Kahnn Confesses
“I took them from the two men who took me to The Inner Dome.”
“You did what?”
“Is this nine?” he asks, hoping to lighten the mood.
“Nine—how did you get the PICs?”
“With a knife...”
“Ten—without a doubt, they didn’t volunteer to let you cut them out? How did you get them out of their arms?”
He can find no alternative. “First, I killed them.”
“How did you accomplish such a feat? Yes—that is question number eleven.”
“I electrocuted them with the electrodes they used on me.” What do I do now? I confessed to premeditated murder.
“Twelve—where are the bodies?”
“They’re, no doubt, in the filtration system of the Toxic Waste Furnace,” he says, convinced he is a dead man.
“Now let me understand this. You fried the two men, cut out their PICs, stole their security bracelets, and cremated them?”
“The answer is a YES to thirteen.” Once again, he tries to soften the big man.
“I’m finished for now. Let me take you to your new accommodations.” The man puts on a slight smile. “One last question—are you a member of OFGRAT?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Never mind, let’s get you settled into your new place of residence.”
“Well, what do you think?” Colonel Baanar asks.
“Your man did a good job with the interrogation.” Jasen’s voice tails off as he goes deep in thought.
“Do you think he’s telling the truth?”
“Yes, his story is too bizarre to be a fabrication. I think he somehow overpowered the two men, but I want to get a more detailed explanation. Did your men question the man named Renny?”
“No, not yet, but I’ll instruct my man to cross-examine him tomorrow. His son is playing waal-baal this evening.”
“Okay, for now, try to confirm Kahnn’s story. His friend might be an excellent source of information about what’s going on inside The Inner Dome.”
DR. KIZZIE’S CONDO
Kizzie responds to a knock at the door. “Eath—how kind of you to come—I need your advice.”
“Right now, my counsel isn’t worth much.” Bitterness still lingers in his voice.
“I don’t want to be too intrusive, but will you to tell me what happened to you at the university. I don’t believe the ‘official story’ of you molesting one of your students. I identify with you too well to consider such a thing.”
“The situation is almost too painful to talk about. I’m shocked someone like Bhril will destroy a man’s career in a temper tantrum. After we found eavesdropping devices in all our rooms, including Bilden’s, someone ransacked Rueef Lorenz’s room. I brought everyone out of The Dome for his or her safety. We got back, and she discovered someone raided her apartment on campus too. Soon afterwards, she vanished without a trace. He offered personal bodyguards if I continued my work. I refused, and the rest is history.”
“She is still missing?”
“Yes, and Commander Jasen says the trail is cold. They are stymied as to where to go from here.”
“Betta Kahnn disappeared about the same time. Rumor is he crossed the supreme chancellor. Both appeared to depart the planet. Events are getting weird. I need to discuss a situation with you.”
“Okay, I’ll help you if I can.”
“One of my subordinates is in a quandary. His hobby is studying ancient documents, and he is part of a group trying to translate some archaic texts located at the Abydos Museum. He and a professor friend of mine translated a small percentage of the chronicle. Strangers confronted Mr. Eas at his home, and the men made some not so veiled threats. They threatened his wife and children. The evidence appears to confirm they are of extraterrestrial origin. I ran tests on the ink, document material, and reconfirmed the preliminary findings. Some of the substances in both aren’t on our Periodic Table. I planned to submit a scientific paper to the Academy of Science. The implications make me hold on too strong reservations about doing the submittal. What do you think?”
“You two are struggling with a problem—well, we three are burdened. Did he report the warnings to the Ministry of Law and Order?”
“No, he’s afraid to, but another dilemma faces him. He overheard, by accident, Dr. Zea discussing an upcoming event with someone. The incident is so catastrophic few in academia and government are aware of the facts. He died. I took over, and Eas shared the information with me.”
“I believe running from a problem makes a larger one. I’m aware of a number of bizarre things happening. Otherwise, I offer no suggestions.”
“Are you suggesting he should go back and try to complete the translation of the ancient documents and publicize his conclusions?
“I’m saying now that others are involved, ignoring the problems won’t make them go away. They’ll come back to haunt him at some point in the future.”
“What do you think will happen if I present my results to The Academy of Science?”
“I wouldn’t—someone wants to conceal the subject of extraterrestrial documentation. I suspect they’ll go to any extremes to keep the information secret. We’re living in times truth isn’t as important as power. The real question is their agenda?”
“I think I went to sleep one evening in one world, and woke up the next in a different world. My life used to be simple and uneventful before he died, and I received the promotion. The more I learn, the less I believe in our government.”
“Kizzie, are you aware of OFGRAT?”
“No, what does the acronym mean?”
He is not sure she is ready for another revelation. “If I continue, I’m placing my life in your hands. Are you sure you want me to do that?”
“Are you sure you can confide in me so far? Dr. Marshon, you’re scaring me. What’s this group that it’s so dangerous?”
“How much do you rely on your elected officials?” he asks.
“Not far—”
“OFGRAT is short for the Organization for Governmental Reform and Truth, and a secret association dedicated to exposing official deceit and abuse of power. You’ll be appalled at what we’ve learned about our ‘elected’ bureaucrats and the two political parties.” He evaluates Kizzie’s expression.
“We—are you a member?”
“Yes, they approached me with an invitation soon after Bhril ruined my career.”
“What’re the requirements for membership?”
“You can’t request to join. You must be invited. Other stipulations for association include being in trouble with the government, for no cause, or being under surveillance. The reasons earlier stated can’t be in violation of The Articles. In addition, you must take a vow you’ll die before you’ll reveal the name of any member or the knowledge and objectives of the organization. If a person fails to honor the oath, his or she will be killed. Kizzie, this is serious business.” He pauses and waits for her response.
“Does the society offer any form of protection to its members?”
“For an individual whose life’s in immediate danger, we have several safe havens where they can go. They can take their family if necessary. Each is a miniature city and self-sufficient.”
“Will you invite Bannon Eas to join?”
“I’ll encourage you to enlist. You can ask him.”
“No, I want you to ask him. He’s in more peril than am I.”
“Okay—but you need to call him, and get him over here now. I’m leaving on a mission tomorrow, and I don’t know when I’ll be back.”
SEVERAL DAYS LATER AT JADAN’S APARTMENT
He sits on his sofa strumming a slow meditative tune on his guitet. His mind is reevaluating the overwhelming information received in recent months. A knock at his door breaks his pensive state, and he lays the instrument on the table in front of him and goes to the door. The screen reveals Kia. He opens the door.
She rushes in putting her arms around his neck, and she kisses his lips. With no words spoken, passions take control. He closes and locks the door. They stand in a tight embrace, their caresses interrupted by moments of intense staring into one another’s eyes. The wordless conversation communicates volumes.
She backs across the room pulling him along. They reach the far side, and her hand searches the wall. She finds the small panel and touches the button at the bottom. A faint hum is audible as the bed begins to lower from its storage place. Next comes two soft thumps as the legs contact the floor…
Neither speaks—Kia falls on the bed pulling Jadan down with her. Her hands are behind his head holding their lips together with passion. Their breathing quickens as he unbuttons her chemise and slides his hand inside, enjoying the smooth, warm skin of her stomach.
She bites his lower lip as she releases his shirt and fumbles with his belt buckle. He raises a little to give her access, and she is successful. Her hands slide around to his back, and she runs her fingers up and down his spine, giving him chills.
His right hand slides around to her back and to the clasp of her bra. Inexperience makes releasing the device difficult. In time—he succeeds. The back pops open. He allows his digits to savor the touch of her smooth skin as he moves them to her firm breasts. He takes her earlobe between his lips, and his warm breath enters her ear.
She melts in his embrace...
They lie exhausted in one another’s arms, savoring the emotional high of physical bliss. The cool air clothes them.
Jadan stares with intensity into her eyes—he can almost read her thoughts, but in an instant, reality strikes him. “Your Grandfather will never stand for this—will he?”
“Perhaps he will in time.”
“What do we do until then?”
“I’m not sure.”
“You’re an Annunaki, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“You’re a Blood also?”
After a pause, she asks, “Yes, but how did you learn of such things? Does any of this matter to us?”
“I’m not as naive as I might appear, and yes—the circumstances make a difference.”
She sits up and stares at him through perplexed eyes. The mood is broken. “I shared my essence with you. I love you.”
“At what point, did you plan to tell me about the Annunaki and the Bloods?”
“I’m not sure.”
“I guess a more pertinent question—did you intend to tell me?” He gazes with intensity into her eyes trying to read the real answer, regardless of her words.
“To be honest—I didn’t—I failed to find any benefit in telling you.”
“What kind of long term, and endearing relationship can we build if we hold secrets from one another?”
“I didn’t consider the impact earlier.”
A tapping on the door further interrupts the moment.
“Take your clothes to the bathroom and get dressed. I’m expecting a friend. Wait a minute…” He shouts through the door. He grabs his pants and pulls them on as he walks.
Kia collects her things and hurries while Jadan pushes the button to stow the bed. He rushes to the door, touches the screen, and invites him in.
Relo strides across the room and spots the guitet. “What a beautiful instrument,” he says as he lifts the device out of the case. He sits down and plays several measures of a familiar tune before stopping.
“I wasn’t aware you played.”
“This isn’t why I came.”
There is a click as the bathroom door opens, and she walks out.
“I didn’t realize you planned to entertain a guest.” He places the instrument back in its case and stands.
“Don’t rush. I’m leaving. I must make a live appearance at The Broadcast in two hours. They need plenty of time to put my show face on.”
“Before you go, let me introduce you.” He finishes the introductions, and she walks over and kisses him on the lips. “I’ll call you later.”
After she leaves, he says, “I am searching for Rue’s brother. I encountered difficulty finding anyone who remembered him. To tell the truth—I hit a wall. Soon after Opaque initiated her as a Sister, he died on an assignment for The Conversant. I’m having trouble learning what happened to him, but his name is Baab Lorenz. He’s her half-brother.”
“What did you learn about his family?”
“Little—except they live near the equatorial plane in Bozza. The trip takes two-days by train to get to the town of Krest. I wish I could help more, but The Commission is sending me to an undisclosed location. They are holding a high profile prisoner.”
“Prisoner—I didn’t realize the society deals with prisoners.”
“To be honest, we don’t. The facts make this so interesting. I must go now, but I’ll call you upon my return.” Relo is up and out the door before he can stop him.
Jadan goes to his computer and keys in ‘FIND ME KREST OF BOZZA’. Moments later, a multi-page display appears with a map of Bozza and a red star marking the cities location.
He punches in ‘WHO IS BAAB LORENZ?’ The screen lists nine from which to choose. He selects one by age. The data displays and shows, among other things, his date of birth and death. Displayed is also a picture. No doubt, he’s Rue’s brother. They appear alike.
He inputs ‘FORMER ADDRESSES FOR BAAB LORENZ.’ Two appear—one in Bozza and his address at the university. This will be easy. He highlights the local domicile and inserts ‘SHOW ME THE WAY.’ Moments later, a map of Krest appears with a red dot highlighting the specified location. Jadan keys ‘IDENTIFY THE NEAREST MAGNATRANZ STATION.’ The diagram reappears with all train stops in the region, complete with platform numbers. The walk is short from the stop to the address. He saves the information to a small memory chip.
ALPHA 13
The regular scheduled assembly of The Commission is underway, and Kaamren calls the meeting in session. “The first order of business—Rogg, give the group a status of your membership invitation to OFGRAT.”
“I went through initiation. From what I learned so far, OFGRAT’s objectives match ours almost to the letter. They don’t, however, appear to control as much information as we do. In addition, their association is open to both Annunaki and Commonuers, who’re in trouble with the government, or they must possess classified data that could be fatal if the bureaucrats find out. Relo, I met Dr. Eath Marshon. I think Bhril released a monster by ruining his career.”
“Marshon’s a good man. What happened to him is a travesty,” he says.
Jasen continues, “I obtained unconfirmed intelligence they each went after him. Both doctors became enraged, took the students, and walked away from the job site. To date, the replacements, under Keiver Belan’s leadership, are not accomplishing anything. A project is now underway to recreate the documentation on the fly. The program called ‘Build, Correct, and Document’ is afoot. The plan will take many years at the current rate of progress. The procurement records are lost also. No one is certain of the materials’ order status before the crash. Quite a few vendors are contacting the government and complaining about orders they’ve produced but can’t get shipping authorization. A huge mess exists and a mammoth political problem for Jerka. He will be a casualty as the chancellor searches for a place to put the blame.”
“Tell us about the translucent material crisis,” Kaamren says.
“A new compound’s been developed and is now being produced. The replacement panels are not as strong as the original. In addition, the substance reveals a faint amber tint, but the engineers believe the new compound is more stable and sturdy enough to hold. The environmental influence won’t be a problem. Like the engineering data, the damage will take several years to replace. In fact, a new outer dome must be erected outside the present one and the current one dismantled,” the commander says. “They are paying one hell of a price to cover a lie.”
“Jasen, what did you find out about the MagnaTranz wreck? A large number of people in The Commission and The Conversant are afraid of something we did hiding the engineering data caused the computer malfunction, which led to the collision.”
“At this point, all evidence points to a faulty sensor at the switching station. We found no verification of sabotage, but the investigation is ongoing. The tracks are replaced, and the superstructure repaired.” Rogg pauses to take a drink of water. “Give me a status of the engineering data.”
“Mika, will you address the group?”
He stands and says, “We encrypted the records at the time we downloaded to our three remote mobile computers. We used the encryption Rue developed, which won her ‘The Star of Excellence Award’. The program worked as designed. In fact, her encoding is working so well we can’t retrieve the information from any of our three units. She put an additional security lock in the transmission or there’s a glitch. In either case, we’re at a standstill until we find her. We’re doing our best, but we need her.”
“Commander, give us an update,” Kaamren says.
“There’s nothing to report. She disappeared without a trace, and we can find no evidence or leads. By all appearances, she decided to walk away.”
“Perhaps I can help,” Relo says. “She’s an orphan.”
“How’s she an Opaque Sister?” Seth asks.
“Let me finish. They abandoned her in the foyer of a hospital. By abandoning her, they gave her life. Jadan Kanzz asked the same question. I couldn’t answer him, so I did some research. Baab Lorenz, her half brother died.”
“I became friends with Baab—a fine man and valuable to The Conversant. His unfortunate death is regrettable,” Jaan says.
“He concluded since she is aware of her half-brother’s identity, a possibility exists she is in touch with her biological mother. I gave the information to him before I came here. I didn’t talk to him, but I’ll try to reach him when this meeting ends.”
“No, don’t do that. Wait for him to contact you. In case he runs into problems, we don’t want his involvement to lead back to the organization,” Kaamren says.
“Let me remind all of you, Jadan’s part of The Conversant. He’s searching for our Sister, and his efforts are association business. I’m bound to remain in touch with him and determine if he needs help. We must develop an extraction plan if he gets in trouble,” Relo says.
“You made your point. Call a special meeting of The Commission if he learns anything useful, or if he finds himself in difficulty. Let’s move along—who can update us on the status of our guests?”
“They’re adapting to their new accommodations. In fact, Kahnn is talking with ease. They think government security is holding them. Renny didn’t prove as helpful, but I believe he can provide invaluable information about The Inner Dome. He served as an inmate there for a long time. I suggest we inform them a rebel group plotting to overthrow the administration is detaining them and appraise what reaction we get.”
“Why would you want to do that?” Seth asks.
“Well, both got raw deals. The bureaucrats put them in The Inner Dome for life, without due process of law. They are bitter, and if they suppose they can strike back at Bhril and Jerka by joining a resistance group I think they’ll be forthcoming with information. In interrogation, He denied awareness of OFGRAT, but I believe we will benefit if they become members,” Commander Jasen says.
Kaamren calls for a voice vote. The ayes are unanimous.
“Okay, continue as you stated, but don’t reveal the resistance faction to them. We may decide later, to give the group the information to encourage the guests to solicit invitations.”
“I agree,” he says.
“Mika, how’s the sting on Director Joanz coming along?”
“We obtained the account numbers, and wrote, tested, and implemented the software two days ago. A graduated transfer of funds began. Each move will continue to increase in amount until Jerka realizes someone is robbing him. I would love a picture of his face when he finds out.”
“Which one of his faces—” Relo asks. “He shows at least two of them. Oops—sorry.”
A soft chuckle emanates from the group. “I like the idea we bring Jadan Kanzz into The Commission.”
“Don’t you think you’re rushing things?” Jaan asks. “Remember the extraordinary effort to get him into The Conversant.”
He glances around the room and detects enough frowns for him to table the discussion.
“What else do we need to cover? Okay, meeting adjourned,” says Kaamren.
The group forms a circle. Each extends his right hand to the center and begins stacking fists, starting with Kaamren’s. In unison, they chant, “SEPARATE WE FAIL...TOGETHER WE PREVAIL.”
SUPREME CHANCELLOR JERKA’S OFFICE
Jerka sent for Director Joanz, who is in the waiting area. “Send him in,” he says. He leans back in his chair, puts his feet on the desk, and does not glance up as he enters. The atmosphere is icy. “Sit down,” he says with his eyes glued to the documents in his lap. “Your people bungled the task again.” He does not give his guest the courtesy of eye contact. “The longer I’m in this office the more inept I learn you are.” Sarcasm rolls from his lips.
“What’re you talking about?”
“Don’t be disrespectful to me, or I’ll let my security detail take you out of here in shackles—now.” His face flushes and veins protrude from his forehead and neck. “How did you manage to let him escape from the Inner Dome—the most secure area on the planet? I believe them to be your exact words.”
“He didn’t get away. My people are holding him at a secret location. He’s at an outside site controlled by the Ministry of Law and Order.”
“You’re such an idiot. Your people don’t control him, and he’s not in a place managed by your people. Do your homework and you’ll find I’m right. Perhaps you would like to prove me wrong—use my communicator, find where he is, and you can take me there.”
Joanz is convinced his people controls the prisoner. He walks to the chancellor’s desk and dials his office. “Give me the address where we’re interrogating Betta Kahnn. I need the locality now—no. I'll remain on the line.”
After a prolonged wait, Jerka says, “They can’t find him, can they?”
“Be patient.”
“Patience isn’t what I am about.”
Joanz becomes tired of holding the device to his ear and asks the chancellor to turn on the speaker. Without a word, he presses a button.
Soon, the voice says, “I’m sorry sir, but we can’t find Mr. Kahnn. Are you aware of the arresting officer or warrant number?”
“Never mind.” He yells at the appliance.
“I rest my case,” he says in a smug tone. He is so much fun to humiliate. Now he puts him on the ropes, and the time comes for his next move. “I want Masta Bhril taken into custody and confined to The Inner Dome. Do you think your people can handle the assignment?”
“On what charge, sir?”
“Damnation, man, you find a reason and a way. I want the action done in a hurry.”
“Can I ask what he did to justify this?”
“You may not—and you can leave now. Call me when you lock him up, and I want you to find Kahnn.”
Joanz leaves and goes to the Ministry of Law and Order. He walks past his assistant’s desk and without breaking stride says, “I want the commander in my office right away.”
“The commander’s out for the next two days.”
He stops at the door and spins “I don’t care—find him and get him in here. Now, will be fine...”
He turns, slams his door, and sits down in his chair so hard he almost falls over backward. After he steadies himself, he props his elbows on the desk and sinks his face into his hands. He’s going to be my undoing, and I’m helpless to do anything. Should the parliament get word of the things I’ve done for him, they’ll impeach me. I need a scapegoat, but Commander Jasen isn’t cooperating. The harder I prod him, the more he pushes back.
INTERROGATION CELL AT SAFE HAVEN BETA 10
In the stuffy room, Kahnn is alone for hours and getting restless and angry. He raises a chair over his head, ready to smash the table when keys jingle in the lock, and the door opens. Colonel Baanar reaches for his electronic baton, but he relinquishes and puts the seat back on the floor in the proper position. “About time for you to return,” he says.
“Are we lonesome? My company fails to be so important to most inmates. Sit down Betta and get comfortable. Can I get you something to eat and drink?”
“How about you get me a carafe of Vino and a chunk of cheese,” Kahnn says with sarcasm.
“Isn’t there anything else?”
“Perhaps later—that will do to start. Afterwards, we’ll consider something else.”
“Okay,” he says and walks to the door. “Fetch me a large flask of Premium Vino, a hoop of Prime Sukish Cheese cut into bite-size pieces, a fresh loaf of bread, and bring me two glasses. Be quick, my friend’s thirsty.” He returns to his chair. “While we’re waiting, let’s talk. First, let me tell you this. I’m an officer in The Ministry of Law and Order. I report to the commander, but this isn’t an ML&O facility. I signed off duty before I rescued you from the security guards at The Inner Dome. I’m off the clock now and each time we talked.”
“Yeah—sure.”
“I’m being honest—I can think of no reason to lie to you. You confessed to premeditated murder. What else do I need to send you back in for life—this time with legitimate charges, which would lead to conviction in any court of law? The two men you killed are officers of the ML&O, and on duty. To make things worse, they reported to and took orders from Director Joanz. I can get lots of points by turning you over to him.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“Let’s say I believe in justice. He and the chancellor don’t. The small groups of people who run things—ignore The Articles—and satisfy their own whims and wishes. You wouldn’t accept the as true if I told you how large the script account of Jerka is. Residences in the Hell Zone are as colossal as most high-class hotels. The Socio-Equal Order’s a ruse—and I can prove everything I’m saying. A movement is under way to change things.” Baanar pauses and analyzes the changing expression on his face.
“Are you telling the truth? I want to be part of the rebellion.”
“What about Renny...where does he stand?”
“He got sent to The Inner Dome for hacking into the CDC where he found some classified information about a coming global catastrophe. They didn’t charge or try him in a court of law. Someone in government bypassed the judicial system and dispatched him to confinement for life. They removed his PIC, informed his family he died in an accident, and the body couldn’t be recovered. Why don’t you bring him in and ask him yourself?”
“I think I’ll do that.” A knock on the cell door prompts him to let the man enter. He is carrying a tray with a sizeable pile of cheese, several loaves of fresh bread, a large carafe of Premium Vino, and two glasses. “Put the platter on the table please. I’ll need another glass and chair, and bring the other prisoner in right away.”
An outward show of disbelief covers Kahnn’s face as Colonel Baanar takes the flask and pours a generous portion into each glass. He slides one toward Kahnn. “Drink up—we can get more where this came from. Help yourself to the cheese and bread.”
He is standing in the hall holding a chair in one hand and a goblet in the other. Then, comes a tapping on the door and the colonel says, “Come in, it’s unlocked.”
He walks in dragging the stool, spots the tray, stops, glares at his friend, and yells. “You bastard—I’m in my cell getting basic sustenance and water, and you’re eating fresh bread, fine cheese, Vino, and hob knobbing with the guards.”