Entwined, page 26
Shaking his head, Cameron spoke up, “Wait a minute. And this is not one of the three questions. I want clarification as to what this is all about. You were supposed to be coming here to talk to us about the Keystone Law Group. But it’s obvious you know about this whole fae business.”
HR sat serenely studying Cameron. “I must apologize, but now that you three have accepted your position of knight, information cannot be shared in the way it had been before. There are rules we all must follow. The rules here are simple. I may answer three questions, and only because we’ve claim to you two.”
Cameron groaned loudly and shot a glance at August who sat stone still as most vampires do, his head tilted slightly, eyes trained on HR. “I hate this guy,” he imparted to the other two with their channel open.
Nathen asked, “What three questions do we have that are the most pressing? Keystone is probably one. What others?”
“I hate these games.” Cameron shut his eyes and leaned back in the chair.
“It’s actually quite curious and has me wondering…” August began. “In my coven we have summoned demons before and they, like the fae, deal in information and strange rules I couldn’t comprehend. It makes me wonder if fae and demons aren’t one and the same.”
“Probably. It’s like they’re all from hell to me. But academic knowledge of fae and devils, while interesting, I don’t think would help us much right now.”
“I agree, though do you think we could perhaps invite him to go first? Tell us whatever it is he wants to say. You know, just in case we waste one of our ‘wishes.’” August chuckled.
Nathen agreed, “That would make sense. It may inform our questions. He may say something that could answer one of our questions or give us a better question to ask. As for demons and fae, both are numinous beings. So, seems to me they would be like angels and demons: you know, the same beings.”
“You seem to have a lot of knowledge on this,” August smiled with interest.
Cameron sat up and harrumphed. “HR, I hate these games. Please go first and tell us what you need to tell us, and then we’ll follow up with our oh-so-important questions.”
HR imparted emotionlessly, “Mr. Molina, I assure you these are not games, but rules are involved. Just like you, I have my superiors. I will say this, as you most likely have already figured out—Impetus is run by fae, the essence of the human drive for innovation and technology. They see humanity as partners, not beings in the way. But others have a different view and are upsetting the intricate balance of this world. You three, though there are others as well, have been chosen at this time to fill a role. You should be honored, though I don’t want to make light of it, fear and apprehension are also rational emotions to hold.”
Nathen recognized when August mentally wrapped around Cameron to quell his burgeoning agitation, which in turn always contributed to Nathen’s own feelings of discontent. Cameron took a deep breath, relaxing somewhat. “Yes, we figured all of that out already. And that you had infected us with nanites that kept track of us and others.”
“Indeed, though they also would have protected you in a number of ways.”
Cameron almost asked about what ways but internally laughed. “Almost took the bait.”
“Hey, I’m curious too,” August said.
“Sir, it would seem that you’ve much in the way of information that could be shared—nay, should be shared, considering the nature of your relationship with these fine men. Please, go on with whatever other information we/they need.” August said, his tone neutral and respectful.
HR gave a brief nod toward Nathen. “Because Nathen has been one of our easiest assets to work with, I am inclined to include some information that will not count toward the three. Take this as an honorific gesture on my part.” He turned back to August. “The nanites, besides tracking our acquisitions, can also regenerate, suspend, or delay death. They also keep valuable members alive longer, or with more additions, indefinitely.” He paused and turned to Cameron, passing a look that Nathen would have missed but for their link. “If one of our creations goes astray and is beyond our capacity to neutralize discreetly, we can also terminate them, though this is rarely done.
You need to understand that we try to keep this all away from prying eyes. All of the technology you are now aware of is only known to a few. Vampirism itself is thought of as a myth. But you should already know that they are the creation of the fae, a gift to humanity, but as with all fae gifts, also a curse from a different perspective.”
“I’m still uninterested in being on such a leash. As it is, I’m under contract with you all to do your bidding for the next few years and am now beholden to the fae for, I guess, eternity. We need to finish off this little war thing so my mom can be safe. So, here’s my question. Tell us everything you know about Keystone Law Group and how we can go about winning this battle with the Araneae. Or whatever it was that attacked us the other day.”
HR nodded and proceeded, “The Araneae are fae, but also employ others in their machinations: shapeshifters and other such beings that are more animal than human. They enhance, enchant, and enthrall them to do their bidding. In times past, when magic and mystery were still part of this world, they would have been seen as demons, or devils, the shadow of the divine and beautiful. Keystone has a much larger sway on this world than do we, and as you know we have a great influence. But where we try to guide humanity in a better direction to the one they are already taking, the Araneae and their allies do not care for humanity because they are not beholden to it as we are.”
“Uh-huh, and that is everything that you know about Keystone. That they have some vague sway on the world and they hate humans. Cool, because we already knew that. What we don’t know is how we can win the battle against them. The plan is to go to New York, find their queen, and take her out…” Cameron left the statement hanging.
HR acknowledged, “Indeed, their headquarters are in New York, and we do have some financial ties with them so can help you gain an audience with their CEO who is one of three queens—the most meddlesome of the triad. We will also offer you one of our other assets that you can utilize as you see fit because, as I am sure you have been told, you three cannot harm fae.”
Cameron inwardly groaned again. “Shit. I forgot about that. This whole ‘go fight our battle for us, and, oh, we’re making you one of us so you can’t actually fight’ thing is ridiculous. Games! This whole species is all about their stupid games.”
August cocked a smile. “Perhaps it’s true. Or perhaps it’s simply foreign to us. Regardless, maybe it would behoove us to hold a couple of the questions in reserve? For future use?”
Nathen agreed. “I was going to ask more about Impetus and their doings, but he sort of answered that already, though not directly. I think you’re right. We should hold on to the other two questions for later.”
“I have so many questions. Yeah, the Impetus-Paradigm thing; the cyborg-vampire thing; even the whole nanite thing. Though don’t get me wrong—I don’t want them back. But August, you’ve got a good point. Nathen and I are stuck in Impetus for a while, and the three of us are now stuck with this whole fae thing. And since they use information as currency, we’re going to likely need information later on. So, yeah, I agree.” Cameron groused with a heavy sigh.
August addressed HR, “Sir, thank you for your candor. We appreciate any information you are able to expound in the context of the initial question that will assist us with our mission to destroy the queen of this nest in New York. And we appreciate the, umm, asset that you plan to send along with us. As we cannot predict the future, we would humbly request to hold in escrow the remaining two gifted questions…if that is possible?”
A respectful smile creased HR’s lips, fleeting as most of his emotional expression was. “Indeed. On this thumb drive, you will find logistical information, and I am certain Mr. Jacks will be able to clarify anything else that is needed.”
Nathen stiffened, and Cameron’s shock rippled out as if a tangible thing. Todd Jacks! Alive?! Nathen’s mind spun with the memory of the night, only a few days ago, when he saw Cameron kill the man using just his mind. It had been the first time that Cameron had Nathen’s blood, and he had given it to him to save his life. But the process of healing had been so traumatic Cameron had channeled his physical pain into a mental scream that had killed Jacks. Or…so they thought.
HR stood and walked toward the door as it swung open, and indeed, the well-built man with the militarist posture stepped within, then held the door for HR.
Nathen tried not to show any emotion of surprise and watched as Jacks took the seat that HR had vacated. “Hello, gentlemen, it’s nice to see you both again, though I do not believe I have had the pleasure of being introduced to your new friend.” Jacks had a half-cocked smile, seeming to savor the uncomfortable and pensive energy in the room.
Glossary
AFFINITY – a term for a natural path that a vampire will gravitate to when turned into a vampire.
ARACHNOID – spider fae
ARACHANE OR ARANEAE – both terms for spider shifters and spider fae that mages and vampires often use to group them together. For example, in reference to the Arachane War – the spider war against others.
COASTAL PLANES FAE – land fae of the Eastern Coast of the United States of America.
ENHANCED – another term for vampire.
FAE – supernatural creatures that are thought to be created out of human imagination. They encompass gods, demigods, fairies, and many other mystical and mythical beings. They have alien minds and wills, but they have an organized structure with their own politics.
GIFTED – another term for mage.
IMPETUS – huge corporation that is involved in many fields. Hinted that it may have fae involved in running it.
MAGE – a human who has supernatural abilities. They usually have a focus of power – telepathy, telekinesis, life, pyrokinesis, kinetic, enhanced senses, technology, teleportation, etc. Often solo, sometimes can be found in covens, but with no overarching organization.
NÜWA – A shifter species – were snakes. This species is one of the few who have chosen to mingle in human politics and affairs. They live among humans. This species also requires blood to survive.
PARADIGM – huge corporation that is involved in many fields predominantly technological.
SANCTUARY (OR FAERY) – the fae realm. It is known by man names in different lore – some call it Arcadia, others “heaven” or “hell.” It exists outside of time and encompasses many dimensions. Only fae, or those chosen by fae, can traverse Sanctuary and many humans lose their minds if they go there. They have a system of law and order, but all fae follow “rules” to some degree… until recently.
SANGUINE – a fae name for vampires.
SHIFTER – various animal species that can shift to human. Most stay in animal form with a few exceptions (like the Nüwa) who have made their way into human communities.
SpArk - Sapient Artificial Knowledgebase, an AI that Nathen found the budding program for and adopted as his “child” to teach.
TECHNOMAGE – a type of mage who interfaces with technology and whose main focus of magic is technology.
VAMPIRES – once human, these creatures are changed via magical means. Infused with fae blood, they now need blood of others to survive. They can be killed/destroyed by many means, but otherwise are thought of as “immortal.” One of the theories of how they came to be is that they were initially created by fae to be used against one another in fae politics/lore since fae cannot directly harm other fae. Many have a focus of energy and can channel their blood to enhance that ability. Usually solo creatures.
XX/XY CORPORATION – run by Dr. Charles Manchester, the Chief of Surgery for San Francisco General, Dr. Manchester is a vampire who provides medical services to certain clientele including vampires in need of blood delivery.
About the Author
Connal Braginsky is a software engineer who lives in San Diego, California. Diagnosed with high functioning autism, Connal sometimes struggles in social situations but has an inner world that is always incredibly rich. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge about many esoteric things, Connal brings a lot of personal philosophies and interests to writing.
Sean Ian O’Meidhir is a psychologist who lives in San Francisco, California. Sean is a hedonist who believes in living for today, living every day to the fullest, and enjoying as much as possible. They have been gaming since adolescence and have written about and played hundreds of lives, reveling in the chance to take on new personalities, dramas, even disorders.
seanomeidhir@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/SeanOMeidhir
@SeanIanOMeidhir
Website
www.dreamersworkshop.com
Connect with NineStar Press
Website: NineStarPress.com
Facebook: NineStarPress
Facebook Reader Group: NineStarNiche
Twitter: @ninestarpress
Tumblr: NineStarPress
Sean Ian O'Meidhir, Entwined
