Birth Of A Goddess

by Mark T. Bacome

  “That evidence is at a classification level beyond that of Corporate Board Members,” Huir declared. The room erupted into boisterous disagreement from all the members of the Galactic Board.

  “Director, be aware your position is generated by direction from this Board and the members herein!” Wierre announced cutting through the disordered discussions.

  “I am fully aware, but there are levels of protection that must be maintained to insure the integrity and security of Corporate. Breaches of these very levels of protection, safeguarding essential data as well as source materials, are what have led to his imbroglio in the first place!” Huir argued.

  Diathon attempted to quiet the members, but once again, employed a local caucus to catch the attention of the rest and restore order. “Be that as it may, placing the blame on the Elvonians will not bring about reclamations or offer any clear direction for responsibility of facilities restoration,” Diathon announced once the room quieted.

  “This report indicates Earth humans in the ships--what is being done to stop these malfunctioning individuals?” Prymori demanded from her holographic image.

  “Corporate Security officials are currently taking action,” Huir reported.

  “I find it hard to believe that the Earth humans would be found culpable for any of these actions,” Rubura argued. “They are incapable, and unskilled, with no training or comprehension of Corporate technology.”

  “And yet--they are causing such devastating destruction,” Wierre argued. “There must be a way to hold them accountable!”

  Director Huir could feel an opportunity and jumped at the chance. “Anthony has been over-seeing the operations, and has shown indications of sympathies for the Earth humans,” Huir said loud enough to be heard by all.

  “Your point, Director?” Wierre interjected.

  “Anthony's sympathies could imply a conspiracy of responsibility against Corporate--” Huir suggested.

  “Preposterous--at most, the conspiracy of

  responsibility would be found against Vaudi!” Rubura rebutted.

  “Corporate removed responsibility from Vaudi--the current contractual owner of the planet and source of the Earth humans,” Torrance argued. “He would be immune of all fault and recompense.”

  “But he cannot take possession of the planet until the dangerous Earth humans and the threat they impose have been removed,” Wierre pointed out. “Thus leaving the resources available for reclamation!”

  “There may be a precedent for this under contractual code and procedures,” Torrance suggested.

  “An appointee for the disbursement of resources would be required,” Diathon added.

  Again Huir saw an opportunity to remove Anthony from Vaudi's diplomatic protections. “Anthony is already overseeing operations for Earth human removal, and experienced with Earth resources--would he not be an appropriate choice for such a position?”

  “Although Anthony’s experience would be an asset, that would place him in a rather awkward position with Vaudi,” Rubura explained.

  “First you see Anthony as a conspirator and now the solution?” Diathon asked.

  “I have, admittedly, no expertise on such Galactic Board matters,” Huir admitted. “Merely an observation. I will leave these types of decisions up to the

  professionals.” Huir smirked as her holographic image vanished.

  “Reclamations can be assessed against the vast holdings of Earth resources,” Wierre reiterated. “I formally bring this solution to the floor for vote.” The room fell silent as light indicators turned green around the room.

  “Now, only a matter of details,” Torrance announced.

  *** “Essentially, by putting an energy field around an object that is out of phase with the transport beam matter-transfer coils, the transport beam would never be able to penetrate the energy field and interact with the protected object.” Toolkit showed an elaborate

  holographic projection. Everyone watched the

  demonstration repeat as he manipulated portions of the hologram with his newest addition of a built-in laser stylus, integrated directly within his right hand. Both Reed and Kutch noticed the newest addition and winced at not only the idea, but the scarring around the implant.

  “So you are proposing the misuse of technology to protect against the misuse of technology?” Reed surmised, trying not to stare at the implant. Toolkit's smile of excitement faded.

  “But will it really work?” Kutch asked.

  Alex cringed at Kutch's comment. “I know if Toolkit believes it will work--it will work.” “Thank you,” Toolkit smiled again. “I will be completing the preparations for a small scale test shortly, for those who fail to believe.”

  Kutch was certain the comment was directed toward him.“Any new data-streams regarding Cain's ships positions?”

  “We've calculated two possible trajectories within the Pleiades hub,” Rhys answered. “One of which would bring Cain to Mars home world solar system within one additional gate.”

  “So you believe he's coming back to Mars?” Reed asked.

  Rhys shook his head. “Actually, with the advent of this new destructive power, I believe he may be heading to Earth.”

  “For what purpose?” Alex asked.

  “Li.” Rhys answered.

  “Why? He left, certain that she had left the planet,” Kutch argued.

  “I believe he may be coming back to Earth to regroup. Possibly restart his search. He knew Li was involved with the Clans of the NorWes. I feel, with this new destructive power, he may attempt to find the remaining clan members.”

  “They're hiding in the mountains,” Kutch continued his argument. “The transport beam could never penetrate--”

  “If Cain improves on the power--the mountains will not be able to withstand the beam,” Rhys interrupted. “We've seen evidence that Cain has been making changes and improvements to his new destructive process and the components. There is nothing to say he won't make further adjustments to account for the mass of the mountains.”

  Rhys's words hung in the room as all fell silent. Everyone knew Rhys was right. If there was a way, Cain would find it.

  ***

  Steam drifted across the surface of the large spa pool with Rubura and Anthony sitting several meters away on opposite sides. The sounds of water cascading into the pool from a small waterfall, echoed throughout the large, soft-lit room, as attendants positioned hand-held sonic massage appliances over their bare shoulders and backs.

  “You must understand, many Board Members are simply looking to place blame, and find a source for reclamations. Although the title would be 'Mediator,' the sole purpose of the position is to take blame and distribute payments from the resources of the planet,” Rubura explained. Although she spoke soft, her voice still echoed off the water and walls of the large spa room, covering their distance apart with ease.

  “That would make perfect sense. But you are correct; Vaudi would not appreciate the position--even though there would be no direct association with Corporate,” Anthony agreed.

  “Legally, in a position of mediation, there could be no further associations with either Vaudi, Duissis or Corporate.”

  “I do find this very curious that Director Huir suggested me,” Anthony mused.

  “I don't believe there was going to be a question on that matter. You are the perfect choice. You have extensive knowledge of the contract and of the planet's resources from the Duissis scans. Besides, you have expressed sympathies with the Earth humans,” Rubura affirmed. “You would now have direct authority over their removal processes and progress as well as the administration of resources for reclamations.”

  Anthony gave Rubura a knowing glance. “Also removing Corporate from further responsibility.”

  “Again, they are looking to place blame and begin reclamation. Mediator would be a substantial position of power—something better suited to a man of your former stature.”

  Anthony considered the possibilities as his
attendant moved the sonic appliance to a new location across the other shoulder. He thought over the implications. Taking a position of responsibility within Corporate business practice, could actually demand a rather high level of importance--particularly when a large amount of shares were at stake and reclamations were on the line. Being in such a position could present several powerful

  opportunities.

  “What are you thinking?” Rubura smirked, seeing a change in Anthony's expression.

  “I'm thinking, I will be drawing up my own proposal for you to present directly to Diathon, on my behalf,” Anthony said, with a modest grin.

  *** Roth's holographic image lit the Director's dark workspace as Huir pondered Roth's most recent report.

  “Not unexpected,” Huir assured after a few moments of thought. “Still--the plan has been put into motion. Doubts will arise--confidence will wither within Vaudi's mind. I have pressed further the notion of Anthony's potential as Mediator among the Board Members. Once he accepts that role, he will be vulnerable and outside the protections of the Duissis Council.”

  “I do not share in your confidence. Why would Anthony take such a risk?” Roth asked.

  “Because I know Anthony. I know his strengths and I know his weaknesses. He is an arrogant man, believing himself currently below his standing, and yet, mistakenly believing he is beyond my reach,” Huir explained.

  “Mediator would be a very powerful position. What would keep him from acquiring immunity from your detention order?”

  “Receiving that immunity, would require a unanimous decision from the Board--”

  “The Board would have no reason to deny such a request,” Roth argued.

  “Without surreptitiously applied pressure upon a particular individual within the Board, that insight might be true,” Huir defended.

  “Pressure enough to sway a Galactic Board Member vote?” Roth scoffed.

  “Corruption among the Members is not as infrequent as one might imagine.”

  “Galactic Board Member?”

  “Raldon has been less than 'honorable' in some dealings as of late--an embarrassment that could be costly if it were to be known among his peers. Be assured, pressure can and will be applied. Anthony will become Mediator but will fail to achieve immunity,” Huir affirmed. “He and that malfunction he calls his assistant will be mine!”

  *** Toolkit completed the scaled test of his theory of a protective energy shield against the destructive configuration of the transport beam Cain was employing. The test was, of course, successful with a few tweaks.

  “I believe I will be able to scale up this concept,” Toolkit assured. Rhys and Troy were the only ones in the room who fully understood the implications of Toolkit's demonstration, and nodded their agreement.

  “How long?” Kutch asked. Rhys glanced at Troy for assurance. “I believe we have some technicians who can have the components available in a few days.” Troy nodded his agreement once more.

  “We still can't be sure of Cain's intentions,” Reed argued. “We have no idea where he's heading.”

  Toolkit pulled over a holographic data-stream and widened an area. “The latest tracking indicates he's heading toward Interstellar Gates sixteen and seventeen, Sirius B and Proxima Centauri, respectively. If they take sixteen--Sirius B, he's not heading to Mars solar system. If he takes seventeen--”

  “There's an Interstellar Gate from there directly to Mars solar system,” Alex interrupted Toolkit.

  “Again--how long?” Kutch asked once more.

  Toolkit pulled the holographic image wider with his implanted laser stylus and zoomed in on the data-stream. “We'll know in twenty-five hours.”

  *** Only a few of the passages throughout the inner reaches of the NorWes mountains were natural. The stories and legends from so long ago of the fiery arm of Shola Rai burning the surface of Tara'Arth, driving survivors underground, told of the countless chambers and passages carved throughout. Over six Shola'Si had passed and few were recently explored, with many impassible, having caved in centuries ago. The main passage leading to the coast clans had collapsed only three Shola'Si ago, with clan members from each side still attempting to re-open them.

  Li spent much of her time when not in meditation, exploring the passages, looking for new chambers and routes to the coast clans left behind by the ancestors of the NorWes Clans. She could sense the weakness in the rock walls, and bypass those more treacherous routes. Sometimes she was able to re-inforce passages by reforming the supporting rock formations--other times, the rock was simply too unstable, often referred to by the elders as ‘Dead-Rock.’

  She had noticed a passage not far from one of the main living chambers that appeared to be slightly altered--a small hole where one had not been before. Li touched the loose rock surrounding the hole, and after a few moments the rock re-formed, making a larger, solid, and safer entry. She could feel a presence, a connection to someone, but wasn't exactly sure.

  “Hello?” she asked. Her voice echoed down the dark narrow passage. She thought she heard giggling. Li stepped into the passage, ducking to avoid the low ceiling. There was a dim glow of light ahead. “Hello?” Still more giggling, but this time sounding more familiar. Li was now sensing who was down the passage. “Anali-Chichi--” She continued along the narrow path to a bend, where she could see Anali and Chichi sitting along the sides of the passage, leaning up against the rough walls, where portions were glowing. Both were giggling. “What are you two up to?” Li asked, curious as to what was happening.

  Chichi turned and 'shushed' Li, then continued to lean close, again, as though listening to the glowing portion of the wall.

  “They talk funny,” Anali explained.

  “They? They who?” Li asked.

  “The voices in the walls,” Anali answered, unable to

  contain her amusement. Li stepped closer. After a few moments of concentration, she was able to hear faint, distant voices. Li realized this sounded much like what she had believed were the thoughts of everyone living in the caves. She had noticed hearing voices and blocked them from her mind, not wanting to intrude. Chichi and Anali had identified that the voices were coming from the walls--more accurately, some of the glowing crystal formations in the walls.

  “Are those the voices of our ancestors?” Chichi asked. Li stepped next to Chichi and pressed her hand on the glowing crystals. “They might be.” Li heard what sounded as though a crowd of hundreds, if not thousands of voices, were all speaking at once. After a few moments, she was

  able to narrow them down to a few individuals. What she heard was astounding--something she hadn't heard in a long time--Corporate language programming code. “They talk funny,” Anali reiterated, continuing to

  laugh.

  “Why haven't I noticed this before?” Li asked aloud,

  more to herself than to anyone else.

  “Not all of the glowing crystals have the voices,”

  Chichi answered. “You have to hunt for them. We've found

  them in a few hidden spots.”

  “You should not be exploring by yourselves--what

  would your mother and father say? There could be Deathchutes in here. You both could drop to your deaths down

  one!” Li scolded. She glanced around the narrow path

  once more to check for loose rock and other safety issues.

  “You two go on home now--”

  “Aww!” Chichi complained, scowling his displeasure. “I

  know where all the Death-chutes are! We stay away from

  them.”

  “What if something happened to Anali?” Li continued

  to scold.

  “I wouldn't let anything happen to her!”

  “He protects me,” Anali defended.

  “Just the same, go on--straight home,” Li ordered.

  Chichi took Anali by the hand, and led her out of the

  passage--grumbling the whole way.

  Li continued to listen to the voices, try
ing to figure out

  what she was actually hearing. Was this some kind of link

  to Corporate? Were these voices currently running

  programs or other Corporate AI entities? None appeared

  to have any cognizance of Li's presence, as though

  possibly a recording or simple storage--but how, or more

  importantly--why?

  *** Keja continued his analysis of the data spheres. The compilation of data-streams and colors throughout the spheres, shimmered unique patterns, from which Keja extracted vast compositional hypothesis. The data-stream from sphere six, included the Pleiades Ancillary Interstellar Gate Transport Hub--specifically, a region near gates sixteen and seventeen, and the patterns emerging indicated a distinct direction.

  Xria's request for an audience with Director Huir was granted and the holographic connection was made.

  “Report,” Huir demanded without hesitation.

  “I believe I have a direction for the rogue ships,” Keja announced from his holographic projection.

  “Proposed destination?” Huir asked.

  “Data analysis indicates Gate Seventeen, Proxima Centauri.”

  “The heart of Corporate manufacturing,” Huir mused.

  “I do not believe that is the final destination,” Keja interjected.

  “Explain.”

  Keja paused, wishing he had kept his comment to himself, at least for now. There was no data to back his hypothesis--simply, a hunch.

  “Explain!” Huir ordered. She trusted Keja's judgment, but grew impatient with subordinates taking up her precious time.

  “I have no precise data, however, I believe the ships may be heading back to Earth,” Keja explained.

  Huir took her own time to digest Keja's explanation. “Why do you--believe--this?”

  “They started from Earth. The Earth humans have sustained a recent significant loss in numbers. After extensive analysis, I believe I have developed an understanding of their primitive thinking processes.”

  “But if Roth is correct, they are being controlled by Elvonians. Proxima Centauri manufacturing planets would be abundant with resources the Elvonians would want,” Huir stated.