Shades of Gray (84 page)

“What do we care about those Entities?” scoffed Zaimiss, rising and getting permission to Speak. “Entrapped one already we did, can do again!”

“That one not a real Entity!” snarled Annuur. “You not know the full rage of even a Hunter, never mind a Hunter Entity! Be afraid. They have empowered the Hunter, made him their Avatar, his geas to bring Justice to the Hunter Alliance. Think you we will escape?” he demanded. “Think again! You want proof? Unity, reveal the potentialities in time!”

The screen darkened, showing ribbons of light crisscrossing each other, flashing briefly then dying, and at the heart of them was a light, a brightness tinged with red, that was slowly expanding.

“That is the Hunter. He will bring destruction on a scale never seen, or bring light of Justice to those needing it. His decision, tempered by our treatment of him. Unity, replay scene before Sand-dweller King crowned when Hunter dispensed Justice to traitors! I remind you how swift and lethal his Justice is!”

The screen blanked, then re-formed with the image of Kusac at King Zsurtul’s coronation.

The scene changed.

The screen blanked.

“That is the Hunter’s Justice,” said Annuur. “Swift and merciless. The cub found the fragment of Unity I left behind and showed his father. Who was it said, “Ignore the cub, he is worthless”? So worthless he found what we concealed from Hunter.”

“Speaker?” said a voice from the Elders’ corner. Annuur looked over to see another TeLaxaudin standing.

“Speaker recognizes Elder Zoasiss,” said Khassis from where she sat.

“Had you not recalled Agents, would Hunter have discovered and questioned them?”

“Absolutely. He hungers for information.”

“Ghioass—would he have knowledge of our location?”

“Yes.” said Annuur shortly. “For now we are safe. Rescuing kidnapped Sand-dweller female and setting up base in mountains on M’zull important now.”

Zoasiss nodded, gesturing at Annuur as his eyes swirled. “Thanks of Elders you have for prompt action. Well founded was our trust in you.”

Annuur bowed to him as the Elder sat down.

Shumass raised his hand again.

“What now?” growled Annuur.

“I say your actions precipitated return of Hunter’s memories,” said Shumass. “Choice of giving nanites to him caused mental trauma. Hypnotizing him, then planting nanites not have this result! Yours is error of judgment.”

“Perhaps, had I not recalled Agents earlier because of return of memories. Reunited with family he is, no chance to approach him with any methods we can use now! Forget that he is enhanced? Not just by us, but by his Entities too! Untouchable he now is.”

“Why you think we Spoke for pushing him away from family?” demanded Shumass.

“It was done far outside City, where we cannot reach with Unity!” snapped Annuur. “You blind yourself to truths in effort to throw blame onto me.”

Khassis got to her feet and joined him at the lectern. “Exhausted you are,” she said with compassion in her voice. “We thank you for coming here so swiftly. Are any more questions?” she asked, looking around the chamber.

“Yes, Speaker,” said Shvosi, getting up. When the older TeLaxaudin nodded at her, she continued. “I Speak for ending this session. Much evidence put forward by Unity and Chief Agent Annuur. Time to digest it needed, and time for Chief Agent Annuur to rest and recover.”

“Sound suggestion,” said Khassis, nodding. “I Second that. Additionally, I want summaries of actions from all Speakers in this whole Hunter matter. Will be reviewed by Council of Elders, then results dispersed to you by Unity. Then to Chamber for open discussion we will come after reviewing all evidence.”

“I Speak for laying charge of incompetence, of acting too hastily, on Chief Agent Annuur,” said Zaimiss with heavy sarcasm on Annuur’s title.

“I Second that,” said Shumass.

“Out of order,” said Elder Nkuno. “Investigation into whole matter now ongoing. Apportioning blame now out of order. Wait for reports we will.”

“Unity, record that decision,” said Khassis sharply.

“I adjourn this meeting,” said Khassis. “Annuur, our thanks again.”

Annuur nodded and dropped down onto all fours. Staggering slightly, he left the Speaker’s area and headed back to where his friends waited for him.

“That was totally unexpected,” he murmured, allowing Shvosi to take some of his weight against her shoulder when he stopped beside them. “Elders rarely step in.”

“Not by us,” said Kuvaa very quietly. “Time to find the guilty and punish them. More happening in Council than you know. You come with us to my home now. Warm bath, plenty good food, and privacy to talk there. Your sept can join us if you wish.”

“Thank you, I will accept,” he said tiredly.

It was afternoon before he had a chance to see Rezac in his suite. He’d needed an update from each section leader to know how they were progressing. Carrie was still busy with Conner and their telepaths, testing their abilities and teaching them more. The next day, they would join the others on the
Tooshu
with the Touibans for cold-weather training. With all the resources of a major battle cruiser, they had the facilities to quickly make the new gear that they would all need for the mission to M’Zull.

The final selection of telepaths would depend on their ability to use their Talents under combat and extreme weather conditions.

Raiban had left the day before for Shola, and L’Seuli for Ch’almuth, where he would conceal the ship behind the moon, out of sight of any approaching craft.

The MUTAC was back down on the surface of K’oish’ik and being tested by M’Nar and Jerenn. Now it was controlled from a form-fitting couch, and the pilot was attached to it by electrodes as well as hand and foot controls. When they moved, it moved; if they wanted it to stand, a control swung the couch into an upright stance and the MUTAC stood. It took a little getting used to, but they were quickly becoming proficient. Once they were, they would be teaching Jurrel as he and Banner were on the team.

What had been minor aches before the swim and soak in the pool had fast become major ones afterward, and Kaid had threatened him with Doctor Zayshul if he didn’t rest in his suite till at least the evening, taking some anti-inflammatory meds and applying copious amounts of bruise ointment. His injured finger had been treated with wound sealant and a light bandage to protect it, but it made for some clumsiness. All in all, he was glad to spend the afternoon resting.

Surprisingly, Carrie had not fretted over him, as she would have in the past, once she had seen for herself that he was safe. They were all getting more used to their life as members of the Brotherhood and all that it entailed.

 

Rezac announced his presence before he reached the door, and Kusac invited him to come straight in.

“Help yourself to coffee or c’shar,” said Kusac from where he was resting on the sofa, gesturing to a small drink dispenser on a side table as he entered.

“Thanks,” said the other, fetching a mug of coffee then joining him. He took the easy chair opposite. “What can I do for you, Kusac?” he asked.

Kusac chuckled. “Still not keen on titles, are you, Rezac? Here and now, that’s all right, but you’ll need to use them in front of the Primes, you know, and on the mission. We need to keep the line of command clear to them.”

“You want me to go with you?” he asked, ears pricking up as he sipped his drink.

“Yes. You’re one of the original enhanced telepaths, and I need your expertise. I saw for myself what some of your companions could do—Jayza for instance.”

“I can’t do it now, not since Zashou and I contracted the fever that changed us into what you are,” shrugged Rezac.

“Watch,” he said, holding his hand out. In it was the lump of bronze that Carrie had returned to him. As he concentrated on it, slowly it began to soften and flow into a new shape. He was surprised to find it was much easier to change the metal than it had been before. Controlling the heat the change generated was almost automatic.