Summary
An original piece of fan fiction featuring the characters of Sapphire and Steel from the ITC series, set immediately after the final televised adventure.
Rated: A cautious PG-15
Disclaimer
Sapphire and Steel belongs to the writer, P J Hammond. No infringement is intended.
Four figures met in a circular chamber. Their words were hushed, their gestures furtive. They grouped together, speaking with quiet urgency as their plan was finalised.
Three of the figures were similar in appearance. At first glance they seemed to be swathed in dark, hooded cloaks, the colour of old, dried blood, but further inspection revealed that the cloaks were no garment, but a part of the self. They rippled in and out of the chamber like ghosts, surrounding the fourth member of the cabal. This figure was more solid and man-shaped.
Words which were not quite spoken echoed between the individuals.
From the man: [Is it time, then?]
<Yes, it is time.>
[There's nothing more to discuss?]
<Nothing.> When the man made no movement, the figure expanded. <We cannot help you with this final step.>
[I understand.]
The man threw his shoulders back and began to raise his hands. As the three others watched, he slowly made contact with the sides of his head. There, he paused and glanced hesitantly around.
[I'm afraid,] he offered, after a moment. The statement was calmly made, but its truth was clear in the man's eyes.
Two of the ghosts seemed to bristle impatiently, but the third silenced them with what could have been a glance.
<We're all afraid. Afraid for you and for ourselves and for everything. You have a choice. You can stop this, now. No one will prevent you leaving this chamber.>
The man's hands fell to his sides again, in a gesture of helplessness.
[There is no choice,] he declared. [My fear changes nothing.]
There was no response to his words, but the man sensed their understanding and it seemed to calm him. Once again he lifted his fingers to his head.
[Are you ready?] he asked.
<We are ready.>
The man gritted his teeth and his eyes flashed with some hidden power. In a pulse of light he suddenly cried out in agony, before his hands fell impotently to his sides and his legs buckled.
His unconscious body was prevented from crumpling entirely by the three ghosts, whose focused efforts let it drop gently to the ground. They waited for long seconds as the echo from the man's cry died away.
<Is it done?>
<Only Time itself can answer that question.>
The man's body faded from the chamber until the three were alone. They lingered a moment more, but there was nothing further to say or do. Each ghost rippled out of existence, until the chamber was empty.
~~~~~~~
To be continued in Chapter 1
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