“Good. Thank you, Exeter. I’ve heard enough for today, and I’ve got a full goddamn calendar.” His left iris turned red. “He’s ready,” Michael said to someone not in the room. His normal shade returned, as did his attention upon Exeter. “You’re probably wondering how we do it.” He pointed to his own eyes.

  “Yes, I wondered. It’s amazing.”

  “All kinds of cool shit like this waiting for you down on Aeterna, if you’re made. Learn to love. Prepare to kill. That’s our mantra. Everyone says it when they wake and right before they fall asleep. Me? I don’t sleep anymore, so I just let the idea echo in the background. This is what we’re going to teach you.”

  “Michael, I know how to love, and I’ve done more than my share of killing. You can’t teach …”

  “Let me stop you right there, Mr. Expert on all things life. This ain’t about who you fucked and who you killed. What we teach is what we practice every day. We teach lessons on how to live forever.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “The youngest here is seventeen; the oldest is twenty-nine. In the grand scheme of immortality, we’re kids, and we will be for a long time. The problem with kids is really simple: They’re dimwitted dumbasses with maldeveloped brains who do stupid things on impulse and put their own reckless self-interest ahead of everyone else. I was a seventeen-year-old smartass going nowhere fast when I hit the jackpot with this universe. I learned how to put on my big-boy pants with some tough lessons and a shit-ton of luck. I’ve killed hundreds of people up close and millions from a distance. I’ve loved and married and watched my children be born. That’s not enough for an immortal. You need more. That’s the part we teach, Exeter. Come the last day of school, either you’re made for Aeterna or we throw your ass in the fire.”

  Michael slapped the table, whereupon a door slid open. Exeter swiveled around to see a contingent of three Aeternans standing abreast. Each had a unique facial tattoo and elaborately woven hair. Their eyes did not glow.

  “Exeter,” Michael said. “The man in the middle is Information Minister Rikhi Syed. His team will escort you to Aeterna. We have a special camp for new arrivals. They’ll take good care of you.”

  “What? I don’t understand.”

  “You learned a lot of the wrong lessons, my immortal friend. We’ll clean that shit out of you.” Michael nodded to his people. “Take him.” The three moved to surround Exeter.

  “Wait. I …”

  “Go away. I’ve got a full calendar.”

  What else could be said except: Why did I agree to this? He cursed Angela Poussard as two Aeternans grabbed him by the arms and hoisted him up. He promised not to resist, to which they insisted he start walking.

  Outside, the doctor who greeted him bedside stood alone. She half-smiled as he passed but added from behind:

  “It was a joy to meet you, Exeter.”

  Michael’s voice bellowed from inside the room:

  “Come in, Doc Ranke.”

  No one of his contingent said a word until they boarded a Scramjet. Then Rikhi Syed, who wore a tattoo of the rings of Brahma on his right cheek, offered Exeter a beatific smile and reassurance.

  “I realize this is all very sudden, but there’s no reason to worry. It will only make camp harder. It’s going to be stressful enough. But the story you told Minister Cooper was vivid and very engaging.”

  They were listening?

  “You’ve given us enough details to shape your curriculum.”

  “What curriculum?”

  “All you need to remember is our motto. Learn to love. Prepare to kill. Minister Cooper taught us how, and my team will teach you.”

  “What he said about the fire … that’s not literal. Right?”

  “I’m afraid so. Don’t worry, Exeter. You’ll be fine. Oh, and by the way, I studied the doctor’s analysis. Your prosthetic is great tech. If only it wasn’t made by Chancellors.”

  “Why should that matter?”

  “It might not. We’ll put it to a vote. If you lose, I’m afraid it will have to come off. Don’t worry about that now, Exeter. You’re going to be made. Smile! You’re almost home.”

  Exeter disagreed, but he kept his mouth shut.

  10

  Zwahili Kingdom

  S LEEP WELL?” CANDO LEANED IN KARA’S doorway as she ran a towel through her hair. “You look refreshed.”

  “Best sleep I’ve had in years. I don’t know if it was the bed or being inside a home where people enjoy each other’s company.”

  “I’ll vote for the bed. I laid on my mattress, and I was out in a minute. That never happens. When you’re at war, you learn how to sleep with one eye open.”

  “Old habits. Understood.”

  Cando continued inside and closed the door.

  “Truth is, I did wake up a couple of times. I was dreaming about you. I thought about being a sneaky little bastard and making it a twosome in here.”

  “Thank you for defying those urges. The last thing we want to do is mock the Mogandis’ hospitality.”

  “I hope no one minds if I do this.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and planted a huge kiss. Kara didn’t object. It was a nice way to start the morning.

  “Do me another favor, Cando.”

  “Anything.”

  “There’s a hairbrush in the bathroom. Oh, you can wrap this towel over the rack while you’re at it.”

  He complied with a wry smile.

  “I’m not sure about the etiquette here,” she said. “Back home, towels were used once and tossed into a basket. This room did not come with instructions.”

  Cando handed over the brush.

  “Speaking of which, I saw the family up and about before sunrise. Most go about their duties early. Katrina said breakfast is informal. Burners in the dining room. We serve ourselves when ready.”

  “Leto and Ham?”

  “They’re up. Leto’s been circling the house for a good while, and Ham ran past some details with me.”

  “The proposal? This is going to be delicate, Cando. We’re putting a lot on the line to track down the Inventor.”

  “He knows. He’s not happy Joseph steered away from specifics last night. Could be the old man’s indecisive, but it might be a stall. I think he’s put out because Joseph spent more time with you.”

  “I trust Joseph.”

  “Just in case, I checked in with the orbital team. They have a firm lock on our bleeders. If we need a sudden exit, they’ll be ready.”

  She set down the brush and looked in the bathroom mirror. Good for the day, and not a shred of makeup. It was refreshing after years of detailed morning routines at the vanity, often with Chi-Qua’s help.

  “I’m hungry, Cando. I filled my stomach full of meat last night, and I have a craving for more. I assume you took a peek?”

  “Oh, yes. They slaughtered a few animals for our pleasure.”

  When Kara turned around, Cando held a tiny brown envelope.

  “What’s that?” She said.

  “Dunno. It was sitting on your nightstand. You didn’t see it?”

  “Don’t know how I missed it.”

  She opened the flap and removed a card. She flipped it over and read the message aloud:

  “You came too far. You need to leave now. Please go.”

  Cando grabbed it and read, as if that might change the wording.

  “What is this? A warning? A threat? Who would …?”

  Kara didn’t take long to search her memory of the High Grill.

  “I don’t think it’s serious.”

  “How can you say that?”

  “I assume I’m the only one who received a card. I think it’s the grandson. Maxwell. Something was off about him last night, and Joseph said the Splinters have impacted generations differently. He said young men are treating the Splinters like a religious experience. I’m sure this can’t be a threat.”

  “I’m not sure, Kara. The Captain and Leto will feel the same. This must be dealt with.”

  “Fine, but with delicacy.” She swiped the card. “I’ll show it to Joseph. He’ll prefer it coming from me. No accusations. Please?”

  “I’ll play along for now.”

  Cando did just that, though he was also right: Ham and Leto wanted the matter brought to a head. She encouraged them to sit down for breakfast and put the house at ease. Joseph would show himself soon. She vowed to bring up the card.

  She filled her plate with two types of sausages, fried pork strips called bacon, and a mélange of cha, peppers, and brown rice. She covered it all in three different red sauces, relishing every bite.

  The four ate in relative silence at an otherwise empty dining room table. Kara caught each man eyeing her with concern. She imagined their military minds at work: Every minute they sat here indulging their hunger, the risk for danger increased.

  I’m not going to think that way, gentlemen. My apologies.

  She cleaned the last of her plate as Joseph opened the porch door. He removed his tall hat and greeted each guest by name.

  “I do hope you have had plenty to eat,” he said. “First, I must offer a sincere apology for my gaffe. I forgot to tell you last night about our morning routine. I was going to give you the option to sit with the family or do as you are now. But I do not think as clearly when I am tired. Forgive me.”

  “Nothing to forgive,” Kara said. “Again, the food is a revelation.”

  “You look like you’ve been out and about,” Ham added.

  “Yes. I venture to the stables every morning. I feed the horses and release them into the paddock. I have done this every day since I was a boy. It is a glorious thing to commune with the horses. I talk. They listen. They respond with their eyes. They know.”

  Ham nodded. “Serenity. A hard thing to achieve.”

  “Indeed, Hamilton. There is an old saying among us. ‘I am not a wealthy man. I am a fortunate man.’ Every Zwahili knows what that means. The horses are my daily reminder.”

  “I love that saying,” Kara told him, “although I think my people would have switched places between wealthy and fortunate.”

  “Are Hokkis not a happy people? The few representatives I met within the Alliance seemed gregarious enough.”

  “They’ll be your best friends if they see enough Dims in it.”

  “Unfortunate.” Joseph grabbed a bottle of sween from the buffet. “I was thinking we could begin our next phase of discussions in one hour’s time. Do you find this acceptable?”

  “Very much,” Ham said. “Thank you, Joseph. But there is a matter we need to address beforehand. Kara?”

  And here she was trying to lead into it with subtlety ….

  Kara held up the card.

  “I don’t think it’s serious, but it was left on my nightstand.”

  Joseph took a seat beside her and opened the envelope. He stared at the card much too long, as if reading a detailed letter. Yet he showed no outward reaction before looking at Kara.

  “What is your suspicion?”

  “Your grandson. Maxwell.”

  “Yes. This was also my instinct. I will deal with this now.”

  He tapped the bead in his ear three times.

  “George? Has Maxwell reported for his duty?” After a short pause: “Did he provide an explanation? What do you mean by that? Why am I hearing of this matter now? No. Do not raise concern. I will speak to his parents.”

  Joseph sighed. “It appears Maxwell has not arrived at the south range. He was supposed to complete repairs on the irrigation system. It is the second time this week. He did not attend breakfast, although he frequently sleeps later. Very inconsistent, this boy.” He let loose a shout. “Josiah! Alice! Josiah! Alice!”

  Joseph’s son and daughter-in-law ran into the dining room as if the house were burning down. Kara talked to both in the hours before dinner and learned they were Joseph’s business managers.

  “What is it, Father?” Josiah said.

  “Settle down and come here.” He held out the card. “Is this Maxwell’s handwriting?”

  Their eyes exploded as they shared a knowing glance.

  “It is, Father. What has he done now?”

  “He left this in Kara Syung’s room. Where is he?”

  “We assumed he was on the south range. We inspected his room. He left it in proper order. And the howler is gone.”

  “You don’t think …?” Alicia cut herself off.

  “Speak, Daughter.”

  “He does not mean these words,” she said, looking at Kara with pleading eyes. “Our son is confused. He listens to the wrong people. We have told him this.”

  “Do you mean his Splinter counterparts or his friends in the city?”

  “Both, Father. He knows many like him in Mumbassa.”

  “It appears then he is not on the ranch. Rather than see to his duties, Maxwell drove his howler into the city. This behavior is unacceptable. I charge you both to find him. Clear?”

  “Yes, Father,” they said in unison and raced away.

  Joseph erected a sterner tone that made Kara nervous and seemed to terrify his children. Joseph drank sween and studied his guests with a defeated look.

  “I am sorry you had to see this. The Mogandis are not without their challenges. Kara, did you tell the others what I said last night about the Splinter and our young men?”

  “I did.”

  “If this were simply a product of spiritual enlightenment, I would not be concerned. But the Splinter has filled some of these young minds with fire and rancor. Their religion is also political. These things should never blend.”

  “Do you think we should leave, Joseph, until you sort this out?”

  “No, Kara. Maxwell has brought you into his confusion. It is best the five of us sit with him and his parents to resolve the matter.”

  “And our negotiations?” Ham said.

  “After my grandson explains himself. Do not worry, Hamilton. We have not canceled. Only postponed. Please excuse my abruptness, but I should check on his parents. If necessary, I will drag the boy from Mumbassa myself.”

  The four took a moment to regroup after Joseph departed, but Leto spoke first.

  “He doesn’t have the power to make a deal.”

  “I disagree,” Ham said. “Did you see the terror on their faces? His children are afraid of him.”

  “That is control, not power. Don’t confuse the two. He runs the ranch his way, but his influence likely ends at the property line.”

  “Leto, I spoke at length with Hemric about Joseph’s influence among the Alliance leadership. He said no voice is more respected.”

  Leto grinned at the assessment.

  “Respect without fear is a weak sauce.”

  Cando jumped in. “I have to concur, Captain. Compare how he entered the room to how he left. Whatever’s happening with his grandson is beyond his control.”

  “What are you implying?” Kara said.

  “We might not be dealing with the broker we were promised.”

  “He’s having a family crisis, Cando. We need patience.”

  “I’m not saying we abandon the mission, but we need to be more circumspect about this man. A general maintains a steady hand. He does not break character in public. Where is Hemric? He’s the so-called eyes and ears.”

  Ham opened a hand-comm.

  “Hemric had duties this morning but vowed to be present when Joseph resumed talks. I’ll update our status. I think it best we quell our conversations in here, lest someone misinterpret our words. I will stay in case Joseph returns. The three of you should take a nice morning walk together. Perhaps to the river gorge. It’s a delightful view.”

  Leto grabbed his sween.

  “Is that an order, Captain?”

  “If it will silence your inevitable protest. Yes.”

  They did so with reluctance, although Kara understood Ham’s strategy of clearing out the skeptics.

  Morning on the Eastern Plateau was quiet compared to yesterday’s arrival. The wind was flat. The sun dimmed behind an orange-red haze. As they crossed the red hardpack, Kara heard mumblings on both flanks. Cando and Leto repeated their suspicion of having been sold a bill of goods. She allowed them to get it off their chest without rebuttal.

  The Sahati River gorge greeted them with a spectacular view. The four-hundred-meter drop bottomed out at a rushing torrent full of foam, its thunderous echo consuming the gorge.

  “That looks like an adventure,” she said.

  Cando nodded. “I handled whitewater a few times growing up. This one seems manageable enough.”

  “I don’t know. Those boulders look punishing. Very narrow channels, too. Remember what Joseph said on the tour? The river has three sets of waterfalls as it flows through the rainforest then levels out when it approaches the city. A few daredevils make the journey every year. Do you two think you would tame it?”

  “In the black?” Leto said. “Easy. I can repel Swarm snipers. I can handle a fast current and a few boulders.”

  “I think the Zwahilis would consider that cheating.”

  “Armor is designed to protect a man when his body is too fragile. Only a suicidal fool rides that river without armor.”

  “Isn’t it possible he’s courageous?”

  “Courage without a rational plan is usually fatal. Joseph said many who ride the river do not survive. They’re fools.”

  “Leto’s right,” Cando said. “If you’re fighting a superior foe, you don’t leave your best available resources behind.”

  “I think you two are missing the point. Some Zwahilis don’t see the river as an enemy; it’s a challenge they can’t ignore. They don’t have armor like yours, and they know people have died down there. They do it anyway.”

  Leto snarled. “As I said, suicidal fools.”

  “No. I think they’re trying to learn something about themselves. It’s a different kind of armor.”

  “Such as?”

  “Come on, Leto. Don’t act like you don’t understand my point.”

  “It’s not an apt comparison.”

  “Isn’t it? When was the last time you two stepped out of a Scramjet without your body armor? These ranchers can kill you with one clean shot. You’re as good as naked. But you took on the challenge because cheating won’t work here.”