San Antonio, Texas
Jan 9th 2058
Malcom had his bag and was making his way through the airport. There hadn't been time to talk to dad and explain himself, and it was still eating at him. It wasn't his fault that his new radioman was a traitor. Yet the way everyone was looking at him and treating him said otherwise. In the back of his head, he knew the answer. He had been the leader, he had chosen his people, and he had the responsibility. When things fail it was the leader's fault, always. And for the first time in Moonstone's history someone had betrayed the brotherhood. Still, HE hadn't betrayed his team or the mission. He had resisted Camila, for three days he had taken everything from seduction to beatings. He told them nothing, not that he had to. Camila seemed to know a lot already. Jason that fricking sack of shit had really put him in an impossible position.
He was so brooding and angry he never noticed the woman who shadowed his every move. He was too focused on what was to come. He was going to have to face tough questions at the Agora. His own mother sat on that body. Men served and fought. Women did other things, one of them was to stand in judgement over the men. The Agora was made up of the most honored women of the clan. Each woman who sat there had reached the highest level of Grey life. Each having done something tremendous to achieve fame. And each had given birth to a powerful man who had found similar honor in his life. Thus, the women who sat on the Agora had even more reason to feel pride. Not just were they legends, they had given birth to, and raised legends themselves.
"Are you so blind brother that you do not see me?"
Malcom stopped dead in his tracks at the familiar voice. He smiled; it was a welcome voice to be sure. Still, she had gotten the better of him, something he had never allowed her to do once in her life.
"I have a great deal on my mind, Sis, I am so glad it's you they sent."
The young girl who appeared from nowhere in front of him was deeply concerned. This sister was a grey, and like all grey she could appear and disappear at will. She was what Camila would call an immortal. A powerful being having inherited all the same gifts from their mother and father. Jessie was his little sister, and like Jacob the three of them were Yelina's children from Travis. Malcom had many brothers and sisters, far more than he could count. But Jacob and Jessie were the only full brothers and sisters he had.
"I heard; they aren't very pleased with you. But you are going to be fine. It's not your fault Jason was bent. They will see truth, you did the best you could. Besides they already know who is at fault. They evicted his mother over it already."
Malcom wasn't surprised Jason's family would pay a steep price at his treachery, but not that fast. That told Malcom they were embarrassed and the Agora would look for scapegoats. He just hoped he wouldn't be put in that group with them. He asked her what mom thought. Their mother sat on the Agora.
"She's worried, mom is afraid they are going to exile you too."
Malcom closed his eyes for a moment, not once in all this time had he ever thought he would face such a test. He had done everything for his people and he believed that was enough to shield him from such a fate. Yet here he was, his judgement in choosing a traitor could cost him everything. For Malcom there was no life outside the clan. If he was exiled they might as well take his life as well.
Jessie saw his brooding and wrapped her arms around his and started to lead him forward. He loved his little sister; she was eight years younger than him but they had been close since she could speak. Jacob and her were less friendly, far closer in age her and Jacob had fought more than anything else. But eventually as they grew into adults, all three had bonded. In this clan, blood bonds were common. But their bond had to be stronger. Each of them needed close allies to survive. Jessie was still young, in her last year before she was to be proclaimed a woman. In the very near future, she would enter the competitive and dangerous life of grey women. She would most likely go to work for mother in her organization. Hiding in the shadows learning all there was to know about enemies of the grey. And then once she had found fame and honor would be allowed to choose among the grey men a mate worthy of her station. It would be difficult, most grey men shared her lineage. She would struggle to find a man worthy of her.
As she led him to the car he noticed that in the time he had been away she had grown more. She was less a child now and more woman. A part of Malcom was sad to see it, her life up to this point had been one of merriment and challenge. But above all it had been safe. Soon she would risk her life as often as he did, and she would be put under the same sort of pressures he felt. A part of him wanted that for her, and another did not. When she turned to him she teased him for all his brooding. Seeing her jokes did not land, she grew concerned.
"It's ok sis, I just need a good meal, a feeding and some sleep."
She winced at him saying that and lowered her head for a moment before responding.
"Bro they want to see you the second you get to Medford. They are waiting in the chambers even now. Mom made me promise I wouldn't dally in getting you there. But you know what… to hell with them. Let's get something to eat first."
Malcom laughed and put his concerns, his worries, and his guilt over the operation aside. He would need to husband his strength for what was to come. The women of the Agora would be a worthy test. He needed all his skills to face them.
Medford, Texas
Jan 9th 2058
Cassia was dressed in the familiar attire of one who sat on the Agora. They had years before adopted the Greek peplos when they met in the gathering. It was simple in construction with slits on the sides for ease of movement. Most wore a simple leather belt or even rope that served as one. Spartan culture did not encourage adornment, so most eschewed bright colors. Still the peplos could be beautiful, and a sign of their power. Not all the women of the Agora liked the old ways. The peplos was a good example of that. More than one of their number had voiced hate for the classical garb. Not Cassia, she loved how it reminded of her life in ancient times. It lay against her young body highlighted by gold trim. A touch given to it by a master artesian from the Citrine clan. She loved how it blended what was and what would be. Only those in the Agora had such adornment, something tolerated because of their station. Cassia treasured each time she got to wear it. It wasn't some costume like it was to these children. For Cassia it was a real living part of her history. Sparta wasn't some fable, it was real to her. She had drawn breath hundreds of years before Sparta had even been born. That time and this clan was special to her.
"You look lovely dear."
Cassia smiled for her partner. A man she had fallen for nearly 4000 years before. Her memories of that life were painful so she rarely touched on them. But standing there dressed as a woman of ancient Greece she remembered when they had lived like this. Nearly 1500 years after they met they were living in Athens. That time had been far simpler for both. Neither had sought a bigger place in that life. They lived as simple common folk. Their children in those times had not risen like the others, and that had been fine. Their love and their happiness was nearly unmatched. Unlike now, when both were far too busy to love the other the way their partner needed. Cassia looked carefully at her love and took in his words. In that simple complement was regret and longing. It said what it ways did. That she was ignoring her love far too much. She had her reasons as did Cyrus. Things would have to change. Soon, she thought, soon.
"Thank you. Are you going to be home tonight on time? I was hoping we could have a meal together?"
Cyrus shook his head no as he finished tying his tie and running his hands along his suit coat. She knew he had a town meeting to run tonight, already knowing it was be unlikely for him to be home anytime before midnight. He looked up and faked a smile for her, something both of them were doing a lot lately. Neither wanted to hurt the other but they were. For Cyrus his efforts with his other clans and the town were taking precedence. And for her, the obsession of fixing the Grey was ever present. Cyrus kissed her and without another word left to begin his day. Cassia closed her eyes and took in a long breath. Wondering just how much longer this would go on like this. They were near eternal beings, but even lovers like them went thought difficulties. And clearly two decades trying to fix the Grey was taking its toll.
Making her way from her home to her office in the Agora. Cassia pondered many things, some more pressing than others. She considered ways to better her marriage, ways to encourage her grandchildren, and of course how to help her other clans. But as always all of that disappeared nearly as quickly as it was considered. For Cassia, the Grey and her son was her obsession. As she walked into the office she nodded to the others and smiled. Working as always to try to strengthen her relationship with the others. Of all those that sat on the Agora, Cassia held the most power. She had taken that power the same way all grey women do, by cunning, and at times force. Many had attempted to stand in her way, and all had regretted doing so. Yet it wasn't for her own ambition that she worked so tirelessly. Of the three living sons she still had, Travis was the one she most worried about. Her other sons were well adjusted and living their best lives. Adad nearing the end of his days, had his Eleanor and had finally found peace. Jay was King of the Aqua and did not need her to save him. He would endure for 40 centuries or more without a breath from her. But Travis, he was on the precipice as he always was. This boy of hers never seemed to stray far from the edge.
A rotund older woman walked towards her, also dressed in a peplos. Hers did not flatter her form at all, yet Cassia would not say a word against her. This was her sons second consort, a woman that in a short time would again be his wife. She had given him several children, one of which was quickly becoming a renowned warrior. This child was fast becoming a force like Ares, and if Travis was not careful a rival for his throne. His mother had designs for him, and Susan was nothing if not ambitious.
"Mother, have they not arrived yet?"
Cassia smiled for her daughter-in-law and stated that no they had not yet. They were overdue, Jessie had likely decided to defy the Agora again. Yelina's youngest was intelligent and capable but undisciplined.
"I should have insisted we send Elena to fetch him, my daughter is not so willful as Yelina's."
For Cassia all of these children were her grandchildren. Unlike in times past Cassia now was fully involved the lives of her Grey. She took a keen interest in all of them and marked well each and every one. She had to; it was those children that would eventually ensure the longevity of her beloved clan. Cassia had lived long enough to see so many generations rise and fall that she could not count them. And she knew she would be here to see all the ones to come. Long after Susan and Yelina were dust she would still be here. That knowledge was unnerving to many, something Cassia used to its fullest.
Susan's girl, Elena was fast becoming a powerful woman in the clan. Just like her brothers she was a force to be reckoned with. Without a doubt that girl would join her mother on the Agora before she was 50. Cassia would have to watch her like she did all her grandchildren. But that watchful vision wasn't just a loving one, but one of caution. The sharpest knives were always those wielded by family. Answering Susan's clear jibe, she made it clear her position.
"Perhaps, but Jessie is only delaying the inevitable. Your Thomas and Elena do you so much honor. You have to be so excited. Are you looking forward to next year dear?"
Susan's eyes brightened; she was at the end of her separation from Travis. Next year Yelina would stand down as his wife and allow Susan the honor again. It was an agreement reached many years before. Three woman who loved a single man had fought for him, and argued over him. The end to that conflict saw Dolly going her own way, and the other two compromising. One woman would have him for four years. At the end of that time, she would return him to the other. This time however Susan would revert to her youth right before then. She would return to be a child bearing woman and begin again to build up her house. She already had two titans, she clearly hoped to add to that number. Susan like Yelina honored Cassia by calling her mother. It wasn't something Cassia required, or even asked for. Still when she said it, Cassia could not help but smile.
"Oh yes, it's been so long since I was young. Perhaps I should go see Isabe about getting a better looking peplos for then? Goodness knows I look terrible at this age, I simply can't keep the weight off now. I love what Isabe did with your peplos, you always look so elegant."
Cassia smiled at the complement and put a loving hand on her. Cassia still valued Susan and her loyalty, she had of course chosen all three women for her son years before. Each had done as she asked and been good wives for him. Yet each had failed him in their own ways. None of them had healed her son from the damage done by Aya and Tina. And most importantly they had not helped him become the kind of King he needed to be. Travis was still weak, and for a Grey that was deadly. As great as Susan and Yelina were, they had failed to push Travis to greatness. That was the primary reason why Cassia still spent all her time with the Grey when she had two other clans to care for. Cassia unlike Susan and even Travis was not simply a vampire. She was the consort of a visitor. The once human wife of an alien who had traveled to Earth over 4000 years before. He had created the vampires and built up the clans that live today. It was with her that he had founded the Aqua house. From her womb had come Adad the first Aqua vampire. And nearly 4000 years later had come Travis and Jay.
Two decades before when Cyrus had inherited both the Grey and the Amber he had awakened her. Taking the human woman she was and elevating her to be like him. Since then she had finally been given all her lives memories, and had his power. He had asked her to become his voice among his clans. And the mother to them all. One day when Travis was finally ready to take up his crown without help, she would depart and begin to raise up the Amber. She would lay with her lover again and create another son, one worthy of wearing the Amber crown. But that was centuries from now from the looks of it. For now, she must stay here and watch over her Grey. She would not fail her Travis again, she had done so once and felt the pain of it even now. She had been selfish and stupid, and allowed her feelings to get in the way. It had cost her everything, nearly destroying both her modern boys.
"Mother you seem worried, is everything ok?"
Cassia smiled for her and assured Susan everything was well. But it wasn't, Travis was still in danger. He still had not taken up the burden she had asked him to. He was still not the man he needed to be. And Cassia wasn't sure how to help him. She pulled on her peplos and adjusted herself. Disquieted that she did not know how to save him. It was why she would stop at nothing. He was her child, and she had failed that boy once already. She could not fail this time, she had to save him… and his clan.
Medford, Texas – The Agora
Jan 9th 2058
Malcom stood alone in front of the Agora being pelted with question after question. He had already undergone three hours of questioning. Most of which was harsh and judgmental. At first he had accepted it on its face, he had in fact failed. But the more these women judged him and found him unworthy the more he chaffed. What did they know about combat, or work in the field? He had NEVER seen any of them put their lives at risk for the clan. Never once seen any of these high and mighty ladies in anything other than luxury and comfort. A peace created by the strength of the men.
"Did you inquire to why Jason wanted to join you, ask about his purpose? Or did you just accept him without question on to your team?"
Malcom heard the words spoken with distaste from one of the new generation women on the Agora. Not one who had been Grey for centuries. This woman had only become Grey when he was a boy. What in hell did she even know about being a Grey?
"Yes I did, I questioned his mother and his friends and found him capable in his task. As you may not be aware, his skills are rare in the Agoge. He was more than qualified for the task."
Another woman far older and one of those like his mother had lived for centuries, spoke with shocked surprise. She wanted to know if he had only looked at his skill and not his loyalty.
"This was our first operation together and my task on this mission was also to assess that. Up until he stuck a fucking needle in my neck, he had performed his duties and given me no reason to question him,… maam."
Another woman scolded him for his insolence towards the Agora. He started to nearly shout at her asking why they felt they had the right or experience to judge him? But caught himself when he realized the speaker was his mother.
"I apologize for my insolence ma'am, what happened to me and my team was unfortunate. Had I seen a sign of what he was to do, I would have acted. It is not the standard for a leader to run an investigation on his prospective recruits. That is what we ask your groups to do."
The dig was direct and not taken well. Several among them visibly reacted to his obvious attempt at throwing the blame back on them. The women of the clan ran groups that could best be described as mini-intelligence agencies. The men who failed in the Agoge and the women with the right skills, plundered the world for intelligence. Knowledge they could use or trade. Each person who joined a Moonstone team had an intelligence dossier written up by one of those groups. It was that dossier that leaders like him used to determine the fitness for service. So far none of them had questioned their own failure in this regard. As he suspected that landed like a lead balloon from the looks around the room. As he expected none of the ladies around the table took the bait.
The next speaker was his grandmother who asked him what he had revealed to this other grey family. She asked it with force, almost making him believe they thought him a traitor too. That question shook him to his core. His honor and his loyalty were things in stone. To have anyone question it was unthinkable. But to have NANA question it? When he spoke, he did so without thinking. Reacting rather than considering his words. How could they believe he would betray them? Did they not know his heart bled for his clan? How on earth could he betray his brothers? Jason may have, but not him, never not in a million years.
"Nothing nana, I told them nothing of use. I could never…. betray my brothers."
His mother scolded him for addressing Cassia in such a way. In this room he was to address her with the honors she deserved, not to try and remind everyone of his lineage. That was not what he was doing, he had spoken to his grandmother nothing else. Still, he had errored again.
"This grey woman, did you lay with her? Did you whisper into her ears all you know. Your report says you performed the dance of the Grey with her. You must have made love….you are far too young to have denied your flesh. What did she ask of you as you bed her? Or did you only think of your passions?"
The question blunt and to the point had come from his own mother. He stood in shock for a moment and then remembered he was a man and not a child anymore. His heart filled with rage and he had to fight to contain himself. Through clenched teeth he responded.
"I told them nothing my lady, I resisted and was beaten for my trouble. I asked questions and sought answers to what you would wish to know. I acted in honor, and spoke in honor. Not that I feel much of that here today."
The jibe he had told himself not to say, but he couldn't help it. He was pissed at being treated this way by his own mother and grandmother. He put steel into his eyes looking directly at her and saw the fire returned back in hers.
"A man receives the honor he has earned my son. And your actions are in question here. Do not test me or the others with your vain concerns for your ego. We have every right to come to the truth and judge you."
Now angry and tired of the questioning he moved from his place and approached the assembled Agora. Allowing his muscles to move after hours of being held at check, he felt his testosterone surge. At that moment he wanted nothing more than some man to challenge him physically so he could show them what he was really made of. Where once he had seen this august body with love and respect, now he only felt indigent rage.
"If you question my loyalty then act! I have never once given you question to doubt it! My honor and pride in my people is all I have. If that is nothing, then I am nothing. I told that woman no, and I resisted her even if I did want her. Yes I wanted to have her…. I don't apologize for that. But I did as I was taught, and I honored you and you, and all of you."
He had pointed first to his mother, then to his grandmother and then to the others assembled. He was beyond pissed now, having felt they had thought him a traitor. Standing there with fists clinched and his teeth showing. His grandmother stood now and came to him without fear. The "grey mother" as she was called. The others saw her with fear, and rightfully so. But for Malcom she was nana, and even in this place he refused to see her in any other way. When she was close enough to touch him she looked deeply into his eyes and then put her hand on his face. Unlike his mother and all the other Grey, his nana possessed all the vampiric powers of her husband's clans. She could disappear in the wind like a grey, stop time like an amber, and she could enter the mind like an Aqua. He knew precisely what she was doing when she touched him. She took her time searching out his soul and reading all that was he.
Malcom had no fear, nor did he flinch at the rough way she tore through his memories. He had nothing to hide, no shame to bear in this. He had acted with professionalism and had been as he was taught to be. He stood and allowed the old woman to see what she wished to see. A few minutes later she reopened her eyes and put her arm down from him.
"This child is as he says he is. He did not dishonor us, nor did he lie in his report. He resisted this girl and learned many things, some of which I find useful. There are things however this boy has seen, he does not understand. Malcom you are dismissed, we will summon you when we have decided your fate."
Malcom looked at his grandmother searching for some sign of what that fate would be. It sounded like she was pleased yet not quite so. His senses told him this body did not approve of him, no matter what nana said. The looks of the others told him that much at least. But what could he say that he hadn't already, and what could he reveal that nana hadn't taken?
"I live to serve my clan, and my life is yours, as always."
As he walked out the doors he felt his heart sink. It was the first time he ever questioned his loyalty to his people. They had never questioned him in such a way, nor had anyone had cause to. It was an experience Malcom was not ready for, nor did he know how to handle.
Medford, Texas – Yelina's Home
Jan 10th 2058
Dolly was sitting in the home of her friend, someone she had known for nearly 80 years. Yesterday's meeting in the Agora had unsettled both of them. Dolly had come to comfort her friend but it wasn't just that. Both women had become Grey vampires long ago and both sat on the Agora. Long before Travis was born both had struggled to carve out a place for themselves in this clan. Yet Dolly was far older, 100 years before Yelina was born Dolly had walked the earth as a vampire. She could well remember Yelina's mother and the day of Yelina's birth. She had held Yelina as a baby and comforted her. Such was their existence, immortals both. Each had seen much in service to the clan.
Dolly was sister to the founder of the American version of the Grey. Both her sister and Dolly had built up this clan from nothing in the 1860's. Dolly and her sister had been the greatest powers once, Tina had ruled without pause until her death. They had become the last standing Grey enclave on earth. Or at least until yesterday that was what they thought anyway.
"Has mother told you anything yet about these other Grey?"
The question finally put out there after an hour of small talk hung in the air like a mist. Dolly needed to know what Yelina knew. Treachery was in the air and the old cycles were repeating yet again. Others may not see it but Dolly could, she had lived and survived when so many of her peers had not.
"Nothing, but it doesn't matter. I am far more concerned about my own right now. I love my boy but he vexes me so."
Dolly looked at her friend with warmth and searched her mask to see just what was truth and what was a shield. Yelina had cause to be focused on her own troubles. Her eldest son was going to be censured for his actions, and her youngest daughter was ill-tempered. Her children were making enemies in the Agora, and if they weren't careful it could be the end of their mother and her own organization.
"What about your people, do you have anyone in Meridia who knows anything about our cousins?"
Dolly was referring to the fact that each member of the Agora ran their own organization. Made up of women and failed men from the Agoge they worked out in the world gathering intelligence. The written intention of these groups was to further the needs and desires of the clan. But some of their number used it to enrich themselves. Dolly wouldn't dare accuse her clan-sister of that, but she knew Yelina had dipped her toe in that pond already.
"No dear, but I am sure you do. What does your people know about them?"
Dolly lied almost by second nature. Hiding the facts and what she knew had long since become part of her cloak. The tit for tat questions went on like this, neither really believing the other but both respecting the other. Both were rivals, each loved the same man and each had children from him. Dolly had chosen her path long ago, but she wondered if Yelina had changed hers recently.
"That is a shame, it would be nice knowing how this other group of Grey survived all this time. What do you think their showing themselves now means?"
Dolly saw the look, subtitle and coy but still very obvious to her. Yelina was no fool, and she had to be deadly careful with what she told her "friend." She took her time composing the lie and delivered it with the same accustom skill she had grown used to. Dolly was moving through a deadly field of truth and lies with so many now. But there was an ending in sight, all her efforts and all her sacrifices wouldn't be for nothing. Still one misstep could cost her everything. Yelina ingested the lies and the small truths with equal measure. What she really thought about it, Yelina kept to herself. It was time to steer the topic back to Yelina's troubles. Something Dolly didn't mind discussing.
"You shouldn't fear too much for your young ones. I am sure Malcom will recover dear, he is so young and he is a good man. He has plenty of time to find his way."
Yelina's mask dropped for a moment and for a time it felt like to Dolly that they really were friends again. Dolly's feelings for her were not fake, but it was complicated.
Sao Paulo – Meridia
Jan 10th 2058
"Stupid girl, who gave you the authority to play with the Americano's? Do you have any clue how much trouble you have caused? Hum, do you even think before you act?"
Camila listened to her clanmate speak with distaste over her actions. She wasn't worried in the slightest. Luis wasn't a power in the clan, just someone useful as far as Camila was concerned. It was mothers' opinion that really mattered, not this lap dog of hers. Luis wasn't her father, even if he tried to play that role from time to time. Her father had been British and had died when she was a little girl. Camila often wondered what he would think of them? Did he know his "little baya" as he called her would grow into an immortal? Did he know about mother, probably not. Ignoring Luis was not wise so Camila put on as humble a face as possible before opening her mouth.
"I served the clan, how did I do otherwise? I found a Hermano right in my backyard. What was I supposed to do, just watch him? Had he accepted me we would have another to strengthen our family. How is that not what mother would want?"
Camila knew better already. A hurried text from mother made that clear enough. It had wrecked the plan mother had agreed to, and because of this mother wasn't happy. But Camila would be dammed if she let this little man see anything from her. Luis went on explaining the why, and how she had destroyed the plans that had taken years to put together.
"You were supposed to take the technical one, not the son of the bloody King!"
Camila was dressed differently than she had been for her previous guest. There was hardly a patch of skin showing for Luis. He had wondering eyes, and she felt sick each time they did. She moved away from the little man and back towards the couch where she had entertained Malcom. Now there was a real grey man. Young, strong, and far more in his head than this fool. All of that plus he was virtuous and good looking. Had he melted under her charms… well that wasn't to be. She used a well-worn method to get her way with Luis next. She insulted him and made it visibly clear she found him distasteful. Without letting him a moment to respond she changed the subject.
"I believe you have instructions for me Luis, something mother wants me to do. How about we use our time to discuss that instead?"
Luis shook his head in barely contained rage and tossed down a tablet as he stormed out. That was a well-timed use of insolence on her part. She knew exactly how to manipulate Luis when she wanted him to leave. As she picked up the tablet she had to shake off the shivers of having to speak to the man again. When she was younger and not yet skilled, she feared him. Camila knew the troll wanted her, and he barely hid it when she was younger. But once she received her gifts, and learned to use them… well. She almost wanted Luis to try, she would kill him where he stood and be done with it.
Trying hard to forget him she paged through the images and notes. Then she saw the updates and she closed her eyes. Malcom had lost his honor, he was being sidelined. She sighed not feeling guilty for her actions, but more pity for him. He was such a delectable man, something about him pulled her in and…. Oh my. That, well that was unexpected. Mother had given her a new task. Something that would be pleasing, if she was able to do as asked. The next page had additional information not shared before. Some of which she found stunning. Still a new thought crept into her mind. An idea, so bold it may work. What she had tried with Malcom was just silly and thoughtless, but it revealed so much to her. Trying to seduce Malcom had shown her that her training was not in vain. When the time came if she chose to do as asked she would be able to do so. For the millionth time since she was a little girl she considered what was being asked. At one time the thought had excited her. Now that she was a woman and a will of her own, far less so. What if she could be allowed to have a thought of her own for once? What would it be like to select her own mate, to forge her own life? The very thought was treasonous, and if her mother knew there would be dire consequences. But Camila didn't care, she yearned to be her own woman. Even if it meant she wouldn't be all the things promised to her.
She returned again to what mother wanted and the specifics of her ask. Mother always allowed Camila flexibility to achieve a goal. Not telling her how to do such a thing, only what she required. From the tone it was clear mother was dead serious about this. Still there was opportunity here, opportunity mother might not see. Perhaps a risk could be taken here? Mother was getting what she wanted, and Camila had her own wishes and dreams. In the coming centuries mother's attention would be on other things. Perhaps she would do as mother had once done. Find her own meteor, one worthy of her. But unlike mother, one as immortal as her.
Medford, Texas – The Agoge
Jan 10th 2058
Roger watched as the boys lined up for battle again. They had done this time and time again today. Some were going to be excellent warriors. They had the skills and talent they needed. But far too few of those had the heart. A couple of those without skill had lions' hearts. Such was the way of things, rare was it the man who came along with both. A few, but it was very rare. Their King had only produced a couple such boys, one with Susan and another with Yelina. Each fitting successors to the throne one day. A day Roger hoped would not be soon in coming. Their clan was still nowhere near as strong as they had once been. War and conflict two decades ago had nearly destroyed the clan. It would be a lifetime before the Grey were what they once were.
Still, in these boys that Roger trained, he saw potential. Some would make excellent warriors serving in assault teams or protection teams. Others like the red headed boy of Melina was destined to hide in the shadows as either a spy or recon warrior. All Grey longed to hide in the shadows, watching and waiting for the right moment to strike. That was their nature, and both their gift and curse. To be a warrior however took more than just instinct, it required a team effort. Men working together for a cause, selflessly and thoughtlessly. The thinking came before battle, but in battle…. It had to be second nature. For a man to think during battle was a death sentence.
As Roger watched he saw out of the corner of his vision the eldest boy of Yelina walk up. He had graduated the Agoge over six years before and had been exactly what he thought he would be. An excellent recon soldier, just like his father was. The boy however had not followed what Roger thought was his true calling. He was young and thought too highly of himself. Not surprising out of the son of a king, and the grandchild of the grey mother herself. He was the child of legends, and as such much was expected. This meeting Roger reflected would not be pleasant. It had fallen to Roger to give him the news. He would do it as it was required of him, but it gave him no joy. Quietly Roger had always liked this boy. It wasn't hard, he had a noble soul. This child of the king was the one Roger believed could one day be a better King than his father.
The moment Malcom came up to him he stopped the battles and had the boys show Malcom the respect the young ones were due for their elders. Malcom may have fallen in the sight of the Agora, but he was still a man of honor. He turned to his pupils and with a guttural voice announced the arrival of a Hoplite. The boys pounded their chest with their right fists and in unison shouted their reply.
"ALALA"
Roger turned to the Hoplite approaching and saluted him with the spear he was carrying. A sign of respect for another warrior. Malcom clearly not himself said nothing but returned the salute. Seeing this Roger dismissed the assembled boys and urged them to their next task. Less they stand around and see the destruction of a man. As soon as the boys were gone Malcom said quietly that he had been asked to report to him.
"Yes son, I won't make you wait for it. The Agora have found you failed in your leadership. You have been stripped of your command, and will not receive another. BUT…. they have not found you guilty of Jason's actions. For that they have found another."
At giving him the sentence Malcom's eyes closed in pain. It was a dishonor and a severe blow towards his rise to spartainate rank. It also meant he would never be the man he thought he would be. Something nearly all Grey men had to face at some point or another. Something Malcom wasn't ready for, something that hurt him deeply. Roger knew it without words, he knew it because he had felt this, many times over the centuries.
"Your next task has been chosen by the Agora son. You will become master of this school, replacing me. They want to make sure we do not repeat my mistake. To weed out from our ranks any Jason's, less they disgrace our people again."
Malcom looked up in confusion, the Agora had found Roger responsible for Jason. He was being forced to retire from active life in the clan. He would keep his house, and possibly his wife. But his purpose, and his honor was gone. His only real hope was after a long time in the shadows they would let him die in battle somewhere. But he would have to wait decades for that honor and privilege if the Agora had any say.
"Master I don't understand, how on earth is it your fault? Why blame you? It was my choice; he was my pick?"
Roger handed the astonished boy his spear, the badge of office he had carried since it had been given to him by Malcom's father, the King. He hoped Malcom didn't see the emotion he felt at seeing that go from his grip. With that badge of office also went the honor and pride he had in himself.
"Because they are angry, and frightened. The two of us must bear this even if we do not wish to. In their eyes, I should have seen Jason's treachery here in the Agoge. Perhaps they are right, perhaps I could have seen it had I only looked. I am not sure how, the boy I knew was weak yes, but not a traitor. Few of our boys have his skill in technology, it's not our way. Perhaps I overlooked his weakness because of ours. That is why they are giving you this task. It's a way to redeem yourself son, and prevent another Jason from hurting the honor of us all."
What he didn't also say was that it was far easier to destroy Roger than the King's son. While true it also wasn't the boy's fault either. He had read the report, there was no seeing this. Jason had done what he had done for things the clan could not and would not give him. In no other clan could he expect such a payment. And until now, no one knew another Grey family existed. None of this really mattered, it was done. His life and his honor were shattered and nothing either man could say or do would put it back together.
Roger wanted to leave, not to stand around thinking about his disgrace any longer. But the boy was confused and he needed his guidance. Before he could show emotion Roger put the steel back into the boy. It was their way, and now more than ever, the boy would need it.
"You're a Grey son. You have been given your duty and you will follow it. Duty is life, and life is duty. Did I not teach this to you?"
Malcom's eyes watered and he took the spear and holding it in respect slammed it into his chest with more force than he should. The loud sound of it thumping into his chest made a hollow sound. Seeing it held so by a young man gave Roger pleasure. There could have been far worse men he could have been told to hand it to. At least it would be in good hands. Roger responded in the only way he could.
"I honor thee, who honors me"
Medford, Texas – Nancy's Home
Jan 10th 2058
Nancy was at home when the doorbell rang. She wasn't expecting anyone so that twinged her senses at once. Art and the rest of the family were out so it was just her. At one time Nancy had been the greatest power in this town. The founder of the city and the leader of the Aqua clan. But that wasn't the reality of today. Now Nancy was mostly retired, others led both the town and her clan. And that clan was thriving under her son-in-law Jay. It was such a weight lifted from her to know whenever happened next, her beloved clan would go on. A lifetime of desperately trying to save her clan from the dustbin of history was finally at an end.
As she walked up to the door she wondered just who this could be and hoped it was her granddaughter Maya. She was worried about her marriage and Nancy had been thinking about going out to see them to try to help. Talking and advising was mostly what she did now. Both her clan and others saw her as someone worthy of seeking out. It was both an honor and a curse to her. At one point she had been at the cutting edge of her clan and had led it. Now she was often an afterthought, other than a vampire wanting confirmation of something they had already decided. Her importance was now greatly diminished. Yet Nancy wouldn't change a thing, all things have endings and Nancy was content with hers. As she opened the door she was pleased to see who it was.
"Hi Nancy, do you have time to talk?"
This was Travis, who led the Grey clan as their King. Jay and Travis had once been young boys who looked at her for guidance after the death of their mother. They were young and vulnerable and they needed her then. Both were now pushing 50 and had their own grandchildren now. But that didn't matter, both boys still came to her when they needed to. Unlike the others when Travis came to her it was generally serious. He never just asked to confirm something, for Travis she was his "Brehon" an old word that meant advisor. It wasn't just an honorary title, she served a role in the Grey clan and had been allowed to see many private Grey matters. She was an honorary member of that clan now. She had been told she was highly respected by many among them. Or at least she hoped so, in any case she genuinely liked Travis.
He made a sign with his hands that signaled this was private so she led him to the couch and when he was ready put him into the link. A skill her Aqua clan had and was known for. In this link only they could hear and see what was going on.
"Thank you Nancy, I am considering ruling against the Agora. My heart wants to, but my mind says it's a bad decision. In any case I believe they are wrong in their judgement. I need to know your thoughts."
Nancy was surprised, in their clan the Agora was nearly an equal branch of their government to Travis's Kingship. The Agora could judge Grey members and render verdicts. They could ask the King to do things, and they held the keys to all funds among the clan. The men however served Travis, and nearly all of them worked directly for him in his PMC. The Grey had never really found the right balance of power between both, and at times it caused friction. But never in all this time had Nancy known him to consider violating their finding. It was a serious step in destabilizing their clan.
As Brehon she had access to anything she wished, thus Travis allowed her to search his mind and memories. The Agora had rendered a verdict against his son Malcom and several others over this traitor business. Travis felt it was too heavy handed and it was going to ruin his son's path to becoming his own man. But this Agora had both his wives, and Cassia behind it. Travis going against that will was nye impossible. Not without destroying his throne or their authority.
Nancy considered what he had been pondering the last couple days and saw the dangers. As a mother she had known the pangs of helplessness a parent feels when things go wrong for their children. But as a leader of both a town and a clan she had made very hard decisions. Going so far to choose her towns needs over her sons when she gauged her son too weak to help. Thank God she had been wrong on that, her son was strong and he had endured. But that decision had cost Nancy a great deal. The cold calculus of the moment however for Travis was that while the Agora's decision was not just, the blowback for confronting them was too high. Nancy didn't have to express her thoughts into words. In this place Travis could both feel and hear them as they occurred.
"I know I keep thinking that too. But if it's the right decision shouldn't I do what's right? If I let the Agora run over Grey after Grey like this, then what use is a King?"
Nancy smiled and again marveled at their strong moral nature of both of these boys. Travis and Jay cared about their people, it wasn't just for show. Their hearts bled for their people and you didn't have to be inside the link to know that. He was upset over Malcom but if it was just him he wouldn't act. It was what they were doing to the former master of the Agoge and that poor woman they had evicted that was pushing him to consider unprecedented action. Nancy smiled for him and again was pleased with the man he had become. Cassia may be a strange woman but she had somehow raised two amazing boys. At thinking of Cassia, Travis grew upset.
"Cassia isn't my mother, she died long ago. I don't know this woman Nancy. Honestly at times I feel like you are more a mother to me than she is."
That hurt Nancy, to have a son disown his own mother was harsh. It was a terrible reality for any woman who loved their children. But she understood why he would say that. Travis had been a child when Cynthia, his birth mother, had died. Time and the odd nature of this town had returned that being back to the land of the living, but in a twisted way. Cynthia was no mere human, she had been the consort to a visitor. The mortal spouse to an alien, the very ones that 4000 years ago had created the clans and transformed humans into vampires. This woman had many names and she had lived many times over the 4000 years vampires had walked this earth. Cassia was just the latest version of this woman and unlike all the other times had ALL her memories now. Her husband, the same alien who had fathered both Jay and Travis, was living with her. This visitor was the one in charge of both Nancy's Aqua clan, and Travis's Grey. In all this however what was lost was the human woman who had raised those boys, and the immortal woman with strong aspirations for her adult sons. This new version of her had not connected with them. Travis wasn't alone in feeling this way. Jay had let slip in the link to Nancy how he no longer saw her as his mother either.
"I know she means well, I know she loves me. But I can't see my mom in all this? I hear her voice and I see her face but it's not really the same woman. It doesn't make any of this any easier. The things she and Yelina said to Malcom… I want to intervene and I think I should based on the needs of my people. But if I destroy the only check on my power. Do I become a tyrant, that same one you feared I would become?"
Nancy smiled and sat next to him in her vision and put her arm around him. She had feared both boys becoming Kings because such things were outdated. Not to mention history had taught her just how power corrupted men. Nancy had over 1000 years of living history to know it to be so. But time had proven her wrong with both boys. Each had stout hearts and good women around them. Jay had her daughter Hanna to advise and love him. He also had others like Ashley who had become another great pillar in the clan. Jay often called Ashley his left hand and Hanna his right.
Travis had three such women around him and he leaned heavily on all three. But unlike Jay's situation Travis was trying to somehow balance serial marriages between these women, and largely failing. If he challenged the Agora he was really challenging his wives and his own mother.
"Travis your heart as always is right where it should be. But sometimes a leader has to sacrifice what one person needs for what the group needs. I agree the Agora is acting rashly, perhaps you can reverse this in time. But if you confront the Agora, you must do so with the knowledge you seek its death… and nothing short of that."
Travis was quiet listening now to the small bits and challenges that passed between them. In the end Travis came to his decision but felt poorer for it. A good sign in a leader, he wanted better but had to settle for good. Next he questioned himself and his rightness for leadership. Nancy knew that was coming and was ready.
"I willingly bent my knee to your brother years ago, and I haven't regretted it once. You are just like him son, both of you are rare and precious. I trust you, your children trust you…. Trust in yourself Travis."