Novia had a feeling of familiarity, and noticed Toolkit’s gaze. She too, could see the night-singer approaching with something on his back. She and Toolkit ran toward the animal, while everyone else stared in disbelief.
The animal lay down and Anali rolled off his back onto the tall grass. Although Toolkit had been closer, Novia reached Anali first. She was covered in dust and dirt, with several cuts and scrapes, as well as a very bloody patch on her scalp and forehead. She had something tightly gripped in her hand. Novia pried her hand open to find Li’s figurine. Anali refused to let go.
Toolkit ran up next. “Is she all right? Where's Chichi? Where's CHICHI?”
“She's alive,” Novia answered, but was getting thoughts from the night-singer--thoughts showing a location.
Ayden and Damus were next to arrive. Ayden scooped up Anali with great care.
Novia took Damus by the arm. “The night-singers will show you to Chichi...” Novia paused with great sadness on her face.
“What's wrong? We will go get Chichi now,” Damus answered with confidence.
Novia shook her head.
Ayden took Anali to her mother, to have her injuries tended to, and left with Damus and several searchers to follow the night-singers back to Chichi. Novia knew this day would be long and hard, and began to prepare for the memorial ceremony, she long dreaded, that had finally come.
Part 8
Bolts of lightning arched into the atmosphere in a continuous discharge of energy from the top of Mt Kymrut, home of the sacred chamber-throne of Kyrios. The powerful dark, crystalline entity sat upon the very symbol of his authority, captured eons ago from the defeated former master of the dark realm, his father, Kroni.
Kyrios watched an image of Cain projected onto the backdrop of smoke that is the Animus. “His life energy has returned, my master,” the Animus announced. “He is beginning to transform, solidify. The black liquid state has started to coalesce, his essence--life energy--is beginning to crystallize! ”
Cain's lower torso and left arm were dark and crystalline, while the remaining portions were still a combination of Dravon's light energy in bodily form, with traces of black sludge-like liquid throughout.
“As I have foreseen--” Kyrios's voice rumbled throughout the chamber. “His gluttony of life-energy from the Light Realm has progressed his transformation, as well as filled his mind with vanity and a self-delusion of grandeur,” Kyrios proclaimed.
“He dares to think himself a God,” the Animus added with disdain. “Cain is merely a fool, ignorant yet of the tools in his possession.”
“He believes he can conquer the Dark Realm, and yet, has not fashioned an army from the life-energies collected with the ring,” the Animus mocked.
“Cain's arrogance will be his downfall, and MY reward! In his ignorance, he has placed his faith on himself and a perceived ascendancy that does not exist.”
“He has reached the wall,” the Animus announced, as the view of Cain moved closer.
Cain stepped to the dark spot on the wall protecting the Light Realm, placed his fist on top, and pushed. Once again the wall pulled an enormous amount of energy from Cain's arm and body, but this time, his fist moved deeper. Kyrios and the Animus could see an opening in the wall.
“He's through!” the Animus exclaimed.
Cain turned from the wall, aware of being watched, and pulled his fist out of the opening, glarng back into the Dark Realm. The glare became a grin when he swiped his hand back over the opening, resealing the hole. “You cannot defeat me!” Cain bellowed. “I WILL rule over ALL the Realms!”
“How dare his impertinence,” the Animus declared.
“The fool has no idea what he has done. In his imperiousness, Cain has completed his purpose of my design as I have foreseen! Gather the armies. Now--I will take the Light Realm!”
“Master--all of your armies are entrenched with your enemies at other Realms--”
“Gather them ALL. With the life-energies of the Light Realm soon to be enslaved, I will create a vast, unstoppable force never before unleashed upon this universe!”
“But--the opening--Cain has resealed the hole,” the Animus dared to point out.
“The wall is corrupted, violated--weakened, no longer pure. An imperfection that can now be exploited!” “What of Cain?”
“Cain will, soon enough, feel the full measure of my wrath,” Kyrios hissed.
*** K'nal Lluxi waited, after recognizing Lord Cain's posture and facial expression--he was in another 'place'-before presenting the report. After a few moments Cain was back and cognnizant of the K'nal's presence.
“My Lord, I have news.” Lluxi bowed.
“Speak,” Cain demanded, still feeling the adrenaline from pushing his fist through the crystalline barrier between the Light and Dark Realms.
“The protocols you have created and pushed forth--I believe they have begun developing the results you desire,” Lluxi reported.
“Excellent--begin...”
Lluxi turned to the Trupes at the main entrance;the damaged door was still wide open, but the Trupes guarded the entrance, swords drawn. “Let them in,” he ordered.
One after another, Corporate personnel began streaming into the Great Hall, filling the large room, kneeling and chanting Cain's name. All requesting to be taken as sacrifice.
“The Caps on the outer sectors are reporting that the little humans are returning in large numbers without a struggle,” Lluxi explained.
Cain stood from his throne, raising his left hand already aglow. “Praise your God, that I may grant your prayers and accept your offering.”
*** Roth was annoyed that Keja had walked into Huir's conference room only moments prior to himself. The last person to arrive was always seen as 'late' in the eyes of Huir. Another technician scurried in just behind Roth, taking the position of scorn.
“Report!” Huir demanded. The technician moved to the center of the conference room facing Huir. “Production, Corporate-wide, has shutdown,” the man spoke in a nervous tone.
“I KNOW THAT!” Huir interrupted. “Tell me something I don't know! WHY?”
“Keja stepped forward. “The protocol channels have been tampered with. Cain has taken control and issued new protocols,” he said as quickly as possible.
“That would be the nonsense my AI was reacting to,” Huir surmised.
“Cain has overwritten the security protocols as well,” Roth continued, as he stepped next to Keja. “We have lost nearly three quarters of our staff to this nonsense!”
“Director, if I may, I have the numbers,” Keja attempted to continue. Roth was not amused, but stepped back. Keja projected a holographic data-sphere for reference.
“Ninety-eight point six-nine percent of production level Corporate personnel have been taken over by the new protocols. Seventy-three point four-four percent of mid to upper mid-level managers, as well. Upper manager losses to the new protocols, at last check, are hovering at fifty-six point two-one percent. From there, the losses to the new protocols are various. Duissis subcontractor losses to the new protocols are similar per position subcontracted to Corporate. I have no data yet as to Duissis losses on non-Corporate contracts.”
“What is the ETA of regaining control of the protocols?” Huir directed her question to Roth.
“I will have complete control returned in less than twenty-four hours,” Roth assured with a stone-hardened expression of determination.
“How was this even possible?” Huir grumbled, more to herself than to anyone else.
“Cain has been exploiting an ongoing lapse in Corporate security,” Keja suggested without considering who was present. The room fell into an uncomfortable silence.
::That comment may have been better left internal,:: Xria suggested.
::I think so,::
“I believe you have determined your new
assignment,” Huir informed Keja. Keja snapped to attention. “Find a way to stop Cain's interference with the protocols, NOW!” Hu
ir ordered.
*** “Nearly all of Corporate production has shut down because of Cain's protocol adjustments. It's utter chaos. We're getting reports of people jamming the
transportation hubs to get to Mars and the Great Hall--all following the new protocols, simply to praise their new God.”
“Thankfully we are no longer tied to Corporate protocols,” Anthony sighed in relief, after hearing Presley1285's report.
“The chaos is affecting other services that do have an impact on our operations,” Presley1285 explained. “Anything operated by AI, with or without a human host, has been reset with the new protocols.”
“Yes, but I believe this could work to our advantage,” Anthony mused. “Particularly if strict Corporate protocols have been circumvented due to the changes.”
“I see what you mean,” Presley1285 agreed. “I'll have a team analyze our goals and requirements, against possible protocol changes.”
“How has Duissis been affected by all this, do we know yet?” Anthony asked.
“From what little data we have so far, only those assigned on Corporate contracts are being directly impacted by the new protocols,” Presley1285 explained. “Putting Corporate at a clear disadvantage.”
“A condition, I am certain, Vaudi will leverage against his ascendancy,” Anthony assured.
*** Oddly-shaped shadows flickered on the wall and base of the massive mechanical structure that the indigenous called the “Keeper of the Time,” from both of the wallmounted torches nearby. Kutch and Alex sat along the outer wall of the deep pit and waited. A large Earth human stood watch over their every movement.
“How much longer do you want to sit here?” Alex asked.
“How long has it been now?”
“Over thirty hours.”
“It's not like we have much choice in the matter. That large human over there isn't going to let us pass, and go back up the stairs.” Kutch pointed
“That sharpened pole can't hurt us.”
“Still--we need to wait for their leader, Kulma. He'll straighten this all out, we're 'Star Children' after all,” Kutch said, feeling sure this small misunderstanding could be easily corrected.
“I could use my PPD and get us both past, and--”
“We don't need to actually get past him,” Kutch interrupted.
“Why, you got a better way out?”
“Sid has been analyzing that panel on the mechanical structure there.” Kutch pointed to a large flat panel on the side of the large structure. The bulk of the structure was densely packed open piping, interlaced with gears and structural support pieces, with no space large enough to penetrate inside; the area around the panel appeared different.
Alex held up a small external scanner. “There's an open space behind that.”
“Yes, and I believe there is a maintenance access hatch on the other side that leads into the center shaft,” Kutch continued.
“So we just need to go through there and--”
“Wait...” Kutch looked up. “Someone's coming.”
A procession of cloaked figures were descending the stairs encircling the large mechanical time keeper, each carrying a lit torch. The guard stepped aside once they reached the bottom and gathered next to Kutch and Alex. One stepped forward and pulled back the hood of his cloak. Kutch and Alex recognized Kulma.
“It is good to see you again, despite the dire circumstances,” Kulma said solemnly.
“Why have we been kept here?” Kutch asked. “What has happened?”
Kulma gave each of the Star Children a curious glance. “You have no idea?”
“None,” Alex assured him.
“When last you were here, you had desecrated the sacred Keeper of the Time,” Kulma explained.
“How so?” Kutch asked.
Kulma glanced at the large mechanical structure with reverence. “The sacred time has been altered. The Keeper no longer records the time of the 'End.'”
“You don't know how this thing works?” Alex asked.
Kulma scowled. “Star Child, do not speak ill of the sacred Keeper of the Time.”
::Yeah, Alex--don't be insulting, now...:: Kutch added through an internal link.
“This device stopped working properly when the planet was hit by the solar flare and meteors--what you call the 'End Time,'” Alex explained. She turned to Kutch. “You told me last time we were here, that this thing was broken!”
“Yes--well, I--”
“I refuse to listen to such lies and blasphemy,” Kulma proclaimed. “The elders will decide your fate now. I will NOT attempt to defend such lies! Even words spoken from a Star Child.” Kulma stormed off, followed by his entourage.
“Wait. Where's Wya'Ming? He can explain--he'll help us!” Kutch pleaded.
“Wya'Ming passed five seasons ago. Do not speak ill of the dead, for even he had begged for forgiveness for his transgressions without making blasphemous statements!” Kulma scolded once more as he continued up the stairs. The guard with the sharpened pole retook his place at the base of the steps leading out.
“Kulma I don't understand--what do you mean, our fate?” Kutch called up the stairs.
Kulma stopped and looked down at the two small Star Children. “The elders will decide whether you are to live or die for your transgressions!” Kulma and his entourage turned and continued up the stairs and into the darkness above, in silence.
“That sounds bad,” Kutch admitted, under his breath.
::I don't think it was meant to sound good,::Alex replied over internal link.
*** Li was feeling a new sensation, one she could not explain. She felt life from countless sources and ageless time. Some not even of this universe originally, but travelers, sowing the seeds of life from beyond.
“I am sensing so much life throughout.” Yes...there is an abundance... the voice of the I Am engulfed Li's mind.
“One in particular, I sense is quite ancient...older than even the body of this universe, and yet familiar in some way.”
There are a few forms of life that have originated elsewhere...
“I feel as though I have known them all my life--but I do not believe I have ever heard their name--'Aki' before...”
Names are irrelevant...
Li felt her mind brimming with ever more sensations. “I believe I have felt one I know leave the physical body,” Li said, with a curious tone. “Chichi has crossed.”
Yes...Chichi...
“You know him?” Li asked skeptically.
Yes...he is of your life energy, new to the I AM...
“You felt him too?”
Yes...I feel them all...
“I can feel more now, countless forms of life throughout the vast expanse. Living, dying--”
Not dying...changing...growing, transforming...
“I think I understand. You are the I AM...they are--we are--all a part of you,” Li suggested.
Yes...
Li looked out across a great expanse to see crescent shapes glowing in the distance. “You are the collective conscience of the universe,” Li surmized.
I AM...the sum of all that is me...
“And those?” Li pointed towards the other crescent shapes.
They are...I AM...of their own...
“Corporate science postulated the existence of a multi-verse,” Li mused. “I can feel that now. I can feel ancient life, large and small. New life, filling the vast reaches of--”
I AM...
“Yes,” Li felt sure for once. For the first time she felt certain, clear of mind, sane of thought.
They are, I AM...you are a part of the I AM...this I AM...existing all at once, in this moment...
“No past, present, or future.”
Here there is only all...
Li soon became aware of many tones, playing as though by some majestic orchestration--the most beautiful sounds she felt she had ever encountered. “What are those--musical sounds?”
The sounds of the dimensions, tones of life...music o
f the universe...the sound of the I AM...
“I think I understand. From this place, all pieces can be examined...sound, mind, body...life.”
Yes...before, now and after...all at once...I AM--all, here now...
“I can see now. I can see what is missing. That which is not, I can feel Cain's mind, heart, his intent, and understand what is missing from me, is that which is missing from him. I have seen the mind of the creator, Anaua. I have seen her intent, my purpose--I know now, her mistake--”
No mistakes...only paths...to be traveled...balancing the I AM...
“Yes--balance. Transformation, merging, not by force, but through sacrifice, given by choice...but--”
Your heart wonders...
“Which of us will be the result? Who will prevail?”
You wonder...maybe you...maybe Cain...maybe neither, maybe both...or someone new...
“A whole new balance.”
You truly can see...not only the I AM, but that which leads to balance of the I AM...
“I must leave here now.” Li felt sadness in her words.
There is no leaving the I AM...nor sadness to be felt...
“I know what I must do, and I will return.”
Yes...completed, balanced and one with the I AM...
***
::So how can we try to go through the panel, without the guard seeing and stopping us?:: Kutch asked through the internal link. ::He can barely see the panel from his position at the base of the stairs. Maybe if we can draw him away from that position to the other side, long enough...::
“A diversion,” Kutch interrupted. “I’ve got an idea. First we need to see if the panel can be opened.” “Okay, I'll do that,” Alex suggested and walked up to
the panel to check for latching devices. As soon as she
did, the guard stepped forward and poked his sharpened
pole in her direction. A clear indication, that she should
back away.
::This structure is only a few meters across, but if I can lure the guard to me on the other side, you should be able to see if the panel will open,:: Kutch suggested.
Birth Of A Goddess Page 33
