The Adventures of Deacon Coombs (46 page)

“What has all this got to do with this monster you described earlier?” asked Xudur.

“The Aralians knew of the Medullans’ great mental abilities. They knew and feared that unless they secretly monitored them, the Medullans might conquer us with their superior mental powers. So Brebouillis was also conveniently set up to spy on the Medullans. At the same time, data from other planets was assembled on Brebouillis so there could be one repository to monitor all beings of great mental powers and track the evolution of all the races.

“However, I ask you all to answer. Why did I take this case? Why did Earth enter the Alliance? What is it that all our ancestors dreamed about when the Jabu and the Mendalgons explored outer space?” He paused to allow them to connect with his thoughts. “To travel into deepest space, to meet alien life forms, to make new friends, to share resources with other worlds, to satisfy a craving that there was life beyond the boundary of our worlds and that that life would accept us as friends—friends to love us, to respect us, to become our allies in future quests to probe and expand our worlds again and again and again.

“So we ask, what do the Medullans want? They are no different in this respect than any of us in this room, are they? When the Aralians first encountered the Medullans, the Medullans had but one reason to enter the Alliance. They are spirits. Evolution has prevented them from sharing in newfound friends because of their spiritual state. They cannot interface with us. They cannot experience the warmth of new friendships. They cannot travel to Aralia or Earth. So they made one demand upon the Aralians to enter the Alliance: that in return for the export of ores, gases, and other products, the Aralians dedicate their top specialists in biology, genetics, evolution, and science to reverse evolution and bring the Medullans back to being corporeal entities!”

“Reverse evolution!” Xudur exclaimed.

“The spirits of Medulla want to be flesh and plasma and bones, as we are, to share in the exhilarating experiences that corporealness brings. They want to taste, smell, experience corporeal reproduction—all the sensations that the rest of our races experience. Most of all, I emphasize, they long to interface with the Alliance physically, to have relationships, to bond. They demanded successful unrequited physical contact with alien life forms! And they are currently denied this. Communications with the Medullans takes place from the orbs around their planet. Therefore, the research at Brebouillis has many purposes but its primary goal is the reversal of evolution of the Medullans. Give back their bodies to them! The Aralians have borne the brunt of this request by dedicating their top scientists and doctors to this mission.

“The Aralians are required to provide results on this research to the Medullans on a regular basis, so it was no surprise to me when Jim and Gem investigated the files on travel to Medulla for frequent visitors and the name of you, Schlegar, was near the top of the list as a frequent visitor to this world.”

Deacon turned to Schlegar. “Of course, this was why Mindor was developed too, as part of your research to communicate with Medullans. Mindor performed such reporting tasks by descending to the planet’s surface to interface with the Medullans because you, Schlegar, were prohibited from doing so, or perhaps repulsed when you did. And of course, Mindor has the added benefit of spying on the Medullans by reading their thoughts as energy.”

Xudur glared at Landrew. “So, Landrew, you found out about this commitment to the Medullans by the Aralians and thus sanctioned Phendal Lok and Nedilli to create the protochild of this evolutionary reversal. You sought to undo in a blink of time, in one step, what evolution had taken millions of years to do.”

Landrew expelled air as his chest sank. “The research at Brebouillis has continued. This is known, as Deacon has stated, by only specialists on Aralia. When I assumed my post as chief security officer, I received the request by the Medullans for this mating, so I immediately consulted with Schlegar.

“When I confronted Schlegar, he exposed the problem to me. The Medullans were growing weary of the lack of progress to reverse the spiritual phase. We could not believe our fortune when the Medullans asked to sanction this mating of Phendal Lok and Nedilli to advance the project and to unify Medullans with corporeal bondage once again. It was a dream come true for the Medullans.”

Eggu-Nitron spoke. His baritone voice was ominous. “So, Landrew, Phendal Lok was an experimental pawn. Did he realize this?”

Deacon stared at Landrew, as they all did. “No. He knew only that he was in love. He did not know the risks of this mating exercise; nor did Nedilli. They did not know of the larger agenda of the Medullans’ desire for corporeal flesh and did not know of the egotistical goal of a game-changing evolutionary event. I could not resist the temptation for all mankind to take a giant step to bring the Medullans out of isolation and into our world.”

Xudur added, “And to place Landrew in the permanent history records as the man who had the courage and leadership to foster relationships with the Medullans. Imagine the press! Imagine the Medullan vote for you as the next head of the High Council!”

Landrew nodded as he found the courage to look Xudur in the eyes. “Correct, Xudur, on all accounts. Then, when the reports filtered in that a tragic birth had taken place, I had to erase all the evidence of my involvement. As I stated, it was I who sanctioned the killing by the Medullans. However, I did not know that Urzel Lok had been transferred to safe harbor.”

Landrew stood tall to face his comrades. “Every day, I walk down the hallowed halls of history. Who is remembered? It is those who made contributions to our successful history, those individuals who had the courage to take risks for results. I thought at the time that it was necessary for a single man to sympathize with the Medullans and take a risk to support them in their time of need. I felt that if I sought the High Council’s approval at that time, that I would find myself surrounded by those who would not support my decision!” He turned to Schlegar. “I felt that the more people who knew, the more risk that it would leak out; many would then wait until the birth with great expectations, not recognizing any failure.

“Now I am afraid that there will be widespread panic among the planets if we admit that the deaths of Geor and Como are attributed to a monster that I have unleashed. Schlegar—bless his heart—as I have stated, is innocent in the sanction. He insisted and presented the case that the time for interbreeding had not yet arrived. He thought that I had listened to him. For this, Schlegar, my friend, I am truly sorry.” Landrew’s voice flowed with sincere regret.

“I granted the request of the Medullans to perform this task. They accepted the hopes of all of us. Phendal Lok may be the biological father of Urzel, but I am the illegitimate father, for withholding the real truth from Phendal Lok, for disguising this birth as a medical, genetic, and political triumph, and for keeping this abominable deed from all of you.”

Landrew walked over to Deacon. “I wanted you to find the truth, Coombs. Since Como’s tragic death, I have borne a heavy heart and known the guilt that one day I must confess. In front of the High Council tonight, Deacon Coombs has exposed Urzel Lok to us. I congratulate you on your success in identifying this creature. I pray that you will accept my invitation to continue the fight to defeat him.”

Schlegar upstaged the conversation. “I accept your apology, Landrew, but still I am disappointed that you sanctioned this without my consent.”

Landrew was shaking as if with palsy. “I am so sorry, Schlegar; I overruled thousands of years of research at Brebouillis by allowing the personal gains of the Medullans and myself to interfere.”

Xudur’s tongue was sharp. “I forgive less easily, Landrew. You showed weakness in your decision. This Council and its officers make decisions without emotional influence.”

Deacon diverted Xudur as she was about to unleash again. “Xudur, I need your attention, for there are further chapters to discuss this night about Urzel and the Medullans.” She growled at him but reluctantly obeyed.

Deacon shifted his eyes to each of them to ensure their focus and then began to recite his account of the encounter with Urzel Lok on the mount in Asianda. In disbelief, Raal and Dithropolis protested as he revealed his startling conclusion that the being had separated into spirit and body, one a sickly Earthling and the other a power-crazed Medullan spirit. Landrew sat stunned as the room erupted into unfocused pods of discussion.

As before, Deacon allowed them to debate as Jim stood ready to draw their attention. On cue, and in a deep, husky voice, Jim commanded them to allow Deacon to continue. Eggu-Nitron assisted by silencing a displeased Xudur.

“Thank you,” said Deacon. “I was deeply disappointed to discover from Chubby Eaves that Morris Mydloan was an employee of the security forces of the Alliance. How came he to be in the library on the night of my departure?”

Rande was quick and forthcoming. “He was in possession of a stolen security card that provided access to the library.”

“Yes, he was, Rande. How convenient. Which led me to believe that he had an accomplice, since those passes are issued with top-priority clearance.”

Xudur stood to challenge him. “Spies of Urzel in the security forces of the Alliance?” After her outburst, a discomforting calm settled over the group.

Deacon stood tall before them. “When I first arrived on Aralia, I was immediately uncovered by the traders. Travers and Chubby informed me that it was the Owlers that the traders recognized, not me. As Chubby lay open the records at the traders’ union on Aralia, I discovered a subspace message sent from Earth to Aralia to ask the Aralian police to cooperate with two arriving Owlers, specifically identified as Gem and Jim, accompanying an administrator named Bothwen. And so it was as the sender hoped that traders and other regulatory agencies would intercept the wire, find Gem and Jim, and then indirectly unmask me.”

Deacon turned to Rande. “Rande! You are the bearer of the complete list of investigators on this case, are you not?”

“Well, yes… Landrew and me.”

“And it was you who distracted Gem while Morris Mydloan entered the library and stalked me that night.”

“I made no distraction. I came to invite you to dinner and needed Gem’s permission to enter. What are you implying?”

“How did Morris Mydloan know of my investigation if not through you or Landrew?”

“What is happening here? Landrew, Xudur, I believe he is making a rather insulting accusation.”

Xudur looked in disbelief at Rande. “Continue, Coombs,” she said.

“Rande, two days after we departed Earth, you sent that unsecured subspace communication, hoping to warn the traders of our arrival on Aralia, hoping that Travers would eliminate me and do the work of Mydloan’s failure.”

“I wanted you to be successful!”

Deacon was furious. “You wanted me dead! You and Landrew are the only ones that could have directed Morris Mydloan to assassinate me.”

Landrew intervened by positioning his arm between Deacon and Rande. “Rande, we agreed to complete secrecy of this mission. Why did you send the subspace message to Aralia?”

“Landrew, this is circumstantial evidence. This is a trick. Coombs is baiting all of you. He does not know what he talks about.” Rande paced as he spoke.

Deacon moved beside him. “You violated security in the library. You had the opportunity to divert the Owler to allow Morris to enter. You did not announce yourself as you stood on the balcony later. Why?”

Landrew cornered Rande. “My mercy, it was you, Rande, who convinced me to journey personally to Aralia to erase the tapes of the
Sleigher
and any evidence of Urzel Lok, after I shared his existence with you.”

“Landrew, as you said earlier, that was for the benefit and security of all. You said it. Surely, you… don’t… don’t…”

Deacon was insistent. “Rande, you made a grave mistake minutes ago—one that I shall share with this group. As Landrew spoke earlier, he pleaded for us in this room to understand his actions. As I moved purposely beside you to intercept your thoughts, I found that there was no sympathy. In your mind, there was only anger at his remarks. As Schlegar reminded me, I sometimes have to invade others’ minds in order to find the truth. Well, I read your disappointment in Urzel being unmasked. I say to you all now that Rande hoped that the traders would have disposed of me, but we fooled him and became allies instead. I will be so bold now, Rande, to ask you what Lord Urzel Lok has promised you.”

The veins in Rande’s stubby neck were bulging, pulsing. His cheeks turned scarlet. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead. “I am intellectually superior to all of you. I am so tired of being the official note keeper of this sorry, pathetic group, of being the so-called chief administrator. I have talent that has been bypassed by you, overlooked by your egos, but clearly noticed by Lord Urzel. I grow no younger. Who wouldn’t want this chance to lead once he conquers Earth?” He surprised them all by slamming his fist and pouting. “And he will!” The chamber fell silent.

In shock, the others looked on while Deacon motioned to Jim to escort Rande from the proceedings. As he exited, Xudur was despondent. “How many other surprises do you spring on us tonight, Coombs? You have devastated this Council with your findings.”

“Xudur, I have been commissioned to conduct a truthful assignment by this very group. You shall hear of my discoveries and my conclusions. I insist that we not leave here without a plan to eliminate Urzel. I am sorry, Xudur, but there are more surprises!”

The Dimensions
of the Devil

Into the unknown

Deacon was blunt. “Not only are the Medullans spirits who yearn to return to material states, but I firmly believe that evolution has carried their spiritual energy into another dimension. Another way to view it is that they now have energy patterns that cannot be detected by us.”

Dreveney reeled and waved his bony arms. “Is this speculation, or do you plan to produce Urzel or a Medullan to testify to this?” He cleared his throat. “My schooling was in physics and I have applied my trade for a lifetime. The existence of dimensions beyond the four that we readily measure, that we exist in, has been theorized and defined in terms of quantum times. No Aralian scientists have ever referenced the fact that other dimensions could be created and defined by energy patterns.”

Deacon sat back to present his theory. “Phendal Lok applied for and was accepted as an expert welder on the planet Medulla because he was blind. He was approved because he would be unable to notice when and how these spirits appeared and disappeared. Goharn Lok told me that when the Medullans were present, they were continually quaking, quivering, shaking, presenting themselves as irregularly shaped masses. Those descriptions apply to the Medullans in our dimensions. They are uncomfortable in our dimensions and they return to a more comfortable state of physical energy as spirits.”

Deacon looked at Dreveney and Schlegar. “Can you, Dreveney and Schlegar, confirm that there is no record of Urzel’s presence at Como’s death?”

Dreveney spoke with grief. “It is very curious that Como was found locked in his study holding the instrument of his death. I visit that haunting memory in my dreams. Aralian security forces found no evidence of an intruder in the palace or on the palatial grounds.”

“Proving, Dreveney,” Deacon said, “that the Aralians don’t have the technological means to detect him, because we all know now that Urzel was there in spiritual form; likewise, there is no evidence of his energy at Geor’s death. Chubby Eaves rode on the
Sleigher
back to Aralia and informed me that Urzel disappeared at times without a trace. All this tells me that the energy of Medullans has evolved into a dimension, a form, a physical state that we cannot quantify with our current existing technology.”

Raal expressed her concern. “This is a dilemma with far-reaching implications that Medullan metabolic energy is imperceptible by us. You postulate, Coombs, that they are under extreme stress when existing in our dimensions, thus causing these wild distortions of their mass as reported by Goharn Lok.”

“They probably can tolerate our atmospheres, our dimensions, only for short intervals, Raal, returning quickly to another environment for relief, just as I can submerge myself under water for short periods and then return for air.”

“But you did physically observe his bodily form on Nix?” Landrew asked.

“I saw two fierce red eyes peering out from under a hood. That tells me that Urzel did not want to expose himself to the masses, possibly because his shape, his form, his appearance would not be an appealing one. Thus he chose the robe to present an image to quell the mobs. What he elects to do is instill fright into the savages by using his electrifying eyes and invading their minds with hypnosis. I must journey to Medulla to interrogate his mother, Nedilli, not only to learn more about Urzel, but to learn more about the current dimensions of existence of the Medullans.”

Xudur said, “I cannot see any reasons for the Medullans to admit this revelation to you, Coombs, with no offense intended.”

“I admit you make a strong case for this other dimension,” said Eggu-Nitron. “But do we have to define this dimension in order to defeat this evil?”

“That must be his weakness, Eggu-Nitron. Better to trap him in our dimensions and fight him on his weakest foundation, and that’s my plan. To my knowledge, there are no sightings of Medullans other than the one by Goharn Lok.”

Schlegar replied, “Medullans not only desire to be corporeal in nature, but they also want to halt the evolution that carries their energy patterns deeper and deeper into a cold isolation, into this… this… dimension, whatever it may be.”

Deacon agreed. “Gem and I made a grave error on Nix. We recorded metabolic patterns from the being but did not focus on magnetic moments, electron spins, or detailed energy emanations, just the gross energy patterns. While they did show interruptions, I hadn’t pieced together the evidence of a different dimension at that time.”

Deacon had their attention still. “The Medullans are lonely in an Alliance that has seen the bond of friendship slip away from them. I will need to consult a certain physicist colleague of mine to confirm what can allow a being to remain undetected by our technology. It will require bringing him into the confidence of our crisis. This I will do tomorrow, unless I hear objections.” With an absence of objections, he inferred their agreement.

“Deacon,” said Schlegar, “I swear to you that all of the scientists on Brebouillis do not know of this possible existence of life in another dimension by the Medullans. Perhaps that is why we have failed to solve their problem. We do not have the correct database on their metabolism.”

Xudur was in agreement with the hypotheses. “How could there be periods of zero energy displayed by Urzel, Schlegar? It is physically impossible unless their energy levels are impervious to our instrumentation, as Coombs suggests. That is what the facts tell me. I believe our detective has performed well.”

Deacon challenged Schlegar. “Who gave you the plans to design the evolutionary reversal? Who helped you design Mindor? Put your pride aside, Schlegar.”

Through his body language, the others knew it was the Medullans. Schlegar finally confessed. “Yes, the Medullans aided us in the design so we could communicate with them.”

Xudur then said, “Zentaur has been a contributor to the success of this Alliance. We have not withheld any information from other members of this Council. Like it or not, Landrew, I will inform the Government Council of Zentaur about these proceedings tonight to warn them of this creature and, regrettably, of your failings.”

“Xudur, that is not necessary,” Eggu-Nitron said. “We must confidentially focus on this crisis.”

The room erupted, with each member pointing arguments at Xudur to keep the minutes of this meeting confidential. It appeared hopeless as Lyanna whispered to Deacon, “You had better take control.”

Deacon tapped loudly on the table and said, “Listen to me, please, all of you.” The din died, so he arose and circled around the group. “Urzel Lok is not a god, not immortal. He is a spirit whose source of immense powers is not his strength, but his weakness. That is why he requires allies like Morris Mydloan and Rande. Just reason it, as I did. If he doesn’t require human allies, he would have swept us away by now. He is an extremely powerful individual on his own grounds and in his dimensions, but”—Deacon raised his voice to fill the room with a thunderous roar—“if his powers are stretched to his extreme limits in our dimensions, I believe that we can defeat him. That is what we must do. This is the condition we must create. Stretch him so thin that he fails to control the situation. Remember who we are dealing with—a child.”

They were attentive, and he had the stage, so he continued. “When he is in our dimensions, he plays on our battlefield and by our rules. We must somehow create a battleground where he is forced to confront us, forced to try to defeat us in our dimensions. And most importantly, we must make sure he is alone on the battlefield and isolated from any of his allies.”

“He travels sometimes in our dimensions, as on the
Sleigher
, as in Goharn Lok’s garden where he was heard, and as when I witnessed him on Nix. Other times he avoids our detection, such as when he was in proximity to the
Heritage
when he killed Travers, and such as on Aralia the night of Como’s death. The Medullans, and in particular Nedilli, must help us to understand this phenomenon. My reasoning for traveling there is threefold. One: understand this Urzel Lok better from his mother, Nedilli. Two: plead with the Medullans to help us understand how Urzel uses his energy aura to his advantage. Three: ask for their assistance to design the exact circumstances for his entrapment. If they don’t cooperate in all three of these areas, all may be lost! I fear that without their help, we cannot stop him. I am sorry to convey this truth to you, but this monster is on the loose, unchecked, and at present undefeated.”

Each member reflected on what Deacon had said. Landrew sat with his head bowed; Raal’s transparent form glowed a ruddy rouge; Dreveney and Schlegar stared back stone-faced. “Schlegar,” said Deacon, “I would dearly love to invite you to accompany us to Medulla, since the Medullans know you and you have taken Mindor there on previous occasions.” Schlegar perked up and nodded.

“Landrew, I request the Alliance’s permission to allow Schlegar, Gem, and myself to land on the planet’s surface to interrogate Nedilli. Jim and Chubby Eaves and my scientist comrade shall remain in the
G’uillger,
orbiting Medulla to assimilate data on the physics of the planet and the planet’s environment and other biological and scientific tasks. Chubby Eaves is currently preparing the flight plans for the
G’uillger
to journey to Medulla. We need approval to transport the
Heritage
to Medulla, as the
Heritage
will be our escape vessel, if needed.”

Landrew replied, “I sanction this. I will inform the Medullans. I shall make all the necessary arrangements for your journey.”

The greatest challenge

“As I said, there is an acquaintance of mine who can provide us with further clues on the physical state of Urzel,” said Deacon. “I need the same privileges that you afforded me previously, to close this library for two days so that he and the Owlers and I can use the resources here to further investigate some historical and criminal data. This must include a residence for Lyanna, my friend the physicist, Gem and Jim, and me. Chubby Eaves shall remain on board the
G’uillger
to ensure her readiness to depart at any minute. All these requests you must grant.”

Xudur commenced a monologue of her disappointment in Landrew, but Landrew waved his hand to brush aside her speech and spoke up. “All these things are granted.”

Xudur said. “You have demonstrated shortcomings, and now, without consulting the High Council, you grant yourself more supreme powers?”

Landrew confronted her. “There will be no debate. I hereby grant special requests to Mister Coombs.” He knew Xudur to be the lone dissenter. “All in favor?” There was unanimity as Xudur abstained.

Landrew moved to Quobit and asked her to stand. “There is a ceremony that must be performed. From the initial disappearance of the
Sleigher
, there have been rumors of misconduct and incompetence at the Jabu Vesper station. The name Quobit has been cited in these rants. I believe that we all agree now that Quobit is innocent of any wrongdoing that day and, from Jim and Deacon’s accounts, has performed admirably in her duties on Nix and elsewhere. It is my pleasure to shake your hand and thank you for your allegiance to the mission.” Quobit rarely smiled, but this time she beamed purposely at Deacon as the group stood and expressed their support. “Are there any further questions for Mister Coombs?”

Deacon summarized his findings and plans for the group. “The clues to Urzel’s defeat are as follows. Urzel Lok feels sorry for his dying other half. He has wept openly, as heard by Goharn Lok. Urzel, powerful as he is, is still a child. He fears me, but I do not know why. The Medullans must help me to understand this. The very fact that he requires weapons and followers is a sign of vulnerability in our world and in our dimension. Somehow, we must provoke a battle with him on our terms, bloody and risky as it may be, stretch his capabilities to the limit, and then assault him with an unknown force. Urzel Lok is not mentally stable and so will probably surprise us with his unpredictable actions.

“If we cannot trick Urzel Lok into fighting us on our terms, then the grim reality is that we may have to sacrifice someone to enter into this other dimension of his comfortably, to slay him there. Wherever this dimension is! But this must remain our last option. I believe that my physicist friend can help us understand our options and risk them for us. Therefore, I will ask Landrew to summon each of you for another meeting to present our options and battle plans.”

Landrew stood and offered his support. “I am so sorry that I made this mistake. As I said earlier, I felt at the time that it was the right thing, the moral thing, to help the Medullans become corporeal again, to welcome them to our world. My mistake is upon us. We may decide to plan other courses to defeat this monster, but tonight we must bless Deacon Coombs’s stratagem so he can leave here with our support.”

Xudur arose. “Your mistake is past history. It is too late to undo your unforgiven sin. The future must be the united coalition of Urzel’s death. However, I speak for Zentaur, and I want to state here for the record that Zentaur will not, I emphasize
not
, partake in any scheme by Coombs to control or capture this creature. Your plan, Coombs, must lead to its ultimate destruction. The death of Urzel Lok is the only solution.”

Deacon was glad to agree. “You are correct, Xudur. There is a time for sympathy and compassion, but I came to the same conclusion on the escape from Nix that the death of Lord Urzel Lok is the only positive outcome of this crisis. For that reason, the engagement of my friend, the physicist, is an absolute necessity.”

Raal spoke. “I gather by your attitude, Coombs, that you will carry the banner for the defeat of the being until the end.”

“Correct. I will accept responsibility for the plans. I cannot execute them, but I will design them.”

“Even after early round of defeats to this creature?” When Deacon didn’t respond, Raal continued. “What inspires you to do so rather than a total attack by Alliance forces?”