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41

New Irem, The Grand Duchy of Reziel
Embassy of the Republic-Khanates of Dovakhan

“If there was supposed to be some sort of review of the foreign missions, why didn’t the Director of Diplomacy conduct the matter himself?” asked the Dovakhanese Ambassador to Reziel with a hint of a whine. Indeed, it didn’t exactly follow the chain of command that the Representative to the Confederated East Pacific would be reviewing his office. This greatly disturbed the Ambassador

“The Magisterium of the Confederated East Pacific is not in session right now. So, given my relative lack of duties, I was asked by the Director himself to conduct a special review of this and other missions in advance of expanding our operations here,” replied Mariana Respolitsia with a tight smile as she presented the official letter from the Director of Diplomacy. It amused her to imagine what the exceedingly rigid Director thought when the Khagan-Chancellor informed him of all this out of the blue.

“Alright then… is there anything I can do for you?” asked the Dovakhanese Ambassador to Reziel.

“A spare office with a telephone and network hook-up will do quite nicely. Also, could you please get me a cup of chai?” she asked with the same levity.

(…)

“Hello, Mr. Tyninan? It’s your erstwhile acquaintance. I have just arrived in the Grand Duchy. I will need for you to arrange a meeting with the interested parties and, at the earliest occasion, the specific person in question. I’d prefer not to be seen at a certain embassy, for reasons I’m sure you understand,” said Ambassador Respolitsia matter-of-factly.

42

Kangarawan Embassy
Marilyn’s Rooms

“Our child …he will be … he could be our nation’s new beginning.”

Marilyn allowed the tears to fall unchecked as she walked over to perch on the arm of his chair, resting her head on his shoulder, his arm automatically reaching around her back to pull her closer.

It wasn’t that Lach hadn’t talked about his childhood. He had. Ileana, Elistar and Kadras had always taken great delight in sharing stories, often embarrassing Lach with their chuckling reminisces. And Kadras? Kadras had a gift for story-telling. Many a night over a glass or two of wine, she’d listened, fascinated as he spoke of not only the history but of the fall of the Iremian Empire and his hopes for the future. Never had any of them even hinted that Lach had been “lacking” in any way … but then, they wouldn’t. They all loved him. She’d certainly never heard rumours about Lach. To now hear how he’d actually felt growing up came almost as physical blow. She’d known even as she listened to Kadras that many stories had been left untold. She wasn’t Rezielian.

Given Lach’s comments and the anger and threat by the twin, she was frightened. She’d been convinced that hers was the only logical decision. But now? There was so much she didn’t know, so much that she didn’t understand. Too much. She … no, they needed answere before they could do anything more.

But not tonight. Lifting her head, she turned slightly so that she could see his face. His eyes mirrowed the fatigue and uncertainly in her own. Her vice was tremulous as she spoke.

“Lach, I know it’s early but … but can we just sit by the fire for now … listen to music and just … not talk anymore about this tonight? I can’t … I don’t …” She stoped, unable to say anything more.

Without a word, a myriad of emotions jumbled together in his eyes, he drew her to her feet and held her tightly before gently releasing her.

“Of course, my beloved.”

They sat entwined on the couch, each gaining strength and comfort from the other, but as they stared into the flickering flames, each was alone with his thoughts.

43

New Irem – The Fortress
Later that evening – 12 PM – Reziel’s rooms

«Indeed, she has definitely met my expectations. It has been a worth try… and I’m sure we’ll be able to get all of the unofficial assistance we’ll need» grinned Lord Tynian, sipping a bit of the tasty wine the Grand Duke had just offered him. Nodding, Elistar Reziel smiled back.

«Sooner or later I’ll have to meet this Mariana Respolitsia… she seems a rather interesting woman» he chortled «But please… summarize me the timetable again: I want to be sure I’ve understood everything. Details are…»

«Fundamental, as always» added the NISA operative commander «As I’ve told… Lady Torvaen’s lunch will be a fundraising one, for ‘the little sweet children of Airbus UK’» he added, his voice being a falsetto imitation of the old Lady’s «It’s scheduled to take place in Solanthus at 1 PM. Lady Almsyck has been…»

«How have you been able to involve Lady Torvaen, my friend? I mean… the woman is a witch! She…» interjected the Grand Duke, immediately going silent as he met the older man’s stern glance.

«I’ve pulled strings and pushed buttons, Grand Duke. I’m not here to discuss my methods… nor to give out my net. You take the information you’re given as… facts» he replied dryly «So… 1 PM, in Solanthus. Lady Almsyck has been officially invited. Her copter is scheduled to take off at 10.30 AM from New Irem International. Incidentally, she’ll be able to offer a passage to both Lady Janus and Lady Respolitsia… whose timely arrival in New Irem is a grace, considering how much the Dovakhanese are humanitarianly worried about the situation in Airbus UK after our intervention»

«A lucky coincidence» grinned the Grand Duke.

«Indeed. Myself… I’ll be on the copter, too. My presence will be unofficial… again, do not worry about this. This way, Lady Respolitsia will be able to confront Lady Janus about the whole matter. Lady Almsyck’s presence will be both justified and very important to equilibrate the conversation… while mine will be fundamental as I suspect the Dovakhanese Ambassadress will require supplemental information about…»

«Undoubtedly. Lady Janus will probably…»

«Yes… I suppose she’ll need more information, too. This is a perfect chance. 10.30 AM to 1 PM… two hours and a half will have to be enough, in this phase. After that… we’ll have to see»

As he went silent, Reziel nodded. As always, Tynian hadn’t left anything unexamined.

«Now… the Deltas for the…»

«One of my Silver Snakes has been requested to forward a decrypting code to Swordfish Norrell down in Free Pacific States. Assuming you would have approved my choice… I’ve already required one of my net experts to forward him an untraceable encrypted e-mail containing his instructions»

[hr]
Free Pacific States – Garneldo Naval base
Later that night – 02 AM

Even if the message was still being erased from the armband’s memory, William Norrell’s mind was already running fast, despite the unexpected and nightly intrusion in his rooms. Together with the inventory of needed equipment, a full list of names was already forming in front of his eyes: the men who had been with him during the Airbusian mess four years before, men who had become accustomed to work side-by-side with the Dovakhanese Green Crescents… who seemed destined to be their counterparts once again.

«Defense contractors… hired for an independent evaluation of the Packilvania-Dovakhanese northern border» he chuckled, selecting a number of names from the armband’s list. Moments after, all of the green lights had turned on… except one. Not too bad, for a 2 AM call. And they had even found the one taking care of cooking, it seemed, he grinned.

«Swordfish here. Operative within 5.55 AM, preliminary briefing at 6 AM. Embarking at 6.45 AM from Garneldo… civilian seaport. Standard Delta equipment. Undefined permanence. Swordfish out» he closed, without even waiting for his guys’ confirmations.

Observing the clock, he smirked. Despite the Snake’s statements and despite the fact his men were born ‘ready to go’… there were a number of things to do. Even if his guys weren’t questioning ones, the preliminary briefing had to be prepared carefully. While pretending to be defense contractors, in the first phase they were required to perform preliminary surveys of the Dovakhanese/Kangarwan borders… with the ultimate goal of evaluating the chance to install a second-line supporting camp. After that, they would have received further information… but they had to be prepared for possible incursions into Kangarawa. Rescue ones… but not only. And the Protector’s seal shining at the end of the communication proved the seriousness of the whole thing.

44

Office of the President, Parliament Buildings, Tasman City, Kangarawa
Inner Sanctum - 9 a.m.

Definitely not the reaction she had hoped for but most certainly one she ought to have expected, Masters thought. Just once, she’d have liked to have seen Adrienne Miller lose her cool. Miller had read the communique from Reziel and then … nothing. Absolutely nothing. Not a flicker of emotion, no heightening in colour, no tension … nothing. Would that she herself had that kind of control. Miller merely shifted her gaze from the communique to the large cube of black electronic equipment which always sat on the right corner of her desk in this small office off her “public office” for a brief moment and then fixed her gaze on Carolyn.

“Thank you, Carolyn. Why didn’t you get this to me yesterday?”

Masters glanced over at Miller’s assistant then back to Miller, not answering her question directly. “How would you like me to respond, Madame President? I’d like to suggest that …”

“I’ll respond, in time. That will be all.” Brad, standing by the door as usual, opened it and held it wide.

Despite her countless dealings with the woman, Masters was taken aback by the abrupt dismissal. One didn’t put off dealing with a staunch ally, particularly given their rare diplomatic status. “Madame President …”

The chill of her eyes contradicting the small smile she gave, Miller repeated, “That will be all.”

Cheeks flaming, Masters returned the cold look with one of her own and rose from her chair. With great dignity, she passed by Brad, hearing the door close behind her.

Miller’s tone was flat as she addressed Brad. “Get me a copy of our current diplomatic relations with Reziel as well as a listing of all Rezielian nationals currently in the country. Tell Dmitri I’d like to see him immediately and get General McKinstry here within the next two hours.”

Brad nodded and shut the door quietly as he returned to his desk. Setting the required search parameters on his system, he contacted the Under Secretary of Intelligence, relaying the brief summons. While waiting for the requested information to load, he wondered again at the President’s refusal to have anything electronic in her inner office save the black generator, and her insistence on having hard copies of everything. It never made any sense. There were no filing cabinets in her office. In fact, the only things in her inner sanctum were her desk, four chairs and the black cube. Quickly scanning his screen, he keyed a synopsis of the lengthy diplomatic spiel, printed a copy of both it and the numerous pages of Rezielian nationals currently in country and took both into Miller’s office, leaving immediately to wait on Dmitri Kostrov.

Once alone again, Miller scanned the first page, ignoring, for the time being, the countless pages attached to it.

When Kostrov entered, the pages were face-down on her desk.

“Madame President?”

“Good morning, Dmitri. I want the doessiers on Chantal Scythes and all relations, including distribution of assets.”

Kostrov smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Something going on that I should be aware of, Madame President?” Miller passed him the communique from the Grand Duchy. Chuckling as he read it, he passed it back when finished.

“And how do you intend to respond?”

Miller’s smile was grim. “In a way I’m quite certain he’ll not expect.”

“As you wish, Madame President”.

Once the Under Secretary had left, Miller gazed into the black cube. The smile on her face was not pleasant.

45

New Irem International – Governmental area
10.28 AM

As the member of the ground crew closed the door of the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_429#Specifications_.28Bell_429.29, Lord Tynian smiled charmingly at the three women.

«Lady Respolitsia, Lady Janus… I’m honored to meet the two of them. Lady Janus… I thank you for the passage»

«You should thank the Grand Duke, Lord Tynian: it’s his personal copter, after all. And then… it seems your presence has been considered… warmly advised, to use an euphemism» replied the Rezielan Minister. She knew the man rather well, having had to work side-by-side with the Iremian Secret… the New Iremian Secret Agency quite often during her diplomatic career. But despite that, she had never been able to become ‘used’ to his presence. The white-haired man seemed able to move behind and beyond any regular scheme of predictability, which made him definitely hard to read. But then, his loyalty to the nation was unquestionable… just as his efficient proficiency.

«We’re expecting a smooth flight, my Ladies» he told, with no apparent reply to Ileana’s comment «And our pilot is confident we’ll reach Solanthus International in due time… which means we have roughly ninety minutes. Too few for a complete exchange of pleasantries… therefore, I’d suggest we could skip that phase and move straight to the gist of the topic. I’m sure that the general concept of diplomacy will survive to this impolite violation of the game’s rules» he smirked.

As the copter gently took off, the three women remained slightly bemused by the man’s words, giving him the chance to simply go on.

«The copter is safe from any chance of tapping. At present moment, not even the Archangels are able to eavesdrop, therefore… Lady Janus, Kangarawa cannot be considered a trustworthy nation anymore. The change in its leadership is nothing else but a disgrace… and yes, we definitely fear your country is not able to protect itself from the internal threats. Above all because said threats happen to have occupied the most part of seats in the buttons’ rooms. Consequently… yes. There are intervention plans. There have already been operations inside your country and… we’re not acting out of the blue. Our intervention has been requested, and we’re working on multiple levels together with… let’s call them ‘anti Faction’ activists. Unofficially, of course. So unofficially that some of those activists are actually believed dead by your Government»

«Lord Tynian, this is… I mean. Despite everything, the present Kangarawan Government is a legitimate one and… you are… we are…» started Ileana, definitely surprised by the implications of what she had just heard.

«Taking all necessary steps to annihilate it. Yes, my Lady. And as I’ve anticipated to Lady Respolitsa… we’re basically needing help with this. More help coming from Kangarawan activists… and even more help coming from other nations. And due to its geographical proximity… Dovakhan comes into play straight here» he smirked.

46

Airbus UK – Capital City of Port Jennifer
Office of the President Balaji Darmutsan – in the meanwhile

Immediately after Darbat Singh’s spectacular death, the military oppression he had created with his coup started to collapse under the weight of internal rivalries between his main officers… the whole thing being spiced up by the progressive and merciless annihilation of their troops. In the end, the remnants of the Singhian army routed… and the invading Iremians did what he wouldn’t have ever thought they would have. They had stopped… and they had sent out an official communicate. With it, they accepted the unconditioned surrendering of the troops and asked for a possible interlocutor to discuss about their own withdrawal from Airbus. In the power-vacuum, the nation took the easiest route, restoring the legitimate Government. Thus, he had entered the Presidential office once again. Unofficially assisted by FPSian diplomatic representatives, he had gone to the table… just to find out the Iremians had no specific request but one: the official acknowledgment their intervention had been useful to annihilate a dictatorship and to restore a legitimate status quo. Basically, nothing else. They weren’t asking for years and years of exclusive exploitation of the nation’s riches and deposits of raw materials. Well… not that they weren’t interested at all about it, but they seemed to be far more interested in their own stance in front of the international community, as if they feared an official accusation of having started the war or the like.

Well… to be accurate, they indeed had. But the re-appointed President was a practical man. Without an army, without a steady national apparatus, the situation was a mess. A mess which would have taken ages to come out of. If nothing else, the Iremian had given excellent proofs of their own discipline and organization. In those contingencies, their support was something Airbus would have made great use of. So… Balaj had accepted. Two months after the cease-fire, he had appeared in front of a large meeting of foreign reporters to officially thank the Iremians for their intervention, stress the main atrocities perpetrated by the Singhians and announce the start of a period of side-by-side co-operation with the Iremians themselves aimed at the quickest reconstruction possible.

Now that five years had passed and that he finally had some ‘free’ moments to breath, Balaji Darmutsan decided the time had come to satisfy a curiosity of his own. In the end, the Iremians had done a great job training the re-founded Airbusian police… and they had been good buyers of a number of being-decommissioned military installations and equipments which Airbus simply couldn’t afford to maintain anymore. Thanks to their efforts, the Iremians had finally been able to start their own withdrawal… with a single and notable exception. Indeed, they had restructured Singh’s main military installation just outside Madras… and then, they had requested to be authorized to rent it for a renewable duration of ninety-nine years. Basically, they planned to use it as a de facto permanent garrison of them in the southern part of East Pacific… officially, as a second-line support to their FPSian installation in Garneldo.

Once again, Balaji himself had carefully examined the situation… and he had accepted their request. Not only because of the fresh money the Iremians had put on the table… but because a garrison of them would have been rather useful to protect the nation and dissuade foreigners to take hostile steps. Something Airbus itself wasn’t able to, due to its own progressive demilitarization. But then… after some years, something curious had started to happen. Namely, Kangarawans showing up. In the beginning, it was no more than single operators or at best couples of them… but lately, their presence had definitely increased, the Iremians’ answers on the point being increasingly elusive and vague. The whole thing was definitely irrelevant… but that very vagueness had drawn his curiosity.

And now, after having examined a good ton of document, he had finally started to understand. The whole thing was somehow linked to the deep changes happening in Kangarawa after the tragic deaths of President Mappins and Mrs Scythes. There still were grey zones… but the picture was beginning a bit clearer: the Iremians and the Kangarawans intended to use the Madras installation for some unofficial purpose of theirs. And he had to find out which kind of risks and/or possible advantages for Airbus this could have implied.

47

New Irem – The Fortress
In the meanwhile – The terrace outside Reziel’s rooms

As soon as he entered the terrace, Lachdanan perceived that something had changed inside the young Archangel Lieutenant. Arian hadn’t yet noticed the Colonel’s entrance and he was leaning against the marble railing, his gaze lost on the city at the Hill’s feet, part of his arctic-combat uniform still on, as he hadn’t even been granted the time to take a shower. But then… without needing anything else but seeing him, Lachdanan couldn’t avoid…

[hr]
Elsewhere

When the gentle breeze suddenly ceased, the man put down the flute. Frowning, he observed distant clouds coming far closer and obscuring the sunshine. When the grass began withering in front of his eyes, he shook his head in what seemed an annoyed disagreement and then he waited for the armored figure to materialize.

«Interesting news, Cousin. But I’d have expected to be… informed» the crimson eyes were shimmering in challenging rage as he nonchalantly sat on what could have been the fallen remnant of an ancient column.

«Not my fault if you suddenly disappear, freezing your own ass chasing for fallen angels… Cousin»

For a brief moment, the light seemed to be sucked away as the level of rage inside the shining crimsons increased. Grinning, the other man remained imperturbable, as if the show wasn’t impressing him so much. In the end, it was the armored knight the one who broke the stalemate. The light come back as he laughed loudly.

«Good point indeed… even if you’re obviously failing to understand the ultimate purpose of my… wandering. So… interesting choice. No blood from the One Thousand Columns City runs in her veins… this could well have unexpected implications… can’t it? But then… there’s something more, and I’m not sure I really like it»

«Oh… should this imply anything, Cousin?» the man asked, his tone being exaggeratedly interrogative in what seemed a clear derision. Catching it, the armored knight rose on his feet… but the other man did just the same, ready to hold his own position.

«You shouldn’t dare to challenge me, Dealmaker. You should remember your place… and who I am. What I’ve always been… what I will always be»

«Been? Will be… what? The shadow around the One Thousand Columns City? The unspoken terror, the blade in the night… the death-giver? Ah! Live your illusions, Cousin! You come here, threatening me… implying you have some kind of power over me… you haven’t. You’ve not had in centuries. While you played your comedy of the shadowy darkness… I’ve been playing a far more serious game. I am the One Thousand Columns City. I am the Empire. I’ve sat on the throne for countless centuries… I’ve shaped it. It has been my influence over the Imperial Family what allowed everything to happen… if we are where we are, it’s because of me, not because of your endless schemes and goals and anything» there was no passion, no sense of triumph. The tale was being told with a matter-of-fact tone… and the knight grinned.

«Where we are? Half a world away from the ruins of your precious Empire, its glory lying in ruins behind your back?»

This time, it was the other man the one who laughed, his head being shook in disbelief.

«All of this time… and you’ve not learnt anything. Despising the Youngsters so much, you’ve wasted the centuries, Cousin. Everything has its own purposes… nothing happens randomly. Nothing. Not even the fall of the Empire…»

«Funny… you’re trying to convince me you’re the hidden architect? The one whose…»

«I’m not in need to convince you of anything. Facts speak by themselves»

«Facts?»

«You’ve finally realized that your precious castle is nothing else but at extension of your mind… well… rather lately, aren’t you?»

This time, the armored knight froze.

«What? So many years of your veiled sense of superiority crumbling because of a simple question, Cousin? So many years making fun out of me because I was… can’t remember the term… tamed? Not even a moment of re-thinking… not even when I abandoned the Fool to possess the Lonely Prince?»

[hr]
New Irem – The Fortress
In the meanwhile – The terrace outside Reziel’s rooms

«Lach. Come back here»

Shaking his head, Lachdanan followed Reziel’s voice. When his eyes focused back on him, Lachdanan threw a quick glance at Arian. A quick nodding from him told everything. Whatever had dragged his attention away… Arian knew. It was that. Arian’s increased consciousness.

«Storm… nice to see you»

«Nice to see you back, Rainbow» he smiled. The Lieutenant’s posture. Something in his voice… the arctic mission had changed the boy… no: the man in front of him. How old was he, now? Twenty one, sure. Time was running quickly. It was just yesterday when Codric had been killed and now the brat annoying all of them was standing in front of him… an Archangel. The pot of gold at the Rainbow’s end?

«Storm… Reziel has anticipated me the reason of this call and… yes, I think I’m ready for that. The Second Blade of Irem will be at Marilyn’s side, as my…»

«No»

Arian remained speechless. Interrogatively raising an eyebrow, Elistar Reziel glanced at the Archangel Colonel. It didn’t make sense. The choice had been made, this whole rethinking was… even more puzzled, he observed Lachdanan signing him not to interfere.

«It’s… yes. The time has come. I had honestly thought it wouldn’t have happened so soon, but…» Lachdanan seemed a bit unconvinced of his own words, but in the meanwhile he unsheathed the sword at his side «I mean… I’ve carried it for so many years, now. I’ve won it from the one who was carrying it before me…» here, a sign of mutual nodding with Reziel was exchanged «…but as I was saying, the time has come. The sword is meant to be carried by a person only… the First Blade of Irem. It has been me… now, it’s your turn»

With the grace of a master swordsman, Lachdanan changed his grasp on the ancient weapon. With a fluent gesture, his hand moved on the sword’s blade, its hilt being presented to Arian, who on the contrary seemed too astonished to make a single move. But when Reziel smiled at him, nodding his assent, he hesitantly placed his hand over the ancient metal.

«It’s unusual… but it has happened in the past. Ki’jo knows if this is unexpected even for me… but I have to do what has to be done. Your turn, Arian De Corde. Be…» he started, suddenly stopping. Clearing his own throat, he instinctively assumed what could have well been described by an Imperial stance, his body irradiating an aura of obvious majesty «Be it known from Irem to Zigan that the First Blade of Irem is passed. Be it known in the four corners of the world that Arian of the De Cordes, son of Codric and Ileana Almsyck is now its caretaker»

48

Department of Intelligence - Communications Centre, 5 km north of Tasman City, Kangarawa

Eric Patterson was good. In fact, he was damned good. He was arguably the best analyst in the service when it came to satellite surveillance since Ray Sibthorpe had resigned but the last month’s work had frustrated him and his team no end.

The Kashaboholeth Mountain Range ought to have been fully covered but only one of the two satellites that covered it was sending images, and it wasn’t the only satellite in the network to have suddenly gone “silent”. At least three others had as well. He’d asked. Profer knew he’d asked but had been repeatedly told to work with what he had and not to discuss the matter with anyone but his immediate superior. Satellites didn’t “go silent” without a reason. Hell, if the country was ever nuked the damned satellites would keep sending images regardless. He’d even asked if they’d been reprogrammed. Nada. He was beginning to understand why Sibthorpe had left.

As it was, only one hundred and fifty kilometres or so of the eight hundred kilometre range was covered. For the rest, he had to depend on aircraft surveillance. Security wasn’t normally a problem given the inhospitable nature of the Kashaboholeths but his orders had been to find the location of a rebel encampment. Who in their right minds would set up camp there? It had to be big. Why else would two battalions have been moved in? One was camped in the foothills in the north of the north-south running chain along the eastern borders, the other on Jofet’s Pass just out of satellite range. Jofet’s was the lowest pass at just under three thousand metres, still a logistical nightmare in terms of supplies given the winds and weather. But if it was big, it wasn’t in the northern part of the range. They’d have found it by now even if the guys they were looking for knew when the satellite was overhead. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes.

Rezielian Military Base - Outskirts of Madras, Airbus UK

Fisher leafed through the damning evidence again, reluctantly admiring both its brilliance and simplistic complexity. They’d covered everything: land transfers within holding companies, licenses, phone records, bank statements, eye-witnesses, DNA evidence, death-bed confessions, travel records. All led to only one conclusion of course, false, but who would be able to prove it? The Mappins’ government had spent years trying to break into the Faction’s communications network. It’s complexity was designed, brilliantly designed, to intimidate by sheer scale. It was a haze. For every tentacle they’d managed to sever it seemed another dozen grew. Whoever had managed to put this together would not have left a trail.

Absently massaging his right knee, he closed his eyes briefly before placing the papers on top of the https://forum.theeastpacific.com/invision-404 He picked up the phone and dialled a number known to only a few.

“Robert Delaney, please.”

“Speaking.”

“Your shirts should be ready at 9:30, sir.”

“It’s fine, Charles. I’m alone. The line’s secure.” David Miller sounded impatient.

Fisher nodded. “The Grand Duke has the response from the President now. They want Janus extradited for complicity in the murders of Chantal and Peter. He won’t be able to dispute their so-called evidence. The paperwork links her directly to Lucille Haskalah. We knew the link was there from sources in Kandarin, but this effectively proves that they collaborated with her. Nothing was ever recorded on our end … there was no proof and her name was only a suggestion.”

During the long pause that followed, Fisher could almost hear his old friend’s mind at work.

“So … Marilyn is the sacrificial pawn to get at the Resistance. If the Grand Duchy refuses to extradite, they have room to manoeuvre … and my guess is that it will refuse to extradite. They know the situation.”

“Yep. Have you seen the Telegraph?”

“Not yet. Why?”

Fisher read the highlights of the pertinent article, smiling slightly as he heard David chuckle.

“I’m flattered that they think me so important. Not like them to be so obvious about it though, Charles.”

“Perhaps not, but with attention focused on the Pax …”

“… few will pay any attention to an internal dispute that spills over onto another country because it refuses to honour a treaty. The joint military installation?”

“That’s our best guess. It’s the only one of its kind. Once the Rezielians are out …”

“Can they get away with it?”

Fisher paused before replying. “I don’t know, David. I just don’t know.”

49

The Grand Duchy of Reziel – Solanthus
The Archangels’ HQ - Emergency meeting - Immediately after

When Reziel’s fist thundered against the table, everyone went silent. Even Lachdanan, who was obviously the most worried, sat back on his chair, waiting for the Grand Duke to speak.

«Everyone… panicking won’t help us. Overreaction won’t help us» here, his glance danced over Lachdanan and Lothar De Corde «Nor stressing the many risks… I’m aware of them all. But this is a dangerous situation… so, dangerous solutions have to be examined. Therefore… Arian. A quick debriefing and then your field considerations. Sirs… this is the whole point: strategy and tactic. The one without the other and everything will be screwed. Arian?»

All of the eyes over him, Arian De Corde stood silent for a brief while, his mind analyzing the plan. Chances. Risks. Possible problems. Hindrances. Logistic… tactic. His left hand moving instinctively over the sword’s hilt at his side, he finally raised his glance.

«It can be… I can do it» he stated «The first part won’t be too difficult… taking down the copter without really harming its occupants, I mean. The real problems will come immediately after. The impact with the water… and then, during the sinking. There will be no surviving gear, inside… and as we’ll need to do it in open waters, we’ll have no more than a couple of minutes to locate, secure and ring the two of them back to the sub. After that… hypothermia will do its course. But… yes, I’m confident I will…»

«’Confident’ is not enough, Arian» interjected Lothar De Corde, glancing straight at his younger brother.

«I’m requested field considerations, Major. I’m speaking under a field-perspective. With all due respect, I cannot say anything more than ‘it can be done’. I will say ‘it has been done’ only after I’ll be back inside the sub» replied the young Lieutenant, his gaze sustaining his brother’s.

«So, you’re saying…» began Reziel, being immediately interrupted.

«Two specifications are needed, Grand Duke. I’ve told I can do it… but under two provisos. First… I’ll be given the men and the teams I’ll request, with no limitation. Assuming this won’t be a problem… Lachdanan will not take part to the operation» added Arian, his gaze immediately moving on the Archangels’ Colonel.

«What the…»

«Storm, you’re too involved. This will limit your perceptions. Secondly… the backbone of your training is not a SEAL’s. And you do not have specific training for polar waters… I do. This is my field… and your presence won’t be of any help. You… you’ll have to trust me»

For a moment, the whole assembly went silent, everyone thinking to what had been told. The whole thing was absurd… but absurd moves coming from Tasman City required absurd reactions from the Grand Duchy. In the end, it was Elistar Reziel the one who spoke again.

«So… under a tactical perspective, it can be done. Now, the point is… what about the overall strategy?» here, the Grand Duke looked straight at the two Kangarawans, the only foreigners attending the meeting «David, Patrick… it’s Marilyn’s life. In our opinion, the extradition request is filth. But if we simply deny it, we’ll do the Faction’s game. They’re looking for an excuse to kick us all out of Kangarawa… they know we’re observing them and they want us out of the playing table. As an alternative, we can reshuffle the deck and try to put them in the corner… but we’re not ready to play this game, if Marilyn is not safe. And we honestly think there’s no other way to protect her but to make everyone believe she’s dead»

Going silent, the Garnd Duke waited for the Kangarawans’ answer.

50

Patrick had stiffened as Reziel’s fist hit the desk. He had not been “panicking” as the Grand Duke had suggested, merely angry as hell. Miller caught his eye and almost imperceptibly shook is head as Patrick started to rise. Miller was pale, but as far as Patrick was concerned, looked as though he could have been discussing the weather. Then again, Marilyn wasn’t his sister. Taking a deep breath, Paddy watched the interplay between the Archangels, his attention focussed mainly on Arian.

He’s too young …

Swanie had mentioned that Arian was "OK’ when he’d arrived unannounced a few days ago; high praise from the usually laconic mountain goat. Apparently he and this Arian had been part of something somewhere up north.

Miller spoke with his usual calm dignity. “Can we not get their permission for this? We’re not only talking about Lady De Corde and Marilyn but of Lady Respolitsia as well. Is this worth risking an incident with Dovakhan?”

51

Among so many who were definitely more entitled than him to take active part to the discussion, Arian had just one asset. He was quicker. In that situation, it was enough.

«Lord Miller… this will not happen now. If the operation will be authorized, my team will have to gather. We’ll be ready within thirteen hours from the ‘go’. Underwater, four persons would be too much… we should take for good at least one loss, something we cannot afford. No. Mar… Lady Janus will be the one occupant of the copter. Aside the pilot of course» he replied, before adding a final consideration accompanied by a crooked smile «Moreover… Lady De Corde is my mother. In no case I’ll be able to have her obeying my orders… and down there, I won’t have the time to open an endless mummy-and-kiddo discussion»

52

Patrick had stared at Miller in bemusement at the question. He’s more upset than I thought …

“Of course. I should have realised.” He shook his head slowly from side to side. “Forgive an old man who ought to have thought things through.” He paused, lips slightly pursed. “So. You’ll bring all of them back now. By playing it out this way, you could make it appear that you are acceding to the extradition demand and only then will Marilyn “disappear”. It could work provided that you, young man, …” his gaze focussed on Arian, " … are as good as everyone seems to think you are."

“As I’ve said, Lord Miller, I …”

“I heard you. You believe it can be done but can’t make any guarantees. Nor, I suppose, would I expect you to. There remains the problem of convincing Lady Respolitsia that the whole extradition thing is a sham if we want the assistance of the Dovakhanese. Frankly, I’m not sure I can see that happening. That, however, is something we can address later. Patrick?”

“She’ll do it.” The political implications might become important to him later, but right now, he found himself too angry to think of anything but Marilyn’s safety. “She’ll do it but I want McSwaine as part of your team, De Corde.”

53

Once again, Arian replied before anyone else.

«McSwaine is ok for me. If I have to bear the burden of an useless Kangarawan… let’s be someone who’ll not end strangling himself with his own shoelaces»

For a moment, the tone had been serious… but the moment after, a shining smile appearing on the Lieutenant’s face told a whole world about his real consideration for men at whose side he had spent so much time training and Patrick couldn’t do anything else but nodding in appreciation.

«With that… Phantom, Storm, I’m taking your word about having free hand in choosing my own team and I’m sure you’ll quickly make the needed arrangements. Dragonhunter, if I’m not needed anymore I’m planning to excuse myself and move along… many things to do»

With that, without really waiting for an authorization, the young man saluted and simply went away. Grinning, Elistar Reziel observed the door closing behind Arian’s back and then turned to David.

«His mother’s blood… definitely. Sometimes I wonder if his father wasn’t right about supplemental discipline lessons… but he is the man we need, no doubts about that. Whichever unexpected development… Rainbow will be ready to deal with it»

54

David chuckled appreciatively though to Patrick’s ears, it sounded slightly forced. “Definitely his mother’s son, Elistar.”

He took his time looking at those remaining in the room. Lachdanan still looked troubled. No, that was an understatement. He was in control, but he looked thunderous. Lothar obviously trusted his brother’s competence. If it could be done, Arain could do it. Elistar knew what he was doing. He might not like it, but he knew what he was doing. As for Patrick? Try as he might, David couldn’t read him right now.

Steepling his fingers, he spoke quietly and pedantically, deliberately trying to diffuse some of the tension still in the room.

“One plan neatly in place. We still need to consider what to do with Lady Respolitsia. She’s gone out on a limb in order to assist Marilyn and there’s no doubt but that it will cause her problems down the line. I’d like to suggest that in order to keep her safe and to protect that fragile balance Dovakhan holds with the Pax, we consider leaving Dovakhan out of this unless absolutely necessary. Granted, it’s far easier to move men there than to Airbus from the camp, but it’s adding a risk that I’m not sure we should have asked her to take.”

55

The Grand Duchy of Reziel – Solanthus
The Archangels’ HQ landing strip – Fifteen minutes after

Observing the Bell 429 disappearing between the distant clouds, with Elistar reziel beginning his trip back to New Irem, Lachdanan finally turned towards Patrick Janus.

«A lot of meat to cook, here» he smirked. As the Kangarawan simply nodded, Lachdanan couldn’t avoid noticing his increasing irritation. The ‘betrayal’ coming from his own country, so many plots circling around her beloved sister… he definitely needed a bit of steaming out. Or at least… to have his mind busier with operative tasks. Which Lachdanan himself had plenty of.

«Moreover, there’s something else we have to discuss» added the Archangels’ Colonel. A simple statement which finally won the Kangarawan’s full attention «Fraternity… it’s too vulnerable, right now. This step of supporting Mrs Miller about Mare will reshuffle the deck gaining us all a bit of time, but we all know it’s just a matter of time before those scums start being extremely un-cooperative about the joint installation, with the final aim of…»

«… kicking you all out of Kangarawa» ended Patrick «So… what’s your idea? It’s patent obvious we cannot afford it. Fraternity holds too many projects… too many things we have to keep out of their grasp. Each single tech advancement being experimented there… if it falls into their hands, it will be used against us in the weeks and months to come»

«That’s it» interjected Lothar De Corde «But luckily enough… this comes from far away. We’ve already taken precautions, fearing for a moment like this. Miller has done an impressive job with his dossiers… and we’ve used the same method with the Kangarawan guys inside Fraternity. Trusted members can be easily approached. Soldiers, technicians, analysts, researchers. For a number of them… the key ones, we have evacuation plans. The others… they will be extremely useful for the planned attack against fraternity itself»

For a moment, the statement remained suspended, then Patrick signed the two Archangels to go on.

«Basically everything inside the base has a ghost copy… you know, safety reasons in case of a major crash. Those copies can be easily… repositioned» explained Lachdanan «this is not an issue. Nothing will be lost. But this won’t be enough. We have to…»

«Annihilate everything» ended Patrick.

«Or at least… to make it extremely difficult for the Faction to take something useful outside the damaged and non updated copies they will be left. You can easily understand that to achieve this, we need two things» here, Lothar stopped, observing the man he had begun considering as a brother-in-arms.

«The cooperation of the Kangarawans key elements… and the complete trust of ourselves, as there will be a moment when only the Rezielans will have the possession of so many years of joint efforts» answered Patrick, his tone dryly matter-of-fact.

«Paddy…» just handing his wave, the Kangarawan signed him to stop.

«How are you planning to ship all of that outside Kangarawa? It will be a rather huge pile of documents»

«As soon as the filth will have touched the fan, there will obviously be a moment of great uncertainty. Our respective Foreign Affairs will be busy trying to cope and understanding who’s where doing what. Remember that Tasman is processing the whole Open Borders Treaty… it will be a mess. In the middle of it, we’ll move. Rules and protocols will become details. We’ll start a major ‘replacement’ operation, pretending there’s an high risk of… exposition to this filthy Resistance, for our guys. To cooperate with the nation, we have to be sure our guys down there have no sympathy for the betrayers. So…»

«A massive airlift, Paddy. Swiftly enough to cut out any possible chance of immediate reaction. They will not risk a major incident… not with New Irem officially stating they have our full support. They will not be in the position to afford it… not in the immediate, at least. And with Dovakhan out of the games… who cares about anything. We’re men of action… let’s act. And let’s show them all they’re stomping over the wrong feet» closed Lachdanan, his tone as gelid as ice, his personal angriness at the whole situation finally coming to the surface.

«Paddy?» glancing at the man, Lothar waited for the needed answer.

56

“It could work.” He spoke slowly, thankful to have something concrete on which to focus. The scientists, encryption gurus, at least some of the trusted guys, particularly those already suspected of being in the Resistance, could all be taken out but … “That window of opportunity is gonna be mighty small and it will all depend on how convincing Lord Reziel and Lady De Corde are.”

Lothar grinned wryly. “They’ll be very convincing.”

“They’ll have to be. I’m low man on the totem pole but Montgomery can likely put things in motion. Time line?”

Lothar nodded as Lachdanan replied. “Two to three days. No more.”

“I’ll talk to him and see what he says.”

Camp Dibenindizowin - Kashaboholeth Range - Kangarawa

As usual, the hut was cold but after almost two years up here, Greg Montgomery, former Commandant of the Marine Corps, considered himself virtually immune. You could get used to almost anything when you had to.

Standing in the middle of what was affectionately referred to as “The Hub”, he drummed his fingers on the metal table, three of the techs watching him curiously and with more than a little apprehension. Past experience told them that that drumming signified something was going down and that they probably wouldn’t like it.

Montgomery was oblivious to the watching eyes. The call from Janus had been unexpected but then again, the kid couldn’t have gone directly to Fisher. He didn’t have the credibility with him that Montgomery did. What the Rezielians were proposing was risky but much as he wanted to get involved, with a highly active search under way for the camp, he couldn’t risk it. As he became conscious of the eyes on him, the drumming stopped of its own accord. Mildly, he said, “Nothing to worry about. Searchers have yet to find us. Paul, mind getting Fisher for me?”

Within five minutes, Montgomery was seated, a warm thermos of tea in one hand and a receiver in the other.

“Think they can make it work?” As he waited for Charles to reply, Montgomery could picture his old friend rhythmically massaging his right knee . The initial questions had come fast and furiously as he’d given a general description of what the Rezielians were proposing.

“It will, at the very least, buy some time and that can be used to our advantage. It’s unlikely that the President will move against the joint installation given the current situation in the region. At best, with a little persuasion, it’s possible that she could be persuaded to have the troops stationed at Fraternity assist in the search for you. That would remove some pressure. At worst, she shuts it down. Regardless, everything we’ve worked together on remains out of her hands.”

“Don’t underestimate her, Charles.”

Fisher’s tone was dry. “Oh, trust me, I don’t. I’ll have a wee chat with Colonel Abhrams at Fraternity. Between them, he and Colonel Clarke will be able to work out who stays and who has to get out. I’ll also get them to remove a few we know are supplying intel. That ought to slow the President down a little.”

Montgomery swallowed a mouthful of tea. A hint of resignation in his voice, he continued, “You realise that we could stop this now if …”

“No. We couldn’t. She’s not ready, there’s still not enough concrete proof and without that, we’d only be throwing her right back into the line of fire. Either we take out the entire network or we fail. Two days then?”

“If it can be done. Profer guide us all.” Montgomery sighed as he disconnected.

57

The Grand Duchy of Reziel – New Irem
The Ministry of Foreign affairs – Three hours later

«For the records, this is the darkest and saddest moment of my own career. I had sincerely hoped I would have been spared…»

«Lord Margrav… I’m aware of it» Kadras’ voice was flat, the gaze of his one blue eye remaining firm over the Deputy Minister «But then, in dark moments, dark measures have to be taken. You’ve seen the Protectors’ Seal under the message… and I’m sure you’re not going to object to it»

«Lady De Corde wouldn’t…»

«In this very moment, Lady De Corde lacks a number of elements… elements which are vital for the correct interpretation of what’s going on. Moreover, the Grand Duke is triggering the special provisions of our Chart and…»

«With all due respect, Lord Lordameer, I’m not discussing about formalisms. I wouldn’t have the littlest hesitation in executing any possible order coming from the Grand Duke… aside this, probably. I’m questioning the fairness of this…»

«Once again, the Grand Duke walks right over a razorblade. He has done it before… and at that time, you’ve trusted his judgment. What you’re being requested, Lord Margrav… it’s nothing else but trusting it once again»

Their eyes still chained, Lord Richard Margrav sighed deeply. Marilyn Janus was probably the best ambassadress he had had the pleasure to work with. And now… but in the end, Kadras was right. Elistar had to have his own reasons if he was doing what he was doing. He had always had. A moment after, the message had been sent. Strangely enough, Kadras’ nodding didn’t help at all in relieving the burden.

— Begin quote from ____

From: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Joint Governments of the Grand Duchy of Reziel and the Empire of Michelsland
To:  Republic of Kagarawa – Mme President; Republic of Kangarawa – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Cc: Republic of Kagarawa – Lady Marilyn Janus; Lord Francis Almsyck

Acknowledging safe receipt of your extradition request against your current Ambassadress to the Joint Governments of the Grand Duchy of Reziel and the Empire of Michelsland, we confirm all of the enclosed documents have been duly examined.

As a preliminary consideration, we cannot but stress our own surprise and our personal dismay. But as much as we have appreciated the honor of working side by side with Lady Janus since her appointment, we cannot but bow to the legitimate request coming from a brother nation.

Therefore, while wholeheartedly hoping that Lady Janus will be able to prove herself innocent, we will comply with your extradition request. In this very moment, all of Lady Janus’ permissions and credits as a member of a diplomatic mission are being revoked and our security will take all necessary measure to grant she will not be able to elude the requested measure: consequently, during the next few hours Lady Janus will be transferred to the maximum security installation on Kasmir Island, where your officers will be waited for the final transfer to your country.

At your nation’s side in this moment of great trouble and hoping for a just and fair solution of the issue at hand,
Lord Richard Margrav – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Joint Governments of the Grand Duchy of Reziel and the Empire of Michelsland

— End quote

A single moment after, the Archangel escorting Kadras turned his electronic armband on and whispered a command. Somewhere else, the electronic attack which would have deafened and blinded the Rezielan Ministry started without delay. If the Kangarawans had concerns about Marilyn’s transfer… well, there was no chance the Rezielans will have known about them until it won’t have been too late.

[hr]
The Grand Duchy of Reziel – Solanthus
The Congress Hall – Fundraising lunch for Airbusian children – In the exact meanwhile

Perfect in his Archangelic high-uniform, Major Lothar De Corde glanced all around for a brief while, observing the attendees. Iremian and Michelslandian nobles, together with notables from the two countries. CEOs, diplomats… and himself. Doing what could have well been considered the filthiest thing ever… but Storm was right. Had anyone else been sent, the whole thing would have been impossible to carry on. The Archangels guarding the building would have simply thought an enormous mistake was happening… and, while doubting, they wouldn’t have allowed anyone to touch Marilyn Janus. With he himself bringing the…

«Major De Corde! This is definitely a surprise! Can I introduce you…»

Glancing at Lady Alexandra Torvaen, Lothar paled. He had to hurry up. He definitely didn’t need to focus so much attention over himself. Politely, he simply shook his head, ignoring the sudden frowning of the old Lady as he simply crossed the room, having finally located the Kangarawan Ambassadress. Moments before he had finally reached her, however, he realized with great dismay that what he had been fearing… well, it was happening right now. Marilyn was with Ileana. That would have been a possible complication. And indeed…

«Lothar? This is… wow. I can’t honestly remember the last time I’ve seen you at a gala lunch. What’s…»

«Mother… I beg your pardon, but I’m in a great hurry. I definitely have no time for pleasantries» he replied, his tone unable to hide his own increasing unrest as he turned towards Marilyn «Lady… Lady Janus. I’m requested to escort you out of this room. Your attention is urgently needed… elsewhere and now»

58

Both women maintained their professional demeanor with little noticeable sign of their disquiet observable to those who had watched Lothar’s progress across the room and the uncharacteristically cavalier way in which he had brushed off Lady Torvaen. Lothar was, however, conscious of the many eyes following him and the sudden stillness of the two women in front of him.

“Lach? Paddy? What’s happened?” Although the words were quietly spoken, the anxiety in Marilyn’s voice was unmistakeable to him.

Lothar’s voice softened slightly. “Lady Janus, they’re both fine.” Steeling himself, he continued, “As I said, I am here to escort you …”

“Lady Janus not Lady Marilyn? Pleasantries? Common courtesy is not a pleasantry, Lothar.” Ileana spoke just as quietly as Marilyn had done, but her mothers’ eyes were quick to discern Lothar’s discomfort. “What exactly is going on?” The hint of steel in her voice demanded an answer.

After looking meaningfully around the room, Lothar met his mother’s eyes and stood his ground. “Mother, this is neither the time nor the place.” He directed his gaze to Marilyn. “Lady Janus, come with me, please. Now.”

As Ileana’s eyes sparked with anger, Marilyn placed a placating hand on the older woman’s arm. Relieved, but slightly bewildered, Marilyn looked from one to the other.

“Lothar, I’ll be happy to go with you once you tell me what’s so important that it can’t wait for a mere two hours until my responsibilities here are done.”

Parliament Buildings, Tasman City, Kangarawa

Office of the President

Adrienne Miller had allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction as she read the second paragraph of the communique from the Grand Duchy. The smile disappeared and her eyes narrowed as she read the last line of the third paragraph however.

“Message Margrave immediately. There is no need to move her to Kasmir Island. Have them put her on one our military jets and transfer to the military base at Lake McQuarrie immediately. Hold all calls until we have confirmation.”

“Yes, Madame President.”

As her aide left the room, Miller eyed the document thoughtfully. It had been too easy.

Office of the Minister of International Affairs

With utter disbelief, Carolyn Masters read the missive a third time. Extradition? Evidence? Evidence of what? Mind reeling, she dialed the President’s Office only to be told that, as usual, the President was unavailable to take her call. Frustrated, she stood and walked to the window, staring but not seeing the harbour in front of her. Something was terribly wrong.

59

The Grand Duchy of Reziel – Solanthus
The Congress Hall – Fundraising lunch for Airbusian children

«Lady De Corde… is everything ok?»

Noticing the obvious stress, the Archangel had crossed the room discretely but without hesitation, smiling and nodding here and there at those he had been meeting, but keeping his whole attention focused on the busy trio. Strangely enough, Lothar seemed to note him only after he had spoken… which was definitely unexpected, considering that he was trained in being constantly aware of the whole surroundings, whichever the situation.

«Cuddler, this is not… oh Ki’jo!» sighed Lothar. Things were becoming complicated. The high rank Archangel knew the other man well enough to know that the escorting Archangel wouldn’t have hesitated to neutralize his own commander, had he considered some kind of threat was being posed to Ileana. Moreover, his own mother was a witch… yes, he should have thought about that. A single detail which could have messed up everything just because of her cursed temper.

«Lothar?» asked Marilyn, frowning slightly at the man’s obvious distress.

«Mother… Lady De Corde, I have to ask you to stay out of this…»

«Phantom, you seem a bit over the edge. I think you should…» interjected the other Archangel, his feeling of ‘something strange’ becoming stronger and stronger.

«No, Cuddler. This oversteps your loyalty to my mother… and, mother, this oversteps any authority of you. This is not the place nor the situation… and the more attention we draw, the bigger the danger for us all. Therefore…» here, he turned towards the Kangarawan (ex) Ambassadress «Lad… Mare, please. You have to trust me. I’m here on behalf of both Elistar and Lach and… you will have all of the answers. You have my word of honor. Just please: not here. Not now. Just… follow me»

[hr]
Rezielan waters North of the Grand Duchy
In the meanwhile

«Try not to break yourself a leg!» chuckled the Captain, helping Arian keeping his own balance as the Archangel seemed to be on the point of slipping over the wet metal of the submarine’s structure. Chortling, the Captain appreciated how the young man replied with a simple grin.

«Is everything ok?» asked the Archangel, moving swiftly towards the entrance hatch.

«Yes, Rain…… yessir!» smiled the Captain, an amused glance meeting Arian’s eyes as the boy observed the older officer «I mean… Solanthus has been rather clear, on that. You’re the big guy round here… Sir!»

Puffing, Arian disappeared inside the hatch, then waited for the Captain to follow. Seconds after, the entrance had been sealed and the officer grinned devilishly.

«Well… chances for me to have bits of information? I mean… the guys are rather used to move without delay, but this seems a matter of incredible urgency, so we’re very curious. Above all… couldn’t have we waited for you in Candle in the wind, instead than picking you up in the middle of the sea?»

«This will save us at least three hours… and Ki’jo knows if we’re in great need for them. McSwaine?»

«He was still in Candle, so it has not been a problem. Aside the fact he wanted to bring a whole pack of those dogs with him… well, we’ve reached a compromise. A single dog… and it’s more than what I was supposed to do. But again… it seems we have to bow to your ultimate power, Sir» winked the Captain, still waiting for some kind of deeper answer from the younger man, who blatantly prevaricated.

«Very well… I have to reach the command bridge. I will update the systems with the needed coordinates myself»

«What the… oh. Wow. This is Protector’s Seal, right?»

As Arian simply nodded, the Captain went immediately serious, signing the Archangel to follow him.

60

The Grand Duchy of Reziel � Solanthus
The Congress Hall � Fundraising lunch for Airbusian children

“No, Lieutenant, everything is NOT ok. Lothar, how dare you take it upon yourself to decide …”

“Ileana, this …” Marilyn tried to interject but Ileana pointedly removed her hand from her arm and shook her head while cutting her off.

“No, Marilyn. This is totally ridiculous. My son has over-stepped his bounds.” Her eyes never left Lothar’s as she continued, “Lieutenant, remove my son from the room.”

Extremely uneasy by now, and looking from one to the other, the Lieutenant hesitated as Lothar pressed a button on his armband, quickly turning his head as the wide oak doors of the Congress Hall swung wide. His eyes were not the only pair to widen as a full dozen Archangels entered in formation moving directly towards the four of them. The sudden silence in the room would have been deafening were it not for the measured tramp of booted feet.

“What the hell?” Ileana looked about to explode.

Resigned to having lost what little control over the situation he might have had had he been able to diffuse his mother, Lothar grimaced, mentally cursing Phantom and Storm. If his mother had been difficult to deal with before, this would result in her making his life hell on earth for the foreseeable future. As for Marilyn …

“Move back, Cuddler. Lady De Corde, I would ask you to step away from Lady Janus, if you please.” Lowering his voice, he added, “Mother, do not make an already impossible situation worse.”

Ileana’s response was to move closer to Marilyn as the soldiers surrounded them. “Impossible situation? I want …”

Shaking his head, Lothar’s voice could now be heard clearly throughout the room. “It doesn’t matter what you want, Lady De Corde. Lady Marilyn Janus, pursuant to Section 5, subjection 4, paragraph 2 of the Extradition Treaty with Kangarawa, I am taking you into custody.”

Although her colour had risen immediately, Marilyn’s voice was calm as she asked, “With what have I been charged to warrant extradition, Lord De Corde?”

“Murder.”

Marilyn simply stared at him, totally aghast, almost sure she’d misunderstood. Ileana’s startled, “Murder?” disabused her of that notion but as the furious older woman began to speak again, Marilyn stopped her by raising her hand, speaking very quietly. “Please, Ileana. For my sake … not here.”

Eyes moving around the room, watching those with whom she’d exchanged pleasantries only minutes before avert their eyes, hearing whispers start, her heart started pounding. That they’d not even meet her eyes … Inwardly, she cringed, deeply wounded, knowing only too well that reputations could be ruined by rumours and that this went well beyond a rumour.

Refusing to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her discomfited, Marilyn spoke clearly and decisively. “All charges against me will be refuted beyond a shadow of a doubt. I am innocent of any wrong-doing.”

Lothar bowed and offered her his arm, his eyes softening. “I sincerely hope that that is exactly what occurs, Lady Janus. Please, come with me.” Taking his arm, she allowed him to lead her from the hall, the Archangels and Ileana following, leaving a room full of speculation behind.