Page 39 of Advance and Retreat
“Phasing.”
“So the rumors of such devices are true.”
“Darks can see through them, unfortunately.In fact, our phasing capabilities probably brought the All to our doorstep.What about you?A Dark is attached to you.Why isn’t it contacting the All or warning other Darks I’m here?”
“It’s a long story, I suppose.My meditation practice and state of consciousness have...sedated it.In a manner of speaking.”
“Hope?”
Piras’ gaze had slid from Mereta’s face, as if he spoke to someone else.Mereta remembered his Matara was named for the brightest of sustenance in dark times.He guessed she spoke from somewhere else in the earpiece Piras wore.
“Specialist Nath confirms you alone are speaking,” the admiral said to him.“Is there any danger of the Dark resuming control over you?”
“No.Admiral, my time is short.The All has commanded my assassination since my presence on Jedver has become problematic.I’m due in the next couple of hours to appear in a vid broadcast during which the execution will take place, carried out by Dark-ridden Kalquorian prisoners.It’s to look as if the empire is behind the act.”
Piras swore under his breath.“The All will miss you soon, then.”
“If it hasn’t already.Can you help me escape?”
“Rescuing you was why we came.”Piras paused, his brow wrinkling as he thought.Or perhaps he listened to Hope or whomever else was on his team.Presently, he added, “We have a way of capturing the Dark.I could take it off you now, but if you could continue to listen to the All and report everything going on, it would be to our advantage.”
“Tell me how you plan to get me out?”
“Phasing.There’s a delivery bin at your neighbor’s home—”
“I saw.That’s how you reached me?Ingenious.”
“If the All is having you assassinated, the whole planet will be searching for you soon.The area’s mostly deserted this time of day, but someone might be nearby to notice a bin being delivered, then taken away.”Piras licked his lips, his sole concession to nervousness.“The delivery personnel hanging around may have already attracted notice.”
“It’s no longer feasible, is it?”
“It appears to be our best chance, but even if we aren’t stopped on our way to the safehouse, we could be tracked to it.”Piras ground his teeth momentarily in frustration.“Tell me your plan, sir.”
Mereta quickly explained his ruse.Hearing it out loud made him more certain of the unlikelihood of it working.“I have little hope of success.As you say, they’ll come for me very quickly if I don’t give myself up in a matter of minutes.Their search will be thorough.”
“It has its strong points, however.Maybe we can use part of your idea to throw the All off the trail.”
“Just tell me what to do, Admiral.I put myself in your capable hands.”
* * * *
Mereta felt a senseof serenity as he flew his shuttle from the city.He was soon soaring over its outskirts.He was less convinced than before he’d leave Jedver alive, but doing something was calming in its own fashion.It was far better than going quietly to his death, no matter how little it meant to him.
If he could reach Piras’ hiding place, he’d have a real chance to return to Kalquor.He could help defeat the All.
As if his thoughts had summoned it, the familiar voice spoke in his head.Where is the Mereta?Why has it been taken from the office instead of preparing for the broadcast?
Mereta had never attempted to speak to the All himself.He’d listened in on many conversations between his Dark and its source, but he’d remained quiet.Hidden.
He did his utmost to recall the voice and cadence used by his Dark and spoke, hoping the telepathy worked while it dreamed.It is best to go through records on the Mereta’s private devices to make sure no evidence of influence is left.
Why would it matter?The All controls Jedver.No Separates opposing will see such records.
Is it not better to be certain?
No need.Report to council headquarters immediately.
It is good.He hoped the reply would be enough.
