"And this proves everything we've said about them, Calvin. To think one of their own would backstab someone who's worked so hard on their behalf." Prime Minister Luciest shook his head in dismay. "It's baffling. Poor Daliven. He gave his life for them."
"It's good Vladus is free of that scourge!" a middle-aged, balding talk show host gave a hearty laugh. "I swear the place smells better now. Crime has seen a noticeable drop since Mayor Sunbearer's announcement. It's proved the effectiveness of his anti-Demon policies. Are you considering pushing them out of other cities, or even the country? Polling suggests widespread approval of such an action."
"No. No." Luciest smiled, showing his shocking white teeth. "The Demons are just misguided. They can return anytime if they renounce their old-fashioned ways and embrace the UOP's modern way of life."
"We can only hope," Calvin said, laughing. "On a better topic, how is Mayor Sunbearer doing? There's been little news so far."
The Prime Minister gave a mournful sigh. "Not good. His injuries are healing well, but the trauma of the Demon assassination attempt has been severe. I visited him myself this morning. He's in a poor state. The doctors have recommended an extended hospital stay and that he should be temporarily relieved of his duties. The city council is meeting this afternoon to discuss a replacement until elections next month."
"Poor soul. He worked so hard to keep this city prosperous and clean." Calvin shook his head. "The city will miss him. I hear Ekkor Ralss has gained a great deal of popularity lately."
"Hey, Jamison, turn that garbage off already." His friend Dantalis said in mock anger. "If you haven't noticed, we're trying to enjoy ourselves here."
"Okay." Jamison switched off the bar's TV and turned to address his drinking companions. "Still, a lot has happened." A crazy whirlwind would be the most apt comparison.
At such an early hour, the bar was still pretty empty. Social drinking wasn't fun in crowds so they usually drank at an earlier hour. Some people milled about, but they mostly had the bar to themselves. Jamison sipped his beer, still almost untouched after an hour.
"Jamison, no one cares about politics, especially at our age." Lilly shot him a flirtatious smile. "Especially in such great company."
"It's just… everything's been—" Jamison's voice cut off as he considered his next words.
He had trouble processing his own feelings. When Matthias Daliven so boldly declared compassion and peace for the Demons, it'd been like the prophet had been speaking to him personally. The poor man. He didn't deserve getting killed like that.
"Who cares?" Dantalis downed his glass and gestured at the bartender for another. "The Demons are troublemakers—monsters!"
"That's not true," Jamison said, affronted.
His neighbor had been a Demon, the nicest guy he'd ever known. He was appalled when the police carted him away for the crime of having the blood of an unpopular race. And after seeing the results of the Demons' time in the internment camps, Jamison feared for his neighbor's life. "It's not fair."
"Life's not fair," Lilly said philosophically. "And they brought it onto themselves. Everyone knows that."
"Tsk." Jamison refused to look at his friends. No one understood how he felt. Even his parents thought he was being ridiculous. It made him wonder if Matthias was right, and his country deserved justice.
"Don't be like that. Lighten up, Jamison. The Demons—they're all in the past!" Lilly pressed her body against his, showing a generous amount of cleavage. Had she forgotten how disastrous their last entanglement had been?
"So you say. Vladus only has two days remaining until judgment." Jamison replied. Somehow, the prophet's pronouncement seemed true, something undeniable.
"Superstitious nonsense," Dantalis said, laughing. "Like the Sovereign exists."
"Let's have another drink! I'll buy the next round!" Lilly said.
"I'll pass." Jamison disentangled himself from his female friend's grip and shoved his hands into his coat pockets. "Enjoy yourselves. I'm taking off."
"Get some air. You'll feel better in the morning." Dantalis downed his drink. "Just you see. You'll forget about this Demon and Sovereign nonsense soon enough."
"Yeah. Good night." Thankfully, Lilly had no intention of following Jamison as he left the bar.
It was late in the year, so the days were getting shorter. Red light reflected off the pristine, opulent buildings as Jamison walked through Vladus's streets. He passed a space where a Demon beggar used to sit, her cup rattling as she asked for some change. She, of course, was long gone. Another victim of his so-called benevolent government.
His phone buzzed; his parents bothering him about something, but he ignored it. Jamison just wanted to be alone. The prophet's last words stuck in his thoughts, refusing to be dislodged.
"Judgment, huh?" Much to Jamison's astonishment, realized he believed it. He opened his phone and opened a hotel app.
Huh. They were offering good bargains for a weekend at Japperson. They had beautiful forests this time of year. He could rent a hoverbike and speed through its towering trees.
But then he returned to the spot where the Demon beggar used to sit. He closed the app. He wondered if the Demons had any hotels in Hagion yet. Or could he ask a couple to allow him room and board? This meant skipping his construction job—they expected to see him at four in the morning tomorrow—but what the hell. His boss was a real jerk, anyway. With Hagion still a budding city, they'd need plenty of help. They could use his services. Even if the pay wasn't good, Jamison won't mind.
Still, one problem remained. How would he convince his parents to join him?
///
"What do you want now?" Rocke held his chin up high, refusing to give these guys anything. He'd rather die than betray his friends.
"Oh, Sovereign, please be okay," he thought, hoping his friends had abandoned lost Vladus. Only two days remained until the Sovereign's judgment. Hopefully, they would make decent lives for themselves in Hagion.
But he doubted it. They were probably still lurking around the city, hoping to free him from captivity again. Such an action was suicide. He prayed they'd abandon any foolish plans rescuing him. It'd only play into the enemy's hand.
"I see you've regained some measure of your former self," the man across from him replied with some pleasure. For whatever reason, he wore Rolf's badge of office. Huh? Did the man retire or something? It seemed incongruous with the hulking force of nature he'd met in the Ottomon slum.
To this, Rocke only snorted. Though, he supposed his meeting with his father had helped restore him somewhat. It reignited his outrage and demand for justice. It didn't fill the gaping hole in his heart, however. Even thinking of Matthias brought pinpricks of tears to his eyes. Rocke had never told the older man his feelings. Matthias had helped him through dark times. He'd meant the world to Rocke. Now, he'd never know. It was too much to bear.
"I'm not helping you find my friends," Rocke said, his voice filled with defiance. He was ready to take any punishment or pain they threw at him.
"Rest assured, It's only a matter of time until we catch them," the officer said. "But that isn't why I'm talking to you, Mr. Ralss."
What? Rocke couldn't imagine why. "Answer my question first. Maybe I'll talk a little. Why are you wearing the Chief of Police badge? Where is Rolf?"
Much to Rocke's astonishment, the other man lost his composure before answering. "I am Acting Chief Halkken. I thought I mentioned this before, but I suppose you were distracted by everything. Chief Rolf has died, so I'm taking over his duties until the next election."
"Dead?" Rocke had difficulty imagining anything killing such a bear of a man. "Did he get sick?"
"No, he died protecting the citizens on Sunbearer's airship during his assassination attempt, which nicely fits into the topic I wish to discuss." Halkken pushed over a picture of a young blond woman as Rocke still reeled from this sudden revelation. He'd heard about the attack, but the Chief of Police died? The news hadn't mentioned that.
Rocke glanced over at the photo and frowned in puzzlement. "Why do you have a picture of my ex?"
"So you've seen this woman before?"
"She's younger here, but she's obviously Jafia." Rocke would recognize those cheekbones anywhere. And the eyes, while more innocent, still contained their icy, hard edge. It was what had attracted him to her when they'd first met.
"Interesting, because the young lady in this photo isn't Jafia Kelvas, but Jafia Bronfreld, a native of Vanderfall."
"What?" Rocke stared, utterly befuddled. What was this man saying?
Halkken pressed his advantage. "How much do you know of Jafia Kelvas' activities? I understand you became acquainted with her shortly after she moved to Vladus."
"Nothing. We just attended the same college. She was almost finished with her studies when I met her at a party. What are you aiming at?"
"Did you know that your ex-girlfriend is wanted for questioning about the death of Secretary of Defense Polk Loffie?" Halkken replied.
"What? Wasn't that an accident?" Rocke said, frowning. It'd been all over the news. The Defense Minister had tripped down the stairs of his lavish mansion and cracked his head open.
"We suspect it wasn't an accident. There's evidence that Jafia Kelvas was involved. She was working for the Minister before his untimely death. The late Chief suspected her. When some officers came to ask her some questions, a bomb exploded in her apartment."
"Bomb?" It all sounded so insane. "Are you implying Jafia is a spy?"
"I am, lad, I understand your resistance to our country's policy concerning the Demons. I find it distasteful myself, and I admire your efforts to help them. But Jafia Bronfreld is a known killer. She killed not only Minister Loffie, but four officers of the law and six innocent civilians. One is still in critical care. She's also the prime suspect in the assassination attempt against Mayor Sunbearer. That cold-eyed girl wants nothing more than to destroy our country. Don't defend her. She was only using you and your group to further Vanderfall's purposes."
Had Jafia used him? Had he only been a pawn in her mission against the UOP? Rocke knew how ruthless his ex could be; he'd seen the evidence himself. She'd do anything if she thought it necessary. Her sudden dumping of him made sense. He'd only been a front to help her cover as a typical college student seem more plausible. His heart thumped hard in his chest as his head swam with conflicting emotions. She'd blown up a bomb in her apartment, not caring who got hurt in the crossfire.
"You're guilty of serious crimes already, son," Halkken said. "But helping a foreign enemy is something else entirely. We're willing to offer some clemency if you help us arrest her. Otherwise, colluding with a foreign agent might mean the death penalty. She isn't worth it, Rocke."
A bitter smile came to Rocke's lips. While disturbed about Jafia's betrayal, he'd never capitulate to the UOP. He owed them nothing. Like Matthias, he would die for his beliefs. If they killed him, so be it. He'd die for the Sovereign.
"I know nothing," Rocke said, his voice hard. "Nor would I tell you if I did."
"Stubborn, I see." Halkken's smile wasn't pleasant. "We won't make this a happy stay for you. As Acting Chief of Police, protecting Vanderfall and the UOP is my sworn duty. I'll do what's necessary to protect them."
"Don't bother. Only two days remain until the Sovereign's judgment. I'd be more concerned with making yourself right with him." The only choice that mattered, really.
"Return him to his cell." Something about Rocke's words had struck a nerve. The Acting Chief of Police gestured to an unseen party. Two officers entered the room and unchained Rocke from the table.
"And don't expect any supper tonight, or breakfast," Halkken said as the officers escorted Rocke from the interrogation room. They weren't gentle as they pushed him out but Rocke hardly noticed as thoughts ot Jafia ran through his head.
She was a spy. It was a truth impossible to deny. Had she only used him? Were those gentle gestures she'd given him a lie to manipulate him?
No, Rocke supposed it didn't matter. He would never see her again. Still, despite her betrayal, a part of him wished to see her again.
He clung to his good memories of Jafia as they returned to his cell. Even if they were a deception, they brought some comfort. Still, his thoughts wandered to Kallane, wondering if she was safe. Rocke realized he'd miss her fiery temperament. She hated the UOP too, but she was filled with righteous fervor for justice, not vengeance like Jafia. Such interesting women had wandered into his life.
"I'm sorry, Kallane. I should have done more to help your people." He prayed deep in his heart for her. "Sovereign, please keep her safe."
///
"Sorry, Kallane, but we're not leaving Vladus easily. We waited too long," Dallas seemed better after his treatment in the internment camp, but remained in rough shape. "They are patrolling everywhere outside the city in airships. They'll spot anyone leaving on foot or car in an instant."
"Perhaps," her mother said, tapping her chin. "At night, a car without its lights will be pretty difficult to spot. It'll take some luck, but it's feasible."
"Won't work. They'll have motion detectors too," Dallas replied. "But the idea has some merit. We might be workable."
"It's a nonstarter anyway," Kallane said, finally breaking into the conversation. "We aren't leaving without Rocke!"
The two other Ottomon exchanged a look. Finally, her mother spoke. "Rocke is beyond our help. He'd want us safe, not risking our lives on some foolhardy rescue mission."
"Mom, we've already lost the Holy One! We can't lose Rocke too! Those Uppie dogs will kill him!" When Kallane closed her eyes, she still remembered her friend's expression as Matthias died. It would haunt her dreams forever. The pain in his eyes tore at her soul. Kallane refused to leave him alone after that. He needed them.
"True enough, but our resources and manpower are thin." Dallas replied.
"It doesn't matter. We have the Sovereign on our side. They don't," was Kallane's measured response.
"Kallane," her mother said. "That's true, but utter foolhardiness isn't the answer, either. Under the Sovereign's protection or not, we still face consequences for our actions."
"But—!" Kallane growled in frustration. Were they supposed to just give up? Rocke deserved better than this. It was her fault he'd gotten captured, that the Holy One had died. She should have seen her uncle's treachery sooner. Her blood that doomed them both.
"I might have a suggestion," a familiar voice said, making the Ottomon jump. They were in a safe house on the outskirts of town. It was temporary, however. It was dangerous lingering in one place too long. They planned to move again soon under cover of night.
Already, Kallane had her weapon raised, but resisted pulling the trigger when she identified the intruder. "Jafia?" The others relaxed at the same time. They'd also been a hairsbreadth from shooting the Vanderfall spy down. "How did you find us?"
"Luck, mostly," Jafia replied. Kallane noticed her spy cohort had accompanied her. "I noticed a spike of power that shouldn't be there on the power system servers."
Kallane cursed. How had she overlooked that? They needed to move soon if it'd been that easy to find them. "Okay, what do you want?"
"The UOP have Rocke." Jafia's eyes hardened.
"How?" Kallane asked, curious. It infuriated her that they needed the Vanderfall's spy's help, but like Dallas had said, they had limited options.
"Wait, so that's your plan?" Jafia's cohort said, crossing his arms. He didn't seem amused. "You said you wanted to deal a crippling blow to the UOP. This is just rescuing your boyfriend."
"He's not my boyfriend. We broke up weeks ago," Jafia said, her tone measured. "Listen, this isn't about rescuing Rocke. It's about hurting the UOP."
"Why?" was Dallas' pointed question. The big man never missed a beat.
"She's a Vanderfall spy," Kallane's response startled her Ottomon cohorts. They stared at the newcomers with renewed interest.
"We are. But that hardly matters. This is about rescuing Nitao too," Jafia replied.
"Wait, Nitao's been captured?" Kallane had wondered why her friend wasn't with them.
"It's possible we can rescue them both," Jafia said. "Do you remember Phú?"
"The psycho AI mascot that almost killed Rocke? Don't tell me they brought that maniac back?" That thing had taken control of Camp F's guard robots and almost killed them all. The insane AI had relished the pain she could cause humans.
"They haven't," Jafia replied. "My source tells me they've replaced her with a more docile, friendly version. But it was a rush job. Her security protocols aren't as strong."
"So her program's security is poor. So what?" Rojan asked.
Jafia couldn't keep the pleased smile off her face. "This AI has authority over almost the entire police network. The same network that's connected to the other emergency systems."
"You can use her to cripple the entire system?" Kallane said, amazed. "Is that enough to help rescue Rocke and Nitao?"
Jafia paused, a look of hesitation passing over her expression. "Maybe. We can use her to disable the prison's security system. That might be enough for Rocke to free himself, with Nitao's help, hopefully. The Konquellian is very resourceful."
"That's a lot of maybes," Kallane replied.
"But it would hurt the city nonetheless," Rojan said, pleased. "Can we hack her from here?"
"No, we'll need to access her program from the server she's simulated on," Jafia replied. "It's deep in the Vanderfall Police Department, but not as guarded as the prison block."
"It might work," Dallas said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "An AI attack dog would be helpful."
"Okay, we break their system, but there's still the matter of freeing Rocke," Kallane said. The plan sounded good, but also rather slapdash. "This helps whatever invasion Vanderfall has planned more than us."
"Invasion?" her mother said, startled.
"That's what you have planned, right?" Kallane said coolly. She didn't like being used. "It wasn't hard to figure out."
Jafia had the decency to look embarrassed. "We'll get Rocke out, regardless. Either by freeing him then, or when the Vanderfall army takes the city. You have my word."
Kallane snorted, but nodded her assent. "Okay. It's our best chance." Though, the invasion didn't thrill her. She wasn't sure how Vanderfall would treat her people once they took over. While historically sympathetic to the Ottomon plight, that could easily change on a dime. International politics were often fickle.
"Vanderfall, huh." Dallas frowned, clearly not pleased. He wasn't thrilled about their involvement either.
"We need to rescue Rocke before the invasion," her mother said. "There won't be much of Vladus left once the Sovereign enacts his judgment."
"Sure, the Sovereign's judgment," Rojan said, his tone sarcastic. "Whatever the case, no stupid risks. Some of us want to survive to receive our pensions."
"We'll need a distraction," Kallane mused. An idea struck her. "Can you create a false alarm? One that would lure officers from the station."
"Easy," Jafia said, catching on. "You have something in mind? It needs to create plenty of confusion."
"I do." Kallane gave a devilish smile. "They won't know what hit them."