Many of Ellore’s friends had perished since Ksilte’s death. The TELREC were merciless in hunting down all his known acquaintances, all his allies in the Leviathan, each and every one of his surviving family members, as well as those of every member of SC-1. She saw their images plastered on the cast-net—criminals against the future of Novan. Every crime was placed in that context; from the smallest petty theft, to murder and rape, it was all a crime against the glorious future of Novan, and a disappointment to the Cuhli-pra, and Ksilte’s allies were lumped in with them. Friends she had known all her life—devout, caring and generous—were characterized as malcontents bent on anarchy. Ellore could barely stomach seeing those images, but she forced herself to remember them, fueling her lust for vengeance. She knew she was lucky not to be included with them, as the TELREC would have eliminated her if she stayed any longer in her home. And her son.
They were executed. That is more to the truth.
She looked on Dobrin often, as he became the sole reason for her strength, granting her body and mind the ability to work through the night organizing, learning, building. She wished he could have gotten a normal childhood with laughter and free of worry or pain. Sometimes she would find him curled up on his bed, sobbing. She knew all the pain he went through, and regretted not even being able to schedule time for him with a colvition counselor. He needs to work through those memories, if he is to survive, and prosper. He always helped her though, without question. There were not many children where they resettled, but there were some, and he avoided them all. He couldn’t go to play with them—run through the tunnels, hide, and take chances. He, more than most adults, knew that sometimes evil lay behind the next door, around the next corner. She could see the loneliness within him, but was powerless to change it.
There is just too much to do.
Ellore was unused to subterfuge and she needed it, as she took command of Ksilte’s followers. While Ksilte was involved with SC-1, Ellore had the luxury of living a very public life. She never felt Ksilte’s fear of who or what might be following her, who could be gleaning her casts. She felt it all now, the anxiety knotting her stomach so tightly no mind-control exercise could undo it.
She traveled now by trans, by RM, and even by foot, on a journey to see Theia. Having Dobrin back galvanized her, made her thirst for vengeance against the TELREC for what they did to her husband. She knew what she must face—the cramped quarters on Core in a rundown section near the great city of Ithmarin. The covert casts, her first use of a face-scrambler as she met with some of Ksilte’s followers, it all was very new, and she knew, very necessary. The first time she stood in the back section of a fleshival, waiting for a contact, and being forced to watch the vulgarities that happened within, she knew her life would be different from then on. And through it all, so long as she could see the face of her son when she woke, and before she slept, she knew she could bear it all. Crawling through a sewage pipe, her mind wandered on Ksilte for a moment.
I hope you died quickly and well, dear husband. Our son is safe and healthy! I know you would be overjoyed, I wish you had lived to see his face again. He thinks on you, my love, so, so much. I glean his thoughts, of watching a virt-life of you giving a speech, or when you two would play those silly games. I know he hides the tears, and hopefully, he doesn’t know I do too.
I hope I am doing what you would have wanted, I don’t know, though, if I have the strength. I always admired you, for your involvement with such a dangerous organization like SC-1. I have a whole new appreciation for your courage and strength, trying to pick up where you left off. Did you ever stop thinking about who might be following you, who could be watching you? I can’t eat anymore, I am always thinking about it. And you did so love my curves. I’m afraid I’m all skin and bones, now. But I feel so much stronger, with Dobrin safe and near.
She exited a sewer pipe, making her way down a long series of ladders and lifts, deep into the bowels of Foundation. She was thankful for the shoes she wore—it took her a while to stop wearing fashionable, impractical things, and dress herself for any contingency. While never a terribly vain person, she did miss dressing to flatter her body, dressing to draw Ksilte’s eye.
I don’t know about this Theia, Ksilte. She is so new, so untested. And yet, I must put the trust of all of your followers in her hands. We must merge with the Iganinagi, if we are to survive. I know nothing about secret meetings, or moving so I won’t be followed. She and her Coss know all that. And yet, I so deplore her methods. I have seen what she did on the cast-net—the way the Iganinagi butcher men, women and even children. I don’t know how you managed to deal with them for so long, for you are such a good man.
Were such a good man.
She stopped for a moment, steeling herself against the flood of sadness that washed over her.
I can’t let them see me like this.
She gathered herself, wiping the tears from her face with grimy hands. She stood above a water treatment plant, populated with large canisters of fluid from which great clouds of steam billowed.
I suppose I should say goodbye to you, once and for all. I need to move forward, and I need to find the strength to do this alone. Casting to you always gave me strength. Now, it just seems to bring up the pain and despair. She grasped onto a railing, watching as the steam issued forth in great jets beneath her. I may not cast to you again, but I will always have you with me, dear husband.
Ellore took off a simple bracelet from around her wrist, fingering it for a moment. She tossed it out into the plumes of steam, wishing for a moment she were going with it.
Alright Ellore, time to get on with it.
She made the rest of the journey quickly, following the mental instructions cast to her by Rolost, one of Theia’s Coss. She made it to a meeting point at a place lower in Foundation than she ever had been, and waited.
^Do you know what a sentinel is?^
Ellore turned, trying to find the source of the cast.
^No.^
A figure came out of the darkness behind her. A man, tall and thin, dressed in grey and black.
^It’s a little child of a clone,^ he cast, through a face-scrambler. ^They can sit for roas, even troas at a time, waiting for one person to pass by. They cannot be detected by any known technology—their minds operate at such a low power, their bodily functions also, that they appear to be dead organic matter to any and all sensors. Micro-meta can be too easily disabled by a low-intensity electro-magnetic field, and are too expensive in comparison. They are the perfect surveillance equipment—almost undetectable, absolutely dependable, utterly disposable.^
^Why do you tell me this?^ asked Ellore.
^Because you should know, if you are to lead a resistance against the TELREC.^ He stood in front of her, his face-scrambler shimmering, then fading in front of his face, revealing a wrinkled yet youthful face, with many tiny scars around eyes that were almost black. ^I am Rolost.^
^It is . . . good to finally meet you,^ she cast haltingly, taken back by the intensity of his gaze. ^Are we far?^
^No,^ he cast. ^Follow me.^
Though it looked as if she was following him, in fact he was directing her body by overriding her CMS system. She could not see, could not hear, could not feel her limbs moving, as her feet moved over stone or through water. She felt as a discorporate soul, drawn along by some divinity.
^I’m sorry about this,^ he cast eventually, ^we can’t be too careful.^
Eventually he released her body, after what seemed like an eternity of walking. She opened her eyes, and saw a long, wide tunnel before her, tightly packed with people and possessions. Small metal shanties lined two distinct paths, and people bustled back and forth, chatting and laughing, their voices mixed with cast thought. She could see scaffolding running the length of the tunnel, on which five or six guards patrolled. The smell of food greeted her nose, at first foul and rancid, then as she walked along, more and more appealing.
^What do I smell?^
^
Real roasted meat and roots,^ he replied. ^We have always maintained a healthy pool of livestock. I can’t tell you how disgusting it is to spend time on Core and eat what they call food. No matter how much my mind tries to fool me, I can still tell it is a pile of cold gelatin shaped into a tablet.^
^I felt that way too, after I had real food. To be honest, I never had it again, or I feared I could never get used again to the gelatin.^
Rolost smiled, helping her over some debris that hadn’t yet been removed from the Cell. She was amazed at the politeness with which he conducted himself, and had a hard time reconciling it with the fact that he had beheaded women and children in his life.
^Is anyone here connected to the cast-net?^ asked Ellore. ^They all seem to be so alive, looking at each other, laughing.^
^Yes, all the adults are linked to the cast-net. We actually don’t let children have an implant until they are eighteen. By then, they fully understand the dangers of colvition and the value of life as we know it. We still have a few who become addicted, who would rather have their minds erased and join the common Novan populous than stay with us. They are disowned by their families, their names never spoken of again.^
^It must be terrible to lose a child like that.^
Rolost stopped, as they came to the end of a path. In front of them a wide row of stairs led down to another level, which was bathed in intense white light from several spotlights overhead. He leaned against the railing,, a tired and pained expression on his face, and suddenly the many cas of violence and toil were apparent for Ellore to see.
^I lost my son like that. I thought I did everything I could, showed him everything. His mother was a beautiful, vibrant woman, who loved life. I may not have been around as much as I should have, but he knew I was protecting his way of life, and trying to liberate billions more from colvition. And yet, I saw it on his face after a few roas with the implant. There was no bringing him to dinner, no walking with him, or getting him to help in building new homes. All he did was lay on his bed, with that damn simple grin on his face.^ Rolost gritted his teeth for a moment. He turned to Ellore. ^I would’ve given my life, if only to free him from colvition! Just so he could appreciate the love from his mother. You have no idea how badly she took it. She would shake him with all her might, scream at him, and all he would do is go deeper on the cast-net.^ They moved down the stairs, slowly. ^One roa, I found him naked, shaking in a pool of his own vomit. I used all my mental strength to break him off the cast-net. For one brief moment, I saw his eyes, his real eyes. He almost smiled, then he punched me, and kicked me, screaming ‘let me back on!’ I threw him down, begging him to think of his family. He only pressed on my mind, trying to break my hold. Finally I relented, and had his mind erased. Aiella was still alive, and I remember she was there as we took him to Core, looking as broken as I felt inside.^
^Do you know where he is?^ asked Ellore.
They stopped before a small shanty at the base of the stairs, in front of which five guards held small emdec weapons. The lights were particularly intense, and Ellore had to hold up her arm to see Rolost clearly. She could also feel her mind probed and searched by the guards nearby.
^I’m sorry, they must do this.^
^I understand. What happened to your son?^
^Theia will see you,^ cast Rolost, backing away. ^She is under a great deal of stress, so give her some time. We have made many changes since the attack on our base, and the elimination of SC-1.^
Ellore held his arm. ^What happened?^ she earnestly asked, almost begging him to answer.
Rolost took some time to look her in the eyes.
^He is an apathet. I have never let him out of my mental sight—always have I known where he was. I have saved him several times, as gangs of kids would torment him and those like him. But he is gone.^
^One roa, Rolost,^ she cast squeezing his arm tightly with both hands, ^we will live in a world where no child will be tempted by such depravity, where they all will grow up, and inherit brilliant futures full of peace and promise.^
She came close and embraced him, as a brother. He held on tightly for a moment, letting her absorb some of the pain he carried with him for so long. He pushed away, a little ashamed of himself, but thankful and a little more at peace.
^I don’t know how you’ll get along with Theia, but if you ever need someone, I’ll be there for you.^
She kissed him on his cheek, feeling his sincerity. ^And I for you, Rolost.^
She watched him walk back up the stairs, stooped over for a few moments, then saw his back straighten, his shoulders broaden. A few passed him, and he slapped them heartily on the back, laughing and casting to them.
^Come in Ellore.^
She entered, and found Theia seated at a table, alone, with a small meal in front of her. She was a scrawny looking woman to Ellore, one who had seen one too many fights and been through too much misery and pain. She wore only a thin short-sleeved short, and pants that had oily tears along their length, testimony to the work she was still doing to get the Cell up and running. Ellore’s eyes were unconsciously drawn to her missing left breast, but she forced herself to ignore it.
^Please, sit,^ cast Theia as she motioned Ellore to a chair, with the same politeness Rolost demonstrated earlier.
For the first time Ellore noticed how strong Theia was. She had arms that looked more like stone, with deep chasms delineating her muscles. She had a violence about her, from the position in which she sat, to the anger that was always on her face, despite it wearing a smile. It was then that Ellore realized she was intimidated by her. Ellore was used to thinking of herself as having become some tough, disciplined woman, and now to see a warrior like Theia, put herself back into perspective.
I must seem like some fat Novan sloth to her. And yet, I must convince her I and my people are worth protecting.
^Won’t you share some food with me?^ asked Theia graciously. ^I’m sure you’re hungry, after all that traveling.^
^Yes, I am.^
They both sat and ate for a while, their minds null, glancing at each other from time to time. Finally, Theia pushed away her plate, and folded her hands on the table.
^I imagine it must have been difficult to decide to come here.^
^Yes,^ nodded Ellore, as she also pushed aside her plate. ^I . . . have never been supportive of your actions. I have turned away in disgust at what you have done on the cast-net.^
Theia mused for a moment on her words. ^And I’m sure you know I was apprehensive about meeting with you?^
^Yes. My husband was caught by the TELREC, and I’m sure you worry if they are following me.^
^Or even if you betrayed your husband,^ asked Theia pointedly. ^Where does that leave us?^
^As the leaders of two groups of people dedicated to the overthrow of the TELREC, both of which are hunted and concerned for their safety.^
^I feel as though I have everything to lose by absorbing your people, and you everything to gain.^
^You know the Iganinagi cannot continue with the same methods,^ countered Ellore, leaning forward, knowing now was the time to sell herself and her vision of the future. ^You will kill the wrong person, and the TELREC will commit all their resources to eradicating you. You have little support among the average Novan. As the Ascension draws nearer, we must focus on winning their minds, doing everything to awaken them to the TELREC threat. My people come from the scientific community, from the philosophical community. They have the expertise not only to defeat TELREC technology, but to also formulate a convincing strategy to win back the hearts and minds of our people.^
Theia again mused over her words, as she had nest similar concerns from some in the Iganinagi community.
^Ellore, I respected your husband. He had great power in the Leviathan, and sacrificed it all to be in SC-1. He gave his life in defense of the Novan people. At the same time, he was weak! Aiella knew it, Suld knew it. We are coming to a time when everything possible must be done to prevent the TELREC fro
m assuming control of the Cuhli-pra. Everything! No matter how vile, no matter how dirty, it must be done.^
^And no matter how noble, no matter how honorable, it must be done also,^ countered Ellore unflinchingly. ^Wouldn’t it be better if we attacked the problem with all available resources? I don’t come here asking you to change your methods. I come here to add to your arsenal. Let us try to win the Novan hearts. Let us try to break them off of colvition, try to inspire them to revolution!^
Theia sat back, a little amused at Ellore’s passion. ^Have you ever killed anyone?^
^No.^
^Do you know what revolution would bring?” asked Theia. ^The amount of death it would cause? The TELREC can kill thousands, if not millions within tils, and with little to no regret. Could you have the blood of so many on your hands?^
^I’d rather have the blood of millions, than the murdered souls of untold billions that would live under a world where the TELREC have the Cuhli-pra.^
Theia watched her with eyes of steel, still seemingly unconvinced.
Ellore sat back, giving Theia some time to think. ^Do you know of Uld?^
The expression on Theia’s face told Ellore everything. ^He is responsible for so much misery on this world, it is impossible not to know him.^
^Well, he cast to Ksilte, shortly before he met with you and Suld, and he threatened my husband. I believe he knew of the impending raid on SC-1. I saw him again, in passing, as I rushed for a shuttle after word came of my husband’s death. He was only a little ways away, and he seemed to be looking for me. In that short moment, that brief instant of meeting his eyes, I have never before felt such pure evil from someone, never has someone exuded such malice from simply standing still. Fortunately I got in a shuttle to meet you, or I am sure he would have done something..^ Ellore sighed. ^Uld always hated Ksilte. I never fully understood, until he stood before me. You say Ksilte was weak? Well, he battled Uld unflinchingly for the past ten cas, trying time and time again to break the hold Uld’s fleshivals and corrupt companies have over our people. He gave his life, standing up to that evil, knowing of his ties to the TELREC.^
Theia nodded, in approval. ^I nest of the fights your husband had with Uld, and those like him. I apologize; he was a man of strong convictions, who did everything in his power to stand behind them.^
^Well, Uld will gain much power with my husband’s death,^ continued Ellore, ^with the deaths of all those in SC-1. I have already nest reports that he is killing anyone who ever sided with Ksilte on any issue. The Leviathan will finally only be a backdrop for Uld and his kind, signaling the final descent of our people. I know it was Uld’s people that sanctioned the club that tortured my Dobrin to exist. I cannot allow anymore children to be abused in the way my Dobrin was! I cannot allow anymore children to be corrupted like Rolost’s was.^
^He told you of his son?^ asked Theia, a little surprised.
^Yes. I could feel the pain in his heart,^ replied Ellore, holding back a few tears. ^At least he cared about his son. How many other Novan parents have stood idly by, addicted the cast-net, as their children were devoured whole? That is why I am here, why I have reached out to all those who followed Ksilte, why I am ready for the hardship this life will bring. This is the time Theia, when all good men and women must stand and fight! Our world is in grave peril, darkness threatens to consume us whole. If we cannot stand together, untied, then what hope do our people have?^
Theia couldn’t restrain a genuine smile. ^An idealist like your husband?^
^Yes!^ she cast with force, slamming her palm on the table. ^That will never change.^
Theia paused for a moment. ^I understand Listras brought your son back to you?^
^Yes. She was . . . damaged mentally. I don’t know who did it, or why, but she was far gone.^
^She was one of the highest, most important TELREC agents!^ slammed Theia, suddenly becoming enraged. ^She met with the Monitors themselves. How could you let her go?^
^She brought my son back!^ slammed Ellore defensively, feeling caught off-guard. ^Whoever she was before, she was not anymore. She was actually there when my son was given an implant, the sole reason he found his way to me, rather than being captured by Uld or the TELREC. While we gave Dobrin a mental safeguard—in case he should receive an implant without us—I know she helped him through his initial experiences with the cast-net. Without Listras, my son could have become just another apathet, and I would be forever wounded in my soul as Rolost is now.^
Theia nodded, her casts sinking in. ^Do you know how close we came to saving your husband?^
^What do you mean?^ asked Ellore, leaning forward.
^A TELREC we captured after their invasion of our headquarters knew Rhonva was a double agent. It took time, but we finally broke him, finally got that information. We got it too late. A mere droa sooner, and SC-1 would have lived. Your husband would have lived.^ Theia paused for a moment, clenching her fists. ^Who knows what Listras would have given us?!^
^She knew nothing. Her mind was damaged, her psyche—^
^Ellore, you don’t know anything about mental science!^ she slammed, hitting the table. ^If you ever come across that opportunity again, you will not pass it up. You will give that agent to us, no matter how many good things he or she does, no matter how much you think they have redeemed themselves.^ Theia thought for a moment. ^In fact, you should see what we do.^
Theia stood, while Ellore remained seated, growing anxious.
^You need to see this firsthand,^ cast Theia firmly. ^You need to understand the necessity of this. I wish we could treat all our prisoners with some degree of dignity and soumanity. Unfortunately, we never know if one fragment of information, even if dragged out in the worst way, could be the difference between life and death for so many.^
Ellore stood slowly, thinking it over. ^I understand. It is not my place to judge you.^
^Come.^
They moved quickly through the cell, the other Iganinagi examining Ellore closely.
^How are your relations with Suld, Theia?^
^What do you mean?^ she coyly responded, hurriedly turning her now crimson face away, making Ellore smile a little.
^Has he been funding your people adequately?^
^Sometimes supplies come in a timely manner, other times, it is a while before we see food again,^ absently cast Theia, trying to seem distracted. ^He has a massive company to run, and must maintain a great deal of discretion.^
^He is a very attractive man, Theia.^
Theia stopped, and turned. ^What do you mean?^
^I am a woman, just like you. If I were in your position, I might be smitten by Suld also. He is strong, and intelligent, quite powerful, and yet compassionate.^
^How do you know so much about him?^
^My husband told me of him. He was quite impressed.^
Theia sighed. ^He is a different person than I, one who lives a very different life. I don’t . . . I don’t know if I can get close to him. It’s odd to be casting to you like this! I had forgotten what it was like to cast to another woman about personal matters. All the Coss used to be my closest friends, and now, I am their leader. I can’t cast to them as I would before.^
^And I have no one,^ sighed Ellore. ^Uld has done a remarkable job of eliminating all who I held dear. All Ksilte’s friends, their wives, everyone even remotely connected with SC-1, is gone.^
^Uld is an evil man,^ cast Theia folding her arms over her chest. ^Often I have wanted to strike at him, kill him and his friends. Aiella never sanctioned such a move. She always said, ‘At least we know Uld. If we were to get rid of him, he could be replaced with someone far more vicious and depraved.’ I think Aiella secretly wanted to kill him herself, and if not for her failing health, I think she would have. You need to be very careful of him, Ellore. You are the last symbol of Ksilte, and SC-1. I don’t think he will leave you alone, for long.^
^Thank you for the warning. I think I should warn you of Suld.^
^Oh?^
^Man
y women have fallen victim to his charms, including the last leader of the Iganinagi, only to find no one can replace his company in his bed.^ They both laughed. ^I’d hate to see another Iganinagi woman smitten by the likes of him.^
^You don’t like him?^ asked Theia, as they made their way slowly through the encampment.
^I don’t know. Maybe it was seeing only his alter ego all these cas. He truly had us fooled. When Ksilte came back and told me Suld was allied with the Iganinagi against the TELREC, I refused to believe him. Even now, I wonder if he doesn’t have some other reason for doing this.^
^You can rest easy on that, Ellore. He has supported us for many cas now.^
^What started him? What began the alliance.^
^The TELREC went too far with him,^ cast Theia grimly. ^They killed his wife.^
Eventually they made their way through the homes and storage containers to an open space on the opposite side of the Cell, shrouded in darkness. Only three lights illuminated a small square bunker, around which at least three guards patrolled. Ellore felt it become more difficult to focus, even to cast.
^Is this . . . your . . . command center?^ asked Ellore haltingly.
^Yes. We have a rotating cast-suppression field, one that randomly emits a powerful wave of disturbance. Every droa, we connect with its central server and log in, and only then does it recognize our minds and allow them to cast.^ She paused for a moment. ^There. I’ve taken responsibility for you, and logged you in.^
Ellore instantly felt the pressure abate. ^Thank you.^
^One can never be too careful. Even down here, with hundreds of soldiers on patrol, we reinforce areas important to us. Remember that when you form your organization’s core. Either make it a transient one, never grounded, or impose many levels of redundant security.^
Ellore nodded as they entered the bunker, a building with walls made of thick metal and concrete. Ellore reeled as they entered as she could nest someone was in great pain.
^Who is that?^
^A filthy ‘REC. She, like others, takes a long time to break.^
^Why do you want me to see this?^ asked Ellore anxiously, backing away.
^You need to remember this,^ cast Theia, grabbing her and dragging her back in, ^when the TELREC strike out at you, as they inevitably will. You may still disapprove of our methods, even after what they did to your son. After a while, when even more of who you care about die at their hands, when you feel yourself hunted every moment, you will be glad the Iganinagi are doing this, so you might survive another roa!^
^You are proud of your people, and what they have done?^
^Of course!^ cried Theia. ^How many terrorist groups have existed throughout Novan history, only to be crushed by the ‘RECs? We have survived the longest, inflicted the most pain on them. My people are thoroughly loyal; never have we had a traitor, never has one Iganinagi betrayed another. We are unparalleled at physical combat, and almost equal to the TELREC at mental combat, all without the facilities the ‘RECs enjoy. When I look at the faces of my people, all I see is burning hatred for the ‘RECs, and absolute loyalty to me.^
^Theia, they are only souman. Even they can fail.^
^Never!^ She came close to Ellore. ^We are not the weak cattle that roam the twin globes. We know the importance of family, the binding ties of blood and flesh. We are all linked in some way, related in some way. To betray one, is to betray all. As you gather your people together, you will wish for such absolute loyalty.^
They entered the room to see a tall woman laying on her back, strapped to three poles than ran parallel under her body. One pole ran under her spine, the other two intersected at her elbows and knees. Rolost sat beside her, sweating, his eyes closed.
^She’s a tough one, Theia. Her defenses are holding.^
Theia came next to the woman. ^Wake her up.^
The TELREC opened her eyes, soon focusing on Theia and Ellore.
^What’s your name?!^ demanded Theia. The TELREC lay still, hate smouldering on her face. ^What’s your name?!^ she slammed again, exerting more mental pressure on the TELREC.
^Dig in and find it for yourself,^ she cast, turning away, appearing bored and irritated.
^Her name’s Ioux,^ cast Rolost. ^She is either a new recruit, or a commander in the seventh province.^
^How did you catch her?^ asked Ellore.
^Even the TELREC have some weaknesses. They purport to be above the depravity of Novan, but a few of them succumb to its allure.^ Theia bent down over Ioux, and ran her hand along her arm. ^This one likes pillows and softness, to be pampered and loved.^ She cast to Ellore some of the images they culled from Ioux’s mind. They were of clouds and dreamlike creatures bathed in white and lace, dancing to a saccharin-sweet melody. For some reason, it seemed more appalling to her than if she had images of naked children in her mind.
^She’s a TELREC?^
^Takes all kinds, Ellore. And yet, even though you saw those images, if she is in fact a province commander, she has been through many extreme situations. She would be impervious to physical pleasure, as that is what she gratifies herself with. She can also withstand torture, as she probably has endured it all.^
Ioux turned back to Theia. ^So just kill me.^
Theia grabbed a long, thick needle, and lifted up Ioux’s hand.
^Oh my, sticking a needle up my fingernails!^ jested Ioux. ^How terribly original.^
^That is an ancient method of torture,^ cast Theia to Ellore. ^We try to couple physical torture with mental manipulation, somehow accenting the physical pain.^ Theia moved the needle over Ioux’s stomach. ^Time is usually on our side. Once we have control over their CMS system, they can’t suicide, or burn their mind.^ She stuck the needle slowly into Ioux’s stomach, as blood oozed out. ^With her, I think filth should be her undoing. Over the next few roas, we will sicken her, as I am now, with this infected needle, injecting her with the waste of our people. She will convulse in pain, vomiting blood and excrement, as we shut down her bowels. We won’t wipe her face, won’t clean her clothes.^
Ioux saw Ellore’s face cloud with disgust. ^Don’t like this, do you?^ she cast, as the needle went deeper into her. ^I thought you Iganinagi were made of sterner stuff.^
^Theia, stop,^ cast Ellore, shaking her head.
^Ellore, this is my place, and my methods!.^
^No! Didn’t you think about her fetish? She likes those things for a reason. It points to something in her childhood.^
Theia stopped, and pulled out the needle. ^What do you mean?^
^She misses her childhood—something in it means something to her.^
^What, you too squeamish to finish this?^ anxiously cast Ioux. ^Finish it; this is too much prattle.^
^She’s hiding something,^ cast Rolost. ^I can feel the barriers going up over a different section of her mind. Help me, Theia.^
They both focused on her mind, pushing and probing at where it was weakest. Eventually, Rolost gained access. As they probed, Ellore could sense all the energy going into protecting that one spot. She then attacked Ioux’s mind, where Rolost was attacking before, pushing hard with all her mental strength in one concentrated burst. She then grabbed the needle from Theia, and jabbed it into Ioux’s thumbnail.
^Ellore!^ cried Theia.
Ioux couldn’t protect herself any longer, and Ellore gleaned a parcel of a thought.
^Apya?^
^What?^ asked Theia.
^No!^ screamed Ioux, pulling with all her might to strike Ellore. She mentally lashed out at her, and in an instant Ellore fell to the ground. Rolost subdued Ioux as Theia knelt down to help her.
^Are you alright?^
^Yes,^ she cast slowly, rubbing her head and getting back on her feet. ^I should have anticipated that!^
^You did quite well,^ cast Theia with obvious approval. ^I didn’t expect that of you.^
^I may not be able to do what you do on a daily basis, but I understand its need.^ Ellore focused on Ioux. ^Never again will another mother’s little boy
be subjected to the misery your people inflicted on mine.^
Theia led her outside, with Rolost following behind.
^Who is Apya?^
^I couldn’t get any more. I got the sense that he was a traitor, a TELREC spy.^
^Any physical or mental features to go with the name?^ asked Rolost.
^They are there, but it will take an extreme amount of torture to get it out of her.^
^We have no one named Apya that is Iganinagi,^ cast Rolost.
^I knew of an Apya,^ cast Ellore. ^He was in SC-1. I thought he was killed with the rest.^
^Perhaps he wasn’t. Perhaps he assisted Rhonva in bringing down SC-1. You did that very well, Ellore. Makes me think you’ve had some experience in that.^
^No Novan grows up pure, Theia,^ cast Ellore. ^Not even I, though I tried mightily for my son to grow up untainted.^
^You liked torture?^
Ellore walked null for a while, thinking over of a part of her she wished she could’ve forgotten. ^Yes. I don’t know why, but when I was twelve, I was drawn to those parts of the cast-net like a moth to flame. I lived that life for almost a dozen cas, until I grew sick of it and who I’d become. I didn’t want to come in there with you, because I knew what I’d find. I am always afraid a part of me will remember the pleasure I derived from torture, and I will succumb to its allure, once again.^
^So the incident with your son?^
^Was like a bad flashback, a reminder of misdeeds,^ cast Ellore, thinking on his troubles. ^I never stooped to torturing children—any abuse of children was, and always is abhorrent to me. But I understood the draw of the spectacle, knew what Listras felt. It still sickens me to think on it.^
^Well, I don’t know who Apya is. Hopefully, that name will mean something to one of us in the future. Tell me, did SC-1 ever befriend a man named Ilgin?^
^Not to my knowledge. Of course, Ksilte wasn’t the leader. There may have been paths others were pursuing that he was not aware of. Why?^
^Ilgin is a very intelligent man,^ cast Theia, ^with a large group of followers who are highly trained. Aiella became aware of him, and I have been trying to build a bridge between our peoples. I recently learned it was because of something we did in the past that he will not ally himself with us.^
^What happened?^
Theia motioned to Rolost, who took his leave of them.
^Apparently we killed his son,^ continued Theia. ^I have researched the incident, and it happened after we learned Ilgin had done some work for the TELREC, specifically, for Mal. We had names of other non-TELREC scientists that were doing intermittent work for them. We decided to punish them, to let them know it was inexcusable to aid the TELREC in any way. We captured the children of all those men and women, almost eighty in all.^ Theia paused. ^You know, I look back on it now, and I am almost ashamed of what we did. I never think twice Ellore, for doubt and debate gives the enemy all the time it needs to kill.^
^You killed them?^
^We didn’t just kill them. We slaughtered them, one by one, like animals, feeding their ground-up remains to the next victim. Ilgin’s son was one of the last. You have no idea . . . how terrified he was, how utterly sick he was. After he ate, we . . . It was the only time we ever debated not killing someone, the only time we questioned our actions.^
^But you did it.^
^Yes we did, and we put the whole thing on the cast-net for all to nest.^ Theia hardened her face, crossing her arms. ^Who knows what secrets Ilgin gave to Mal? Who knows how many Novans will pay the price for his, and the other scientists’ complicity? It was rare, after then, that anyone non-TELREC helped them, did any work for them for quite a while.^
Ellore thought for a long while on what Theia cast to her. ^Uld would have been so proud,^ she cast with venom.
Ellore had never seen a person’s face turn to abject hatred in so short a time. She almost backed away from Theia, yet somehow, found the strength to hold her ground.
^You have no idea who Uld is!^ slammed Theia.
^And you have no idea who I am! You debate with yourself as to whether you should feel regret for such an action? War should never be brought to the innocents, never! There are many other things you could have done. Cast me, why did you leave those scientists alive?^
^I don’t need to explain myself to you!^
^You left them alive so you could use them later,^ cast Ellore, standing up to her. ^You know never to destroy a source of information. You were too cowardly to kill them. You were only strong enough to abduct children, only strong enough to kill children! How are you any better than Listras? At least she has repented of her past. I warn you Theia, one roa, your past will consume you with a vengeance. One roa, and despite all that you’ve done, I sincerely hope it doesn’t happen, but one roa, you will understand all that your victims went through. You will understand hopelessness and despair, understand facing an enemy that doesn’t even think of you as a sentient being. I pity you, Theia, for when that roa comes, I am sure it will break you. And you, leader of the Iganinagi, will be left with only pathetic memories like that as your only source of comfort.^
Theia backed away, feeling hurt.
She has an ugliness inside her, that has never fully gone away, thought Theia. I think she could be even more pitiless and merciless than the best of us.
^I thought you weren’t here to judge?^ asked Theia.
^I’m not. But if we are to be allies in this fight, we should know what is in our minds, never withhold opinions simply for the sake of politics.^
Theia nodded somberly. ^Well, if ever you come across Ilgin, try to cast with him, reason with him. He is a talented mental scientist that would be very useful in our fight against the TELREC.^
Ellore absently tried to finger the bracelet that once was on her hand.
^What is it?^
^I . . . I think the road ahead will be a tough one.^ Ellore looked down at her wrist. ^I feel as though I’ve broken with a past that really will give me support in the future.^
Theia pulled something out of her pocket. ^Were you looking for this?^
Ellore clutched it, turning the bracelet over in her hands.
^How? How did you know?^
^We watch everyone that comes near our headquarters,^ cast Theia, smoothing Ellore’s back with her hands. ^You never know if the object someone is throwing away could actually be thousands of micro-meta, programmed to disable a computer system. Or maybe it’s just a symbol of a past that is best remembered, not forgotten.^
Ellore slipped it on, feeling great comfort from its surface. ^I’m sorry about what I cast.^
^No, don’t be. I understand what Suld saw in Ksilte, for I see the same in you. You are a person of convictions. They may be high and noble ones, convictions that I fear may be the death of you and those who follow you. But if they actually can be upheld, if you and your kind actually survive, I know these globes will have more than a chance of hope for a decent future. I know I can trust you, for even in the face of death you will not shrink or fail, as your husband didn’t when he took his secrets to Holis with him. I have always felt honor came with fighting and death, with the ability to strike down a foe without pause. I now see honor comes with facing a foe, merely armed with words, and being able to suffer death for the right to cast them.^
^I thank you for your praise,^ cast Ellore. ^There are times I don’t think I’m quite up for this, this life of being a revolutionary.^
^Of course you are. It took great courage to come here, to take these first steps!^
^You all are so very strong and determined,^ cast Ellore, taking another look around the Cell. ^I have never done anything like this, not even my husband did these things.^
^And yet you must. This is the time when you must face the future, and do everything in your power to change it. For the sake of your husband, for your son, this is something you must do. I remember one of my Coss, Nemosini, doubted herself when Aiella promoted her to Coss. It was then she conducted her first torture
session, killed her first on the cast-net. Blood was on her hands, and she turned to me, and I could see what she was thinking by looking at her face. I took her aside, and made this promise; that I would never desert her, that in times of trouble, I would be there, would always be one she could count on, one who wouldn’t judge her. I make that same promise to you, Ellore. You are right—we need you, and your kind.^ She clasped her hand. ^Together, we shall forge a union between our peoples, one that will shake the TELREC to their foundations!^
Ellore laughed. ^You need to make speeches like that on the cast-net. You’d convert many more people.^
^I am a woman of action, not of cast or compromise. I will leave that to you.^
They spoke of logistics concerning the incorporation of Ksilte’s followers for several droas back at Theia’s home, and eventually Theia accompanied Ellore out of the camp, back up the long tunnels and ladders leading to Foundation. As Ellore was about to leave Theia, she paused for a moment to look back along the path they came.
^You still have doubts?^ asked Theia.
^I just hope I am doing right by Ksilte. These were his people—^
^And they are yours now. Ksilte is dead, and SC-1 with him.^ Theia reached out, and held Ellore’s wrist, grasping the bracelet that hung there. ^I’m sorry; he may be dead in body, yet never in spirit. Let that spirit guide you, as you make his people your own. Let the love from your son always guide your actions. Ksilte was a religious man, was he not?^
^Yes. We both went to Iggaraouts after we first met, purging the depravity of Novan from our hearts and minds.^
^Make sure you use that as the foundation to unify your people. The Iganinagi have no such faith, and I believe we are the poorer for it. This world will need something to believe in, if we succeed.^
^First, they need to believe in themselves,^ cast Ellore. ^And that will be a monumental undertaking.^
^I don’t know about you, but I’m up to the task.^
^As am I.^
They embraced, Ellore knowing she was leaving a friend behind, one she knew she could count on. As she left, Theia cast to her one last thought.
^Remember Ellore, watch out for Uld. You must live your life completely differently from now on. You and your son won’t enjoy the life of security you knew before. The sooner you get used to that, the sooner you can tackle the problems ahead.^
^Thank you Theia.^
As Theia watched Ellore walk off, she thought to herself of her own trials that waited just ahead.
Life as a politician, as a negotiator? Is this what Aiella’s true strength was, as she aged, and lost the capacity to fight? I have always scorned those whose lives consisted of words cast prettily and convincingly and yet, I feel I may have ensured the survival of my people, forging an alliance with her. Is this how Aiella felt, when she first secured an alliance with Suld, and OLMAC? Theia turned back to look on the encampment of her people. The future will call on my people to change in ways they never thought possible. If I can do it, I know they can.
Chapter 7