Agent M: Testament (The Agent M Series Book 2) (62 page)

Davis LeClair looked around as he stood in the center of the crest. The only like in the room shined down upon him. The smell of hickory and concrete was all too familiar. He hadn't stepped in this room in ages. The last time a meeting like this was called, the world changed. It's not every day one is burdened with such a task but for this young Paladin, it was all in a day's work.

Five spotlights clicked on. Footsteps followed soon after. The four Paladins took their seats. Nerges, Phaeus, Rodeus, and Cariot were all in attendance. Only their folded arms were visible in the glow of the soft light. Father was the last to approach. He took his time as if each step were counting down to the end of the world. The gravity of this situation was not unknown to Davis or his fellow brethren but this did nothing to ease the tension in the room.

Davis allowed himself a moment for a long and deep breath as the Father finally sat. Light cascaded off his chest and cross but his face was still soaking in shadows. This was not going to be a friendly meeting by any means. There was no room for personal feelings or misguided judgments. The truth would come out today and with that, the fate of the world would be decided.

“Good morning Cephas,” Father stated.

“Good morning Father,” the Paladin replied.

The temperament of Testament's leader appeared to be calm which boded well to settle Davis' mood.

“You have been charged with the task of placing judgment on the accused Mavryk Brian Curtis, hereby named Mabus,” said Father.

His words carried immense weight and presence. Another unworthy soul would have been crushed by them.

“Please,” he boldly directed, “state your findings.”

“Thank you Father.”

Davis took another breath and steeled himself. This conversation was about to change the course of history and the last thing he wanted to do was sound nervous.

“I made contact with the accused six days ago on May twenty-third at approximately eleven-fifty-five pm. From there, I stayed within close proximity for the next four days. We traveled across the Pacific Ocean and back to which I observed his behaviors, mannerisms, and decisions made all along his journey.”

“You were with the accused for four days?” Asked Phaeus.

“The last two only took twenty-four hours,” Nerges chimed in.

“Can you explain yourself Cephas?” Rodeus finished.

“I can,” Davis nodded.

He had almost forgotten how overwhelming his fellow Paladins can be with their questions but it's not like he wasn't prepared.

“Unlike the others, the accused does not show nor have access to any great military strength. He is currently, as the reports indicated, an army of one. There was no outlying indicators as to what his methods would be for carrying out the prophecy so it required further research.”

“And,” Cariot started.

The Paladin could feel his smugness pour through the dark cascade covering his expression just fine.

“Did you find what you were looking for?”

This was a difficult question to answer but Davis hoped to explain it in a way that everyone would hopefully understand.

“The accused is very unique. Though he does display several violent tendencies and has no care or regard when taking a life, he appears to do so only in the line of duty. There are no records of him attempting to harm or kill anyone that was not involved in a crime as stated by his former employment requirements. He is also very guarded. It proved difficult to gather information directly. There lies a mystique about his presence. He rarely if ever shows emotion and when he does, it is under complete and total control.”

“And even with your talent you were unable to read his feelings?” Rodeus asked.

The Paladin nodded.

“Correct. He is extremely reserved and only speaks when it is absolutely necessary.”

“Isn't that a sign to be noted?” Nerges questioned.

Davis shook his head.

“The previous two were able to be read as normal as stated in prior reports. Judgment was passed on them based on those findings. Due to the nature of the accused's upbringing, I was unable to perform my assessment.”

“You are referring to the creation of the accused?” Inquired Phaeus.

“Correct,” nodded the Paladin. “His birth was the prime reason for his candidacy. As such, I believe it was imperative to fully measure the accused from all angles before passing judgment.”

“But,” Cariot interrupted. “His birth is no longer in question. We've established that after his little
incident
, did we not?”

Davis kept his eyes pressed forward. As much as he wanted to glare at his fellow Paladin for ushering such a statement. He didn't even have enough time to follow up with a defense before the other three came back at him hard.

“This is true,” Nerges replied. “The main reason why we initiated contact was because of the transgressions he had committed after the incident.”

“Indeed,” Phaeus complimented. “The catalyst for his behavioral changes began on that day.”

“It has been documented that we issued Clerics for observation,” stated Rodeus, “but the specific details for the six months he was absent have never been revealed. The only records we were able to obtain were the official documents by his employers. We have no knowledge what had occurred during those six months. That is why the accused became the prime suspect.”

The air grew thick inside these hallowed halls. Davis continued to have trouble explaining himself and found it difficult to find the reasons why. This should have been a simple matter of stating the facts but as they continued he found himself acting defensively instead of passing judgment as he was called to do. But, unlike everyone else in the room, they did not have the firsthand experience with the accused as he did and Davis was determined to bring those facts to light before condemning anyone.

“His behavior was duly noted during my investigation. I traveled with the accused and had the privilege of seeing him both at his best and at his worst. Based on our records alone, it would seem the accused would be rightfully fit for the title as Mabus.”

“And,” Father interjected.

It appeared the time for discussion had ended. There was nothing left to say or here. The time had finally come.

“What is the judgment you are passing now?”

Davis planted his feet and took in a deep breath.

“Based on my records, observations, and encounters, I hereby declare our findings to be”

The Paladin’s throat went dry. His nerves rattled and the words began to shake under his breath.  He clenched his fist, locked eyes with those of the Father hidden in shadow and boldly stated the results of his findings.

“Inconclusive.”

“What?” The other Paladins questioned.

They began conversing quietly amongst themselves. Davis may have been unable to hear everything they were saying but he knew this reaction was coming. This was the right choice and he was prepared to defend it to the death if need be.

Father slowly raised his hand and ushered silence amongst his Paladins. The room grew quiet once more as Testament's wise and all-knowing leader was prepared to get to the bottom of this bold declaration.

“Cephas,” Father avowed.

His words were no longer calm or soft. The seriousness of his tone could be felt coursing through ever breath.

“Explain yourself.”

“I know this is unorthodox but it is the best course of action to take for now. I don't believe I was able to fully understand the accused's motivations based on the time allotted. There is something,” Davis began.

His mind started to wander as he prepared the best explanation possible for what he was about to say.

“Something else, perhaps even someone else that may be worth looking into.”

“And who are you referring to Cephas?” Cariot asked.

His demeanor and tenor had remained unchanged from that of his brothers.

There wasn't enough time to do the research required but Davis was prepared to defend his point as best as he could. This may very well be Michael Madison's saving grace. If only he had to time to press his observation further. But end draws near and not even an organization as powerful as Testament could be afforded such a luxury. They needed a clear and definitive answer as soon as possible. The world could not afford to wait based on the sentiments of just one of its children.

“This one holds a special place in the heart of the accused. I was only able to observe it briefly but from what I could tell, he was willing to do or sacrifice anything in her name. His behavior changed slightly and for a moment, I thought I possessed the ability to perform a read but it sealed too quickly. It is a significant find and I deem it worthy to continue pursuing until all matters become clear.”

There was a brief pause in the room. The silence was thick and could be cut with a knife. Davis knew the weight of his words but continued to implore their gravity even if it meant upsetting those that he had dedicated to serve with his life. This matter concerned all creatures living in this world, even the accused. Just because his life was in question did not mean it could be sacrificed without a proper and thorough assessment. He deserved that much.

“Are you sure this is the proper course of action?” Father asked.

The Paladin knew he had accomplished his goal because for the first time in a long while, the Father sounded sympathetic to his declaration.

“I believe she holds the key to unlocking the mystery,” Davis nodded. “There is something about her that the accused seems to embrace, perhaps even cherish. It is for that reason I ask for more time to continue to pursue this investigation.”

The Paladin took one final breath and finished his thought.

“Once that is done, I will be able to pass judgment upon the accused.”

The Paladins and Father began their final deliberation. Silence was cast upon the room and only the brief utterance of their combined whispers could be traced. Davis knew what had to be done and would be prepared to do anything asked of the organization that raised him. He did desire to betray them but more importantly, he placed his devotion in a higher power. The Paladin's heart may be unable to guide him in these matters but his faith has not once failed him. This was the right course of action and he was prepared to defend it no matter the cost.

The conference ended. All of the Paladins appeared to be at ease with the decision reached. They looked down upon Davis as Father issued his final verdict. Testament's leader stood up from his chair and allowed more of the light to bathe over his body as he spoke.

“It is by our combined ruling that we declare your findings to be acceptable Cephas.”

Those words lifted Davis into a cloud and raced him towards the heavens. Even as his mind celebrated the minor victory, he knew it best to keep listening for there is always a condition in these matters.

“But,” Father stated. “Once you have finished your investigation, you will be asked to deliver judgment and sentencing immediately.”

The room couldn't have been colder after those words were spoken.

“Are you prepared to carry out the will of Testament?”

Davis stood firm and saluted the Father by placing his hand over his heart. He offered a quiet prayer to God thanking him for affording this opportunity and then locked his gaze on Father without even so much as a flinch.

“If that is the case,” he began.

Fire lit in his eyes as light started to glow showing off the immense power held within his soul.

“Then I will do what I must.”

March 29th, 2013 10:34AM

Las Vegas, NV

The television in Nicole's room hadn't been turned off for days. Coincidentally, neither had her brain. She refused to sleep as the news of the events that transpired had been broadcasting nonstop since the day they started. In the Assistant Director's current condition she could barely muster the courage to pick up the phone to inquire further. The only thing feeding her information was the big glass box filled with hundreds of tiny people raining down information.