White Noon

Would she lose her name? That was her greatest fear. She had chosen this name so carefully. It was not rare, but not that common either. One in 10000. The best odds. The naming ceremony had been one of those rare instances when her parents had been proud of her. No. If she knew Saark, her name is the one thing that would remain. He was the chameleon. Her career? Now that was another matter. She would probably never get an assignment again.

Saark came in like the wind. She could sense that he was there. There was a lot of stirring and Resse looked confused. Probably from the buzzing in his earpiece. He stepped out with a terse "Don't move." to her. Like she would, even if she could. Saark was here. The only thing now was to act according to his plan. Move as he did.

Saark flew into the interrogation sector. His face was a purple rage. With his alabaster skin and balding head, the effect was grotesque and striking. He gasped when he saw her. "Your Excellency!" She was shocked. Did he know? Saark mentally chuckled. He turned to Resse following in his wake, even more confused than before. "How dare you!! You shackle Yilmat the I? Hmph. How dare.." Masterful as always. The loss of words was sheer genius. She smiled to herself. He did not suspect. She knew the game now. "Rasool please. It is not his fault." "But your excellency!!" "He SHOULD know better." "I will have your lapels for this." "Unshackle his excellency this instant." Resse knew he should wait for orders. But this Rasool was here. He had come into the Patrol Unit. Well, they couldn't leave as they pleased. He can release the lad for now. Finally. She could stand up. She made sure Saark did not see her relief. But her buttocks did tremble. Saark missed nothing. "Your Haven, your excellency." He then handed her a Pesh-kabz dagger. Resse couldn't believe his eyes. A named dagger! With an Ivory hilt!  He had to get these people out before anyone saw them. He would never talk about this ever again.

As she saw him rub out the white out of his skin, and bring forward his hair to cover the razored bald patch, she could only marvel at his repertoire. A dagger! What an elegant, simple solution. No wonder he had lasted six whole years with the Carter Branch. Saark, was thinking along the same lines. Six years. No memory swipes, no blood. This time. Well a job well done for now. But the chameleon couldn't last much longer. He looked at his watch, it was about 12. He looked up and saw the white sun piercing the cloudless sky, like a dagger into the heart of the earth. High noon was approaching.

The many shades of Pink

"My name is Yahut Boaz Yilmat. How many ever times you ask, it's not gonna change." My southern drawl wouldn't hold out much longer. I had to stop talking soon. "I thought you checked with my embassy." He grimaced when I said embassy. I had to remember that. "Yeah, but I am not convinced." His scowl was beginning to get to me. "Look, I have co-operated with you. Why are you torturing me this way?" I hoped to gain some time, until He came. But I was under extreme discomfort. "Torture?? I have not laid a hand on you, lad!" His incredulity apart, I realized I could not continue in this vein. How was he to know, that the hard chair was torture to me? How was he to know, that my full name was Yahut Boaz Yilmat Ben Illahi the II? That was the one thing he mustn't know, or even guess. I cursed my debilitation. 17 years of training couldn't overcome a weak butt. That is what generations of sitting on cushioned chairs does to you. He would be laughing now, I should make sure He, Saark (whose real name probably wasn't that), never finds out.

I had to play this out right. "I have been sitting all day, Sir. My legs are going to sleep. Shackle me if you must. But at least let me stand." He scowled more. "You did give my embassy my full name did you not? Yahut Boaz Yilmat the I?" He grimaced again. "Aye, that is what your UC says, so that is what I gave them, lad. And call me Resse. This Sir business isn't getting you anywhere." He pronounced UC as a slow drawn out 'you see'. Definitely not a mainlander. Another piece of information that I filed away. Well father, you have what you've always wanted. They think I am a man. Well, if the Carter Branch couldn't find out, the Patrol Unit never would. And I was sure the Carter Branch didn't. I hoped Saark had got my message.

Saark, whose real name wasn't Saark, paced up an down the alley, slowly, methodically; As if sizing the alley with the length of his stride. It had taken years for him to recruit a Ben Illahi offspring. Be that as it may, a girl.  In actuality, that only made his coup that much greater. Now he had a Ben Illahi girl. A direct heir to the throne. He had found out the second time he had met her. He could identify a taped chest as well as a false bust. The skin tone tape was a nice touch. But they did strip search her, when she came in. She had to be careful. He had the eye, though. That was his greatest gift.... He paused in his pacing unconsciously. The sun was almost down. The sky turned from amaranth, slowly to puce; Going through all the shades of pink as his eyes followed the sun. "Stop, reminiscing!", He told himself. He no longer had her. The stupid Patrol Unit did.

Well, she was a clever one. He had to give her that. Making sure her UC said 'the I', that was a great move. But he had come to expect that.  Then again, she was not that clever if she got caught by the Patrol Unit. Argh! He had to get her out soon. He had to be careful. No memory swipes, no blood. This had to be old fashioned discombobulation.