Thin line between Good & Evil

[BLACK BART]

Thin line between Good & Evil (closed)

“I told you it was a bad idea and yet I let myself be talked into it, didn’t I”

The words were soft spoken and the tone belied the ominous meaning of them, the brown eyes of the immortal who spoke them filled with concern for someone other than himself for the first time in many centuries.

Waves crashed at the normally impenetrable sides of the great ship, the massive deck canting oddly and making the tiny table an uncomfortable piece of furniture to use, the drinks skidding precariously to one edge to be caught by their respective owners.

“Look, another one has been launched.”

The woman sitting opposite the unimposing man pointed out, a pair of figures in the tiny craft holding the eyes of both at the table for a few seconds of limited eternity before they returned to the matters at hand.

“How do you propose we explain this? You know the circumstances as well as I do and the ramifications. It was why I took the assignment and I think why you did as well, yes?”

Tres lifted the delicate decanter and poured the dark, red wine into two matching long stemmed glasses, removing the tiny unlit cigarette from his lips before offering a glass to his companion uttering a simple toast.

“To the thin line, my eternal friend, to the line.”

 

[Why]

Beginnings; The immortal Efa

41,000 tonnes of ship nestled against the quay. It was held in the embrace of a mass of ropes. The water lapped at her graceful sides, teasing the ship, whispering; time to go, time for you to cut through my waves, to retain the blue Ribband for another run, another year.

The day was one of spring. Blossom would be blowing from the trees in the park at the centre of the great city in whose harbour the ship lay anchored.

The time mid-morning; this great lady of a ship sailed at the time dictated by her owners, she had no need to rely on the whim of the tide. She would leave these shores at 12.30pm just as she should.

A shadowy figure stood on the boat deck. Two, tired blue eyes watched the cargo and passengers vanish into the side of the ship. Food to feed the passengers and crew; fine wines, mail, and then more important items were being manhandled into bowels of the ship. The passengers assigned their place in the structured layers of the ship according to the rules of this society at this time and in this place.

It was the “more important items” that had caught the watcher’s attention. "so…." The word slipped from her tongue

"Indeed" a male voice behind said.

Efa did not turn; she knew no one would be there. But she knew if she were here, one from the other side would be as well. Efa wasn’t sure when or where she was. Time and places blurred. They were important to those living in them, not to her. Things like that had ceased to be important a long time ago. It was the job that was important and this one more so than any other she had undertaken.

 

[BLACK BART]

Tres

Bored.

Tres watched the final passengers climb the gangway with their possessions and realized he was indeed…bored. It didn’t impress him the ship he stood upon was nearly 800 feet long or the fact it was one of the fastest pleasure vessels made to date, it didn’t matter to him there were nearly two thousand human beings on the ship now and it was a small city in itself.

Too many years of doing his “job” had destroyed the ability of “enormous” and “grand” things to impress him or stir his interest.

Instead? It was the tiny chest that was now being brought aboard at the last minute, two well built sailors carrying it gingerly as another pair of rougher looking men in suits followed warily.

“So it’s true then?” Tres spoke to himself and then spotting a familiar figure moved to approach her from behind.

Perhaps the trip wouldn’t be as routine as it had first seemed it would…the stakes were high enough…in fact so high it was what had piqued Tres’s curiosity long enough to take the assignment before sinking back into his normal state of numb existence.

And now this particular set of events. It looked to be an interesting trip after all and as he stopped behind the immortal that he had recognized he confirmed it with a single word.

“Indeed”

Minutes passed and thogh he knew the woman in front of him had heard him she didn't turn...It didn't bother Tres in the least. He was used to the odd way immortals behaved for he too was one of them and was one of the oldest. The chest was brought over without ceremony, the only hint of it's importance the appearance of the Captain of the ship and a set of muted intsructions before he too left.

"It will be pleasant working with someone as sophisticated as you, Efa" Tres spoke and then chuckled, having spotted the human he was going to "possess" for the duration...

"I'll see you soon"

 

[Why]

Efa

"It will be pleasant working with someone as sophisticated as you, Efa I'll see you soon" The words faded away as the speaker moved off.

Tres, Marcus. Why was she not surprised. It made sense he was here. If any of this made sense to anyone. Efa had long stopped trying to make sense of it.

She felt the ship shudder as the mighty engines began to turn the brass coated screws. Tugs surrounded the ship, helping it manoeuvre away from the quay. some passengers waved to friends on the dock. Others wandered around getting their bearings. One, a young woman just stood there, eyes on a pair of rough looking men, who had come up to the boat deck.

They did not look like first class passengers. Was it this that had drawn the young woman's attention or was it something else.

Efa smiled it was the "something else" she was sure of it. Efa moved closer to observe. The young woman was studying the men. Not from personal interest, more a professional one. As if their business was her business.

It is mine also, Efa throught, and Tres'. At the thought of her fellow immortal a small smile tried to break out, but Efa's lips did not seem to remember how. She had once smiled a lot, taken joy in her work. Now... Now it was only important to win this small part of the great game being played. It was the only thing that made sense.

Is that how it is with you Tres?" She said softly out loud as a steward approached the rough looking men. The young woman moved back into the shadow of a door, as the steward requested, tickets, proof that the men were where they should be. The rotund steward was annoyed that the men were indeed first class passengers. It was plain to Efa, the steward thought they had no place being in polite society. Efa knew for certain, but did the young woman?

The ship turned now, tracking the line of the great city as it began its journey east. Efa felt the breeze increase as the ship picked up speed. The great liner was capable of 23 knots. It would take it only 5 at most 6 days to reach its destination.

"Time enough to get things done" Efa again spoke out loud. It was a bad habit, but then she had only her self for company for a long time. Unless that is another like Tres was on the same "job"

 

[BLACK BART]

Ericc Von Bruin

A full hour before the last passenger had boarded the Captain had given the order to begin firing the direct drive Parson steam engines. Slowly power was built, pressure building and last minute frenzy began, the order of it all making sense to only those involved in the boiler rooms.

Above in relative calm a single man took his final readings and with a final check of his calculations nodded to the man calmly holding the great wheel.

"Not that we need it but the tide will be with us after we leave the harbor."

Captain William Thomas Turner, newly reappointed to the great vessel gave the orders and as the well-practiced crew cast off the massive four screws began to churn the water below.

“This will be the great ladies 201st crossing, I look forward to setting new records in top speed and voyage time, Eric you have the helm and will be relieved in two hours.”

And with those words the Captain, a decorated and well-distinguished hero walked out of the room without a backwards glance. Eric Von Bruin stretched his six-foot frame as much as the bulkhead would allow and grinned at his fellow seaman beside him.

“Take us out of harbor and set course as I’ve charted, I’ll be in my cabin if you need me.”

It wasn’t laziness that drove the young German born but American raised pilot to his cabin so quickly, nor was it considered shirking his duties to leave the helm so quickly for the routine of leaving berth was left in more capable hands than the pilot who performed his duties at night with the stars. What drove the 23-year-old man were the concerns over the cargo loaded into the massive bays below and the manifests that had been altered to disguise the true nature of it all.

“Could I have a word with you Mr. Bruin?” The words startled the young man and he turned smoothly in testament to his past experience as a dedicated soccer player.

“What can I do for you and how do you know my name, sir?” He inquired politely and had to look down at the pale faced and slight man in front of him.

“Excuse my manners, my name is Marcus Tres and I was told you are the pilot of this great vessel, I have information that might concern you and the esteemed Captain I believe.”

Eric extended his hand and as he touched the slim and unremarkable mans hand he wondered how such a slight man could deliver such a powerful and shocking handshake…it was the last thing he remembered thinking before he woke up…

 

[Why]

Susan Addams

Susan patted the rolled, golden hair on the back of her head. For all the world she looked like a young lady more concerned about the small felt hat on her head than more worldly things.

She was tall, her travelling clothes fashionable and expensive, but not ostentatious. Susan did not stand out from her fellow female first class passengers and that was very important. Though she was travelling un-chaperoned, by either a older female relative or married friend. It had not been commented on.

Events now happening in Europe had changed attitudes. That is why Susan was here doing what she was.

The two rough looking gentlemen, after their debate with the steward made for the gentleman's bar. Susan sighed, even with things changing, somethings remained the same. Still, they were not going anywhere, they would be on board the ship till it docked. Her job was to watch them, the item they brought aboard and any that showed an interest in either or all.

For a moment she looked out over the sea, her green eyes far outshining it in colour. Then she blinked, her mouth set and she went inside to find the Purser.

She did not find him, but found his young assistant. he was busy in the small office dealing with the very things Susan wished to write herself. He was sorting telegraphs written by passengers to loved ones, stacking them neatly to be taken down to the wireless office.

"Yes, miss."

"Can I..." Susan said waving a gloved hand at a blank telegraph form on the desk.

Of course miss." The young officer pushed the pad and a thick pencil towards Susan. She took the pencil and licked it like a school girl. The young officer grinned and she grinned back, then collected herself, coughed and began to write.

First the address... her contacts

Then the message;

Mislaid luggage finally came aboard. I am keeping a good eye on it. Do not wish it to get mislaid, lost or heaven forbid stolen. Hope Uncle John will be there to met me when we dock.

Love Susan.

She gave the telegraph to the young officer and left the office. On stepping through the door she was pushed aside by another woman, one with short hair, rounded hips and a manner of get out of my way.

Susan staggered and lost hold of her handbag. It fell to the floor spilling its contents. Susan felt very strange as she bent down, as if she was going to faint.

"You all right miss the young officer called as he came swiftly to his feet, through the door and to her side.

"Yes I am fine.."Efa said as she brought the body of the young woman to its feet and looked at the world through Susan's green eyes.

 

[BLACK BART]

How good it felt to be in a young body so full of life and humming with energy. How good it was to be aware of every tiny detail and sound that occurred around me and to be thrilled by it.

And how very different. Somehow this temporary posssesion felt right, comfortable as if I had been here before and was content with it... and revitalized.

I found myself no longer in the prison called a cabin and instead at the rail of the mighty ship, breathing in the salty mist, revelling as it washed over my face declaring I was...?

"Alive!" I heard a voice declare and realized with a start it was my thoughts that prompted it as I looked down at my...no his hands.

"I feel alive."

I allowed myself to bask in the power and glory of youth, feeling the blood pump through veins that had lived a scant three centuries and still rejoiced in waking. And then with regret prompted myself to return to the task at hand.

I needed to find out what was so special about the cargo in the holds of this vessel. Instinct told me it was the key to my assignment and with that knowledge I could better my chances od success a hundred fold. I was sure as the pilot of this magnificent ship I could easily move into the holds and browse about them until the answer came to me...

And chagrined as I found myself turned away despite my best bluster...Failure didn't defeat me though, I had eons of failed attempts to learn from and knew there was always an alternate way to success.

The trick lay in finding it was all.

And as I moved about in my new and borrowed body I was determined to find it, and actually looking forward to it.

 

[Why]

Efa/Susan.

A breath drawn in.

Ignore it. Don't let the sensations of a "real body” confuse the issue. It is a tool nothing more

Efa/Susan nodded her thanks to the young officer and made her way down the passage. She needed to find the hold. She already knew the contents of the box.

Yes there it is the knowledge. It frightens you doesn’t I can see it does. Understandable. But it is a way out of this mess humanity has gotten itself into. If you have the courage to use it. Would I use it? Perhaps

The body the immortal is using steps out onto the boat deck. The sharp sea breeze pulls at a wisp of golden hair and untangles it draping it across the sea green eyes narrowed against the light. Efa/Susan’s hand goes up to push back the tendril. The feeling of skin under fingers, of a twist of hair, wind tossed, slightly damp from the salt air sends a shudder through the immortal.

I don’t need this. This feeling. This being real. To be aware of the deck beneath my feet the breath in my lungs. The needs, wants and desires of this woman. Too distracting. Too confusing. Too seducing. This mortal has passion; too damn much of it. Susan Addams I can hear your thoughts. You need to find this crate. To confirm it contains what you believe. You work for those that would see it lost again. I find that amazing. You want the war tearing at Europe to continue? No you don’t; then why…

The immortal Efa pushes at Susan’s mind. The young woman gasps and stumbles. Her movement catches the eye of an officer on the deck. The officer catches Susan’s eye. Efa is aware of the woman’s appraisal of his manly form.

Stop it, I don’t want to gauge the width of his shoulders. The way he holds himself and the colour of his eyes now narrowed as he looks this way. Stop it, it is confusing me making me wish, I don’t want to feel that way do I?

 

[BLACK BART]

Instinct took over the body I was in and the moments of delay my surprise gave allowed it to move to the side of the unsteady yet lovely woman.

"Careful. Wouldn't want one of our first class ladies falling overboard at such an early stage in the journey."

Hearing "our" voice for the first time was a pleasant surprise. Deep and rich in timbre it flowed from the lips that turned upwards with a sincere smile and I grinned inside as well.

"In particular one as beautiful as you are."

The voice continued as one powerful arm wrapped itself around her trim waist and steadied her against the strong and very male chest under the uniform.

"You'll quickly get your sea legs and the queasy sensations happen to all of us. Permit me to introduce myself...Eric Von Bruin, First Navigator of this magnificent ship at your service Miss....?"

And what magnificent legs they were I noted to myself and took a second long look at the young woman now cradled in my arms.




"May I assist you to your cabin?"

 

[Why]

Damnation, stay on your feet. If I have to use you so be it, but... I don't need to have too... .

Susan stumbled and found herself being addressed by the tall officer, who had caught her eye, she bit a lip and tried to regain her feet. What had made her stumble, she was a little confused. Then the thought was gone Efa was in control again.

Go away... Susan.. That is better Wait, Who is this man? Well up the chain of command. He could be useful to both of us, but careful must be careful. To many feelings and emotions lying about. I don't need to be reminded of what it was like to be...alive My control slips, you are strong Susan.


"Careful. Wouldn't want one of our first class ladies falling overboard at such an early stage in the journey."

The Officer's smile made the colour rush to Susan's cheek's. She had intended to be "noticed" by an Senior officer with regards to her assignment. But not so quickly. Yet it was heart pounding, stimulating.

"In particular one as beautiful as you are."

As one powerful arm wrapped itself around her trim waist and steadied her, Susan felt her heart racing. She looked into his face and liked what she saw.

Please no... No Mata Hari tricks.. Yet. You are still there aren't you , Susan. Not sleeping as you should, blending too much with me. Was it his touch? The warm of another's hand? Do we both desire such?


"You'll quickly get your sea legs and the queasy sensations happen to all of us. Permit me to introduce myself...Eric Von Bruin, First Navigator of this magnificent ship at your service Miss....?"


"Thank you. Silly of me really, I am Susan Addams, returning to England. I have been staying some friends In Washington." The words came out in a rush and Susan smiled., as she leant into the Officer's arms.

Clever, keep him interested. Don't keep fighting me. I won't be here long, a few hours that is all. I just need... Don't think of needs. That opens up the past. I am what I am now.. but the feel of the hand, tightening now. It wakens so much...

"May I assist you to your cabin?"


"Yes, would you mind? I feel slightly giddy."

The ship's pilot, yes he could have information of where the "package" is. He would know his way about the ship. I need to know more and I suspect I am not the only one, Marcus would be somewhere. Yet this all seems to pale before the touch of this man's hand on the middle of my/our back.

Susan leans on the tall officer, letting him guide her. She is aware of the beat of her own heart and the warmth of his touch as he guides her. The smile turning up the corners of his mouth as he looks down at her. She returns the smile. Efa inside finds that she too is smiling and curses herself.

Down one of the wide staircases they walk, passed other passengers. The officer nods now and then, steering a passage towards the carpeted corridor that leads to Susan's small stateroom

As they reach the door the Officer reluctantly realeases his hold on her.

"Well..." The word drops from Susan's lips and startles Efa. Was it an inviatation, who made it?

 

[BLACK BART]

Eric

Time passed slowly, seconds stretching seemingly into hours as Eric eyes admired the woman and his body responded to the intimate closeness they still shared in the doorway.

"Well..."

The word slowly sank into Eric's overwhelmed mind and gave Marcus the chance he needed...

"It's not so much that I'm a gentleman that I'll leave you at this point but because I can see how much of a Lady you truly are"

The words...Eric's words...surprised Marcus because of the reactions thier shared body had gone through as they touched...

"But on one condition"

Now THAT didn't surprise Marcus at all, for sure Eric was going to insist they go to HIS room...

"You allow me to accompany you to one dinner in the StarLight Room."

Chagrined and amused Marcus found for once he wasn't bored...and for once he couldn't gauge what was going to happen next....

 

[Why]

"You allow me to accompany you to one dinner in the StarLight Room."

Susan/Efa found herself repeating the words "Dinner, Starlight Room." It was not what Efa had expected, and it delighted Susan.

Eric smiled softly at her. Amused perhaps by her being a little flustered. Then Susan/Efa answered, her voice low but unshaking, "Yes, that would be delightful. " She held out her hand. Eric took it and half raised it to his lips then let her fingers slip through his, leaving the fingers branded by his touch.

"Then till 7.30pm, when I shall come to escort you." Eric said, gave a small bow and turned on his heel. Susan/Efa watched him go down the passage, then slipped into her room.


The city with its statue, which welcomed and bid farewell to travellers had now slipped over the horizion. The great ship cut the grey/green sea of the Atlantic. A small country in its own right. With its own history and way of of life. Between the "new" world and the "old". Between the sky and sea, it was as if the ship had lost touch with the passage of time, for it moved on its own course, to its own fate.

As the young woman entered her rooms Efa allowed her control over the young woman to slip. She sat back, observed and listened, unseen by Susan Addams.

Efa watched as Susan removed her hat and walked through the small sitting room to the well appointed bedroom. The young woman's fingers ran over the bottom of the brass bedstead then she threw the hat onto the bed and sat there.

"Well, I need to find out where the package is kept, Eric would know or could find out. I need to check." Susan mumbled to herself as she began to unpack. Travelling first class she may be, but she had no maid.

Check what? The contents? Do you know the contents? Do I know the contents and what it does, some of it...It is why I am here. A cusp, a choice, a fork in the road. That's why I am here. Why I slip through time to be here. To push events in the way they should go. Or perhaps not, what others want, what even fate wants might be more important....

I Efa... just Efa, whatever other name I had I left behind at death.

Death now you Susan how do you view death? A passing on to a place of peace and rest? Or a plunge down into chaos and fire. Or like me Locked to a purpose, serving the will of another. I wonder what act did I commit in my life that I became "chosen". It was at first wonderful, the power, the control. Now... now get the job done, move on. But this is not like other jobs, this one is different. For me and I think for Marcus, where he has got too. Will he get in my way? Of course he will at some point.


As Efa mused over the day past. Susan now sat at the mirror of the dressing table brushing her hair, before, twisting it up and pinning it. The neck of her full evening gown was low. A drop of perfume ran slowly down the cleft of her breasts, leaving a scented trail.

Hair in place Susan stood, smoothing the green satin fabric over her hips, checking the line of the skirt. She was ready and so was Efa, she forced herself back into control of the young woman, not caring about the young woman she was posessing, or so Efa thought.

 

[BLACK BART]

Marcus took the opportunity to delve deeper into the mysteries of his present "host", looking for answers to puzzles in his behavior and why such a young, attractive man wasn't quite fitting the image he projected.

The answers made him even more curious, a trait he knew dangerous from past experiences while occupying a mortal body, and yet he delved even deeper.

Eric it seemed was indeed an officer of the ship, occupying a position that ranked in these times very nearly equal to those of the Captain of the magnificent vessel. As such he enjoyed greater freedom, salary and benefits than most but rarely used them. The only right he exercised frequently on this trip it seemed was pouring over the manifests for the cargo tucked away in the holds below.

"What a curious thing for a sky-pilot to waste his time away." Marcus wondered as he watched Eric slide out of his uniform and into a tuxedo used for only the most special of occasions.

Another quirk of fate had occurred, Marcus was sure of it and could feel Eric's own suspicions now as clearly as he could his own. This young man had a vendetta of his own, suspicions that the cargo being transported wasn't quite all what it was supposed to be and in the turbulent waters of these years a half truth was more revealing than the truth...

Eric was looking for something. An object or objects that would prove this was much more than the finest pleasure cruiser ever floated and once he found the proof?

Marcus smiled and nearly chuckled as Eric’s face smiled back in the full-length mirror in his tiny cabin...this was going to be a very interesting evening indeed.

Minutes later with only one detour to arrange the details of this evenings meal Eric stood in front of Susan’s door and gently knocked on it, adjusting his bow-tie that was only half level and shifting the bundle of fresh flowers as he did so.

"You look.... breathtakingly lovely" He gasped honestly as the cabin door opened and Susan stepped forward with a smile on her lips. "The red of the flowers I chose for you compliments the dress you wear, though you don't need anything to compliment your beauty except...my eyes."

Arm offered Eric / Marcus couldn't help but admire the grace and beauty of the lady that walked beside them, the closeness in the hallway making it seem somehow intimate as the two brushed each against each other when meeting others as they passed.

"We'll take the freight elevator"

Eric murmured softly and smiled at the question in Susan’s eyes.

"No, we're not going to the First Class Dining Room...I've arranged a table to be set up on my private piece of the ship...we'll be visited by the Maitre De and then left alone to enjoy the food, wine and each others company for the rest of the evening."

The rattle and clanking of the machinery outside the metal case of the elevator subsided and Eric lifted the inner door, then the outer and stepped aside to usher his pretty guest to another hallway and a smaller set of steps.

"I apologize for you having to climb the stairs in such a lovely gown, take the steps slowly and I'll see that it doesn't get underfoot?"

Eyes only on the fine hem of the dress, the trim ankles that flashed as she lifted her feet, and making sure he kept his word Eric guided the fabric away from her shoes as she gracefully climbed and stopped at the top of the ladder.

"This is where I spend my evenings" Eric smiled at his guest and took her waist to guide her to a table set for two. "The table was set for us...but every night you can find me here using the stars to plot our position and course...and wondering what lies beyond them. I hope it meets your approval?"

Sincerity was in the young mans blue eyes as he held a chair for her...had he been too bold in this affair...would the Lady accept his offer and affections?

Marcus found himself holding his breath as well as Eric, the two in one mans body suddenly very interested in the star lit woman who stood before them.

 

[Why]

Efa/Susan

Susan/Efa stepped out onto the small deck before the bridge.

Well the mental expression of surprise was joint. Susan raised an eyebrow and Efa had the body turn slowly taking in everything. She was at first facing forward, towards the bow of the great ship. They was a table set for two a bottle of wine in a cooler beside on the chairs. Then the rail of the deck. Then the forward mast. A reminder of the forbears of this vessel

The forward promenade deck lost in the darkness, just the odd slash of light colouring the wooden deck.

Then she turned to the port side, the hem of her dress rasping on the deck beneath her. Out there was the Atlantic ocean, now as smooth as glass. A mirror reflecting the ship as it danced across.

Susan/Efa was aware of Eric standing close his hand hovering close to her arm. She knew he was watching her, trying to gauge her reaction to the "Great Lady" they were aboard.

Her slight gasp, as her eyes beheld the high sweeping bridge and the row of four funnels- each one slightly taller that it proceeding fellow- was the signal for him to grasp her arm and say.

"Impressive, yes?"

"Beautiful, " Efa/Susan whispered and the expression was true for both of them. Tendrils of steam from the great engines below trickled from the funnels. They wove into the heavens, dragged high by the speed of the ship. Soft ribbons of white glinting in the maze of lights from the ship, seeking to wrap the stars.

For a moment the mind that was Susan wondered if her brother could see these stars. Or were they lost in the smoke of battle and the glare of night flares high over the western front. Efa woken from her own reflection of the night sky seized on these thoughts and tried to push deep to see what the young woman knew of the cargo, of the various bits of the cargo.

"Shall we..." Eric squeezed her arm and led her to the table. A waiter arrived as if by magic and Efa/Susan began to relax, much to Efa's annoyance, but then when Susan relaxed Efa saw more. So Efa kept a lid on her temper.

She would not admit it but she was enjoying the evening in someway that had nothing to do with what she was now, but everything to do with what she was once.

The talk ebbed and flowed as did the laughter, as the remains of the main course was cleared away Efa/Susan asked. "A ship like this carries more than passengers does it not?
“Indeed, “Eric replied dabbing the side of his mouth with a napkin. “The company relies a lot on the transportation of goods, especially now with the war.”

“Yes, cotton, food stuffs metal and munitions?” Efa/Susan said and looked at her handsome dinner partner through her lashes. She traced the line of his jaw with her gaze at it stiffened.

“You should not believe all you hear, Susan, I may call you that?”

“Yes you may, but I was thinking of that advertisement in the NY Times before we left warning people about travelling on ships such as these in times of war.” As Efa formed the words in Susan’s mind the young woman’s thoughts went to the contents of the box brought aboard. Efa seized it, saw it and shuddered. So… much…power…And they wanted her to allow it to be used.

 

[BLACK BART]

The beginning of a perfect evening?

Eric was content and elated. Whatever had possessed him to propose this dinner, to pull a few favors and have his sighting deck prepared and to have this beautiful young woman accept was beyond good fortune. Perhaps an angel was looking over him on this trip, he idly thought as he relaxed and sipped at his wine while listening to his guest.

The meal was perfection, the ocean was cooperating and putting on it's best show as the moonlight reflected off the ripples created by the great ship, and his guest?

Well her beauty and poise was nearly beyond description. Eric was near glowing in happiness as he idly thought of the chance of more nights spent together just like this one, becoming more aquainted with the lady in front of him, passing the time away pleasantly where otherwise he would simply waste it away staring at the stars or worse the first class lounge...

Still a tinge of regret seeped in as the conversation slowly turned to an area he had great doubts about himself and as Susan pressed a tiny red flag began to wave itself.

“You should not believe all you hear, Susan, I may call you that?”

He replied quietly, ever so gently trying to turn the subject to a more interesting and less dangerous direction. And yet his guest pressed on...

“Yes you may, but I was thinking of that advertisement in the NY Times before we left warning people about travelling on ships such as these in times of war.”

" This cruise vessel is not a tool of war and is capable of speeds that would enable it to outrun the fleetest of any nations gunboats if threatened." He assured "The papers are quick to print whatever they will that enables greater circulation and profits regardless of the truth or lack of within the print."

Still he had his own doubts and suddenly an image flashed into his own mind, one of a tiny figure standing amidst great chaos and smiling as it surveyed it all.

The image was so powerful that Marcus who had been content to let the evening pass in a pleasureable way forced himself forward in Eric's mind to take control of his body and the situation.

"Were there any danger the Captain would be aware of it and in turn so would his crew, he would not nor would we willingly let this ship sail into troubled waters, rather we would return to port until the trouble has passed."

Brave words but as Marcus spoke them he could feel Eric's doubts loom forward in his mind.

"Perhaps so, but what if the Captain and his good crew were NOT aware of the danger?"

The words stunned Marcus/Eric...One because of the foreboding future they hinted at and the other because of the hidden truth they claimed to know of.

"Then it would be my duty to point it out to the Captain once I had proof and see to it the good ship and it's passengers were removed from danger."

Eric had gained control again as Marcus pondered over the image that had forced itself into Eric's mind...An image Eric could have never seen in his lifetime or dreamed of...and yet it had appeared of it's own voalition...Or had it?

"I'd like to speak frankly with you if I might?" Eric began to express his own suspicions. "If you were to have come on this cruise for a reason other than pleasure would you speak of it to me? Even though we have just met I feel there is a great bond formed between us and with your show of trust in faith I might be inclined to express my own thoughts of your previous statements?"

 

[Why]

Time....

Eric spoke of dangers from without, of gunboats and the threats of war. They were a threat; but what Susan knew the ship carried somewhere deep in its hold was a bigger threat, in a way Eric could not imagine. “Nor you” Efa commented tartly as she carefully analyzed the “item” she had dragged from Susan’s mind.


"I'd like to speak frankly with you if I might? If you were to have come on this cruise for a reason other than pleasure would you speak of it to me? Even though we have just met I feel there is a great bond formed between us and with your show of trust in faith I might be inclined to express my own thoughts of your previous statements?" As he spoke Eric reached across the table taking Susan’s hand.

Efa eyed the limb as if it was a snake.

Susan on the other hand felt the blood rush to her face. The warmth of his hand on hers, the way his lips turned up in a smile. And his eyes, for a second the colour of them changed, they became dark as if they belonged to another man. Then the blue shimmered again in the light of the candles on the table. She opened her mouth to speak, then shuddered. She heard a voice, flat level, but trying to hold back an overpowering emotion. Do Demon’s weep and Angels make mistakes.

Inside Efa nearly screamed, the past was mixing with the present and drawing the future out of line. Was that what this was all about? Was the contents of the box able to alter the line of what had been? Was the alteration wanted? It would seem so. But was it right?

Efa made a decision; she needed to see what was in this box. For that she needed the help of this man. For those two “guards” for want of a better would, would not make it easy. Efa looked hard through Susan’s eyes, trying to gauge the man’s soul. As she looked Efa became aware of the physical attraction between the two of them. She would use it; allow it to develop.

Susan’s hand turned in Eric’s and her moment of confusion fell away. “I feel the same, Eric. Can I trust you? Perhaps, yes… Talk yes, but not here… somewhere…” Susan rose. Eric did the same and came round to her side. As he escorted her off the deck, music drifted from the 1st class grand dining room below.

I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be

 

[BLACK BART]

Confusion and confessions?

Eric Von Bruin was a man who based most of his decisions in life on emotion. Emotion decided whom he liked or didn't, emotion decide whom he labeled as his friends and once emotion aided in the decision he would stay beside his friends to the very end. Impulsive? Some of a very much cooler mind might call it so, but it had guided Eric quite well through his life and would for the rest of it he had decided long ago.

Marcus was of the opposite line of thinking. Emotion was most often a waste of time in his line of thinking; detail and cold hard facts best served him, all in the line of his duty. Why was it then as this woman before Eric affected Marcus so? Why was there something in her that intrigued him so, past and beyond the emotional and physical levels that Eric was so obviously thriving at?

"Strange?" Marcus commented as they moved down again into the great passages of the ship, hand in hand as two lovers might be seen, heads leaned close together as those lovers might do in order to whispers tender endearments to each other.

Yes? Came the question as large eyes looked into Eric’s. The two would be lovers stopped and moved into a corner, looking like for all the passerby's two people stealing a moment and a kiss.

"That song...It doesn't belong.... I mean, it's beautiful and well done but it's not it's..."

Time? Came a single word that supplied the answer all too perfectly.

What was it about this woman Marcus wondered as she took Eric's arm again and they moved towards a destination that wasn't quite clear but somehow...someway both knew they headed towards.

They had moved lower and forward, away from the music and yet it still haunted and confused Marcus. What was happening here? The song was real but from a time that was yet to happen...


"Yes, exactly" Eric stirred and looked about, seeing the gentle blending of plush red, smelling the sweet odor of rich cigars recently smoked mixed with the heady lemon scent of the oils used on the dark wood surfaces.

"This is the library" He spoke the words for his own reassurance and his guest’s information. The room was deserted at this hour, the passengers of the ship were either dining or in the lounges enjoying after dinner drinks. "We can talk here and I have several things I'd like to show you?"

“Please and then there are several things I’d like to share with you as well.

Eric reluctantly freed her hand instantly missing the warmth…the gentle touch and feel of hr skin…and moved to a corner table, sliding the drawer open and reaching inside for a thin folder.

“This is the manifest of the cargo brought aboard the ship. It all appears legitimate. Each article seems to have been checked by our officers and approved, but on closer scrutiny I think it has been carefully tampered with. Large crates labeled farm equipment…the weights match, as they must in order for them to be placed in the hold and balance the ship…but the sizes don’t. Even a plow doesn’t weigh this much and fit inside a crate this small. And then there are several articles that were brought on at the last moment. Not unusual in itself but the fact as to the attention they received when they arrived. I asked and even the Captain seemed mystified and he’s not the kind of man who is very often unaware of what goes on in his ship. Maybe I’m just becoming paranoid, but something just doesn’t feel right and I can’t put my finger on it?”

Again that feeling of intrigue began to overwhelm Marcus as Eric leaned forward to share the documents with Susan; somehow with her hand covering his the moment became different…warm…. intimate?

“C…can you help me?”

 

[Why]

Answers or not....

C..Can you help me? A plea and a question.

The library closed in around the two human figures, Efa was aware of things becoming disjointed. Only the ship and those on board were "real." Even she was beginnning to drift. Susan was here anchor to this ship and the time.

Susan's hand turned in Eric's holding it tight. Her eyes came up from the manifest and so did her other hand. It ran along the line of his firm chin, the small regrowth of his beard rubbing gently against her fingers.

Efa's fingers mimicked the movement. In the past along the jaw of a man in an Oak grove before she became what she was now. In the future on a wet city street where she had become something else.

The immortal knew the past had happened, but the future, no it could not be... Even if the contents of the box was.... Efa was what she was for ever.

The pressure of Susan's fingers increased. A warmth began to grow in the pit of her stomach echoing a need flowing through her, one that almost over powered Susan's growing fear. Or was it Efa's Susan's finger's dropped from Eric's jaw and his other hand caught the hers. He turned it over and kissed the palm.

"Help... yes... the box..." Susan began. Eric held her sea green eyes locked with his almost forcing her to continue. "Yes. It contains something that could end this war, save lives. A weapon? For which side? Neither, both.... not a weapon as such a device?"

Eric frowned, his disbelief and Efa grabbed control. Susan was stuttering. As Efa forced words out of Susna's mouth they became mixed with the young woman's own. "Something old, powerful and it will ask a price for its use. What ever is in the box has nothing to do wth heaven or hell, demons and angels are as much in the dark as you and I. Those I work for want it to vanish. They don't believe the price is worth it. They are willing to let millions die. I don't know what to believe....."

 

[BLACK BART]

Marcus

The voice!

It was Susan's and it wasn't...

And the information?

Susan possibly couldn't know what had come aboard or how powerful of a weapon it actually was.

So if not Susan, then who?

Marcus concentrated and overwhelmed Eric, forcing him deeper and deeper into his subconcious until finally Eric slipped into something he would only recall later as a deep sleep...

"Efa?" Eric's lips moved but Marcus spoke, his old world brogue unmistakable as he guessed the identity of the woman....women? in front of him.

For an eternity Marcus thought he was wrong, the face that stared back blankly at him was definatelt Eric's Susan...

And then the eyes changed. Becoming darker in hue, wiser and just a tad more tired around the corners.

"So there you are Marcus. I was wondering when you'd turn up. Ironic isn't it, of all the people you chose you'd have to chose the one body this woman is falling in love with."

Not to be done Marcus regained his own balance and smiled, leaning forward to look closer at the one person in all of eternity he never thought he'd be saying this to.

"Efa darling. I'm glad to see you as well and glad we finally broke through this charade. It seems after your miniscule confession we have much to talk about, and a short time to do it in. Yes?"

 

[BLACK BART]

pardon me, double posted

 

[Why]

Part truth

"Efa darling. I'm glad to see you as well and glad we finally broke through this charade. It seems after your miniscule confession we have much to talk about, and a short time to do it in. Yes?"

Eric was still holding Susan's hands. In other words Marcus was holding Efa's.

Efa for a second considered pulling them free. But didn't merely twisted them so her (Susan's palms) were in Marcus( Eric's) She closed the fingers as best she could and saw the look of amusement on Marcus' face. It was his face now, a shadow ghost one laid over Eric's

She debated how much to say... how much to tell.

"Talk yes, first like me you were sent because of the contents of the box." Macus gave a small nod. "But like me you did not know at the time what it was, only that it was important to both sides, Yes?"

"Yes.... important, useful, dangerous." Marcus stated slowly, watching each flicker of Efa's eyes.

"Silly isn't it a mortal, this mortal and the people she works for, know its name and want it to vanish for some reason. And I think it might be a good idea. You heard the music, felt the effect of it... It was it doing that I am sure." Efa could see the question inand the darkening of Marcus' face. Efa cursed under her breath. Perhaps she had been wrong, maybe it was his side that had created this. Maybe then intended to use her, Efa as a sounding board for what ever they are upto in the game. Well now will tell...

Her temper flared. "Is it yours, those like you, is it yours this thing this object called "The Hand of Glory?"

 

[BLACK BART]

Marcus

Marcus was tempted to play sly with Efa...and temptation was a strong vice he was quite aware of how to deal with in his business. But he had gleaned several things from her eys as well as the emotional tone in the words she threw at him.

Efa was rattled. In the tens of hundreds of years they had known each other he had never seen her rattled.

Efa knew what this object was and was scared of it, scared enough to go against her superiors orders and suggest to a member of the opposite an alternative.

And though she knew what the object was and gleaned the knowledge of what it was capable of she thought it was created by his side.

It wasn't the time to enjoy temptation Marcus decided, instead it was the time to be frank with the enemy and share knowledge.

"We didn't create it Efa. It was here before we were and it's said it was before your side was a swell. We both know now Susan wants to destroy it and your side doesn't. I was sent to retrieve it and turn it over to "HIM". Everyone is curious about this so called "Hand of Glory" though you seem to know it better than most...curious and terrified it seems and after the events earlier I can understand why."

A HUGE statement considering Marcus was used to trying his best to defeat this immortal pest in front of him and the position they now found themselves. Enemies with a common purpose? Impossible...But even the impossible occurred when time was turned against itself.

"The two that guard it Efa, do you know anything of them as well, perhaps it's time we brought everything to the table and became..."

Marcus grimaced and then looked down at the pair of hands still clasped together before meeting Efa's serious eyes once again.

"Partners?"

 

[Why]

Some answers.

"Partners?"

The word seemed so funny so out of context that Efa laughed. When her path had crossed Marcus' before. It was a game of cat and mouse. With each taking a turn as the mouse. Each winning and loosing. Small steps forward and back in an endless game.

Efa blinked. Endless. Perhaps that is it. Time flowed, continued, things were born, lived and died. Death that was part of this. Death in the millions in Europe now that was what the years had in store. Followed by greater death worldwide some 30 years on.

"Partners...." Efa said slowly her eyes still locked as her hands with Marcus' "As to this Hand of Glory, this what ever it is. That I serve hates this time. It grieves for the loss of so many, of so much that could have been if the world had turned differently. This hand of glory is a straw to clutch at, a possible answer, but at a cost that I don't know but fear for some reason. As for those that guard it? Are they like us? But not? Are they part of this 'Hand' ? How to find out? Confront them?"

The fear was becoming so deep rooted in Efa she began to shake, mentally cursing. Marcus freed his right hand from hers and cupped her (Susan's) cheek. She leant into the embrace, but could not be sure if it was her or Susan reacting to Eric or Marcus.

 

[BLACK BART]

Legend reborn

Marcus pulled Efa close to him as if the proximity of her spirit within Susan's body was crucial to the support he wished to give her.

"At times Efa I envy the human mortals" He sighed and stroked the cheek of Susan/Efa gently. "Such passion and spirit with the body, so able to feel emotion and thrive on it and with a simple touch give comfort."

Comfort that spoke volumes without uttering a word Marcus reflected. How was it this "enemy" of his had now become an ally, and the boredom he cursed so frequently and recently he now wished he could regain.

For long moments the two clung to each other, the head of the female pressed to the chest of the male, the spirit of one immortal brushing against the other trying to give strength.

"Efa...The two that guard the Hand...They come from my universe. It was quietly spoken of the last task assigned to them and how they never returned from it. The two were sent to retrieve the Hand. They quickly found it and brought it into thier possession, but then rather then return it they chose to try and control it themselves. It was the last any of us heard of or saw the pair again. Until now that is and I think I know thier fate. Instead of controlling the Hand it now controls them and has made them guardians, to serve and protect it."

Susan's / Efa's head moved and turned upward to look at Marcus / Eric's face and both men smiled bravely.

"It is a consoling thing to know, perhaps a bit of wisdom that will serve us well, yes?"

"I'm afraid this time you truly have the advantage of me Marcus?"

"That despite it's enormous power it has a weakness this Hand of Glory...it needs servants to transport and watch over it, without them it is immobile."

Yes!

The word spoke it's own volumes. Chapters in fact...For without the guardians the Hand might be deliberately misplaced and time could once again be returned...to normal?

"It's your turn to speak of the knowledge you have Efa. Of the Hand...it's origin...powers...and our chances of capturing it if only for a short time."

 

[Why]

Confusion and knowledge

Efa/Susan stood in Eric's arms. Efa's mind listening to Marcus' words and Susan's body reacting to Eric's or was this different. Efa felt Susan's body react to the embrace. Felt Susan's heart beat faster, seeking to match the rhythm of Eric's. Skin tingled at the touch of fingers.

Susan's body was becoming sexually aroused and Efa was aware of it. The arousal was heightened by Efa's awareness of the danger, they and all creation was in. For a moment Efa wondered who was arousing who and being aroused by whom. The two were becoming blurred and impinging on her logic, Efa's impartial thinking.

When Marcus spoke of two of his kind being enmeshed in this Hand of Glory Efa's began to link scraps of whispered words, what might have happened, memories of the past, some from before she became what she was. The words don't control, self will, make their own destiny hammered at her, yet this Hand of Glory did not allow that.


“It's your turn to speak of the knowledge you have Efa. Of the Hand...it's origin...powers...and our chances of capturing it if only for a short time."

Efa tightened her hold on the body that was Marcus, her eyes searching his. The words came hard, she was not sure of the facts. Half truths, half tales, half remembered.

“This Hand of Glory device or sentient? That it ensnared two of your kind Marcus, hints at the latter, but if it is, why wait till now? Time, place connection with something? Your kind like mine, we serve, are immortal do not change are not moving forward or growing. That was their weakness I think. Humans grow, change, the world moves forward so can not be used. These bodies our protection and weapon I know not? The Hand of Glory, whispered words I have heard. It appeared, not created by any I or those like me know of. A piece of something offered to this place, this world. Yet a trick, it has its own agenda I truly believe.”

Efa stopped and stood on tip toes, bringing her mouth close to Eric/Marcus’ ear. She could smell the lingering smell of soap on his skin blending with the natural scent of a man. A bolt of tumbling sexual needs was released in Susan’s body and Efa almost cried out. She forced herself to continue. “The Hand makes all still, not dead, but locked in a vacuum. No growth, no going forward creating mere tools to use at the command of the Hand or those that offered it here. That is why time is falling in on itself. Imagine what man would think of that, I can stop my enemies, hold them still and control them. But the Hand would not stop at just a few, just one part of time. As to it happening now, is the thing that controls it close. What lies beneath this Atlantic Ocean, Marcus, what grand experiment and once civilisation?”