He hurried over to the holy water fount and threw up.
***
Jessit rushed back to his quarters, avoiding eye contact with any of the crew. No one dared speak to him. No one but Senit.
Senit took one look at him and grabbed him by the arm. “What happened to you?”
“I went to services. Kalya used an extra heavy dose of incense.”
“Your eyes look like red kalaberries.” Senit escorted him to his quarters and ordered the computer to call the ship's physician.
“Belay that order!” Jessit lay on his bed and writhed in anguish. The nausea had returned.
“El'asai can help you.”
“I don't need his help. I want to be left alone.”
“I'm not leaving until you tell me what happened. Kalya doesn't use the incense for services, not unless he's trying to invoke a vision—or a confession.”
“Not your problem, Senit.” Jessit sat up and pushed a pillow to his gut.
Senit brought him some water and sat down next to him. “What did he do to you?”
Jessit shut his eyes. His whole life was a sham and now, everything he had worked for was about to be ripped away from him—including his manhood.
Senit remained steadfast, waiting for an answer. He lowered the temperature in the room and encouraged him to sip at the water.
The water helped, displacing the nausea before it was replaced with something far more sickening. Fear.
Jessit pulled out his ceremonial knife from its sheath, honed to razor sharpness. He examined it, studying each whorl of pounded steel, its edge the color of sunlight. It was a warrior's blade, presented to him in full ceremony twelve years ago when he earned the rank of commander.
Jessit grit his teeth, wishing he had the courage to plunge the dagger into his belly. “Kalya intends to make me a priest.”
He said it in a voice so flat the words fell from their very weight.
“What?” Senit's voice sounded relieved. “That's crazy. He can't force you into the priesthood. You can't see glory without the incense.”
Jessit rolled his eyes at Senit then lowered them in shame.
“You—you can't see glory. Right?”
The room fell quiet, so quiet Jessit heard the hum of the air recirculation unit murmur against the beat of his hearts. “I've always been able to see it.”
Senit didn't move, didn't breathe while Jessit rolled back, his head flat against the headboard. “This isn't funny, Taelen.”
“Do I sound like I'm joking?” Jessit took a breath. “I've never told anyone. But Rachel I think suspected.”
“Did she tell Kalya?”
“No.” He shook his head, regretting it immediately when the nausea returned. “Fool that I am, I did that all by myself. He must have used a stronger dose of the hallucinogen. It hardly seemed to affect him at all.”
“They're all menze addicts. He tricked you.” Senit couldn't hide his disgust.
“What difference does it make? He got his information and plans to send it back to home world.”
“We'll see about that.” Senit jumped to his feet and bolted for the door when Jessit ordered him to stop.
“No, Senit. Let him be.”
“He can't do this to you. If you don't stop him, I will.”
“It was bound to come out sooner or later. Gilgamesh knew I saw him without any drugs. How would it look if my secret came out through him?”
Senit came back and sat on the bed next to him. His friend looked like he felt.
The door chime interrupted their shared misery, announcing a visitor. Jessit motioned to Senit to answer the door while he went into the bathing room so he could wash his mouth.
When Jessit returned, he found Senit and Kalya locked in a blinkless staring match. Senit wasn't stupid enough to defy a high priest, but it didn't mean the old man was safe. Senit was the son of a high-ranking politician; vindictiveness ran in his veins.
Kalya seemed calm enough. He was either too old to frighten or too stupid to know the danger he was in. Jessit wiped his mouth with his sleeve.
“Is there something more, Lord Kalya?”
“Perhaps we should speak alone.” Kalya brushed past Senit dismissively.
“You can speak in front of Senit. I told him.”
Kalya stood in front of Jessit, with all the arrogance and authority that puny body could muster. The hell with him. His fate may have been sealed, but he was still in command until new orders came through.
“I have sent word to my superiors and yours. We should hear something within the next couple of days. In the meantime, I thought I could start you on your studies.” Kalya's voice dripped with cold condescension. How long had the old man waited for such an opportunity?
The com-link trilled once, blinking a steady green. For one tiny moment, Jessit's stomach dropped, imagining it might be the call from home world. That wasn't possible, but it didn't keep the terror from eating at him. The hallucinogen was still doing its work.
“Jessit, here.”
“Com station, sir. We have a transmission from Earth. Mr. Denman would like to speak to you.”
Jessit glared at Kalya, grateful for the convenient interruption. “Tell him I will be with him in a moment.” He clicked off the link and showed his guest to the door. “I have work to do Lord Kalya, and until I am relieved of duty, you will see to it that you stay out of my way and out of my sight.”
“This is outrageous! You will pay for such arrogance.”
“And I will lock you in chains if I see or hear from you before my authority is revoked. Do I make myself clear, Kalya?”
“You're making a powerful enemy.”
“I hope not for your sake. I destroy my enemies.”
***
Jessit was glad for Denman's intervention. He expected to see the old man speaking to him from his office, but this meeting was out of doors, in the desert. Jessit glanced down at a control panel and clicked on the locator map. Denman was far away from the compound.
“Thank you for taking my call, Commander.” Denman spoke to him in fluent Alturian. Obviously, he wanted to keep this conversation confidential. But from whom?
“This is an unexpected pleasure. I'm used to dealing with General Sorinsen.”
“Yes, I know. But I have a contact who wishes to see you in private. I don't think it would be wise to let the general know about him at this point in time.”
Jessit's eyes and throat still ached from the menze. He needed to stay focused. The seriousness in Denman's voice demanded it. “Who is this contact?”
Denman turned and nodded in obeisance to Gilgamesh who now filled the screen. “My Lord.” Jessit stood up out of reflex and bowed, trying to keep his balance. “How may I serve?”
“I need to see you,” Gilgamesh said in a clipped tone. “I need your help.”
Jessit raised one hand to his chest in pledge. “My ship is at your command, Holiness.”
Gilgamesh nodded, pleased with the answer. “Good,” he said. “We may need that too.” He turned to Denman. “My servant is sending you coordinates on where to find us. I would rather discuss my needs on board your ship. In private.”
The screen snapped to black. Jessit checked the connection. It was severed, but a new transmission
replaced it immediately. Earth coordinates. He ordered a stealth shuttle and an honor guard. Company was coming.
Chapter 24
Jessit wanted to escort Gilgamesh himself, but he still suffered from the effects of the menze. He sent for El'asai instead in the hopes the physician could give him something to counteract the consequences of the hallucinogen. Kalya was more than happy to take his place as escort. It was probably for the best.
He put the ship on high alert, ordering every crewman to dress uniform. He also sent word to Rachel that Gilgamesh was coming, certain she'd want to see him.
Jessit sat back while El'asai pumped him full of an antigen for the menze. He felt better almost right away, grateful to have the fog lifted from his brain at last.
Senit helped him with his jacket, a long velveteen coat in emerald-green. Jessit never liked it much, but he wanted to savor what little time he had left in uniform. Senit brought out a bone-inlayed chest full of his medals, but Jessit waved it away.
“You said this was full dress.”
“Not the medals. There's no need for them.”
Senit poked through the perfectly organized box and pulled out one bauble, a large silver and gold star cluster. “Wear this one at least.”
The award for honor. The High Counselor, Jovan Marik, presented that one. He took it out of Senit's hands and traced the carved ivy leaves around the star. A grimace cut down either side of his face. He deserved this one least of all.
Jessit straightened his collar tabs. “That will do, Senit. Hurry down to the docking bay and make sure everything is in order. I'll collect the Lady.”
“Taelen—”
“I'm fine. And we have work to do. Go.”
Alone at last, Jessit headed for Rachel's quarters. He wanted to speak with her before Gilgamesh arrived. There was comfort in her arms and the understanding one could only find in a lover's soft words. He intended to hoard those moments while he could.
Rachel looked as if she had walked out of a painting. Skin the color of dark honey, she glowed when she smiled, making her appear otherworldly and rare. None of her seemed real. She was magic personified and he was under her spell. Her dark hair was pinned up high, and he felt a little weak as he followed the curve of her long, smooth neck. Rachel smiled at him kindly, getting up on her tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek.
“You look nice,” she said. Her voice was shy and almost childlike, beaming at him like a woman in love.
“Thank you. So do you.” He closed the door behind him, giving them a moment alone.
“Rachel. Why does Lord Gilgamesh wish to see me here?”
She shrugged. “He might think it's safer here. I don't know.” She tugged on his sash and straightened his ceremonial dagger.
He wanted to feel sorry for himself over what he was about to lose but knew there were more pressing concerns. He had found the gods. Their world would never be the same again. And the gods were entrusting him with a new mission. That too had to take precedence over his personal trials.
Jessit pressed his face toward Rachel's and kissed her. He would miss this most of all.
Rachel stroked his cheek, a pained look on her face. “What's wrong?”
“It is nothing, my Lady.”
“Lady? Are we standing on ceremony now, Commander?”
“Not if it displeases you. I thought perhaps we should observe protocol during Lord Gilgamesh's visit.”
“I suppose that would be prudent. Gilgamesh does enjoy the pomp of ceremony. We better be on our way. My father doesn't like to be kept waiting.”
“Father?”
She blushed and looked away guiltily. “I guess I should have told you that.”
They hurried to the docking bay and arrived just before the shuttle landed. Kalya disembarked first, his ruddy skin flamed with emotion and pride. Gilgamesh appeared next, looking regal and poised, dressed black on black. At first, Jessit thought the man immediately following Gilgamesh was a stranger but when he took a closer look, he recognized the face. It was the man the soldiers pulled off the cliff.
Rachel recognized him too and bolted from ranks, ignoring her father altogether. She jumped into the younger man's arms. He whirled her around, squeezing her tight. Their lips met, and he kissed her without apology or shame.
Jessit balled his hands into fists. He was glad they remained safely behind his back and away from view.
Gilgamesh looked amused. “You see, Rachel, I brought your friend with me.”
She walked up to her father and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you for saving him, Apa.”
Kalya looked upset that his formal introductions had been marred, but he did his best to recover. Jessit bowed low to Gilgamesh, his right hand touching his chest and then his forehead in the sign of respect.
Gilgamesh embraced Jessit, kissing him on both cheeks. “I am pleased to finally meet you in the flesh, Taelen Jessit.” He peered over at Rachel. “I trust my daughter has been safe here.”
Jessit wasn't sure how to answer. Rachel was safe, but he doubted a father would be pleased to know that her benefactor also bedded her. Fortunately, Rachel answered in his stead.
“I've been in good hands, Gilgamesh.” Rachel pulled the blond giant forward, dressed as resplendently as Gilgamesh, and introduced him. “Taelen, I want you to meet Paul Domino. He's part of my research team.”
Rachel's friend greeted him with bright blue eyes that sparkled. Was there a challenge in them? Jessit thought so. The kiss Domino exchanged with Rachel looked fiery enough to burn the bed sheets. Jessit returned a curt nod. Silently, they measured one another.
Why did he feel jealous? It wasn't as if he had any right to her. Besides, what use would she have for a castrated priest? Bile rose to his mouth. He had lost the fight without ever reaching the ring.
Rachel commanded their attention once more. “Well, Gilgamesh? What was so important that you had to come up here?”
He matched her haughty tone with his own. “I will speak with Commander Jessit in private. Go and play with your little friend.” He nodded to Domino. “That young man has missed you.”
Jessit masked his displeasure while he watched Paul Domino take Rachel into his arms once more. Locking his jaw, he showed Gilgamesh to a private meeting room while Domino disappeared with Rachel on his arm. His insides burned with envy. They looked like old lovers. And she seemed happy with him. Too happy. After all Jessit had suffered, in the end he meant nothing to her.
Kalya tried to work his way into their meeting, but Gilgamesh ignored his pleas. It made Jessit feel good that his military worth still counted for something. He offered the Divinity his best wine, but Gilgamesh waved it away. Jessit scraped the glass stopper back on the bottle in disappointment. He could've used that drink.
Gilgamesh was here on business, and he did not mince words. “Commander, you once told me you were the faithful.”
“I am, Lord. Your word is my will.”
“My sources tell me that you have been monitoring this planet for some time.”
Jessit felt his defenses go up. Military protocol forbad him to speak of such things, but this was a Divinity. And he was the faithful. He couldn't lie. “Our equipment is very sophisticated, sir.”
“Is it sophisticated enough to stop the humans from warping the electromagnetic field surrounding this planet?”
He shook his head. “We have no means of influencing it, if that is what you are asking. We are not even sure the location of its hub.”
Gilgamesh looked more annoyed than defeated. “It’s in a city called Chicago.”
Jessit struggled with the word for a moment, trying to make sure he pronounced it correctly. “Shee-ka-go. I think I have heard of this place.”
“You haven't heard of this place. They've submerged the hub in a very deep lake. If I give you the general coordinates can you get me photographs of the underwater landmarks?”
Jessit gathered his wits. “Yes, sir. I think we can.”
“Ge
t me my information. I am sending Paul Domino down there. He may be able to access the computer and destroy the transmitter.”
“Paul Domino?”
Gilgamesh clucked at Jessit with amused curiosity. “Do you know him, Commander?”
“No, sir. But I know his type.” His hands clenched, but he relaxed them when he realized his unseemly behavior. He looked up at Gilgamesh, his veiled contempt for Domino now in the open. He needed to be frank with his Holiness. Lives could be at stake, and he didn't want them to rest at the hands of some fool. “With respect, sir, he is an archeologist, certainly untrained in covert operations. He may have misled both you and the Lady Rachel.” The last part grated out of him.
Gilgamesh grunted an acknowledgement. “The young man seems to have struck a nerve in you, Taelen. Is that jealousy I hear? Perhaps my daughter has been busy stroking both your egos.”
Jessit straightened to attention.
“Think me a fool, Taelen?”
“No, my Lord. I merely think—”
“Your job is to get my information. I will decide where to put my confidence. Paul Domino understands computers. More importantly, he understands this computer, which is of more use to me than what you have offered so far.”
Could he muddle things any further? He had let his emotions speak for him, and now it had cost him the confidence of a god.
He bowed low before Gilgamesh. “I beg forgiveness, Lord. My arrogance diminishes me. I will, of course, provide any assistance Paul Domino may need.”
That seemed to cool Gilgamesh's ire. He waved Jessit away with a grand flourish. Jessit set the wheels in motion and ordered every map and intelligence information they had on file. He didn't need an unhappy deity on his ship. He knew the wrath of his gods far too well.
***
Rachel danced in Paul's arms while she led him back to her quarters. They chattered nonstop, happy to see one another alive. When he got her behind closed doors, he kissed her again, harder, deeper. He fondled the long row of buttons on the back of her dress and unhitched the first one. She pulled away. “Paul, no.”
“Oh no, you don't. You're not going to put me off any longer. I thought I lost you once, and I swore I wasn't going to lose you again. When this little job for Gilgamesh is done, I am taking you far away from here, and we are going to spend the next six weeks in bed making love.”
True Believers Page 18