New City Chronicles - Book 3 - The Star of Arafel

By E. L. Hendrix

In the third installment of New City Chronicles-The Star of Arafel- the ancient prophecy and identity of a numinous girl named Arafel is finally revealed.

The story continues: After the assassination of the Archon, Devan Elaniel, the carmelineal Valen is arrested. Meanwhile, Zack Waters remains imprisoned in the Citadel following his confe

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eric L Hendrix
• Release date: Apr 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781735421759

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New City Chronicles: Book III—The Star of Arafel

Copyright © 2021 by E. L. Hendrix. All Rights Reserved.

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Cover and Interior design: 1106 Design

CONTENTS

Prologue

Glossary of Terms & Acronyms

List of Characters

Chapter 1: The High Council of the Inner Circle

Chapter 2: Bad Mojo

Chapter 3: The Ascension of Pythorael

Chapter 4: Home for Dinner

Chapter 5: A Difficult Choice

Chapter 6: The Interrogation of Carmanis Valenceal

Chapter 7: Changing Times and Seasons

Chapter 8: Leadership Crisis

Chapter 9: House-Elf Rules

Chapter 10: Claren

Chapter 11: The Spectacle

Chapter 12: Sasha

Chapter 13: The Angel of Death

Chapter 14: Tabitha vs Leoh

Chapter 15: Far North

Chapter 16: Three Bodies and a Princess

Chapter 17: Tiger

Chapter 18: Wings to Fly

Chapter 19: The Return of the Archon

Chapter 20: The Aftermath

Chapter 21: The Trouble with Symone and Danette

Chapter 22: The Tragedy of Danette Waters

Chapter 23: Vengeance

Chapter 24: The Battle for Castle Point

Chapter 25: When it’s Better to Die

Chapter 26: The Assault on Interlochen

Chapter 27: The Giver of Life

Chapter 28: The Triumph of Tabitha Waters

Chapter 29: The Battle of Ariel City

Chapter 30: An Unlikely Hero

Epilogue: The Revelation of the Star of Arafel

PROLOGUE

Tatisiel brought Arafel to the top of a mountain. When he touched the palm of her hand, a tiny light shone in his right hand. He closed his fist, and Arafel’s sick, elderly body disappeared into the mist.

You are no longer in the land of the living. What can you see before you? Tatisiel asked Arafel’s spirit, which had appeared beside him.

I see seven mountains and a straight path through a desert of sand from east to west.

Figuratively, that is the valley of the shadow of death, said Tatisiel. Upon this mountain is where you will meet your mother. When you eat what is now in my hand, your memories will vanish. You will transcend centuries of time and learn life anew as a child again. You must choose one of the seven mountains across the sand.

How do I choose what I don’t understand? Arafel replied.

Each is a path, a precious stone for a crown and a star within your heart which is bound. I can speak only of the easiest and the hardest paths, but you must choose where you will end up at last.

More riddles? How can I make such a choice?

Tatisiel said, "Should you choose the easiest path, there is a cost. A precious stone will be lost. With this path, the gift which restored your half-sister’s life will not be granted to you twice. That is the price."

"You said I must choose to die—for love, to help them overcome, clothe them with the sun, and make them one, even as the sea of glass becomes clear as crystal again. Tell me of the hardest path."

Tatisiel replied, If you choose the hardest path you will be humble, make the weak powerful, the most fearful brave, the harshest kind and the most sorrowful full of joy. For love, it is to die for another and for your star to fall. It is the path for an only daughter to meet her mother.

Then I must choose the hardest path, for love, said Arafel Can you tell me which one?

"The appointed time has come. Now, you must choose. I cannot tell you which one."

She looked again at the seven mountains. One was covered in mist like a shroud. It appeared higher and far more treacherous than the others. I choose the one where the clouds hide the sun so its warmth cannot reach to melt the snow upon its peak.

Tatisiel opened his hand, revealing a tiny but bright golden star in the shape of a lily, shining like the sun. I tell you truth: It will taste as sweet as honey, but it will turn bitter. You will suffer and you will weep. Yet, before the last day, your heart will be healed and made perfect, and your joy will be complete.

Arafel took the star. It tasted sweet, and she remembered nothing of herself before she ate. The breath of life was given to a girl. She began to grow in the womb of her mother, the only daughter of another.

October 31, 63 NCE: Ethereal Realms

She has done well, said Tatisiel.

You meddled with her choice! Michael reproached him. Elaniel could still discover her hidden name.

I did not place her star in my hand, said Tatisiel. God placed it there before her choice was made or her life began.

When the girl learns the truth, she’ll know you didn’t tell her everything she was granted to know about that little star she ate. The manner of her death is the least of what would trouble her about her fate.

She won’t throw away her gift, said Tatisiel with certainty. She’ll die when the time comes and meet all three of them. There is no other way. Elaniel will defeat himself by stealing what he can’t possess.

I know the prophecy, but Elaniel isn’t the only creature who can harm her, warned Michael. The carmelineals are ruthless and the oath which once held them is now broken. Arafel is vulnerable to their boundless appetites, and you can no longer protect her. She must do this on her own. She’s in danger; Carmanis Valenceal was able to sense her presence.

Her name is protected, said Tatisiel. "He won’t lose her."

Nothing is certain! Michael exclaimed. That little ray of light you presented to her as a child will not protect her heart any longer. It merely altered her fate for a season. She may decide differently, and it will all begin again. Not even the angels can know the exact time of the end.

A little help is all she needed. She wouldn’t have survived.

"Arafel would never have chosen this!"

"Of her I can always sing. The Star of Arafel will receive her wings, said Tatisiel confidently. I know she can overcome anything."

She doesn’t have seven eyes to see, Michael countered. Everything about her is now shrouded in a dense cloud of fog, and the outcome is a mystery. We can no longer perceive her destiny.

"That is precisely why He chose her; because neither can her enemies."

GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ACRONYMS

AI – Artificial intelligence – LEOH runs on a complex array of AI algorithms based on a set of prime directives

Ariel City – Hidden city in the Western Dead Zone of North America

ATO – Ariel Tracers Organization – Helps Ministry Security Directive (SD) targets escape from New City

Carmelineal – A being with the power to mimic people by taking their form and voices; they can also take possession of a person, including their memories

Circulatios ritual – An arcane ritual that assists an intermediary in the transfer of a spirit of a deceased or unconscious person to new host body.

Citadel – The Archon refers to his numerous palaces and fortresses as citadels

CCD – Central Control Division – Coordinates all NCMIA (Ministry) divisions across all New City Jurisdictions

CJ – Central Jurisdiction

Clarion – An adept individual specially trained in the art and science of advanced deductive analysis

DZ – Dead Zone – Areas outside the walls of New City

Erafel Stone – Stone of Fire – Worn as a talisman, this rare red diamond was infused with arcane power. It was named after a girl with extraordinary gifts who Devan Elaniel encountered in 822 CE

ED – Entertainment display – a sophisticated virtual television

ēlan – Maiden title given to a noble’s daughter until marriage or until she inherits her family title

Ēlantiel – Highest ranking noble title for a man

Ēlantess – Highest ranking noble title for a woman (or the Elantiel’s wife)

ēlar – Title given to a noble’s son until he inherits his family title

EJ – Eastern Jurisdiction

Final War – Worldwide conflict which took place before the establishment of New City

Formulation – An algorithm for retrieving and utilizing data stored within LEOH

FRS – Fleet Rail System – A highspeed magnetized pneumatic passenger train

Genetic Dissident – There are three classifications of genetic dissidents: Class 1 (C1D) dissidents are descended from David Waters and, in particular, Erafel. Class 2 dissidents (C2D) are directly descended from enemies who opposed the Archon before the Final War. Class 3 dissidents (C3D) exhibit aberrant traits preventing them from being controlled through a direct mind implant

GIA – Genetic Information Analysis – Ministry division responsible for maintaining the genetics matrix

HE – High Echelon – Members are senior New City government officials, agency directors, governors, etc.

HES – High Echelon Security service division

HESF – High Echelon Special Forces – Elite security force for the High Echelon and NCIC

HESP – High Echelon Special Projects – Oversees top secret or special projects for the Archon

Highlands Psychiatric Reform Institute – Where Venley/Danette was raised. One of many similar institutions used as a front for sexually exploiting children. When they reach age seventeen these trained children are typically sold as sex slaves.

Interlochen Citadel – The Archon’s palace fortress in the Northern Jurisdiction where Tabitha developed L2 and which contained the worldwide LEOH hub

K15 – Genetics enhancement program sponsored by the NCIC to create the elusive ATK15 sequence in female clones

LAC – Labor Allocation Colony – Where criminals and dissidents are permanently incarcerated into forced labor

Last Spiral – The Sevens of Time – The final fulfillment of seventy seven year periods of repeating prophecies

LEOH – Living Eye of Horus – Worldwide computer network and artificial intelligence system

L2 – LEOH II – An updated version of LEOH being developed and deployed by NED Tech

LOLA – Tabitha’s new name for L2

Matrix – An array of data which creates an adjunct record to LEOH’s information database

Morfian – A highly addictive cheap synthetic narcotic widely used by sex workers

MDC – Molecular Data Compressor – A prototype miniaturized molecular storage and data collection device

NCCU / CU / Ċ – New City Currency Unit – CU or Ċ is the standard monetary reference

NCDCI – New City Department of Corrections and Incarceration – Security for labor allocation colonies

NCGD – New City Government District

NCIC / IC – New City Inner Circle – High council of the Archon’s most trusted senior officials and advisors

NCMIA – New City Ministry of Information and Analysis, known as the Ministry

NCSF – New City Security Forces – The general military and police force for New City

NED Tech – Norean Enterprise Development and Technology Company; it developed LEOH

NAS – New Accord Sanhedrin – religious ruling body of the Central Jurisdiction

NJ – Northern Jurisdiction

Optimus Project – OP or OD (Optimus Directive) – The Archon’s plan for reducing the world’s population and fully integrating humanity with his LEOH system – and ultimately, himself

PCD – Personal computing device – All free citizens are required to carry one or be implanted with one

Phencol – A powerful truth serum used on interrogation subjects

QMC – Quantum Molecular Core – Uses DNA-based technology; the primary system platform for L2

SADEX score – Security Access Data Exchange score – determines what security credential level can access a LEOH data matrix

Secret Protocols – A series of events to be unleashed upon the Archon’s death or incapacity designed to glorify him, as well as bring about his resurrection and the further subjugation of humanity

SCSA – Static Code Sequence Algorithm – A security feature linked to the Archon’s DNA allowing him to control access to the highest levels of the LEOH system

SD – Security Directive – Issued by LEOH or Ministry agents for the capture or arrest of individuals

SDPV – Self-Driving Programmable Vehicle – Primary means of public/private transportation

SG – Sanctuary Gate – Any of the eleven southernmost gates into the DZ from the Southern Jurisdiction

SHO – Safehouse operator

SJ – Southern Jurisdiction

SRHQ – Southern Regional Headquarters – Secret ATO base in the southern DZ

Trapitlan Research Complex – The primary Optimus Project research facility in the Northern Jurisdiction

UAV – Unmanned Aeriel Vehicle

Utilization – The process of compiling LEOH matrix data into a usable format, such as a security directive

WJ – Western Jurisdiction

LIST OF CHARACTERS

Arafel – Erafel’s true name. A girl with extraordinary abilities who Devan Elaniel encountered in 822 CE.

Arianael, Baalen – aka Aros – Member of New City Inner Circle; enemy of Dalen Pythorael

Barry – Head steward at the Norean estate

Berenger, Steve – Friend of Tabitha Norean and ATO Scover operative

Cantris, Claren – One of Tabitha Norean and Ariel Waters’ sisters

Chancery, Nick – Mercenary agent who works for the ATO

Ciolino, Delgoth – Carmelineal and one of Valen’s former fellow prisoners

Coruprael, Janice – Director of the Ministry GIA division

Crenshaw, Alex – Executive Director of the Highlands Psychiatric Institute

Dearden, Jackson – Far North prisoner who, along with his companion Chesiri, helps young boys and girls who end up on the streets

Duggar, Greg – ATO recruitment agent who acquired Venley – Supervises safehouse operations and had a tryst with Danette

Dylanis, Beverly – Wife of Harold Dylanis, whom he married when he immigrated to Ariel City

Dylanis, Charlotte – Deceased wife of Harold Dylanis and mother of Julia Dylanis (aka Venley)

Dylanis, Dr. Harold – Genetics researcher; ran the K15 project for the High Echelon

Elaniel, Devan – Archon of New City

Elgin, Dr. Simon – Research associate of Harold Dylanis on the K15 project and a spy for Dalen Pythorael

Everly, Hanson – Head of Norean Security at the NCGD Norean estate.

Fishman, Nancy – Business manager of the Highland’s Psychiatric Institute

Goddard, Gerry – Far North Kirkland zone housing office administrator

Kanaan, Cory – Woman in Far North who ran a brothel for young girls

Jennipa – Witch who once foretold Devan Elaniel’s future

Hildebrandt, Peyton (aka Darla Benefield) – One of Tabitha Norean and Ariel Waters’ sisters

Julian – Tabitha’s valet

Montenegro, Saldivar – Tabitha Norean’s attorney. He handled Julia Dylanis’ name change to Venley Perry and the estate of Charlotte Dylanis

Morrisey, Ilene – Far North administrator and resource manager

Mythrael, Teran – aka Mythos – NCIC (New City Inner Circle) member and enemy of Dalen Pythorael

Norean, Carl – Ēlantiel of New City – Father of Tabitha Norean

Norean, Kimerlin – Kim – Ēlantess of New City – Tabitha’s mother and wife of Carl Norean

Norean, Stanley – Norean ēlar and Tabitha’s older brother

Norean, Tabitha – The Noreans’ daughter and their only ēlan

Noverael, Sentalis – aka Novos – High Echelon commander of the Vatican fortress in Rome and the jailor for the carmelineals incarcerated since the Final War

Perry, Greyton – Venley’s adoptive father

Perry, Vayden – Venley’s abusive brother

Perry, Vee – Venley’s adoptive mother

Place, Talen – aka Tal Complaceal – Head of Special Projects for the High Echelon and NCIC member

Pythorael, Dalen – Director of the CCD and member of the NCIC

Prideil, Nathan – Archon’s security adjutant – appointed to head the NCIC – former carmelineal

Rayner, Ben and Dedra – Symone Rayner’s parents

Rayner, Symone – aka Ailsa – One of Tabitha Norean and Ariel Waters’ sisters

Rogan, Lawrence – aka Larens Aroganceal – Head of Executive Security for the Ministry and NCIC member

Santos, Nicholas – Former Deputy Director of the CCD to whom Zack Waters reported

Savadnetski, Kalina – ATO technical expert in charge of exfiltration operations for the ATO at the SRHQ in the DZ

Fishman, Nancy – Business manager of the Highland’s Psychiatric Institute

Statler, Danette – Alias for Venley Perry formerly Julia Dylanis, a safehouse operator for the ATO. Sister of Ariel Waters and Tabitha Norean

Talek, Sasha – One of Tabitha Norean and Ariel Waters’ sisters

Talek, Voren – Sasha Talek’s father who works in NED Tech’s classified implant division

Tatisiel – Angelic adjutant of the principality of the Archangel

Templeton, Jared – Head of the ATO SRHQ base in the Dead Zone

Valenceal, Carmanis – aka Valen – A carmelineal who owes an oath of allegiance to Dalen Pythorael

Verigratu, Bergita and Tolar – Mark’s father Vincent’s adoptive parents

Verigratu, Marcus Vincent – Mark – son-in-law to Zachariah Waters

Verigratu, Vincent – Born Gabriel Waters and adopted by the Verigratu family. He was Mark’s father and Zack’s brother’s grandson

Waters, Ariel – Ari – Zack Waters’ great-granddaughter

Waters, Lara – Ariel Waters’ deceased mother

Waters, Neil – Ariel Waters’ deceased father

Waters, Robert Ryan – Ryan (aka Bob) – The grandson of Zack’s brother Caleb, and the first cousin of Mark’s father, Vincent.

Waters, Teresa – Zack Waters’ deceased wife

Waters, Zachariah – Zack – Patriarch of the Waters Family and retired Deputy Director of the CCD

CHAPTER 1

THE HIGH COUNCIL OF THE INNER CIRCLE

November 1, 63 NCE – 2:00 a.m.

Twenty kilometers from the Citadel stood a dark, foreboding fortress on the northern edge of the New City Government District (NCGD). This, the Hall of the High Council, is where the twenty-four members of the Inner Circle convened in the aftermath of the assassination of Devan Elaniel. After a disputed vote, with factions taking various sides, it was decided Nathan Prideil would assume the coveted chair.

After witnessing much rancor, Prideil managed to calm the assembly. He addressed them: My fellow princes, we now have neither head nor tail. Lord Pythorael is incarcerated in the Citadel pending a tribunal to be convened by the High Echelon. Our beloved Devan Elaniel, our prince and lord, has been murdered. The only one among our number knowledgeable enough to provide capable guidance in this hour is the very one indicted to stand trial.

There was a low murmur as Prideil read out a summary he’d prepared of the indictments against Dalen Pythorael. Some of those assembled began to shout accusations.

Prideil shouted over them. In addition, Pythorael is charged with organizing a false flag operation to murder the ēlan of the House of Norean. Finally, the accused is charged with releasing the notorious carmelineal, Carmanis Valenceal, who is now in custody for the heinous act of assassinating Elaniel. Valen carried out this deed by smuggling an undetectable weapon into the Citadel. Furthermore, Valen has exercised his power of possession, which is prohibited by the terms of our surrender of the Fortress of the Spheres in the heights of the ethereal realms.

The assembly broke into an uproar, devolving into disparate, chaotic factions. Each group shouted demands. Many wanted to immediately slaughter every carmelineal.

After order was restored, Prideil spoke: Brothers, we can do nothing until we choose from among us someone to take over the leadership. If we divide ourselves into hopelessly opposing factions, we will destroy everything Elaniel accomplished by building New City. We must consider what is to be done with Lord Pythorael; his guidance could be vital to our survival.

Mythrael respectfully asked to speak, and Prideil granted him the floor.

It sounds as if you are putting up a defense for Pythorael, Mythrael said. Are you trying to exonerate him before his tribunal is convened? Will you offer some excuse for the carmelineal as well? Have Valen brought before this assembly, along with his co-conspirators. He pointed to Rogan and Complaceal, who were seated beside each other. These two are just as guilty as that split-tongued serpent, Pythorael. They should all be burned together, along with those miscreant carmelineals.

Many of those assembled cheered in agreement.

Prideil raised his hand to silence the crowd. We cannot resolve this today. Let us show respect for Elaniel’s wishes. Should a majority of this assembly accept it, I will agree to your proposal to carry out the trial of Pythorael in this hall. Yet we must stipulate to the present charges and the evidence gathered. We must also allow him an opportunity to give a statement in his defense.

Some shouted in opposition; most others agreed.

Prideil added, Complaceal and Rogan have not been charged. They are under my authority as appointed members of this assembly. Therefore, depending upon the outcome, we shall decide what is to be done with them. Everything will be put to a vote. Based on tradition, there must be a two-thirds majority for a guilty verdict. As to Valen, we must discover why he did this, and whether he was acting on his own.

Why should we listen to you? Mythrael said. We all know you started the war in the Ethereal Heights. We’ve not forgotten your stupidity in trying to possess the soul of David Waters. It was forbidden, and a mere mortal had the power to cast you in the pit. Don’t underestimate our resentment against you.

I had no choice. Elaniel commanded me to enter David Waters and search his secret place, Prideil argued. The man possessed a vision about the number of generations remaining until the descendant of Erafel would be found. Yet what I discovered was much worse for Elaniel. That’s why he started the war. He knew his end was near when I told him David Waters saw a star would fall so another would become the brightest star of all. He feared the fulfillment of Erafel’s prophecy.

After the incident with ēlan Tabitha in the grotto, did Pythorael have Valen murder Elaniel to prevent the fulfillment of a little girl’s prophecy from over a millennia ago? Mythrael scoffed.

Prideil replied, That has not been alleged—or proven. All I’m suggesting is we table the idea of taking vengeance upon Valen and the remaining carmelineals until we fully understand the ramifications of Elaniel’s death. We must choose a successor.

Arianael stood and demanded to be heard. He held in his hand a small device. Prideil reluctantly recognized him. Arianael said, This contains the secret protocols Elaniel has entrusted to me and select members of the High Echelon. I am to carry out these orders in the event of his death or incapacity. The latest New City press release has confirmed his death, so we cannot deny what has occurred. However, he made no plans for succession. This can only mean he will return. I therefore denounce any attempt to choose a successor as defying his wishes.

In response, the assembly broke into rancorous applause.

Prideil once again shouted to regain control. I’m aware of the secret protocols. They are to last only until the completion of the Archon’s funerary rites. I will grant Lord Arianael may have jurisdiction over these protocols. Nevertheless, this does not mean we should neglect to make plans for succession. There is no guarantee Elaniel will return. None of you seems to understand what we face. Pythorael does! He showed me evidence of Elaniel’s intentions. Had Elaniel been able to restore his ethereal powers he would have enslaved us all. He was using the Norean ēlan for far more than many of you realize.

Shouts of Lies! and Traitor! erupted across the chamber.

Mythrael spoke without being recognized. So, we are either to condemn Pythorael as a criminal, or exalt him to become our ruler? This is preposterous! He would attempt to set us against each other. He would inevitably allow the enemies of New City to flourish. We are all aware of his treachery and opposition to Elaniel.

Prideil cut him off. Lord Pythorael is the closest thing we have to a prophet. We should at least hear his assessment. There’s no harm in that.

Anyone can see Pythorael released the carmelineal so he could assassinate Elaniel, Mythrael protested.

You have no idea how perilous our position is, Prideil responded, or have the faintest clue how to navigate the treacherous situation in which we find ourselves. It was Elaniel who commanded Valen be brought to the Citadel. Pythorael’s only crime was using Valen to infiltrate the ATO, a subversive organization in the DZ, to expose the treachery of the Norean ēlan. What he did to stop her was no crime. What Valen did was by his own vile initiative. Pythorael was under a binding oath to deliver Valen in chains before Elaniel. What’s more, Elaniel put Valen under oath, then allowed him into Elaniel’s own chambers to witness the confession of Zachariah Waters.

Mythrael spat. This could have been Pythorael’s plan all along.

Rogan stood and insisted he be allowed to speak. Prideil recognized him. I did not come here to defend Lord Pythorael, Rogan began. Yet I must dispute the assertion he was behind Valen’s actions. Pythorael insisted Valen never be allowed into Elaniel’s presence. He would see this murder as crossing another threshold. Dalen’s opposition to Elaniel would not include pushing us further toward the abyss. Pythorael was also adamantly trying to prevent Elaniel from fulfilling a misguided vision. He was trying to stop yesterday’s ritual in the grotto. Had Elaniel listened to Pythorael, none of this would have happened.

It seems what Elaniel attempted was stopped, in any case, Mythrael said sarcastically.

Rogan replied, "What took place yesterday may well have resulted in creating an enemy far more dangerous to us than the one who cast Prideil into the pit. What you decide about Pythorael and the carmelineal may be the least of your concerns. What Elaniel attempted with the Norean ēlan is beyond a simple failure.

Who do you think has primary control of LEOH? Tabitha does! She may be the very one destined to destroy us. She could be Erafel’s descendant. Pythorael released Valen to stop her! Now it appears she’s protected by the angels and has sided with our enemies. The Archangel’s adjutant appeared to Valen and forbad him to touch her. It’s likely they aided her escape from the sacred grotto.

There was a hushed sense of anxiety and fear in the crowd as Rogan took his seat.

Prideil addressed the assembly again. I declare this meeting of the High Council adjourned. If there are no objections, we will reconvene in six hours, whereupon we will read the full indictment against Lord Pythorael. We will hear the testimony of the accused, along with his assessment of recent events. Then we will decide his fate and debate the matter of succession.

There were no objections.

****

An exhausted Prideil arrived at the Citadel about 4:30 a.m. The deputy security chief of the HES was waiting outside his private quarters.

Prideil sighed. What is it?

Garantiel bowed. My lord, we retrieved the body of Valen’s previous host from his time incarcerated in Rome. More importantly, we have captured the girl. Presently, she and Valen are being held in the security wing. Valen will be taken to the High Council’s detention fortress later this morning, once he returns to his former host. His present host is to be sent to a labor colony since he’s ATO.

Prideil looked confused. What girl?

Garantiel seemed equally confused. I’m sure I don’t know. Your order didn’t say who she is or the reason for her capture. Her identity was kept off the grid. We used only facial recognition to locate her. There were supposed to be no witnesses.

Prideil stared at him blankly.

Unfortunately, not all the witnesses were eliminated, Garantiel added.

My orders? Prideil asked, perturbed. And she was captured, how? What witnesses?

According to our agent, Garantiel said, there may be three witnesses who possibly knew the girl’s identity and that of the woman with her. The intent was to keep knowledge of this capture out of the hands of the ATO. However, there is a disturbing report.

Prideil stared at Garantiel. And?

Garantiel fidgeted. Our operative confirmed the woman who accompanied the girl was shot. She was placed on life support at a medical center for a fatal head wound. He claims this trio went to the hospital and one of them, a young woman, entered the ICU. Moments later, she walked out with the victim. I don’t mean she took her body. They walked out of the ICU together. Our operative tried to detain them, but all four fled the facility.

Prideil said, It obviously wasn’t fatal … and the girl?

Garantiel insisted, "The woman was mortally wounded. This was confirmed by several doctors and nurses. The only thing I know about the girl is she’s here."

Prideil rubbed his eyes. I have no idea why this operation took place, much less who this girl is. Have we identified these supposed witnesses?

Garantiel shook his head. Lord, our operative’s PCD is corrupted. His video and audio feeds are missing. We attempted to scour the local surveillance matrixes, but they’re also missing. Witnesses claim the four fled the scene in a pink limo. The witnesses were believed to be intoxicated. Our operative claims the woman who entered the ICU looks identical to the girl we have in custody. However, we don’t yet have surveillance to confirm this.

Show me this order! Prideil demanded.

Garantiel did so.

Prideil said, The Archon issued this. He put it under my authority to keep it off the Ministry grid. Prideil used his credentials to unsecure the blocked name. Who is Danette Statler?

Garantiel shrugged. I don’t know, but she was discovered swimming nude in the botanical garden fountain a short time ago. Should I have her prepped for interrogation?

Was she intoxicated?

Apparently not, but she was decanting an expensive bottle of the Archon’s favorite red Chianti. She gained access to the wine cellar before going swimming. She was also preparing a beef tenderloin, along with a few sides.

How did she get out of her room and the security wing? Prideil said, amazed.

It’s a mystery. She apparently has the ability to open coded security locks without the need of a PCD ID or key code. I felt it necessary to place at least two guards outside her room. She tried to seduce that fruit loop Gilford when he discovered her. Had it been someone else, she might be having more than one piece of beef. I assume you noticed from her image she’s attractive?

I’m barely awake at the moment, Prideil snapped. I’ll discuss this with Pythorael after I’ve slept. Keep this matter quiet until I contact you.

CHAPTER 2

BAD MOJO

When Tabitha, Ari, and I landed at the Norean’s estate with Kalina (the ATO operative Tabitha brought back from the brink of death at the medical facility in Marshall) Kalina reacted much as everyone else had upon seeing Tabitha’s magnificent home—with amazement.

This was an occasion of mixed emotions as our concern was now focused on Danette and Zack. I could tell Ari was not looking forward to meeting her newest sister, given Danette’s shocking list of issues. Kalina’s best efforts to argue in Danette’s defense had not tipped the scales in Danette’s favor.

Despite the late hour, I was surprised when our resident night owl, Tabitha, announced she was going to bed. The girl who usually stayed up half the night and slept a mere three to four hours a day was finally exhausted.

The next morning, everyone but Tabitha was already up. We were being served breakfast when she finally made an appearance. Before you ask, I just confirmed the transports I was tracing last night did, in fact, end up at the Citadel, Tabitha announced. If that lecherous toad Devan survived, I won’t let him do to Danette what he tried to do to me, even if she might enjoy it.

You obviously didn’t catch the news this morning, I said. He’s dead. NC is officially in mourning. All government agencies are closed. The media reports last night were a tad optimistic.

Tabitha checked her news feed. I can’t believe it. He really is dead.

Ari cautioned, Even if he’s dead this could turn into more of a nightmare.

Well, I had the first full eight hours of blissful sleep I’ve ever had, Tabitha said triumphantly. I slept like a newborn baby and I feel invigorated.

Right, you hardly cried out at all last night, Ari added.

I’m not responding to that, Tabitha said. Anyway, if I could just get the implant out of his dead head, I could tackle our L2 problem. Boop! At least with the Ministry closed I can make certain our tracks during our Marshall trip are covered. Then all we need to do is figure out how to get Danette and Zack out of the Citadel, easy-peasy! I’m still trying to sort out how they discovered her.

It’s amazing how you reduce insurmountable problems to ‘boop’ and ‘easy-peasy,’ I said.

Kalina accepted another cup of coffee. According to Nick’s debrief, he claims he didn’t give his captors any information about Danette or her safehouse. The problem is, he left the safehouse and eluded our surveillance. I need an encrypted PCD to contact the ATO to see if they’ve located him.

I can set you up, Tabitha offered. But you’ll need to choose a new alias.

Thanks. I don’t see Nick collaborating with the Ministry. He holds too many grudges and he wouldn’t give Danette up to them. There’s also no way he’d smuggle his stealth weapon into the Citadel to assassinate the Archon.

The Nick we met at the Highlands was not the real Nick. At least, that’s what the real Nick told Danette, reasoned Tabitha. She confirmed his identity. This means the fake Nick was working for Pythorael. The real Nick was actually in Pythorael’s custody—not in HES custody. The agents you sent to debrief him also confirmed he was the real Nick. But something doesn’t add up if the real Nick is suddenly working for the HES and gave up Danette’s name to Devan or Pythorael. If the real Nick switched sides, why would he kill Devan, unless he was working for Pythorael? It makes no sense.

Does it really matter? I said. We know Danette is at the Citadel.

Tabitha turned to me. But the real Nick, who supposedly escaped Pythorael, never met me. How would he know she and I look identical? What if the real Nick and the fake Nick are the same person? Danette’s profile was accessed by Pythorael the day the real Nick showed up at her safehouse, which means he told Pythorael about her. He was obviously spying for him. Then, yesterday, Devan accessed her profile for one minute around the time he said he was having an asset delivered to him by Pythorael. Could that be one of the Nicks? We’re missing a critical piece to the puzzle. Her name hasn’t come up on any security directive. We’ve got nothing!

Tabitha, people know you, I said. "You’re famous in snobbish