The Deaths of Tao Read online

  Baji shook her head in disbelief. “You have some nerve to ask that. Things are terrible. In fact, in the history of our six hundred year war, including that fifty years I spent in the Tower of London, this is the worst it has ever been. Maybe if you had not run out on us, you would know.”

  “Come now, the Tower of London was nice as prisons go,” Tao said mildly. “Besides, you know me better than that. When have I ever run from this war?”

  “Then where were you when Capulet’s Ski Lodge fell? Where were you when Dubai and Ankara were invaded? Were you with us defending Central Command when they came to Denver? Right when the Genjix brought the hammer down, you disappeared.”

  “Our bases in those cities were casualties the moment the Genjix infiltrated the old network. My presence there would not have made a difference.”

  Baji stabbed a finger into Tao’s chest, pushing him back. “Six Prophus and a squad of thirty held off four hundred Genjix in Boulder for five days. Reinforcements were three hours too late. Do not dare tell me the great Tao could not have made a difference.”

  She leaned back and buried her face into her hands. Tao could tell Baji was exhausted.

  “We have lost two hundred to the Eternal Sea this year alone. Newly acquired intel uncovered a prison in Tibet holding approximately two thousand agents and hosts. What could be so important for you to run out on us?”

  “The Genjix are playing a different game now, and it has nothing to do with controlling humanity.” Tao grimaced. “We were not doing a good job of winning the old way regardless.” He stood up and walked away, then rounded on her, suddenly furious. “I warned them after the fall of Toronto. I told those fools to initiate the guerrilla protocol and go underground!”

  Baji stood up and glared. “And when the Keeper did not listen and ordered you to focus on other objectives, you left in a huff. And with you, Jill’s husband and Cameron’s father.” She threw her hands in the air. “Did you imbeciles stop to think about the consequences? They were a family. Did you two selfish bastards ever consider what you put her through?”

  “Do not put this on Roen. She threw him out of the house!”

  “That is because he disappeared for months at a time on off-book missions. On your orders, I might add!” she snapped. “He was not there when she was struggling to raise his newborn.”

  Tao lowered his eyes and whispered. “Roen struggles with this more than you can imagine, but it was important. He understood.”

  “You felt it was important! And make no mistake, it was your plan. That imbecile obeys you like a trained dog, so it could not have conceivably been his idea.”

  “It had to be done,” he said more emphatically. “The information I received out of South Korea was too important to ignore. The Keeper chose not to put resources into it. I did what had to be done. Command has been dropping the ball more and more these days.”

  “By hiding in an abandoned missile silo in the middle of the mountains?” She raised her voice. “By stalking our communication channels and popping up whenever it suits you?” Baji shook her head and turned away. “I have known you since the Inquisitions. You have never been predictable. In a way, that made you the most human of us all. And Sonya paid the price.”

  “It always goes back to Sonya, does it not?” Tao snapped. “People die in war. Edward died. Do you think I did not mourn him?”

  She stalked back toward him. “Yes, it always goes back to Sonya. Edward died on a mission in the line of duty. He accepted the risks. You had twenty years with him. Sonya was just coming into her own. She was going to be one of my greatest hosts, and Roen robbed me of her potential. She left Metropol to save him. He was the reason she was captured. She died for your idiot host because he had a brain freeze and went after his stupid girlfriend.”

  Tao frowned. “The stupid girlfriend that is your current host? With the way you treat humans, maybe you should fight for the Genjix.”

  Baji’s left hook just missed Roen’s nose. Fortunately, with the sluggish control the Quasing had with their hosts, Tao blocked it, if barely.

  Baji moved her face very close to his, rage flashing in her eyes. “How dare you!”

  Tao had sharp words at the tip of his tongue but he stopped himself from going further. “I apologize, Baji. Sonya meant a lot to Roen as well. His guilt still consumes him.”

  “As it should.” Baji walked away and sat back down on the couch. She looked up at the tall rounded walls that used to house a nuclear missile and then at the picture frames that lined the wall. There was one of Jill, four of Jill and Roen, and nearly a dozen of Cameron and Jill. At the far end, opposite the entrance, hung a map of Earth. Several dozen push pins of assorted colors dotted the landscape. There was another smaller map of the eastern seaboard. It too had several pins stuck into it.

  Baji hesitated and grimaced. “I like what you have done with the place,” she said finally. “At least he is not as much of a slob anymore.”

  Roen shrugged. “He even washes the dishes every night.”

  “That is because she is not around to clean up.”

  Baji finished appraising the room and took a seat on the couch. “So did you find what you were looking for? Is this information worth not being in the fight?”

  Tao put his hands together, mimicking how Roen posed when he was deep in thought. In truth, Tao could have Roen stand on his head and still think just as clearly, but he enjoyed acting human when he was in control. “Remember the theory I had two years ago? The one everyone mocked?

  Baji smirked. “Which one? Past couple of years, you’ve become a grocery stand tabloid.”

  “The one with–”

  Jill’s phone beeped and then nearly a dozen messages appeared. She frowned and looked up at the metal walls. “How is reception here?”

  Tao shrugged. “There is a signal repeater set up for his phone’s frequency. Everything else is a crap shoot.”

  She went over the texts and gasped. “I need to get back!” She stood up and shook her head violently. Jill’s eyes glazed over for a moment before they refocused; she looked confused. Her expression slowly changed to one of concern.

  “Oh, my God,” she gasped, scrambling for her jacket.

  Tao grabbed her elbow. “What is going on?”

  She bent down and put on her heels. “The Genjix just crippled the Atlantis off the coast of southeast China. There are a hundred Prophus on board and two hundred support personnel. It’s our last flagship.”

  “What was it doing there?” he demanded. “The South China Sea has been under Genjix control for the past five years.”

  Jill shook her head. “I’m not sure. Only thing I know was they had to rendezvous with a team embedded on the mainland.” She hurried toward the exit, stopped, walked back to Roen and gave him a quick kiss on the mouth. “That’s for saving my life.” She broke off and ran out the door.

  Tao ran to the exit and called after her as she was leaving. “What is Command going to do?”

  She turned back. “They’re mounting a rescue mission.” She paused. “Roen, Dylan was on board the Atlantis.”

  Tao clenched his fists and hollered after her. “Wait. I’m coming with you.”

  He closed his eyes and punched himself in the face.

  FOUR

  TRANSITION

  There is much debate among the Quasing about which Earth creature was the worthiest vessel. Many consider it humans for their advanced cognitive thought. I believe that a weakness as free will is a redundant ability in vessels.

  Truth is, the Tyrannosaurus rex and their theropod cousins were the greatest land reptiles to ever walk the earth, and they were also the greatest vessel for one sole reason: there was no other creature on this planet blessed with such a harmonious combination of ferocity and feeblemindedness.

  Our true Golden Age on Earth was during those millions of years when we ruled through the giant lizards that walked the planet. They did not aid in getting us home, but for that period of ti
me, we were all kings.

  Zoras

  Devin Watson was having a bad day. An hour ago he was meeting with Prime Minister Wen and Admiral Wu in Beijing for a private lunch, discussing the placement of the South Sea Fleet and the recent military action off the coast of Taiwan. Then he suffered a heart attack and was now lying in a very uncomfortable bed surrounded by a team of doctors at the 301 Military Hospital. The prognosis was not good; he was dying.

  “We can circumvent the transplant list and get you a heart immediately,” one of the doctors was saying. “One can be delivered within two hours. We will need to prepare you for surgery right away. You will not last the night without the procedure.”

  Devin grabbed the doctor by the sleeve and pulled him close. “How long before I can get out of this bloody room?” he said in between labored breaths. “My work is too important to leave unattended. What are my odds of a full recovery?”

  The delay is unacceptable.

  The doctor hesitated. “Sir, this is your third heart attack in five years. At your age, it will be several months before you can leave the hospital. You may never fully recover.”

  “I am sorry for my state, Zoras.”

  You have been a devout vessel, Devin. However, your frail body betrays us. Your time is at an end. Call the Adonis Vessel.

  “We are nearing a critical stage. A transition would surely put the plan at risk.”

  I have spoken. Initiate the transfer protocol.

  “As you wish, my Guardian.”

  That could only mean one thing. Devin looked down at his broken body and grimaced. He had hoped to hold up a few more years. The ProGenesis project was his conception after all. It would have been glorious to see it through.

  Devin waved the doctors aside and beckoned his aide Amanda. “Get me a glass of Pappy’s bourbon, neat, and a Habanos Cuban cigar.” The team of physicians protested, telling him it wasn’t advisable in his current state. One even had the audacity to remind him that this was a hospital and that smoking wasn’t allowed. Devin zeroed in on the fool and spoke in clear Mandarin. “If I had a gun right now, I’d shoot you. Now, all of you, get out!”

  The two guards standing in the room drew their pistols. The doctors fled, stumbling over each other in their haste to get out of the room. When he was finally alone with Amanda and the guards, he began to issue orders in rapid succession. “Have all departments prepare a full status report. Call Palos and have his team prepared for vessel transfer. Recall Enzo from the Hatchery and send him to Qingdao. We leave after I finish my drink.”

  Amanda bowed and left the room. A few minutes later, she returned carrying a silver plate with a cigar, a glass of golden brown liquid, a pill, and a Shilin knife. Palos, head of Devin’s security detail, was with her. Devin stared thoughtfully at the silver plate as she placed it on his lap. These were his last rites and he was wearing a gown. It wasn’t how he thought his life would end. But then, Devin never thought he’d die a natural death. Well, as natural as someone in his position was ever going to have.

  He motioned them all to be quiet as he caressed the cigar, first sniffing it, then cutting the ends, and lighting it. He took a generous puff and exhaled with pleasure. It had been two years since he had last smoked one. The bourbon burned his mouth, and he relished the sweet flavor of honey and spice. After twenty minutes of bliss, when the glass was empty and the cigar nothing more than a stub, he nodded to Amanda.

  “Let’s begin,” he said.

  She bowed. “May I have the honor, Father?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “Enzo will need you.” He turned to Palos. “I need a volunteer. Not you, old friend. You will be needed as well.” Palos nodded and left the room.

  Moments later, Saldhana, the oldest man on his guard detail, walked in. He prostrated next to Devin’s bed, his forehead almost touching the ground. “Father, I have the honor.”

  Devin put a hand on Saldhana’s shoulder. “You are worthy, my son.” Devin closed his eyes and took a deep breath, saying a prayer to the Holy Ones. When he was ready, he gave final instructions to deliver his body to his wife and ordered those around him to provide Enzo the support he needed to deliver the Genjix’s will. Then he picked up the Shilin knife.

  The transfer ceremony will not be necessary. Make it quick and painless.

  Devin hesitated. “As you wish, Zoras.”

  Then he looked around the room. “Praise to the Holy Ones,” were the last words out of his mouth. Then he picked up the cyanide pill and swallowed it. Moments later, Devin Watson, senator of the state of Alabama, father of four, grandfather of nine, High Father of North America, and a member of the Genjix Council, was dead.

  “Praise to the Holy Ones,” the voices in the room echoed.

  Immediately, Zoras moved out of Devin’s body and floated into the air. The agents in the room prostrated themselves and waited. He moved in circles, flitting back and forth before settling into the transfer vessel. Saldhana uttered a shocked cry of pain and he spasmed on the ground for several minutes. He finally recovered and nodded to Palos. The security team formed around Saldhana and they all left the room in unison.

  Amanda broke off from the group to instruct the hospital staff on returning Devin’s body to his family. Minutes later, they were in a caravan of limousines heading toward the airport. Within an hour, they were up in the air heading toward Qingdao.

  Enzo sat at the edge of the infinity pool at the edge of the high cliff overlooking the lush canopy of Santa Rosa National Park. He was a near-perfect specimen for a human. His build was taut and muscular but not bulky, and he walked with the grace of a dancer. Chosen for his genes and natural physical attributes since birth, he was a handsome man: tall, with high cheekbones, chiseled features, and a completely symmetrical face. Symmetry, of course, was the scientific formula of beauty. And in Enzo’s case, it was common knowledge at the Hatchery that he was even more beautiful than most. Not only that, he could run a marathon in three hours, shoot an eight centimeter target with a handgun at fifty meters, and run any of the countries in South America better than their current leaders. Like all his brothers raised at the Hatchery, he lived and trained to serve one purpose.

  The financial figures of the Eurozone’s trading day sped by on a small ticker at the bottom of a tablet resting on his lap. Above the ticker, a chart of Genjix owned assets on the New York Stock Exchange, Tokyo Stock Exchange, and the European Stock Exchange fluctuated in real time. The Genjix were up for the day. The rest of the world, not so much. The state of the Euro was a small cause for concern, though their analysts had correctly predicted this outcome and their liability shield was keeping them safe from the brunt of failing world economies. Enzo picked up his glass of Macallan 24, careful to keep only two fingers touching the glass, and took a sip. On both sides of him, half a dozen of his brothers and sisters, all in similar states of relaxation, sat on recliners analyzing the aggregate data from today’s world events broken down into a series of numbers and charts. A report from their South American operations flashed across his screen. He gave it a quick glance before shelving it into one of his archives. South America was of little concern to him.

  “Brother,” Danette, who sat next to him, said, “The Minister of Finance in Sweden just resigned. Wasn’t he one of ours?”

  “The position is about to become one of ours,” he corrected.

  “Supplies of natural gas are down in Spain as well. The Pegasus operation is based there. Why is the Euro Council suppressing it further?”

  Enzo turned to another sister. “Jeanine, answer that.”

  She nodded. “Operations in that region consist of less than one percent of our global presence. Prophus dealings are estimated to be at three.”

  He turned back to Danette. “Hurts them more than it hurts us.”

  The group fell back into silence as they continued deciphering figures and reports. Enzo pulled up a three-month history of Genjix figures compared to what they believe the Prophus owned. It
painted a flattering picture with the two sides moving in opposite directions.

  Enzo finished his scotch, stood up, and stretched. He walked to the edge of the balcony and looked out at the breathtaking view below. The jungle grew in all directions as far as his eyes could see. A single bead of sweat dripped from his brow, down his cheek, careening off his jaw. The gentle churning of the water in the infinity pool was soothing to the ear, though the peace was occasionally broken by the sound of combat approximately thirty meters away. To his left, a young woman butchered the Portuguese language.

  Enzo, one of the oldest on the training floor, tore his eyes away from the jungle canopy and looked at the hive of activity in the main training room of the Hatchery. Azumi was talented in many things; languages were definitely not one of them. Her recital of The Art of War in Portuguese from memory was an embarrassment. Austin should be nearing half his hundred-lap swim by now. Matthew and Akelatis’ sparring session had just finished the second round.

  As usual, Elder Mother sat on her throne, overseeing the day’s studies. Nearing eighty, Enzo wondered what she was like before she was posted here. Once a very high-profile operative, she was one of the principal architects of the Hatchery program and ruled over them with an iron fist. Being the only blessed vessel, she was at the same time a parent and god to them. This was the Holy One’s third and most successful attempt at building such a program. The first two, originating during World War II with the study of eugenics, had mixed results. This third program, however, had been decidedly more successful. Already in the past ten years, eighty-four Adonis Vessels had made the transition. Enzo was currently one of nineteen assigned to Holy Ones. The rest of the one hundred and forty-seven incubates were in different states of training and readiness.

  Elder Mother saw him studying her. “Enzo. I see you have completed your appraisal. Come forth and tell me what you’ve learned.”

  Enzo tilted his head at Elder Mother and made his way past the infinity pool to the sparring mat. Austin was still swimming at a steady pace. By Enzo’s calculations, Austin should be on his seventy-ninth lap in the twenty-five meter length pool, assuming he had maintained the pace he had set when he began. Knowing Austin’s fitness and the state of his health, he expected a degradation of roughly fifteen percent.