Date: Fri, 12 Apr 2002 18:31:18 -0700
From: kirkjr2 <kirkjr2@cox.net>
Subject: Mists of Fate - Shapers War 2

This story does have several gay main characters.  If this offends you, go
read your bible instead.  There will also be incidents of violence and/or
sexual situations in various chapters.  They are a part of the story.  If
you don't like them, don't read.

Once again, thanks to Ed for his work in editing this story!


Shapers' War - Chapter Two - To Lose...Again


As he appeared on the designated platform, J'Stan felt like he was stepping
into the past...the distant past.  Flanked by Margaret on his left, and
Adam on his right, he stood on a large platform in the middle of a
courtyard.  A real courtyard, with the walls of a castle rising around him.
The courtyard itself was huge, and filled with people in different types of
uniforms rushing around it.

The platform itself was in the middle of the courtyard, halfway between the
gates of the outer wall and the castle proper.  On the platform itself was
a symbol he recognized, the Shaper's Hands encircling the globe with a
golden starburst indicating the Shapers' Council.  It was with an effort of
willpower that J'Stan kept from shuddering at the sight of it.

The three stood there for a minute, just looking around, taking in the
sight of the castle that was home to Jheris and his Council.  It was
through their bond that Adam pointed something out to him, the walls of the
castle looked like they had been made from one piece of black rock.
Obviously the gifted here had used their abilities to fuse pieces of rock
together, making it whole.  Adam was wondering if they'd find such efforts
in the city beyond the castle's walls.

Around them, people had stopped in their daily business to stare at the
three on the platform.  J'Stan and Adam were both wearing the Guardian
uniforms.  Soft, brown corduroy pants, spotless white shirts.  Their only
personal adornments were matching silver necklaces, each with a pendant of
a silver dolphin circling a small sapphire.  They had been gifts from
J'Stan's three kids before they left.  Margaret had worn a dress, a gift
from Alan's wife Elen.  It mixed brown and red colors in variegated
patterns.  Originally it had been given to Elen by the Morganites for a
celebration many decades before.  Murmurs started to rise to them in a
noisy hubbub, until a figure appeared from the main entrance of the castle.
As the figure moved towards them, the people in the courtyard returned to
their daily business.

"It's your clothes," Margaret nearly whispered.  "None of us are dressed as
Shapers.  They don't recognize your Guardian's uniforms.  I know the Shaper
walking towards us.  It's my father, Edward Zindel."

"Thank you, Margaret," J'Stan said softly.  "I don't think I'd have
recognized him unless one of you said something."

His statement was absolute truth.  When he'd last seen Eddie Zindel, the
man had appeared in his early twenties, much as J'Stan and Adam still did.
Eddie had been a student of J'Stan's in the old Psionics Center, before
Bjorn had made his successful overthrow of every world government.  The
last time the two had met, Eddie had been arresting J'Stan, and taking Alan
as hostage while the two were eating at a restaurant in New York.

A soft smile filled Margaret's face as her father approached.  He was
dressed in the traditional Shaper's uniform.  White pants and knee-high
boots, dark blue tunic, with the Shaper's Hands emblem on his left breast,
and a golden starburst indicating he was a member of the Shapers' Council.
That was the only thing familiar.  His hair was now white, and long enough
to touch his shoulders.  A white beard flowed down, touching his chest at
the same level as the emblem on his uniform.  Wrinkle lines showed around
the eyes, around the edges of his mouth, and on his forehead.  The rest of
his face was relatively smooth.

The man's white hair and older features were a sharp contrast from J'Stan's
golden blond hair and Adam's glistening black hair.  As the Shaper reached
the platform, it almost seemed like Adam and J'Stan were little more than
children standing before a wise grandfather.  People around the courtyard
could be heard letting out muted sighs, and any who passed close to the
Shaper gave a quick bow or curtsey before moving.

"Shaper!  It is good to see you," Margaret said, bowing her head slightly.
She had told J'Stan about the custom of bowing and curtseying to any
Shaper, and he had told her she was now a Councilor of New Phoenix.  New
Phoenicians do not bow to anyone.

"Daughter!" Eddie Zindel said slowly, in a little surprise.  "You look
good.  I must say that I am surprised to see you here.  I was not sure how
they would receive your colony."

"They have received us with open arms, Shaper Zindel," Margaret said more
formally.  "We have been accepted into their land, and given representation
into their Councils.  I myself have been appointed as Haven's council
representative until elections can be held.  Many of the preconceptions
that are held on this side of the world were wrong, I am glad to say."

"That is good to hear, Councilor," Eddie said with a guarded tone, giving
his daughter a long look.  J'Stan could feel Eddie's mind reaching out and
reading the truth of what she said from her mind.  When he tried to probe
deeper, Margaret spoke up.

"No, Shaper Zindel," she said in a sharp tone.  "I am no longer one of your
people.  Under the laws of New Phoenix, no one may enter the mind of
another without permission.  You no longer have the right."

With a look of surprise at her tone, Eddie removed himself from her mind.
A sigh of relief filled J'Stan, but he didn't allow it to show.  As Eddie
turned from his daughter and faced the other two on the platform, Margaret
took a step forward and turned slightly so she was facing between her
father and the other two on the platform with her.

"I believe you already know J'Stan, leader of the New Phoenix Guardians and
envoy of the New Phoenix Regional Council," she began her
introductions. "May I also introduce Adam Morgan, Guardian, Director of
Exploration, and assistant envoy of New Phoenix?  As I stated earlier, I am
the representative for Haven to the New Phoenix Regional Council, and also
assistant envoy. Gentlemen, this is Edward Zindel, member of the Shapers'
Council and Special Assistant to Head Councilor Jheris."

"J'Stan? Jheris had said you'd adopted a new name, Ackeman," Eddie said
quietly.  "It will make things easier for those who never met you before.
And Morgan?  I seem to remember seeing your name on the student Shaper
rolls before the Cataclysm."

"You are correct, Shaper," Adam said coldly.  "I was interred at your
indoctrination center until my father rescued me."

"Well," Eddie said, "this might just prove to be an interesting meeting.  I
can see why you picked him to accompany you, J'Stan."

"Adam coming was my choice, yes," J'Stan said.  "But it was affirmed by the
New Phoenix Regional Council.  If they had said 'No', he wouldn't have
come."

"Did my daughter have a vote in this decision making too?"

"Of course.  Unlike your Shapers' Council, our Council is elected and
having the gift is not a requirement for membership.  Also, the name
Ackeman is not mine, anymore than Justin anymore.  It is simply J'Stan."

"Interesting.  There is no need for us to remain out here.  Envoy J'Stan,
Guardian Morgan, if you would follow me, I would show you quarters where
you may stay while we are here.  Margaret, someone will be along to show
you to guest quarters shortly."

"No," J'Stan said firmly.  "I don't think you understand.  Margaret is part
of this embassy.  That means she is to be treated the same as Adam and
myself.  Anything else would be a capital insult.  Her rank in New Phoenix
is actually higher than mine.  The Guardians serve the Council, and she is
a member of the Council. She is to be treated accordingly."

This time, the look on Eddie's face was of total surprise; as if he was
trying to understand words in a language he didn't know.  Finally, he just
nodded his head and motioned for all of them to follow him.  As they made
their way across the courtyard, passersby all stopped and bowed to the
party, looks of curiosity on all the faces.

Inside the castle, J'Stan noticed that the passageways were lit with lights
that appeared to be electric.  Very few people were in any of the
passageways they went through, or the rooms they passed through.  Everyone
they did see was in the uniform of the Shapers.  Eddie explained as they
followed him that they were in the section of the castle reserved for
Shapers, and that those without the ability were not normally permitted in
this area.  J'Stan ignored the verbal jab and complimented the obvious work
of the Shapers in constructing the huge building.  Finally, they were shown
a suite of rooms that appeared to be halfway up one of the towers.

The suite had a large, central room, with two smaller rooms off of each
side.  Eddie half-apologized about there not being more rooms, but stated
they had not expected Margaret to need housing with them.  J'Stan shrugged
it off, stating simply that Adam and he would share.  A knowing look passed
Eddie's face, followed by a calculating one.  He left, stating that the
Shapers' Council would be ready in about an hour to receive them.

As soon as the door was shut, Adam quickly wove a ward around the room.  It
prevented anyone from eavesdropping, or even seeing what happened inside
the room.  Margaret collapsed quietly onto one of the couches, and J'Stan
joined Adam on another.  Their hands locked together, touching each other
along the side, they took comfort in the physical contact.

"That is the one thing I will never miss," Margaret said after a few
moments.  "I'd nearly forgotten how violated it made me feel whenever one
of them would scan my mind.  They used to have me work with the trainees
too, letting them scan me.  Some of them were not as nice as Shaper Zindel,
but even his touch made me feel dirty."

"Why do you call him 'Shaper Zindel', Maggie?" Adam asked.

"I'm not gifted.  Only his gifted children can call him father.  The law
says all non-Shapers must address Shapers with honor and respect.  So, I
never called him father, dad, or pop."

"And we're supposed to reach some kind of TREATY with these people?" Adam
said to J'Stan.

"Yes," J'Stan said quietly.  "And we will.  You of all people know how I
feel about this, you can feel it every second from me.  But..."

"As Guardians it is our job to serve and protect the people of New
Phoenix," Adam finished for him.  "I know, but it's so hard..."

"For some reason, life never seems to throw easy things my way," J'Stan
moaned theatrically, causing the other two in the room to laugh. "Now,
Margaret, let's go over things again before the Council meeting.  I want to
set them off edge, get them as confused as possible.  It should help when
we actually start negotiating."

***

The room was what J'Stan would have called a 'Throne Room'.  Large columns
marched down each side of the long, narrow room, with a great table running
parallel between them.  At the far end of the table was a low dais, on
which sat four large chairs, or thrones, and a fifth that dwarfed the
others.  Between the dais and the table was a smaller table, to which their
young escort led them.

As they passed down the great table, J'Stan pushed memories of another room
that had looked similar from his mind. Determination swelled inside him
that events here would not end like that time had.  A calming sensation
swept over him from Adam and he was again glad of his love's presence here.

The great table was packed with people sitting on each side of it, all
dressed in the uniforms of Shapers.  There were several hundred of them, by
far more than the Regional Council back in New Phoenix.  The murmur of
quiet conversation ceased as they passed down the table, and an expectant
hush took its place.

As they reached the small table, J'Stan sat on one side, where he could see
both the dais and the great table.  Next to him sat Adam, with Margaret
taking the single seat on the other side.  She was now wearing a dark green
dress, another gift from Elen.

They had been seated for only a few moments when the sound of trumpets
filled the room.  The Shapers at the table rose as one and bowed low
towards the dais.  J'Stan and his party also rose, but did not bow.  >From
the edges of the room, four men walked in and moved towards the dais.  All
appeared older, just as Eddie Zindel had.  In fact, he was one of the four
men who moved onto the dais and stood before one of the chairs there,
immediately next to the fifth, largest chair.

Another peal of trumpets returned the Shapers at the table to their bowed
position, and this time the four men standing before their chairs also
bowed.  J'Stan turned to his right and was greeted by the sight of Jheris,
whom he had not seen in over eighty years.  Jheris appeared older, like the
others on the dais.  His white beard coiled down almost to his waist, but
his stride was strong and steady as he reached the large chair in the
middle of the others.  As he took his seat, everyone else also sat down.

J'Stan and his group remained standing for a moment longer, then also took
their seats. The delay caused some uneasy rustling from the table, and a
curious glance from Eddie on the platform.  Inside, J'Stan felt his
nervousness and fear drain away and only calm support from Adam.  When a
silence had again fallen over the room, Jheris stood.

"Honored members of the Shapers' Council, we are gathered here today for a
most momentous occasion.  Our message of peace has been heard, and as we
offered, an envoy has been received.  For the first time since the
sundering of our world, we have an opportunity for peace, and
rapprochement.  Shaper Lord Zindel, will you please do us the honor of
introducing our guests?"

As he finished, Jheris sat back down in his chair, his every motion exuding
an air of dignity and wisdom.  It made J'Stan roil a little, but that too
was calmed by Adam.  Taking his cue, Zindel stood and moved to the edge of
the dais, and with grand gestures began to introduce J'Stan's party.

"Honored Council members, it is a great honor, and a matter of personal
pride to say that most of the envoys are personally known to me as people
of strong conviction and honesty.  It is my pleasure to introduce to the
Shapers' Council Margaret Zindel, Representative of the Haven colony to the
New Phoenix Regional Council.  Across from her, and closest to the Council
table is Adam Morgan, Guardian and Director of Exploration for New Phoenix.
Last, but not least, is J'Stan, Head of the Guardians of New Phoenix."

Polite applause filled the room for a few moments as the three stood at the
table.  According to the briefing given by their escort here, this was the
signal for J'Stan to speak.  Surprise filled the room when J'Stan and Adam
both resumed their seats while Margaret dipped her head briefly to the men
on the dais, and then turned to the table.

"Shapers of the Greater Federation, it is an honor for me to be able to
address you today on behalf of the New Phoenix Regional Council," Margaret
began in a ringing voice.  "A little over one year ago, you gave me charge
of a colony to be sent to the lands of New Phoenix.  It was hoped that this
colony would be welcomed by the people of New Phoenix.

"It is a pleasure for me to assure you that the welcome was beyond what was
expected.  Not only were we welcomed, but also we were granted full rights
of citizenship in the New Phoenix Regional Council.  Soon, elections will
be held for a representative to that Council, and for the formation of a
local council for Haven.  Guardians, both gifted and ungifted, will be
assisting the final setup of the Haven colony.  Within a year, we expect to
be a full, productive part of the New Phoenix Region."  Murmurs filled the
room at her comments, and she waited until they settled down again.

"Please notice," she continued, "that I stated Haven will be a part of the
New Phoenix Region.  In order for our welcome to be made, we have willingly
and without reservation given full allegiance to New Phoenix.  We have
found that New Phoenix is greatly different from the world we left, this
one, but it is one in which we can thrive.

"I am here, though, not just as a representative of Haven, but as a full
member of the New Phoenix Regional Council.  I hold the seat for Haven
until elections are completed.  Guardian J'Stan is our primary envoy, but
is a non-voting member of the Regional Council.  He is fully empowered to
negotiate for New Phoenix, but all decisions must be ratified by the full
membership.  Having said that, I now yield the floor to our honored envoy,
Guardian J'Stan, once known as Lieutenant Commander Justin Ackeman of the
United States Navy."

Margaret's final sentence caused uproar among the Shapers' Council.  Many
of the members had recognized J'Stan, but all had kept silent on his full
identity at the orders of Jheris.  Most had not known that Justin Ackeman
and J'Stan were the same person.  Shouts of 'Destroyer!' and
'Murderer!'filled the room.  Finally Jheris rose from his chair and calmed
the room with a peal of thunder.

"Enough!" Jheris commanded in a booming voice.  "Margaret Zindel, I see
that the last year has not taught you better discretion."

"With all due respect, Shaper Jheris," Margaret answered from her seat, "I
am no longer your subject to command.  I am an envoy of a foreign
government."

"Noted, which is why you are still here instead of being assigned to
mucking out the damn stables," Jheris said in a stern voice.  "We will hear
the words of J'Stan, Envoy of New Phoenix."

"Thank you, Shaper," J'Stan said as he rose from his seat.  Looking over
the great table, he could see a myriad of expressions on the faces of the
people there.  They ranged from cool and calculating to rage and fear.
Just as he had hoped.

"To say that New Phoenix was concerned and upset by an unauthorized colony
appearing on its shores is an understatement," he continued with his
prepared speech, voice booming out in the large room.  "However, since all
the colonists were ungifted in accordance with the only agreement currently
in existence between our two states, we decided to welcome them.

"Following the message by Shaper Jheris, much debate took place.  Truth be
told, discussion had been given about approaching this body for the past
thirty years.  This opportunity seemed as good as any we would ever get.
Much of this discussion focused on your need to expand, to relieve the
pressures of overpopulation.

"However, we of New Phoenix have always sought a balance between the needs
of people and the needs of our planet.  The three main landmasses we hold
are sparsely populated with plant and animal life.  Years more will be
required to prepare them for human occupation.  Especially in any numbers."

"This is not saying that we are unwilling to accept immigrants from your
land.  In fact, we are more than willing so long as it is controlled and at
a rate that does not unbalance the ecology we have so carefully created.
What this means, is that we will accept colonists under strict
circumstances and controls.  Further, we are also willing to discuss other
matters that might be of mutual interest.  Exchange of knowledge,
coordinated efforts to continue the repairs to our planet's ecosystem.  I,
and Councilor Margaret Zindel, stand ready to discuss these, and other
issues tomorrow during the negotiations."

Murmurs of surprise filled the rooms at J'Stan's speech.  It seemed that
his words, and their gesture of peace were far different than what had been
accepted.  Tension seemed to bleed out of the room, until Adam stood at his
table.  His dark hair glistened in the light filtering down through the
high windows, and his posture was tense as he leaned on the table with his
arms outstretched and fists holding his weight on the wood.

"You have heard the words of Councilor Margaret Zindel, and the words of
Head Guardian J'Stan," Adam began in a voice cold as the moon.  "Hear now
the words of warning that accompany theirs.

"We, the people of New Phoenix and the region, offer these things in good
faith.  However, the Shapers' Council has never taken actions that would
support that faith.  The opportunity they are offering is a genuine one.
Fail to take it up, or act in bad faith, and our borders will remain closed
to you forever.

"We offer you the opportunity to relieve your overcrowding.  Abuse that,
send unauthorized settlers, and there will be prices to pay.  You have
heard the words of peace, and now the words of warning.  Make your
decisions wisely and hold to them."

As hoped, Adam's unexpectedly strong words threw the hall into further
confusion.  The Shapers obviously didn't like his strong words, and neither
did Jheris who was scowling from his throne on the dais.  As the murmurs
grew louder, he sat staring at their table.  When the volume in the hall
reached the point of being loud, he stood and silence descended once more.

"We thank the Envoys for their words," he said into the quiet hall, lips
barely seeming to move in that thick beard, "and we look forward to the
negotiations in the morning.  For now, this meeting is adjourned as we
welcome the honored envoys in a reception prepared in the foyer outside."

As he finished, the men and women at the great table stood and made their
way out the main doors.  As they filed out, the men on the dais came and
stood before the three envoys still sitting at their table.  When Jheris
and his 'lords' reached them, J'Stan stood, followed shortly by the other
two, and nodded his head in a gesture of respect.

"I am sorry, Jheris," J'Stan began, each word the truth since Jheris would
be able to detect a lie, just as he would detect a lie from Jheris. "I wish
Margaret's revelation of my identity had not had such a negative impact on
your people."

"Yes," Jheris responded slowly.  "Her statement is likely to cause quite an
uproar. You are still regarded as the villain in many deeds, Justin
Ackeman. J'Stan was a name known to few here before today.  Now, I fear
there may be demands for your trial."

"He is an envoy,!" Adam snarled across the table. "You can't touch him!"

"Easy, young one," Eddie Zindel said from Jheris's side.  "We will respect
your status as envoy.  Jheris simply meant that we'd have problems to face
because of my daughter's rash words.  We will respect your status."

"I expected nothing less," J'Stan said.  "The events of eighty years ago
are the distant past.  I hope that we can all learn from them, instead of
repeating them."

"You sound like a history teacher," one of the other 'lords' said.

"Sometimes I wish I was one," J'Stan admitted.  "These affairs always set
my teeth on edge."

"Shall we join the others outside?" Jheris said, a hint of warmth in his
voice. "We've prepared an excellent buffet to honor your visit."

The foyer was a large, round room with very high ceilings.  It reminded
J'Stan of a cathedral with the great stained glass windows circling the
great dome high overhead.  The light from those windows created fantastic
patterns on the floor and covering the inhabitants.  Around the edges of
the room, tables had been set up piled with a wide variety of foods.
Servants in sky blue outfits flitted around the room with trays loaded with
drinks of all types, while others were for carrying away empty glasses and
dishes.

As they entered with Jheris's companions, the sounds of conversation ended
and everyone in the room, including servants, sank into deep bows and
curtseys.  Jheris led the group over to a table that held mostly seafood.
He filled a small dish with some lobster tail and crabmeat, as did the
lords with him.  Margaret also served herself some food, but J'Stan and
Adam stood back.

"Not hungry?" Eddie Zindel said. "That's not the man I remember."

"Sorry," J'Stan said, and he started to put a few small samples on a small
plate.  "During the first years of New Phoenix, food was pretty scarce.  We
discovered that those of us who were gifted could exist without food, or
water.  During those years I've gotten out of the habit of eating."

"A great loss," Jheris said.  "Eating is one of the ways in which we remind
ourselves of where we came from.  Besides, the flavors of food can be so
wonderful."

"Yes, especially this lobster," Adam said with a grin on his face. "I've
heard about it, but never had any."

"Ah!  The young one does know how to smile!" another of the lords said.

"Enough chiding the envoy," Jheris scolded lightly, seeing a scowl appear
on Adamn's face.

"I see that the City Council and Guild Leaders are all in attendance,"
Margaret said, changing the subject as the party moved towards some of the
other tables.

"Yes," Jheris answered, glad for the change.  "We felt it important for
your party to see more than just us Shapers.  Our society has many levels,
as you well know, and I want all of you to get a better idea of what we are
like."

"A good idea," J'Stan said.  "Would you introduce us to some of them?"

"Absolutely," Jheris said as he led them to a small cluster of men standing
near the middle of the room.  They all seemed to be dressed in uniforms of
a type and were talking animatedly with each other.  As Jheris approached,
they broke off their conversation and bowed deeply.

"Goodmen," Jheris said quietly.  "Let me introduce the envoys of New
Phoenix, J'Stan, Adam Morgan, and Margaret Zindel.  Envoys, may I introduce
Locurius, Guildmaster of the Metalworkers; Parrin, Guildmaster of
Woodworkers; Carrack, Guildmaster of the Shipbuilders; Antoly, Guildmaster
of the Navigators; and Husen, Guildmaster of the Power Corps.  Together,
their guilds represent the epitome of our society's achievements."

"Your words are too kind," Husen said. He was a small, oriental man wearing
yellow and black.  "We couldn't do a third of what we do without the
support and guidance of the Shapers' Council."

"Most definitely," Carrack said in a curiously blended sea green and gray
outfit.  "In the last twenty years alone, our ships have increased
tremendously in size and speed thanks to the Shapers.  We can now sail the
ocean with ease."

"The ocean?" Adam said in a puzzled tone.  "Why sail the surface when you
can sail through the air?  The air provides much less resistance, and
better speed."

"The air!" snorted Locurius in his red and silver outfit.  "Do you mean to
say that you make aircraft like they had in the Old World?"

"Hardly!" Margaret snorted.  "I made the trip from Haven to New Phoenix in
little more than a week on a ship that floated on air.  It looked a lot
like the ships you built for our colonization trip, Guildmaster.  Although
they were about half the size.  But they floated on air and sailed the
winds much faster than I would believe possible."

"Amazing," Jheris said quietly. "Perhaps our cousins of New Phoenix might
be willing to share?"

"That is a matter for negotiations, Jheris," J'Stan said lightly.  "I'm
sure there are many things we might be able to share with each other.  Time
will only tell."

J'Stan lost track of the conversation as a strange feeling of something
approaching tugged at him.  He scanned the room just in time to catch the
entry of two dark-haired men on the far side.  Both were dressed neatly in
the uniform of the Shapers, and he found that he knew both of them although
he'd only met one.

The one on the right had a vacant look in his young, handsome face, and
drool dribbled down one corner of his mouth.  The other walked stiffly into
the room, his green eyes showing a haunted look.  Conversation stilled
around the room as the two approached J'Stan and the group he was standing
with.  J'Stan barely noticed the guildmasters slipping off to the opposite
side of the room, and Jheris' entourage fading into a semi-circle behind
him.

"How do you like your handiwork?" the green-eyed Shaper asked in a heavy
Russian accent when they reached J'Stan.  "He's done a good job of
reminding us of the price you exact, don't you think?"

J'Stan closed his eyes for a moment as he searched his feelings, and calmed
himself.  He hadn't expected this, and the memory of the attack on him
eighty years ago surged upward.  The vacant-eyed man was Vasily, a Russian
Shaper who had joined Jheris in attacking J'Stan.  First at the convoy
headed by Adam's father, then on the moon when J'Stan escaped.  Vasily was
the only survivor besides Jheris, and had served as a messenger for J'Stan,
after a vicious mindwipe.

He'd scanned Vasily's memories before wiping everything that 'was' Vasily.
When he was done, he'd sent the shell of a man back to Jheris with only the
message left in that head.  Now, those memories he'd taken from Vasily
provided the name of the green-eyed man.

"Nikolai," J'Stan said softly, not intending to be overheard. "Vasily loved
you very much.  His last thoughts were of you.  I know what it's like to
lose someone, and I'm sorry you had to suffer."

"Sorry!"  croaked Nikolai, outrage causing his young features to glow
red. "You have no idea what it's like to look at the face of one you love,
every day for eighty years, and realize there was nothing there!  It's
worse than anything you could imagine!"

"You're right, it is," J'Stan said, still speaking softly.  "There are many
things that I'd like to change, and I can honestly say this is one of
them."

"THEN DO SO!" Nikolai shouted now.  "Make him the way he was!  Cure him!"

"He was part of a vicious, unwarranted attack on innocent people.  He
engaged me in combat at five to one odds.  He lost," J'Stan said in a voice
that he made sure carried to everyone in the room. "At the end he begged
for his life.  He surrendered unconditionally.  This was the price for his
life.  When he surrendered, he surrendered all control over his life.

"I admit, I was furious at that moment, and made the penalty for him
harsher than it needed to be.  But, he was still guilty.  A price had to be
paid.  I'm sorry, Nikolai, but there is nothing I can do.  When I wiped his
mind, I took some of his memories that I felt were necessary, and threw the
rest away.  There's not enough left to make him more than an automaton,
which you have done already.  There are many things in my life that I'd
want to do over if I could.  What I did to Vasily ranks among the top of
them."

"But not as high as your precious twins?" Nikolai asked loudly.

"Higher, actually."

"Then end it NOW!" Nikolai shouted.

"So be it," J'Stan said in a cold voice, ignoring the mental protest from
Adam.  He turned and looked squarely at Vasily, ignoring the memory of the
man before the memory wipe.  A moment of thought was all it took to decide
the best way to do this, and he reached out with his mind as he spoke
aloud.

"You have served well, Vasily Ivanovich.  Your service is finished.  Rest
now."

As he finished, he cut the last cord he'd wrapped around the man's mind,
releasing the autonomic nervous system from the task of keeping him alive.
When J'Stan had pulled out of the shattered mind of Vasily, the heart
stopped beating.  Expecting the body to crumple lifelessly to the ground,
J'Stan was just as startled as everyone else when Vasily's form started to
shine in golden light that grew brighter and brighter until everyone shaded
their eyes.  When their sight returned, the only indication that Vasily had
ever existed were the tears in Nikolai's and J'Stan's eyes.

Across their bond, J'stan asked a silent 'Why?' of Adam, who'd made the
showy incineration of Vasily's body. The response was a mixture of
resignation and humor 'You need to develop a better sense of showmanship.'

Nikolai seemed surprised to see the tears on J'Stan's face and whispered a
barely audible "Thank you" as he left the room.  Once he was gone, the room
erupted into conversation.  Jheris moved from behind and put a hand on
J'Stan's shoulder in an oddly comforting gesture.

"Decisions of leadership are often the most difficult.  I hope that the
next few days will show that we have all learned lessons from bad
decisions."

Surprised at the statement, and the feeling he got from Jheris, a true
desire for reconciliation, J'Stan could only nod.  Adam moved closer, put
his arm in J'stan's.  It was a solidly comforting presence and reduced the
tension he was feeling.  Love and courage surged along the bond with Adam.

'You made the light, and incinerated the body,' J'Stan sent his lover
privately.  'Why?'

'It was better than the man's body just crumpling to the floor.  And more
fitting your image, love,' was Adam's quiet response.

"People," J'Stan began, the words catching in his throat until he cleared
it. The room immediately silenced. "I am sorry that this happened here, and
now.  The past is full of many things, both good and bad.  Yet, it is the
past, unchangeable.  We have now an opportunity to put aside past enmity,
and to learn to become friends.  I hope that we will be successful."

"Thank you for your words, Guardian J'Stan," Jheris said, his voice booming
throughout the room.  "Your words ring true.  Today ends a sad chapter in
the history of our two peoples, and clears the way for us to look forward
to the future.  I encourage all here to reflect on that, and to learn from
the mistakes we have all made."

Conversation resumed around the room as Jheris and J'Stan returned to their
conversation with the Guildmasters.  Adam remained where he was for a
while, watching the flow of people in the room, searching out the patterns
that made up all social gatherings.  He was so deep in studying the
undercurrents he found in the room that he was surprised when a strong
voice spoke up next to him.

"Pardon me, Shaper..uh, I mean Guardian.  Would you care for something to
drink?"  As Adam turned to look at the source of the voice, he was
surprised at the relative youthfulness of the man's features.  He was
dressed in a deep green tunic and pants, made of very fine cloth.  Soft,
brown hair ran down to the middle of the man's back in an elaborate single
braid, and ice blue eyes seemed to take in everything around him.  He was
holding two glasses of wine in delicate, fine hands.

Immediately putting his friendliest smile on, Adam accepted one of the
glasses and took a careful sip.  "Quite good, sir," he said to the
green-clad man.  He put out his free hand and said, "I'm Adam Morgan."

"Jules Testen," the man said as he shook the proffered hand.  "I'm Chief
Surgeon of the Bjornville Central Hospital.  That's the oldest, and biggest
hospital here in the capital."

"Ah!" Adam drawled out. "I have a few friends who'd love to exchange notes
with you, Doctor."

Jules chuckled lightly and responded, "As I would love to trade notes with
them.  I must say that I'm very, very curious about the diseases and other
medical problems your people have faced, and how you overcame them."

"Well, we had diseases pop up at first when we brought in survivors from
remote areas.  But since New Phoenix was a single settlement for thirty
years, we were able to get them under control very fast.  Our gifted
Guardians and the ungifted doctors worked very hard to stamp them out.
Now, those Guardians desiring to be healers work hand in hand with the
regular doctors to make sure everything is done to save lives."

"Amazing!" Jules exclaimed.  "There must really be fewer people on your
side of the world.  There are so many people here that the Shapers who
specialize in healing only have time to see the most important of our
critical patients."

"Interesting," Adam said quietly as his stomach rolled over at the thought
of people dying unnecessarily.  "I'd be very interested in seeing your
hospital.  I have nothing planned for tomorrow, do you think a tour could
be arranged?"

"Tomorrow?!" Jules sputtered some of the wine he'd just sipped.  "I thought
the negotiations were taking place tomorrow?"

"They are," Adam responded with a slight frown.  "I'm not needed there,
only afterwards.  Our negotiations have two of the envoys present for the
actual talks, and a third party to review each day's results.  I drew the
short straw and get to be the third party.  So, tomorrow, I'd really much
prefer seeing some of...Bjornville...instead of sitting in a plush room by
myself."

"I, I'd be pleased, sir," the doctor said.  "We'd need to clear it with..."

"Consider it cleared," Eddie Zindel said from where he had been listening
to the conversation.  "In fact, I'll have one of my other kids escort
Guardian Morgan there in the morning, say ten o'clock?"

"That will be fine, sir!" Jules said excitedly.  "I'll have the senior
staff ready."

"Thank you, Shaper Zindel," Adam said to the old acquaintance of J'Stan.
From the shared memories, he knew the man had been the one who'd arrested
J'Stan in New York, and threatened the life of Alan.  But he was also the
father of Margaret, who was fast becoming a good friend.

"I must say that I'm actually glad to see Just..I mean J'Stan, no longer
alone.  I trained under him and the twins at the Center, before the Accords
were made. He was so happy then, and was a good man.  It's good to see some
of the old personality return."

Grief welled in Adam at the mention of Jason and Curtis.  The image of
their blasted bodies floated through his mind and it took a moment for him
to remind himself that these were J'Stan's memories, not his.  The bond
told him that the mention of the twins had halted J'Stan in mid-sentence as
he was discussing mining techniques with the Guildmasters.  He had to force
his own features to return to a pleasant expression.

"The grief of that moment is still with us, Eddie.  I remember you from the
time as well.  I must say I liked you better then too.  No offense meant,
but you seemed a lot happier."

"Yes, leading the people does take its toll, but who else could lead our
people in these times?  From what you said, it sounds like the two of you
have bonded together like he did with the twins."

"That's correct.  To be honest, it's a new thing between us.  We were good
friends for over eighty years, and just recently became more."

"So the bond's new then?" Eddie said inquisitively.  "It seems like you two
have been bonded for decades the way you interact so smoothly.  A few
Shapers have decided to join together like that.  They always seem awkward
for the first few years as they grow used to the, closeness, of the
bonding."

"I understand.  We've had a few Guardians do the same.  J'Stan and I were
very close friends for decades, though.  I knew what to expect and made the
adjustments quickly."

"I just wish all those who decided to undertake the bonding would take the
time to get to know each other as well as you two did."

"So do I, so do I," Adam answered.

The next few hours passed slowly, as more and more people made their way to
speak to the envoys.  Margaret was often a starting point, but Adam and
J'Stan were the main attractions.  The afternoon passed in a blur of faces
and moments of conversation.  At times, the bond came close to overwhelming
him several times as he adjusted to being part of two separate
conversations at once.

Finally, the reception seemed to be over.  People were leaving, and the
three envoys were able to meet back up together.  All three seemed to be
tired, and looking forward to a quiet evening.  After some brief words with
Jheris, they left the room and followed their escort back to the suite.
Once there, they all sat in the main room and discussed the various
conversations and impressions they'd gotten.

Another few hours passed, and dinner was brought to the room. J'Stan and
Adam ate with Margaret, more to keep her company than out of any desire to
eat.  It was when they were done and were sitting quietly in the room, that
a knock sounded at the door.  Adam answered it and was surprised to see
Eddie Zindel there.

At Adam's invitation he entered the room and greeted his daughter warmly,
giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.  He smiled at her, and at the other
two envoys.  J'Stan felt a moment of longing for his own children, and
reminded himself that they were why he was here.

"I came by to invite all of you to a concert that is being held here
tonight."  Eddie said to all three of them.  "The Bjornville Boys Choir
will be joining the Symphony tonight in a special concert.  I have a box
and would be happy to have all three of you as my guests."

"We'd love to," J'Stan immediately agreed, seeing Margaret's eyes light up,
and the feeling of interest arise from Adam.  He was intrigued himself.
While there were plenty of bands and music in New Phoenix, a Symphony and
Boys Choir did not yet exist.  They all went to change while Eddie said
he'd meet them in an hour.

J'Stan and Adam had both changed out of their uniforms, and dressed in more
formal attire.  Margaret wore a gown that Adam had made for her when he
noticed her rummaging through the closet muttering about nothing being good
enough.  It had been she that had suggested the attire they now wore,
reshaped out of an extra set of uniforms.

They met Eddie at their door, and saw he was dressed in a more formal
version of the Shaper uniform.  A silver and blue robe wrapped around the
usual tunic and pants, which also sported silver striping.  J'Stan was
wearing a gold and brown jacket with black pants and knee high black boots.
Adam was wearing a black jacket with gold and brown pants with the same
style of boots.  Margaret was dressed in a rich blue gown that flowed
around her with a grace that J'Stan had not expected.

With Eddie, in a less ornate uniform, was a young Shaper.  His resemblance
to both Eddie and Margaret was immediately recognizable.  Eddie introduced
him as Paolo Zindel, his youngest son.  The young man greeted Margaret
distantly, and she explained that they'd rarely met before since Paolo had
been in training for years.  Now twenty, he was serving an apprenticeship
with a senior Shaper specializing in healing.

The party made their way through the hallways, joining a flow of people
heading towards a theatre on the opposite side of the castle.  Conversation
seemed to slow when they came near other people, but they were given polite
nods and greetings from those that came close to them.  After a while,
Eddie led them to a curtained opening and they entered the private box.

The theatre would have done any opera house or symphony hall of the old
world proud.  Grand columns, ornately gilded, ran across the walls.  Plush
seats filled the box and from what J'Stan saw, filled the floor seats and
balcony.  Across from them, J'Stan could see Jheris in a box.  They both
bowed slightly to each other before taking their seats.

When the concert began, J'Stan let himself be carried away to the classical
music.  Mozart filled the theatre, and time seemed to fade as the old music
swept him up.  Adam, who had never been to a concert like this, was swept
away just as J'Stan was.  When the music changed and the Boys Choir began
to sing, it was a moment before they heard the words distinctly.

	Shaper save us!
	Shaper guide us!
	Lead us to the way
	The way of peace
	Let us show you our love
	Let us give our thanks
	For the protection you give
	Bjorn showed the way
	Till the great Cataclysm came
	Shelter us please!

As the song ended and changed into another, J'Stan felt the uneasiness
return.  Despite the people he'd met today, he was still uncertain about
forming a treaty with these people.  Nothing had really changed.  They
still viewed the ungifted as children to be led and guided, something he
found repulsive.  He found that Adam was experiencing a similar revulsion.

The rest of the concert passed by, barely noticed.  At intermission, he
joined Eddie and Jheris backstage, complimenting the Choir and Symphony on
their performances.  He then joined the rest of the audiences outside for
refreshments and greeted those he had seen before by name.  As they
reentered the box he shared small talk with Eddie, while Adam talked with
Paolo.

Later that night, after the concert was over, J'Stan laid in bed with Adam
and they thought about the night.  When they realized that their thoughts
were just going in circles, they let themselves drift off into sleep.

***

Morning introduced itself through sunlight pouring in from the windows of
their room. Adam just lay there for a while, feeling like he was in heaven.
All this just from the feeling of J'Stan lying next to him.  The part of
him that was now J'Stan still slept, but even in sleep he was more than he
had been before the joining.

He'd waited eighty years for this, and every second had been worth it.  He
was now a part of J'Stan, and J'Stan was a part of him.  For as long as
either of them lived, the other would be alive as well.  Just as Jason and
Curtis were now a part of him. He wished he'd known them in life, not just
from the memories of them he'd gained on joining with J'Stan.  Adam had
discovered that yesterday when he had reacted to Eddie's comments about
them.  Now he, Adam, could remember every moment of the twins' lives.  It
was uncomfortable, but also comforting.

J'Stan stirred beside him, and within his mind as well.  The flow of love
and welcome was intoxicating for both of them.  The sense of J'Stan
absorbing his thoughts of a few moments ago made Adam nervous for a moment.
The total lack of privacy, total combination of themselves was still a
little disconcerting.  Fortunately, he had the memories of three people who
had gone through the same thing to draw from.  He promised himself that
he'd get used to it eventually.

"So, today is the day," J'Stan said out loud.  They both preferred to speak
aloud.  It felt more real somehow.

"Yep," Adam answered, running his hands along J'Stan's chest, teasing the
nipples a little.  "Today you begin the negotiations for a treaty, and I
tour a hospital."

"And thanks to the fact that you're bonded to me, you get to listen to the
negotiations in all their boredom."

"While you get to be distracted by the sight of sick people in the
hospital."

"I hate hospitals."

"I know, I love them."

"If only I'd known before I let you seduce me on the moon," J'Stan said
theatrically.

"Wouldn't have mattered, love.  I've had eighty years to study you.  I know
all your weak spots," Adam said as he let his fingers trace lightly over
the hollow of J'Stan's neck.  The most erogenous zone for J'Stan.  As
J'Stan shuddered in enjoyment at the touch, Adam smiled and gently kissed
him on the ear.

"Get your lazy ass out of bed, recruit!" he shouted, replaying a memory of
J'Stan's first day in boot camp...over 115 years ago.  He laughed hard as
his lover jumped in surprise and landed next to the bed at attention.
Growling, J'Stan leaped back on the bed and started tickling the bottom of
Adam's feet, causing him to collapse into a fit of giggling.

"Ahem!" Margaret said from the doorway.  "If you two boys don't mind, we
need to get ready for the day.  Our escorts will be here in minutes."

For some reason this caused both of them to laugh harder.  Margaret
couldn't help but join in.  She was ready herself, dressed impeccably in
another dress gifted to her by Elen.  A knock on the outer door of the
suite announced the arrival of their escorts.  Adam climbed out of the bed
and grabbed a uniform out of the wardrobe and dressed quickly, J'Stan doing
the same next to him.  Within moments they were ready, having used their
abilities to clean up and fix their short hair.

In the main room, Margaret was snacking from a breakfast tray on the low
table, chatting with her father and half-brother.  As the two entered the
room, the three relatives stood and smiled at the couple.  Adam decided to
take the lead and greeted both men.

"It's good to see you both again.  I assume that Paolo is to be my guide
this morning?"

"Yes, sir.  I am honored to be escorting you through Bjornville and to the
hospital.  My mentor, Johan, helps there when he can so I am somewhat
familiar with it."

"Meanwhile, Margaret and I get stuck in a stuffy room negotiating with hard
headed people like Eddie here."

"Hard headed?" Eddie said, uncertainty in his voice.

"Yeah, I seem to remember you knocking your head straight through six
inches of titanium wall in the training center.  I would call that a hard
head," J'Stan said jovially.

"Damn! I'd forgotten about that," Eddie laughed, and for a moment, his
features shifted back to the young man he'd been then.  The moment was gone
all too soon and the older Eddie was back.  "Well, the others are ready
whenever you are, sir."

"Let's go then," J'Stan said.  He motioned for Margaret to precede him out
as they were led to the room where the negotiations would take place,
leaving Adam alone with Paolo.

"So, Paolo, how about we get going too?" Adam said, then followed the young
man out the door.  He was led out of the main keep, past the courtyard
where they had arrived, and through the main gate.

As they made their way through the parts of the City nearest the Keep, the
large, spacious buildings they passed impressed Adam.  There were shops and
street vendors selling everything from fresh fruit to transistor radios.
The houses he could see all appeared to be large, and well built.  Most of
the buildings were at least two, and more often three stories high.

Paolo was chatting away, pointing out vendors and stores as if to impress
Adam with the sights around them.  He made the appropriate noises whenever
the boy paused in his chatter, but really paid little attention to him.
Instead, his attention was on the people bustling around them.

The constant bowing to Paolo was the first thing he noticed.  Men and women
all stopped and bowed or curtseyed whenever they passed close by.  On this
busy street, the constant obeisance of various people started causing a
backlog of people in the streets, but no one complained.  Here, nearest the
Keep, the people seemed to be well dressed, and well fed.  There were no
signs of starvation or overcrowding that Adam could see.  He looked with
his eyes and with his gift, but saw few signs of overcrowding or hunger.

The farther out they went, thing began to change.  The buildings were
closer and closer together, and now ranged as high as five stories.  The
streets they walked on were more crowded, even though everyone they came
close to still stopped and made an obeisance to Paolo.  Here there were
even more vendors and stores, but they were more focused to practical,
everyday needs as well as food.  When they passed near several carts of
fruit, Adam could tell that they were not of as high quality as those
nearer the Keep.

Soon they were approaching the largest building so far.  It rose six
stories in height, and he could count over forty windows across the face of
it.  In large letters of the language they spoke here, a sign proclaimed
that this was Bjornville General Hospital.  His thoughts reached out to
J'Stan for a moment, teasing his lover about being cooped up in that little
room on a wonderful day.  The expletive sent back to him brought a smile to
his face as he turned to his guide to ask a question.

Before he could say anything though, a sharp psychic blow impacted against
his mental shields, giving him only seconds to react to the attack.  The
first attack failed to penetrate, but it was quickly followed by another,
stronger attack.  He could see Paolo crumpling to the ground unconscious
just before his vision went black.

***

J'Stan felt the attack on his lover and had to suppress the urge to go to
his aid.  He was scared that it had actually happened, worried about a
repeat of the loss he'd experienced before.  Adam's falling unconscious
just made it worse.  Instead, though, he sat in his seat and picked up on
where Margaret was in presenting their offering.

"...so we will be able to accept colonies of up to five thousand people
every other year for the next 16 years.  Haven shall count as the first of
those colonies, which means the next exodus shall be eligible for departure
within 18 months."

"Councilor, as you are aware, that paltry rate does little to alleviate our
overcrowded population," Eddie Zindel stated.

"I'm sorry, Shaper, but we don't believe that we can absorb more than what
we are proposing.  Time is needed between each wave to assure that the
newcomers are well versed in our way of life and are able to adapt to it,"
J'Stan said firmly.

"I for one am not comfortable with these stringent acceptance policies.
You have each potential colonist meeting with your people three times
before being accepted!  That's insane!" Jheris added.

"We must ensure that any of the people who settle in our lands can adapt to
our way of life," J'Stan retorted.  "It is impossible to do that in one
sitting.  Furthermore, we wish to make sure that any colonists are doing so
of their own free will."

"Worried we might foist our criminals off on you?" Eddie Zindel sneered.

"Yes," J'Stan said bluntly.  "But we'll likely take them if they qualify
and really want to go.  What really is a concern is forced migration of
undesirables.  We are willing to be a relief valve for problems related to
overpopulation.  We won't be a relief valve for a political pressure
cooker."

Jheris started to laugh, when a young Shaper Trainee entered the small room
through the doorway.  He quickly scooted to Jheris' side and whispered
something in the older man's ear.  Jheris' face turned white, and his eyes
widened slightly.  J'Stan noticed the man's hands were shaking on the
table.  When the boy was finished, Jheris waved him out of the room and
turned to J'Stan, and when he spoke, it was with a shaky voice.

"Uh, Guardian J'Stan, I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but..."

"Some rogue elements in your Shapers' Council have taken Adam hostage,"
J'Stan finished for him.

"Of course," Jheris said softly, face even more white, "you're bonded to
him.  I want to assure you this is not sanctioned and we will do everything
in our power to find him."

"Don't," J'Stan said firmly, suppressing the smile he felt from the shocked
looks on their faces.  "Adam's a big boy.  He can handle this little
predicament by himself."

"Aren't you worried about him?  I thought you cared for him!" Eddie said
incredulously.

"I am worried.  Scared as hell too," J'Stan said calmly.  "But like I said
before, he's a big boy.  He wouldn't appreciate me, or anyone else,
interfering unnecessarily."

"Then you believe us when we say we had nothing to do with this?" Jheris
asked.

"Of course.  I will always believe everything you tell me, until I discover
you have lied about something.  Then, I will never believe anything you
ever say again," J'Stan said quietly, but firmly.

"Just as I always remembered you being, J'Stan," Eddie said.

"So, why don't we continue our negotiations?  No need to let whoever has
kidnapped Adam disrupt the important work we are doing here," J'Stan said,
and they continued their discussions.


***

Consciousness returned to Adam quickly.  His hands were tied behind his
back, and the blackness when he opened his eyes confirmed the feeling of a
hood over his head.  Hard, cold concrete lay under him as he rolled from
his belly to his side.  A flexing of his mind showed a good, solid, strong
shield around him, trying to keep him from using his abilities.  Too bad
they didn't bother shielding him from hearing their voices too.

"I tell you we should not have done this!" a strange voice said.  'Bogey
1', Adam named him.

"Why, you afraid his pretty boyfriend will come after you?" a second voice
said, 'Bogey 2'.

"Yes, and should you be.  They say he's the one who killed Bjorn.  If he
did that, he'd make short work of us," Bogey 1 nearly yelled.

"Not before we scorched his toy here," Bogey 2 laughed.  "I don't think
he'll risk that.  Besides, he'll blame Jheris for it, not us.  That can
only work to our advantage."

"Besides, they both need to suffer after what they've done," a third,
heavily accented voice said.  'Nickolai!', Adam thought.

"You sure that shield on him is strong enough?  How about the hood?  Will
that really keep them from finding him?" asked another voice, younger.
Bogey 3.

"Don't worry, there's three very strong Shapers here, four more strong
ones, and several strong trainees.  We could hold anything short of J'Stan
himself."  Confidence filled every bit of Nikolai's voice.

"Well, when he wakes up we'll have a go at questioning him.  I still don't
think that everything is on the up and up with these people.  Jheris is a
fool for talking with them," Bogey 1 said, and Adam could almost hear the
spittle coming out of his mouth.

"Really, boys," Adam said, rising to his feet, hands shaking loose the
shreds of the metal cuffs.  The hood he had been wearing was nowhere to be
seen.  Shouts of alarm filled the large room he was in, and shock was writ
large on the faces of the men who had been speaking.

Nikolai stood there, closest to Adam, his mouth hanging open in surprise.
Adam walked up to the man until he was inches away.  "Never be too sure
about anything dealing with another Gifted, bud.  It never feels good when
they rear up and bite you in the ass."

"GET HIM!" screamed Bogey 1 at the top of his lungs.  At once, Adam was
attacked from several directions, and methods.  Bogey 1 turned his scream
into a high pitch wail that threatened the eardrums of everyone there.  A
wave of ice threatened to freeze him while a blast of fire melted the ice,
and his clothes.  Attack after attack came at Adam until the floor beneath
him buckled.  Soon he was obscured from the view of the others by their
attacks.

"Stop!" shouted Nickolai.  At his command, the attacks petered out until
they could see Adam standing untouched (except for his now non-existent
clothing), in the middle of the room.  Around him the floor was cracked and
buckled, but a gentle smile touched his face.

He wasn't mad, too much.  After all, they'd failed to cause him any harm.
But he still felt some anger surging and sought to control it.  He'd come
here for a reason, and killing people now would not serve that purpose.

"As you can see, it doesn't really matter how many people you have here,
Nikolai, they aren't enough," Adam said firmly.  "Why don't we talk instead
of ruining this building?"

"What do you have to say, murderer?" Nikolai responded angrily.

"First off, I'm not a murderer," Adam answered coolly.

"Yes, you ARE!" was the shouted response.  "You and your, your PARTNER
killed my Vasily!"

"We did not have a choice.  Would Vasily have wanted to continue living
like that?  I don't think so.  We are both sorry for the pain you have
endured all these years.  That is not vital to the here and now though."

"What do you think is important then?" said Bogey 1.

"What you are doing here.  Why you sought to kidnap me.  What you wanted to
find out.  These things are important."

"We are opposed to the rule of Jheris and his Council," said another voice
who hadn't spoken before.

"But we're not liking the idea of your people either," said Nikolai.

"Well, then, why don't we go somewhere more comfortable and talk?" Adam
said calmly.  "I would love to hear what you thought to accomplish.  We're
not interested in taking over here, but we don't like Jheris' government
any more than you do."

"I think that would be a good idea," said Bogey 2.

"I refuse to have ANY part of this!" Nikolai shouted, then disappeared.

"Don't worry about him, he'll calm down eventually.  I'm Piotre, shall we
talk?" said Bogey 1.

***

It had been a long week, but a successful one.  Several burnt corpses had
stood in for the still living kidnappers of Adam, and it appeared that
Jheris was not aware of the fact that J'Stan's party was leaving with two
treaties, not just one.  J'Stan stood on the platform in the courtyard,
flanked by Adam and Margaret.

All in all, this trip was a success.  There would be more people coming to
settle the lands around New Phoenix, and he could be fairly certain that
they'd become loyal to the way of life on that side of the world.  Even
more importantly, Adam had made contact with a group intent on overthrowing
Jheris' council.  Even better, Margaret had shown herself to be a good
negotiator, and dedicated to their cause.  With luck, most of the new
settlers would be like her.

"We are sad to see you leave us, Guardian J'Stan.  I must say that things
are much better this time, than when last we met," Jheris said.  He was
flanked by his High Council, and all were dressed in their most formal
outfits.

"I must admit that I have been forced to reassess many of my opinions and
thoughts about life here.  I am grateful to you, Shaper Jheris, and I look
forward to seeing what our negotiations here bring."

"Fare Well, Guardians, Councilor," Jheris responded just as J'Stan and his
party disappeared.

Only to reappear on the other side of the world, in a room set aside for
just such purposes.  Adam opened the door to find the usual guards in the
room outside and smiled at them warmly.  His smile faded immediately when
he saw the black armbands they wore on the sleeves of their shirts.

J'Stan could feel the worry well up in Adam, and felt his own worry begin
to swell.  He followed his lover out of the room, with Margaret following
in his wake, and faced the nearest guard.

"Guardian Rowe," he addressed the young man, "what has happened?  Why the
mourning bands?"

"I, um, I'm sorry sir, but acting Head Guardian Corvis instructed us to
call him and Mayor as soon as you returned.  He'll be here in a moment to
share recent events with you, sir."

"Very well," J'Stan said, subduing his edginess.  "We'll wait in my
office."

"Sir, um, would you mind waiting here?  They're both on their way here
already," Guardian Rowe said diffidently.

Before J'Stan could say anything, the door opened, admitting Barry Corvis
and Jerry Gindell.  Both men looked somewhat haggard, and wore the black
mourning bands like the guards.  When they saw the party though, they both
smiled hesitantly.

"Guardian J'Stan," Jerry Gindell began hesitantly.  "It's good to see you
back.  I trust the negotiations went well?"

"Aye, they did," J'Stan answered.  "Where's Alan?  Rowe said he was on the
way."

When both men turned towards the guard, who shook his head and mouthed
'Mayor', they nodded and turned back to J'Stan, smiles gone.

"I'm sorry, J'Stan," Barry Corvis said gently, "Alan passed away the day
after you left.  His last instructions were that we were not to bother you
until you returned.  I'm sorry."

"Congratulations, Mayor," J'Stan said to Jerry Gindell. His voice, and his
entire being were void of any emotion, and even Adam was pushed away for a
few moments.

"I wish I'd gotten the post some other way, I too am sorry for your loss,"
Jerry Gindell said gently.

"Here is your treaty, sir.  The others can fill you in on the specifics.  I
need to be alone," J'Stan said quietly, handing over the signed treaty.  He
purposely did not mention the secret one with the insurgents.  When Barry
Corvis took the treaty, he made a decision.

"Barry is a fine man, I'm sure he'll do a good job in my stead," he said
into the quiet room.

"J'Stan!  No!" Adam said aloud, while trying to reattain some of their
usual rapport.

"I accept your resignation, sir," Mayor Gindell said.  "Guardian Corvis, I
appoint you temporary Head of the Guardians until the Council has a chance
to make a permanent decision.  J'Stan, I know it doesn't mean much, but I
intend to put a resolution before the Council.  Our region has gone long
enough without a name.  In honor of the legacy of your son, I hope the
Council will approve naming our land 'Ackeland'.  I hope you approve."

"Do what you wish," J'Stan said from the depths of the void he was wrapping
himself in.  "It doesn't matter to me."

***

End of Chapter 2.

It's amazing what the loss of a loved one can do.  I still can only
remember bits and pieces of what I felt, said, and did when I learned of my
mom's death.  It was at work, and I don't remember crying out, but they
said that everyone in the building, even on the second floor heard it.  Let
those close to you know how much you love them.