A Bright Symmetry

A Bright Symmetry

By Michael P. Dunn

Published by Michael P. Dunn at Smashwords

Copyright 2013 Michael P. Dunn

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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For

Mom & Dad

Tom, Linda & Joseph

Table of Contents

Only Time...

A God To Dance With

Being

Intermezzo

The Arc of Heaven

Circle

...and Forever

Only Time…

Date: 4495.0427

…One Year Ago...

As they approached the elevators, Zoe asked, So how did you die? You never told me.

Scott Madigan turned a questioning look toward her and reached for the control panel. That’s a personal question to ask an immortal, Ms. Baird. He tapped the call button and crossed his arms.

Zoe Baird regarded him with a raised eyebrow and a faint smile. Is that so? We’ve known each other for almost fourteen years, and we’ve been intimate for the last seven. I think I’ve earned the right to ask you a personal question.

Oh do you now?

The elevator doors parted and a woman’s voice said, Welcome to Marjorie Baldwin Habitat, Earth’s oldest orbital residence. Where would you like to go?

As Scott followed Zoe into the elevator car, he said, Residential level sixteen, quad two, section five.

Thank you. We hope you enjoy your stay.

As the car started upward through the core of the habitat, Scott said, Didn’t I tell you that there are some things you don’t ask an immortal about? Especially how they crossed over.

A look of surprise crossed Zoe’s face. So these passed fourteen years have gained me nothing?

All these years of fun, excitement and really wild times just aren’t enough?

Zoe crossed her arms and leaned against the car’s back wall. Enough? Let’s consider. I’ve spent the last fourteen years of my life with a man who’s twenty-seven and a half centuries older than me, who also happens to be close friends with a vampire. A being who, despite the revelation of the early twenty-third century, is still considered myth and legend by most of the population of Earth. Why would that be enough for anyone?

You’re right. You’ve been so deprived. Excuse me a moment.

Scott tapped the commband he wore on his left wrist and entered a call code. A moment later, a man’s voice was heard.

Yes?

Georges, it’s Scott. We’re in the elevator on our way up. We’ll be on your doorstep in ten minutes.

Ah, Scott! There’s been a change of plan. Brynna had a meeting with her publisher and it ran long. If you and Zoe could meet us at The Gardens?

One corner of Scott’s mouth twitched into a lopsided grin. Oh the life of a popular author. We’ll meet you at the Gardens in about twenty minutes.

See you then.

The line cut off and Scott shook his head. Amazing that after all these centuries, she still has stories to tell.

When did she start writing?

If I remember correctly, Brynna said she started writing when she was in her twenties, before she became a vampire. Say the late seventeen-nineties.

That’s a lot of stories.

It certainly is.

Scott turned to the car’s control panel. Computer, change of destination.

New location please.

Environmental dome, business sector.

Confirm.

Zoe watched him, her eyes narrow. You still haven’t answered my question. How did you die all those centuries ago?

Scott sighed and his eyes lowered. He was silent for a few minutes as his mind drifted back over the centuries to his last day as a mortal human. When he spoke again, his voice carried a faint accent.

I made the mistake of insulting another man’s family. The Madigans and the Sullivans were always business rivals but there was at least a modicum of respect between them. I was trying to close a deal with some English businessmen when the deal fell through. I found out later that they had decided to deal with Sean Sullivan rather than me. I thought he had used some…unfair business practices, if you will. So I went around Dublin calling him a cheating bastard from a family of cheating bastards.

I’m assuming he took offense at that.

Scott nodded. Aye, he did. He challenged me to a duel, which I obviously lost. I was shot through the heart, then nothing…until I woke up a couple of hours later, wondering what the hell had happened.

Zoe frowned. That must’ve been quite a shock to everyone.

That it was. Being the God-fearing people they were, my parents banished me from the house.

They…what? Why?

Scott shook his head and dropped the accent. Think about it, Zoe. It was seventeen forty-one. I was shot dead, yet a couple of hours later, I was sitting there, very much alive, with no sign of a wound and the bullet in my hand. As far as they were concerned, their son was dead and his body was possessed. So they kicked me out. I’ve been wandering ever since.

Have you ever been back home?

He nodded. I’ve been back to Dublin many times. I’ve even been to my own grave. Listen, if you’re going to ask Georges how he crossed over, make sure you do it in private, just the two of you. If you want to know how Brynna crossed over, don’t bother asking. Immortals are reluctant to tell you how they crossed over. Vampires will not tell you anything.

I hadn’t thought to ask but I’ll keep that in mind.

The upper level of the Marjorie Baldwin Habitat was dedicated to a reproduction of Earth’s surface. Most of the space resembled open plains, with rolling hills and a stand of trees. Paths wove through the grass, and clusters of chairs and tables were scatted across the dome. A group of shops and restaurants had been set up along the perimeter.

The largest of the restaurants, The Gardens, was a glassine hemisphere that stood in contrast to the utilitarian buildings that surrounded it.

Scott stopped inside the front door and looked around, trying to find Georges and Brynna in the sea of faces. Do you see them?

Zoe looked around and nodded. Over there, on the far side.

Looking in the indicated direction, Scott saw the man and woman sitting at a secluded table, reading a noteboard. It looked to Scott that Georges was considering each detail he read, while Brynna looked like she’d rather be doing something else.

She looks bored, Zoe said as they started across the dining room. Didn’t Georges say they were meeting with her publisher?

Brynna’s a typical creative type. Tell her to write a story and she’s happy. Show her something to do with real life and she’s bored. Even if it has to do with her writing. That’s why Georges handles the business side of her career.

Anything not having to do with storytelling is boring to her? She’s the head of her coven.

Yeah, well, vampire life is different from human life.

As they approached the table, Georges scrolled through the noteboard’s files and nodded. This does seem to be an extremely fair contract, Brynna. I think it’ll be very profitable. I’ll bring it to Virgil in the morning for a legal once-over. If it passes muster, then I’d recommend you sign it.

Brynna ran her hands over her face and through his thick, shoulder-length dark hair. Good. Can I get back to work now? I was in the middle of an action sequence and left my main character hanging by her fingernails.

Scott smiled and shook his head. Sorry but you have more guests.

Brynna looked up at him, eyes half-open. Oh look! The Prodigal Son has returned!

Love you too, dear.

Smiling, Georges stood and stepped around the table. C'est bon de vous revoir, Scott.

They hugged and Scott said, Il est bon d'être de retour.

They separated and Georges turned to Zoe. Welcome back, Zoe!

As they hugged, Zoe said, Don’t I get greeted in a dead, ancient language?

"A language you don’t even speak? Ces enfants d'aujourd'hui ... ils veulent tout!"

Brynna stepped around Scott and hugged Zoe. How was the trip? Where are you two living now?

We’re on Kevelan these days, out in the Middle Heavens, Scott said as he took the seat across from Brynna. It’s a major trading hub, as well as the launch point for Science Directorate expeditions into the Far Reach.

You’re into trading now?

No, I’m a freelance Mission Coordinator. I arrange transportation, resources, get any clearances needed. It’s interesting work…most of the time.

Georges signaled for the waiter. Most of the time?

Part of the job involves securing funding. It gets frustrating, having to almost beg for money. The Federation president, the Council and the Science Directorate all like to talk about pushing back boundaries but they’re reluctant to pay for it.

Zoe shook her head. Don’t get him started, please. He’s been in a good mood these last few days. Don’t spoil it.

When you get to be my age, you get to be tired and cynical, Scott said.

Georges frowned. I am your age and I’m not tired and cynical.

The waiter approached. Yes, Mister Severin.

A round of drinks, please. Zoe?

Quellan brandy, please.

Ahlbetera ale, Scott said.

Ms. Alexander?

Dragon’s Tears on ice and a large glass of human hemoglobin, please.

Hajden cognac for me, Georges said. The waiter nodded and stepped away.

Scott watched him then turned back to Georges. You were never cynical. Even back in two thousand twelve, when the Hunters made their first comeback.

Brynna traced a pattern on the tabletop. There’s the election next year. Maybe things will get better.

One corner of Georges’ mouth twitched into a smile. Maybe you can influence this election, too.

Zoe leaned forward. What was that?

He never told you about that? The election he influenced in the mid twenty-third century? If I remember correctly, the candidate, Claudia Barnes, was quite taken with him.

Zoe’s eyes narrowed and she glanced at Scott. So is that true?

Scott tapped his fingers on the tabletop. Is what true?

That you influenced an election.

He laughed and shook his head. Now wait a minute! I met her while she was still a lawyer, early in her career, and before she ever had political aspirations. Besides, she never mentioned my name.

Oh really? I’m sure you were just an anonymous stranger she picked up one night…

Goodbye, Zoe.

Zoe looked around, confused. The voice seemed to come from behind her. What…who said…did you hear anything?

Scott frowned. You’re hearing things? You’re only thirty-four. You’re too young to be hearing things.

I thought I heard someone say goodbye to me.

Maybe you just overheard someone else. There are a lot of people in here and…

Scott looked toward the entrance. Standing in the open door was a young woman, her blonde hair pulled into a tail. She wore a close-fitting outfit that reminded him of ancient equestrian clothing. There was a smile on her round face.

Hey, who’s that?

Georges and Brynna turned and looked across the dining room. Who, Brynna asked.

Scott stood and looked back at the door. The woman was no longer in sight. Over there by the door. I thought I saw someone who looked like…remember Kath Sutherland?

Brynna smiled and nodded. I was just thinking about her and Marina the other day.

Zoe’s head tilted to one side. So I’m hearing things and you’re seeing things. Of course, at your age, it’s to be expected.

Didn’t your mother ever tell you to be nice to your elders?

Not that I can recall. So, who were Kath Sutherland and Marina?

Scott looked at the door again and sighed. Old friends no longer with us. So, did your publisher have anything interesting to say, Brynna?

He walked out of the restaurant and looked around. He found her standing to one side, no longer in her assumed form.

You hid yourself, too, he said.

She smiled. "Brynna, Georges and Zoe didn’t see me, either. Now, Scott, shall we go back to the