Briefing
: MAIN STORY: The Alembic Plot
Medart went to his suite, preferring to be alone rather than spoil the
Family's evening. It wasn't their fault he didn't consider torture a
valid form of punishment--and never would, though he had to accept that
in many cultures it was exactly that--or that watching it made him feel
he wouldn't be comfortable company for several hours. The best thing
for him in a mood like this was privacy, a long hot soak, and either
something to study or an action-adventure tape that didn't take much
thought.
The suite's 'fresher provided the first, and there was a bookcase in
the suite's sitting room that, while it didn't have either of the other
two, did have enough variety and interest to keep him occupied until a
reasonable time, local, to go to bed and do some thinking until he fell
asleep. If you were alone, he'd found, bed was one of the best places
possible for concentrated thought: dark, quiet, and with no
interruptions.
One thing he'd have to do fairly soon, he decided, was have a serious
discussion with Odeon about religion. It was clear even from the
little he'd seen, never mind Odeon's conviction that God and Devil had
cooperated in healing Cortin, that religion was far more important in
the Systems than it was in the Empire.
After that, though, what? The Brothers of Freedom seemed to be the
Kingdom Systems' biggest problem; it would have to be a big plus if he
and the rest of the visiting Imperials could help wipe out that sort of
threat.
He wasn't prepared for what happened next. He felt a mind-touch, more
powerful than he would have believed possible. *You needn't be
concerned about the Brotherhood, Ranger. They are my concern, and the
Protector's.*
*What the-- Who are you?*
*I have many names. You call me Satan, people here call me Shayan, and
at present I call myself Lucius. You are absolutely correct about the
other, however; you should indeed have a talk with Michael Odeon, and
soon. Tonight, I think.*
*Satan, huh?* The other believed that, and his mind-touch was
definitely both powerful and non-human, though it reminded him in a way
of Cortin's. But the actual Christian Devil? *That's a bit hard to
swallow.*
*You will come to accept it. I would say, from what I sense going on
in the common-room, that Cortin is in the process of transferring her
Protector role to the one who will hold it permanently. That means a
decision point crucial to this entire universe will arrive within days,
perhaps hours, and you should have the same information I was permitted
to give Family Cortin.* Medart got the impression of a sardonic smile.
*Cortin's role in the primary drama has ended, save for the formality
of bringing the Systems into your Empire, and the Protector will be, as
I am, restricted to the Systems, at least for a time. The true focal
point here is, and always has been, Michael Odeon; his birth and
development are the culmination of the history you studied on the way
here, and his decision will determine the fate of this universe. He
does not know that, and you will be no more able to tell him than I
am--but I would urge you most solemnly to influence him in the Empire's
favor, to the point where he would leave his family to serve it.*
Medart frowned, sitting up. *If I can't tell him, why tell me? Who'll
stop us? How could one man's decision affect an entire universe? And,
most important, if you're who you claim, how come I sense anxiety from
you instead of hostility?*
*The last question first, then. This universe is going to be invaded
soon, by beings who frighten even me. If Odeon's decision is for the
Empire, that invasion will lead to the most life-destructive war in the
universe's history. If he decides for his family, instead of war there
will be simple massacre, which will include me and my demons. So I act
as I do out of pure self-interest. That also answers your first and
third questions. Knowing my identity, you should be able to tell me
who will stop us.*
*Assuming you are who you claim to be, it'd have to be the Creator.*
*Yes. While He--A, in your Omnist terms--wants the same choice we do,
Michael must be allowed his freedom. An odd concept, to me, but one He
insists on.*
*Mike's more than he seems, then. And that's got to be one rough
enemy, to have someone like you worried; even if you're not Satan,
you've got the strongest Talent I've ever felt. When's the invasion,
so I can tell His Majesty?*
Medart sensed amusement. *Your skepticism should anger me, James
Medart, but I find it refreshing instead. If Odeon makes the proper
decision, you will come to belief in the appropriate god at the
necessary time. It is indeed 'one rough enemy', but I am not allowed
to identify them to you further, and since the timing of numerous
incidents in the defense is crucial, I doubt you will be able to tell
anyone except Odeon any of this conversation. It is even possible
that, once the decision point is passed, my Adversary may edit some of
your memories to prevent inadvertent premature revelations.*
*I don't like that idea, but if you're right, I won't have any say in
the matter, so there's no point in worrying or complaining. What about
Mike?*
*I am not permitted to go into his background. I can, however, tell
you that, should he decide in favor of the Empire, the Protector will
give him Ranger-level abilities--including, if he chooses, the
necessary mind-set.*
*Umm.* Medart got out of bed and put on a robe. An invasion he
couldn't report, by an enemy that frightened someone as powerful as the
one who was briefing him, with the best-case scenario for the Empire a
devastating war--that didn't sound good at all. And it all hinged on
one man! Well, at least it included the possibility of a new Ranger,
which was definitely to the good. Tarlac assassinated right after the
Traiti War, Menshikov, Ellman, and Steinhauer killed during the brief
White Order revolt--even though he'd recruited Corina Losinj during
that revolt, they were still three short of the average, and even that
wasn't enough. *Will I be able to use that possibility in convincing
him?*
*I believe so, though he does not at present have the scope to fully
comprehend what a Ranger is. I have told you what is possible to me
and necessary to you; we will not be in contact again until the
decision point.*
With that, the contact broke. Medart shook his head, then went into
the living room and made himself a cup of coffee. Instant from a
microwave didn't match what he got from a shipboard service panel, but
it was coffee, and he had a bad habit that way.
More
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