Forward Motion

”They device they use to block my abilities is weak. It is similar to the X75 version that we used years ago. The telepathic block is stronger.”

“Not strong enough apparently. I am so proud of you.”

“They do not bother me. I have plenty of time to recharge my facilities. I am also sucking the energy from the guards outside my cell. I suspect one will fall ill soon.”

“What have you learned about the base?”

“I have almost completed remotely scanning it. I do not think the magicians are here.”

“Probably not. You will be released soon.”

“Stefano was the one who broke into the Archive. I invaded his dreams and saw it.”

“Then I will fetch you sooner. He’ll be too occupied looking for the same thing we are to kill you yet. And by the time he comes home he will have lost the chance. Two more days, at most.”

“I am not afraid.”

“Good. You shouldn’t be. I love you very much. We will speak again soon. Save your strength. I will need you to send me as much detail about the base as you can tomorrow, early.”

“Yes father.”

When the connection was broken, Nim in his human form as the Defense Minister of the WMT rose from the backseat of the car and was escorted into the Apolostic Palace. Pope Benedict was waiting for him, pacing in agitation inside his chamber.

“Your holiness, calm down.” Charles smiled at him, even walked over and embraced the human.

Benedict could not be consoled. “Do you know who broke into my archive??”

“Yes,” Charles said calmly. “Are they finished translating?”

“Yes, yes. All of it. You will have to build a replica of The Great Crystal in order to suck out their souls. But the instructions for such are in the Tablets of Thoth and we both know…”

“That Thoth never gave those tablets to Mosses but hid them so we would never find them. Where are they hidden?”

“Between Dimensions. That is limitless. They could be anywhere.”

“Hmm.” He looked thoughtful. “A puzzle I will pass onto the Council.” The thoughtfulness passed and he smiled warmly at Benedict. “You have done well. There is another matter I wish to discuss with you. A very important day of energy is approaching. We will need sacrifices.”

Benedict swallowed hard, watching the disguised creature warily. “What does this have to do with me?”

Charles smiled slowly; it was sinister and cold and sharpened his black eyes. “I’ve heard you’ve received a message from God, stating that to save us from some nameless catastrophe we must burn those Demons we have been unable to exorcism.”

Benedict paused, the nodded. “My writers can come up with an acceptable story for it. But why not just do it?”

“Because it is very important the energy of the masses lowers so much that they celebrate the deaths.”

“Very well. When do you need me to speak with them?”

“The day before Christmas. Feel free to twist it into Jesus’ birthday.” Charles looked malevolently amused.

“Plenty of time. All right. Anything else?”

“No your holiness.” Charles embraced the man again, even kissed his ring. Then he turned and left the Pope’s office. Once he was safely enclosed in the backseat of the tinted windows, he disappeared and reappeared in Babylon. Once there, he shed his human skin like it was a blanket, pieces of skin literally falling and dripping onto the floor as he took full shape, his footfalls echoing soundlessly over glowing pads. His steps paused only long enough to pull his robe from a hook and slid it around his form, its color and texture denoting his rank.

When his clawed hands pushed open the double doors, he broke into a deep bow, then spoke in his native tongue, “Brethren, I need your wisdom.”

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