Deep Black Road: The Head of the Snake

Chapter 61

"Holiness," said the chief of security for the Congress on Thursday evening. "There's an unusual rumour going around the city about the Black Scourge-or God, depending on who you talk to-bringing disaster on the city. What do you make of it?"

"I am not concerned," Mella said. "What has the public response been to the rumour?"

"Many people have taken the opportunity to take the holy day to visit family elsewhere."

"Does that not make your job that much easier?"

"It does. I only mention it because I was uncertain of its meaning. After all, this Black Scourge has given you much grief over the last while."

"That is true; but you do have the plasma guns in readiness, correct?"

"Yes, Holiness."

"Then I do not fear the Black Scourge."

#

Ricky looked out over the city from his perch on the roof of an apartment building several kilometres from the Centre where the Congress was to be held later that day. The morning was bright, and promised the hot dry weather the area was known for most of the year. The many residents who'd heeded his warning had left the night before; and he was satisfied that he'd done all he could to reduce innocent fatalities.

Now all he could do was wait until the Congress got underway at three o'clock. Shutting down all non-essential functions in his body, he turned on his glow, and turned his heart to God.

But God wasn't there. There was none of that warm sense of presence he'd felt before.

Where are you, God?

I know-you're everywhere-but you know what I mean.

Is there something I did wrong? Or maybe I'm totally wrong about this whole suicide mission! Did I goof up big time?

Oh God! You know I only want to do what you want! It'd be awful if I got it wrong just because I'm empty-headed and didn't see the signs I was making a mistake!

Were there any I overlooked?

He reviewed the previous two weeks carefully, searching for anything that might possibly indicate that he was going the wrong way; but there was nothing-only the clear signs that this act was to be his 'great and terrible' destiny.

Satisfied, he resigned himself to doing the deed feeling utterly alone.

He'd been there before.

#

Several hours before he wanted to head over to the Centre, he turned his functions back on, and discretely hopped over the edge of the roof, landing in the laneway below.

Then he became aware that Philip was up to something. It took a few minutes to develop; but the only explanation he could think of was that Philip had launched himself into a ballistic flight path which would, Ricky figured, bring him here to Alexandria a little before the congress began.

What's he up to? Making sure I don't chicken out? Providing backup if I fail?

Whatever. I'll ask him when he gets here.

#

Some time later, Ricky heard a very weak, "Hey, Ricky!" on his radio.

"Hey, yourself!" he radioed back

"Are you at the Centre right now?"

"No."

"Meet me there, out front."

#

As they stood in the shadow of a nearby building, watching cars pulling up and letting people off for the Congress, Philip said, "I realized it'd be a lot easier to explain to everybody that the emperor and his Family were gone if I had video; so is there any way you could transmit your progress into the building and the auditorium to me? I'll record it, plus a view of the outside of the building when it blows ... you blow ... Oh man, I'm going to miss you!"

Ricky connected with him. "I know. Don't worry. You'll get your video; but I assume you won't be standing here."

"Definitely not! I'll be some fifteen kilometres east of here, near the Montaza Palace. At the right time, I'll get into position a couple of kilometres up; and by the time the sensors realize I'm there, they'll have plenty of other stuff to worry about besides little old me."

"Well, you'd better hustle if you don't want to become part of the action."

"Right." He skied off down the road, since it was fairly straight. Five minutes later, he radioed, "Ready."

"That was quick," responded Ricky.

"The roads were wide open. Where is everybody?"

"I suggested they take the day out of town; and they took me up on it."

#

It was after three o'clock, the cars had stopped coming, and the armed soldiers at the front doors of the centre were relaxing now that they didn't have to scan people's links anymore.

Ricky, watching them, became vividly aware of Leila, Rantan, and the babies, as well as Philip.

It's time, he thought to them. I'm giving up my life so the carnate people can follow the Anointed One if they want to.

I don't want to do it. I'd much rather stay here with you guys.

But it wouldn't be a sacrifice if it didn't cost me.

He felt Suzanne's presence as if far away, and turned his attention to her.

You're right. Love is the cross. Thanks. I'll see you soon.

Then he radioed to Philip, "Okay. I'm going in."

Ready or not, God, here I come!

Charging at the doors, he sprayed the soldiers with sparks before they could react.