When the Gods Are Away, page 22
Virgil closed his eyes. He ruined everything. Even when solving a simple homicide, he had to uncover conspiracies best left hidden. The police department would love hearing him accuse the shadowy head of the Greek Alliance's nuclear warfare program of murdering an unemployed police officer.
Chrysanthe tightened her grip on Matthaios' shoulder. "Dear, this is important. We need to know his name. Please."
Matthaios' mouth pursed and contorted. Finally, he whispered, "Frederick Nyx."
Virgil took a sip of water. His side protested at the motion. "So why would he kill someone who saw plans for a missile test that isn't a secret?"
“Maybe he’s changing the target coordinates of the missile,” Chrysanthe said. “Maybe so that it hits a city.” She shook her head. "I know that's a strong accusation, but what else would motivate murder in that situation?"
Matthaios took a breath. "We don't have any evidence of that."
"Not yet," said Virgil, "but I think she's right."
Nicholas and the guards overheard plans to destroy a city, causing the would-be perpetrators to kill the witnesses to preserve their plan. The missile would overfly several cities on the European continent while traveling to the Atlantic Ocean. Any one of those cities could be a target. It made sense, or it would at least make sense to a madman.
“That’s what he’s doing,” said Virgil. “You heard that speech Senator Kelipapalous made about how the Alliance isn’t as powerful as Europe. I bet a lot of people feel that way, and Nyx is probably one of them. This is their way of demonstrating the Alliance is as formidable as anyone.” He tried to push himself upright, but collapsed in the attempt. "I have to stop him."
“Remember what happened last time you went to that lab?" Chrysanthe said as Virgil began to ease himself into a sitting position. "Besides, you just got stabbed. You’re in no condition t—"
“People are going to die,” Virgil said. “There isn’t time.”
Not only would the people in the target city die, the other countries would declare war on the Alliance. Maybe those countries would even use their nuclear weapons. Does Nyx really want that? Global nuclear war? The destruction of the Alliance? Why?
Chrysanthe seemed to look inward for several moments. “Fine. You’re right. When and where is the launch taking place?”
“I don’t know the exact time,” Matthaios said, “just that it’s in the closing hours of Eris 5. Tonight. The launch site... I don’t know; that part is secret. There are several places it could be: Mystras, Heraklion, Mykonos, Galatas, Thessalonika... And others.” He looked concerned. “Maybe we should tell someone. Maybe our district representative.”
“I don’t think anyone would listen to us,” Chrysanthe said. “Not politicians or people at Keres. We don’t have any evidence. We might have to stop this ourselves, crazy as that would be.”
“We don’t know where the launch site is, though,” said Virgil.
Matthaios paced the room. “If the pattern holds, before they head to the launch site..." He hesitated, then continued. "Nyx and the others will be doing last-minute work at the lab. We can try to find evidence about what they're going to do, and tell someone before they leave. Or, maybe, we can confront them there, and stop them before the launch takes place. Then, we won't have to worry about finding the specific site."
“That’s a good idea,” said Chrysanthe. “And if we don’t find them, maybe someone at the lab knows which site it is or maybe we can find the information ourselves. We should leave soon.”
“This is going to be dangerous,” Virgil said. “You can’t go. I don’t want you getting hurt. I can just go by myself.”
“That’s very noble of you, but it also wouldn't work," said Chrysanthe. “You’re not even in condition to get a glass of water for yourself, so I can't imagine you'd be able to fight the security guards.”
“I could have gotten the water.”
“I’m sure. That doesn’t change the fact that we’re still going with you. Matthaios can get us in. He was going to escort you there today, anyway.”
Virgil forced himself to stand. "Okay." His limbs felt heavy, his mind foggy. "I'm going to need some caffeine pills." They had less than sixteen hours to save whichever city had been targeted.
Chapter 24
KERES LAB LOOMED AHEAD of them, the distance more daunting than it had been yesterday. Virgil suppressed a groan and concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other as he clutched his stomach. One step at a time, one excruciating breath at a time, one fervent curse of Patroklus at a time.
The painkillers had worn off during the car ride, and he hadn't thought to bring more. Though Chrysanthe allowed him to lean on her, the stitches in his side felt strained almost to tearing, and the pain had matured into several complex flavors. Without the caffeine pills, he might have collapsed. Maybe the hospital shouldn’t have released me yet.
Matthaios had taken the lead, striding with purpose and not glancing back to see if Virgil and Chrysanthe kept up. “It’s like you two aren’t familiar with the concept of treason.”
“I’m well aware of the concept of treason,” Chrysanthe replied between grunts, increasing the pace to even more uncomfortable levels. “As long as we succeed, we won’t have to worry about it. ‘The law favors the victor.’”
“Well, you’ve never seen someone drawn and quartered before," said Matthaios. "I have, at an employee orientation, to demonstrate the consequences of disloyalty. I will never forget the way that traitorous bastard screamed.”
Virgil shuddered at the image. He had heard of the government’s predilection for the punishment, but had never witnessed it.
Chrysanthe shifted position as she walked, jostling Virgil. “Drawing and quartering is only used when the prosecutors can prove cowardice was demonstrated. I don’t think they’ll be able to claim that in our case.”
“They can prove anything they want.” Matthaios shook his head. “Besides, hanging is the other option, and I don’t want that, either.”
“That’s a reasonable desire. You don’t have to come, Matthaios.”
“I’m not letting you go without me.”
They walked for several minutes before reaching the laboratory’s entrance, and Virgil experienced every single one of those minutes acutely. The pain was like a third traveling companion, an imaginary friend. But Dr. Perikiades probably wouldn’t accept it as fulfilling my assignment.
Chrysanthe stopped, and Virgil looked up from his shoes. He stood before the oaken doors and contemplated the wisdom of returning to the military laboratory, particularly when he had been so thoroughly humiliated yesterday. Matthaios, in the vanguard of their diminutive formation, grabbed the massive door handle.
Chrysanthe put a hand on his shoulder. “We need a moment.”
Matthaios nodded and released the handle. Chrysanthe held out her hands to Matthaios and Virgil.
Great. A prayer. Even if the gods are there to listen, they should understand the time constraint. “Um, this is the time of year the gods are—"
“I know.” Chrysanthe’s brows furrowed. “Do it, anyway. It’s polite.”
Virgil blinked, but said nothing further. He took Chrysanthe's and Matthaios' hands to complete the circle. When the others closed their eyes, Virgil paused, then did the same. Though he doubted the effectiveness of prayer, especially at this time, it also wouldn’t hurt.
“Ares, namesake of this mighty city-state,” Chrysanthe said, “I know I rarely pray to you. I apologize, but I don’t often have the occasion in my line of work. Maybe I should be praying to thank you for that. Today, though, we are here to do your work to protect your city-state and the entire Alliance. Please guide our mission and help us save your people. We have worshipped you and honored your strength. Help us maintain your legacy and bring further glory to your name. As you favor the brave, see our bravery in undertaking this task, and help us succeed. We go, as ever, in your name.”
It seems illogical to pray to Ares to prevent a war. Maybe, if Ares exists, he’ll appreciate the fact that stopping the war will likely require violence.
Virgil opened his eyes to see Matthaios and Chrysanthe share a quick kiss. He released their hands and resumed his place in front of the door.
Matthaios swung the door open to reveal the laboratory’s opulent lobby. Though sunlight had poured throughout the room on his previous visit, now the dim morning light was supplemented by fluorescent lighting from ornate chandeliers. It somehow made the cavernous space cozier.
The receptionist peered at them from her desk and appeared surprised. "You," she said to Virgil. "What in Zeus' name did you think would happen if you showed up here again?"
She remembers me! Virgil counted that as a victory. "Um..."
"He's with me," said Matthaios. The words sounded apologetic. "I'm escorting my wife and brother-in-law on a tour. Wanted them to see my office. Maybe the library."
The receptionist narrowed her eyes. "Hm. I suppose that's technically permissible. Okay, Dr. Vallas. I'll get badges for them, but there will be some restrictions."
This is much easier than yesterday. Maybe I should have requested Matthaios' help before coming here yesterday. Or, I should have asked Chrysanthe to request Matthaios' help.
The receptionist knelt behind her desk for several moments before emerging with two generic badges and two bright orange vests. She slid them toward Virgil and Chrysanthe.
Virgil took one of the vests, which smelled of thick body odor. On the front and back, it was labeled, 'Nonessential Civilian Visitor.' He looked up at the receptionist, who smiled and gestured for him to don it.
Virgil grimaced while Chrysanthe helped him slip on the vest. Then he grabbed one of the badges and clipped it to his tunic collar.
The receptionist lifted a handheld radio to her mouth and stared into Virgil's eyes as she spoke. "Attention, security. We have two visitors entering the building. If they are found in unauthorized areas, intercept and kill. Detainment is unnecessary."
Her radio crackled. "Understood."
Virgil blinked. While he hadn't expected any passing security guards to allow him into unauthorized areas, he also hadn't anticipated them actively looking for him.
Chrysanthe frowned. "You all don't get many guests, do you?"
"Nope." The receptionist smirked. "You're free to go in. Enjoy your visit."
"Thank you." Matthaios gestured for the others to follow him. Virgil put his arm over Chrysanthe's shoulders, groaning, and the two trundled from the front desk.
"Quite a workplace," said Chrysanthe as they walked. "I know it's a top-secret lab, but I don't think everyone here should be so cheerful about killing people. Even the receptionist is getting into it."
"I don't mind the vigilance when I'm one of the people they're protecting." Matthaios gestured to the glass door ahead of them. "That leads to the hallway closest to my office. It connects to the other hallways, so we can get wherever we need to."
Virgil couldn't see anyone through the glass door. Maybe the patrols would be sparse enough to allow them access to Nyx's office. At least the receptionist hadn't requested that a guard escort them through the building. I doubt the three of us could overpower a guard, and even if we did, it would probably just result in alarms and more guards.
When they reached the door, Matthaios placed his badge against the square card reader. The reader blinked green, and Matthaios held the door while Virgil and Chrysanthe hobbled through.
Clicking footsteps came from a nearby hallway. Unseen doors opened and closed in hallways farther ahead. Distant conversations drifted toward them. The sounds seemed no different than what one could find in any hallway in any office building in the Alliance. Even the bright tiled floor and plain white walls would have felt familiar to any office worker. And yet, an intangible vibe imbued the corridors with an evil ambience. How does Matthaios work here?
Chrysanthe looked back and forth. "Where now? You know where Nyx's office is, right?"
Matthaios winced at the name. "Yeah. It’s to our right in Hallway Sigma. Just after Incendiaries and before Interrogation. We should be fine in the hallways. But if they catch us in his office..."
Chrysanthe squeezed his shoulder. “Lead the way. Remember, we don't have much time.”
They set off again, with Virgil feeling as though he were embarking on an epic journey, as though he were one of the characters in the Argonauts story. One of the useless characters, one who didn't contribute anything to the plot beyond adding to the body count.
Chrysanthe had formulated the plan and Matthais had access to the lab, but Virgil had nothing to add. He didn’t belong here. If I had come here by myself like I originally planned, the continent and everyone on it would be turned into a charred radioactive wasteland before tomorrow. It seems like a high price to pay for my ineptitude.
He grimaced. Those thoughts didn't help.
A sign hung from the ceiling at the first intersecting hallway. 'Hallway Alpha.' In smaller text below, it said 'Hallway Beta – 20 Meters, Hallway Gamma – 40 Meters, Hallway Delta – 60 meters.' That put Hallway Sigma, assuming the pattern held, three hundred and forty meters away. He sighed.
Chrysanthe looked at him, pity in her eyes. "I guess the distance sounds a lot worse when you have a serious injury."
Virgil grunted. "I'll be fine." He wouldn't be, and she probably knew it. Chrysanthe said nothing.
As they reached Hallway Delta, footsteps approached from around the corner. Chrysanthe stiffened, and Matthaios looked back.
We haven’t broken any rules yet. We should be okay. Virgil didn’t believe it.
The guard who came into view looked surprised when he saw them. "Your friend okay?" he asked Matthaios.
Virgil shifted position to stand taller, but didn't think it helped. It also hurt more.
Matthaios gestured back at Virgil and Chrysanthe. "My brother-in-law got stabbed last night. I'm taking him on a tour of the Biowarfare Department to cheer him up."
"Yeah, that's what I always say about knife wounds," said the guard. "Just walk 'em off." As he strode past them in the direction of the lobby, he looked over his shoulder. "Nice vests."
Once the man disappeared from view, Virgil took a breath. Chrysanthe tilted her head to indicate they should continue.
Minutes later, they stopped. Virgil looked up to see a welcoming sign. 'Hallway Sigma.' We made it. Even better, no one can see us, and there aren’t any nearby footsteps. For once, circumstances are aligned in our favor.
Something’s going to go wrong.
Matthaios led them past the first four doors. The door to the next room stood ajar to reveal an unlit office. The label on the wall beside it read, ‘Nyx'.
"Why is it open?" Virgil asked. Did someone set an enticing trap to catch me? If they started searching the office, a guard could conveniently pass by and have the authority to execute them.
Chrysanthe turned to Matthaios. "He doesn't typically leave his office unlocked before he leaves the lab, does he?"
Matthaios shook his head. "I hope not. He should be locking it any time he leaves it, even if it's just to use the restroom."
Chrysanthe peered inside the office. "You don't think we were meant to find it like this, do you?" She shook her head. "No, that wouldn't make sense. Nyx wouldn't have expected anyone to realize the plan."
Matthaios grunted. "Maybe he left it open because he doesn't think anyone would be foolish enough to snoop in his office."
If so, Nyx has a good point. The penalty for being caught would deter most people. Maybe he even set up alarm systems.
"I wish he'd been here," said Chrysanthe.
Matthaios nodded. "Yeah. We could have just beaten a confession out of him or tied him up in a closet and locked the door. I bet no one would have found him until after the launch."
Chrysanthe looked down each side of the hallway and turned to Virgil. “Can you stand guard while we search the room?”
If Nyx or anyone else turned the corner of the hallway, a warning wouldn't give Virgil or the others sufficient time to find cover. They would be unable to reach the closest intersecting hallway before someone spotted them, no statues were conveniently placed to conceal them, and there probably wouldn't be anywhere to hide in the office, other than behind each other.
At least standing watch would make him feel less useless, if only for a short time. He nodded and removed his arm from Chrysanthe's shoulders and lowered himself to the floor, leaning against the wall. Still uncomfortable, but it put less pressure on the wound.
Chrysanthe gave him a concerned glance before entering the room and flicking the light switch. After Matthaois followed, Virgil twisted to peer inside.
Nyx had a simple office: a desk that held a computer and scattered papers, two wooden chairs in front of the desk, and a few photographs of family scenes on the walls. The smell of ocean breeze air freshener, quite different from an actual ocean breeze, drifted from the room.
Matthaios walked behind the desk and sat in the chair. Chrysanthe stood beside him and began shuffling through papers on the desk. She frowned at each one.
"Just a lot of equations and dense text," she said. "I wish I'd been allowed to take maths and sciences classes. I'm sure this is all very interesting."
Virgil took a quick glance down the hallway, but saw nothing and heard only distant conversations and footsteps. Nothing warranting an alert. He returned to watching the search.
Matthaios typed something on the computer keyboard and waited with an expectant look. After a few moments, he shook his head. "I can't figure out his password."
“That’s probably good,” said Chrysanthe, “considering his computer probably has a lot of information about the Alliance’s nuclear program.” She grabbed another stack of papers. “Oh!”
“What is it?”
“It’s an itinerary. For tonight and tomorrow.” Her eyes flitted across the page. "Okay, there's no manifesto on here where he admits to wanting to nuke a city, but it says the launch site is Galatas."
