The Lives of Tao (38 page)

“It’s so backward, yet true,” he mused.

“Whatever,” she murmured as she took his hand and led him out of the restaurant. She flashed him one of her bright dimpled smiles and said, “I’m still getting better with time. You’ll just have to see and find out!”

Roen looked at her and his heart suddenly swelled to the point his eyes filled with tears. Yes, he was pretty sure. He did want to marry her.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

BACK INTO THE FOLD

The Chest of the Menagerie at the time was hidden well in Prophus’ hands. When the fighting first broke out in the lands once known as the Holy Roman Empire, the decision was made to move the chest to England where it would remain secure during the conflict. I am not sure how the Genjix came across this information. Were we betrayed? Did their spies find the chest? We will never know. But within hours, Armand – that is, Zoras – had assembled a small army and attacked the escort. The capture of the Chest of the Menagerie changed the dynamic of the war forever.
 

Roen fidgeted in a booth at the Salt and Pepper Diner, in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, as he watched the people come in and out. It was late September and he had just returned home after a two-week assignment – his most important and morally challenging assignment to date – and received new orders to come to the diner. It was an unusual order, almost like some sort of covert operation.

After that long talk with Tao, he had begun to take his job as an agent more seriously. This time though, Roen was not satisfied with just being a good soldier. He also began to care why his assignments had to be carried out. That made all the difference in the world. Slowly, Roen had earned the respect of those he worked with and regained some of the trust he had lost with Command. It also gave him purpose.

In his most recent mission, he had joined a small task force that broke out a number of Canadian dissidents, who were about to be extradited back to Canada, from a prison in northern Minnesota. He didn’t even know Canada had dissidents. After all, wasn’t Canada one of the happiest countries in the world?

But now, he knew better than to take his assignments and the Prophus objectives at surface value. Beside the fact that several of the dissidents were Prophus agents, it seemed Canada was a hotbed of Genjix activity and they were exploiting much of the natural resources there to fund Russian production of military arms, which, in turn, was being used to supply North Korea with weapons.

The Genjix were attempting to destabilize the region with their long-term objective of increasing China’s influence – a government which the Genjix controlled – in order to expand the Chinese naval sphere of dominance over more of the Pacific. The dissidents were sabotaging the Genjix operations before they were chased over the border and captured by the US border patrol. Roen might have missed a few points when he read over the report, but that seemed to be the general gist of the operation.

He had at first balked at firing at American troops. It was his government after all, and he felt like a traitor. He grieved privately about some of the things he had to do. He knew he had shot a few of the guards as they had made their escape. He prayed that they recovered from their injuries. He only hoped that the ends justified their means.

Roen knew he wasn’t that sort of agent, so he was feeling apprehensive as he waited at a booth in the corner over a burger and fries. He really missed fries a lot. Potatoes bathed in hot oil were rarely on his menu these days. He was pleasantly surprised when Stephen and Paula appeared and sat down opposite him.

“You did good work on the Happy Mounty operation,” Stephen began after the three exchanged pleasantries. “I know your moral principles must have balked at the orders.”

Roen nodded. “Yeah, at first, but I get it now. I know why it had to be done.”

Stephen grinned. “That’s good to hear. You’re probably wondering why we’re here. Well, I wanted to check up on you and see how you’re doing. I’ve read the reports and wonder if you’re ready to continue your development.” He leaned forward. “Do you know why you’re a Prophus agent?” Stephen had an intense look in his eyes as he asked the question. Paula was just as intent as they both studied him.

Roen squirmed as he thought it over. He was about to talk about his past few missions and then stopped. This was obviously some sort of test. Those missions were effects of a cause from the Quasing conflict. He moved up a level and thought about the eighteen months he’d spent with Tao, and all the training and work they put in. But again, his training was nothing more than a tool, an effect to further a greater cause. That cycle continued until he thought about why he now existed and why the war was fought.

“I want the Quasing to return home without destroying the human race in the process,” he finally said. “I want humanity to evolve naturally and work in a partnership with the Quasing, not to be subjugated and manipulated by them.”

Paula smiled and turned to Stephen. “I’d give that answer a B-plus. It’s not the most chipper way to go about it, but he does have Tao in him, after all.”

Stephen nodded. “Tao’s always been a hard-ass. I wanted to speak with you personally and look you in the eyes before I do this.” He pulled a manila envelope with the now familiar black box from his leather satchel, laid them on the table, and slid them forward. “You’re going to the Monaco Decennial. You leave in four days. I wanted to personally convey my congratulations.”

It is well deserved, my friend. I am proud of you. This is really like a true diploma from Command.
 

Roen had trouble processing this at first. He’d heard about the Decennial here and there over the past year, but never thought much of it. In fact, every time he brought it up, Tao told him that there was no way he’d be ready to attend.

Paula grinned. “Good work, Roen. You’ve finally been invited to the adult table.”

“Thank you both.” He felt a little embarrassed with all the sudden praise. “I don’t know what to say.”

Stephen shook his head. “Don’t thank us yet. It’s a dangerous assignment, so you’ll need all your wits about you. Everything you need to know will be in the mission briefs. You are strictly an observer this time around, but it’s a big step. Now, what’s good at this place?”

The three of them stayed for dinner and moved next door to a local bar for drinks afterward. Roen had many questions about the assignment but restrained himself rather than look like the rookie. Was it that important that Stephen had come personally to speak with him? Why was Paula here?

Nevertheless, he pushed those thoughts out of his mind and enjoyed their company. They were the closest thing he had to friends within the Prophus network. Stephen managed a large operation out of the east coast while Paula now ran a special ops team out of London. The three ended up barhopping through several Chicago bars that night. Roen learned that drinking with Stephen and Paula was no joke. In fact, he probably was in more danger drinking with them than fighting the Genjix. Stephen was a jovial drinker while Paula took it as if she were personally propping up Diageo stock. Several hours later, they stumbled out of the last bar and said their goodbyes. As Roen headed out, Paula called him over.

“Roen.” She smiled. “I’m proud of you for coming, lad. For keeping up with the drinks I mean, not the whole Decennial thing.” She broke into a grin. “I’m just kidding. I have a favor to ask.”

“Sure,” he answered, “anything.”

“Can I stay with you tonight?”

Now, Roen knew he’d had a few too many drinks, but he swore he heard that correctly. It took him more than a few moments to regain his composure. “I have a...” he began.

“It’s OK, you’re not my type.” Paula chuckled. “Yol wants to catch up with Tao.”

“What type would that be?” he asked, slightly offended.

“Men without aliens in them.” She smiled. “Come, Yol would like to know where the mighty Tao is holding court.” The two hailed a taxi and were soon off to his apartment. Right when they walked through the front door, Paula, without bothering to change out of her clothes, had found his room and passed out on his bed.

Roen stared longingly as she lay sprawled out on his comforter. “Why do they always get my bed?”

You are a gentleman and I am sure they appreciate the gesture.
 

“I enjoy sleeping in my bed. Do you think she’d mind if I scooched up next to her on the other side?”

Jill has a key to your apartment. Imagine how fun it would be if she decided to stop by.
 

“She’s in Frankfurt.”

That is not the point. Here is a word of advice. Do not put yourself in a situation where Jill is justified in throwing a pan at you, regardless of whether she is nearby or not.
 

With a sigh, Roen gave his bed one last yearning look, before he grabbed a spare blanket and walked out to the living room.

Tao waited until Roen was asleep before he took control of the body. It took quite a bit longer than usual. Tao had trained Roen the past few months to become a light sleeper. That was good for missions. Tao could now wake Roen at a moment’s notice and not after five minutes of prodding. However, it was bad for a Quasing who wished to take control of his sleeping host.

Tao waited a little while longer to make sure Roen was sound asleep. When Tao was sure, he got up and moved him into the bedroom. Yol was already up waiting for him.

“How are things with Paula?” Tao asked as they sat down on the bed. “Are you two getting along?”

Yol smiled. “She is smart, competent, and very dry, but also very accommodating. I am fortunate to not have to housebreak her too much, though her politeness is rubbing off on me. The other day, we stopped by a burger joint, and she told the server that she would prefer a number four. Who talks like that?”

“No one does polite like the English, except for the Japanese, maybe. It is good for you though; keeps you in check. Are you satisfied with the Keeper’s selection then?”

“We make a good team. She is very methodical and tempers my impulsiveness. How are things with Roen? First time I saw him, he seemed ready to jump out of his skin. I know he struggled with this calling. Paula has been keeping up on his assignments. He seems to have come around.”

Tao nodded. “He has finally realized the meaning of our work. His heart and head are in the right place. That is all I can ask for. I believe he will be a credit to my previous hosts.” Tao paused as he thought about what he was going to say next. “About the past couple of years...”

Yol shook her head, then raised a hand. “You did the right thing. I could only imagine the pressure the others must have put on you. Gregory was lost, but you gave him a chance at least.”

“When did you know he was truly gone? Did his mind suffer?” Tao asked.

Paula’s face was lost in thought for a few seconds before Yol responded. “Humans are peculiar. Unlike us, their minds can die but the body lives like an automaton. During the first year, he was sometimes coherent, and I could speak with him. But those moments became rarer as time progressed. Eventually, I was left alone with his shell. He was a body without a soul. I begrudge you nothing. When I lost all access to his senses, I knew he was gone.”

“Edward had planned on visiting that year he died. Unfortunately, he was not able to make it, and then I was preoccupied with Roen. I am sorry.”

Yol put her hand over Tao’s. “It is the past. How did Kathy take it?”

“I was not able to speak with her until this year. She knows now.”

Yol nodded. “She deserved the truth. Is Roen’s relationship serious?”

“It is. He worries his line of work will cause Jill grief. After what happened to Edward, I do not blame him. Little good comes from all this.”

The two spoke for several more hours. They had begun working together soon after the fall of Rome and the rise of the Italian city-states, and while they had lost touch during the Inquisition, they had resumed their friendship in the New World and worked closely together ever since. There was a lot of catching up to do. It was very therapeutic for Tao.

Brotherhood was something Tao understood, both in a human and Quasing sense. While he had known many other Quasing, Yol was his brother in every way through all those centuries. They had a unique relationship. The last Quasing he had this sort of close bond with was Chiyva. Tao felt a twinge of rage at that name. It was comforting that he knew where Yol stood. The two separated just before daybreak. Tao wanted to make sure that Roen had enough sleep before the mission.

“Listen, Yol, I need a favor,” Tao asked before he left.

“Anything,” Yol said.

“If anything happens to Roen or me, and I am returned to the Eternal Sea, please speak to them regarding his sacrifice. I promised him.”

“Of course. It is something we should all do right away. One more thing, Tao, lighten up a bit. You have an obsessive and depressing effect on your hosts.”

Tao turned to Yol before he left the room. “I will lighten up when I remove Jeo and Chiyva from this world.”