Jekyll & Hyde Inc.

“Maybe all those years trapped in the dark really did drive them mad,” said Daniel. “Or it could be like the old story, about the genie imprisoned in the bottle. At first he swore he’d reward whoever set him free, but after being a prisoner for centuries he swore to destroy whoever released him, for taking so long. It could be that all they want now is revenge on the modern world for having replaced the world they knew.”

“You’re overcomplicating things,” said Tina. “They’re monsters, responsible for generations of death and suffering just so they could profit from it. That’s all that matters.”

“Can’t argue with that,” said Daniel. “I wonder what they’re saying. Memories of a world only they remember . . . or just sad thoughts of how it used to feel, to be human? Do you suppose they can even remember what that was like, after so long?”

And then all nine figures suddenly turned their heads, to look right at the spot where Daniel and Tina were hiding. One of the mummies raised a bandaged hand, and beckoned to them.

“No need to skulk in the shadows. Come out into the light, and join us.”

The voice was flavored with an entirely unfamiliar accent. Daniel looked at Tina, who shrugged, and they stepped out from between the two sarcophagi and moved forward into the open circle, to face the mummies in their comfortable chairs. None of them moved, but their eyes burned brightly in their bandaged faces. Up close, the mummies smelled strongly of spices and other preservatives.

“How did you know we were there?” said Daniel.

“The sewers are still with you,” the mummy said dryly. “How did you evade our guardians?”

“They’re all dead,” said Daniel. “We have no time for hired killers.”

“But they do make the best guards,” said the mummy. “Did you kill the crocodiles, as well? Such a pity. One of the few things that haven’t changed at all since our time.”

“Were they your gods?” said Tina.

“They were our pets. We used to race them through the sewers, when we could find people brave enough to sit in the saddles.”

There was a brief hissing murmur from the other mummies, and it took Daniel a moment to realize they were laughing.

“Who are you?” he said.

“Our names would mean nothing to you,” said the mummy. “Anyone who might have recognized them disappeared into the sands long ago. If you wish, you can call me Lord.”

“That’s not going to happen,” said Daniel.

He started to introduce himself and Tina, but the mummy waved his words aside.

“We know what you are. Edward’s malformed children. Stranded halfway between men and gods. Did you know your precious Elixir was derived from our original work? But then, so much is. We were the first scientists, back in the morning of the world, tearing secrets from an uncaring universe because we needed them to survive.”

“Why are you still alive?” Tina said bluntly. “What quality of life can you have?”

“All the years we have known, and all the things we have done, and it still isn’t enough,” said the mummy. “We must go on, until we have a drug that will bring us all the way back. And then we shall be gods, and live eternally.”

“And do what?” said Daniel.

“Rule!” said the mummy, and the others slowly nodded their bandaged heads.

“Why?” said Daniel.

“Because anything less would be unworthy of us.” The mummy looked steadily at Daniel and Tina. “Edward sent you here to kill us. Because he’s scared.”

“I don’t think Edward does scared,” said Daniel.

“We understand the Elixir,” said the mummy. “And he doesn’t. Did you know he asked us to manufacture it, in our laboratories? We refused, of course. Because he isn’t worthy of it.” The mummy shook his head slowly. “You think we are monsters, but if you knew some of the things he has planned, you would never sleep again.”

“I haven’t heard a single good reason yet as to why we shouldn’t kill you,” said Tina.

The mummy laughed—a dry sound that was more like a cough, clearing the dust of ages from a withered throat.

“You can’t kill us, but it would please us to make you ours, and send you back to kill Edward. So kneel and bow your heads, swear your lives to us and enter our service, and we will give you years beyond your wildest imagination.”

He stopped, because Daniel was already shaking his head.

“Everything you have was bought with the suffering and death of others.”

“That is the way of the world,” said the mummy.

“But it doesn’t have to be,” said Daniel. “That’s what life is for—a chance to change things for the better. And I’ve spent my life fighting things like you.”

The mummy who wanted to be called Lord got up out of his chair, and walked over to stand before Daniel and Tina. He only came up to their chests, but there was still a power and authority in his ancient form. The eyes watching from out of the bandaged face were cold and unblinking.

“Edward is the real monster. Agree to serve us, and we will teach you the mysteries of the universe.”

“Even if you could, which I rather doubt,” said Tina, “there’s nothing you can offer that’s as much fun as being a Hyde.”