The Phoenix Fallacy Book I: Janus (4 page)

Chapter
3: Beyond the Slums

The depthless dark of Cerberus had given way to shimmering gilded towers of glass and marble, crowned in wreaths of white, while angelic statues and spires lifted towards a bright blue sky.  A sudden warmth suffused Janus’ skin, and he pressed closer to the edge, struggling to absorb every glorious ray. 

The lift slid silently into the station at H-level with Janus squinting upward towards the sky, unaware they had reached their
platform.  Sunlight streamed through the H-station’s glass dome.  Gold-fluted columns reached from floor to ceiling, shining brilliantly in the sun.

Clara quickly hurried over to him and pulled him off the lift, chiding him, “Pay attention, you can’t afford to lose your head here!”  Norm was already gone.

Janus let his eyes wander the station and suddenly felt extremely self-conscious.  Staring down at the ill-fitting rags he wore, he could feel the eyes of the hundreds of elite that surrounded him and hear murmurs of ‘—can’t even dress servants properly.’

“Don’t worry.  People always stare, but it’s nothing we can’t handle,” whispered Clara encouragingly.

She made a beeline out of the station and onto the main thoroughfare, Janus right behind.  He was amazed by the bustling chaos around him.  There were never so many people out and about in the slums; a crowd would be a magnet to the Rats.  Out of the shade of the station Janus was forced to narrow his eyes to slits to see around him.  Aside from the many stares, no one seemed bothered by their presence.

People avoid each other up here as well…
Janus thought wryly. 

Outside
the station, Janus was surprised to discover it was enameled in a deep emerald green.  It still possessed its odd angular walls, but the menace was gone – replaced by a thought of thriving flora, and abundant life.  Gold Cerberus statues flanked the entrances, and the only S.T. within sight carried no rifle, but helpfully directed passers-by as they approached.

“Come on,” Clara was motioning for Janus to follow her, “we’ve got to get moving or we’ll be late!”

Janus was chilled in the early morning air, his breath rising in puffs as his skin searched for warmth against the thin rags.  A gaggle of children momentarily stopped their play within a cloud to eye them uncertainly as they hurried by.

T
hey were going to see Miss Middleton, but he knew almost nothing about her.  Middleton was an Overlord, and a powerful one, only a step below the supreme masters of Cerberus, the Executors.  Her home was the crown of one of the gigantic superscrapers that made up the multi-level metropolis.

And Clara was one of her maids.  Janus knew she was thankful for it.  Real, non-hazardous work was rare nowadays, and even then, most things were performed by Daeduluses – when they didn’t break, anyway. 

Machines rumored to have been left over from before the Corporations were founded, Daeduluses were strange devices.  They ran the factories.  They made the food.  Some moved like animals, and Janus had heard of a rare few that seemed to possess a spark of intelligence.  But despite their skill at scrubbing floors, they lacked the understanding to value the subtle, yet messy, brushstrokes of a work of art.  One too many paintings had been “cleaned” for Middleton’s taste.  And so – Clara was a maid.  At least, that was how Clara told him the story.

An iron-wrought
fence of elaborate spirals enclosed Middleton’s private hideaway, forcing passerby to steal tempting looks at sprinkling fountains and lush gardens of red, blue, and yellow.  Deep jade green and sapphire blue walls shimmered in the sun, while gilded frames held sparkling crystalline windows overlooking the lawns.

Clara avoided the ornate gate that stood closed to all but the greatest of dignitaries, and instead made her way to a recessed door in the back. She knocked twice and a stately butler soon answered it, “Ah Miss Clara. Miss Middleton is expecting you and the young man…” he paused.

“Janus,” Clara chimed in with a bow.

“Very good,” Albert said, looking her over.  “I’m afraid there isn’t enough time for a proper cleaning, but may I suggest you consider a change of clothes?”

Clara nodded her understanding and the butler stood aside to admit her and Janus into a set of servants’ quarters.  A changing station for most of Middleton’s staff, the quarters bustled mostly with maids and cooks who urgently sought to prepare themselves for another demanding day at the behest of their master.  Only the head gardener and Middleton’s favorite chef had lodgings here.  Albert, the butler, was afforded space in the home proper.

Clara joined several women hustling to a set of showers in another room, leaving Janus behind to wait.  Albert did not leave his side for a moment.  Whe
n Clara emerged just a minute or so later, she wore a beautiful, flowing blue gown made of a rich silk.  Another maid, wearing a gown of green emerged behind her, and rushed out the door, nodding respectfully to Albert as she passed.  Carefully, Clara deposited her plain white servant’s uniform in a locker.  It would be cleaned and pressed for her when she returned; Albert would ensure that it was done.

Together, the three headed out into the lawn.  Clara was careful
to avoid sullying or tearing her uniform on the high bushes and flower beds.  Rushing into the house, they sped up the servants stairs behind the kitchen, and soon arrived in a small sitting room in front of two great oak doors with gilded handles set deep into the wood.

“Wait quietly,” Albert said simply.  Clara fidgeted with her hands, but Janus crossed his arms and leaned against the wall.  Soft lighting illuminated the hallway, casting the flowing oil-paintings
of men and women in prodigious robes, all bearing the three-headed mark of Cerberus, in a gentle glow that was easy on Janus’ eyes.  Dark rugs ran the length of the hall, overlaying elegant wood floors, while sculptures and antiquities lined the walls.  Awed by the wealth and grandeur that surrounded him, he wondered what it would be like to live in such a place, waited on by servants and commanding all beneath him. 
Like an emperor…

Janu
s’ eyes roved the room as Clara whispered nervously to him, “No smart remarks…and think about everything you say.  Miss Middleton is a very—er,
grand
woman and prone to sensitivity.”

Suddenly Middleton’s raised voice could be heard clearly through the thick wood.  It was somewhat high – not pleasing in the slightest, “We aren’t interested right now!  How many times do I have to tell you?  Cerberus needs the extra support for our infantry units!  And you charge far too much for everything else!”

Janus unconsciously leaned closer to the door, straining to hear what was being said.  Albert glared at him, but Janus ignored him.

“Perhaps…other…could be made…?”  A second voice said urgently.
  The voice was strange, with a thick accent.

Middleton’s voice suddenly became much softer, though it still carried.  “How… offering?”

“10 per…”  The voice said.

“Well…arrangements…suit well.”  Middleton said pleasurably.

The great gilded knob twisted suddenly, and the left door cracked open.

“One week, Mr. Ambassador?”
  The door stopped in mid-swing.

“It would be better if we could make the arrangement sooner, actually,” the ambassador said.

“How about tomorrow, then, early morning? I was already planning on making several transactions tomorrow,” Middleton said, confidently.

“That would be excellent.”

“We shall eagerly await ODIN’s arrival.  In the meantime, I will have someone show you to a room.”

“Your hospitality is always appreciated
Overlord Middleton.”

Albert stepped forward as the door swung open entirely, revealing a dark-skinned man with dark eyes and silver hair in thick black clothing with a gold and red pin on the high neck.  “This way please, sir.”

“Thank you,” the man said politely, but Janus caught the faint words of ‘hate that damn woman’ muttered beneath his breath.

Before he turned to guide the ambassador, Albert bowed towards the open doors and said, “My lady, your maidservant Clara and her son are here at your request.”

“Send them in.”

Janus stood up straight, uncrossing his arms.  Albert glared at him, “Miss Middleton will see you now.”

Chapter 4: Middleton

As Clara led the way through the heavy oak doors, Janus could barely contain his laughter at the sight before him.  His first impression of her was that of a pig in a peacock costume.  Standing regally behind a cherry-wood desk, Middleton was the gaudiest, most ridiculous creature Janus had ever set eyes on.

Her nose was squashed and snout-like as the fat forced her nostrils outward and upward.  Large plumed feathers and sequins decorated the gaudiest blue dress Janus could ever imagine.  A monstrous sapphire necklace struggled to be noticed against her rolling bosom, while bracelets looked fit to burst from her wrists.  Her fat face looked akin to a puffer fish, while her bulging body fought to escape the confines of the dress.  Fingers like sausages drummed the desk before them, large rings stuck between the second and third knuckles, unable to pass any further.  She breathed heavily, like she was in a constant struggle for air.  And although her skin was smooth and fair, her hair was silver,
a sign she no longer possessed the youth and vigor she once had.

He smirked, but quickly hid his smile.  Clara stood trembling in front of him and Janus gave her shoulder a quick sympathetic pat before returning his stare to the generously sized woman before him.

She glanced up to see her visitors but returned her eyes immediately to her study of a parchment thin computer screen.  The screen had the appearance of dull aluminum foil.  Clara fidgeted nervously. 

Rich tapestries and paintings hung from the walls, depicting great battles and victories of Cerberus.  More than a few were dominated by images of Cerberus troops standing over crushed and broken armies.  Lush blue carpet accented the dark swirls and dyes of the paintings and hangings.

Middleton unexpectedly looked up once more, waving her hand at the screen as it rolled up and closed like a piece of paper.  Clara hastily broke her gaze and stared at the floor, unconsciously taking a step back, and giving Middleton a full view of Janus.   She froze, a hint of surprise upon her face, but only for a moment.  Middleton stared hard at Janus and barked at Clara, “This is your son?” 

Clara took a quick bow, “Yes,
Miss.”

Middleton looked unsettled, but shook her head.

Clara paled, but Janus didn’t blink. Middleton studied him carefully for a moment, but then turned to stare out the window behind her desk.

“You’re late, maidservant.”

“I’m sorry, madam, the troopers gave us trouble,” Clara stammered.

Middleton was silent for a moment, staring out at the grounds. 
“Do you know why I brought you here?” she asked, without even turning to face Clara.

“No, madam,” Clara said.

“What about you, boy?  Do you understand why the two of you are here?” Middleton asked curiously.

Janus grimaced, “Well, you don’t really seem to be the mother
ing type, so I don’t think you’re planning on raining us with gifts.”  Clara hissed warningly at him.             

The laugh emitted from the piggish snout was uproarious and evil
.  Janus felt a sudden chill from the sound.

Clara was sweating as she leapt forward, “He didn’t mean any disrespect, Miss.  He’s just a little foolish now and then.”  She
glared at Janus and made a swift chop across her throat.

Middleton turned to them with a smirk on her face.  “A little foolish?  Your son has developed quite the reputation.  If my Troopers are to be believed,
this boy here has caused more than his share of troubles and annoyances.  Enough for even the Rats to complain.”

“Surely you didn’t drag me up here just because some
Rats whined,” Janus interjected.

“
Miss Middleton,” Clara hissed at him.

Middleton smiled, “No, of course not.  At least you’re smart enough to realize that.  I’m more intrigued by other aspects of the reports.”  She flipped open the parchment screen again.  “
’Boy moves swiftly.’  ‘Possesses unnatural speed.’  ‘Clever, but causes trouble.’  ‘Can’t pin down the damn mudfish’ – That’s my favorite.  Rats are always so eloquent.”

‘And yet, when I tried to bring up the
birth files on your son, I discovered he was unregistered.  Do you know what the penalties are for not registering?”

Janus
flushed with anger, “How am I supposed to register when I can’t even secure access to a lift without an Overlord’s order?”

Middleton smiled, “And do you think that excuses you?”

“Miss Middleton, I—” Clara spoke up.

Middleton’s smile vanished, “Do you know what the penalties are for harboring an unregistered individual?”

Clara shrank back.

A well of
fury rose up in Janus, “Clara hasn’t done—“

The piggish woman
ignored him, “You belong to Cerberus, boy, registered or not.  Do you understand?  It’s time for you to realize that.  I originally summoned you here because of these reports.  Cerberus needs more soldiers.  I intended to send you for Trooper training, perhaps even to be an officer.”

Janus curled his lip in disgust, “You think I would agree to be—”

“Address me as ‘Miss Middleton.’  And say it before you say anything else.  I’m finding your lack of respect annoying.”  She motioned with her head towards Clara, her snout baring sharp teeth.  “I’d hate to make an example of your mother.  Do you understand?”

Janus could not hide his
distaste, but nodded for Clara’s sake, “Miss Middleton.”

“Good.
” The predatory grin disappeared.  “I originally considered fast-tracking you to an officer candidacy in the security forces.  But I can see now that would be a waste of time.  You’re far too obstinate and pig-headed – you know, what was your name?”

Janus seethed, but with a look at Clara’s nervous face, he said, “Miss Middleton, my name is—”

Middleton waved him off, “Honestly, I really don’t care.  You just need to understand that I control you, and her,” She glanced at Clara, who was now as pale as a ghost.  Rubbing her temples, she continued, “And now, with the arrival of ODIN, a far more lucrative opportunity has presented itself to me.  You’re clearly unfit to be a trooper, but you might just make the grade as a Merc.”

“A what?”  Janus looked incredulous.   Miss Middleton’s weariness disappeared and she gave him an angry stare.  “Miss Middleton,” he quickly added.

“A Mercenary,” she began, giving him a wary look, “A soldier that we sell to the various Mercenary Legions.  Merc Legions are often used for less… savory jobs, ones that a Corporation would not want to be involved with directly.”

“You
’re selling me?  That’s why I’m important?”  Janus asked angrily.

“
Important, hardly,” Middleton said smugly, ignoring his lack of respect.  “You’re nothing more than a resource, and we’ll be glad to rid ourselves of you.”  Janus gritted his teeth and Middleton’s smile broadened.

“But
if you feel like you want to prove yourself, you may have to pass a test to be accepted as a Merc,” she added evilly.

“A test?”  Janus probed, “Miss Middleton,” he hastily added under Middleton’s reproachful eye. 

Waving a hand in the air, she elaborated, “Yes, just as I said.  A test.  Who knows what those pathetic souls might do to you, but you may provide a tempting enough opportunity to a Legion like ODIN.  Mercs claim that they find and train the very best.  I have never been impressed by them, honestly.  Easy to buy, easy to kill.  But in the end, selling to the Mercs always turns out to be a good deal for Cerberus,” she sounded bored.

Clara looked shocked, “You’re
sending him away?  But, but, you can’t,” Clara sputtered, “he’s my son—”

“No, he is Cerberus’ property, and he may be very lucrative,” she laughed.

Janus’ fists clenched, “I’ll—I’ll make you pay for this—”

Miss Middleton appeared unconcerned, “Normally I would have you killed for such a remark, but
your boldness might just impress the Mercs. Make a remark like that again, though, and I will string
her
up,” she made a motion at Clara. 

Janus leapt forward, fists raised, but was stopped as Clara yanked him back by the neck, p
ure panic upon her face.  Janus collapsed to the ground with a cry and glared at Middleton, rubbing his throat.  Middleton sighed, glancing back and forth between Clara’s panicked face and Janus’ enraged one, and casually pulled her hand away from a drawer in her desk. 

  She looked directly at Janus, “You wish for your mother to stay alive, correct?”  Janus nodded.

Middleton’s voice became hard, “Then I suggest that you go home and grab what little belongs to you.  You will show up on Level 4 tomorrow at 0600 sharp.”

Clara slumped, dejected.  Janus stood up and put his arm around her while his eyes blazed hatred at the mammoth woman.

Middleton scowled, “Good, I’m glad you understand.  Now get out of my sight.”