Noble Lies by Gary Inbinder	Table of Contents Synopsis Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 appear in this issue.
Chapter 4 part 1 of 2

Aurelia left Ludwig’s hotel suite at two a.m. The previous day, following lunch, they walked along the breakwater, holding hands and speaking little. After about half an hour, the clouds darkened, thunder rumbled, and brilliant yellow lightning flashes streaked across the murky horizon.

The sea breeze freshened; a nearby aluminum flagpole rang like a warning bell, its metallic lines and cloth pennant flapping noisily in the wind. Holding one another, Ludwig and Aurelia raced across the dark green lawn to the shelter of a tiny, alabaster gazebo on a low hillock, reaching its safety just as the drizzle turned into a shower. Soaked, and laughing like children, they held one another and kissed, as cold, pelting rain splattered against the gazebo roof.

Eventually, the storm calmed. They ran back through drizzle and puddles to the hotel, went immediately to Ludwig’s room, got out of their wet clothes and hung them in the bathroom to dry. While rubbing one another with towels, they began making love, finishing up on the towels spread over the cold, marble floor. They spent much of the day, and most of the evening, in bed.

Just before leaving, Aurelia kissed Ludwig gently, and then whispered, “Meet me tomorrow at six a.m. at my office in I.S.P. headquarters.” She got up from the bed, went to the bathroom, dressed and then walked out the front door without speaking another word.

Ludwig did not sleep; alone in bed, he sensed a familiar fragrance. Aurelia left the silk sheets and pillowcases scent-laden with her citrus and floral perfume, identical to that of the pleasure android, Bambi.

Ludwig met Aurelia in her office at six; both of them wore their gray, I.S.P. uniforms. Seated behind her stainless steel desk, the austere Lieutenant Colonel barely resembled the romantic young woman of a few hours earlier. “Ludwig,” she said, “we’re going to the Deputy Director’s office. The information you want is on his computer hard-drive; we’ll need to hurry and get out of his office before 6:30. Put these on before touching anything.” Aurelia handed Ludwig a smock, cap and a pair of surgical gloves. “One more thing; Major Slim is helping us; he’s rigged the computer log, electronic surveillance, and the guard detail to give us half an hour, no more.”

Slim was head of I.S.P. security. Formerly Ludwig’s Company commander, Slim owed his life to Luddy. Seriously wounded, and with all his subordinate officers dead, Slim had ordered Ludwig to save the company and leave him and the rest of the wounded behind. Instead, Ludwig led the entire company out of an ambush.

Ludwig put on his outfit and gloves. Aurelia got up from her chair, and walked to the office door. Following her, Ludwig said, “Aurelia, I...”

Aurelia interrupted, saying, “Not now, Luddy; let’s just do it.”

Slim waited for them at the Deputy Director’s office. A tough, wiry veteran, with close cropped black hair and dark brown eyes, Slim looked very hard-core but still human, thanks to advanced plastic surgery and cyber-technology.

When Ludwig entered the office, Slim smiled, extended his robotic right arm, and patted his friend on the shoulder. “I’m with you, Luddy,” he said, “all the way, whatever you do.”

Turning to Aurelia, Slim said, “Ma’am, the office is yours until 6:30, and not a second later.” Walking out the door, Slim added, “Take care of your business, and then get your asses out of here.”

Aurelia went to the computer, and brought up the file. “Here it is, Luddy; I’ll watch the time.”

Ludwig rapidly scanned the file; there was overwhelming evidence against his parents. Consul Finn’s political opponent, Consul Cato, was their Republican contact. Along with Queen Artemisia of Algol, Cato led a conspiracy to assassinate Consul Finn and usurp the Republic, establishing himself as Emperor. Once installed as Emperor, Cato would sign a peace treaty, and enter into an alliance with Algol.

In addition, Ludwig learned that shortly after he was born the Senate had demoted his parents from Gold to Silver status for their friendship with Algolian collaborators. Cato took advantage of Ludwig’s parents, approaching them with an offer. Acting on Cato’s promises, Ludwig’s parents agreed to assassinate Finn for their reinstatement to Gold status and a large sum of money.

Keeping an eye on the clock, Aurelia impatiently urged, “Come on, Luddy.”

Ludwig got up from the computer. “I’ve seen enough,” he replied.

Aurelia closed the file, and shut down the computer. They left the Deputy Director’s office at exactly six twenty-nine.

Back in his hotel suite, Ludwig poured a scotch, and then sat on a leather couch. Aurelia sat next to him, but he didn’t look at her. After taking a stiff drink, he muttered, “My parents were scum; the worst of the worst.”

Aurelia put her arm around his shoulder, and said, “I’m sorry, Luddy; so sorry.”

Ludwig scowled at her, replying, “What have you to be sorry about? My parents were traitors; they got what they deserved. I’m the one who should be sorry; I’m their son.” Turning away from Aurelia, he finished his scotch, poured another, and then added, “But what about Cato? Why hasn’t he been denounced before the Senate, and arrested?”

Aurelia placed her hands on his face, making him turn to look into her eyes. “I’m sorry, Luddy; I don’t have the answer to that question.”

Ludwig grabbed her shoulders and snapped, “Are you being straight with me? If I thought you weren’t...”

Aurelia looked back at him with the same cool emerald-eyed impassivity that she used in response to her father’s steely glare. “Slim and I risked our lives for you. If you don’t believe me, kill me.”

Shaking with emotion Ludwig stared at her for a moment, and then took her into his arms. “I’m sorry, Aurelia,” he whispered. “Please, forgive me.”

Aurelia kissed him; resting her head on his chest, she replied, “Of course, I forgive you. Whatever comes, we’ll face it, together.”

Ludwig continued holding her, stroking her fragrant black hair. “Aurelia,” he murmured, “I love you; I promise I’ll never doubt you again.”

Raising her head, Aurelia smiled, and said, “I think it’s time you met my father. Maybe he knows the answer to your question about Consul Cato.”

* * *

The following Saturday evening, Ludwig joined Aurelia and the Consul for dinner, in Finn’s peristyle garden. Prior to entering the peristyle, a male android led Ludwig to a dressing room, helping him change into a Roman toga. Afterward, Ludwig studied himself in a mirror; feeling a bit foolish, he noticed his resemblance to a prominently displayed bronze statute in Finn’s entrance hall.

Exiting the dressing room, the android escorted Ludwig along the colonnaded walkway to an area set aside for meals. The Consul and Aurelia, clothed in their patrician robes, appeared to be engaging in congenial conversation while they reclined on adjacent couches.

The android accompanied Ludwig to a pre-determined spot, appropriately distanced from the Finns for a guest of Ludwig’s rank making a formal salutation. Leaving Ludwig, the android unobtrusively went about his business. The Consul and Aurelia ceased their conversation, acknowledging Ludwig’s presence.

Ludwig bowed, and then somewhat awkwardly delivered his prepared greeting. “Consul and Citizen Finn, greetings: I, Citizen Ludwig, am deeply honored to be called into your most august presence.”

Smiling magnanimously, the Consul sprang to his feet, vigorously strode to Ludwig, clapping his shoulder and shaking his hand as though they were old comrades, rather than ruler and subject. “No need for such formalities, my boy; it is we who are honored by the presence of the Republican Federation’s greatest hero.”

Overwhelmed by the warmth and familiarity of the Consul’s welcome, Ludwig blushed; grinning shyly, he mumbled, “Thank you, sir.”

Placing his arm around Ludwig’s shoulders, the Consul guided him to a radiant Aurelia, who, upon their arrival, got up from her couch, embraced Ludwig, and invited, “Sit here beside me, Luddy.”

Once the group sat, android servants immediately appeared, filling glass goblets with strong, red wine. Aurelia placed a hand over her empty glass, and turned to Ludwig, saying, “Let’s share this first cup.” Staring at Aurelia in bewilderment, Ludwig turned to the Consul, silently appealing for his guidance.

The Consul inclined toward Ludwig; looking him directly in the eye, he said, “Don’t worry, my boy; I know everything about you and Aurelia, and I approve. You two are the future of the Republic.” The Consul took a brief, sidelong glance at his daughter, and then continued, “I also want you to know that I favored exile for your parents. It was Cato who persuaded the First Consul otherwise.”

Ludwig responded firmly, “I understand, sir. The past is past; what’s done is done.”

The Consul declared, “Spoken like a true hero of the Republican Guard. Drink up, my children.”

Ludwig and Aurelia drank from the same cup, and then kissed, Aurelia furtively licking the wine from Ludwig’s lips.

The Consul laughed jovially; clapping his hands, he cried, “Let the banquet begin.” Android musicians played upon cithara, pipes, and flute; Berenice, leading a dozen android “nymphs” in brief, diaphanous costumes, danced around the colonnade, through the garden, and among the dinner party, scattering artificial sprays, their familiar citrus and floral fragrance saturating the peristyle.

After the banquet, at around one a.m., Aurelia excused herself, leaving Ludwig alone with her father. The Consul temporarily banished all the servants from the peristyle. The garden became very still, except for the piped in natural sounds of gently running water and falls, wind rushing through tall grasses, chirping crickets, warblers, and hooting owls.

The Consul sipped some wine, and then gazed upward at the stars in the artificially projected sky, his eyes fixing upon Perseus and Andromeda.

Ludwig wondered at the Consul’s capacity for strong drink. Ludwig felt woozy; his vision blurry, his concentration numbed. Trying hard not to slur his speech, he announced, “Sir, I’m very much in love with Aurelia. I would like to take this opportunity to ask for her hand in marriage.” Unable to control himself, Ludwig finished his speech with a burp.

The Consul turned to Ludwig; smiling beneficently, he replied, “I agree.”

Ludwig grabbed the edge of his couch in a futile attempt to keep the room from spinning. He barely managed a slurred, “Thank you sir; you’ve made me very happy.”

The Consul re-filled his own glass, and then offered more wine to Ludwig.

Gesturing with his left-hand, while still firmly gripping the couch with his right, Ludwig replied, “Oh, no sir; if you please, no more.”

Laughing quietly, the Consul questioned, “Perhaps you would prefer beer? Aurelia told me it’s more to your taste.”

Having nodded off, Ludwig awoke with a start, pleading, “I’m fine, sir, really. You’re much too generous.”

Changing the subject, the Consul said, “Aurelia told me you have some questions about Cato.”

Ludwig wished he had a bucket of ice water, in which to soak his head. Exerting his will, he tried to frame a coherent question. “Sir, I’m fully aware of Consul Cato’s plot against you and the Republic, his collaboration with Algol, and the way he used my parents in an attempt to achieve his ends. However, considering the evidence of his treason, I don’t understand why you, and the I.S.P. Chief, haven’t denounced him to the Senate.”

Consul Finn got up, and walked over to Ludwig’s couch; sitting next to him, he whispered, “Consul Cato is a powerful man, with dangerous allies. The First Consul and Marshal Rodham are old and weak; they fear Cato. It will take great courage, careful strategy, and, above all, new blood, to save our Republic. As I said, you and Aurelia are the future.”

The Consul’s words had a sobering effect on Ludwig. “Have you a plan, sir?”

“Yes, I do; but I hope you understand that I cannot fully reveal my intentions to you, at this time. Just know, for now, that we have strong allies in the military, and the I.S.P. Among them are Colonel Zack, and Lieutenant Dax; and there are others, more highly placed in the Senate, military, the Republican Guard, and intergalactic commerce.”

Ludwig nodded in response, and said, “You can count on me, too, sir.”

Finn smiled broadly, saying, “Of course, I can; but first things first. A press release announcing your engagement has been prepared for tomorrow’s media.”

Getting up from the couch, Finn clapped his hands; Berenice and a male android appeared immediately. “Berenice,” the Consul ordered, “Tell the cleaning crew they can begin tidying up.” Addressing the male android, Finn added, “Escort our guest to his room.”

The Consul turned to Ludwig: “You’ll remain here as our guest. A room has been prepared; anything you want, the androids will see to it.”

Ludwig staggered to his feet, steadying himself on the couch. Managing a courteous bow, he said, “Thank you for everything, Excellency; I’m deeply in your debt.”

Consul Finn nodded benignly in response, and watched as Ludwig left with the android. Berenice returned with the cleaning crew. The Consul gave her further instructions regarding Ludwig’s accommodations, adding, “I’m going to my daughter, now. See that we are not disturbed.”

Finn knocked; hearing Aurelia’s voice, he entered her room. Aurelia, still dressed in her antique stola, sat behind an Empire period marble-topped desk, typing an e-mail on her laptop computer. Aurelia furnished her room in Napoleonic era eclectic style, including Egyptian bronzes of cats and the goddess Isis.

Consul Finn stood for a moment, before asking, “Are you going to offer me a chair?”

Aurelia looked up, and apologized. “I’m sorry father, please be seated.”

Finn sat, facing Aurelia, on the other side of her desk. “Ludwig’s smashed; I had a servant put him to bed. The engagement will be announced tomorrow; things seem to be falling into place, but I’m worried.”

“What is there to worry about?”

“I’m worried about you. The last time we met, you turned your back on me. Just now, your greeting was less than filial. Something’s eating you; spit it out.” Waiting a moment, and not receiving an answer, Finn added, “Is it Berenice?”

Aurelia gave her father an unusually aggressive, emerald-eyed stare. “What happens if Ludwig learns the truth about me?”

The Consul laughed. “Zack recently asked about truth. What is it, after all? Everyone seems concerned about this strange, metaphysical concept; I find that rather amusing.”

“Father, Ludwig noticed the resemblance between the “B” models and me. I wonder if you now regret your little joke.”

“You’re too vague, Aurelia. What have the “B” models to do with you? Are you worried that Ludwig will learn you’re an android?”

Aurelia frowned, responding, “Thank you, father, for being so direct.”

“You’re welcome, Aurelia. At times, being direct is best. Frankly, I cannot understand your concern. You are unique: Plotinus Industries’ masterpiece, the galaxy’s one and only “A.” Compared to you, the “B” series are primitive robots. Vastly superior to both humans and androids, you grew like a human child, and your memories are your own; you even have the ability to copulate with a human and reproduce sexually.”

“I realize that I’m virtually human; however, I find this hard to explain, father. Perhaps it’s something you can’t understand. I’m in love with Ludwig.”

The Consul shook his head, and smiled. “That’s the beauty of it; you can even love like a human.”

Aurelia glared at Finn. “He must never know, father.”

The Consul continued smiling, and said, “Feisty little thing, aren’t you? I see our Luddy will have his hands full.”

“You needn’t be sarcastic, father.”

Finn controlled his temper. There was a time for honey, and a time for vinegar; this was a time for honey. “I’m sorry, Aurelia. We’re all under a tremendous strain. And now, once we’re so near to our goal, you can’t imagine how much your misgivings trouble me.”

Aurelia looked down at her hands, and said, “Forgive me, father. It was wrong of me to speak to you as I did.”

Feeling relieved, the Consul replied, “Think nothing of it. I want you and Ludwig to be happy together. He need never know what you call ‘the truth.’ I made you for a specific purpose. You and Ludwig will be like Adam and Eve in the ancient Hebrew myth: the progenitors of a new race, combining the best of the human and the android.

“My ambition for you knows no bounds; it reaches far beyond the present Republic, or future Empire. Imagine, Aurelia; generations from now, your offspring will lead an intergalactic Empire, discovering, exploring, and conquering worlds as yet unknown.”

“That’s very inspiring. I suppose you’ll become a god.”

“Yes, Aurelia; I believe I will. And you and Ludwig will be with me; immortals among the stars.” Finn got up and walked to his daughter. Standing beside her, he bent down, kissed her forehead, and stroked her hair. “Get some rest now, child. We have busy days ahead.”

* * *

Ludwig awoke at four a.m., disoriented, and with a throbbing headache. After a moment, he realized he wasn’t alone. Thinking he was back in his hotel suite, he gave a command to light the room. It remained dark; a soft, familiar voice responded, “Our system’s different, Luddy.” Instantly, a warm, pale yellow glow subtly diffused throughout the sleeping area. Adjusting his eyes, Ludwig saw Aurelia, lying under silk sheets, beside him in bed.

“Aurelia; I’m out of it. I’m afraid I had a bit too much wine last night.”

“That’s alright, Luddy. Sometimes, father likes to test his guests by getting them drunk.”

Ludwig grimaced, asking, “Did I pass?”

Aurelia smiled, kissed his lips, and answered, “Yes; with flying colors.”

Groaning, Ludwig muttered, “My head feels like it’s in a vise.”

“Let me take care of that.” Aurelia began massaging his temples, and neck, using the same techniques as Bambi. In a minute, the headache was gone.

“I feel great, and without drugs. How did you do that?”

“My secret, Luddy; I guess I’m good for some things besides security police work.” Aurelia crawled out of bed and walked to the adjoining bathroom. She was nude; Ludwig watched her until she entered the shower, and disappeared behind the curtain. Familiar as he was with her body, he remained enthralled by her seemingly flawless beauty.

Looking around the elaborately furnished, hi-tech Empire style bedroom, enveloped in Aurelia’s fragrance emanating from the warm bed-sheets, Ludwig wondered whether it was too perfect to be real.

Returning from the shower, Aurelia, now dressed in robe and slippers, said, “I’m going to my room. I’ve ordered breakfast for the two of us in the roof-garden. A servant will come for you at 6:30. We have important things to discuss.”

Ludwig sat up in bed; sober, and looking very serious, he replied, “Yes, Aurelia, we do. I’ll see you later.”

A warm, orange sun rose above the skyline, tinting the cloud cover shades of salmon pink and fiery vermillion. A fresh, mild breeze blew inland from the nearby ocean, ruffling the fringed yellow umbrella above the glass and wrought iron breakfast table.

Traffic on the downtown boulevards was still light; one could hear, in the distance, the call of circling sea birds, and the deep-throated groan of a ship’s horn. Dozens of tall buildings surrounded the penthouse roof-garden, glass and steel gleaming in the early morning light.

Ludwig greedily attacked a heaping plate of charcoal-broiled steak, scrambled eggs, and fried potatoes, spattered with red hot-sauce, while gulping large glassfuls of fresh orange juice, and cups of hot, black, dark-roasted coffee.

Aurelia sipped herbal tea and picked at a melon, watching Ludwig eat with a mixture of admiration, amusement, and just a hint of aristocratic condescension. “Enjoying your breakfast, Luddy?”

Ludwig finished chewing and swallowing a mouthful of steak and eggs, and then answered, “Yeah, this is really great. This is the kind of chow we guardsmen dream about.” After draining his cup of coffee, he added, “I have more than just a big appetite. It must be the fresh air, and whatever you did to my head; I feel like I could take on a whole army of Algolians... or go another round or two in bed.”

“I’m glad to hear that, because that’s precisely what father expects you to do.”

Ludwig put down his knife and fork, and gazed into Aurelia’s gemlike eyes. Smiling, he said, “So now we come to the hard part. Give it to me straight, Aurelia.”

Without missing a beat, Aurelia briefed Ludwig on his next assignment. “Consul Cato has a spy network operating here in the Capital City, and throughout the Empire, including the Algolian territories. Of course, father also has spies; both factions have infiltrated the I.S.P. Where there are spies, there are double spies and moles, and one of our best is highly placed in Cato’s network.

“Our mole has given us valuable information on several of Cato’s agents, most of them androids. I believe you know one of those agents; she works under deep cover at the Intergalactic Aureus as a “B” series android named Bambi.”

Ludwig choked on some coffee, and began coughing into his napkin. Aurelia patiently waited until he recovered, and then asked, “Are you alright, Luddy?”

Clearing his throat, Ludwig took a drink of ice water, and then replied, “Yes, I’m fine. However, I think there’s something you should know about Bambi.”

Smiling, Aurelia said, “I’ll make it easy for you. I know all about your evening with her, and your tendency to alcohol-induced headaches. And you needn’t worry about me being jealous of a ’droid. May I continue?”

Ludwig nodded, and then took another drink of water.

“Cato assigned Bambi to you; he figured she could mine you for information about father’s plans, and blackmail you later. As far as we know, Cato trusts Bambi, and he will believe whatever intelligence she provides to him. We want you to start an affair with her, and feed her disinformation.”

Ludwig frowned; the bright mood of a few moments earlier was over. “Aurelia, this is all a bit beyond me. I’m just a simple soldier. I’ve pledged myself to your father’s cause, and I believe I can serve him by doing what I do best. What’s more, I love you; we’re to be married soon, and the last thing I want is to have an affair with a ’droid.”

“Luddy, I love you too, but please spare me the false modesty, and the ‘simple soldier’ routine. Father chose you to play a great role; if we didn’t think you were up to it, you wouldn’t be here. As for the affair, it means nothing to me, as long as you think of it as part of your job, defending the Republic.”

Ludwig smiled, and shook his head in resignation. “I’ll do whatever you say. I suppose everything’s been arranged with the Guard?”

“Not to worry; Zack’s our man. As far as the Guard is concerned, you remain on assignment to the I.S.P., which is to say, under me.”

Ludwig reached across the table, and held Aurelia’s hand. “Do you prefer me under you; I thought you liked me on top?”

Aurelia’s face brightened with a mischievous smile. “You’re learning, Luddy; I’ll make an aristocrat of you yet. Finish your breakfast; it’s time to go to work.”

To be continued...

Copyright © 2007 by Gary Inbinder