Death of the Deathless - 5

Kazansky, Shruiken, Nicolette and Krovin were now back in the control room of the ever-so-popular wormhole generator with Dr. Vladimir Voronov.
“So… you want to use the EXICOS system?” asked Voronov.
“That’s right, comrade. There’s no danger there, is there?” replied Kazansky.
“Well, in theory, no… we’ve never tried it before – hence the EX in EXICOS. It’s a brand new system, and you claim to have right of usage because this is an emergency?”
“Indeed.”
“If you break it, you will…”
“I know, I know, be shot.”
“Of course not. You’re an officer. You’d be demoted first, then shot.”
“Oh that is so comforting, major.”
Kazansky then proceeded over to the microphone that was the receiver for the EXICOS system. He tapped it slightly.
“Don’t do that, major.” Voronov said, adjusting the coordinates of the machine. “It’s… very annoying.” He continued to gently turn the dials and gave the thumbs-up symbol.
“Can I make the call now?” asked Kazansky. Voronov thrust his thumb up in the air, seeming to reiterate, “Yes, call now! NOW!”
Kazansky spoke into the microphone, “Charny? Helloooo? Your majesty? Can you hear me?”
“Turn off the mute.” mumbled Nicolette.
“Oh.” Kazansky pushed a large black button labeled “mute” in red letters. Static filled his ears from the speakers.
“Holy shit, man! Are you trying to make us deaf?” He yelled.
A familiar voice responded, “Who is this? Alexei, is that you?”
“Oh, hey man! Yeah, this is Major Kazansky. We need help.”
“What kind of problem… and how are you doing this?”
“Dr. Voronov made an interdimensional telephone. That’s not important. What’s important is that you get your royal ass over here right now.”
“Bonjour, mangeur de merde!”
“What was that?” asked Charnaiz.
“Oh, that’s Nicolette. She’s—“
“Not another word. Valeri – let’s go.”
Seconds later, a red wormhole opened up in the middle of the generator’s bay. Charnaiz, wearing his battle armor, and his prophet/healer Valeri stepped through the wormhole and looked up at the control booth. Nicolette waved to him in a teasing manner, and Charnaiz flew up to the control booth and phased through the glass.
“You!”
“Oui. C’est moi!”
Charnaiz turned to Kazansky, “What the hell is she doing here?”
“She’s helping out.” was the reply.
“If you want my help, keep her out of my hair.”
“No can do – I’m not my brother’s keeper.”
Charnaiz stared at the Scorpion for a moment. She gave him a mischievous grin.
“Promise, she won’t be a hindrance.”
“She won’t. It’s Midori we’re talking about here.”
Valeri stepped into the room and said, “She’s been possessed by Al’Iblis – the demon of the Man of Blood.”
“WHAT?!?” was Charnaiz’s initial reaction.
“She went out the window.” Krovin said, coming out into the view of Charnaiz.
“What are you doing here!?” Charnaiz said, his eyes glowing red.
“Calm down, Charny.” Kazansky said, stepping in between the two. “He’s on our side for now.”
Charnaiz slowly backed away, Krovin smiling at him.
Valeri broke the tension, “Gentlemen – there is one way we could hope to save her soul – but we will have to do this physically. Prophets and seers who still conform to the old practices have a way of saving souls by bringing them back from the realm of the dead.”
“You mean hell?” asked Shruiken.
Valeri nodded her head.
“So…” Kazansky said, “You’re… literally telling us to go to hell?”
“Yes.” she said. “Go to hell, all of you.”
“Are we all to die?” asked Shruiken.
“There are other ways.” said Valeri.
“Such as?”
“A half-death.”
“This is madness.”
“Famous last words.”
Krovin interrupted, “How are we supposed to accomplish this?”
“Choose your element.” She replied, turning to face him, “By water, by ice, or by smoke?”
Krovin pondered the question, “What if I am able to kill myself by will?”
“That may be risky – but it might work.”
“What if I shoot him in the nuts to bring him to the world of unconscious?” Kazansky said, grinning.
“That would be of no use to anyone.” Valeri said, shaking her head.
“It’d be of use to me! It’s called gratification!”
“No, it’s called torture.” said Voronov. “And you’re still in my control booth why? Get out – all of you.”
“Fine, fine – we’re going.” Nicolette said, getting out.
“Thanks for your time, comrade.” Kazansky said, stepping out, with Krovin coming ahead of him.
“No problem, comrade. Just make sure you don’t overheat the machine next time. It’s been on since—“ the door slammed shut. “Ingrate.”