CHAPTER 20
Ascendant
Religion might not have been a mainstream practice in the RUNA, but there was plenty of information about its many incarnations on the media stream for those who were interested. In some ways, there was almost too much. Following Dr. Cassidy’s party, Tessa threw herself into research on Osiris and Egyptian mythology, coming up with more questions than answers.
“All of this is on ancient stuff,” she complained to Daphne. “And there’s no real record that details exactly how they worshipped. There’s just a general set of beliefs.”
“That’s all there usually is for these modern revivalist cults,” said Daphne. “Most of these groups based on ancient gods weren’t around just before the Decline. They popped up afterward and pieced together new practices based on the old myths.”
“But there’s hardly any info on what those new practices are.” Tessa knew she sounded whiny but couldn’t help it. It was frustrating to have access to so much information and not actually get what you needed.
“The servitor’s office probably has it,” Daphne said. “Smart groups keep their practices secret. But that’s not important to us. This is. And really, there’s just nothing that damning.” She tapped her ego, which had a transcription of the conversation recorded in Dr. Cassidy’s office. Daphne had gone over it a hundred times, and while there were insinuations present, the recording contained nothing that concretely linked the man to membership in a cult. She sighed. “Smart groups also don’t leave any public records of their members that we could possibly tie Cassidy or anyone in the CP to.”
Tessa disagreed with Daphne that the practices weren’t important. She couldn’t shake the feeling that understanding the worship of Osiris would be instrumental in understanding Cassidy and his subsequent agenda. And seeing as his own words and the public record offered no conclusive results, it seemed to Tessa that investigating the religion itself was their only option.
“What about this?” she asked. She had a reading tablet propped up on the March kitchen table and turned it toward Daphne. “Dr. Cassidy mentioned Osiris’s son and how the ancient Egyptians believed the pharaohs embodied him. It says here that his son’s name was Horus and backs that whole idea up—about how sovereignty is linked to divinity. I think Dr. Cassidy believes that—I saw it in his face, that Gemman leadership would benefit from godly influence.”
Daphne gave a scarlet-lipped smile and leaned back in her chair. “Sweetie, I would love that if that were true. If we had proof that the Citizens Party was out searching for the next son of Osiris to lead this country, it would make both our careers. Unfortunately, ‘seeing it in his face’ isn’t enough. You should appreciate that, since you’re always such an advocate for proof.”
“I don’t think they’re looking,” said Tessa. “I think they’ve already found their Horus. You see the way they talk about Lucian. And the press has noted for a long time how unusual it is that the Citizens Party rallied around such a young candidate for consul. Maybe it’s not that weird if they believe that candidate’s been marked with divine favor.”
”Once again,” said Daphne. “I would love if that were true. We have no proof, especially with the good senator out of the country right now. Our best bet is to try to finagle an interview when he’s back, and in the meantime, keep you on good terms with the YCC. When’s your next meeting?”
“Today,” admitted Tessa. “But I wasn’t planning on going.”
“Of course you’re going,” exclaimed Daphne. “It costs you nothing but time. And who knows? Maybe we’ll get lucky and catch something unexpected. Don’t forget this.” She slid the microphone over to Tessa, who took it reluctantly.
“Dr. Cassidy may not even be there,” she warned Daphne. “I get the impression his visits are rare. Makes sense since his main job’s counseling party members. Acacia will probably run things.”
Daphne nodded along, undaunted. “Yes, and she’ll report back to him, which will reflect well on you.”
Tessa had no arguments to make. She was caught up on her schoolwork and had no other plans that afternoon. So, with more of Daphne’s blessings and advice, Tessa grudgingly took the train back downtown to the YCC’s offices with Rufus. As expected, Acacia ran the meeting alone, which turned out to be a variation of the last one. They finalized project plans and had more discussions about current issues. The only surprising part came when, a few minutes before things ended, Dr. Cassidy himself actually showed up.
He nodded in approval as the group finished up debating a piece of education legislation that had been in the news that day and then bade each of them farewell when they started to disperse. When Tessa joined the others, he called her back.
“Just a moment,” he told her. “I actually came by to ask you something.” He let the others leave and told Acacia he’d lock up for the night. Tessa grew nervous at the dramatics, but his request turned out to be pretty benign. “I know you’re still getting your feet with us, and I certainly don’t want to pressure you into anything . . . but Adora Zimmer’s been in touch with me, and you’ve made quite an impression on her.”
Tessa thought back to the woman from the party. “Really? We only talked a few minutes.”
He smiled. “Well, apparently that was enough. Immigration reform is something she’s very passionate about, but it’s a tough sell to a lot of people. The CP sees certain benefits to it, especially with such a compelling spokeswoman.”
Such a wealthy spokeswoman, Tessa thought. Aloud, she said, “What would you like me to do, sir?”
“Adora’s group has its own share of fundraising and awareness events, and she’d simply like to meet with you to discuss possible future involvement. I know it’s asking a lot,” he admitted, looking truly apologetic. “Especially when you’re just getting to know us and have your own work and projects, but . . .”
“It’s a good cause,” said Tessa, actually meaning it. After seeing the way she’d been treated in the RUNA, she was sympathetic to any mission that might help others in her situation. But she knew that wasn’t Dr. Cassidy’s biggest motivator here. “And it’d make the CP look good in her eyes if you lent me out,” Tessa added.
“Don’t think of it like that,” he said, with a small chuckle. “We don’t treat people like commodities around here. But yes—she’s definitely someone we want to keep in good favor with and not just because of her wealth. She’s also very influential in business and has a lot of important contacts, whose endorsement could be critical to our cause. You haven’t been with us that long, but I hope you’ve seen enough to understand that we really do have the best intentions for this country.”
“I have, sir. And I’m happy to help. But sir . . .” He’d lit up at her acceptance, and Tessa realized in that brief moment that she had an opportunity. Since that night at his house, she’d thought a lot about the charm she saw Justin work on others. It was still largely a mystery to her, but she’d realized that often when she witnessed him in action, he had knowledge or power of something important to the other person. That was how he engaged others, by putting to use what he learned about them. Tessa might not fully grasp the finer points of that art, but she could tell now that Dr. Cassidy was legitimately grateful and fond of her right now.
“Yes?” he asked, eyebrows knitting in worry. “Is everything okay?”
Tessa glanced around, ascertaining they were alone before bursting forth with the inspiration that had just struck her. “I don’t know,” she said, making her voice waver a little. “I . . . I’m confused about something. And I don’t know if anyone can help, but I think you might be the closest person I can ask.”