The Impossible Future: Complete set Frank Kennedy (freenovel24 .TXT) 📖

James despised few things more than losing an argument to his wife. He wished he could produce the Jewels on command to verify his story, but the process never worked that way.

“Hadeed saw the future, like me. The Jewels guided him. His entire purpose was to tell me his story then end his pain. He intended to watch the sunrise today and walk into the lake. He said dying alone and forgotten was his punishment.”

“And the great Brother James accepts this madness?”

“I do. I have interacted with Jewel avatars. Trayem Hadeed was a flesh-and-blood man who reached the end of his journey. Like me, he fought the Chancellory. Like me, he killed millions. He had two sons who he raised to follow his legacy, but both died. He warned me about risking the same fate for Benjamin and Peter. He …”

“Got inside you like no one I have ever seen,” Rayna snapped. “Even if he was real man, he was sent by the Jewels as test. They created this world. They do not know if you are best to rule it.”

“And what of his promise that I will soon die? He said it was certain.”

She waved him off and took a seat before her breakfast platter, a combination of pickled fish and a bounty of every fresh-harvested fruit and vegetable.

“I am starving. Sit and eat, husband.”

This was how the past hour developed. At every turn, she diminished his story, belittled his concerns, and questioned his sanity. James searched for any evidence of the Jewels, but the star plane where the Jewels shared the secrets of time and their Creators’ technology was dimmed. The white forest disintegrated.

He saw a pattern. Their presence steadily diminished after realignment and arrival in the Hiebimini system. Only on landing day, as he set foot on the surface for the first time, did their energy engulf him with dazzling visions of the new civilization to come. Just as quickly, the Jewels seemed to retreat except for the lingering life inside the white forest. He thought, for a time, as if they were handing off the future to him. Trayem Hadeed’s arrival undercut his faith.

“Do you not see our future?” Rayna asked, her mouth full.

“I do.”

“And do you rule our new empire years from now?”

“I do.”

“Then you will not soon die. I think this word is mind trap. No? If you die in fifty years, this too will be soon compared to life of immortals. No?”

Her smug tone indicated she reached checkmate.

“I do not literally see into the future,” he said. “You already know this. What I see is what I feel. And what I feel is born in the lifeblood of the Jewels. I see paths, I see their algorithm, but no certainty.”

“Da. Is metaphor. This, I understand. So too do other hybrids. But this is not true for the immortals or indigos. You have guaranteed their future. They must never know it is in question. This Trayem Hadeed, he has put many doubts in your mind. You must dismiss him as a cheap trick. Do you understand, husband?”

“Yes,” James lied, deciding to allow Rayna her small victory.

“Valentin must not be hurt. He organizes our defenses. He will lead us into battle. We cannot survive without his army. These things you know to be true.”

“I do, my love.”

“Then you will fix relationship. Give him no reason to betray you.”

“I will try,” he lied again.

They finished breakfast in rare silence. James took advantage of the opportunity to reflect upon Trayem Hadeed’s message. The man knew too much for his presence to be a “trick.” His conclusions about Ignatius Horne as a sacrificial pawn in both their lives made sense. They were tied together – Ignatius, Hadeed, James, this planet. All paths intersect.

And still, the doubts plagued him. As he watched Rayna clear her last plate, James decided what he must do. I have to be certain.

“I have made a decision,” his wife said. “I will not travel to New Caledonia today as scheduled. The births are too close. I do not wish for complication to delay my return. Yes?”

“Of course. Who is available to travel in your place?”

“You will do this, James.”

“My love, I have many responsibilities to …”

“James, we are very close to securing economic treaty with A’Mauri Confederation. The Elder Council has always negotiated with me, you, or Valentin. They will question our resolve if we send someone new. You are not scheduled to be off world for three more days. Show A’Mauri another miracle. They like fish.”

He was in no mood to play God for the indigos today, but he also did not want to rouse her suspicions.

“When?”

“Two hours. Ulrich will be your navigator.”

He ran through a quick assessment. Yes. I can make it in time.

“So, my love, what will you do today?”

“Make birthing arrangements, of course. I wish to secure beautiful backdrop for delivery. I expect every immortal to view it on their stream. We will then distribute vid to colonial allies.” She flexed her arms as if directing the scene from behind the camera. “The Mother of Salvation guarantees future of Salvation.”

She wrapped her arms around James and kissed him, sinking her tongue deep.

“As I told you, husband, this is my moment. No?”

He knew better than to argue. James also knew he had little time to spare. He encouraged Rayna to take it easy and avoid stress in these final hours then excused himself to complete “important tasks before amazing the A’Mauri Elders.”

He needed to leave the city without creating a stir. He snuck out yesterday evening with his sons while everyone else celebrated Inauguration far from the imperial residence. However, escaping their view wouldn’t as easy in daylight. Workers filled the avenues between