Chapter 10.

Displayed around the spacious room artifacts from diverse cultures, various spiritual influences and different artistic styles indicated its inhabitant was well traveled and broadminded. Xianees headbands hung from a traditional Rift Valley lantern. Priceless deep green Jui-liing pottery, Chung, Hayhow and Flish Dynasty’s were being used to hold down the loose leaves of last era Hun Calligraphy sprawled over a solid marble desk. An assortment of mismatched ancient weaponry, incomplete shell armor and an interesting single arm band decorated the walls. A small collection of Orthodox icons and an old Veneseen proverb in Linear Chinquaar displayed on a smaller table were sprinkled with shimmering pollen from an Ancient Amaranthaan bark sculpture. Books and manuscripts lined shelves and parchment rolls filled dedicated cubbies.

Ryukyaan lent back in his chair, stood, stretched, holding the relevant parchment before him.

“Have you found what you seek beloved?” Archery whispered in his mind.

“No, but this is yet another source telling a similar story to the one Kosterman reported on, substantiating my theory.”

“Geniuses must have theories; they are attracted to them like decomposition to a corpse.”

Well, that was one way of putting it.

“Let's hear it then, you've wasted all evening mulling over it.”

Ryukyaan grinned she had always teased him when he’d become absorbed in some project, but this one had potential.

“We know when a person Morphs into an animal some of the creatures’ instincts and characteristics flood into the human brain. It's not a constant, there are reports of men Morphing Nisayaan who haven’t got a clue how to fly and others take to the arura like they were born to it. Available information suggests those with an Aqua fractal and people born in the first generation from the fractal don’t have too much trouble, if they stick to one of the more placid animals and use a sample from one with equivalent body size.”

“Body size?”

“It’s mentioned in three of my sources. Anything too much larger and you’re diluting the fractal’s ability to function, smaller and the animal’s instincts has the potential to exercise greater control over you.”

“That would be a fate worse than death. I take it if the animal’s mind is dominant the thought process necessary to become human again is diminished.”

Ryukyaan couldn’t see facial expressions, but the irony wasn’t lost on him. Archery had voluntarily trapped herself in the void to escape physical and emotional pain. The process had only been partially successful.

“Yes, imagine becoming one of the scavenger Flitter’s and having to live of decomposing fruit and dead animals.” He moved on from the disturbing mental imagery. “A couple of these reports are either of creatures we have never seen before, entirely possible given the scope of the forest, or people that have incompletely Morphed. A chimera of sorts.”

“Interesting concept, and one that may be entirely possible, however there is another possibility.”

Archery sounded smug, teasing, a ripple of laughter touched his brain.

“Your thoughts on any matter always appreciated my beloved.” Pleased she was taking an interest in the project.

“If the animals’ instincts completely take over the human ones our standards of morality and loyalty may be compromised or non-existent. What do you think would happen if offspring become involved. Mix human cunning with a Giant Slithers strength. Men’s greed with a Rustepheens trap making ability. There is no end to the horrifying combinations and why it’s great for the world that Aqua fractals no longer exist and dilute quickly in human blood lines.”

Ryukyaan sat with the thought for a few moments uncomfortable thoughts forming in his mind. Of course, who was to say that hadn’t already happened?

Archery took his silence for defeat. “Without someone to teach you, with so many variables, so much risk, it's not worth trying.”

“It's not worth trying, yet. I'm not even sure I inherited, but it presents an interesting prospect and may be the answer to what has been sighted around the forest recently. There are plenty of people old enough to have inherited a week Morphing ability, second, third or fourth generation. Only recently maturing sufficiently to be useful.” And if knowledge could be gleaned from them Ryukyuan would make sure he would be able to take advantage of it.

“Will you talk to Sence Of Solidarity about it?”

“Sence Of Solidarity will only use his skill for payment or his own advantage. He's not always honest with his assessments and although it's easy to tell when he lies, he can block some deeper Mind Reading. There is this new man, Glilmoor, also has the skill of True Lights, more amiable and easier to manipulate.”

“Cassenteen’s going to love that.”

Of course he was. Unerringly selfish discovering Cassenteen did possess a modicum of empathy for two of his teammates had been a deciding factor in Ryukyaan decision to train the man. He should have known that would come back and bite him in the fetlocks.

***

Broad and spacious the tunnel was the inverse colour wise to the floor below. Sleek black marble panels streaked with grey and dark emerald veins wrapped the floor, walls, and ceiling. Decorations included the oversized glossy black onyx statues mounted on complementary black pedestals inlayed with turquoise. Closer to the cliff-face more Gods Fire lent its glow and even with the low pedestrian flow swaths of biophyte flourished.

Dereniik reached a statue of The Angel. Several were scattered around the residential areas of the city. Life sized with eyes that appeared to follow you, the matronly woman was depicted surrounded by nine figures, children and animals. Possibly cast he couldn’t identify the burnished black material, but it glowed with spectral shards of soft, rainbow, tinted light. Another wonder made in a time when filling the ceiling with glittering gems hadn’t been considered extravagant. Steps cut into the plinth lead to The Angels embrace. Women who came to Chruciaal were encouraged enfold themselves in her arms and partition her for a first-born heir. Defying logic, the process always worked, at least once. All Commanders’ first-borns were daughters.

A message, delivered to his door this morning, indicated the remaining six members of Commander Issolo’s team had been recalled. Two of them instructed to meet him at the morgue.

The addition of extra bodies did nothing to modify the atmosphere in the stark chilly room. Zegreeb towered over a tall, solid man with midnight blue streaked grey hair and a mask covering the lower half of his face. Cold, dangerous eyes travelled from the cadaver on the slab to Dereniik appraising and dismissing him with a glance.

The second unknown man was shorter with the powerful shoulders and the classic profile of a man from Amaraanth. A wain smile crossed his features as he glanced at Dereniik’s epilates, acknowledged the superior ranking and made an unconscious effort to straighten his cowl.

Zegreeb acknowledged Dereniik with a nod of deference as he clicked his way across the room.

Honourable Eminent Senior Healer Commander Orator was an unexpected addition. But not an unwelcome one. Except now Kowtowing, a respect the man deserved, was expected and presented a physically difficult task. Dereniik prepared for humiliation.

“Deputized Operative Commander Dereniik, good to see you. Glad you’re not dead yet. Keep it up, and don’t Kowtow, don’t have the time. I’m supposed to be back at my Apothecary half a hands breath ago.” The tall, older man called across the room. Orators’ deep-set green eyes twinkled with hidden secrets and irreverence.

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“I am grateful to be alive most Honourable Lord it is always a pleasure to see you.” Dereniik’s smile was genuine. Despite the open sacrilegious attitude Orator had always treated him and his team well. And people from Chinquaar often were, by Coalition standards impudent, no doubt part of the reason they were no longer part of it.

“This is team leader Commander Largoo,” Zegreeb gestured to the taller man, “And lancer Commander Dentraan. They have positively identified the cadaver as belonging to Commander Issolo.”

Greetings and appropriate hand signals were exchanged as Dereniik summed up the two lectures.

Neither appeared shocked. Largoo may have had been holding strong emotions in check, but overwhelming grief was not one of them. Dentraan was nervous, not necessarily an indication of guilt, but body language, micro expressions and his own small abilities with emotional Reading indicated sorrow was not prominent sentiment. Dynamics within any team varied considerably, but Commander Issolo was not going to be greatly missed by these two men.

“Honourable Commander Zegreeb, while we are here would it be possible for me to take advantage of one of your office rooms an interview these gentlemen?”

“Of course, I was hoping you would. This case has me intrigued. Please gentlemen this way.”

Zegreeb including himself in the proceedings was unnecessary but as he had commissioned Dereniik to investigate excluding him was not an option.

Orator threw his hands in the air. “I'm already late for something so boring I'd probably go to sleep anyway.”

Dereniik hid his surprise. There was no way he could refuse an Honourable Eminent Senior Healer Commander anything, but unless the schedule for the High Council sessions had changed the man was prioritising this investigation over an important Coalition meeting. Usually that would be significant, but be cause it was Orator, and he played by different rules, it could be taken at face value and the great man was just not interest in the current subject being discussed.

Zegreeb chuckled. “Come on then old friend, I have a sweet Aniseed ferment that I would love your alchemical opinion of.”

“Forget the alchemy, I'll give you a connoisseur's opinion.”

Orator gave the giant a slap on the back leading the other men to room on the side. True to his word once they were settled mugs of intoxicating liquor were offered to all the party. Dereniik was the only one who refused and was please when Caraaf was proposed as an alternative. Imbibing refreshments lent a more relaxed atmosphere to the proceedings. Relaxed men were more likely to open up.

“Can you give me your perspective of the deceased?” Dereniik addressed his first question to Dentraan who he Read as the most open of the two men.

The man staired into his drink for a few moments. “Isoolo, well he had a lot of courage. Wasn't afraid of anything. He was sure of himself. Confident of his strength, his intelligence. He was passionate about his teaching.”

Dentraan frowned. Dereniik thought he might have been going to add more but with a shake of his head stopped.

“You have mentioned some of the man’s attributes, how did he interact, within the team and with others?” Dereniik pressed for a larger picture.

Dentraan hesitated.

“It's going to come out, there's no point in hiding it.” Commander Largoo interrupted. “If I was being complimentary, I would describe Isoolo as a pain. If I wasn't feeling so generous a better descriptor would be an asshole. Wherever he went trouble followed. He won't be missed.”

Good have that out in the open. Commander Largoo’s cold control excellent.

“Who would you describe as his best friend?”

“Don’t think he bought into the whole best friend scenario everyone was competition, and he was selfish enough to always want to win. Relationships were at best a convenience. When Trakeidy was alive the two of them could get generally get themselves into and out of dangerous situations. They both loved hunting, and it was useful, often necessary, to have a partner. It was practical for us, and the Education Department, to focus most of their skullduggery into accumulating trophies. The Education Department happy enough to turn a blind eye with the ends justifying the means. What could have been unproductive energy tolerated because removing jungle predators from our close environment is beneficial for the whole city.”

Dentraan was shaking his head, clearly embarrassed. Zegreeb snorted, Orator noted it to and shot the man an unfathomable glance.

“Commander Dentraan, can you think of anyone who hated Commander Isoolo enough to take his life?”

“It could have been anyone who had known him for more than a few nine-days.”

“You can dislike someone, even hate them, without wanting to take their life. Could you be a little more specific please.”

“No. No I don't think I can.”

“You should be aware I have the talent ‘Truth and Lies,’ your statement is a lie.” Dereniik didn't take his eyes from the man who cringed beneath his gaze.

“He's protecting me.” Commander Largoo narrowed his eyes. “When I heard he was dead, I knew I would be the primary suspect. I'm not surprised you have heard about it. Our altercation was in a public salon with multiple witnesses outside of my team. Because blows were exchanged requiring Healers it’s a matter of public record and we both have disciplinary action pending against us. Not that it going to matter to Isoolo now. Not as well-known, but I’d rather get it out of the way now, rather than it come up and look worse later, is the fact this was not the first time a discussions triggered a violent reaction between the two of us.”

Dereniik wasn’t going to admit he hadn’t known. “In your own words what did Commander Isoolo and you argument about?”

“Everything and nothing, he was rude and aggressive, our personalities always clashed. I'm not going to pretend to be sorry he's dead.”

“The argument in the salon erupted because Largoo was defending our teammate Nathaan. Isoolo and he held very different religious and philosophical ideologies. Nathaan went out of his way to avoid confrontation whenever possible the day of the altercation he became cornered and without Largoo’s intervention you may have been investigating a very different murder.” Commander Dentraan continued. “If you knew Largoo, understood the whole situation, he wouldn't be a suspect he would be a hero.”

Dereniik let silence fill the space, waited to see what it would reveal. He was slightly impressed that neither Orator, who usually had something to say about everything, or Zegreeb who had Commissioned the investigation, hadn’t weighed in on the conversation.

“I shouldn't have written the letter. It was foolish, once it was out of my system, I didn't think of acting on it.” Largoo muttered.

What letter? Dereniik could only guess. “You understand that by admitting this you're not helping establish your innocence?”

“What do you want me to say? He kept the letter, threatened to blackmail me. Moss and mould, the only reason I continued to support him on his stupid hunts was because of the letter. If I hadn't written it, I would never agree to hunting a Widewing with only mid-range weapons.”

The Widewing hunt. The one where Commander Trakeidy had died. This was a long-standing feud. A lot of time for emotions to simmer, plans to percolate, schemes to be arranged. Dereniik was Reading a lot of guilt, not lies. He took an intuitive leap.

“In the heat of the moment, verbally threatening to kill a man may not need to be taken as intension but putting those thoughts into action by writing a letter significantly raises suspicion.”

“Would I be confessing all of this if I'd killed him?”

“I don't know,” Dereniik mused. “You don't strike me as the sort of person that would bother with empty threats?”

“Am I supposedto take that as a compliment?” Was the sarcastic reply.

“Take it however you wish, do you regularly make empty threats?”

Lorgoo frowned, shook his head. “I don't regularly find the need to threaten anybody. The men that heard my threats would have also been able to tell you he said the same thing to me. I'm still alive, so you can't accuse me of a crime based on words spoken in the heat of an argument.”

“That’s true.” Commander Dentraan interrupted. “And it wasn't just in front of members of our own team, or people that may be bias to support our Team Leader, there were plenty of other men there.”

“But Commander Lorgoo committing those thoughts two parchment is an action. An action that could very easily have been followed by others.”

“My action was prompted by the threatening correspondence he sent me.” Largoo sighed.

“And can you produce this correspondence?” Dereniik asked reasonably.

“Sure, I carried it around with me everywhere I go.”

“Please answer my questions directly and keep your sarcasm to yourself.”

“Or what, I'll be dismissed? Lose my ranking? Lose my job? That's probably going to happen now anyway. You can't prove I had anything to do with Isoloo’s death because I didn't kill him, even if I wished I had.”

“Do you still have his threatening correspondence to you?”

“No.”

Dereniik had a few more questions before asking if either Zegreeb or Orator wanted to add anything.

“Commander Lorgoo without the influence of the late Commander Isoloo would your team have started hunting in the forest?” Zegreeb asked.

Dereniik didn’t see how the question was relevant to the investigation, but Orators stopped fiddling with a crystal he had swiped from Zegreeb’s bench and displayed a subtle interest in the answer.

“I’m not sure, we started rotations ago, casually at first, only small predators, well within our capabilities. The challenges grew and we feel it was helping our physical fractal talents to expand. Men employed in the Construction, Indemnity and Operative Departments continue training after they graduate. Education personnel are only supposed to continue to grow in knowledge. We enjoyed pushing ourselves in physically training, for most of us the hunting was a by-product, not the end goal.”

“Most of you?” Dereniik questioned.

“Yeah, well that was partly why we were having so many arguments. Nathaan has joined Chopiic brothers, refuses to kill anything and has become a vegetarian. While Silence of Hailstorm has turn to philosophy, adopting some variation of an unknown pacifist faith. You will need to talk to them about it, it's not something I even want to start getting my head around.”

Dereniik nodded, thanking all the men present. He asked Commander Largoo and his companion not to discuss what had transpired with the rest of the team, knowing they would not comply. They were dismissed and with a sigh Orator also saw himself out.

Zegreeb offered another mug of Caraaf and Dereniik made the time.

“Do you think Largoo did it?” Zegreeb asked.

“He's feeling guilty, so there's more to the story, but I don't get a sadistic vibe of him. What do you feel?”

As a Healer of the ninth Mall Zegreeb’s green fractal talents may have been developed enough to separate into some useful yellow communication and blue cognitive functions. The giant didn’t appear to be disconcerted with the question of Dereniik’s knowledge of the subject.

“Similar, it is disappointing that a Team Leader would let his men, and himself become so unmanageable.”

Dereniik nodded, he hadn’t pegged Zegreeb as an idealist.

“So, who did you inherit your Communication talents from?”

“Honestly, have no idea.” With so few families possessing strong hereditary lines it was a genuine question. “My mother was of mixed Commander stock, I have some Chinquaar features, but people of Hunn prize orange fractals so maybe one of my parents ancestors tweaked his orange enough to get a Communication strand.”

Zegreeb guffawed. “I would say you have the luck of the Herald, except your current condition begs to differ.”

Dereniik blew on his Caraaf and swallowed the bittersweet liquid. It was easier than acknowledging the lump that came to his throat when he thought of the rest of his team. He had been the lucky one, for now he was still alive.