Hathor Legacy: Burn: Hathor Legacy, #2

By Deborah A. Bailey

An old threat re-emerges that may permanently sever the already precarious alliance between Novacorp and the Guardians, the psychic security force the corporation has gone far and beyond to put completely under their own directive…

 

Sentry Leader and Elder Nadira is called to investigate a rash of fires throughout the city and uncovers the shocking truth about the Deshtu, another group with PSI powers like the Guardians, who've been purposely kept in the shadows. The underground human trafficking of psychics she exposes is in direct violation of corporate rules.

But those horrors are just the tip of the iceberg: Nadira learns the brutal truth about the origin of the Guardians along with the Guardian Elders' nefarious plans to make her abilities even more powerful. In the process, the psychic connection she shares with the man she loves, Jonathan Keel, will be terminated while another unwanted link is established in its place.

The final clash between the Guardians and Novacorp threatens to plunge the planet into utter chaos as Nadira risks everything to save herself and those she loves from the final, unforgivable betrayal.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bright Street Books
• Release date: Jul 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9780984292677

Deborah A. Bailey

Deborah A Bailey's Science Fiction & Paranormal Romance novels include suspense, a bit of mystery and a lot of romantic heat. Her published works include the Hathor Legacy science fiction romance series, Electric Dreams: Seven Futuristic Tales, three non-fiction books, and articles for various online publications.  Her short stories have won awards from the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference and have been published in US1 Magazine and the Sun. Visit her site http://www.BrightStreetBooks.com/ and subscribe to the newsletter so you'll be the first to find out about giveaways and upcoming book launches.

Book preview

Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell.

―Joan Crawford

1 The Spark

NOVA CITY, HATHOR

Walking through the remains of the house, Nadira kicked a charred shoe out the way. After the investigation was over, it would be dropped into the recycler with everything else. She picked up the shoe and gently set it down.

None of the safety protocols had been followed here, and the people trapped inside never had much of a chance. Panicked, some of the inhabitants had crowded the exits, which blocked the others from escaping.

It was rare that a Guardian would be called to investigate a fire in Nova City. But from an early age she'd been trained to do her duty by using her psychic and telekinetic abilities in service to the company that ran Hathor. Which is why she'd put aside her apprehension and answered the request for assistance.

She walked through a narrow corridor into a burnt-out shell of a bedroom, whisking soot off the sleeve of her company-issued grey suit jacket. A foul smell lingered in the air and turned her stomach. Only sticks were left where a bed once sat. All the other furniture had been destroyed. She noticed that there was no window in the room, no other opening except a skylight high up in the ceiling, too far to reach.

Closing her eyes, she opened her awareness and waited for images to form in her mind. Her abilities would help her to see what had happened to the victims prior to their death. Even now their energy hung here, heavy and overpowering. Filled with terror and pain, their emotions lingered long after their physical bodies had been incinerated.

Nadira drew in a deep breath, steadying herself as she felt the agony of the man who'd lived in this room. He'd gasped for breath, crawling along the floor desperate for a way out. There hadn't been one, and he'd died right where she was standing. Swallowing the excess saliva that filled her mouth, she headed back out into what was left of the living area of the house.

Lt. Tamara Lin, the security chief in charge of the investigation, was waiting by the front door. Her short black hair was styled in the no-nonsense, cropped cut that most security officers favored, trimmed on the sides and longer on top. Instead of being bulked-up like a lot of the officers, she was slender and petite. She'd rolled up the sleeves of her heavy, dark grey, one-piece uniform and tucked her gloves into a side pocket.

The lieutenant shoved her shiny black helmet under her arm as Nadira approached. Were you able to sense anything from...what did you call them? The energy trails? she asked. Any clues on who did this?

I couldn't pick up anything about who started the fire. Just panic and fear...that's all that's left.

But they're dead. You can still read their thoughts?

Only what they've left behind. Nadira breathed deeply, fighting to keep down the bile that bubbled up into her throat. Opening herself to the energy hanging in this place wasn't just foolish, it was potentially destructive. Taking in too much of it could completely overwhelm her.

Damn. I was hoping you could help us. If word gets out that this was arson, it will cause panic all over the city.

How can you be sure it was deliberate? Nadira asked.

Locked doors and disabled safety protocols. Fire patterns suggest an accelerant was used. The fire engineers can be more explicit once they're finished, Lin replied.

And no survivors.

We found seven bodies before you arrived. But considering the intensity of the fire, it's possible there will be other remains discovered once they start clearing the debris.

Of course. Nadira held up her hand, indicating that she'd heard enough. The officer was getting upset, her pent-up frustration penetrating her trained veneer.

Lt. Lin! Another officer called as he ran up the front stairs and entered the house. I checked the company Service House listing. This house isn't registered. He lifted his helmet visor. I can't find any record of the people who lived here either. We won't be able to ID them.

Yes, we will, Tragg. They'll check the remains against the DNA database. Could you tell the fire engineers we're almost done here? I know they're waiting to get back in.

Yes, Lieutenant, he replied, as he headed back outside.

Service House? I thought this was a private residence, Nadira remarked.

Look, maybe contacting the Guardian Affairs Office was a bad idea, but I hoped someone with psychic abilities could give us some leads. Lt. Lin looked down at her helmet. These houses are for people like you. I mean, they have psychic abilities like you do. But they're not strong enough to be Guardians. So they're taken into Service.

Lieutenant, you're mistaken. If trainees aren't strong enough, they're returned to their families.

"These people aren't Guardian trainees. They're just...your people call them, Deshtu. I'm not sure what that means."

Deshtu was from the old language, from back when the first settlers arrived on Hathor from Earth. Roughly translated, it meant, unraveled or undone. She'd never heard it used to describe a person.

Lt. Lin, tell me more about these Service Houses. How many of them are there in Nova City and where to they get the people from?

Before the Lieutenant could answer, a man strode into the room, his heavy footsteps tramping across the stone floor. What is going on here? Nadira, why are you here?

It was Brant, the Sentry Leader. He was dressed in the company standard dark grey suit, only his jacket was a size smaller than he needed. The fabric was woven with gold threads mixed in with the grey, showing that he most definitely had more access to credits than most of the company workers. The finely made shirt under his jacket came to a V in front, which unfortunately did not flatter his very thick neck.

Lt. Lin, why didn't you call me first? he huffed as he nervously rubbed his bald head. I didn't know a Guardian was on the scene until I saw it on a news alert.

I'm sorry, Sentry Leader. But I contacted the GAO and requested their assistance, Lin replied. They asked Guardian Sentry Nadira to help us.

Lieutenant, you've violated protocols. All requests from company security should come through my office first.

Nadira refused to look at him, which probably inflamed him further. Brant was a typical company bureaucrat. Now that he was here, nothing would be accomplished.

Sentry Leader, you must realize how important it is that we find the people who did this. I don't need to remind you that the company executives will not be pleased if we don't.

No, you don't have to remind me of that, Lieutenant. But I can't believe this is arson, not here in the center of the city. Brant undid the closures on his jacket. It's extremely hot in here.

I would guess so, seeing how they just had a fire, Nadira said, not hiding her disdain.

Nadira, wait for me outside. I'll deal with this, he huffed, wiping his brow with the back of his hand.

The Sentry Leader wasn't exactly in the best shape, and he'd probably rushed over from the administration building. His putty-colored skin was flushed and he was wheezing.

Who are the Deshtu? she asked.

Instead of replying, he turned his back to her and started talking to Lt. Lin.

It was so tempting just to hit him with a small blast of energy. Just enough to make him feel like he'd been jolted by a stunner. It was, of course, completely against the rules to do such a thing to another Guardian.

Good thing she'd learned discipline at an early age. As a Sentry she was one of the most powerful Guardians on the planet. But right now she wasn't feeling powerful at all. Instead she felt like a child who'd been dismissed by an overbearing parent. For now, she had to let him think that he was in charge of her actions.

A half hour later, Brant came back outside and joined Nadira where she'd been standing by the curb. Not only was his face flushed, but when he got closer she saw tears on his cheeks.

You felt it, didn't you? she asked, resisting the urge to taunt him. You felt what happened to the people trapped in there as they were dying.

He nodded, wiping his face with the back of his hand. The company managers will want a report. I still don't accept it was arson. Who would want to kill these people?

There were seven, possibly more, Nadira replied. What will we do about it?

Sighing, he fastened his jacket, his thick fingers stumbling over the closures. Security will continue their investigation. But you will not work with them. Before I left the Administration building, I got another call. Elder Dakar wants to meet with you tomorrow afternoon.

Me? She hadn't had a private meeting with the head of the Guardian Elders in sixteen years. In fact, not since she'd been presented to the Elders when she'd been twelve. What does he want?

He didn't share that with me.

Brant, you didn't answer me before. Who are the Deshtu? she asked. Lt. Lin said they were like the Guardians.

They're not like us, Nadira, he said, his attention on the security officers who were filing out of the building. And we cannot help them.

JONATHAN LOOKED OUT over the expanse of Nova City from the sixtieth level of the Nova Entertainments building. The entire wall was clear, giving him an unrestricted view of the city from the Entertainments District to the wealthiest area in the entire city, the Palatine.  The jewel-toned towers and spires sparkled in the noonday sun, making it look like the entire cityscape was carved out of precious gems.

It was so different than the Port City on his home planet, Astarte, just about four days away by shuttle, but a world away in appearance. Back home, the city streets would more likely be filled with miners on R&R than high-level company executives.

Jonathan's father, Brandon, was CEO of the mine on Astarte's moon, and that did afford Jonathan certain privileges. But even his life on his home planet looked small compared to the opportunities he had here on Hathor.

Just four months ago he'd been living there, managing his club in the city and catering to the upper levels of society—in addition to some of the shadier elements. But after a series of events that he never could have predicted, he was starting a new life here and, of all things, was in love with a Guardian.

Mr. Keel. A man a bit shorter than Jonathan entered the office, his hand outstretched. May I address you as Jonathan? We're very informal here. I'm Ron Duvol. Jon couldn't help but notice how bushy his eyebrows were, though his hair was cut very short. He had more hair on his brows than on his head.

Certainly, Ron. Jon gave him the standard company greeting, though Ron's handshake felt less robust than he'd expected. But though he was almost Jon's height, he was less muscular—closer to abnormally thin than anything else. In fact, he had the same sallow complexion as workers who'd spent too many years in the mines. Doubtful that Duvol had ever been within kilometers of a cavern, though. Maybe he'd been ill.

Great view, isn't it? He patted Jon on the back. When I got this promotion, I couldn't believe it. No one in the family has been this high up in the company, you know. Not even my sister. She'll be joining us.

She works with you? Jon asked, following Ron over to a couch and chairs on the other side of the room.

No, but she wanted to be here for our meeting. She works with the other events, the concerts, retail shops. Ron sat down in a large, plush, charcoal colored chair with a high back that overpowered his slight build. My family has a lot of influence with the company. But no doubt you've heard that.

I've heard a lot about your sister. Jonathan said, settling himself in the chair opposite. It wasn't quite as plush looking and the back was lower. He was sure that the resemblance of Ron's chair to a throne was not accidental. She's had a very successful career with Novacorp.

Well, she did until I got promoted. Ron busied himself with pulling nonexistent lint off his pants.  But my family is very prominent here.

So you've told me. Look, Ron, can we get down to it? I'm interested in that new plaza you're building on the edge of the Palatine. I'm thinking of opening a club there.

Private? Or can anyone get in? Ron crossed his legs, showing off his very expensive boots. I mean to say, you're not going to open it up to miners and people like that, are you?

Jonathan kept himself from responding until he could think of something that didn't include expletives. What's wrong with mining?

Oh—well—I understand your father is CEO of the mine over on Astarte—but—you know what I mean. Miners are not the same as Novacorp people who happen to work at mines. There's a difference, Ron said, his very bushy eyebrows arching over his watery blue eyes.

I understand what you mean, Ron. My club here will be in the Entertainments District and I want to get all the trade that comes through.

But there are so many entertainment clubs already.

Sure, but they come and go. As soon as people get bored, they're on to the next. You have to keep up with what people want. I know how to do that. Besides, I have the credits to invest. Jonathan noticed that Ron had perked up a bit when he said the word, credits.

No doubt Ron's standing in the company would go up if he could get the space filled with paying clients. The higher the profits, the higher his standing. Jon knew enough about people like this to know that standing and profits were all they cared about—that and big chairs.

Well, credits are important, aren't they? Ron pushed up his sleeve to reveal a bracelet of precious stones, sapphires and diamonds mixed with other Hathor-based crystals that Jon recognized. All this man did was show off his wealth.

So, when can I take a look at the plans? I'm not going to pay for anything before I see it, Jonathan said.

Patience, Jonathan. I'm only talking to prospective clients right now. I want to be sure we have the right businesses in place. The plaza is a very important project—and seeing how prominent my family is, I want to be sure it's impressive.

If he had to hear that one more time. Jon forced a smile to his lips. Sure. I understand. Look, I've got another appointment. How about we link up in a couple of days. Jonathan stood up and reached out his hand. We can talk more then.

Wait. Don't rush off yet. Are you talking to someone else?

There's someone else a bit higher up who asked me come by her office. I can't mention her name, though.

I want my project to be your priority, Jonathan. I'm going to be at the top of Nova Entertainments soon. Let's talk a bit. Ron jumped up out of his chair and approached Jon, his arms outstretched. I can get you all the space you need. There's no need to look elsewhere.

Have I missed anything? A very beautiful woman wearing a skin-hugging white outfit entered the office and tossed her long dark hair back off her shoulders. She stood behind Ron's chair and smiled. I'm Ron's sister, Karin. You must be Jonathan Keel.

2 Guardian Affairs

AFTER SHE LEFT THE scene of the fire, Nadira headed over to the Administration building. If Brant wasn't going to tell her who the Deshtu were, she'd get the answers elsewhere.

The Guardian Affairs Office was on the first floor of the Administration Building. Though it held the main offices for the various Novacorp departments, it wasn't as sleek as most of the other office buildings that filled the city center.

Dull silver metal and tinted glass covered the structure, making it look like it was always slightly tarnished. Inside, the stone floor was a nondescript pattern of grey and brown tiles, occasionally broken up with the bronze-colored half-moon Novacorp logo.

Heading past throngs of grey and brown-suited company managers, she walked through the arched doorway leading to the GAO office.

Inside, a young man sat at a long desk facing the door. In fact, it looked long enough for five or six people to sit behind, instead of just one. Above him was the company logo with the words, Novacorp Galactic, Inc in shiny, bronze letters. 

There were two frosted glass doors on either end of the room. And over the doors, holographic signs displayed various company slogans like, When we work together, we make Novacorp stronger, and More profits for better living.

The man behind the desk stifled a yawn as he looked her up and down. Yes?

I need information.

Identify. He motioned to the glass desktop. A blue rectangular outline glowed where she was to place her hand.

Nadira pressed her left palm against the glass. It only took a few seconds for the system to identify her with a beep. The blue outline turned to gold and she lifted her hand.

Sitting up straighter in his chair, he scanned the clear desktop as her stats scrolled across. Guardian Sentry Nadira, what is your inquiry?

I have a question about Service Houses. Why aren't they managed by this office?

According to the corporate charter, the GAO only handles citizens with PSI abilities.

Deshtu have PSI abilities. Why aren't the Service Houses managed through this office?

Sentry, perhaps my manager can assist you.

It's just a simple question.

He stood up and smoothed out his grey jacket. I'm not authorized. Perhaps the personnel manager can assist you. Or the city manager. Or perhaps the security manager—

Can't you check the database?

Not without authorization. Perhaps if you would have the Sentry Leader call my manager, and she can call the other manager—

Was he serious? She'd never get an answer like this. What's your name?

1st Level Manager Clark, he replied. Why do you want to know that?

Please call your manager. I'll wait.

He tapped the desk with the tip of his index finger. This is the front desk. Guardian Sentry Nadira is requesting assistance.

A few minutes later, the door on the right side of the room opened. A woman wearing a brown executive suit walked out. Her heels click-clacked across the floor as she approached. Sentry, I'm 1st VP, Howell. Please allow me to assist you, she said, a smile on her pink-lacquered lips.

Service Houses. I had a question about why they aren't handled through the GAO.

Oh, is that all? Howell scowled at Manager Clark, but when she addressed Nadira, she was smiling again. The GAO only handles Guardian affairs, of course.

Nadira waited for the VP to say something more, but she only continued to smile. And?

And Service House workers are not Guardians. According to Novacorp directive 1990-45 in the corporate charter, no verified Guardian can be registered as a Service House worker. If anyone knowingly commits such an act, it is a violation punishable by detention or long-term imprisonment, she replied. Is that what you wanted to know? I hope I've helped you. Would you mind filling out a customer service survey?

Gritting her teeth, Nadira stopped herself before she could tell the VP what she could do with her survey. Instead she took a deep breath and tried again. So that means that even though the House workers have abilities, they can't be protected by this office?

Protected? From what? The VP's eyes grew wide. I don't understand. Service House workers are registered, like any worker.

There was a fire today. It was arson. Didn't you hear about it?

It's a large city, Sentry. There are so many things going on, I don't have time to watch every news report. Besides, why would anyone purposely set a fire and damage company property?

Maybe as a threat? Or revenge? Will anyone look into it?

No one has to threaten them. They sell their services to whoever has enough credits. And no one is allowed entry to Hathor if they don't have credits to spend, Sentry. Surely you already know this.

What I know is that the GAO doesn't help people who need it.

The VP's mouth dropped open. It took a moment for her to regain her composure, but when she did, the smile was pasted back on her lips. Please, allow me to clarify. She went over to the desk and placed her hand on the desktop. Computer, what Guardian levels are under jurisdiction of the GAO?

Sentries, Protectors, Watchers, Administrators and Trainees, the monotone computer voice replied.

And Service House workers?

Not applicable. Please query the Novacorp HR database.

Thank you, the VP said, clasping her hands in front of her before turning back to face Nadira. You see, Sentry, there is nothing my department can do for you. That's the HR department. Is there anything else I can help you with today?

Did she really want an honest answer to that question? No, VP Howell. There's nothing else.

I'm so glad I could assist you today. Please remember that the GAO is always open and ready to support all Guardians. When we work together, we make Novacorp stronger, she said, patting Nadira's shoulder.

The VP walked back to the doorway and paused as the glass door opened to admit her. With a small wave back in Nadira's direction, she walked through; the door shut behind her and locked with a loud click.

Manager Clark was watching her warily, his chair pushed back so that it was touching the wall. Maybe he thought she was about to blast him or something. When she approached the desk, he jumped, but managed not to fall out of his chair.

Tell me, I didn't hear Elders listed under the Guardian levels. Aren't they protected by the GAO? she asked.

Clark shook his head. Guardian Elders are a separate entity outside of the GAO.

So, you're saying they don't have to follow company directives?

Not—not that I'm aware of. All I know is they're not under our jurisdiction.

That's perfect.

What? Clark asked. I don't understand.

I know. Thank you! If the Elders could do what they wanted, then she knew the right person to go to. Elder Dakar could authorize an investigation.

It didn't matter what the GAO or Novacorp decided. Something could be done and she had no doubt that Dakar would support her decision.

3 Flawless

SO TELL ME, WHY ARE you so attractive?

Jonathan gulped his drink, his attention on the woman sitting across from him. I thought we were talking business.

We are. But you didn't answer me.

You'll have to ask my parents, Jonathan said. He'd agreed to have a drink with Karin at one of the restaurants in the building, but now he was wondering if it had been a good idea. She'd spent most of the time leering at him, making sure to show the very ample cleavage that was bursting out of her one-piece outfit.

Let's see. Your father, Brandon Keel, is CEO of the most profitable mining installation in the system. Your mother's identity isn't in the database. Did your father use a surrogate? Sometimes that's easier than going into a contracted relationship. Karin leaned across the table, her violet eyes shining.

Where did you get that information? Jonathan knew his mother's history had been edited from the company records to protect her, but that wasn't a point to bring up now. Why were you investigating my father?

After the theft at his mine a few months ago, there were news alerts broadcasting things about both of you everyday. I suppose you'll be fortunate enough to look like him in another twenty years. His grey hair is incredibly sexy, Karin smacked her lips. Men who are naturally attractive are so much more appealing. Surgical enhancements can only do so much.

So you check up on every potential business partner that Ron talks to?

When my brother mentioned he was meeting you, I did some background checking. We can't just let anyone invest in his project. There's too much at stake for him. Karin leaned back against the cushions, her tongue sliding across her lips. No doubt you've noticed he's not exactly intelligent enough to figure things out for himself.

He seemed smart enough.

Really? She laughed, motioning for the waiter to come over to their table.  Don't flatter me. He's a fool. And we both know it.

Jonathan didn't answer. She was right and obviously didn't need him to agree with her. But she did seem much more in charge than her brother did. It explained why her advancement through the hierarchy at Novacorp had been more spectacular than her brother's had been.

Bring more champagne and your best appetizers. We'll start with that. She winked at Jonathan as though they were sharing some private joke. And we want to see the list of your best liquors.

Yes, Ms. Luke. The waiter bowed, then scurried away.

You come here often? Jon asked. The view here on the ninety-fifth floor was even more impressive than it'd been below in Ron's office.

Only when I meet with my brother. She sipped her drink, her gaze lingering on  his hands. You've got very capable hands. I'm sure there are other parts of you that are just as...capable.

Excuse me?

My investigation was very thorough, Jonathan. I found out everything before I met you. You own a club called, The Answer in the Port City on Astarte and you're thirty-two years old. She set her crystal goblet on the table. Grey eyes, curly dark brown hair, and a body I'd love to see more of. And, you're living with a Guardian, of all people. Why aren't you contracted with her?

If you wanted to know about my personal life, all you had to do was ask.

All right, I will. Karin flicked her thick, brown hair off her shoulder, exposing more of her cleavage. You know that they use Guardians to do interrogations at the detention center. They have the power to reach into a person's mind and extract information.

So?

Well, if they can do that, can they also put information in? You know, like fantasies? I imagine they can insert anything...in the right place.

Jonathan was about to answer when the waiter returned and refilled their glasses. The champagne bubbled up over the rim of Karin's glass and spilled onto the clear, glass tabletop.

I'm sorry, Ms. Luke! the waiter gasped, his voice shaking.

It's nothing. Leave us now, she ordered, waving him off.

She dipped her fingers into the liquid, then eased her index finger into her mouth. All the while, her eyes were on him, daring him to react.

Sure, there was a time when he would've responded without hesitation. Her deep violet eyes, the way her hair curved around her oval-shaped face, and her almost-too-perfect skin the color of burnished topaz would've driven him to distraction. He wouldn't have thought twice about taking her to nearest private place. Or, maybe one not so private.

But his desires were much different now.

Guardians are so much more powerful than ordinary humans. I've heard rumors, but I've never met someone who is actually in relationship with one. You must be very powerful to be able to satisfy her.

Looking at Karin's cool, flawless beauty only made him want Nadira more. Even now he felt her consciousness through their connection. Her passionate energy like fire, burning through him whenever he thought of her. Her strength that yielded only to him, just as her body did when they were together. 

Heat rose up past his ears and across his forehead. If only Karin knew that her words were fueling his ache for Nadira right now. Good thing they were sitting and she couldn't see quite how much he was feeling it. I thought we were discussing business, not my sex life.

Well, here in Nova City the two intertwine so often that it might as well be the same thing. Karin ran her palm over the spilled champagne, smearing it across the tabletop. Jon I've never met a man who didn't want to discuss his exploits. You almost sound like you're offended.

I'm not. But it's my business, isn't it?

Karin sighed. If you insist. So, what other impressions do you have of my brother?

Did she really want the truth? Might as well be diplomatic about it. He's very industrious, Jonathan replied.

When it comes to acquiring possessions, yes. We have the same mother, but that's the only DNA we share. She picked up her glass and cradled it in her hands. When my mother's relationship with my father ended, she made sure that my inheritance was protected. So did Ron's mother. That's why we own most of his estate.

Did your father have other children?

"Yes, several others. He partnered with many women and men. But Ron and I have the controlling interest in all his property. My mother is an artist. She has