The Elite and the Rogues: The Elite and the Rogues, #6

By Niranjan

Alexander Selwood hides many secrets. That he's the first immortal of Cynfor is just one of them. When he decides to help the resistance when his actions lead to putting a friend in danger, he is led down a path that leads him to confront his own past and many dangers, most of them stemming from the immortal despot Thaxter and his bunch of immortal goons called the Elite.

 

Though allied with the Resistance, Alexander's actions often strain the tenuous trust they have in him, with some of his actions and secrets nearly breaking that faith. 

 

The Elite and the Rogues is an omnibus edition containing all five novels as well as the companion piece in The Elite and the Rogues series

• Language: English
• Publisher: Geetha Krishnan
• Release date: Feb 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215273708

Niranjan

An author and editor, Niranjan’s biggest ambition is to have a character named Garth in every book they write. Niranjan writes books rooted in mythical worlds, and their stories are often a combination of magic and futuristic technology. When they are not writing or editing, Niranjan can be found cooking or just lying on their couch watching or rewatching C Dramas and writing fanfiction.

Book preview

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NIRANJAN

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First published by Geetha Krishnan 2020

Copyright © 2020 by Niranjan K

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, digital, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Niranjan (Geetha Krishnan) asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

No part of this text or cover design may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in or introduced into any database for the purpose of training any model to generate text, including without limitation, technologies capable of generating works in the same style or genre without the author’s express permission to do so. The distributor from which this text was obtained does not retain the right to sublicense, reproduce, or use this text or cover design for the purpose of training such generative text or art platforms without the author’s express permission.

Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.

This text is the sole product of the author’s imagination and creativity and has not been knowingly influenced by the assistance of or generated by the use of generative text commonly referred to as artificial intelligence or large language model. The cover art is likewise the product of the creativity of the artist listed below and has not been knowingly influenced by or generated in part or in whole by any generative imagery algorithm.

Editing by O.R. Faulkner

Cover Design by Nico Grey and Nola Song (Crystalyn Bryan)

Formatted by Fair Editions

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELUDE

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

NINETEEN

TWENTY

TWENTY ONE

TWENTY TWO

TWENTY THREE

TWENTY FOUR

TWENTY FIVE

TWENTY SIX

TWENTY SEVEN

TWENTY EIGHT

TWENTY NINE

THIRTY

THIRTY ONE

THIRTY TWO

THIRTY THREE

THIRTY FOUR

THIRTY FIVE

THIRTY SIX

THIRTY SEVEN

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MARVIN GRIFFEL STARED AT the wide screen on his wall as it played the news. He couldn’t do anything except stare. The news reporter’s words were raised in excitement and the cameras panned out to scenes which made no sense to him. People were talking on the screen, but the words were a meaningless jumble. He muted the screen but kept staring at it.

Lane had survived. No one knew how. It was inconceivable. No one ever survived a lethal injection. The newscaster had said that a new experimental drug was used on him instead of Zhidium, but once it looked as if it was not working, they had switched to Zhidium. For someone in Lane’s condition, the effects should have been instantaneous, but he had survived. How? It was unheard of, unprecedented. It shouldn’t have happened. Lane was supposed to die. Wasn’t that how he’d justified in his mind the deal he’d struck with the man? That Lane would be dead soon, so it didn’t matter?

He switched off the screen and started getting dressed. He had to get to the hospital. He had to know what happened. All he had now were guesses. His compound, the one he had sold to Lane... damn it! He had been so certain that Lane would die. But his compound was a genetic modifier. After all, Ashkii’s was a genetic disease. Had his compound acted in a way not intended? That was likely, but he wouldn’t know until he had all the data.

It was as he flagged down a taxi that his brain started to calm down. What was he doing? What did it matter how Lane had survived? It had nothing to do with him. He had to find a cure for Ashkii’s. That was the priority. Why was he so worried about this?

Because it is my responsibility. If my compound had anything to do with this, I’m responsible for letting this monster live.

He was the one who had decided to take money from Lane in return for the compound, the compound he knew would not have helped Lane. He had taken advantage of a dying man’s desperation. Was he no less a monster?

I took the money for a good cause. If I can develop a viable cure for Ashkii’s, think of all the lives I’ll be saving.

The taxi stopped, and he jumped out. After paying the driver, he ran into the large building. Sixth floor. That was where Lane was kept. Surely, someone there would be able to help him. He had never been more relieved that he looked like a respectable person now, or at least dressed like one. Looks could be debatable, but the doctors wouldn’t be calling security to throw him out as soon as they saw him. Once they knew who he was, they might even co-operate.

Marvin was under no illusions as to his standing in the scientific community. He had been respected once, but he had been more or less a recluse the past so many years, ever since he had lost Holly... but that shouldn’t matter. He had credentials, and if he could convince at least one person here, he could get the data he needed.

Perhaps with that data, he would know for certain if he had been responsible for this.

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THEY’RE WATCHING YOU. The voice on the phone was soft, and the words were spoken in a whisper. Alexander stiffened.

Since when? he asked, his fists curling around the glass of water, before he placed it on the desk.

The Ruler ordered it yesterday. I would have informed you immediately, but I was not in a position to call you. The man sounded apologetic.

That’s okay, I understand. Alexander’s mind was running through scenarios. It was no less than he had expected after all. The only surprise was it had taken Thaxter this long to set his hounds on him.

Yesterday. He had been in his office all day. Nothing the State could use against him there. He was fairly safe, no matter how much the State watched him.

Do I need to be worried? he asked.

The man at the other end sighed. I don’t need to answer that, do I? Just be careful. The Ruler is determined that you shouldn’t slip through his fingers again. They can’t watch you while at home since officially, you don’t own a Sentient.

Is that going to stop them?

Probably not, but with the kind of materials you’ve used in constructing your house, it’s not like they have an option. They can’t watch you at home, and at the office only because of the Sentient. Of course, they can always watch while you’re using public transport.

Which I don’t usually, Alexander said slowly, sitting down on the edge of the desk. The line which they were using was highly secure and encrypted and out of consideration for each other’s privacy, they refrained from using holograms, only voices.

Be careful, in any case.

I’m not doing anything they could take me in for, Alexander said.

They’re not waiting for you to break laws, or anything, the voice said. You know this as well.

They’re waiting to see if I have a weakness, something they can leverage against me, Alexander said. It made sense. The State had never been able to take him in, because he always had a plan in place, and even when he wasn’t warned in advance, he had managed to escape.

They think David Flett is one such weakness. They’re watching him too.

Alexander tensed again. He didn’t want anything to happen to David because of him.

Well, good luck with that, he said, trying to sound flippant. David’s the most law-abiding person you can find. Which was true in any case. David was the last man in Cynfor who would break a law, and not out of fear, either.

So, all of McManus’ Corp’s claims against him are false?

Alexander wasn’t surprised that the lawsuit was known to the man on the other side. It would have been disturbing if it wasn’t.

It’s a matter before the courts, but yes. He spoke evenly, though his anger at McManus Corp was threatening to come to the fore. They stole his work and tried to screw him over. Probably expected him to take it lying down, too.

But he didn’t. That’s not what interests the State. What interests the State is that you hired him, in spite of the kind of references McManus Corp gave him, and it is no secret that you’re the one funding his lawsuit.

I don’t deny the latter, Alexander said. David’s a friend, and he needed my help. As for the former, my HR Department makes decisions regarding hiring and firing. I don’t interfere.

You don’t have to convince me. I’m on your side, remember?

I was just saying, Alexander said. Are they watching my assistant?

No. the voice was as flat toned as ever, That’s something that hasn’t occurred to them yet. I’ll try to keep them off the boy’s back for as long as I can, but you might try to find him another position if you don’t want them to know who he is.

Alexander caught his breath, a slight frown between his brows.

You know. It was something he hadn’t anticipated. It was a danger.

I do, but I’m not going to tell them. He’s an innocent after all, and I’ve more in common with you than them, which is why we entered into this arrangement in the first place. So, I’ve no interest in exposing his secrets.

Alexander had no choice but to believe it. For the moment, Nolan was safe, and by extension, Mason, but he couldn’t be certain how long that would last. The man stood to gain a lot by revealing the truth, after all. Alexander didn’t ask him about Niek. If he knew, he would have mentioned him, and if the State was not aware of Niek, Alexander was happy to let it remain so. The only ones who knew about Niek knew out of necessity. There was no necessity for this man to know.

I’ll be going to Houghton’s house tomorrow evening, he said instead. The man wanted to see me.

Elliott Houghton? The legal counsel for McManus Corp?

The same. I would prefer if whatever transpires between us does not attract the State’s attention.

Houghton owns an April, the man said. But I’ll see what I can do. Aprils are quite unreliable these days. No wonder the model is not being manufactured anymore.

Thank you, Alexander said. I appreciate everything you’ve done.

He meant it. The man could have exposed him any time, but he hadn’t. He knew as much about Alexander as Thaxter did, if not more, but he had never tried to use them for his own ends. There weren’t many with that kind of power over him who would have chosen not to use it. Not that Alexander couldn’t take care of himself, but he also knew he was at his most vulnerable currently, which made it all the more imperative that the man didn’t find out about Niek.

And you should, the man said. I’m not getting anything out of this except the satisfaction of thwarting Thaxter, but I don’t see an end to his rule yet.

I don’t have the ability to depose Thaxter, Alexander said. I’m done with the Resistance.

Just ask yourself if your stubbornness is doing good or harm.

It may not be doing any good, Alexander said, But it also won’t do any harm. Thank you for the warning. I’ll be careful. I’ve no wish to end up in Cryo.

I may not always be able to warn you in time. The Ruler hasn’t told anyone who you are, but that doesn’t mean that he has forgotten.

He’s an immortal. He won’t forget, Alexander said. Thank you again for the warning.

Once the line disconnected, Alexander sighed. His contact was useful, but he asked too much. He was not going to be involved with the Resistance again; he had learned his lesson. Even the thought of the Resistance filled him with anger.

Quinn, reactivate Miley, he said.

He waited a few seconds, picking up the glass of water and drinking it before saying. Miley?

Yes, Mr. Selwood. The cool female voice was expressionless.

Set me a reminder for an appointment with Elias Houghton at his residence at 2100 tomorrow.

Reminder set.

Alexander sat down behind his desk and the panel on his desk beeped. What is it, Ivan?

A holographic image of a thin, bespectacled man appeared in the middle of the room.

Some protesters have again gathered in front, Mr. Selwood, Ivan said. Martin has called the Defenders, but I think it’s time we made a public statement.

Saying what? Alexander asked. Why we make prisons? Or that we do a lot more than just make prisons?

Both, Mr. Selwood.

I don’t see what good it will do, Alexander said drily. If people cannot understand that prisons do not create criminals, that they only help in locking them away, what’s a statement going to do?

Perhaps they just need us to point it out, Ivan said.

Alexander chuckled. Not very likely, but if you think it’ll help, go ahead. Let’s issue a statement; be sure to emphasise that our Food and Farming Division is responsible for feeding the entire planet, and half the solar system.

Will do. Ivan smiled.

Alexander sighed again once the hologram disappeared. Protest against companies was all people had freedom to do, and so they took it overboard. Even then, they should understand that the companies like his did so much good. It wasn’t their fault that the State used their technology to imprison dissenters as much as criminals.

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SERGIO MARTINEZ SMILED AT his assistant as he entered his office. Good morning, Kaya. You look especially lovely today.

She smiled, thanking him, blushing prettily and fluttering her lashes at him, reminding him of a playful kitten, like the one he had as a boy. Despite the playfulness, Kaya Richards was the most efficient assistant he had had, and if he had been twenty years younger, their relationship might have gone beyond professional. It wasn’t just his age or health that stopped him, though; it was the responsibilities he had. He had no more time for casual flings than he did for committed relationships.

Kaya, would you ask Nolan if Mr. Selwood’s in his office? Ask him if he can meet me?

It was Monday morning. Sergio wasn’t certain his employer would be free to meet with him. They might be old friends, but in the office, their relationship was strictly professional. He would no more barge into Alexander’s office without an appointment than he would into that of any of the other executives of Selwood Corp. It was early, though, not even eight yet, and Sergio hoped Alexander would be free right now.

Kaya, he said suddenly. Connect Nolan to me, okay? I’ll ask him myself.

It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Kaya, but that he didn’t have the patience to wait for her to bring him the details. It could be his age, but time seemed to fly by these days, and he had so much to do. He saw Kaya’s pout but ignored it. She probably wanted to flirt with Nolan, who was tall and handsome but also gay. He seemed embarrassed every time Kaya or any of the other girls hit on him. Sergio suspected the girls did it just for the fun of it. After all, everyone in Selwood Corp knew Nolan was gay.

Nolan’s waiting on the line, Mr. Martinez. Kaya’s voice was brisk as she connected the call.

Mr. Martinez? Nolan’s voice was equally brisk.

Nolan, can I meet Alexander now? Is he free?

Mr. Selwood has informed me that he will be reaching late today, Mr. Martinez, Nolan said. He has an appointment as soon as he reaches.

Sergio frowned. Alexander was never late. In any other person, he would have assumed he was ill, but with what he knew of Alexander, he knew it was an impossibility.

Did he give any reasons why he would be late? Would he be available over the phone? He would have preferred to discuss it in person, but he didn’t want to wait.

He said he won’t be available till he reaches the office. Nolan sounded apologetic. I didn’t ask him for reasons.

Of course, Sergio said. But the meeting with Mr. Beltram this afternoon is still on, isn’t it?

Of course, Mr. Martinez. Nolan sounded confused now.

All right, Sergio said, marginally relieved. I just wanted to make certain everything goes without a hitch.

He disconnected the call and mopped his sweating brow. Stress was not good for him, as Dr. Rodd had reminded him during his last checkup. She had even recommended Alexander retire him, and Alexander had told him he should consider it.

You’re 67, Sergio, he had said. You should be sitting home and enjoying yourself. Selwood Corp does provide pension for its employees, you know.

I can’t sit home and dwindle into senility, Sergio had said. I like to work, Alexander. I’m still doing as well as I ever did. You know that.

I know, Alexander had said. I’m just worried.

Sergio had been touched, but he couldn’t afford to retire. Not yet. If Raul could convince Alexander to finance his invention, then perhaps Sergio could retire. Until then, he had to be here in Selwood Corp.

Sergio’s pad beeped, and he took it, tapping it. A message appeared.

Is everything arranged?

Raul is meeting Mr. Selwood at 1500 today.

Will Selwood bite?

If Raul does as I told him to, he will. This is a good deal for his company.

If he doesn’t, we are going to be in trouble, Sergio. the message came again. We’ve sunk everything we have into this. If this doesn’t pan out, we can bid our goals goodbye. Starving men don’t make good soldiers.

Zain, it will work. I know Alexander. Raul just has to convince him of the viability of his invention. If he can manage that, I’d be able to convince Alexander to finance the project. Once it is finalised, I’ll be the one in charge, so we can have our safe habitats away from Thaxter and his surveillance.

You know him best, but what if he finds out that Raul is involved with the Resistance? Isn’t he aware of your allegiances?

He believes I cut all ties to the Resistance when I changed my name and started working for him. I’ve a feeling he’s personally not sympathetic to the Thaxter, but Selwood Corp’s major buyer is still the State. As such, I think we should be cautious. Still, nothing in Raul’s history links him to the Resistance. I think we’re safe.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Raul convinces him. All our plans, our very survival, depend on it.

Don’t worry. Sergio tapped out the message. How’s Amir?

He’s well, sends his love and regards.

Give him the same from me. Sergio typed before terminating the open connection. He knew that keeping it open any longer would attract the attention of the Sentient as well as that of Ania, the head of their tech security.

Sergio knew it was a dangerous game he was playing, but he also knew he had no choice. As grateful as he was to Alexander, as attached as he was to the man, there were things that were far more important than friendship and personal loyalty. He had a half smile on his face as he thought of Amir. Sergio had never had children, but Amir was like the son he hadn’t even known he’d wanted.

Mr. Martinez? Kaya’s voice came through the panel on his desk. The data you asked for is on your desk.

Sergio looked at the figures and charts for a moment without understanding them. His head was whirling, and his breath was coming in short gasps. He put his hand in his pocket to grab the bottle of pills, and swallowed two, spilling the water on the desk onto the panel. The panel was water resistant, so he wasn’t afraid it would be damaged. Once his breathing slowed and the dizziness passed, he said.

Miley? Please clean up my desk.

Certainly, Mr. Martinez. the cool female voice of the Sentient spoke, and the water disappeared, leaving his desk dry. Sergio thought ruefully that for all his understanding and intelligence, some things would always baffle him.

As he bent his head to the report Kaya had given, Sergio hoped that his heart wouldn’t give out before he had finished his task.

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THE OFFICE BUILDING SURPRISED Raul Beltram. He had expected another sterile environment, all glass and metal and people indistinguishable from bots and the same generic Sentient as he had seen in several Corporate Offices. Selwood Corp was nothing like he had expected. Sergio had told him they were different, but Raul had heard that before, too. Being here was a revelation, and it gave him hope, hope that their mission might yet be accomplished. The reception area was colourful, with a whole wall adorned with art made by the employees or their families. The receptionist’s desk was not metal, but wood, dark brown in colour, and the large glass window was tinted to keep the sun out and to make the ugly cityscape look beautiful.

While walking to the lift, he could see that though there were cubicles, there were also people outside of them. The bots were all in their designated places, but it seemed the humans refused to be put into boxes. It was surprising that Alexander Selwood should encourage such behaviour; his success and reputation had led Raul to think of the man as something of a machine himself, though little was known of him outside what Sergio had told them.

Once inside the lift, he said, Mr. Selwood’s office, please.

Please place your palm on the sensor, sir, the Sentient said, as the lift doors closed. Raul complied. The doors slid open, revealing a corridor, at the end of which was another door.

Welcome to Selwood Corp, Mr. Beltram. I’m Miley. You’re at Mr. Selwood’s office.

Thank you, Miley, he said, lips twisting in a smile as he walked towards the door.

It was a wooden door, he noticed, as he got closer, but painted the same colour as the walls. If not for the sensor on the right side where a doorknob would have been, no one would realise there was even a door. He placed his palm at the sensor, and the door slid open. He entered a large office. A young man sitting at a desk to his right stood up.

Mr. Beltram. Mr. Selwood is expecting you.

He led him into an inner office, which was even larger. The first thing he felt as he looked at Alexander Selwood was surprise, and his first reaction was that they had miscalculated. Damn Sergio! If not for his reassurances, he would not have sought this meeting. He tried not to squirm under the scrutiny from those piercing green eyes. Alexander Selwood was younger than he had expected, slightly older than him, perhaps. But how was that possible? Selwood Corp had been in existence for over twenty years, and this man was at the most in his forties. He was tall and athletic, but slender, and his black hair was cropped short. The few blurred images they had managed to get their hands on did not convey the shrewdness of his gaze or the intelligence in them. It was only to be expected, and Sergio had warned them, but even then Sergio had also somehow conveyed the impression that Selwood could be easily won over. Raul doubted it. Selwood made Raul wary. It was possible that their plan would fail.

Raul squared his shoulders. He had come too far to give up without a fight, and that too because of doubt and fear. However clever Alexander Selwood was, he was still human. He must have a weakness that they could exploit. He thought ruefully that already he was assuming that Selwood would not be co-operating. Would their plan of using Selwood Corp as a cat’s paw even work? Despite how he felt, he could not afford to make assumptions. The Resistance was depending on him.

They had supported him, had risked everything on this, trusting Sergio and him to pull this off. He had to rope in Selwood Corp. Sergio’s presence in the company gave them an in, and it was up to him to make certain that Selwood Corp would agree to fund his invention’s test in Ignis, so they could get a contract to develop the planet. The Resistance needed the money, and the technology, and the planet. A base in Ignis, away from Thaxter and the Elite, was what they needed to bring their plans to fruition. It was impossible to fight while constantly on the run and starving. There was no need for Selwood to know that he was indirectly funding the Resistance.

Mr. Beltram. Selwood smiled, holding out his hand. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Likewise, Raul said, shaking his hand. He kept his grip as firm as Selwood’s. And please call me Raul. Mr. Beltram is so very formal.

As you wish, Raul. Now, I must warn you that Selwood Corp has no intention of entering the field of energy, no pun intended. But I understand you have an invention that would help make Ignis habitable?

Raul nodded, remembering what Sergio had said. No rhetoric, no emotions. Be matter of fact and logical.

Yes, you would be right. Ignis is the largest of our planets, but at present almost completely uninhabitable due to its proximity to the sun. Though there is an atmosphere that supports life, the intense heat of the planet makes it impossible for anyone to live there or for anything to grow there. Though there is a nominal community there, it consists mostly of the Defenders, and those sponsored by the habitat companies. Despite the viability of the habitats, they are established only in a few pockets, in and around Nges which is the closest thing Ignis has to a city. He paused, fearful that he was elaborating too much. There was no way Selwood wouldn’t know all this.

Please continue, Raul, Selwood said.

The reason why the habitats are so few is because everything except air has to be transported there, and the costs for that are already high. My invention is simple. It uses the Nishati dimension as a transportation channel, and as you can imagine, transporting something through Nishati costs nothing. With my invention, the entire planet could become habitable. We could grow enough food for everyone in our planetary system. Natural food for everyone! Raul couldn’t help but sound excited. Habitats could be established anywhere in Ignis, and-

Selwood held up a hand.

Forgive me for interrupting, he said. I can see you’re passionate about this, and I do not deny that there’s an opportunity here, but the cost of building a device to use your technology is too high, almost prohibitive.

Yes, it is high, but not prohibitive, certainly not for a company like yours. However, as you know, the costs are that high only for building the first device since we have technology at my company that can clone the already built device for a fraction of the cost. With the help of a few well-wishers, I have built the first device. Raul produced the tiny device, his hands shaking slightly. So, you will have very little initial investment. With your connections and track record, you can have a lease on the entire planet, and with this technology, you can make a good profit.

Raul was feeling confident now. He had done the math, and he knew Selwood would have too. If a profit was all Selwood was concerned about, then he had nothing to worry about. Sergio had warned him that as much as profit attracted Selwood, he was also sharp enough to notice loopholes. That was the only concern now.

That is true, but that’s assuming that anyone would want to live in Ignis. Let’s face it. None of the other planets in our system are in danger of overcrowding and they all have better living conditions than Ignis. The profit you speak of will come only if people actually choose to live in Ignis, rather than getting paid by habitat companies to live there.

We’ve done a survey on that, Raul said, fishing out his phone from his pocket, and opening the survey results. It is more comprehensive than any other, and we’ve covered people from all three planets and from all walks of life.

Alexander gazed with interest at the holographic figures that were projected on the air above the device.

So, most of these people would be happy to relocate to Ignis if the planet was habitable. Interesting, but there’s also the fact that due to the costs, you haven’t tested this, at least not in Ignis.

We had tested it on a small scale under simulated conditions, and it had worked perfectly, Raul said.

They had been hoping that Selwood would be interested enough in sponsoring a real test.

What about the risks? I went through the details. Your technology taps into the energy of the planet’s core. It could destabilise the entire planet, if your calculations are off by even a millionth of a decimal.

It didn’t surprise Raul that Selwood had put his finger on the problem they had glossed over. This was what Sergio had warned them about. The risk was always there, but Raul was confident that the planet’s core was stable enough. There was no other energy source powerful enough to make his technology work.

I assure you- Raul began, but Selwood held up his hand again.

I’ll tell you what. Let’s go to Ignis and test this technology on a smaller scale. All costs of the test will be borne by Selwood Corp. If the test is a success, then we’ll talk terms.

Raul stopped himself from heaving a sigh of relief. It was more or less what Sergio had told them to expect, and what they had been hoping for, but he had still allowed himself to doubt, forgetting that Sergio had known Selwood for many, many years. He had said Selwood wouldn’t be able to resist the challenge once he was convinced it wouldn’t hurt his company or his profits.

I’m agreeable, he said, smiling. How soon can you make the arrangements?

By the end of this week, Selwood said. Is that all right with you?

Perfect. He smiled again.

That should give him enough time to track down Niek Hendriks at Ruben Dekker’s house. He had promised Lucas he would ensure that his son was safe and happy. Lucas would be glad to have any news of Niek. Though he had never met the boy, he knew him well from Lucas’ words, and Lucas had been quite worried, especially since Amir could not find anything about where Niek was. They had some surveillance footage from the street cams and such, but nothing to indicate where and with whom he was living. Lucas had been frantic when he’d learned of Dekker’s death, a year after the fact, and he had calmed down only after Amir had found some footage of Niek. Dekker was sympathetic to the Resistance, and it was possible that Niek was taken in by one of his family members.

He rose, shook hands with Selwood again, and exited the office, feeling like he had accomplished something. He would have liked to meet Sergio, but Sergio had told him not to.

Let’s meet somewhere more secure, he had said. Come by my house and bring that beautiful fiancé of yours, too.

Raul would have liked to, but Isabel was in Hafi at the moment. He knew she was just as disappointed as he that they wouldn’t be able to meet. His trips to Prith were infrequent, and hers outside it often. Since their engagement a month ago, they had resolved to see more of each other, but something had always intervened. Isabel was aware of his connection to the Resistance, but not the depth and strength of it. For the moment, he was happy to leave things there. Time enough to tell her later. Perhaps once his business with Selwood Corp was wrapped up, he could visit her in Hafi, and they could spend some time together, and he could tell her.

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NIEK HENDRIKS LOOKED UP from his book as he heard the sound of a hovercab stopping outside the house. He sat up from where he was sprawling on the chair, dropping the book he was reading in the process, and touched a panel on the armrest of the chair. The small room, filled with bookshelves all around, dissolved to reveal a large spacious room with large glass windows on the south and east, a white blank wall on the north and a black wall on the south. The white wall had a dark brown door. The chair Niek sat on was the only furniture in the large room. He eyed the door expectantly. Soon, it opened, and Alexander walked in.

Still not in bed, Niek? Alexander asked as the door closed behind him.

Before Niek could answer, another voice filled the room, the cool mechanical voice of Quinn.

Welcome home, Mr. Selwood. Would you be needing anything?

Thank you, Quinn. Can you bring me a chair?

A chair materialised next to the one on which Niek was sitting, and Alexander sank on to it, and touched a panel on the armrest. His clothes changed into nightwear and a small table with two glasses appeared between them, one filled with a clear liquid and the other filled with a white liquid.

Well? Alexander asked as he picked up the glass of water and took a sip.

I was waiting for you, Niek said, hoping Alexander wouldn’t question it. He looked distastefully at the glass of milk. And I already had milk.

Mr. Hendriks poured his glass of milk in the kitchen sink. the disembodied voice of the Sentient spoke. Niek could have sworn that there was disapproval in the even tone.

I don’t want the milk, he said.

I wouldn’t be giving it to you if you didn’t need it. That was the only thing Dr. Aldridge insisted upon, as you well know. Alexander’s tone was gentle, and Niek sighed.

I don’t know why you worry so much, he said as he picked up the glass of milk and took a sip, wrinkling his face in distaste. You’re not my dad.

A fact for which I’m extremely grateful, Alexander said, a smile tugging his lips.

You don’t have to sound so damn pleased about it. Niek muttered as he drank the whole in one go. That was awful.

Probably, but you still need to drink it every night until Dr. Aldridge says it isn’t needed. Now, why aren’t you in bed?

Niek sighed. I was, and then I had a nightmare, and I woke up, and I asked Quinn—why do you call him Quinn? I thought all Sentients were April or something?—and he said you weren’t home yet, so I thought I’d wait for you. He hadn’t intended to tell Alexander about the nightmare, it just came out, and Niek hoped he wouldn’t have noticed. Also, why did you take a hovercab when Quinn was with you, and what’s with his welcome home when he was with you all day?

Nightmare, Alexander said, frowning, ignoring all the other comments, which was fairly typical. Niek hadn’t found a way to successfully sidetrack him yet, and after two years of trying and failing, he was losing hope he would ever be able to. Llewllyn?

And the night dad left... Niek looked down, not wanting Alexander to see the tears that had almost sprung to his eyes. Talking about Dad always made him tear up, even after two years. I still miss him. I wish... I wish he had taken me with him. Not that I don’t like being here, because I do, but-

Hey. Alexander leaned forward, placing a hand on Niek’s shoulder and he looked up to find Alexander’s concerned green eyes fixed on his face. You don’t have to justify missing your father. I understand, and I’m sure he would’ve taken you with him if he could.

I don’t even know why he left, Niek muttered, dropping his gaze again. It was painful to talk about. Perhaps it was the uncertainty of not knowing where dad was, or even whether he was alive. He just leaves a letter, and a ticket to Nizhoni, and leaves. I mean, he had that ticket, so he knew he would have to leave. Why didn’t he tell me then?

Why didn’t he take him too? Niek wished he knew, and he was furious at his dad, and had been for a while, but that didn’t stop him from missing him either. If dad hadn’t left, he probably wouldn’t have met Alexander, so perhaps some good came out of it. But if Dad hadn’t left, he wouldn’t have met Llewllyn either, so Niek wasn’t sure if the good outweighed the bad.

Since I don’t know your father, I can’t answer any of these questions. Alexander’s hand dropped to Niek’s knee. But I’m doing everything I can to find him. He paused. You know there’s an easy way to do it, to track him.

No! Niek said vehemently. It’s too risky!

It wasn’t just the risk that deterred Niek. DNA tracking was infallible, but what if when Alexander tracked dad, he found nothing? Niek was scared, and he didn’t want to give Alexander a sample of his DNA to track dad. Alexander could have taken it without his knowledge or consent, of course, but he didn’t, and he wouldn’t. There were other risks, too. If someone else got hold of his DNA, they could track his dad just as easily. Dad hadn’t just up and left one day because he wanted to be tracked down.

Niek was relieved that even after his stubborn refusal, Alexander was still patient with him. He knew Alexander would still try to find dad, but after two years of no leads, Niek was losing hope that he would see dad again.

You shouldn’t lose hope, you know, Alexander said gently, removing his hand.

It surprised Niek that Alexander knew him so well after just two years. No one except his dad had ever read him like that.

I know... It’s just... it’s been two years, and still no news of him. In his letter, he said he would be back, but so far... I mean... we don’t even know if he’s alive. If he was in danger, as he said in the letter, then he might be dead!

Let’s not go there, Alexander said soothingly, I know that you’re worried, and that it has been two years, and you miss him, but that’s no reason to assume the worst.

He hasn’t come back or tried to contact me. Niek pointed out. Surely, he would have tried to find me when he heard of Uncle Ruben’s death?

That’s assuming he heard of it, Alexander said softly. We’ve talked about this, Niek. If your father left Aeras before you, it’s quite possible he never heard of Mr. Dekker’s death.

Niek snorted. I may be a child, but I’m not a fool, Alexander, he said. My father left me to the guardianship of Uncle Ruben, and in what universe does a man not enquire about his son or his whereabouts for two years? If he did, he would definitely have found out that Uncle Ruben died the day he left!

Niek, Alexander said, still gentle. I never said you were a fool. Remember that you had to take the shuttle from Aeras to Prith, which takes more than 10 hours, and there is no guarantee that your father remained in Aeras. He could be in Ignis for all we know, and Ignis is so far away. Its proximity to the sun makes it almost impossible for communications and news to get through.

"If he is in Ignis," Niek muttered, but he was feeling tendrils of hope unfurl in his chest. He didn’t like the nightmares he had about dad leaving, but in a way, he also longed for them, because he got to see dad in them. Despite all Alexander’s care and kindness, he wasn’t his dad. Niek was so sick of dad’s secrets, and the dangers that he hinted at in his letter. He had left specific instructions, a ticket to Nizhoni, and enough money to get Niek to Uncle Ruben’s house. Uncle Ruben had been dad’s professor and mentor. Niek had met him a few times when he had visited their home at Takh, and they had got on well.

It makes sense if you think about it, Alexander said. Ignis is mostly off the radar for the State, and if your father’s troubles were with them, then it is logical for him to choose a planet like Ignis.

Niek nodded, grateful that Alexander found him some hope to cling to.

I miss him so much, he said. I even miss Takh, you know. I know Nizhoni is more beautiful, and the entire planet has better climate and Takh... I used to complain about the cold all the time, the winds. he sighed, glad that Alexander was listening. I used to ask dad why he chose a planet that’s far away from the sun instead of something like Prith, which is just ideal, but... now that I’m here, I just...I just miss Takh so much... Alexander put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently, and Niek muttered. It nearly blew me away one day, you know, the wind. When I was about ten, and I was playing in the school yard and this big gust of wind came, it nearly blew us all away, and we clung to the railings of the nearest structure we could find... they built an indoor play area after that... I was so scared that day, but.. I miss even that...

Understandable, Alexander said softly. Your experiences in Nizhoni haven’t been all good either.

Llewllyn, you mean, Niek said. Yea, I guess, but you know, statistics say that Prith is safer, and has less crime than Aeras.

Alexander chuckled. Of course you would know that.

I guess I had too sheltered a life in Takh.

Alexander shook his head. You’re a child, and you had the life of one. You should still be having one.

I think it’s a bit too late, Niek muttered. I guess I’m lucky I ran into you... I guess it’s the only good thing that came out of this whole mess with dad leaving, and Uncle Ruben dying, and Llewllyn attacking me...

Alexander’s lips tightened. At least you don’t have to worry about him anymore.

Niek tried to smile. It was true, but it didn’t make him feel much safer, though it had been two years. That night, all he had wanted to do was to escape, and he had run into Alexander. He had been wary of Alexander at first, full of mistrust and anger, but the man had been patient and kind. Llewllyn was now in stasis prison, and that was Alexander’s doing, too. He had made sure Llewllyn was put away without involving Niek. Niek just wished it made him feel better.

Niek looked at Alexander. His appearance hadn’t changed in the slightest in the two years that Niek had known him. Niek had his own theory about why, but he dared not voice it, even to Alexander. After all, he just couldn’t tell someone he thought they were a Rogue. But then, Nick was almost sure that his dad was a Rogue too, and he’d never asked dad or told Alexander. His dad had never said anything, but it wasn’t that difficult to guess, not when they lived in the same house and saw each other every day, and Niek had always been good at noticing things that other people missed.

Probably, dad’s disappearance had something to do with that. After all, Rogues were said to be criminals, and were hunted down to be kept in cryo prison until someone invented a way to terminate them. But those history lessons were no longer believable; they castigated all Rogues as criminals and highly dangerous to everyone. Dad wasn’t, and neither was Alexander, and they were both—almost certainly—Rogues. It was possible that all that criminal talk was just propaganda by the Elite. They probably didn’t like it that those who had been on their sides once were now against them. He couldn’t find any references to his dad or Alexander in any of the history books though, and if they were Rogues, they should have been there, shouldn’t they? Perhaps the books only had the Rogues who had been captured. But if he was a Rogue, why wasn’t Alexander at all worried?

Alexander sat up, yawning. If I sit here any longer, I’ll end up falling asleep right here, he said ruefully. Up, you brat. It’s time you were in bed.

I don’t... Niek paused. He hadn’t had a nightmare about Llewllyn in a while, but whenever it happened, he had found himself unable to sleep alone. I don’t think I’ll fall asleep.

I’ll stay with you till you do. Alexander promised. Come.

Niek gave a warm smile as he rose and trailed after Alexander, but he paused as he thought of Shayla.

What about Shayla? She’s probably waiting for you.

Quinn? Alexander asked.

Miss Lambert is asleep, Quinn replied.

Okay, Niek said. I didn’t want her to break up with you because of me.

He liked Shayla. She was fun, charming and she could cook like a dream. Quinn and his bots were better than the synthesiser and a lot better than Alexander, but Shayla was in another league. He hoped she would stay.

We’re not in a relationship, Alexander said calmly. This is just an interlude for both of us. She’ll be leaving for Aeras tomorrow, and I’ve no idea when I’ll see her next. She’s a busy woman.

Niek sighed. There went that hope. At least he could be relieved that his nightmares aren’t causing problems with Alexander’s casual relationships. He did sleep better when Alexander stayed in his room after nightmares. He could not really explain it. Most of the time, all Alexander needed to do was stay in the room. Not only did Niek fall asleep, but he wasn’t disturbed by nightmares again that night. His nightmares were rare these days, though they had been very frequent in the beginning.

Niek climbed into the bed, and Alexander sat down on the chair by his bed.

Go to sleep, he said gently.

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ALEXANDER LOOKED UP AS David Flett entered the room. David was thin, short, and balding, with wide eyes and a narrow face. He looked tired, and he sat down without invitation. He was one of the very few employees in Selwood Corp who didn’t stand on ceremony with the man who paid their salary, probably because they were friends long before David ever became an employee at Selwood Corp.

I’ll need another week off, David said without preamble. Ellen is home, but she needs rest, and someone to be around her for another six months. I hired a nurse for her, but well, there’s no one to take care of Paige, and I can’t send her to school.

It looks like you need a private tutor for Paige, Alexander said, as a smile curved his lips as he thought of his meeting with Houghton the previous week. Alexander had run into the private tutor Houghton had hired for his children, one who was obviously unhappy with her employer. It was petty, and he knew it, but it would be deeply satisfying to steal Houghton’s employee, especially now that Houghton was licking his wounds. Perhaps he would not have done it, had the opportunity not arisen, but it did, and he was not above using it.

Yes, but I can’t just hire anyone, you know. Paige has- well, - special needs, and I need someone I can trust, at least until I get a handle on the situation.

David sounded worried and uncertain, and Alexander understood. He didn’t exactly know what the special needs David talked about were, but he knew there was something different about the child. She had an unerring instinct regarding people: it was as if she knew when they were lying or were not to be trusted. Even though she was too young to understand concepts like trust—she would simply say she didn’t like someone—Alexander knew that she had never been wrong. Paige was also reluctant to go near people, to touch them, and crowded places always upset her. So, David’s concern about school was justified.

There’s someone I can recommend. I don’t know how trustworthy she is, but I think she’d be interested in the job. Alexander paused. And as for trust, you have to start somewhere. Talk to this girl, give her a trial, and then if you feel you can’t trust her, let her go. Besides, you know Paige is able to judge if this woman can be trusted.

That’s what I’m worried about. What if Paige takes one look at this lady and says, ‘Daddy, I don’t like her?’ You and I both know that I won’t be able to keep her after that, but what will that poor girl think? It’s not as if she did anything. David sounded even more worried.

"If Paige says something like that, then we both know it is only a matter of time before she does do something." Alexander was firm.

I can’t just fire or not hire a person because my daughter says she doesn’t like them. David sounded upset.

He was worrying far too much in Alexander’s opinion.

Considering you’re hiring her to take care of Paige and teach her, why not?

You make it sound so easy. David’s tone held a note of complaint.

It is easy, Alexander replied.

It was, if only people would realise it, but David was too nice a person, had always been, always worrying about how others might feel. That was what made it so damn easy for McManus Corp to fire him, citing breach of contract and to try to steal his work. David would always look at himself first for blame, before looking elsewhere, and in spite of Alexander’s best efforts had remained mostly unchanged.

Look, why don’t we settle this now? Is Paige here?

Yes, she’s in the outer office where your assistant is cooing over her.

I’m rather glad she likes Nolan. I’d hate to replace him. Alexander touched a panel on his desk. Miley? I’d like you to place a call to a Kaylee Ashton, 406, East Street.

Call connected, Mr. Selwood. Miley’s voice came, and Alexander swiped his finger on the panel again.

Miss Ashton?

Yes. Who is this? She sounded worried. Did she think this was about her indiscretion in letting her tongue run away the other night? She had nearly stated that the State used prisons for locking away its enemies. While it was a truth, it wasn’t something anyone spoke aloud. Fortunately, his informant had been as good as his word, and the conversation had never attracted the Elite’s attention.

This is Alexander Selwood. We met last week. I hope I’m not interrupting your work.

No, no, you’re not. Surprise was evident in her voice. I have the day off. Why are you calling, Mr. Selwood?

I have an offer for you. Would it be possible for you to come to Selwood Corp? Just give your name at the reception. Alexander could see David’s eyes becoming round even as his lips thinned.

Offer? What-

I’ll be expecting you in 20 minutes.

He swiped his finger on the panel to terminate the call and looked at David, who looked like he didn’t know whether to be amused or disapproving.

A bit high handed, wasn’t it? What if she doesn’t come? David’s tone was also torn between laughter and judgement.

She will. She hates her present job. Alexander was certain of that. In spite of her moralising tone and disapproval of what they did here, she wasn’t going to turn down an opportunity to work at Selwood Corp.

Which is? David looked at him curiously.

Private tutor to Elliot Houghton’s children, Alexander said with some relish.

Elliot Houghton’s- And you think she can be trusted! David looked outraged.

I’m not that bad a judge of character, Alexander said mildly. And as I said, she hates that job. I’ll tell Nolan to leave her in the outer office with Paige for five minutes, then Nolan can bring Paige to you, and you can ask her how she liked the lady. If everything goes well, you can hire her.

And if it doesn’t? What will you tell her after dragging her all the way over here?

I’ll ask her if she’s interested in giving part time tuition to Niek.

David snorted. Bet Niek will love that.

Alexander chuckled. Don’t worry. I’ve a good feeling about this girl.

You always have feelings about good-looking girls, David said drily. That doesn’t mean much.

This isn’t that kind of feeling. Alexander grinned. Besides, I don’t get involved with my employees. Also, I don’t remember mentioning her looks.

I guessed, David said. And if I hire her, she won’t be your employee. If I don’t, and she refuses your offer, she still won’t be your employee.

This may surprise you, David, he said. But I’m really not interested in her.

So what is this? Thumbing your nose at Houghton? Really? David frowned.

That too, plus, you need a tutor for Paige.

Was that so difficult to understand? David did need a tutor for Paige; the Ashton girl needed a different employer, and if Houghton was put to the trouble of hiring another tutor, well, that was far less than he deserved. Alexander would have liked to destroy him, but he had to remind himself that he couldn’t draw attention to himself. If the man didn’t have a family, Alexander would have found a way to get rid of him permanently, but he did, and Alexander was trying to change.

David shook his head. If I didn’t already like you, I’d hate you. You’re a cold-blooded bastard at times.

Just a pragmatic one. Alexander smiled, but from the slight frown on David’s face, it was clear that David felt it was insincere.

He dropped his eyes to his desk, and away from David’s earnest blue ones. David was one of the few friends he had, but it was unlikely that their friendship would survive the truth. He knew David. If David knew the truth about him... worse, if Niek found out... Alexander shook off his thoughts. There were parts of his past he did regret, that he didn’t want anyone to find out about. There was a lump in his throat and a tight feeling in his chest that he couldn’t explain when he looked at David and tried to imagine his reaction to finding out that truth. It was not as bad as the feeling he got when he tried to imagine Niek finding out, but it was bad enough to be concerning.

Not that there was any possibility of either of them finding out, but he’d lived long enough not to take anything for granted. Only three other men knew the secret hidden in his past, and one of them had as much to lose from it coming out, one was his friend and employee and the other... if the other had intended to do anything about it, he would have done so a long time ago.

Perhaps he should have changed his appearance, but Alexander had stayed out of the grid long enough for his appearance to be forgotten by all except those who personally knew him. Still, he’d been careful enough to lie low, even in a persona like the one he had on now.

One good thing about living on a planet controlled by someone like Thaxter was that anyone could stay out of the public eye if they wanted. Alexander remembered media personnel pushing their microphones into people’s faces, taking photographs, even following people around and sneaking into their houses and workplace. All that was in the past. Media no longer had the freedom to do as they pleased, and after the execution of a few rebellious reporters and photographers, no one dared to try anything now. Besides, what good would exposing Thaxter do? Everyone knew what he was, and as long as he was that way, and the Elite were with him, there was nothing anyone could do except get themselves killed.

A miniaturised hologram of Nolan appeared on his desk, jolting him out of his thoughts. Mr. Selwood, there’s a Miss Ashton here to see you. She says she has an appointment, but-

It’s all right, Alexander said. She does have an appointment, and I’m sorry I neglected to inform you. Could you just ask her to wait for five minutes, and Nolan? Please come inside.

He was so distracted, he’d forgotten to tell Nolan about Kaylee’s appointment. Alexander knew that was careless and unprofessional; he might have had another appointment or meeting, and he hated unpunctuality and broken contracts.

David shook his head once the hologram disappeared. I was certain she wouldn’t come.

And I was certain she would.

It was a reasonable assumption, after all. She had talked as if she didn’t like her employers, and she hadn’t sounded like she cared much for her charges, either.

The door slid open, and Nolan came inside, looking nervous. There was no reason for him to be nervous. He was competent, qualified, extremely good at his job, and organised Alexander’s