Prospero: Dionysus Trilogy Book 3

By Beck Todd

The Dionysus Trilogy, a Christian science fiction series

Book Three

The Republic has fractured. A year of warfare created new, independent planets and star systems, most beyond the Republic's control.

The Event Horizon crew has done their best to avoid worlds still loyal to the Republic, lest s

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebecca Todd
• Release date: Jun 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798986200736

Book preview

1

Jobs

Dakota Allerson studied Raoul Gaines. Despite having to relocate to Valkyrie after the defeat of Zeta II in the final months of the war, the Dissenter leader was not the worse for wear. In fact, he seemed to be thriving. His black suit, allowing his paper white skin to stand out in brilliant contrast, was tailor-made, and his white hair had been recently cut and styled.

And Gaines had recreated his office perfectly. Seemingly random papers and files covered the large desk, one stack leaning precariously close to the edge. Crumpled balls of paper overflowed from the wastebasket, littering the floor. Everything in perfect disarray.

Dakota had been nervous when Margo asked him to accompany her to this meeting instead of Hugo. But Margo had been assigning him more important jobs over the past few months, and she wanted to leave nothing to chance. Not after the utter collapse of the Dissenter movement three months ago. Every single Dissenting planet and moon had been forced to rejoin the Republic, and tens of thousands were shipped off to the Atlas System. Worlds which had already gained their independence, Valkyrie included, were free to continue without Novateran interference. So long as they did not cause any trouble.

Ms. Symms, said Gaines, his violet Zephyrian eyes no more than narrow slits, it's so nice to finally finish our business. He flashed a sardonic smile, exposing his long canine teeth.

I hope it was worth it, Margo replied as she handed him the memory stick containing all the intel Event Horizon gathered at the Peace Summit. Intel that was ten months old.

Every iota is worth it, Ms. Symms. Just because data is old does not make it worthless. And who is this young man? Did you finally tire of the imbecile who couldn't keep his mouth shut?

You could say that. Now, the funds you promised me—

Will be delivered to the bank account of your choice. What is your name? Gaines asked Dakota, studying him like a slide underneath a microscope.

Nate.

Just one name?

Dakota glared at Gaines, his face an unreadable blank. A skill Margo had taught him.

And how long have you worked for Ms. Symms, Nate Just-One-Name?

About a year.

And why did you choose to work in transportation?

Dakota's heart pounded in his chest. Why was Gaines asking so many personal questions? Margo said the man prefer anonymity. The fewer details, the better. He peered into Gaines's mind and was met with a blank wall. Nothing. Perhaps the man was in a questioning mood, given the fall of the Dissenters. Or maybe he was trying to verify a rumor.

Keeping his voice level, Dakota replied, It chose me.

Interesting. Do you enjoy it?

I get free food and a place to sleep.

Two very important things. Not everyone in the Republic is so well employed. Gaines leaned back in his chair, drumming his clawed fingers on the desk. He fixed his gaze on Margo.

She sighed. Do you have another job?

How perceptive of you. Gaines smiled wolfishly and pulled a file out of a desk drawer. A simple transportation job. Two individuals need a safe way back to their homeworld.

Margo took the file, clearly pissed off that Gaines had pulled her into yet another job, and read the first page. All the blood drained from her face.

Dakota peered into her thoughts. He gleaned a few snippets of information despite her mental wall being up. It was a simple job. A brother and sister here on Valkyrie, who had been very active and vocal Dissenters, were seeking a low-key ride home. 

But the destination was trapped behind her wall. What was the point of having a seer if you did not let him do his job?

He glanced at Uriel, who stood right next to Gaines. Worry painted the guardian's face.

That's not good.

Do you have any objections? Gaines asked, leaning forward.

Why would I? Margo snapped.

You are taking an awfully long time to read that file. Some aspect is bothering you.

No, Margo said, her eyes fixed on the file. "Just calculating travel time, extra supplies. Event Horizon can only take one passenger for now."

Good thing they're related and used to poor accommodations, then. Gaines flashed her another smile, reveling in her discomfort. What had caused her to work with this man, Dakota could not help wondering.

The brothers can share a room, Dakota said. If we need two rooms.

Gaines pointed a clawed finger at him. See, now there is good help. Only speaks when absolutely necessary. So, what do you say, Ms. Symms?

Closing the file and tucking it under her arm, Margo shook hands with Gaines. Sounds like a deal. Regular pay?

For transporting two individuals? Be reasonable.

Two individuals who were Dissenters a couple of months ago. With random checks, I'll be risking my entire crew if these people come up as red flags.

I assure you they won't. But if it gives you peace of mind, I will pay you four-fifths. As well as a bonus on the intel you just delivered, he added, seeing Margo scowl.

Fine. Nate.

Dakota followed her to the door, grateful to be leaving. The meeting had not gone as planned, but it could have gone much worse.

As they exited the office, Gaines called out, And goodbye to you as well, Nate. People like you are hard to find.

And what does he mean by that? Dakota wondered as anxiety crept into his mind. Everyone on Event Horizon had kept his secrets. No one even mentioned his abilities or his real name unless they were in the middle of nowhere. 

Had Gaines somehow recognized him as Dakota Allerson, the wanted seer from Dionysus? He reviewed every question the man had asked him, wondering if he had accidentally given away important information. 

No. Just generic answers. Nothing to indicate his real identity.

With any luck, said Uriel, you won't be doing any more business with Gaines.

I hope you're right, Dakota said under his breath.

What was that? Margo asked.

Our mutual friend doesn't want us taking more jobs from Gaines. It had seemed pointless to keep Uriel a secret from the crew. They already knew he was a seer. Why not know about his guardian angel?

Margo replied with a curt nod.

They exited the sprawling office complex and headed for the Mag-Lev train station without a word. The rail line cut straight through the dense area of skyscrapers, many of which rose a hundred stories in the air. Native foliage decorated the platform, as well as a sign declaring that the city's conservation society had commissioned the project. The green plants were turning reddish-brown in the autumn weather. 

At least a hundred other people waited on the open-air platform. A hundred people with every complexion in the Republic. Neither Dakota's bronze skin with blue eyes nor Margo's dark hair and eyes with fair skin stood out. They were just two faces in the crowd, one of two reasons he actually enjoyed being on Valkyrie. 

The train to Halsarlan, the city where the rest of the crew was enjoying a much-needed vacation, arrived a few minutes later. Dakota and Margo boarded, paying the ten-credit fee, and sat in a window seat near the back. Advertisements for local businesses were displayed on either side of the window, changing every thirty seconds. 

Once the train was on its way, Margo asked, How do you feel about going to Dionysus?

An icy chill ran down his spine. He had not set foot on Dionysus in over two years. Horrific dreams of destruction and chaos plagued him ever since that vision on Bedlam. Rowland's crown dissolving into ashes. Cantara telling him that he should not be there. And worst of all, watching himself shake hands with Myrddin, the Dionysian lord smiling.

But what if they really are in trouble? Dakota scanned the news once or twice a month, searching for information on Dionysus. The searches came up empty more times than not. Since the planet had remained loyal, Novatera had little to say about it.

Is that where the siblings need to go?

Margo nodded, her face grim.

Dakota took a deep breath, steadying himself. How many stops do we have to make before arriving?

Depends. There are a lot of independent worlds in that Quadrant. Not all of them friendly. Do you want to be dropped off and picked back up?

Every bit of logic in Dakota's mind screamed at him to say yes. It was better to be safe than sorry where Myrddin Graiko was concerned. Better to hide out on a world that held no sway with the Republic than risk falling into the Dionysian lord's hands. Instead, he replied, No. We both know what happens if you arrive without me.

She let out a frustrated sigh. Damn.

When will you tell the others?

This evening. Once they've had their fun. Margo paused, her dark eyes trying to read him. Are you sure about this?

I can't run forever. Cantara and her father and brother stared at him in shock. The crown, along with the entire Imperial gardens, turned to ashes. Dakota shook his head, forcing the images away.

What did you see?

Nothing new. Can I look at the file?

Knock yourself out. She handed it to him. We won't arrive for another hour.

Dakota touched the file. A variety of emotions flooded him. A bizarre mixture of positive and negative. Gaines delighted to be given more information to store away in his mind. Not in his files and office. In his mind. Residual emotions from the woman who gave the information to Gaines, wondering if she could trust him. The pain of loss, of working so hard only to watch everything you built crumble into dust.

Opening his eyes, Dakota read the scant information on the siblings. Kallista and Erik Emerson, both in their late twenties. Both high ranking members of the Zeta Secunda branch of the Dissenters despite their youth. There were no pictures. The last paragraph explained that the siblings would identify themselves to Margo at the Halsarlan Spaceport when they arrived there at noon tomorrow. Not a minute later.

There were no instructions for when they landed on Dionysus. Dakota figured that Gaines already had another person there, waiting to give them details for yet another job. A high paying one that they would be foolish to refuse.

Dakota placed the file on the seat between him and Margo and glanced out the window. The mountainous landscape rushed by, ridged peaks that altered the horizon every second, backdropped by a cloudless, pale blue sky. He had never seen mountains until arriving on Valkyrie. He never imagined they were so green and wild and beautiful. If only he had more time to enjoy them. 

He waited for Margo to speak, to fill the silence surrounding them like an invisible bubble. But she was too lost in her own thoughts.

2

A Rock and a Hard Place

The anxiety clinging to Dakota dissipated as he and Margo entered the Rosens' house, a quiet suburban island away from the noise of the city. Cass's parents, Leto and Evelyn, had been more than happy to host the crew while they conducted business on the newly independent planet. And they had not seen their daughter in person since the war began.

Both the Rosens and the comforting scent of cooked food greeted him and Margo. They had arrived just in time for supper. The dining room table was furnished with extra chairs from the living room and backyard patio, some wooden, some metal and canvas. An array of spicy meats and vegetables, many of which were subspecies that only grew on Valkyrie, rested on the table's center in small pots, designed to be passed from person to person.

Dakota took a seat next to Donovan, Cass, and her young brother Gabriel, while Margo sat next to Leto and Evelyn.

Did everything go all right? asked Eli, sitting in the middle, opposite Hugo. The younger Carnaki brother had been on edge ever since Gaines had contacted them last month, reminding them of their overdue business.

Well enough, replied Margo, keeping her voice neutral. We will discuss it after we eat.

Can't argue with that, said Hugo, helping himself to a bowl of reddish-purple carrots. He passed the bowl along to Cass.

Once everyone had food on their plates, Evelyn, who looked like an older version of Cass with the same warm, brown eyes, asked, So what are your plans now that the war is officially over?

Business as usual, Margo answered, not taking her eyes off her plate. We will tread carefully on worlds that are loyal to the Republic. Probably do more business with independent worlds.

Good to hear, said Leto. He exchanged a warm smile with his wife. Though neither of the Rosens had been outspoken during Valkyrie's fight, both had hoped for their planet's independence. A chance to stand on their own, even if it meant falling down a few times. The entire week Event Horizon had been on world, Dakota sensed hoped and excitement from its citizens. Emotions that were strangely absent on worlds still loyal to the Republic.

And the worlds that had lost their fights were almost unbearable. Depression and an overall sense of loss overwhelmed him, making it difficult for him to simply think. Most times, he just stayed on the craft. 

Sometimes, the secondary emotions made him think of Seth. Of all the memories they would never share. 

What about university? Evelyn asked, pulling Dakota back to the present. She looked directly at him and Cass.

What about it? Cass replied as she ate a fork-full of spicy fish. 

Communication channels are open, and the Web is no longer restricted on most worlds. You and Nate could enroll in online classes, she suggested. As a civil engineer who had worked her way through university and graduate school, Evelyn valued education highly and expressed concern when she learned that Cass's gap year working in transportation had lasted far longer than a year.

You could enroll in Valkyrie City University, Gabriel added. The teen had told them all about his plans to study creative writing and journalism. The first step in becoming a great writer. He asked his sister, Can you start sending me descriptions of the worlds you visit again?

What kind of descriptions? Margo asked, raising an eyebrow.

You know, descriptions. Cass quickly added, What the cities look like. Landscapes. Nothing work related.

They really help me come up with story ideas. Is it all right for Cass to do that? Gabriel asked, seeing Margo's less than pleased expression.

It's fine, Margo said after a long moment. So long as there is nothing work related, she emphasized. As far as the Rosens knew, Event Horizon specialized in small scale transportation, mostly mechanical supplies. All legitimate, and nothing under the table.

Gabriel thanked her, smiling. Cass let out a quiet sigh of relief.

The meal continued for another two hours, the group talking long after everyone had eaten their fill. Leto and Evelyn asked more questions, some personal, some work related. How they found jobs, what life was like during long stretches in space. The crew members gave concise, somewhat guarded answers. Hugo, a master at embellishment, answered the questions most sensitive to their work, garnering a few laughs. 

Once the dishes were cleaned and put away, Margo asked the crew to meet in the living room. The Rosens were tactful enough to enjoy the sunset on the back patio.

So now what? Hugo asked, absentmindedly touching the remains of his right earlobe. He had long since come to terms with the Lt. Zaks's death, rationalizing that those anarchists would have killed Zaks or another soldier regardless of Hugo's presence. It was just a matter of odds and bad timing. But he declined plastic surgery, keeping the ragged earlobe as a reminder not to be careless.

Margo took a deep breath and related her conversation with Gaines. He gave us another job, she finished.

I thought you didn't want to work for him anymore, Cass questioned.

He didn't give us much of a choice.

As always, Dakota thought.

So, what is it? asked Donovan, his already pale face taking on a whiter tone. The last time Gaines assigned them a job, it had taken them to the heart of Novatera.

Dionysus.

The room grew so silent that Dakota could hear his heartbeat. He tried and failed to fight down his anxiety. The fact that everyone was looking at him was not helping, neither were their emotions. Guilt came off Donovan and Eli in waves, guilt that they were powerless to prevent Margo from making that deal with Myrddin. Confusion and latent anger from Cass, not knowing how to help. And surprisingly, concern from Hugo.

I can't believe this, said Cass. Does Gaines know about...? They had told Cass and Hugo about the deal with Myrddin shortly after leaving Bedlam. Keeping them in the dark was pointless, and Dakota and Margo had made peace with one another. Getting him off world and keeping him close by were in her best interest, but she had given him the chance to leave, to find other work, to run. Dakota had stayed anyway.

I honestly would not be surprised if Gaines and Graiko know each other, Margo replied, not looking at anyone in particular. But, as far as I can tell, the job doesn't involve him. All Gaines wants us to do is drop two people off at Colmekell Spaceport. Never said how long we had to stay there. If all goes as planned, we leave the moment we're done.

But what about Graiko's deal? Eli asked, fidgeting. Dakota spied a bead of sweat at his hairline. He said autumn, and it's autumn. What happens if we don't show?

He will either contact the authorities immediately, Dakota answered, or he will make us sweat. In the end, Myrddin will get what he wants.

Eli looked like he was going to be sick.

I can't do this, said Cass, her voice anguished and tears welling in her eyes. I can't just hand you over to someone like you're a piece of merchandise. You're like my brother. I can't—

Nobody's forcing you to come with us, Hugo interrupted.

I'm sorry, Margo snapped. Her eyes flashed like white hot fire. "Who owns Event Horizon? Whose name is on the deed? Who pays your salary?"

Hugo shrank down in his seat. 

That's what I thought. I don't want any more fighting over this. We are stuck in the middle of a 'damned if we do and damned if we don't' situation. I don't like this anymore than you, she told Cass, softening her voice.

I got away from Myrddin once, Dakota said, fighting down his own anxiety. I can get away again. And I'm better equipped to handle him now. Back then, I had just discovered my ability. The second time around will be easier.

Don't tempt fate, Dakota, said Uriel, his arms crossed. A lot has changed on Dionysus in the last two years. Very little of it for the better.

What is it? asked Donovan, peering at the seemingly empty corner.

Is... Is he here? Eli stammered. He was the only one on Event Horizon who had not gotten used to Uriel's presence.

Dakota nodded.

What did he say? Cass asked.

Just for us to be careful.

Good advice, said Margo. Make sure all of your things are packed tonight. We have to be at the Spaceport no later than noon. This is not an appointment we can afford to miss.

The crew broke off into smaller groups. Hugo and Eli left together, talking quietly. Their relations had greatly improved, much to everyone's surprise and relief. Margo went off by herself, her mental wall spider-webbed with hairline cracks. Small images slipped through, but Dakota decided to respect her privacy. She had a difficult decision to make in the next few weeks, and he would not want someone intruding in his mind if he were in the same shoes.

He followed Cass and Donovan and joined her family on the patio, a three-meter by three -meter square of reddish-brown tiles adjacent to green grass. A wooden fence painted the same color as the tiles separated the backyard from the neighboring houses. A ring of wooden furniture surrounded a fire pit built into the patio's center. Empty for now.

Gabriel was in the middle of telling Evelyn and Leto about his latest story idea: a present-day man traveling back in time to the colonization of Old Earth's solar system, wondering if he should exploit his knowledge of the future for financial and political gain.

Dakota sat down on a wooden bench at the edge of the patio, sitting between Donovan and Cass, the older brother and sister he never knew he needed. He watched the setting sun dye the sky orange and purple.

Are you sure about this? Cass whispered.

We don't have to go through with it, Donovan added. There's got to be a way out.

Dakota glanced at Uriel, ever-present in his dark business suit. There was no telling what awaited him on Dionysus. Or the nature of Myrddin's plans for him, if any. Myrddin could be in a position where he no longer needed a personal seer. But he might uphold the deal for the sake of appearances. No matter what, Dakota would have people by his side, people he knew he could trust.

Managing a smile, he said, We'll find a way.

3

Passengers

Red and orange leaves tumbled in the air, carried along by a gust of autumn wind. The cool air felt pleasant on Dakota's face. He wished they could stay longer. The planet, having fought so much during the war, was now so peaceful and gave him the sense that he was protected. Gazing at the rows of crafts docked in the merchants' section of the spaceport, he prayed he would be able to visit this world again. 

Event Horizon loomed in front of him, preparing to take him to Dionysus. A world he had been running from for two and a half years. 

He checked his watch. Three minutes until noon.

Are you okay? Cass asked, a hint of worry in her voice. In fact, everyone looked worried, or at least apprehensive. None of them really knew what they were getting into by transporting former Dissenters.

Yeah. It was neither the truth nor a lie. He had spoken to Uriel about the situation last night. The angel explained that everybody faced trials in their lives, and they could not solve those trials by running and hiding. But did this trial have to be so soon? When he first met his crewmates, they were merely a means to an end, an easy way off Hellespont. He never expected to grow attached to them. To be forced to say goodbye.

The crew halted in front of the craft, resting in the center of a neat row of ten. Margo entered the passcode, which she changed each time they reached a new planet. The ramp to the storage area lowered. Just as empty as always.

So, where are they? asked Eli, glancing nervously around the port. Only two minutes to go until the siblings were supposed to arrive.

They will be here if they want off this world, said Margo. She instructed Cass, Eli, and Hugo to head inside and get settled in. They did so with various degrees of reluctance. Cass had a hard time saying goodbye to her family this morning, a much harder time than she had expected. She was quiet on the way to the spaceport, though she kept up a brave face.

Eli voiced his doubts about going to Dionysus when Margo was not listening. Neither he nor Donovan were convinced that Dakota was okay with this job. Their few encounters with Myrddin, and the Dionysian lord learning their real identities with surprising ease, terrified them. Dakota told them not to worry. They would find a way out of the deal. Neither man shared his optimism.

I don't see what the big deal is, Hugo had said, absentmindedly touching his earlobe. So some rich guy wants Dakota as his personal seer. What is so wrong with that? I bet the pay is real good.

Eli exchanged a wary look with Donovan, and Dakota elected to ignore Hugo. No amount of money would make him work for Myrddin Graiko.

What do you want us to do? Dakota asked Margo. He and Donovan flanked her on both sides, waiting.

Your usual jobs. In other words, she wanted Donovan to look intimidating, so the siblings knew exactly who was in charge, and she wanted Dakota to read them.

Is that them? Donovan asked. Two individuals, a man and a woman, walked towards the craft. They towed a large metal crate on a suspensor pallet, hovering half a foot off the ground.

Margo's eyes narrowed. What the hell is that?

It was a standard four-foot cubed crate, used on transport crafts all throughout the Republic and its new neighbors. Not something former Dissenters who wanted to maintain a low profile toted around.

As they drew closer, Dakota could not help but stare. The man and the woman had bronze skin, black hair, and deep blue eyes. The traits of average Dionysians. Traits that he shared.

No wonder they're going to Dionysus. They're going home.

Then, what were they doing all the way out here on Valkyrie?

Are you Margo Symms? asked the woman. Her eyes shifted from Margo to Donovan and Dakota, and then to Event Horizon itself.

Yes. And you are?

Kallista Emerson. And this is my brother Erik. The man, who appeared to be a year or two younger than Kallista, gave Margo a curt nod. Gaines told you about us?

You, yes. That, she pointed at the crate, no.

Kallista grimaced. Of course he didn't. Everything we own is in here. This won't be a problem, will it?

Margo studied the siblings and their crate. Dakota thought it was odd. Why not carry their belongings in bags or backpacks? Using a crate and suspensor pallet was more expensive and harder to transport. And it attracted a lot more attention. 

No, Margo finally said, I guess not. Donovan, Nate, load it inside.

He and Donovan did as instructed. Dakota had half of his attention on Erik and Kallista. He wanted to ask them a million questions, but he did not know where to start. All he had heard of Dionysus was that Rowland was still the emperor, and the planet was loyal to the Republic. What had caused them to join the Zeta Secunda Dissenters? Had things gotten so bad on their homeworld that they had to run away to another quadrant? Was that why he was having bad dreams?

Dakota helped Donovan push the crate up the ramp, the suspensor pallet performing the bulk of the work. Dakota's vision grew fuzzy at the edges. A wave of dizziness hit him like a punch to the head.

Oh, crap! Nate, are you all right? asked Donovan, crouching down beside him. Crouching? Dakota blinked until his vision cleared and realized that he was on the ground. Margo, Kallista, and Erik stood nearby.

Yeah, just a dizzy spell. His knees and hands stung. He looked at them. A layer of skin had been scrapped off his palms, and the knees of his pants were torn, revealing reddened skin. Beads of blood rose from the torn skin.

Are you sure? Margo asked.

No, he was not sure. He hadn't experienced anything like this in months.

I'm sure, he said anyway. Donovan helped him to his feet. He placed a hand on the crate again, focusing on it. He sensed nothing malicious, just a lot of machinery that needed to be assembled. But no personal items. Where were their clothes?

He and Donovan pushed the crate inside, situating it in an empty corner.

Does that happen to him often? Erik whispered to Margo. The look in his eyes was more annoyance than concern.

It's nothing to worry about. I'll show you to your room.

Donovan waited until Margo, Kallista, and Erik walked up the stairs to ask, What the hell happened to you? Did you sense something wrong?

Dakota racked his brain. The first touch had been strong enough to knock him down, but the second was normal. A potential threat? One that might happen if he was not careful?

I have no clue. Don't tell the others. I don't want anyone asking me questions. Probably a bad idea to let them know a seer is on board. Dakota glanced at the crate. Did Erik and Kallista bring any other luggage?

No, just this thing. Donovan pointed at the crate.

No clothes? Not even toothbrushes?

Donovan frowned. I don't think so. That's weird, isn't it?

Yeah. But I'm sure they have their reasons.

If you say so.

They headed upstairs and went to the common area. Margo was introducing Kallista and Erik to the rest of the crew. Cass was her normal, friendly self while Eli and Hugo treated them with casual indifference. This was, after all, just another job.

Where on Dionysus are you from? Dakota asked them.

The brother and sister stared at him as though he had spoken something other than Galactic Standard. The common area grew uncomfortably warm and seemed half its usual size.

Why do you care? Erik asked, glaring at him.

Dakota's palms began to sweat, the raw skin stinging. Latent hostility was not the response he had expected.

Ask your questions carefully, Uriel said, standing in the corner, invisible to everyone else. Don't give too much information away.

Well, you're going back home to Dionysus, right? Do you live near the capital?

No, Kallista replied, crossing her arms. We grew up in a small beach town near the Chanolog Sea. Leodhas District. But Colmekell Spaceport is the busiest on the planet. It will be easier to land there.

Why did you leave? Cass asked. You don't have to answer if you don't want to, she quickly added.

Then we won't, Erik said.

Kallista shot him a glare. Taking a deep breath, she said, The Dissenter movement had more popularity on Zeta II. We thought we could make more of a difference there.