Somewhere over Asia
The midnight flight from Tokyo to New Delhi was nearly empty. Once in India, Grey would travel by train to Srinagar, then to Sainte-Germaine's estate at Rauza Bal. He wasn't sure whether to expect an easy entrance.
He was still somewhat surprised to find the identification he was provided with worked to secure him a flight on his own, without any handling from Sainte-Germaine or Shiva. This could work after all.
Busy, aren't we, John?
Turning from the window, where he had been admiring the view of the Himalayas, Grey noticed the seat next to him no longer looked empty. Sitting in it was a corrupted mockery of himself, black eyes blazing with contempt.
"Am I asleep again, Viper?"
Merely connecting psychically. Don't fret for these useless bags of meat around you. They're in no danger yet.
"That's good to know. I don't have to kill you yet, then."
Funny. Whatever you're planning won't work. Shiva still serves me. And Sainte-Germaine would be loyal long past death, the fool.
"I don't need their loyalty, only their help. And I'm not using them to stop you -- that's my job alone."
Then you'll fail. No one can stop me. Not even Palamedius could.
"I'm not Palamedius. Don't underestimate humanity, Viper. I promise you this: when all is said and done, you'll be dead and I'll be still standing. And I'll swear to God on that."
We shall see, "Indestructible Man", we shall see...
With a chill wind, the seat was empty again, as the first rays of dawn began to break over the horizon...
