Exile to Hell

Salvo couldn’t help but smile. He had, always hoped, ever since being inducted into the Trust, that his efforts on its behalf would be rewarded with a position of authority.

“Thank you, Lord Baron, I will faithfully”

Baron Cobalt cut him off with a gently admonishing hiss. “This is a particularly delicate operation, even in these late stages. The nukecaust prevented it from achieving completion, and now finally it is within sight. It is a matter requiring careful planning and, therefore, absolutely no unforeseen variables to contend with. You must use your position in the Magistrate Division to carry out the edicts, and that means you will need help.”

“I’m sure the Trust is more than able to provide me with all the support I could possibly need”

The baron interrupted him again. “No, Salvo. You misunderstand. You need a confidant, a pawn. With all the men under your command, surely there is one who would be of service to you in this undertaking.”

Salvo was silent a moment, then smiled coldly. “Only one, Lord Baron.”

“Yes.”

“Kane.”

A shocked murmur rippled among the members of the Trust. Abrams gave a stallion snort of derision. “Are you mad?” he demanded. “His father”

“The division is Kane’s only father,” snapped Salvo. “He has no idea of what actually happened to the man. He probably thinks he’s still up here, pushing paper and filling out water-requisition reports. No, Kane is as hard and as bright as a blade. He has no use for slaggers or outlanders. With the proper inducement, I’m sure he would find my offer a very unique opportunity.”

“And so do you,” Lakesh said mockingly. “For cruel irony.”

“That has nothing to do with it,” Salvo replied stiffly, “Kane is like his father only in his devotion to serving the ville.”

Abrams snorted again to indicate his disapproval. “Yes, we believed the same of his father. To our sorrow. And your gain.”

Baron Cobalt laughed, a soft, lilting sound. “The proposal has merit, on a number of points. If Kane refuses your offer, Salvo, an accident on duty can be easily arranged. Or like his father, he can be appointed to an administrative position and never be seen again. Yes, Salvo, I approve.”

Salvo nodded formally. “Thank you. You will find your confidence well placed.”

He was careful to strike the correct balance between expressing his gratitude and a deserved pride.

The golden light flickered, dimmed, and Baron Cobalt stepped back beneath the arch. The audience was over as quickly as it had begun.

The pudgy man named Horan wasted no time whirling on Salvo. “This is a dangerous game you’re playing.”

Salvo smiled cheerfully. “Consider, then, that the advantage far outweighs the risk.”

“How can you possibly trust Kane?” Guende asked incredulously. “His father, his grandfather”

“He’s a Magistrate first,” Salvo announced. “A Kane second.”

He left the other members of the Trust standing on the Persian carpet. Abrams caught up with him before he passed through the final arch. “A word, if you will.”

Abrams’s carriage was ramrod straight, despite his deeply seamed face, the iron gray in his hair and square-cut beard. Salvo nodded to him respectfully. Abrams was one of the old guard of the division, entering it at the very end of the first generation. Despite the fact he had served as an administrator longer than he had as a Magistrate, Salvo had to admit that Abrams’s performance in both positions was outstanding.

“Your plan seems ill conceived,” said Abrams softly, grimly. “Almost perverse.”

“It is not, Administrator, I assure you.” The deference in Salvo’s tone was genuine. “Why do you think so?”

“Because Kane has options. He is not alone, he is not isolated. He has a friend, and therefore an emotional center. A grounding in an identity.”

Salvo nodded. “You mean Grant.”

“Grant. Though fraternization between Magistrates is discouraged, you have allowed those two to forge a bond.”

“Grant is due for administrative transfer. That will break the bond.”

Abrams shook his head. “It will weaken it, not shatter it. The bond must be broken as dramatically and traumatically as possible, so Kane will seek a substitute to fill the void.”

Abrams’s voice was like his hairall iron. He took a deep breath and said, “As was done to me.”