The Demon's Change Read online

  “Call the Paladin, Chiang. They’re still within hailing distance. See if they have some of the sedative her captors gave her on Terris Rein. We know that will keep her under for at least a few days. Maybe we can figure out what the Helios is going on in the meantime.”

  “I don’t know what kind of long-term effect the sedative will have on her or the children,” Chiang warned.

  “Doesn’t matter. There’s no other choice,” Synar said sadly, sliding off the table to the floor. “Gwen, call Warro. Bring him up to speed and tell him he has the bridge tonight. Then you and Dorian go get some rest. You need to heal quickly. You’ll both be on the bridge for the duration of our trip to pick up the Guardian 13.”

  “Maybe the weepy, creepy Trax sister can tell you something about what happened,” Gwen said, flexing her sore arm as she slid from the medical table. It was bad, but the compression bandage helped. “I don’t buy Rena’s story about coming back from the dead. I got a feeling there’s more going on with her than we are seeing. Unless she’s just some whacko mental case.”

  “I agree there is much we don’t know about Rena’s situation. That’s exactly why Malachi and I are going to go have a little chat with both Trax siblings as soon as I can arrange it,” Synar said. He looked over his shoulder to see Malachi frowning down at Ania’s unconscious form. “Malachi, do whatever you feel you need to. I want this figured out.”

  Malachi’s gaze rose to his master’s. Liam should know better than to give him free rein. “Be careful how much control you offer me, Liam Synar. I would hate for you to have to put me in Zorinda’s amulet after all. Because if the emissaries are doing this, I’ll make sure they suffer for the pain they have caused her. I no longer fear what they will do to me. I saw Ania best one in a contest of wills.”

  “I know how you feel, because I feel like that too. But I was there. Ania attacked Gwen on reflex, which is second nature to her as I have just painfully learned. It’s possible that Ania had no idea what she was doing. It’s also possible that the entity—emissary—or whatever the creature was that went into her, may have overreacted to being in Ania as well. Or I could just be trying to think objectively so I don’t overreact myself,” Synar declared, blowing out a frustrated breath.

  Malachi closed his eyes, nodded. “You are right on all those points and that overreacting will not help this situation. Calm thinking is required. Let’s begin with interrogating the Trax sisters until we are assured they have told us all they know.”

  Chapter 2

  “Captain Synar, if I knew anything more I would tell you. I have no wish to see Peace Keeper Looren harmed in any way. What have I done to indicate I cannot be trusted?”

  Malachi felt his eyebrows arch in surprise when the resonance from a giant wave of fury echoed all around Liam. His normally stoic master rose from his chair to pace the small meeting room chosen for their interrogation. Normally, Liam didn’t let his emotions rule his state of being or his actions. Learning the now unconscious Ania carried the family he had been craving seemed to have stripped the Norblade male of his usual self-control.

  Yet equally disturbing as Liam’s turbulent emotional state was the fact that he was having a protective reaction to the sincerity and compassion in Rena Trax’s voice. While he and Liam were of one accord in their anger about what Ania was enduring, they were not aligned in their thoughts about the female now speaking. In fact, he was upset to feel himself so conflicted about her.

  He watched as Rena glared at Liam’s back.

  “Captain Synar? Did you hear my question? I think I at least deserve an answer.”

  His conflict resolved itself as Rena continued protesting her lack of involvement. The rage he felt was both familiar and welcome. It meant he was still capable of taking the Ethosian female’s life if it became necessary to do so. Yet when he saw her struggle to contain her tears, alongside the demon rage grew another urge, to embrace and console her. Or at least console her physical body.

  Malachi hated that he was still oddly attached to it even though the spirit now living within it was of little interest to him. But what exactly did his obsession with her mean? His bizarre possessiveness of what the emissary had called her “skin suit” was a great puzzle to him. Too bad he didn’t have more time to contemplate it.

  “Would you know beyond doubt if the emissary had returned to your physical form? Be truthful,” Malachi ordered.

  He was oddly reassured when Rena turned from Liam to frown and glare at him. Despite his baiting, Liam kept his back turned to the entire group, obviously not wanting the Ethosians to see his distress.

  Malachi let his eyes flash red to make sure Rena knew he was serious in his questioning. He saw Seta’s gaze bounce between him and her sibling, but to her credit, Lieutenant Trax didn’t attempt to intervene.

  “How could I ever be completely sure? But I think if the emissary were still inside me, it would be obvious to some of the intuitives on the ship, even if not to me as a host. An emissary’s energy is unlike any other being’s,” Rena said. “You, of all creatures on this ship, should know I speak the truth.”

  Malachi ignored Liam’s penetrating gaze swinging back to land on him as he answered. “Yes. I agree that an emissary’s energy is unique, but that’s still not answering my question, Rena. How can you truly be sure the former emissary, or another of her kind, is not hiding inside you right now? Only recently, one was inside Boca Ador without her knowledge—or ours. I could easily check if you would just let me inside you.”

  “No. There is little else I would refuse you or Captain Synar, but the answer is still no to your invasion. I have suffered several lifetimes’ worth of physical violation in this one. I refuse to allow a demon to possess me as well. I know the emissary is gone because I remain filled with the same desolation I had the moment I awoke and knew that I breathed once more. The separation of what I am—what you know as ‘Rena Trax’—from the source of all creation is an emotional burden. This physical form holds no allure for me, demon. If you get angry enough to kill me, then do so with my blessing. It would only take me closer to my goal of returning to the Creators once more.”

  Malachi narrowed his gaze as he considered Rena Trax’s all too familiar complaint. “That’s almost exactly what the emissary used to say about being trapped inside your body. She called it a skin suit.”

  Seta frowned at her birth sibling’s words. “Rena . . . stop talking about such nonsense. You would never seek your death. I thought you were working with Lieutenant Zade to clear your mind of such morbid desires.”

  Ignoring the demon’s satisfied smirk over Seta’s lecture, Rena turned slowly to look at the female who was a mirror of her form on the outside. At times like this, she was very sad that she and Seta no longer understood one another. The spiritual accord she had once known with her dual birth sibling was no more. Influenced by the minor demon who now kept her alive, Seta had become someone she no longer knew nor wished to know. It was yet another reason that she resented her return to corporeality.

  Rena sighed as she glared at Seta, imploring her with her gaze to try to understand. “I speak only the profound truth as I know it, Seta. Captain Synar could easily order my death and his demon would see to it. My return has disrupted the energy on the ship. I do not blame them for wanting me gone. I wish the same for myself as they wish for me.”

  “Nonsense. All of this death talk is nonsense. You don’t know what you are saying. Your mind is merely trying to deal with the trauma of almost dying. Ask Medical for some calming aides,” Seta declared, glaring back. “And for once, please desist from prattling on about the Creator’s will for you. This is not the time for a spiritual debate. We have a very real problem on the ship.”

  The Ethosian females both jumped when a fist pounded hard on the table. Malachi tilted his head, fascinated with the angry color suffusing Liam’s face. It was the most angry he had ever seen the youngest Synar ever get.

  “Cease your chastisement, Lieu
tenant Trax. All discussion will continue until I am convinced that we have learned all that we can from Rena’s views. The majority of creatures on this ship are not as agnostic about these matters as you seem to be. Remember that next time you lecture.”

  When the light on the com port in the middle of the conference table started flashing, Synar reached out and pressed it. “Is Kefira on the com?”

  “Yes, Captain,” Ensign Dre reported.

  “Good. Ensign Karr? Are you on the bridge? Come to the com where I can hear you clearly,” Synar yelled, making sure his voice carried to everyone there.

  Seconds later a strong male voice answered. “Karr here as requested, Captain.”

  “You’re in charge of the bridge until Warro arrives for duty,” Synar ordered, not acknowledging Karr’s mumbled compliance. “Ensign Dre, transfer the com here and put Kefira up on full screen.”

  “Doing so now, sir,” Dre answered.

  Moments later, a large visage of Kefira appeared on the screen in front of the room. Malachi automatically bowed his head to the nervous female on the screen facing them fearfully.

  “Kefira, did Ensign Karr brief you about the problem we’re having?” Synar asked.

  Malachi’s gaze took in everyone’s curiosity as they all watched the quiet female nod, clear her throat, and answer yes in a soft voice. Kefira was obviously on her personal room com and not fully alert. It amazed him how little Liam seemed to care.

  “Any idea what might be going on?” Synar asked, trying to voice the demand as calmly as he could.

  Kefira shook her head, cleared her throat for a third time, and sighed before speaking. “The last emissary left me almost as soon as I arrived home. I have been resting and trying to recuperate from having the Lotharian wires removed. I don’t know what happens to me during my . . . possessions. So I have no idea what is happening to Peace Keeper Looren. The emissaries follow their own rules, but I have never been harmed by them. I cannot see them intentionally trying to hurt your mate either.”

  Synar stood up to pace again. Sitting was impossible. Trying to be calm was worse. “Gwen said Ania’s eyes flashed blue just before she struck out the first time. Ania injured any crew member who tried to reason with her. Can you tell us what it’s like to be possessed by an emissary? Is it painful? Tell us about your first experience.”

  “I fought the possession the first time,” Kefira said quietly, then paused to clear her throat yet again. “Just a moment please, Captain. I’m having trouble speaking.”

  To save Liam the trouble of doing so, Malachi sighed loudly in annoyance as Kefira disappeared briefly from the screen before coming back with a cup of something that was steaming. Sitting down again, she lifted the cup, sipped, and then leaned back in her seat.

  “The first time I hosted an emissary was not physically painful, but it was very . . . I suppose I would use the word ‘invasive’ to describe the sensation. It was like there was a voice and person inside my head ordering me to do things. I endured incredible headaches from trying to fight the entity for control of my body,” Kefira explained.

  “What is the process like now? Do you still resist the possession?” Synar asked.

  “No. I have learned that it is best to just let go and let it happen. It took me several days of mentally wrestling with the energy inhabiting me before I managed to quell the urge to rip out my brain. But I will admit that sometimes they do the unexpected. Once I woke up after a two day black out episode to discover that my hair was cut and my room was destroyed. Captain Synar, this seems like history repeating itself where Ania is concerned. She once told me that she was very angry when she first learned about Malachi.”

  Kefira twirled a lock of her hair as she carefully chose her next words.

  “If your mate resisted a kindred spirit so much, I can only imagine what she would do to have an emissary’s light burning inside her. Her reaction would be understandably intense.”

  Synar’s gaze swung to Malachi who shrugged. “What does it mean that you and Ania are kindred spirits?”

  “Ania Looren and I have an accord that exceeds what I felt with my previous hosts, but it’s not like we are dual-sibs, Liam. Kefira exaggerates,” Malachi declared, looking for a safe way to downplay something his master still wasn’t ready to accept.

  “Being a dual-birth doesn’t guarantee a full understanding either,” Seta declared, glaring at Rena who sighed over the comment as she shook her head.

  Ignoring both Trax females, Synar paced. Considered. Then paced some more. “What happened when you stopped fighting, Kefira?”

  “When I stopped fighting, the emissary’s light filled me. There are two or three days of a calm void that feels like a long sleep to me.”

  Kefira took another sip of her tea as she gathered her thoughts.

  “After the first emissary departed, those that had interacted with me had to report what had occurred because I had no memories of it. I do not know where my spirit goes during the possession. When the second emissary entered me, I didn’t fight her at all. I just let the void take me over. This has been my process ever since.”

  “How can you be sure their influence isn’t cloaking your understanding?” Synar asked.

  “I can’t be sure. However, the only memory I have from my capture and rescue from the Lotharians is of your dem . . . I mean, is of Malachi being inside me. I see evidence on my legs of where the wires were inserted. It is a bit traumatic to think I had no knowledge of them, but I am coping.”

  Synar took a deep breath. “Has any emissary within you ever harmed those around your body?”

  Kefira shook her head slowly. “No. Otherwise, my body would not have suffered being wired on Lotharius. Or at least, that would be my logical leap. They all possess a fierce nature when provoked.”

  “Indeed,” Synar said, one curt nod backing up his contemplation of that idea.

  “Captain Synar, would you like my opinion of what is happening?” Kefira asked. Seeing another curt nod from Liam Synar had her straightening in her chair and sighing. “Wake Peace Keeper Looren up. Her unconscious state is not good for your children.”

  Synar eyebrows shot up. “How did you . . . ”

  “The last emissary told me before she left,” Kefira said.

  “What if you are wrong? What if we wake her up and she attacks people again?” Synar asked.

  “Most decisions are risks. Are they not?” Kefira shrugged one shoulder, causing her sleep shirt to slip off. She pulled it back up, self-conscious of all eyes having seen her dishevelment, but it couldn’t be helped. “If your arrival is still set for two sleep cycles from now, I am willing to meet you when you collect the Guardian 13. I would be happy to be present when you wake your mate up. I still owe your crew for saving my life.”

  Synar snorted. “No, you don’t. You helped an emissary save Lieutenant Trax’s life. I would say we’re even.”

  “Then let’s say perhaps you will owe me another favor afterwards,” Kefira said, bowing her head. “What matters is Ania Looren . . . and your family.”

  “I accept that as truth. We will see you in two sleep cycles then,” Synar said, bowing back as Kefira lifted her hand and disconnected.

  ***

  Malachi shook his head as the screen went dark. “Kefira is rather timid when she is operating on her own energy, isn’t she?”

  “Yes. But timidity often hides a calculating mind. There’s something Kefira is not telling us. Do you know what it is?” Synar asked.

  Malachi shook his head again. “No. Frankly, I’d just as soon snap her neck as look at her. I have a great resentment right now for her calm attitude while an unconscious Ania is strapped to a medical table.”

  When both Trax sisters drew in a shocked breath, Malachi laughed, but really couldn’t blame them. Still . . . he shouldn’t make them too frightened to speak to him.

  “Forgive me for the bad joke. The Captain and I sometimes exchange quotes from old Earth entertainment vids, or
from those amusing bits of wood pulp with ancient Earth writing on them. Books! Yes, that’s what they were called. Earthlings have always used their natural resources for the oddest things.”

  “I don’t find your threats to kill Kefira amusing at all, nor your attempts to deflect my attention from them with bad humor. If you’re done with us Captain, may I return to my duties?” Seta asked.

  Synar bowed his head. “Yes. Thank you for your cooperation. Rena, you are free to go as well.”

  When both females had filed out, Synar looked at Malachi. “You frightened the Ethosians. Didn’t we have a discussion about how much of your true thoughts you could share with the crew? I know you weren’t kidding.”

  “Indeed I was not,” Malachi said, rising from his chair.

  “Do you fear Kefira?” Synar asked.

  “Fear her? No. But I will never fully trust the entities that possess her at their will,” Malachi said. “I might respect their power, but your mate is the only female I completely trust.”

  Synar nodded. Chastising the demon was useless since it was a sentiment he shared as well.

  Chapter 3

  “How’s the arm, Commander?” Malachi asked, inspecting the compression bandage.

  Gwen shrugged. “Nothing but a twinge left, except when you mess with it. Why?”

  Ignoring her denial, Malachi looked across at Boca who was busy taking inventory in preparation for their transfer to the new ship. “The Commander’s arm is not healing properly, Boca. You need to come work on it.”

  “The Commander says she is fine,” Boca argued, continuing her task. “I need to finish the inventory.”

  “You’ve checked those items at least ten times in the last two days. I outrank you, Ensign. Now come fix the Commander’s arm so she can get on with her life,” Malachi ordered.

  Boca laid her portable com on the shelf and walked to the medical table. “Step away from her. Your energy interferes with the process.”