Blood on the Water

by Mark Hildebrandt

  Hmm – scent marking her turf, Marcus thought, “Well I wish you would have told me, I could have made arrangements for lunch, but as it is, I have lunch scheduled with Josephus.”

  “Oh, not to worry,” she said smiling, “I figured you would be busy and Aeliana has agreed to go to lunch with me. It’s a quarter to twelve, are you ready to go Aeliana?”

  Before she answered Josephus walked in, “Irena how nice to see you.” He then turned to Marcus, “Am I interrupting something. If so we can get lunch at a different time.”

  “No absolutely not. We are still on for lunch. Irena just stopped by to meet Aeliana. The two of them are going to lunch. I’m sure Irena wants to warn her about all my faults.”

  Irena chuckled, “Oh Marcus, you are just paranoid. I’m certain after these last few days she already knows most of them. Come on Aeliana, there is a great new place just down the street. And Marcus, Aeliana might just be a little late, I understand this place takes its time and serves lunch correctly, very slow.”

  The two women left the office chatting away seemingly impervious to anything else. Marcus just stood shaking his head as they left. Before he could say anything, Josephus piped up, “Seems like those two are getting on well.”

  “Josephus, I’m not sure which is harder to figure out a deranged Senator like Kukulcan or a woman.” Then he turned to Josephus and continued with a hint of a smile, “I hope you are hungry, the chef has been cooking Osso buco all morning, and let me tell you, no one does it better.”

  Josephus smiled, “Absolutely. I’m ready for a real meal.” The two started to leave but Josephus stopped. “Marcus, I’m glad you seem to be getting along well with your new assistant. Hell, it even looks like Irena likes her. But just a word of caution, I seem to be having a little trouble with her background. I tracked back to the University, and everything looks to be in perfect order. Scholastic record is impeccable, but before University there doesn’t seem to be anything. Very strange, could be just a records glitch. I’ll keep looking.”

  Marcus nodded, “I’m sure it is just a glitch, as you say. She is damn good at this stuff. Now come on let’s eat.”

  ◆◆◆

  After a big lunch it took Marcus two large coffees just to stay awake during the project reviews. He had plenty of qualified deputies to attend these things and often wondered why he felt it was necessary for him to be there, but it did seem to make the minions happy. After all, it was one of his groups that developed the phage, so he better continue to do his part.

  Josephus was waiting for him in the reception room, when he got back to his office. A quick glance confirmed Aeliana was not yet back. Obviously, she and Irena must have a lot to talk about. He decided there was no point in him speculating, he was certain to get Irena’s story when he got home. “Josephus come in to the office and let’s get started.” The two went in and Marcus closed the door.

  Cassandra’s image flickered to life in the middle of the room when the connection was made. “Cassandra are you, all right?” Marcus asked. “Josephus tells me you had some difficulty getting away from that assassination team.”

  “Yes, James and I are fine, but we lost three members of our Decum.”

  “Yes, so I heard, but you are safe now. According to Josephus the lodge is completely secure. It will be impossible for a Senate Investigation Team to breech the security.”

  She turned and looked at Optio standing with James just slightly behind her. He nodded, and she turned back to Marcus, “I have been assured by Optio, who I trust, that we are safe on this base.”

  “I think it will be best if you remain there. I’m told the place is fit for an Emperor. Enjoy. I will send a plane for you next week, when the Senate is out, we can wrap up this business, and get everything back to normal.”

  “Marcus, I think we need to talk. I want to know what is going on.”

  “We will, as soon as you get back.” Marcus responded.

  While Marcus was talking, the door opened, and Irena came into the office. She took one look at the display, and shouted, “Cassandra, I’m so glad to see you. Please tell me you are unhurt and safe?”

  At her words, Marcus turned to face her, and started to protest. He considered telling her to leave, but quickly reconsidered. If Irena could see Cassandra, and that she was safe, perhaps things would be a little better at home. But more importantly while Irena was talking, Cassandra could not ask difficult questions. Questions, he was not prepared to answer.

  “Yes Irena, we’re okay. But it has been quite an adventure, one I’m anxious to tell you about when I get home.”

  Irena walked a little closer to the image, “Well you come home right now.” She then turned to Marcus, “Send a ship and pick them up right away. Won’t you dear?” The intonation in her words decreased until she reached dear, where she allowed it to rise for emphasis.

  Marcus stepped up next to Irena, “No dear. They are safer where they are, than they would be here. I want them to stay put for a few more days, while Josephus and I prepare to get them back safely.”

  Irena did not look happy about the proclamation, but Cassandra clearly understood. She had seen firsthand what these Senate thugs were capable of. She smiled to Irena, “Irena, I have to agree with Marcus. This Kukulcan is a despicable character. He will stop at nothing, and Marcus and Optio claim we will be safe here.”

  “Damn it, that’s exactly what Marcus said last time, and you said the time before. It appears this Senator has almost gotten you twice. I hope his lucky number isn’t three!” She turned and glared at Marcus then softening her expression turned back to Cassandra. “Very well you do what you think is best. Just come home safely and do it soon.”

  Marcus stepped closer blocking Irena, “Optio, you have every resource on that base you need to complete your mission. You are god when it comes to insuring the safety of my sister and Dr. Woodman. If anyone gets in your way, I’ll have them up on charges of sedition.”

  “Yes sir.” Optio said smartly snapping to attention.

  “Marcus,” Cassandra said as if speaking only to him. “We need to talk.”

  “Yes, I told you, we will talk.” Marcus said.

  “No. Marcus, we need to talk as we used to. We need a Family Discussion.”

  That set Marcus back. It was almost like being grabbled by the earlobe. He hadn’t heard Cassandra use those words since she was a little girl. It was their code indicating she had something private to say, something secret. Damn it, she suspects. How much has she figured out?

  Chapter 29

  - It’s gone -

  Once again it was dark by the time Marcus made it home. The servant, who greeted him, said Irena was supervising the children’s evening bath. He acknowledged the remark and requested his cocktail be served in the study. One thing he did not want to endure this evening was some diatribe from Irena about lovely administrative assistants. She should have learned by now; her authority did not extend once micron from the perimeter of this villa. He would abide by any rules she set for the house, this was her world and raising those kids was her job, but under no circumstances would she interfere with his world and his job.

  Marcus was pleased to see his cocktail had been delivered by the time he got to his office. He sat down propped up his feet and began reviewing general news items while he sipped the martini. He looked for news and was careful to skip the editorial screens at his usual news outlets. It seemed of late, the editorials were becoming more critical of the Emperor and the Ministry for the continued death cause by the virus. Not for very much longer, he thought, and scanned the headlines from the solar system colonies.

  Half way through the second cocktail, and having absorbed about as much propaganda as possible, he glanced up to find Irena standing next to his desk. Her expression did not betray her intent. So, he returned the same nondescript stare. She finally broke the silence, “The children are down for the night. I didn’t know what time to expect you, so I had a sandwich with them. I
have requested a light supper for you, do you want it served in the Triclinium or in here?”

  “In here would be fine.”

  “Very well. I’m going to bed to read.” She turned and marched off.

  Light dinner indeed, Marcus thought, looking at the simple fare of soup, salad and bread he was served. But then again, since he would have to spend a few extra minutes on the exercise bike to work of the Osso buco, he and Josephus shared at lunch, maybe this wasn’t so bad. He continued reading while he ate. When he finished eating, he switched to work, and his unanswered messages.

  Once the plates were removed, he started to grab a cognac, but decided more alcohol would only slow his mind tomorrow. With the way things were going he needed all his faculties to thwart Kukulcan’s next move. After the cure is announced, and Kukulcan has been defeated, then he would get good and drunk. Marcus looked at the remainder of his messages and decided it was time for bed. He needed to get up early and spend some time on the bike.

  Irena was still awake when he got to the bedroom, but she didn’t bother to look up from her book while he prepared for bed. After he had finished dressing and climbed in, she put down her book and looked at him. “Does it even bother you that we have not said two civil words to each other for the last three days?”

  “I’m not particularly happy about the situation, but Irena I have done nothing wrong. I have done nothing to harm our relationship. And I quite frankly don’t have any idea what to say to help you get over whatever it is that’s upsetting you.” He was staring at her trying to read any change in body language, which might give a hint of weather the comments would lead to a fight or reconciliation. Damn he thought. He may indeed love her, but if she keeps this up, he was damn sure she would not like what happened next. He had far too much going on; he needed a partner, and not this kind of anguish.

  “I know you didn’t,” she said sliding closer to him. “Why didn’t you tell me, you didn’t even pick Aeliana? She was simply sent as a replacement from personnel.”

  “I did, but you didn’t listen. I told you I didn’t care if my assistant was male, female or eunuch as long as they could do the job. I also told you, the only person I’m interested in sexually is you, but you didn’t hear that either.” Marcus said feeling his fight reflex beginning to subside. There was something in her tone that hinted at reconciliation. Good he thought; her attempts at reconciliation were usually pretty good.

  “I know,” she answered in a soothing tone and moved closer, both actions reinforced his conjecture. “I know you want me,” this time she slipped her hand under the covers and started to gently stroke him.

  “Wait a minute,” Marcus said in a somewhat broken voice. “What was all that noise about me having a young pretty assistant?”

  “Oh Marcus, I know you wouldn’t chase another woman. What I didn’t know was if another woman was going to chase you. I had to look her in the eyes to know for sure, now I know, Aeliana is not after you, she is leaving that for me.” She said seductively and slowly slid under the covers.

  ◆◆◆

  Marcus awoke refreshed for the first time in what seemed weeks. He did not disturb Irena as he quietly left the bed and bedchamber. After changing into shorts and athletic shirt, he went to the fitness building. The building was behind the house and was equipped with state of the art aerobic and anaerobic fitness machines. It even had a full sized a lap pool. The trappings of being Vespus were so ingrained that it never occurred to Marcus having such an extravagant gym, was unusual.

  After stretching, he mounted the bicycle, and programmed for the alpine mountain course, his favorite. As soon as he started peddling, the gym surroundings vanished; he was riding his bike on a mountain trail somewhere in the Alps. The trail ran along a spine between two peaks. Each side of the trail fell away sharply, descending two thousand feet. The facsimile was so realistic it even included a mountain breeze scented with edelweiss.

  Marcus rode the trail hard, for forty-five minutes. The program came to an end and the mountain setting vanished. As a cool down, he set the bike to a light setting and activated a holo-presentation of the morning news program. As usual there was virtually nothing of interest. He peddled completely absorbed in his own body functions. Feeling the lactic acid dissipate in his quadriceps and calf muscle, he was alone in private thoughts. Suddenly he was returned to the fitness center when his subconscious mind recognized the word Maya in the news broadcast. He slowed his peddling and looked at the display.

  An attractive woman in her late thirties was reading a story about a disturbance in the Mayan Province. Local police were pursuing a group known as the Morning Star for seditious acts and heinous crimes. According to the news report, the Morning Star was actively conducting human sacrifice as part of their religious beliefs. A short clip of a captured member was shown. The member was being transported from the jail to a court hearing. His face showed signs of rough treatment. And that’s only a start, Marcus thought – good. Getting into the police vehicle he could be heard yelling in broken republic, “The end of the long count is near. The Feathered Serpent will return. We are preparing for his arrival and making the way safe with human blood.”

  The reporter went on to say the Morning Star had been kidnapping tourists from the resort town of Xel-Ha. They had been killing the victims using crude ancient obsidian knifes to rip out the heart. Some reports even claimed parts of the victims had been eaten. The victims’ skulls had been cleaned dried and were displayed on secret religious alter in the provincial jungles.

  Marcus had stopped peddling completely and was just staring at the broadcaster. Damn it, he thought, Kukulcan’s son is the high priest for that group of heathen butchers. I had him and had to let him go. But worse than that, what the hell will he do with Cassandra if he catches her? This bunch of savages must be stopped.

  The newscaster changed and so too did the story, some mundane tripe about a young attractive female heir involved in lewd behavior at Capri nightclub. Marcus turned off the broadcast. He started to work with some of the free weights, but his mind would not allow the body to exert the necessary effort. The experience was more frustrating than it was worth, so he gave up and headed back to the house.

  He showered, dressed and had breakfast. During all of which, he could not get Kukulcan out of his head. That bastard is busy killing people, while I’m trying to save them. There can’t be a more clearly defined contrast than that, he reasoned. To Marcus it all boiled down to a mortal battle between good and evil, and he did not have any problem identifying which he represented.

  ◆◆◆

  At the office a cheerful Aeliana greeted Marcus. “Good morning Aeliana. I need to spend a few minutes with one of my researchers this morning. I want you to rearrange my schedule and leave it free until ten.” He said as he continued at a consistent brisk pace into his office.

  Punching keys on her data pad Aeliana called to Marcus as he passed, “Yes sir. I will notify your nine o’clock appointment at once.” As soon as she sent the necessary notification, Aeliana followed Marcus into his office. “Your schedule has been modified. Is there anything else you would like me to address this morning?”

  “No. That will suffice. I will be back at ten.”

  “Sir, before you leave. Which researcher will you be meeting with?”

  “Dr. Singh.” He called over his shoulder on the way out of the office. Walking down the hall, he wondered why she asked that question. He would be in the building; what difference did it make which researcher he was visiting? Quintus would have never asked, he reasoned, but then again Quintus had been with him for so long he just knew. Perhaps it was just that Aeliana was just trying to learn the job.

  Dr. Singh was obviously excited when Marcus got to his lab, “We did it.” He eagerly exclaimed.

  “Did what?” Marcus asked having not yet been infected by Singh’s excitement. Marcus had seen researchers get worked into frenzy at the first drop of distillate coming from a distillati
on experiment; he was not going to get worked up until there was a cogent reason.

  “The quantitative viral titer, the procedure works. Please come with me and I will show you.” Dr. Singh almost grabbed Marcus’s hand as the two left the laboratory. He led Marcus into the patient area of hospital, talking insistently the whole time. Marcus tried to comprehend but was having difficulty. Only bits and pieces of the prattle made any kind of sense. It seemed Dr. Singh’s team had been able to model the viral partitioning effect in terminal patients. Once that was accomplished they were able to identify the precise dose of phage required to destroy the entire virus. The virus was eliminated and there was no phage spill over or hepatic accumulation. As Marcus’s comprehension of Dr. Singh’s story increased, so too did his hope.

  The two entered a patient room and found a middle-aged woman on a life support system. Marcus did a quick visual exam and called back to Dr. Singh. “Very interesting. I know this woman. She was in the final tertiary phase, but this is very interesting. The viral lesions are fading, and she does not have an elevated temperature. You must be giving her massive doses of antipyretics and steroids.”

  Dr. Singh was smiling broadly, “No sir, we suspended the antipyretics when the phage was administered, and the lesions are fading because she no longer has the virus. There is none to be found in her blood. We have also conducted biopsies on all the major organs, all are virus free, and what’s left of her liver, after the virus got done with it, is functioning properly.”

  Marcus took a step back and looked at the patient. He then let Dr. Singh’s words be thoroughly processed in his mind. After a few iterations he found there was only one conclusion. The patient was cured! It took every ounce of his will power to maintain control of the emotions that were growing in every corner of his being. Don’t get carried away, he told himself. There is still much to do. “Dr. Singh. I want to be clear. You are telling me you have managed to remove all trace of the virus from this woman?”