This is a work of fiction any similarities between the characters, events, or locations in this story and actual locations, events, or people are purely coincidental.
© 2004 Warlord
Atlantis
By Warlord
We opened the door to the building. We quickly moved down the hall to the stairway with roof access. I led the way with my gun drawn. Abigayle stepped out of her shoes, grabbed them, and scampered after me up the stairs. Aoife followed with the MP5K at the ready.
At the top of the fifth floor landing was a narrow steel ship’s ladder, leading to a sheet metal hatchway door that opened to the buildings rooftop. I went first, latching the door open and helping my two companions out onto the roof. Then I slammed the hatch shut, directing Grid to jam the latching mechanism.
The building roofs were covered with slush and water from the recent storm, with drifts of snow in the still shady corners. Abigayle’s feet were already wet and cold. I picked her up with one arm under her legs and the other behind her back. She grabbed me around the neck.
I led Aoife to the south east corner of the building and said, “That way. All the way to the end of downtown by the railroad yard.”
She pointed at the gap to the next building with an unspoken question. I said, “We jump. Low, short jumps, edge to edge. We need breathing space quickly.”
Aoife nodded. I jumped first. She followed. We ran across the roof to the far edge and repeated our jump. This time when we reached the other side of the building, the next one was five stories higher.
We jumped across and up. Luckily, this was not a well-traveled area; we remained unobserved. Abigayle finally said, “Put me down and leave me. You could easily get away without carrying me.”
Aoife said, “No. That would just confirm we are on the rooftops. They would find us more easily.”
Abigayle was not convinced but she lapsed into silence. I’m sure the cold had the most to do with her quiet. We kept moving, crossing another five buildings and moving steadily southeast.
Suddenly I heard a distinct sound. I exclaimed:
“Fuck. Quick get under that fan coil right there. Hurry.”
We ducked under a fan coil unit with four-foot tall support legs. We were on our hands and knees. The helicopter swung around the building behind us and into sight. It was a small one with a Plexiglas bubble front. A pilot and observer were visible. Grid confirmed it.
“They are looking for us, Champion. They are unsure. They are splitting the search between ground level and rooftop.
I didn’t want to use stick as that would confirm our presence. I said:
“Grid. What you did to the car today. Can you do it to the helicopter?”
Grid agreed that she could. I told her to find his oil pressure gauge. Short just that and make it alarm. I knew when she succeeded because the pilot sheered off, gaining altitude heading for the airport near downtown. When the helicopter was 500 feet over the river I said:
“Now Grid, short out everything.”
The engine stopped abruptly and the helicopter dropped into the river. There was a smash with a huge splash as it hit the water then just as suddenly it disappeared below the surface with only a rapidly dispersing oil slick marking the location.
“Okay. That’s our diversion. We have to move NOW.”
I picked up Abigayle and resumed the same routine of running across the building roofs and jumping to the next one. We were finally on the edge of downtown, seven stories up looking down at the tangled tracks of a major railroad switchyard.
I used stick to unlock the door of the elevator machinery room. We retreated into the warmth. Abigayle was shivering constantly. I began to worry about hypothermia. I asked, “Grid, I need two things. A pair of boots for Abigayle and heavy wool blankets. Can we use our magic?”
Grid replied, “I can’t make modern shoes, but I have experience with traditional Atlantean clothing.”
I answered, “Go for it.”
A pair of leather boots appeared at my feet. They were almost knee high and a cross between light boots and heavy moccasins. Aoife found some rags. I wiped Abigayle’s feet dry and slipped on the new boots.
While Aoife held my jacket, Abigayle was sitting on my lap, leaning against me, trying to stop shivering. I said:
“I adore your outfit, Abigayle, but we’ve got to get you dressed.”
Grid responded by materializing three heavy wool blankets. Aoife took the first blanket using her knife to make a hole for Abigayle’s head. With Abigayle wearing her crude Atlantean wool serape, Aoife wrapped one blanket around Abigayle, then a second around both of us.
I said, “Okay Grid, what else do we have?”
We decided to try a warmth spell. I stood up and carefully re-wrapped Abigayle. Grid began the spell and I made massaging motions. This should transfer the heat into Abigayle’s blankets and into her body. I moved away to give the process a chance to work.
Aoife had the door propped partway open with her boot toe. She was observing the crowded river crash site. She turned and asked, “What are we waiting for?”
I turned her slightly, pointing to the north end of the rail yard. I said, “See that single track going north? Periodically, long, heavy trains use that route. It’s a long upgrade so they go really slow leaving the yard limit. That’s our ride home. We will jump aboard an open freight car, and ride to the siding for our industrial park.”
Aoife said, “You’ve done this before?”
I replied, “All my growing up years. I spent my money on cigarettes and cheap wine. The only way to get home was hop freight. That’s the best place to board. Long trains at slow speed, and the track curves so the engineer can’t see us.”
She asked, “How will I know it’s the right one?”
I said, “Count the engines. Four to half-dozen that’s our ride.”
I went back to check on Abigayle. She was much better. We could go anytime. Aoife whistled softly. I joined her at the door. She pointed into the yard. A long train with several engines ganged in front was turning north. I nodded. I picked up Abigayle. “Time to go, love. Our chariot awaits.”
Aoife was already at the building parapet. She held the small submachine gun under her jacket. I joined her holding Abigayle. We stepped off and silently floated to the ground. We made as much noise as an individual snowflake hitting the ground.
I started across the yard. Aoife followed as our rear guard. I ran, taking low ‘Grid’ augmented ‘steps’ of ten yards a crack. The tangle of tracks should have made slow going but I was in the air above the worst of the tracks and switches.
We reached the open area next to the north bound through track. This was our most vulnerable time. We could be spotted by Dalton, his men, or even by a railroad worker who would stop the train with that activity alerting Dalton to our whereabouts.
I spotted a couple empty ‘Chessie’ boxcars with their doors ajar. The little sleeping kitty never looked so good!
I said, “Hold on.”
Abigayle gripped me tightly. I bounced up and over, grabbing the framework of the open sliding door of the second boxcar. Aoife moved like a graceful cat, grabbing the frame, twisting in the air, and ducking inside, landing lightly on her feet with her gun at ready. She whistled. I dropped inside the boxcar.
I set Abigayle on her feet next to the back wall, out of sight of the half open door. I made a small light ball and examined our ‘ride.’ I stacked up empty pallets into a rude chair. Abigayle spread one of her blankets on top. She invited Aoife to sit with her. I watched out the boxcar door as the train gathered speed.
Abigayle asked, “Why didn’t you just leave me?”
I said, “Can’t do it. Dalton wants you dead so I want you well.”
Aoife added, “Champion could never abandon tits like those.”
Abigayle blushed with an embarrassed giggle. I scowled into Aoife’s quite innocent expression. I returned to my watch.
I asked Grid, “Did you inform home base of our predicament?”
“Just the original ambush. Then I muted because I could sense scanning for magical emanations.”
Aoife said, “Don’t worry, Champion; they were on alert when we left.”
I swiveled and asked, “How long have you been able to hear my conversations with Grid?”
Aoife replied, “Since our lovemaking, I have a deeper bond. My senses are sharper and I can ‘hear’ your thoughts clearly.”
I walked over, kneeling at her side and kissed and hugged her. I stood up as Aoife looked at me over the top of her sunglasses, licked her lips until they had a sheen of wetness and said, “Just remember the promise you made in that same bed.”
I did. My cock lurched at the memories that replayed at her words. I shook it off as I looked at my watch.
I said, “Relax and try to stay warm. We have half an hour, maybe a bit more to our siding. One nice thing about this wizard crap -- flying is a lot easier than jumping in and out of these box cars, especially at my age.”
Aoife giggled. I pointed at her and said, “Not a goddamn sound out of you. You are not too big to be spanked.”
This elicited a laugh from Aoife and a modest smile from Abigayle.
We made the last grade crossing on the edge of downtown. The train accelerated the next several miles, either paralleled or passing under major roadways. The train continued to pick up speed. The swaying of the boxcar, and the sound of the steel wheels on the track ends, was oddly comforting. As we relaxed I asked Abigayle about Dalton and J.W.
She said, “They were partners in everything. J.W. wanted to go to Washington. Dalton would help him and put himself on the same national stage. Norma planned to, in her words, ‘get control of things’ once they all reached Washington. Dalton is fuming about how his plans are turning out.“
I asked, “What did they have planned?”
Abigayle answered, “Dalton was going to endorse J.W. from the pulpit this week. Then J.W. was going to pay Dalton twenty-five million dollars in a donation to his Glass Temple of God church. Dalton would use that to mobilize his followers.”
I asked, “Then?”
Abigayle continued. “The plan! J.W. wins the congressional election in a landslide. Dalton joins him and uses the money to establish a national Glass Temple in Washington, D.C. J.W., Dalton and Norma quite literally take over the national government. In less time than you can imagine, J.W. Miles is the last president of the United States. At least the last elected one.”
Aoife hugged her and I silently nodded as she continued, “Then Janice killed J.W. and Nana. The rumors are horrific. Dalton’s previous positive comments about J.W. are coming back to haunt him. There is an offer of one hundred thousand dollars for the death videotape. That tape alone would be the end of Dalton’s ministry. The whole fabric is unraveling on Dalton.”
Aoife asked, “How does Dalton know it’s Janice?”
Abigayle answered, “J.W. and Dalton sent men to kill Janice and grab any magical devices. Those men disappeared. Suddenly J.W. is dead and the black statue vanished. The Miles women are missing. The tapes of the sex and snuff orgies are gone. Janice is the only supernatural person in the area with anything approaching the necessary power.”
I said, “The Miles women were J.W.’s slaves. Did Dalton have plans for them even after J.W was gone?”
Abigayle said, “We are all conditioned similarly. I am enslaved to Dalton. Dalton planned to use his knowledge of them to assert his control, taking over the Miles fortune through them.”
I asked, “But he ambushed them?”
She replied, “A mistake. In his rage, Dalton decided to kill them when he killed you and Janice. He quickly countermanded his order. He told his people to kill you and capture the women, or at least one.”
I was curious. “How does he account for me?”
She smiled as she answered, “Dalton is such a pig. He assumes that you are somehow the reason for Janice’s sudden rise. After Dalton kills you, Janice will kneel before the next powerful male wizard - him.”
I said, “Dalton seems to have unlimited manpower. We kill them and he sends more. Does he have an army?”
She answered, “Looks are deceiving. Dalton has ‘backers.’ If he fails, they will just as easily bypass him and make an alliance with you. They might treaty even if they have to kill him to cement the agreement! These ‘backers’ were the men at the orgies who most enjoyed the killings.”
I said, “So he’s under pressure?”
Abigayle smiled happily as she thought about it. “Yes, he is. No money, no statue, no congressman, no new church, and a rival wizard creating problems. They may kill Dalton long before you have a chance.”
I was leaning against the boxcar wall continuing to peer outside and measure our progress. Aoife looked over her ‘new’ MP5K. She said, “40 caliber. Very nice. When do I get one like this?”
I answered, “Be a good little girl. It might take awhile. Be a bad little girl. Immediately!”
She stuck out her tongue at me. Abigayle managed to smile at least a little during our byplay. We crossed under the beltway surrounding the metropolitan area. I said, “Okay, loves. Pick up your toys. Our stop is in a few moments. Only they won’t stop for us. We have to get off while it’s traveling.”
Aoife looked out at the rapidly passing scenery and asked, “How did you do this before you could fly?”
I answered, “I’d hang out the door and run along side. When I saw a nice soft spot I’d let go.”
Abigayle and Aoife were both shaking their heads. They picked up Abigayle’s blanket. We stood at the door. I held Abigayle in my arms. Aoife had her hand on my shoulder. I pointed at the swiftly approaching spur track. I said, “Now.”
We pushed off the boxcar and traveled flying down the spur, quickly out of sight of the train. I stayed upright, holding Abigayle. Since we were in thick brush and trees in the uninhabited area behind the industrial park, I continued flying. I settled to about a foot above the ties keeping in the center of the train track. Aoife moved up about six feet and dropped back 25 feet as our rear guard.
We reached the 16-foot high berm around the industrial park. The berm was cut back just enough to allow the single spur track to go through. I slowed down and Aoife accelerated into the lead with her submachine gun in hand. I told Abigayle to hold on tight. I drew my Chief’s Special.
The track curved sharply as we passed through the berm. As it straightened I saw our reception committee.
My Suburban with Taylor behind the wheel was sitting next to the spur idling, with all passenger and back cargo doors open. Cynthia and Claire were standing in the middle of the tracks. Aintzane was holding her Benelli M-4 standing at the back quarter panel of the Suburban. Paige was standing by the front bumper.
Aoife dropped to the ground next to Cynthia and Claire. They hugged and kissed her in welcome. I pocketed my gun. I stopped directly in front of them and settled to the ground. I realized that both Claire’s and Cynthia’s faces were wet with tears.
Abigayle let go of me and turned around. She recognized Claire. “Claire!”
“Abigayle!”
They were both quickly hugging and kissing. Cynthia stepped up to me. Slugged me. Then she jumped into my arms and kissed me as hard as she could. When we came up for air she yelled, “You bastard. You complete bastard. You KNEW he was planning that. I was so worried. Then you show up with a WOMAN. How in the FUCK do you always come back with a woman?”
Claire and Abigayle were standing next to us with bemused expressions as Cynthia wound down. I kissed her again. It is hard for her to yell at me when her lips are occupied. She stopped talking long enough to stick her tongue far into my mouth. I sucked it, and gently bit the tip as she withdrew.
She finally said, “God damn it. No more freelancing. Take warriors along next time.”
“Yes, dear.”
“Fuck you. Don’t you DARE patronize me.”
I kissed her again. This time I pulled her into me with my hands groping her ass. When Cynthia pulled her head back she smirked at me. She said, “Don’t think you can placate me. I intend to stay mad for a while.”
Then she leaned forward and whispered in my ear, “At least until bed time.”
Cynthia dropped to her feet. She turned to greet Abigayle. I looked toward the Suburban where Aoife was greeting Aintzane. Paige was standing motionless, with her two hands cupped in front of her holding something precious. .
I walked up to Paige. When I was close to her I dropped to my knees. I touched her hand turning it gently so that I could lean forward and kiss the knuckles. Then I settled back on my heels.
Paige gazed at me with her calm measuring glance. She looked down at her knuckles then back at me. I said, “That was thank you.”
She answered, “You’re welcome. I cast the runes. The power that surrounds us has released and sharpened my vision. I saw the past, present and future in a panorama.”
I replied, “You know how this worked in the old days?”
Paige shook her head, smiling now.
“The chieftain would make a pronouncement. Then he would turn to his lovely and very shapely ‘rune caster lady’ and she would make the runes perform. Say the chieftain wanted to boff all the virgins in the village. She would cast the special ‘yes’ runes and then say it portended a good harvest.”
Paige giggled and said, “I just knew it would be about boffing. What a great word. What if the ‘rune caster lady’ made a mistake and threw the ‘no’ runes by accident.”
I replied, “Very sad. There would shortly be a job opening for a new less accident prone ‘rune caster lady’ in that very village.”
Paige laughed as she said, “Sounds like dangerous employment. I can’t help you. I only have one set of runes. Sorry.”
I stood up, embraced her and kissed her soft lips. When I stood up she calmly said, “Fear not the visions, my master and love. You are surrounded by love and magic.”
Paige stepped back, still exhibiting her serene bearing, placing her runes in her pocket as she went to greet Abigayle.
Taylor was still sitting at the wheel of the Suburban. I walked around to the open drivers door. I leaned in and kissed her. Taylor threw her arms around my neck. I stepped back. Taylor gracefully flowed out of the seat. She was tightly pressed against me. I reached under her unzipped jacket, which I realized was MY jacket. I discovered Taylor’s midriff was bare. My cold hands on her bare skin made Taylor break our kiss looking at me in an accusing fashion. She exclaimed, “Your hands are freezing!”
“Sorry.”
She reached between us to pop the button on the waistband of her low rider jeans. She then carefully placed my hands under the loosened waistband above the bare cheeks of her butt. She said:
“Warm them here.”
I slid my hands under the waistband and down placing one hand on each cheek. Taylor had her hands back around my neck. We were kissing while I massaged her firm ass. She asked, “Better?”
I answered, “Every survival kit should have a set of these.”
I pinched her left cheek. She yelped and then giggled. She said, “Stop that.”
Taylor rested her head on my shoulder as we stood quietly together. I realized our bond was exceptional. The magic and slave conditioning could only be a small part of the equation.
Taylor stood up straight as she said, “Claire and Paige gave me their mother’s ring today. Althea D’Aubigne, she was a Cajun witch woman. ”
She held up her hand for my inspection. I saw our Atlantean silver ring with small crystal insets. On the next finger was a gold ring with a crystal 13-pointed star in the center of the setting. Taylor’s star shaped crystal was glowing with magical fire.
When we had some time we were definitely going to discuss the Atlantis and Cajun connection.
We leaned together with our lips in soft tender contact. My right hand slid out of her jeans. My fingers were quickly tangled in her lustrous hair. Our tongues were exploring deep in each other’s mouths in turn.
The Suburban’s horn was quite startling.
I looked up as Taylor twisted in my arms looking over her shoulder. The Suburban was full! Cynthia had her hand on the horn button. There was a patter of applause as Taylor and I broke our embrace. An embarrassed Taylor climbed behind the wheel. I walked around to climb in the front seat next to my Cynthia Lolita. Taylor backed us off the grass and on the industrial park roadway. We were going home.
Cynthia said, “We need to get you back. Isobel has us at full alert.”
I leaned back in the seat, shut my eyes and said, “I fucked up, Lolita. I misplayed the hand with Dalton.”
Cynthia took my left hand in her two hands. She kissed the palm. Cynthia held my hand in her lap as she asked, “What makes you say that love?”
I replied:
“He planned to leave Abigayle with us. I made it too easy. I should have slow played him. That would have caused Dalton to ‘force’ Abigayle on me. Who knows what intel he would have dropped for us.”
Cynthia asked, “Yes. BUT. Did you learn anything useful?”
Aoife spoke up. “They think this is all Janice!”
There was an excited babble in the Suburban.
Cynthia asked, “No shit?”
Abigayle asked, “Aren’t you all with Janice? Isn’t she in charge?”
I said, “We have much to tell you Abigayle. Only after Elias examines you. Nothing personal, my love, but Dalton wanted you with me. Elias will tell us why.”
We were quickly in the cul-de-sac. Different today were the robed figure sweeping the driveway, trimming hedges and doing outside maintenance. The tasks stopped and did not resume until vehicle and passengers were identified.
We walked into the living room, to find the large bow window overlooking the street stacked with sandbags, fronted with vests. Perun and his wife Morana, both warriors of General Ulysses were standing at the window.
There was no casual nudity today. I saw urban camouflage and wizard robes. There were firearms everywhere.
General Ulysses appeared with his warrior paramour Agronna. He hugged and kissed his daughter Aoife. Agronna welcomed me with a hot tongue filled kiss and full body contact. Agronna turned to greet Aoife with hugs and more tongue filled kisses. Ulysses hugged me next. Ulysses had no more than released me when Queen Isobel appeared. She was at a dead run as she hurtled into my arms. She grabbed my head as she kissed me. Isobel exclaimed, “I forbid you to ever do that again. Your queen is very angry. Very very angry indeed. You, my Champion, have much to do to return to my good graces.”
This last was said into my shoulder as she was clutching me. I looked over her shoulder into Cynthia’s smirk. She said, “You tell him, Isobel. He‘s an utter bastard.”
I said, “Thank you for sharing, Lolita. Isobel is doing just fine without your helping.”
Cynthia stuck out her tongue at me while Claire and Paige giggled. I saw Abigayle walk into the living room from the entry hall. Her eyes were big. She was holding tightly to Taylor’s hand.
I gently raised my queen’s chin with my finger. I kissed her lips. Isobel looked up at me smiling and said, “You’re not forgiven. I am very…”
I leaned down kissing her. My one hand was tangled in her hair and the other was caressing her butt. She pulled her head back saying, “I will not…”
Pressing my lips against hers effectively silenced her. Her tongue deeply in mine followed my tongue playing in her mouth. A loud whistle startled us. We looked around to see Cynthia with her fingers in her mouth. She said, “Time out, you two. Kiss and make up on your own time.”
Isobel leaned in for a quick kiss on the lips. She stepped back as she waggled her finger at me in an admonishing manner as she said, “Much ‘work’ remains to return to my good graces, my champion.”
She joined Cynthia in shared laughter. Isobel quickly greeted our returning family members with hugs and kisses. Isobel turned to greet Abigayle.
Abigayle had her wool blankets removed as she entered the house. She was standing in only her thin summer dress, wearing the Atlantean boots, holding her slip-on high heels. She looked terrified as Isobel approached. She clutched even harder on Taylor’s hand.
Isobel asked, “Are we to be introduced, Champion?”
I moved next to Abigayle as I replied, “I’m sorry. This is Abigayle Bixby. I’m afraid we won’t be introducing ourselves to Abigayle for a bit. First she needs to be examined by our Doctors. I want Elias and Jon to check her as well. Claire, if you would also sit in, I would appreciate it.”
Abigayle released Taylor with one hand and grabbed my forearm. I put my arm around Abigayle’s shoulders. I whispered in her ear, “Please go with Taylor, my love. You will not be harmed. Once you have been cleared all will be explained.”
I kissed her cheek and lightly patted her on the butt as Taylor started her to the doctors. Abigayle broke free to run back throw her arms around my neck and kiss me. I held her until she calmed. Taylor took Abigayle’s hand. Abigayle released me. I again patted her butt, eliciting a modest giggle from Abigayle. Taylor led Abigayle to our doctors.
Cynthia asked, “Love. Do we need to clean your gun?”
I answered, “I shot it. It needs to be cleaned.”
I drew it from my jacket pocket. I pressed the catch dropping the cylinder before handing it over. Aoife had already relinquished her MP5K to Aintzane. Aurelia appeared to take my jacket. She traded me a kiss and hot cup of coffee.
Isobel said, “My Champion. We are on full alert. I canceled the banquet and celebration. I hope you are not too disappointed.”
I said, “No, my queen. Very prudent, the acts of a wise leader.”
Isobel said, “Should we discuss your activities?”
I answered, “Yes, a staff meeting if we could. I would like Taylor and Abigayle in attendance. Perhaps we should update while we wait.”
Isobel turned to Dalibor, one of Elias’ assistants, and requested the update crystals be set up in the dining room. She started toward the dining room.
Claire took my hand while Paige took Aoife’s. They led us into a room off the living room being used as an Internet Café. The room was empty of spectators. They sat us in chairs side by side. Claire reached into her pocket and produced two more ‘Cajun’ 13-point star crystal rings.
Paige held Aoife’s hand while Claire placed the ring on her finger. Then it was my turn. Paige stepped behind me. She placed my hand over my medallion holding it in place against my skin. Paige opened the catch on the necklace holding the chain end toward he sister. Claire threaded the chain through the finger hole of the ‘Cajun’ ring. The ring was now resting against my fingers. Paige was securing the chain. I let go and the ring settled next to the wizard medallion. Claire said:
“These rings take their magic from a different source, a far different magical ‘stream’ if you will. You will find your magic stronger and more focused with the addition of this new stream flow. I have prevailed on Elias to provide a large 13-point crystal for my own double pentagram that will be a lens to also tap and focus this parallel stream. Once I draw my pentagrams, you will have heightened power. Champion you will find the bond with the three of us multiplies your powers greatly.”
I asked, “Who have you given these?”
Paige answered, “Taylor, Cynthia, Aintzane, you both.”
Claire continued, “Abigayle will receive one, Christy, Janice, Catherine, Adrienne, Tammy. Thirteen rings will then be distributed. That is another plateau for increased power.”
I asked, “How did you select the recipients? You haven’t met some of the women you’ve selected.”
Claire pointed at Paige who reached into her pocket and shook her runes. I nodded my understanding. Paige said, “These women have or soon will have a very close bond to you, master and love. This bond amplifies the power greatly,
I said in some surprise, “Abigayle?”
Paige smiled her serene smile and said simply, “Yes, Abigayle.”
We rejoined the others in the dining room. Dalibor was distributing the flat rectangular crystals that were used to update and share information. He informed us, “We have discovered that the medallions do not have to be ‘together’ at the same crystal for this to work. We are able to link all our medallions if they are available and at ‘any’ update crystal. Even our Nevada medallions are able to participate.”
I asked, “Will they be on-board for this one?”
Dalibor answered, “Yes, Champion. We contacted them with the news that this was an urgent update.”
I said, “Good, I will be traveling there soon. It’s essential for their safety that they understand the situation here.”
Dalibor pointed to the crystals. Each of us placed our Atlantean rings and wrist pieces in contact. The crystal quickly began to glow with multi colored streaks and shimmers of light. Grid said, “This will go much faster than before. We complete sharing information in less than ten minutes. I can’t even imagine the spike in magical power from our added warriors and now the ‘Cajun’ rings.”
I asked, “Grid, did we miss the folks examining Abigayle?”
Grid answered, “No, Champion. They have an update crystal in that room as well.”
The update was concluded promptly. Dalibor removed the update crystals. Maeve the AI of the main crystal appeared to report that ALL medallions participated. She also reported as yet unmeasured but dramatic increase in our available magical power.
Elias and Jon appeared from the medical room. They asked to speak to me in private. I said, “Walk with me, please. Aoife if you will join us.”
We walked through the kitchen outdoors and unto the back deck. I leaned against the deck railing. I nodded and Elias led off. “Champion. Jon and I are concerned with your use of magical weapons in your last battles. Is there some reason why you are reluctant to use the full powers available?”
I answered, “Yes. I’m afraid!”
Aoife snorted in disbelief. I held my hand up for silence as I continued, “Truly! If I make a mistake with a pistol, I could potentially hurt somebody even kill one person. I make a mistake with one of my energy bolts - I vaporize a high rise filed with innocent bystanders. Worse, I could blast the whole downtown into a puddle of slag!”
Jon nodded his head with a serious expression. He said, “You are not afraid. You, Champion, are showing us strength and wisdom. We need to tailor your weapons to your personality. You are certainly willing to use your ‘stick.’ We must therefore design tactile weapons. You are also comfortable with the ‘ball’ weapons of various types.”
Elias was nodding as well. He said, “Good points. Champion, tell us something that you would use.”
I said, “I want something that will fry electrical systems like the ‘EMP’ Electro-Magnetic Pulse from a thermonuclear bomb. Today I needed warmth without fire. How about a ‘ball’ that radiates heat? Perhaps the bigger the ball, the greater the heat or even the mage can determine the balls temperature. . If you want to be really fancy, have a flow of air in the ball push the heat.”
Elias and Jon were nodding. I continued, “A shield of some sort. I spent time ducking energy bolts the last time out front.”
Elias said, “That is no problem. A training issue, really.”
I continued warming to my task; I decided to go all out. “A light saber!”
Elias laughed. “Star Wars, right?”
Jon said, “Not so funny. A saber is a tactile weapon. The design controls and limits the energy flow. The hilt allows precision in employment. Good idea.”
We all swiveled to look at him. Jon smiled as he said, “This would be pointless if every time champion asked for something we ridiculed it or said it was impossible. I will think further of weapons employed in a like fashion.”
Elias said, “Jon makes good sense. Champion, if you will accompany me to your back yard.”
Jon left. Elias, Aoife and I walked to my ‘old’ house. In the back yard, a piece of one-inch thick sheet-steel, six feet tall by four feet wide was standing upright. Elias stopped me about 25 feet from it. We started to work with more ‘ball’ weapons.
Elias helped me form magical energy into golf-ball-sized packages. I would fling them at the steel plate. I practiced for a bit. When I was comfortable with the process, I began to ‘pack’ more magic into the ball. The next one blew a crater in the plate. The plate rang like a gong at the strike. I tried again with a ‘bit’ more magic. This one blew a six-inch diameter hole in the steel plate. The plate rippled and rang with that strike.
Elias smiled happily as he said, “Jon is right. We just need to work with you. Now, Champion, form a series of that last one, and fire them at the plate as fast as you can.”
I formed the first one throwing it but by the sixth one my arm motion had ceased and the balls just emanated from my fingertips at the rate of about one per second. I stopped firing to find Aoife and Elias with their hands over their ears. The plate was rippling and ringing from the impacts and was punctured by eight holes, as well as holding several craters. The impact points were hot, with the steel molten and bubbling at the edges.
Elias was laughing and clapping his hands happily.
Since I was in a receptive mood, we quickly began shield training. First however he added a second crystal enhanced wrist piece. I now had one on each arm. He was right in one respect. With my increased power, shields were easy to employ. Elias and I walked away from this session happy with the outcome. We headed in to the staff meeting.
Aoife fell in step beside me. I told her I was sorry to be such a wimp. She laughed. “Champion, you do realize that the target you fired at was magically hardened and shielded. Our other mages did not mar the steel’s surface, much less blow large holes in it!”
Aurelia and Berit, Queen Isobel’s attendants, were in charge of the kitchen. Today they were not in their usual ‘barely dressed’ togas. Both were instead wearing one piece tailored jumpsuits in urban camouflage color scheme. The jumpsuits had a single zipper in front from neck to crotch. Both attendants’ jumpsuits were fully unzipped to their pubic bone. The flashes of revealed skin, as the tailored jump suits opened and closed with their movements, was more distracting than if they were naked. Aoife laughed at my frank stares. Aurelia and Berit were delighted with the attention.
Berit served me a jumbo-sized espresso. I carried it into the conference room. It was “deja vu all over again!”
I was at one end of the long conference table, with Queen Isobel at the other. Aoife again was behind my right shoulder. Abigayle was sitting at the table next to Taylor, with Paige and Claire immediately behind. Urban camo was the order of the day; only two of us were in ‘civilian’ clothes - Aoife and me. Abigayle was wearing her own pair of tailored camouflaged BDU’s. She looked quite fetching in them.
Isobel clapped for attention. She called on me first thing. Everyone in our Atlantean household was wearing a wizard medallion and ring, even those who were not full warriors. They all had the complete report. I gave a quick summary emphasizing the ‘Janice’ factor. Janice and Christy ‘high fived’ at the conclusion.
Janice and Christy quickly moved to Isobel’s end of the table, close to the pull down screen. Megan and Natalie, two assistants , had the computer and the multimedia projector warmed up.
Christy started their presentation. “We talked at our last meeting about disguising our true nature by hiding behind a cult. We held a series of meetings while Champion was ‘away.’ The idea is to get this cult story in play to protect Taylor and the girls.”
The projector started throwing up text describing a group devoted to the wisdom of Ancient Atlantis with an emphasis on communal living. Healing with crystals and meditation was emphasized. The overview was great.
Christy said, “We were unsure about the list of leaders; now, however, Janice is the logical choice. We thank Champion for that essential information.”
Janice said, “We will form a corporation in this state. Atlantis LLC. This corporation will hold our real property. My house, Christy’s, Champion’s, Helen’s farm, etc. will go under this umbrella. We don’t need to list any member information. We do need to list the organizer and something called a ‘registered agent,’ the state mandated contact person. Those ‘official’ names and addresses will be me, using my office address. That will be public information, accessible to Dalton or anyone else.”
Cynthia interrupted to say that she had ordered Dreamweaver software. She would be building our public and private websites. She said, “I’ve got plenty of bandwidth to play with. We will be our own ISP. We will be able to set up secure communication for our ‘out-of-town’ contacts.”
Christy continued, “We will refine our message before Taylor, Claire and Paige have to explain their presence here.”
Isobel and I led a round of applause for a job well done by our new public relations planners.
I said, “If we get out in front of this ‘cult’ message, we can convince people Atlantis is a fraud. They will be comfortable with our scam and leave us alone.”
Isobel said, “It is strange to me Champion. The best way for us to hide is to tell everyone where we are!”
I replied, “A writer named Poe used this ‘hide in plain sight’ device in his classic ‘Purloined Letter.’”
Isobel nodded and called for the next item.
Megan flipped up a different set of screens. Christy began a new presentation. “Champion requested an examination of financials for J.W. Miles brought to us by Taylor.”
The first slide went up with a bewildering series of numbers. Christy said, “Shortly before his death, J.W. converted ninety-six million dollars to cash.”
She waved off the babble of questions to continue, “Not currency, but liquid accounts where the money would be immediately available. In addition, there is approximately two-hundred twenty-seven million in non-liquid securities. There are other accounts as well. The car dealerships are each a separate corporation.”
The room was dead silent as Christy went on. “J.W apparently had formed additional corporations of his own in all fifty states. We have only bare bones information about these. He also had property in other states as well. We are still unraveling this. We think J.W had a secret office somewhere in the metropolitan area.”
She turned to me. “There is a corporation in Nevada. We will provide you with the registered agent information. The corporation owns property on Industrial Road in Las Vegas. The RA is on Tropicana Boulevard. He appears to be a mail drop, as well.”
I said, “I will check it out. This will be a very complicated probate.”
Janice quickly answered, “No probate at all. Everything is in Taylor’s name. She is the single shareholder for the corporations that we find. She owns all the real property. Taylor is the only name on vehicle titles and other personal property. Her name is the sole one on any accounts. Even the car lots have Taylor as the sole stockholder with J.W. listed as CEO.”
Christy said, “We don’t know J.W.’s motives. This all was accomplished well before his death, but the result is that Taylor owns EVERYTHING, free and clear.”
Taylor looked like she was going to pass out. Claire and Paige huddled around her, holding her as she sat.
Cynthia said, “Politics. J.W was getting ready for congressional financial disclosure; Taylor as spouse was exempt. Only he, as the congressional candidate, had to list his assets and possible conflicts of interest. If he was joint owner the assets went on the list. That’s why Taylor is sole owner.”
Claire spoke up. “That agrees with conversations Paige and I overheard between J.W and Dalton. We were his deeply bonded slaves so there was no fear that we would not follow his wishes in everything.”
She shuddered at the last of her statement. I stood up and went to her. I hugged each of the ladies Miles in turn. Taylor received my fervent hugs and kisses until Isobel clapped for attention. We were both slightly breathless as we broke our embrace.
Isobel said, “We will keep looking into the Miles situation. Lets talk about our newest guest, Abigayle.”
Dr. Harkin reported no ill effects from Abigayle’s time in the cold. Elias now reported on the magical aspects. He said, “Abigayle is a slave to Dalton. Understand that before I explain the rest.”
He looked around at all of us then he continued, “Abigayle has a series of commands deeply buried in her mind which were to surface in the coming days. At first opportunity Abigayle was to entice Champion into bed and then kill him.”
There was quite a little reaction to that statement. Elias looked around sternly until it was quiet. He continued, “Her secondary target was Janice. Failing those tasks, she was to study the situation here, escaping to report to Dalton after a week. Champion’s death was sufficiently important that Dalton made it a suicide mission if that was the only way to accomplish the killing.”
Abigayle sat slumped in her chair with her hand up over her mouth. She looked nauseous with an ashen complexion. Taylor had her arm around Abigayle. Elias spoke up. “Luckily, Champion brought Claire into our family. Claire has provided us with a method to alter Abigayle’s conditioning by giving her a new master.”
Every head at the conference table swiveled to look at me. Aoife giggled, poking my shoulder. I opened my mouth to speak but didn’t get even get out a syllable. Claire looked me in the eye as she said, “No option, Champion. She can’t continue in servitude to Dalton.”
Making love to Abigayle would hardly be onerous. I had a question. “Will I have to use force?”
Abigayle suddenly perked up, as she replied, “You saved my life today despite many opportunities, and good reasons, to leave me to Dalton. You will never have to use force for any request. Ever. Promise me one thing ,Champion. Promise you will kill me before you would allow me to return to Dalton.”
The room was silent with the impact of Abigayle’s request. We pondered Dalton’s treatment of Abigayle, where certain death was preferable to returning to him.
Isobel assigned tasks and duties. She urged us to be careful while maintaining our vigilance. She reminded the group that I would be traveling to Nevada tonight. The meeting was adjourned.
The conference room emptied quickly. Only Taylor, Abigayle and Aoife remained with me.
I stood up, saying, “I’ll be up all night, so I’m taking a nap now.”
Aoife put her hand on my arm, looked at me with a mulish expression, and said, “I’m traveling with you.”
I answered, “No, you’re not.”
She shook her head with an angry snap. She said, “My duty requires it.”
I gently touched her cheeks turning her head to me. I held her eyes as I said, “Your duty requires you to obey me. I must know that the girls are protected. You, Aoife, are that essential protection, allowing me to focus on my duties without distraction. No discussion, my warrior love. I need your shield here.”
I quietly took her in my arms, kissing her. I kissed her nose, each cheek and each eyelid. Finally Aoife giggled and said, “You keep missing my lips!”
I kissed Aoife with my tongue lightly caressing just inside her lips. I said, “Time for bed my love.”
I turned to see Taylor tugging at Abigayle. Abigayle was reluctant to approach me. I walked to Abigayle and swept her into my arms. I said, “Not your fault, love. Dalton planted evil commands without your permission or cooperation. These, all, we will excise. My mastery will replace Dalton’s control. It seems the only way.”
I released Abigayle. Taylor was quickly in my arms, kissing me thoroughly. She said, “It IS the only way. You protect us by assumption of this responsibility.”
Taylor and Aoife each took one of Abigayle’s hands. They led her off to the master bedroom. The ‘master’ was a bit ironic at this point. I followed slightly behind. I had questions for Grid, “Grid, how is the ‘new’ teleportation going?”
She answered, “Very well. We are able send inanimate objects with success. Soon we will test with living things. Then finally people.”
I said, “Could you transport something into Dalton’s church?”
Grid replied:
“Yes, but not with any accuracy. I don’t know exactly where in the church ‘it’ would end up. Sorry. What are we discussing?”
I replied, “Not a problem. Aoife, Abigayle, Taylor and I are going upstairs to fuck. Before that begins, you are going to completely clean out and disinfect our lower gastro-intestinal tract. You will ensure that the colon and rectum, our butts and assholes are spotless clean, fresh smelling, sweet tasting and well lubed. All the shit and other bad stuff you remove from the four of us, your will transport into Dalton’s church. Where in the church I don’t care. Just so it ends up INSIDE the church!”
Grid giggled. “Yes, sir. That I can do.”
I said, “Good. Please proceed when we are in the shower.”
With that taken care of, I caught up to my three lovelies on the stairs heading to my bedroom. I won’t be getting much sleep. A wizard’s work is never done!