Enmeshed: Book 3 of the Wisdom series

By J-L Heylen

In this, the third and final book in the Wisdom series, Carla and Ariel are back in New Sydney, beating the odds (and each other), trying to cope with reconciliation tribunals, a newly organised free press, and several inexplicable events that are causing death and disruption for no apparent reason.

When refugees from an island across the sea land on their doorstep things get even more harrowing for the couple and their friends from Canberra and Real Eden.

Resources are short already and the refugees threaten to make them even scarcer. But when the visitor’s hostile government turns its sights on New Sydney, Carla and Ariel are thrown into an impossible and dangerous situation.

Please note: this book contains adult themes, occasional coarse language, kink and lesbian sex scenes that some readers may find confronting, and possible psychological triggers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Jun 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781925666090

Book preview

Chapter 1

Supervisor Idris was having a bad day.

It’s the third time this week, he protested to his co-worker, Margi. He displayed the full harvest schedule in 3D in the air in front of him and tried to work out how he could still achieve the required targets without killing those workers he had left.

That morning he had received an update that said that the forty workers he had expected to assist with the corn processing had been re-assigned.

That’s the problem with reppies, Margi answered. They’re expendable and everyone wants them at this time of year. They want to keep their intelligent workers fresh for the work that actually needs a brain.

Well, that’s all well and good, but the supply is no longer endless, and someone will have to do something about it eventually. Now that the Prime Council has banned replacement as a punishment, the number of reppies is decreasing. It’s unheard of. Did the City Director think of the consequences when she signed that decree? I wonder.

Hmmm, Margi mused, looking at the data display and manipulating a couple of parameters to see if it improved matters. It’s a mess, that’s for sure. But one good thing, at least … ah, maybe two good things, Margi continued, looking at the latest scenario floating before her.

Oh, yes? Enlighten me.

Well, the first good thing is that once, not so long ago, a criticism of the Elite like you just made would have put you in danger of becoming a reppie yourself.

That’s true. And the second?

I’m good friends with the Super in charge of the area where our forty reppies have been reassigned. Let’s go see if her scenarios are worse for resourcing than ours are without those extra workers. We might be able to convince her to give us some back, if her Elite manager isn’t a complete idiot.

I don’t understand any of this, though. It shouldn’t be possible with the Resourcing Formula in charge, unless your friend’s work is way more important than ours is.

I know, but let’s check anyway. What have we got to lose?

As usual, Margi, you have cheered me up. Lead on.

The pair walked until they found an access conduit that took them to a different Satellite, then hooked into the travellator to where they needed to be.

Soon, Supervisor Poppy noticed her friend’s feed signal. It told her Margi was close by. Poppy handed some tasks over to a colleague and stalked out of the production area to meet Margi and Idris.

Margi, what brings you so far in person? I would have thought you would be too busy to leave your area. Especially since you have all my workers. And who is this with you?

Poppy was looking Idris up and down with a strange look, as she took in his good looks. She clearly wanted to dislike him, but couldn’t quite quell more pleasant sensations.

This is Idris. He was expecting forty reppies for our area this morning. Our new schedule says you got them instead. So I don’t know why you are getting snippy with me. I came in person to see if we could all work through some projections together, to see if we could share some of the workers. Are you saying you don’t have them either?

That’s exactly what I’m saying. Idris, eh? That name sounds familiar.

Poppy pulled her ICD from her pocket and manipulated the screen, then looked up with a frown. My schedule, updated this morning at 8:00, says my reppies have been reassigned to you and Supervisor Idris in the corn harvesting team in Sat 5. Priority 1-Alpha. I wasn’t game to ask if I could have that decision reviewed, given the status. Are you telling me you didn’t get them either?

I didn’t get them, Idris confirmed. I got a new schedule at the same time, with the same status for the reassigned reppies.

Where, by the Founders, are they, if you think they are with me and I think they are with you?

Idris shrugged.

I’d be happy enough to share them, Poppy offered, if that’s what’s necessary to meet all our quotas. ‘Work to live’ and all that. But first we need to find out where they are.

All three colleagues went to Poppy’s Elite manager, who promptly contacted Margi’s manager. This didn’t make the situation any clearer. Each detail, in fact, made it more murky. Soon it was decided that the Prime for Production and Storage should be contacted.

Prime Meena was annoyed at being engaged over what she thought was a trivial error of scheduling. She asked for the bio-signs of the reppies to be displayed.

There were none.

The Prime clicked her tongue in frustration. Check again, Meena ordered, and tapped her fingers on the screen of her ICD as she waited.

I’m sorry, Prime, but I’ve checked the data for the last four consecutive days, and every system where bio-readings are stored or tracked. There are no bio-signs for any of the units nominated.

But that’s … Meena mumbled.

I know, Prime, the operator agreed.

Meena contacted Myra, the Prime Commander of Security immediately, and forwarded all the scheduling and search information to her.

Shortly after, Meena’s ICD buzzed.

Myra, Meena acknowledged as she picked up the call.

I’m sending a security detail to the dorms.

What good will that do? Meena asked.

They can’t just disappear. It’s like the Resourcing Formula no longer recognises them. As if they never existed. It’s too bizarre. I’m hoping there might be some clues in the dorms. My only thought is that someone has stolen them and taken them outside of sensor range, but that should have left evidence on the data streams for their exit from the city, at the very least.

Okay. I’ll leave it with you. You can speak directly to my staff if you need to. Idris, Poppy and Margi discovered the issue. I’ve sent profiles for all of them. Feel free to ask anyone else as well. You have my full authorisation to question at will.

Very good. I’ll keep you informed.

Myra rang off, and Meena fiddled about with her ICD again to send confirmation of the authorisation she had just given verbally.

Right, well done, you three. Back to work now. As soon as I find some spare reppies, you will have them.

* * * * *

Who writes this stuff? City Director Carla thought, and zoned out of the meeting to check messages on her retinal display. Of course she knew other members of the 341 committee would notice, but that was one of the advantages of being City Director – no one was going to pull her up on it.

One of the more zealous climate engineers was citing the committee terms of reference again. His tone was fervent, almost evangelical, as he quoted, … this committee will oversee, manage, and direct the ‘Three Communities, One World Project (341)’ the ultimate aim of which is to jointly … there was emphasis on the word ‘jointly’, … pursue any and all endeavours possible to address the Earth’s current atmospheric and environmental conditions and return the surface and planetary biosphere to more favourable conditions for humans, plants, animals and microorganisms. As per the attached MOU … He quickly sucked in some air.

Yes, all right, Xach, Carla interrupted, stifling a yawn. We are all aware of why we are here. It doesn’t fix the issue.

Major Whitlam Harper, the delegate from Canberra, agreed, his voice tight with barely contained anger. I really don’t know why I keep coming to these bloody meetings, he wanted to protest. Instead, he said, look, I’ve already apologised. If I could control what my government is doing right now, I would. But the recent elections have changed everything. I’ve also already told you that the two helicopters we have here are at the project teams disposal, along with the pilots to fly them …

But they aren’t much good if we have no prototypes to deploy for testing, another engineer pointed out.

Carla checked her internal display again, having just detected the slight tickle of her visual cortex that told her an image-based message had arrived. Across the table, Ariel, Carla’s lover, had a quirky grin. Ariel was watching Carla intently.

I shouldn’t open it, Carla told herself, before she smirked and opened it anyway. She wriggled slightly in her chair as she read the icon-loaded message. It said ‘OMG, please bend me over this meeting table and spank me right now. I can’t stand it any longer.’

Carla and Ariel both looked around the room. Every committee member with a feed was staring at them. They had all felt the sexual exchange, even if they hadn’t read the message. Carla wiped the smile off, but was otherwise unperturbed.

We’re getting nowhere here. Whit, may I suggest you try again to sort out what has happened with our latest parts shipment from Canberra? Xach, please ask the engineers to re-think their designs as a contingency in case we cannot get the requested materials from Canberra after all.

Whit nodded to Carla and rose to leave. Xach gave Carla and the other committee members an obsequious bow.

Carla turned to Ariel. I’ll deal with you later, she warned.

Ariel poked out her tongue and left, but not before checking that all the other members’ backs were turned as they left the room.

* * * * *

Reppie detail has to be the worst job in the Satellites, Elite Security Team Leader Hallam thought, as he and his second in command made their way to the reppie dormitory.

Exactly why are we here, Sir? Dayna asked.

I wish I knew, Dayna. I really wish I knew. Some reppies have gone missing, or got assigned twice, or something. Here, read Myr … ah, the Prime Commander’s … message.

He flicked the message to Dayna’s ICD code, and Dayna read it on her retinal display as they continued to walk.

This … can this be right? She finally asked. I don’t understand.

You don’t understand why we got dragged into it? No, neither do I. As if we don’t have better things to do. I was at least hoping for another food riot to attend to, but …

No, Sir. That’s not what I meant. I meant, how can forty replaced workers disappear, with not even their usual handler knowing where they went?

Their handler got a message more than a week ago that his complement had been transferred to someone else’s control. He took up duties elsewhere, apparently.

So what does the Commander think we are going to do?

Exactly. She directs, we obey, my friend. Here we are, obeying.

Dayna eyed him warily. This was not the first time Hallam had shown his displeasure of their superior officer. Hasn’t he gotten over that demotion yet? She wondered. It’s been three years – too long to hold a grudge. And it was his own fault anyway. Only an idiot would have supported Diana over Carla.

When they got to the door, Hallam expected it to open automatically. It should have.

He leaned forward and swiped a thumb over a sensor. There was no reaction, not even a double-beep of rejection.

He pulled out his ICD and checked the settings in this area.

What the …?

Sir? Dayna, asked.

This door. Why won’t it open? It should read my authority levels and open when requested. You try.

His second in command swiped her thumb too. The same reaction, which was no reaction at all, resulted.

Can you smell that? Dayna asked, as she turned her attention back to her leader.

Yes. Rather unpleasant. Filthy things, reppies. If no one tells them to hygienate, they stay dirty.

They would have had to be in the animal production area for weeks without washing to smell like that, though.

Oh, you’ve had experience in the animal production area then? Hallam asked. There was a hint of venom in it that his second recognised.

It’s just really strange, is all. Why hasn’t anyone reported the smell? This is all too weird. I can see why the Prime Commander sent us. Someone is really messing with protocols.

Dayna knew as soon as she mentioned the Commander that she ought to have found a different way to express her support for their current assignment.

Spare me the details, Dayna. I’m sorry your ambitions for promotion to Security Central have been compromised by working with me, but you’ll just have to cope.

That’s not … Dayna checked herself. Shall I contact Maintenance and request intervention?

Yes. Get on with it then.

It took twenty minutes for a maintenance crew to arrive. Dayna made sporadic attempts at conversation, but eventually settled into a silent and heart-felt wish that the maintenance crew would hurry.

By the time the work crew arrived, Hallam’s feed signals had gone from slow burn to nuclear fission.

As a maintenance worker wedged his hand in and pulled hard on the door to force it open, he was assailed by the most stomach-turning stench. He gagged and put his hand over his nose and looked into the darkness, but could see nothing.

Lights, he mumbled, still peering into the void. Light suffused the dormitory, and suddenly he wished it were still dark. Oh, the Founders preserve us. Oh … fucking … oh … The worker gasped, stumbling backwards and pointing.

Oh, for the love of … Hallam began, clamping a hand over his nose as he looked inside. He too stopped speaking at the sight before him.

There were bodies scattered all over the dormitory. Some looked like they had merely fallen out of bed and landed heedless on to the floor. Others appeared to be sleeping in bed, except for their unnatural pallor. Every one of the forty bodies had evidently been dead for many days.

Hallam stepped back from the door, and put an arm out to stop Dayna as she moved to repeat his enquiry at the doorway. Don’t, Hallam said. Then he turned his attention to the maintenance worker who had opened the door. Get a handle on it and pull that door closed. Dayna, make an urgent request to Prime Commander Myra, City Director Carla and Wellness Prime Wesson to come here immediately. No one goes in there until they arrive.

Having done his duty, Hallam walked to a nearby corner. He leaned against the wall, and panted great gulps of air for a few moments, then bent further as the contents of his stomach refused to stay down any longer.

Chapter 2

After an afternoon spent negotiating with some workers who were threatening strike action if their work practices didn’t change, Carla sat in her apartment, sipping coffee and waiting for Ariel.

This had become Carla’s preferred end to her long work days. After frustrating negotiation sessions, infuriating colleagues, and draining reconciliation tribunal hearings, there was nothing better than reaching the sanctuary of her apartment. Carla would make coffee, pour two glasses of orange liqueur, and sink down on a lounge to read the latest committee documents or portfolio reports. Soon, she would sense Ariel’s approach and they would both feel the lightening of their hearts. The daily anxiety would melt away under the combined harmony of feed-fed mutual joy.

Tonight, though, Ariel was late.

Carla wasn’t worried. She knew Ariel was scheduled for a meeting at the temple with her mentor, the High Priestess of Seers, Celeste. Being a friend, Celeste rarely wanted to keep Ariel from coming home on time.

As if this thought was a cue, a voice suddenly manifested inside Carla’s mind. It was Ariel.

The skill to mind-speak required practice to maintain, especially for Carla. She and Ariel used it even when they didn’t really need to, so they knew it would be there when they did need it.

Ariel, I was worried, Carla thought.

I knew you would be. I’m sorry. My meeting with Celeste was longer than expected. Time got away from us while we were shadow-riding, but I’m on my way now.

Okay. I’ll order some food.

And fresh coffee? Ariel prompted.

Of course, Carla thought, and felt the familiar emptiness and slight sense of loss as Ariel vacated the psychic scene.

It was another half an hour before Carla felt Ariel’s approach and rose from the lounge to pour coffee and take their meals from the warming box.

Looking stunning as ever in her dark red Prime’s uniform, Ariel burst happily through the apartment door just as Carla set the meals on the small fold-out dining table.

Carla noted a slightly strange undertone in Ariel’s feed, but didn’t think it was anything to worry about.

They welcomed each other with a long hug, and Ariel, as was her habit, let her hands run over Carla’s back and down to her firm buttocks before drawing away just enough to let Carla unzip her jacket.

As was Carla’s habit, she had showered and changed into casual loose grey trousers and an under-singlet. Her muscular arms were shown to best advantage in this outfit and she knew Ariel liked it. As Carla hooked Ariel’s jacket off her shoulders, Ariel placed her hands on Carla’s upper arms, feeling the play of muscles.

What’s for dinner? Ariel asked lightly.

I love you too, Carla answered, then smiled at the look on Ariel’s face. Chicken and rice, Carla relented, cooked with spices and all your favourite flavours,

The food tech’s have found out how to distil you, finally?

You are off tonight, aren’t you? That was not up to your usual standard of compliments.

I’m a bit tired, I have to admit. Take it or leave it.

Carla gave Ariel a playful poke in the ribs before drawing her towards the dining table.

I’ll take it. Eat to Work, Carla quipped as they both sat down.

Yes, yes, Work to Live. In my next round of City reforms, I think I’m going to change the City motto.

Oh, yes? Carla used her best City Director voice. What to?

Live to Love.

Very apt. Let’s see how that goes down with the Resourcing Workers Union.

When the meal was done and the plates and utensils had been packed into the server hatch, the lovers moved, through silent agreement also born of habit, to the lounge area. Ariel took her boots and socks off and stretched her feet out in front of her, splaying her toes as if they had been cramped.

I always wonder why you do that, Carla noted, pointing to Ariel’s outstretched feet. Our boots are made to fit each person perfectly.

Each Elite person perfectly, and mine do. But I still like to have a good stretch. I don’t need to, I just like to.

Carla nodded. So, she segued, between sipping the now warm liqueur, What did you talk about with Celeste?

My divine powers – at least that’s what she calls them. Personally, I’m still not at all comfortable with the label. But still, that’s her name for them and she is the head of a religious order of which I am a member, so I don’t suppose I can quibble.

That doesn’t usually stop you. What did she say about these powers of yours, whatever you want to call them?

Well, a lot of things, really. Apparently, Celeste and the other Elders of the divine-based echelons have been trying to work out what I am.

I could tell them what you are, Carla teased, smirking.

Yes, well, I’ll be sure to inform them that they should consult you, next time I see them. But this is important, Carla. I’m about to move from Adept to Priestess, and Celeste is sure I’m ready spiritually, but I can’t progress if they can’t classify me.

What do you mean by classify? Carla asked seriously, laying a pacifying hand on Ariel’s knee.

Well, it’s like determining what portfolio a New Sydney contributor should go to. If a person shows some aptitude of a psychic nature, they begin general training as a seer. By the time they’ve been an Adept for a year or so, it usually becomes obvious what they should specialise in. Darius, for example, always displayed an innate ability to persuade and influence others. When a talent for martial arts manifested in training, his career as an Enforcer was no longer in doubt. As soon as Tamar started training, her choice of her New Sydney Career in Wellness was confirmed when she displayed considerable psychic abilities in healing.

You don’t lack for natural talents of your own, though, surely? Carla asked. Her feed was indicating a double meaning, but her face was impassive.

Ariel chose to ignore the lewd implications and continued, That’s the problem. My dominant talent has been identified as an unusual predisposition not to be classified into any dominant talent. The assessors have observed an uncanny ability to copy other people; their speech, their movements; their divine skills. They seem to think my feat in healing you, for example, after Diana … when you were dying, wasn’t a manifestation of natural healing any more than my controlling Diana later was only an Enforcer skill. They think I’m something new – something never seen before. They don’t know what to concentrate on for my future training. Celeste wanted to know what I thought about it all.

And what do you think?

I don’t know yet. I don’t think I want to specialise though. Being able to heal you was useful, but I don’t want to heal to the exclusion of all other psychic skills. Darius has started to train me to expand my latent Enforcer skills. Apparently my ability to protect you from BEB effects could be construed as a Protector skill, which is a branch of Enforcement too, but I don’t think I want to be an Enforcer.

What did Celeste recommend?

Nothing yet, other than a program to expose me to as many different psychic abilities as possible. She said she would be happy to keep me as a Seer until a path becomes clearer, but what if it never becomes clear?

Then you’ll be an outstanding Seer who can do other things when you need to. And you’ll always have your Prime position here. You’ve got a lifetime of plans to fulfil in that portfolio alone. Is being a Seer and a Prime so bad?

No, perhaps not. It’s just that I feel like I’ve got so much potential but none of the current options feel right.

Ariel’s feed showed her to be anxious and distracted.

More coffee? Carla offered.

Goddess, yes. Have we got any of Whitlam’s powdered milk left?

Yes, I think so. Hard or soft?

Ariel raised an eyebrow. Soft.

Lots of milk and a bit of coffee coming up. Incidentally, Carla said as she walked into the kitchen, what career would Celeste and her colleagues choose for me, do you think?

Ah, that’s easy, Ariel laughed. You’d be a Seducer for sure!

Carla looked over at Ariel and feigned a scowl. I’m being serious. I’d really like to know.

I’m being serious too, Ariel replied, turning to face Carla as she returned to the lounge. It’s an Enforcer skill, but it uses a lot of pure Seer skills too. Seducers influence people on a much more subtle level than Enforcers like Darius do, by effectively ‘seeing’ what will work best, and then adapting their words and behaviour accordingly; they are a key member of any diplomatic corps.

Although Ariel’s reply was as earnest as she could make it, her feed told Carla a different story entirely. As Ariel had described a Seducer’s talents, a faint trickle of desire lay under the surface. As soon as Carla’s feed detected it and reflected it back automatically, the feeling intensified. Soon there was nothing else perceivable except arousal.

Suddenly, Ariel’s too-milky coffee was almost forgotten.

Ah, an invitation to demonstrate said skills, can I assume? Carla clarified.

I am yours to enforce, Prime Commander.

Carla’s answering look made Ariel’s chest constrict. She stood up and moved as if to go to their bedroom, expecting Carla to follow, but she didn’t get very far.

Here, Carla said simply, pointing to the coffee table, and if that coffee gets spilled, there will be consequences.

Ariel gulped, and returned, stripping her singlet top off and casting in onto the floor as she walked.

Carla had risen too. As Ariel approached, Carla snaked out an arm to draw Ariel into an embrace. As their mouths met, Carla’s hands moved to Ariel’s waist and began to undo the fastenings of her trousers. Ariel dragged them off, along with her under-shorts while Carla shucked her loose pants. She left her singlet on though. She knew Ariel liked it.

They kissed again, now letting hands caress bare skin. They drank each other in, letting desire flow between them, amplified by the feed technology. They were both soon wet with longing.

Carla dipped her lips to Ariel’s neck, delivering a playful bite that melted Ariel still further.

Down, Carla whispered throatily.

It was an order with which Ariel was happy to comply. They both knew she disliked standing sex – her orgasm was never as good. If Ariel’s wasn’t, Carla’s wasn’t either.

Ariel dropped to the floor and knelt facing the coffee table.

Carla took up a position behind her and allowed her hand to gently trace the faint scar lines that criss-crossed Ariel’s shoulders and back. This was Carla’s way of dealing with the guilt she was accustomed to feeling whenever she looked at the marks she had herself inflicted.

Ariel shivered with pleasure, having long since dealt with her own feelings about the incidents that had led to those wounds. Now the scars represented a source of reconciliation – a physical reminder of how love had conquered mistrust and betrayal. They were a badge of pride.

Soon, Carla’s fingers stilled at the end of a scar-line near the nape of Ariel’s neck, and Ariel allowed herself to be coaxed forward over the table. A moan of anticipation escaped her, followed by a surprised squeak as Carla flicked a hand hard onto her vulnerable buttocks.

Carla suppressed her own cry as she felt the sharp quick pain of her spankings mirrored on her own body. She leant forward to plant a series of soft, gentle kisses down Ariel’s spine, from neck to hips.

Ariel responded by pushing her arse into Carla’s groin and wiggling. Carla could hardly believe the effect this had, even though it was a common position for both of them. Carla’s state of arousal heightened another notch. She reached a hand forward to tweak one of Ariel’s nipples, while her right hand dipped between Ariel’s legs. A deft thumb caressed Ariel’s clit while two fingers slipped just inside, then out again a few times.

Ariel moaned and shifted her hips again. This was Carla’s cue to leave her outside ministrations. Her feed told her Ariel was wet, and aching. She removed her thumb from its work, formed her whole hand into an arrow-head, and begin to push slowly but forcefully inside. Ariel gave a cry as Carla’s knuckles followed her fingers past the natural barrier, and squirmed as she felt Carla begin to explore. Ariel’s first orgasm was almost immediate, causing a corresponding wave of climax through Carla, who leaned into Ariel to steady herself.

Inside, Carla could feel Ariel’s internal muscles trying to push her hand out. She resisted. Balling her hand, Carla allowed a spasm to push her fist to the vaginal opening, but as soon as the pressure reduced slightly, Carla pushed back in, grazing Ariel’s g-spot as she went.

Ariel’s moans turned to growling cries as she reached her second, more visceral climax. Carla again pushed against the force inside, until she felt Ariel melt beneath her and emit a long, slow breath. Carla carefully removed her hand and cupped it over Ariel’s sopping mound. She let her fingers gently tickle Ariel’s labia every now and then, enjoying the slippery sensation as she let her own heavy breathing recede.

It seemed like an eternity before Ariel had recovered enough to take her turn, but it was less than a minute. Carla felt the shift and lifted her weight from Ariel’s back.

Oh, Ariel. I want you in me and over me and inside you, all at once.

Ariel dragged herself from the table and turned to watch Carla pull a chair up and perch herself on the edge of it.

This was a position from which several scenarios could play out, but Ariel’s wasn’t yet sure which one Carla wanted.

Carla leant forward and gripped a hunk of Ariel’s hair in her still-wet, Ariel-slick fist, and pulled Ariel’s mouth into her crotch.

Ariel felt her stomach do another flip, and began to run her tongue lightly over Carla’s clit, but the pressure of Carla’s grip didn’t let up, and soon Ariel found she had no choice but to force her tongue between Carla’s labia and explore the opening. Ariel’s nose hit Carla’s clit hard every time she licked.

Carla’s clitoral orgasms came quickly, one upon the other. Ariel felt her head released. She used the reprieve to dive her fingers inside while still keeping up her work with tongue and lips. It only took two fingers and a few moves in and out. Carla screamed, and sank off the chair to land on her knees in front of Ariel. She gripped Ariel hard as the aftershocks pounded through both of them. With a final shudder, the orgasm subsided, leaving both lovers simultaneously spent and exhilarated.

I’ve got a name for you, Carla finally whispered, as if to continue their previous conversation undeterred. A career you can reach your full potential in.

Ariel, expecting something lascivious, leaned in and began to play her fingers in Carla’s hair and around the nape of her long, slender neck.

Oh, yes? Ariel murmured.

Yes. Dream Weaver, Carla breathed.

Ariel’s hands stopped abruptly, and her whole body went stiff. She sat back on her heels and scowled at Carla as if she had just been slapped, and not in fun.

How do you know that name? Ariel demanded. A strange mixture of anger, fear, and awe was belting out of her feed.

I don’t know. It just came to me. I don’t even really know what it means – it just sounded right, Carla defended, desperately trying to shift the mood. She was used to Ariel’s ability to flip in temper from one moment to the next, but Carla hadn’t caused it in a long time. She had thought she had finally worked out what made Ariel react, but clearly she still had much to learn.

You really are a Seer then, Ariel noted, feeling Carla’s attempt to calm her. Ariel decided to let Carla’s placating feed signal work on her own emotions.

Well, if I am, it’s not consistent. What did I say? What set you off like that? I’m sorry, Ariel. I didn’t mean to scare you. It was meant to be a joke, and a compliment. I love you so much and you can make me feel like everything is a beautiful dream of your making. That’s all I meant.

Shhh! Ariel hissed, angry again. You’re not making it any better.

What? Carla asked, frustrated, and arcing towards anger now in her own right.

It’s a prophecy. The Real Eden High Priestess of Seers has a book of prophecies and portents. Each High Priestess contributes to it. Each Acolyte must study it. Celeste is the latest in her line of Seers. Her mother and her grandmother wrote many prophecies – many of which have already come to pass. Celeste meeting us outside the City that first time was one of them. The book foretells of a woman called the Dream Weaver.

Ariel got up and hunted about the room for her uniform jacket. She slipped her ICD from its pocket and fiddled with it for a moment, then began to read off the screen.

… and it shall come to pass that a Dream Weaver shall be made; one who gives form to all that she imagines. The Dream Weaver will heal the suffering of the Earth. Much shall she endure for the Goddess to be made whole. Twice shall she die, so the world may live …

Ariel’s declamation rang in the air and was echoed inside Carla’s head. Ariel was using her psychic voice as well as her physical one. The space around Ariel shimmered, as if she was emitting an intense heat.

Twice shall she die, Carla thought. Ariel had died once already. How could this prophecy be about anyone but her?

Ariel, I …

I know, my love. You didn’t know. I can tell from your reaction. But the words have been spoken, and cannot be retracted, no matter how much we might both wish it.

But Ariel, prophecies can’t be trusted. Celeste says that all the time. My words had no meaning. I am not a High Priestess. I’m not even a Seer, as your continued need for patience when trying to train me in even the most rudimentary skills shows us daily. The Dream Weaver doesn’t have to be you – and me calling you that in jest doesn’t give it power.

And yet you felt it too, Seducer. You felt the truth of it the moment it left your lips. I felt the shift in mystical forces and so did you. I’m scared, Carla. I don’t want to die again. I’ve done more with my life in the years I’ve been back than I did in my first 67 years the first time around, but I still have so much more to do.

Then we’ll make sure you don’t have to die again, Ariel. They’re just words. They only have power if you believe in them. We’re safe here in New Sydney. Nothing can harm us.

Carla meant the platitude to be comforting, but a strange feeling was trickling into her heart and taking root. Even as she spoke, she felt a sneaking certainty that her words were meaningless. Her sudden fear told her they were not safe, and soon their folly in pretending they were would rise up to bite them, and the whole city along with them.

Ariel felt it too, and walked over to Carla. Carla was still on the floor, so Ariel stretched her hand down to urge Carla to her feet. When Carla rose, Ariel took her in her arms again. They held each other close for a long time, and only broke apart when they heard a knock at the apartment door.

Celeste, both Ariel and Carla declared as one. It was more than just the feed putting them into sync. Carla and Ariel seemed to be in perfect psychic harmony as well.

Carla flicked the door command using her retinal display, and Celeste entered without ceremony. She was so good at masking her emotions that she didn’t appear to react at all to the fact that both lovers were nearly naked and still glowing from their love-making.

We need to talk, Celeste stated simply, as she walked to the kitchen to pour herself a liqueur.

We do, Ariel and Carla agreed.

Chapter 3

I suggest you get dressed, Celeste advised. I am not concerned either way, but what I have to tell you might mean you need to ask others to join us. I suspect you want to be attired as the City Director when Whitlam, Darius and your Primes come visiting.

It’s not about Carla’s sudden development into a Seer then, that you come here all in state this late at night? Ariel enquired.

No. I was already on my way here when I felt that energy get loose in the world. And that can wait – not for long, but it is the second of my priorities.

What is the first? Carla asked as she sauntered to the bedroom. Celeste and Ariel followed her, and Celeste began to impart her information while the other two women freshened up and dressed in New Sydney uniforms.

One of Darius’ Rangers has detected a large group of vessels and human souls heading towards New Sydney.

Carla emerged from the steam room and raised an eyebrow at Celeste. How many? From where?

She thinks there are close to 800. In the psychic realm they are in clumps, so she thinks that means they are in some sort of vehicle, maybe 10 or more.

Carla mulled over this information. A Ranger?

You’ve met one before. Celeste reminded. Remember Helena, who kept calling you ‘The Hand of the Goddess?

Oh, yes, of course. Interesting, Carla commented as she pulled out a fresh uniform from a closet and dragged on underwear before putting the uniform on.

I have asked Darius to join us to explain more. Celeste explained. I took the liberty of messaging Tamar to ask her to warn Whitlam that he might be needed. I had no idea who you would want here from amongst the Primes.

Ariel emerged from the steam room and came to stand next to Carla. She felt a trickle of interest as Carla watched her move across the room, and silently admired Carla’s crisp black uniform with the City Director rainbow stripes on the collar. The uniform matched Carla’s jet black hair. She loved that.

Siroc should be here, Ariel noted as she started to dress.

Yes, and Meena too, unfortunately. If there are any implications for food stores, there’ll be the Founders own balls to cane if I make any decisions without consulting her first.

Wellness? Ariel asked.

I don’t think so. Not yet. Let’s find out what there is to be known first. I only need three Primes in attendance to prove I’m not acting unilaterally.

Lucky I’m here then, Ariel quipped, doing up her jacket and pulling the collar up straight.

I couldn’t agree more, Carla commented, and plucked a stray brownish-blonde hair off Ariel’s shoulder.

I’ll sort out some coffee, Ariel offered as she moved away, towards the lounge room.

No. Celeste and Carla’s verdict was unanimous.

I’ll make more coffee. You call your fellow Primes and tell them their City Director requires their immediate attendance. Celeste, could you liaise with Whitlam?

Gladly, Celeste assented.

Darius arrived soon after, stalling Ariel’s attempts to get more information from Celeste. Over the next 20 minutes, other players arrived until the lounge room was humming with conversation.

Carla brought the group to order, and repeated Celeste’s correspondence regarding the potential new arrivals.

The noise level increased again immediately, as the representatives mulled over what they had heard.

Whitlam was the first to ask an intelligent question of Celeste and Darius. How could one of yours have detected these people? We’ve picked up nothing from satellite data. Even if Canberra had only just seen them using our technology, I would know.

We don’t need machines, Whit, Darius reminded. Rangers use a combination of seeing and enforcement to detect people at great distances. In any case, the group is probably too small to be seen from Satellites from what you’ve described of the technology.

What is a Ranger? Siroc asked.

A specialised Enforcer who finds people over long distances, Ariel explained. When they aren’t looking for specific people, they like to range about on the aetheric plane to see how far they can go. They like to seek new souls. It’s a way of Real Eden knowing if danger is on its way, and whether other survivor groups are near but have previously gone undetected.

A mystic, you mean, Meena quipped. There’s no point trying to explain it to us, Ariel. Your Prime skills and leadership are one thing, but this rubbish about mind-powers is quite meaningless.

Let us get back to the point, please, Carla admonished. If there is a large group of previously unknown survivors heading our way, we need to co-ordinate a response. To do that, we need more information. Do we have time, Darius, to argue about powers?

No, I do not believe so. My Ranger estimates about 800 souls, in ten or eleven different vehicles. They will make landfall here, at their current speed, in about 4 days.

That assumes, of course, that they do intend to land, Ariel noted.

It also assumes we will help them if they do, Meena warned.

Do we have any evidence that they are refugees, or militants, rather than explorers? Ariel asked.

Would 800 people usually be explorers? Carla replied.

Celeste broke into the conversation then. Even if they are just passing through, one assumes they will stop and ask for supplies or information before going on.

And our main dome is a pretty obvious sign that there are people here, resources, and information, I should think, Siroc noted. It would be hard to miss, and hard to resist once noticed.

Is there anyone on the vessels that a Seer or Ranger could contact? Ariel asked.

Tanya, the Ranger who found them, has tried, Darius answered, but has had no success. She has been able to isolate some promising life-lines, however none of them has detected her presence or answered her calls.

Is Tanya as strong as Celeste? Ariel asked.

No, but I am not that much more skilled, Celeste answered. To contact an un-tuned mind from that distance is, as far as I am aware, beyond any individual psychic skill.

Hmm, fair point, Ariel acknowledged.

Has any other contact method been attempted? Carla asked.

I do not think there has been time, Celeste said.

That sounds like something we could do, Whitlam chimed in. Canberra managed to detect your two populations when neither of you had found each other for over 190 years before that.

We knew New Sydney was here, Celeste noted mildly.

I’ll get a team on it to, Carla added, hoping to steer the conversation away from one-upmanship.

What will we do if we can’t contact them? Meena asked. For that matter, if we do contact them and they tell us they want space and resources – they want to stay – will we give it to them?

I imagine it would depend on what they want and what they intend, Whitlam noted.

Did Tanya detect any hostile intent? Ariel asked.

Darius turned to Ariel. That’s a good question. If they were hostile, I would have said so. There is no hint at all that they carry anger or malice in their hearts. Rather, they exude anticipation … bravery … hope.

What sort of vessels are we talking about here? Whitlam changed tack.

They are … odd, Darius supplied. "They … float … according to Tanya, although of course, being a Ranger, she has not the power to