Page 38 of Advance and Retreat
“How would you like to make twice the amount of money we’re paying you?”Piras transmitted.
* * * *
Mereta was in sightof the small dwelling he used as his home on Jedver.So far, no one, including the All, had evidenced concern over his unscheduled departure from his office.Why should they?He was Dark-ridden, supposedly in thrall to his constant companion’s influence.He was also the conduit through which the All received most of its news on the far-flung planets these days.Nonetheless, he acknowledged relief to have made it this far.
He passed his closest neighbor’s home, an Alneusian ambassador’s aide.He sent silent gratitude to her, though she was certainly not at home.Dark-ridden herself, she’d nonetheless unwittingly provided part of the means for his potential escape from the planet.
He noted a delivery shuttle leaving a massive bin outside her front door and set his sights on his own quarters.It resided in a neighborhood occupied mostly by assistants and aides to Galactic Council representatives.
The usual residence of the secretary-general was a palatial mansion on top of a hill overlooking similar grandiose abodes of government elites.Mereta had no use for opulence.He found peace and happiness in the simple life, where gratitude for the smallest pleasures could be properly appreciated.His request for the five-room house he’d taken as his home while he served the planets of the Galactic Council had been met by varying reactions, from appreciation to horrified disbelief.He’d concerned himself with none of the opinions given.
His Dark wasn’t interested in whether he had a palace or a shack either.It only wanted to finish its business so it could return to the All.
It remained in a blissful state of contentment, its host’s actions of little concern as it drifted in the true version of all there was, as Mereta experienced it.It had moments of passing curiosity in why it had decided to leave the office but returning to where its host body slept was fine.As long as it could remain in the tranquility where separation from the All ceased to be agony, it experienced no worry about what was happening.
Mereta flew his shuttle into its berth and closed the hatch against anyone who might spot it and wonder why he was home at such an hour.The more he could avoid notice, the better his chances.
He hurried into the house.He’d made it as much an oasis as possible for a temporary abode.Paintings and tapestries depicted restful landscapes, an altar on which candles and fragrant incense waited to be burned, soft but supportive floor cushions perfect for meditation decorated his combination greeting and common room.
He glanced at the closet door across the room.He checked on the Dark.It was bemused, again wondering offhandedly why it had chosen to be here.He sent it a wave of absolute serenity, drawing on his connection to Universal Spirit.It gave itself to the quiet and lost conscious awareness of Mereta’s surroundings.
He went to the closet and ordered it open.Inside, he grabbed a utility belt, its pouches full of tools, a couple of emergency rations, and a knife.He eyed the latter uncomfortably, but he’d serve the greater good if he absolutely had to.He hoped it wouldn’t come to such extremes.
He strapped it around his waist.It was too bulky to be completely hidden by his jacket, but it was as inconspicuous as he could manage.He didn’t dare try fleeing while dragging a travel bin with him.
Counting the items he’d already stored on his shuttle, he was as ready to try for freedom as he could manage.Mereta turned from the closet.
He was confronted by a man who’d stolen up behind him.
Chapter Ten
“Admiral Piras,” Meretagasped, then hurriedly settled his nerves so his Dark wouldn’t be drawn to note the present circumstances.
“Secretary-General.Or is it the Dark I’m addressing?”Piras watched him closely.
“You must know I’m in control, or you wouldn’t have dared approach me.How did you get past the guards?”
