Stonehearser and the Shadows of Vengeance

Note: killer described

Beatriz Chanoyu reflected on her identity as a killer. She qualified as both a serial killer and a mass murderer, having committed numerous calculated killings over the years. Unlike typical killers, her motives had been rooted in revenge and practicality, rather than enjoyment or emotional detachment. Beatriz felt a sense of responsibility; her actions aimed to change history and protect the reputations of her victims, ensuring they would not be remembered as monsters.

Beatriz operated in secrecy. She encountered Stonehearser, an Eternal who had come from the future to kill a rival. Beatriz, however, was the mole he sought. She lured him, taking advantage of his technological dependency to precipitate a time paradox based on the near-unobtainability of Prometheum in the twenty-first century world. Ultimately, she killed him by exposing him to the starry sky unprotected, reflecting on the beauty and terror of the act, as well as her own transformation from a victim into a ruthless avenger. The complexity of revenge within the confines of a research community sent shivers down the spines of her fellow-scientists.

Her father had been dedicated to preserving the secret of the Eternals who altered the past. His efforts had failed on his part when Beatriz found out about their existence, but she had kept the secret upon being posted to Peru on her own initiative, viewing it as sacrosanct. Beatriz's childhood, where her father nostalgically described the lost beauty of nature, contrasted with her current life working on a secret project for the Peruvian government. Despite facing barriers in education as a Japanese, Beatriz Chanoyu empowered herself with a database, —an advanced interface that held crucial information about the Eternals. This secret became a vital part of her identity, and on the face of it, nobody believed she could or would murder a being from the future.

Beatriz struggled to remember her mother's face despite the clarity of her memory. She had been depicted as graceful and wise, imparting profound lessons on survival and the nature of power. Her words highlighted the importance of perception and control, emphasizing that those in power must believe in their own intelligence for change to occur.

Beatriz contemplated her parents’ teachings and their own unique contributions to her physics career, which she achieved through hard work. As she explored the Peruvian environment, she caught glimpses of the Nazca lines, in a place her father had described as beautiful but hidden from view unless viewed from the sky. Her curiosity led her to visit them again and again.

Three days prior:

By the Nazca lines, Thomas Reece served at a garden party in the nearby city of Nazca, the contrast between the view experienced by the privileged and the poor revealed in deep social divides. He had moved to Nazca to make suits for a prototype time machine, hoping to eventually break the problem that they always got left behind at the beginning of a time jump. Now, at a gathering hosted by Cristina Valari, the socialite, Thomas Reece made a toast to Cristina's success, hinting at a possible presidency.

While waiting for the partygoers to finish their meal, Thomas Reece felt a strong urge to examine the exhibit which took pride of place in the party's auditorium among the statues, a tiny pyramid of Promethium, which Cristina Valari said she had found, but which she had probably taken from the Pyramid, which appeared on a remote part of the Nazca plain. Cristina's demeanor had been friendly and non-superior. During their talk, she hinted at having information about the destruction of Cahuachi, which was all over the news.

After eating, Thomas Reece attempted to see the destruction of Cahuachi for himself. Fueled by determination, he began to see evidence that one of the “vengadores” who was out to revenge the recent murder of one of Cristina’s in-laws, was at the party. Beatriz had been heavily involved in discussions with Cristina Valari concerning Carlos Biltong’s change of career from head of the science team to politician.

Beatriz used strong language to influence and control, and her presence had evoked both fear and respect, especially considering her proximity at the time of death of an in-law of Cristina's, who had died by eating poisonous plants from Cristina’s garden. Whoever knew about the plants and their poisonous effects had not told him and he died with traces of them in his system.

Thomas Reece reflected on a tense and emotionally charged moment following the death of the politician who was also the secretive head of a death cult. As he had observed his signal fade on his phone, it had become evident that he was dead, and various people, including the enigmatic Beatriz, had been working with him. Beatriz was depicted as a manipulative figure, leading her team of physicists with a slow, deliberate pace that aligned with her secrecy.

Thomas Reece was particularly concerned about Cristina Valari, who visibly struggled with the grief of the death cult head’s death. Beatriz appeared detached and coldly focused on her directives.

Thomas Reece had linked the series of murders to the Valari clan, as the death cult drew its members from them, uncovering a complex web of deceit and abuse within their ranks, including the exploitation of women.

In the aftermath of the recent murder, Reece held Flora Moxie the archaeologist’s hand during his funeral. Meanwhile, an investigation continued, exposing the power dynamics and misogyny inherent in the death cult but not pinning anything on them specifically. Flora engaged in discussions about morality, memory, and reality with the entire team of scientists. They analyzed the implications of their own understanding of human behavior through observation and reflection and repeated to each other how he died having done nothing for science, if potentially that much more for politics.

Johnny Antunes was the new science team head. He noted that Beatriz's conversation revolved around the significance of secrecy and the emotional toll it took on her team. Johnny expressed a deep obsession with salvaging the time machine project himself, viewing it as the march of progress despite the dangers it posed. Beatriz acknowledged Johnny Antunes’s dedication but admitted to feeling a more complicated connection to time machines, experiencing a sense of obligation rather than passion.

Thomas told the investigators to pick nadorcotts, a variety of mandarin, at Flora Moxie's suggestion, to get their "agricultural worker status," in other words, to mingle with the natives. In the process they discovered a tunnel, where they learned that someone had travelled there from a future century. This location was on the extreme edge of the orangery, next to the start of the Nazca plain.

As Flora examined the tunnel, she realized she and Thomas must conceal their findings, fearing detection. While observing the surroundings, they heard an unusual, fast heartbeat nearby. They suspected it belonged to a future human and noted that the being had likely sensed their presence. Despite their caution, the heartbeat faded, suggesting the future human had retreated through a secret door not on any blueprints.

Cristina Valari, despite her nerves, was introduced to an Eternal, having caught him at the tunnel's mouth whilst surveying her orangery, who noticed her dark glasses but accepted her explanation as she said, "I'm recovering from eye surgery." As she settled into her new role as the link between modern humans and a visitor from the future, she prepared to observe the Nazca lines, taking notes including Stonehearser the Eternal’s given name as he demonstrated actions for further insight that would help her career.

Using Flora Moxie who was good at stealth, Reece uncovered a hidden door leading to the place where Stonehearser concealed himself. They overheard Stonehearser discussing with Cristina that a time terminal from the future only existed in Nazca. He dismissed her concerns with an air of indifference, leaving Cristina visibly shaken, and Thomas Reece noted the tension between them.

Flora and Thomas realized that the existence of a time terminal in Nazca was a well-guarded secret. Flora’s serene demeanor stood in sharp contrast to the tense situation, particularly as they infiltrated the Valari compound through a secret entrance. Inside, they found Cristina intently watching footage of her in-law’s death, revealing a disturbing obsession. Fear gripped Cristina, yet Flora was able to conceal her presence, commenting later on the unmistakable look in her eyes—a sign of a deeper connection.

Later, Cristina Valari faced scrutiny from Flora Moxie, who hinted at a serious incident she had failed to report to the investigation. Tensions mounted as Flora discussed her concerns about a mysterious pale man with Johnny Antunes, who expressed skepticism about his identity as an Eternal.

After the meeting, Cristina reflected on whether the time machine research remained useful. In the tunnel, Beatriz who informed Cristina that she had killed the in-law, made the decision to kill a man called Carlos Biltong next, who had stepped down from the time travel program to become a politician, seeing it as a necessary move to assert control in a chaotic situation. Following the encounter, Cristina contemplated her new life, reflecting on the choices that might lead her to the presidency.

Thomas Reece explored the quarters of the Valari family, surprised by the lack of surveillance and the absence of security measures. It appeared that the only family member recently at home, Carlos Biltong, had not activated any cameras. After ensuring the coast was clear, Thomas entered the opulent yet eclectic space, a blend of old-world luxury and bohemian charm. Rare artifacts, aged paintings, and furniture crafted from exotic woods captured his attention, though he remained focused on his mission. While researching Cristina’s communications, Thomas discovered her hidden diary. At first, he was disappointed by its content—mundane details of her daily life. However, as he read further, the meticulous obsession with these details hinted at a deeper psychological disturbance. Compelled by an inexplicable feeling, he decided to copy the diary, suspecting that it might hold some importance in the future. Inside a Valari family vault, Thomas noted the reverence paid to the Eternals there in the form of statues. He began to see that if the diary made no mention of the in-law's murder then it was not Cristina's doing.

Reece contemplated the state of the Valari clan and the manipulations of the exposed Eternal who seemed to be maneuvering to alter time somehow. After changing his clothes, Reece prepared for an exploration mission with Flora. They intended to gather more intelligence on the Valari family, who appeared to be scheming with the Eternal.

During their stealthy approach to the Pyramid, they overheard the conversation between Beatriz and Cristina after Beatriz's confession. Beatriz revealed knowledge of the Eternal’s impending actions, claiming he would soon manipulate Cristina into compliance with a time altering plan.

After dinner, Beatriz returned home to find a gift basket from Cristina filled with chocolates. She struggled with the temptation of the sweets, remembering the hunger she had experienced in her life and contrasting it with the excesses she now faced.

For Beatriz the desert had always been a home for the solitary, but today it carried a singular purpose—revenge.

For months, Carlos Biltong had escaped her grasp. Once, they had been close comrades, even friends. But that trust was shattered when he became politically ambitious, abandoning her as the science team leader in her time of need. The command for her to abandon the time machine research had come from his office, and ever since, Beatriz had hunted him. Her heart, once filled with camaraderie, now beat with a vengeance that only his death could silence.

Biltong was no ordinary target; he had risen to a high position in the Canadian Spacetime Agency, his record spotless, his reputation ironclad. But Beatriz had her sights on him, and followed him with every step. She had been his lover when he was the head scientist in Nazca. Now he had given way for Johnny Antunes, he was double damned in her eyes. He looked up as she entered his office unbidden, startled by her presence, though he quickly masked it. "Beatriz," he breathed, recognition dawning on him. "I knew you'd find me."

"You knew?" Beatriz stepped closer, her voice low and threatening. "After all these months? Did you wait for this moment? Did you plan for it?"

His gaze remained steady. "I never gave the order to stop your research, Beatriz. I didn't think the team could achieve it unaided, is all."

"Don't lie to me." She reached for the gun at her belt, her fingers brushing the cold steel. "You left me with nothing. For that, you deserve worse."

Biltong rose to his feet, his hands in front of him, palms open. "I never gave the order. You were a pawn, just like me. There were forces at work far beyond my control, beyond yours. If you kill me now, you'll never know the truth."

His words struck a chord, but Beatriz had heard enough excuses, enough half-truths. The time for talking was over. She shot; the barrel flashing in the low light—but before it could hit home, the Eternal, Stonehearser, burst onto the scene.

"Drop the gun," he barked, exerting mind control over Beatriz.

She cursed under her breath, spinning toward him. Her instinct for survival had kept her alive this long. She knew where he had come from and exited the office, summoned her parked car and drove to the Pyramid, and hurling the car at it she jumped out at the last possible second. There was a deafening explosion, but Beatriz was already accomplishing her mission. She ran, her heart pounding in her chest, kicking up sand. The sounds of pursuit faded as she jumped headlong into the orangery, then collapsed, catching her breath.

Beatriz swallowed hard, her memories flashing—of violence, betrayal, and the mistakes that had brought her to this moment. She had committed unspeakable acts in her pursuit of revenge, and now, with Cristina following from her estate and standing before her, she felt the terrible weight of the past crushing her.

"I’ve done things, Cristina. I’ve crossed lines that can’t be undone."

She approached her, her hand resting gently on her arm, which was broken. "We all have. But the fact that you’re here, with a conscience, means there’s still something left of you worth saving."

Stonehearser—an Eternal, a man whose reputation preceded him, tall, dressed in a tailored suit that barely concealed the hard edges of a man built for centuries of survival, stepped forward.

"Ah, Beatriz," Stonehearser said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "I see you’ve finally come to realize the truth."

Beatriz tensed, her hand instinctively reaching for her sidearm, but his gaze held her in place. "What truth?"

Stonehearser took a step closer, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "You were a decoy. A useful one, at that. We let you hunt Carlos, we let you think your revenge was yours to claim. But really, it was all part of the plan."

Beatriz’s fists clenched, anger bubbling beneath the surface. "Plan? What plan?"

"You have something we need, Beatriz," Stonehearser continued, his voice smooth. "A gift from us, a valuable one, beyond value. Your Promethium—which allowed you to murder without being caught—those abilities belong to us now."

Beatriz's head spun. Murder? She had never understood the full extent of what had happened to her, how she had managed to survive when she should have died for the crimes she had committed all along.

Stonehearser’s smile disappeared as he surveyed the damage. "And more than that, I needed the Pyramid. He pointed at Beatriz. It’s what made it possible to come back through time, and it was the key to something far greater than you could ever imagine."

Beatriz took a step back, her mind racing. She had heard whispers of it, rumors in dark corners of her father’s study. A substance of unimaginable power, capable of tearing reality itself apart: or bringing good fortune, as the Valaris hoped. And it would complete the missing research on the time machine.

"You want to take it back from us," Beatriz said quietly. "You want to use it."

"Of course," Stonehearser replied, his tone dripping with condescension. "But now you’ll be remembered as a martyr for the cause."

Beatriz glanced at him, her expression unreadable. She had known. She had always known more than she let on, and yet, she had chosen to come here, to this moment.

"You’re not getting the Promethium," Beatriz screamed, her hand tightening around the butt of her gun.

Stonehearser’s grin faltered. "Oh, you don’t have a choice."

But Beatriz did have a choice. She had always had a choice.

In a flash, she moved. The gun gleamed in the dim light as she lunged at Stonehearser. But before she could strike, a searing pain shot through her skull. She staggered, dropping the gun, clutching her head as visions blurred her sight—time shifting, space warping around her.

Stonehearser watched with detached amusement. "You see, Beatriz, you’re already mine."

She collapsed among the fallen nadorcotts, the world around her fading into a swirl of darkness. The Eternal stared at the sky. He sought a way out, but without the Pyramid he would die. Her last vision before she lost consciousness was simply the sight of a dish of nadorcotts.