Rock Bottom

[Bastian]

“It is not a cohesive organisation, and neither was I privy to its every secret,” he cautioned. “I cannot offer definitive confirmation, however I cannot think it feasible they are aware of this… possibility.” Neutralising a myth was far more potent a weapon than murder, and the Regus had said nothing of it at the Convocation. What weapons the Archangels were given knowledge of, Bastian couldn’t say. But weapons of any worth must be tested, and something so significant as removing the gift from a man would not have remained secret for long. This news would put fear into Nikolai Brandon’s heart. They would have wanted that.

“Hn,” was all he said of the rest. A muscle flexed in his jaw. The man certainly looked like he had been dredged from the bottom of the hells, and Bastian was less enamoured of the idea of babysitting than the importance of the knowledge he had been entrusted with. Neither did he complain. Already he drew up a list of necessary questions, but they were not ones he would delay Vellas by asking now. Bastian was perfectly capable of discovering the answers himself, and he prided himself on his conscientious efficiency. Weston or one of her team would have a dossier to begin with, he imagined. “It will be as you say.”

The hand Vellas raked through his hair was an unusual gesture, and one Bastian side-eyed. He did not appreciate the signs of pressure, even if it was perfectly warranted given the circumstance. Certainly, being the one to deliver the discovery to Nikolai Brandon was unenviable. “Careful, Commander. You almost sound cheerful at the prospect,” he said dryly.

“Be assured Karim has the helm. Should things go poorly.”