Part Three



Mekt was up early, as was his custom, and ready to begin his day. Stepping into the hallway that led to his office, he was surprised to discover himself alone. It struck him as odd that Galmark wasn't waiting on him, looking as though he had never gone to bed.



Crossing the hall, the president tapped a panel beside the entrance to his bodyguard's apartment. “Galmark?”



No response, which was also unusual. He was about to call the Khundian a second time when the door opened.



“Forgive me,” was all Galmark offered.



As the two walked to his office, Mekt couldn't shake the feeling of dread. Somehow—someway—he knew this whole situation with Ayla was going to end up blowing up in his face. He glanced over at Galmark and realized his bodyguard must sense his dread as well, for the Khundian had dropped back a couple steps. Approaching his office, he noticed his secretary was not at her desk but thought little of the fact as she was frequently already in his office by the time he arrived.



His chair spun around as he entered. His eyes widened in surprise. “You...you're here,” he said.



Ayla smiled, but what should have made Mekt smile as well seemed almost predatory.



“You surprise me, Ayla,” Mekt said, trying not to let his nervousness show. “I did not expect you to arrive for a few days.”



“I was closer than you assumed,” she said, not offering to relinquish her seat to its rightful owner.



Mekt ignored the slight and sat down in a seat usually occupied by his visitors. Gelmark moved to stand behind. Something about the bodyguard's actions made the hair on his neck stand up.



“So, what happened between you and Garth?” he asked his sister.



Ayla smiled. “He became so domineering—thought his powers made him a god—so I showed him the error of his ways.”



Mekt's expression was one of apprehension. “Meaning...?”



“Meaning I killed him.” The young woman rolled her eyes at her brother. “Don't tell me you are going to miss him.”



“Garth was a bad spark,” Mekt replied, “but he was our brother, your twin.”



Ayla stood and walked around the presidential desk. “You have done well enough for yourself without a twin.”



Mekt could sense Gelmark move closer. Oh, Gelmark,he thought. What has she done to steal your loyalty from me? “I have endured much hardship to achieve this position.”



“Ah, my dear brother,” Ayla said, her smile becoming even more predatory. “The burdens you bear are carving deep worry lines your face. That is why I have decided to help relieve you of these burdens.”



“And by that, you mean that I shall suffer the same fate as Garth if I refuse to cooperate.”



His sister shrugged; her smile remained in place. Gelmark moved closer.



Turning his back on his sister, he looked his bodyguard in the eye. “Ah,” he said as realization dawned on him, “it is good to know Gelmark did not betray me.”



“Why, dear brother, what ever do you mean?” Ayla asked.



“Durlan?” Mekt asked. “Please tell me he did not suffer.”



The girl laughed. “You are good,” she said. “What gave Reep away? It was the eyes, wasn't it?”



“Did he suffer?” Mekt asked again, ignoring her question.



“Have you ever seen a Khund weep?” she asked. “My friends had him crying like a snot-nosed brat. Hahaha.”



Winath's president felt his power, fueled by anger and sorrow, building within him. He was about to release the energy, when a sharp pain shot through his brain. As his eyes rolled back in his head, a final thought surged to the front of his mind.



Winath. I have let you down.



* * * * *



Something dropped from Mekt's ear as he hit the floor and began to grow. An attractive brunette was soon standing near the man's head.



“Salu,” Ayla said. “You didn't kill him, did you?”



“Am I covered in blood?” the size-changer asked. “He is only unconscious, just as you wanted.”



Ayla nodded. “Good.” She looked at the Durlan. “Reep, collect the president and get him aboard the ship.”



The shapeshifter nodded, then lifted Mekt from the floor. As he stepped through the door, Salu looked at Ayla. “So, where are we going from here?”



Ayla started towards the door. “We are heading to Colu.”



Salu fell in behind her. “So, you have decided to take on the Benevolent Computo this early in the game? Sounds like suicide; sounds like fun.”



“It does sound fun, but, no. We are recruiting our next member.”



“Another member?” Salu asked. “There are five of us now; how many more members do we need?”



“Our forces will become a legion,” Ayla said, “and then the universe will tremble.”

I just discovered this story is out of continuity, so while I hope you enjoyed it, please ignore it. Sorry.

Thanks for the move.