Fallout

[Ascendancy]

Viktor was content to leave Nikolai in doctor's hands. They removed the breathing tube while he was still unconscious. Already his color was fuller. Life circulated under the skin again. He was free of the hot pink burns that looked like sunburns, damage that Viktor didn't understand could be inflicted in an assault. To investigate, he had already sent ZARS agents to investigate potential sources earlier that night. No update had been forwarded to him yet.

Free of the burns, his gaze studied the sleeping Ascendancy once more. He'd rarely seen the man sleep. The only opportunities were in mid-flight, and Nikolai was so deathly afraid of flying, he needed panic meds just to sit still, let alone sleep. Seeing him now was unsettling. But it wasn't sleep that Viktor watched. His gaze fell specifically to the scars on the man's forearm. Scars puckered down the skin. Rows of them like fingernails once clawed down chalkboard. He'd seen the edge of them a few times when Nikolai would roll up his sleeves at the end of a hard day. But never had he viewed their extent. Nikolai was painfully private about his past, and Viktor never asked. Better still that he not bring it up.

They showed Jensen out. One of the two agents remained while the doctors worked. The second followed them to the hall. Ivan was given the option to stay or go with them.

"The next man is Marcus Dubois, Sigma. He is through there."


He pointed down the hall some distance. For security reasons, the entire wing of the floor, and the one above and below, were vacated of patients while the Ascendancy was present. That included the two wounded found in his presence. "Someone will escort you, Jensen. I need to see to another matter."


He left the preacher behind to go to Aria's room. She was also isolated, but for other reasons. Along the way he sent an order that Jensen not be allowed to leave for the time being. He could be made as comfortable as possible. Given anything he wanted. But could. Not. Leave. No contact with the outside world. For the immediate future, he was going to exist in a vault. One where Viktor held the keys.

He entered Aria's room next, resolve firm, eyes flickering to the girl awake on the bed. He knew next to nothing about her other than rumor and intrigue. The ignorance frustrated him. But he was cool and professional, soft spoken even, as he entered and shut the door behind him.

"I'm Deputy-Consul Viktor Stepanovich. While the Ascendancy is unconscious I am effectively in charge of the CCD. And I have no idea who you are. Would you tell me your story. And I apologize if you have to repeat yourself. Please indulge me. I give you no benefit of the doubt, but it has not escaped my notice that you and Ascendancy share similar marks."


He pointed to her arm, bare with the hospital gown she wore. Richest hospital in the world and the gowns were still uncomfortable sheets.