The Radix

Chapter Thirteen - Indecision to the Fourth Power

" " talking
~ ~ thinking
(( )) flashback

Ethos threw open the door to their small one room shack with such force that both Naima and Astrid were startled by the ferocity of his actions. The unfamiliar firmness of his grip soon set their daughter into a fit of whimpers and ethos was quick to lie her in their small, hand made cradle.

"What's wrong with her?!" He asked in annoyance as his wife scrambled to comfort their child with soothing caresses.

"You're scaring her!" Astrid snapped, taken aback by ethos' tone. "You're scaring ME!" She watched as he began pacing their shack in a state of agitated unrest. "What's wrong with you?"

"You told me she was dead." Ethos suddenly spoke, the trembling of his voice belying his fear despite the daggers shooting from his eyes. "You told me she killed herself?"

"What?" She gave him a look of sincere confusion while one hand continued to caress Naima's brown tufts of hair. "What are you on about? Who's SHE?"

"Salene." The hissed response chilled the air between them and Astrid felt the hairs on her neck stand on end.

"Wha...?" Utterly shell shocked by the name, Astrid's mouth gaped open and closed repeatedly as she stared at her husband in disbelief. He hadn't spoken of his late wife since they'd buried his friend Patsy on the mountain. that was over a year ago. only months before the Technos had intercepted their journey to the coast. "What are you talking about?"

"You said she was dead." Ethos repeated tightly, his light eyes shimmering with distrust and confusion.

"She... she was." Astrid stuttered.

"Then tell me why I just saw her out there... very much alive!" Ethos snapped back impatiently.

Astrid's face went pale. "You saw Salene? Are you sure?"

"I may be dumb astrid but I'm not blind!"

"I never said you were! And don't call yourself dumb!" She fired back, her own temper rising to match that of her husband's. "I was just asking because as far as I know Salene committed suicide." A tense moment of silence passed between the couple before Astid narrowed her slanted eyes. "Wait a minute. Do you think I lied about her?" Ethos didn't reply though the accusation in his eyes was all the answer she needed. "You think I lied to you?!"

"I don't know what to think!" Ethos found his voice. "I don't know what's going on but..."

"How could you think that?!" Astrid continued as though he hadn't spoken. "I was told that Salene was dead. She and the baby. Do you have any idea how horrible it was for me to have to go back and tell you that? To tell you that everything you held dear in this world was gone? It was one of the hardest things I've ever done and we both know I've done a lot. There's no way I would have lied about something like that. no matter how badly I wanted you to stay with me!"

Ethos stared as his wife began to lose the tenuous hold on her emotions. by the trembling of her shoulders, he could see that she was fighting back fierce tears and he found himself suddenly flooded with remorse. How could he have doubted this young woman, the same one who saved his life in more ways than one? He had no idea why Salene was here but he did know that if somebody had lied, it wasn't his Astrid.

"I'm sorry." Ethos quickly pulled his wife into his arms, tucking her head securely under his chin as the tears began to spill. "I know you'd never do that. Shhh, I'm sorry baby, I'm sorry. i never shoulda said that."

"I wouldn't..." was all Astrid could choke out.

"I know, I know." Ethos held her tighter and kissed her dark dreadlocks. "I'm sorry. I don't think, you know that. I'm sorry. I'm just..." He paused and inhaled Astrid's comforting scent. "It scared me, that's all. If that was really Salene..." He couldn't continue and Astrid didn't encourage him to do so. Neither wanted to to face what Salene's being alive meant. They both knew that had Ethos believed his ex wife to still be alive, he would have gone back to the city instead of staying with Astrid. And if he hadn't stayed, they wouldn't have fallen in love and there would be no marriage, no Naima and none of the happiness they both had been so desperately seeking and found in one another. The chance that a truth they'd accepted and based their lives on was a lie... it was too overwhelming a thought to consider. Now more than ever Ethos regretted not allowing his fellow Mallrats to speak to him about Salene. one simple conversation with any of them would have alleviated the shock of such a discovery. Not entirely but at least he would have been far more prepared for this moment.

It was several minutes before Astrid was able to stifle her sobs. She absolutely hated crying yet discord with her beloved was one of the few things that could reduce her to a blubbering wreck in record time. She clung to the security of his arms and let her tears soak his wool jumper, thankful that he showed no signs of loosening his embrace.

"Ethos," She finally spoke softly. "Do you really think it was Salene?"

"Yeah." He answered just as quietly. "She was with Lex and May."

"So that means your other friends are here?"

"I think so."

"You don't sound surprised."

"They're Mallrats." Ethos smirked despite his tumultuous emotions. "Can't think of anything they haven't been able to survive yet."

Astrid smiled into the crook of his neck before sobering once more. "Ethos, if we were wrong about Salene then... then maybe we were wrong about the baby too."

A pause. "You mean...?"

"Yeah."

Ethos let out a staggered breath as astrid's statement set in. His eyes settled on their daughter who lay staring back with identical gray orbs while sucking her thumb. Though he'd buried his past and done his mourning long ago, his feelings for a nameless, faceless, technically sexless child he'd never known were still there. Despite all that had gone wrong between he and Salene, Ethos took comfort in the fact that they'd managed to do something as beautiful as create a life together. And it didn't matter that he never met nor laid eyes on his precious baby. He'd been a father and nothing, not even death could take that from him. He had mourned that child like any parent and all of his hopes were now bestowed upon his little girl. To think that he might still have another child out there... Ethos couldn't stop his heart from fluttering just a little bit.

Not certain of what her husband was thinking, Astrid allowed his silence to further instigate her worst fears. She knew Ethos loved she and Naima and would protect them both with his life. Still, with the sudden arrival of his "late" wife and the possibility of another child, she couldn't help feeling as though she'd simply replaced what was thought to be lost. Steeling herself for the rejection she was sure was coming, Astrid decided to make it easier for her husband to make his decision.

"I'll understand." She whispered.

"Understand what?" Ethos shook his head out of his thougthts.

"That this changes things."

"Changes what things?"

Astrid sighed. He certainly had a habit of picking the most inopportune times to go daft. "Your wife is alive, Ethos. That kinda makes our marriage null and void." She stared up at him as he pulled away and narrowed his eyes in confusion. Slowly he frowned with understanding.

"Salene is NOT my wife. Not anymore."

"Ethos..."

"No, listen to me, Astrid." he cut her off sharply. "Me and Sal... it was over before I was even sent away. I can look back and see it for what it was. Even if the Chosen hadn't taken over, I don't think we woulda lasted. You," He gently grabbed her shoulders. "you're my wife and I don't for one second regret making that choice."

Astrid sighed. "But if you hadn't been sent away... if you didn't think Salene was dead, none of this would have happened."

"That doesn't matter now. Things happen that don't make a whole lotta sense but I really think that I had to go through all that rubbish so I could find you. And I wouldn't change any of it. If Salene and me... if our kid is alive then I'll love it just like I love Ima. But none of this changes things between me and you." Realizing she wasn't being cast aside Astrid gave him a watery smile which he returned with a wide grin before hugging her again.

Breathing her husband's woodsy scent Astrid nuzzled his neck. "So what happens now?"

Ethos shrugged. "I don't know."

"You have to talk to her. Find out the truth."

"I don't want to." He answered in a sheepish tone that might have sounded petulant coming from anyone else.

Astrid smirked. "I know, but you have to."

"I know, but not now."

"Not now." She agreed as he hugged her tighter.

"I need to wash up."

Astrid chuckled at the random statement and once again pondered the inner workings of her husband's mind. "I like the smell of earth on you."

"Yeah but I'd rather smell like you." Came the cheeky reply as Ethos grabbed his wife's backside suggestively. Giggling Astrid pulled away just enough to plant a promising kiss to her favorite pair of lips.

"I'll get the water."

----------------------------------------------------------------
"Sounds like you've had a busy few days."

"Yes," Jet watched as Brock peeled off his stained shirt. "A lot has happened around here."

"Nothing that you all couldn't handle."

"That's not the point."

"Cipher must be pleased to have his old tribe reunited." Brock chuckled, ignoring his girlfriend's sharp statement. "I'm sure Lyric had a word or two to say about the Technos."

"Try a monologue." Jet muttered and Brock laughed. "There are still decisions to be made."

"What's to be done with Ram?" He asked while tugging down his trousers.

"That for one, we haven't decided. We didn't want to discuss it without you." Jet added at the surprised look on Brock's face. "Speaking of which..."

"I know, I know." He held his hands up in surrender. "We're late."

"There's a reason we have a schedule Brock. It's the first indication that something is wrong and when you ignore it and simply return at your own leisure..."

"I know. But you should've seen this Buck Jet. Not to mention the trades we made at the port." He came forward and wrapped his arms around her. "This is gonna be one hell of a moon festival. We've got what... three more days?"

"Two." Jet whispered, trying to muster up the energy to continue the chewing out she'd planned.

"Plenty of time to make the jerky." Suddenly he pulled away leaving Jet feeling bereft as she watched him rummage through his pack. "I brought you something." He came back and placed a hand woven hemp necklace with a single jade stone around her neck. "I thought it matched your eyes."

"It's beautiful." Jet fingered the gift in awe as Brock fastened it from behind. "Thank you." She answered his smile with a gentle kiss before giving him a shrewd look. "I'm still upset with you."

Brock chuckled. "I wouldn't expect any less."

"You're setting a bad example when you blatantly disregard the laws and guidelines we've set in place."

"Well someone has to." jet chose to ignore his cheeky response as she walked over and sat on the bed, seemingly in deep contemplation. Brock sighed and joined her. "Okay, I was wrong. I purposely delayed the hunters without good reason, leaving you all to worry about our fate. I admit it. What do you want me to do? Grovel for your forgiveness oh great one?"

Jet chuckled. "That would be a good start."

Smiling, Brock nuzzled her neck playfully. "Look at it this way; I'd never be comfortable staying away so long if I didn't believe the village was in good hands. It's you and Lyric who run everything anyways. Cipher and I only represent strength and..."

"That's not true!"

Brock quickly silenced her protest with a sound kiss. "It is. Me and Cipher have spoken of it before and we're both more comfortable with everyone looking to you two girls for guidance. We like being on the sidelines. Grant it we'll defend this place to the death if that's what it takes but on a day to day basis, we gladly hand the reigns to you. You must have noticed it by now." He continued as he smoothed Jet's furrowed brow with his fingers. "Cipher stays on watch as much as possible and I spend nearly every waking minute traipsing through the forest with a spear. You and Lyric are the ones who make this place run smoothly. They look to the two of you. Us guys are nothing more than a symbolic show of arms and we wouldn't have it any other way."

"I always thought the four of us each had a role to fill. Each just as important as the others." She sounded slightly disappointed.

"We do. It's just like Taisan said, having four of us represents the elements and brings balance. I'm not sure what element I am but I'm pretty sure Lyric wins Fire hands down."

Jet laughed. "Well if I had to guess I'd say you were Water."

Brock raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Because you're the calm one." She grinned at him. "And you have an unmistakable talent for soothing ruffled feathers."

"Thank God for that." He joined in with her laughter.

"What about Cipher? Earth? He does spend a lot of time out in the woods."

Brock shook his head. "Air. That guy is definately Air. He likes to come and go as he pleases and refuses to be tethered. I've never known anyone who requires so much elbow room."

"I'll give you that." Jet nodded. "So that leaves me with Earth."

"And it's quite fitting."

"How so? Because I'm so grounded?"

"Not necessarily. I mean you are grounded and that's a good thing but," Brock paused and gazed into her green eyes in awe. "I say you represent Earth because you center all of us. Fire, Water, and air all revolve around the Earth Jet. You keep us from... losing ourselves, from flying off the handle, or becoming drunk with power." She couldn't help but snigger at that. "The fact that you take it in such stride and stay humble is what makes you such a great leader."

Blushing, Jet ran a hand through his dark shaggy hair. "There you go with that silver tongue of yours again. If that was a lie, it was the nicest I've heard in quite some time."

Brock chuckled and brushed his lips against her suggestively. "Am I forgiven yet?"

"You're halfway there."

"Shall I list off your stunning physical attributes?" His hand deftly began to work off the strap of her top.

Jet jumped up from the bed with a smirk. "Maybe later. We still have to decide what to do with Ram and the other newcomers."

"Way to kill a moment." With an exaggerated sigh Brock fell back on the bed, bare arms splayed. "What have you three discussed so far?"

"We haven't but I think it's safe to say that the Mallrats are welcomed as long as they abide by our laws and join the Radix. It would be best to give them some time to make their decisions. Those who wish to leave must do so within a fortnight or sooner. As far as the Techno they call Jay, seeing as he is no longer apart of that group and the Mallrats vouch for him, I don't see him being an issue. That leaves Ram and I don't pretend to believe that his fate will be simple to decide. Both Cipher and Lyric tried to kill him yesterday."

Brock smirked up at the thatched roof of their shack. "At least they were working together."

"Anyway I don't think we should speak on this anymore without the others nor do I want to delay this any longer. His presence has caused unrest in the village so I think it's prudent that we decide what happens to him tonight."

"I can take a hint." Brock sat up slowly, recognizing the shift in Jet's speech. She was always less casual when she spoke as a leader. "Gather the others while I wash up. I'll join you shortly."

"Thank you." Jet leaned down and kissed him before retrieving her robe and leaving the shack.

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Back in the compound building Slade found his girlfriend pacing their room as she wrung her hands irritably. The very sight of her in such a state was quite off putting but before he could speak, she held her hands up.

"Look Slade," Ebony sighed in defeat. "I don't wanna fight about Ruby anymore."

Immediately pacified by the change in her mood he relaxed and shut the door. "Well it's about time you came to your senses." Slade gave her a small smile as he stepped forward and caressed the side of her face. His smile faded slightly when he saw the unrest in her expression. "What's wrong?"

Ebony looked up conflicted beyond measure. After wrestling with her emotions all morning she was no closer to making a decision about what to do about the whole Ruby, Slade, baby, truck... THING. She wanted to tell him the truth because she loved him and believed he deserved that much. Besides she wasn't certain she could continue with this one treacherous act hovering over her. Ebony didn't like loose ends. But to speak up meant to risk losing everything. And for once Ebony just didn't think she was strong enough to go through that.

"Ebony?" Slade prompted again and she blinked out of her thoughts.

"I don't want to lose you." She whispered, her pulse increasing as he bridged the minute distance between them with another step.

"And what gave you the idea that you would?" Slade smirked flirtatiously as he took Ebony's hand, his supple lips brushing along her knuckles lustfully. He was in dire need of a distraction from his thoughts of Josh and a building confusion over Ruby. And Ebony was one hell of a lovely distraction. She gasped softly and shivered as he wickedly trailed the tip of his tongue along the contour of her finger. "Is that what's had your knickers in such a twist this week?"

She vaguely nodded shuddering at his subtle ministrations. She wished he would stop gazing at her that way. For once she wanted to be serious about something but his flirtatious hints were making that near impossible. "Slade, there's something I should tell you..." Ebony stopped short and moaned as he pulled her close at the waist and nipped her earlobe with his teeth.

"And what would that be love?" Slade pulled back and looked at her, seemingly lost in sudden thought. Ebony stared back. Was that contentment on his face?

"What?" She finally spoke in a barely there whisper.

"Sorry," Slade shook himself out of the haze with a playful smile. "It's hard to think when those eyes of yours render me speechless. I don't think I'll ever get used to it."

Ebony sighed as he dove back into the curve of her neck, his tongue laving the soft bites he made. How was she supposed to give this up? Was the truth really that important? She'd managed long enough without it. So what if she could never again look Ruby in the face. She'd ever liked the barmaid anyway. Besides the injured blond showed no signs of remembering what really happened so Ebony's secret was safe. Wasn't it? As Slade's exploring hands made their way up her halter, his fingers lightly brushing over a pert nipple, Ebony allowed another moan to escape her lips and decided to forget about Ruby. Who needed a clear conscience when all she needed was Slade fucking her into the mattress for redemption? Slade suddenly gasped with pleasure as Ebony pulled him off her neck by his hair and mashed her mouth against his, forcing her tongue between his lips. She needed this. Needed a reaffirmation of his desire for her.
The heat pooled in Slade's groin as Ebony dominated the kiss. God he loved when she was forceful like this. This was exactly the distraction he needed from his raging thoughts. He needed to be taken, his orgasm ripped from him almost forcefully. And if anyone could do it, it was Ebony. As if reading his mind, her questiong hands slid down his front until she cupped him firmly through his trousers. Slade groaned into her mouth as Ebony pulled at his organ, making it clear exactly what she wanted. In seconds Slade had managed to pull his girlfriend's halter off while she worked at his zipper. Attacking one another's mouths with renewed fervor, the couple stumbled backward, a trail of hastily removed clothing in their wake. hitting the back of his legs against the cot. Slade gratefully went down with Ebony squirming away on top, both still questing for dominance. Their hands ripped at one another, yanking off layers of annoying fabric and digging at sensitive skin. The kisses were brutal, teeth clacking, lips bruised to the point of looking busted. This endeavor had nothing to do with love or romance. It was all lust, raw need, a physical itch dying to be scratched. As Ebony left an angry looking love bite on his neck, her naked thigh rubbing against his leaking cock, Slade could take no more. With one practiced move he flipped them over and pinned her arms above her head. He paused only to nip at Ebony's breasts, watching her back arch with satisfaction before thrusting in without warning. Ebony cried out from the sheer force of their connection, biting back her discomfort. Slade allowed her body to moisten and simply wallowed in the pleasure that was her tight heat. Waiting until she gave him a nod of approval he began slowly thrusting, pleased to hear her moans accompanying his own. Now this was more like it.

author's note: for those of you who are curious bout how Ryan came to be with Astrid, read my companion story "Ryan's Song" for more details on their relationship. It follows his journey after the Chosen occupation. Also Naima is pronounced ny-ee-ma. Ethos, ee-thos.