Until We Break (15 page)

“Hello, again, fellow Morovians and everyone watching worldwide. At this time, I would like to introduce you to someone very special. In all likelihood, you’re going to find this very difficult to believe, but this man is none other than Bethos.
The
Bethos. I realize he looks completely different than how he’s depicted in Holoist paintings, but I can assure you, he’s the real deal. This man is indeed an honest to goodness god. What’s more, he runs a
school
for gods. Now, now; please hold all questions for the end. For the time being, there’s a lot that needs explaining. For years, Bethos and his school have been at odds with the organization that has been causing so much suffering as of late: Zero Grade. As you know, recently Zero Grade took control of several sites across the globe in order to harvest a powerful energy source they call the Ultimus Points. However, after several battles fought by Bethos’ school and Morovian forces, the enemy has lost fully half of these sites.

“Now we must think about the future. Great victories have been achieved these past few weeks, but we’re still looking at a long and costly campaign. At this moment, I would like to address Zero Grade personally. I know it looks like Bethos and I are allying to stop you, but the truth is, we don’t want any more bloodshed. We want to bring an end an end to the violence. With that in mind, we’ve come up with what we feel is an arrangement that’s equitable to both sides. You want followers, devotees to worship you, and as you are gods, that seems fair. So we propose starting churches to you in Morovia and other countries that don’t already worship you Lost Gods. I’ve spoken with the leaders of these countries, and with the exception of Chrichton, they are open to the idea.

“Now that you’ve heard our proposal, we would like to meet with you to discuss terms for a peace treaty. We will be awaiting your reply. And now, I will allow the members of the media present to ask questions.”

A pretty reporter in her twenties was the first to be called upon. “With all due respect,” she said, indicating Lambda’s guest, “how do we know you’re really Bethos?”

“A very good question,” he replied. “After all, I look nothing like the guy those racist idiots painted thousands of years ago. This might make me sound sinister, but I think a simple display of my power will convince you.” He paused. “Sorry, that
did
sound sinister, didn’t it?” He had a good laugh at that one. “Miss, why don’t you come up here and be my volunteer?”

She sheepishly made her way to the front of the room and up on the small stage. Bethos had her wave her hands above his head to confirm there were no wires of any kind, and then, before the shocked audience, he began floating above the heads of the shocked audience. And just to show off, he high-fived every single one of them.

But not everyone was convinced, so he decided to pull out the big guns. In front of their eyes, he blinked out of existence, and then suddenly reappeared next to Lambda. The reporters began frantically clamoring for him to explain just how the hell he did that.

“I have the unique ability to teleport myself or others to… well, a far-away place. I actually sent you all there a while back, but you were unconscious, so you probably don’t remember.”

After they calmed down, another reporter—this time a middle-aged man—stepped up. “Mr. President—”

“Yes?” they both said simultaneously.

“Err, President Lambda.”

“Go ahead,” Lambda said.

The reporter cleared his throat. “You propose starting a new church for Zero Grade. What do you say to those who view this as capitulating to the enemy in a time of war?”

“I can assure you,” Lambda replied, “that we are not giving in to the demands of mere terrorists. We are simply looking for common ground upon which to build a lasting peace. We are not giving ground, but have, in fact, taken it. We are operating from a position of strength.”

Another tough question followed. “You seem to be trying to force a religion on the people of this country. What if Morovians don’t
want
to worship Zero Grade?”

Lambda said, “I’ve lived in this country all my life. I know there is a segment of the population open to new ideas and new religions. I believe the Lost Gods can find their niche here.”

More questions followed. “What if Zero Grade isn’t satisfied with a mere niche?”

“What will you do if peace talks fail?”

“Are you prepared for a long-term war with gods?”

Lambda motioned for everyone to be seated for a moment. “I’m afraid there is still much we don’t know. We’ll have to wait for Zero Grade’s response before we take any further action. But everyone in this room had better believe we’re willing to fight them all the way if we have to.”

* * *

They didn’t have to wait long for Zero Grade’s response. The next day, the following message appeared on TVs across Morovia.

We are Zero Grade

We accept offer for negotiation

Dokiu, Faust Kingdom, two days from now

Once you are in the country, no Academy assistance allowed

Do not keep us waiting

“They’re not ones to mince words, are they?” Lambda said back in his office.

“I haven’t known them nearly as long as the other gods, but yeah; they like to remind you who’s boss,” Bethos said.

“They said they’re open to
negotiations
,” Lambda said. “Their disdain for us is evident.”

“Until a peace treaty is finalized, we’re still their enemies.”

Lambda sighed. “This won’t be easy. We don’t know what their terms will be, and if I read Zero Grade’s message right, I can’t rely on you for help once we’re in the Faust Kingdom. It’s not
allowed
, apparently.”

Bethos shrugged. “Nothing we can do about it. If we want their cooperation, we’ll have to play by their rules.”

Rising from his chair, Lambda turned to stair out the window. “In my youth, I used to go mountain climbing. It was so… exhilarating. You against nature in a struggle to see who would win. As I grew older, my life became more about me against other people. I fought the opposing party for years to get my reforms passed.

“Now, it seems it’s about me against gods. Just goes to show you never know where your life will be headed.”

“Let me assign someone to protect you. This could be a trap.” Bethos said.

The Morovian president waved him off. “That won’t be necessary. Exodus Squad is more than capable of seeing to my safety.”

“One person,” Bethos insisted. “At least let me send one person with you.”

Lambda thought about it for a moment before saying, “All right. One person. But once we’re inside the Faust Kingdom, they’ll have to leave us. I don’t want to anger Zero Grade if there’s actually a chance for peace.”

They shook hands. “It’s a deal,” Bethos replied.

* * *

Maya got called into Freya’s office. “You wanted to see me?”

“Yes, Maya. Please, have a seat.”

Maya did so. “What’s this about?”

Freya explained, “Zero Grade has agreed to peace talks. They’ll be taking place tomorrow in the Faust Kingdom.” Maya was silent. “Is something wrong?”

“It’s just… after everything they’ve done to us, how can we just forgive them? Look at what they did to Ev! I don’t… I don’t think I
want
to make peace with them.”

“Maya, I understand what you’re saying, but you have to see the big picture. If we don’t make peace, a lot more people are going to die. The world as we know if could be ravaged or even destroyed if this war is allowed to continue. Please understand that.”

“I…” Maya was silent again. Finally she said, “All right. If that’s what you think is best. As a future goddess of love, I can’t be thinking about myself at a time like this. I have to think about the safety of others.”

“Thank you, Maya. That’s very mature of you.”

“You’re welcome. But what does this have to do with me?”

“President Lambda has agreed to let one representative from the Academy accompany him as he journeys to the Faust Kingdom. Bethos wants you to be that person. You used to be a member of Zero Grade, so he thinks your knowledge of them will help protect President Lambda during his trip.”

Maya hadn’t seen this coming. Being someone who had mixed feelings about peace with Zero Grade, she would have expected them to send anyone else. “But shouldn’t a full god like yourself or Professor Strong go instead?”

“Let’s just say Zero Grade feels very strongly about us. Bethos doesn’t want to anger them and ruin the chance for peace talks by sending someone on their most wanted list.”

It still didn’t make sense to Maya. “But I fought against them during the incident with Arcturus Reich. They put a bounty on Ev’s head!”

“Yes, but they didn’t put a bounty on
your
head, which means… well this is going to sound mean, but it means they don’t care about you. It’s really Ev they hate.”

“But…” She felt she should voice the real reason she didn’t want to be sent on this mission, but she couldn’t. That was between Ev and herself.

Freya’s pleading eyes drilled straight to her soul. “Please, Maya. I’m not asking for myself, or even for Bethos. The entire world depends on the success of this mission. Millions of lives could be saved if it succeeds.”