Li remembered the experience of feeling the diverse energies of life throughout the universe and their thoughts and feelings playing like notes in a grand melody throughout the many dimensions. And, she felt a deep sadness for the battle raging at the Realm of Light, and the lives at stake there, including the life energies at the Sea of Dying Souls--more of her own kind.
After what felt like a lifetime of memories recounted in a mere instant of time, Li again remembered her purpose. Although, the sole reason for all that had happened, and the single most important task remained to be completed, Li struggled with doubts as to the final outcome. She felt as if all paths came to this single point and ended. That which was beyond, ceased to exist.
Li regained her grasp on Cain's wrists, this time with no intent of pulling away, but instead holding him firm.
“Yes. I am--finished...now,” Li whispered, taking one last glance at Cain.
Cain discovered Li's hands glowing along with his own around her neck. He was certain of his dominance, his ultimate power, and the vortex surrounding them only hardened his resolve. The glow of his hands grew further up his arms, as the swirling vortex surrounding them increased. Their individual glowing bodies became one single brilliant mass of energy, engulfed by the vortex. When the immense power and light appeared to be beyond containment within the crystalline chamber, the blast was released through every crystal in the mountain, producing a brilliant beam of pure energy up and out, sending shock-waves throughout the dimensions of the universe.
“NOOOOOOOOOOOO--”
***
Part 11
The Sea of Dying Souls churned in turmoil, the waves crashing upon the increasing sands of death, tormented by the tremendous rush of wind, formed about the brilliant vortex of energy above. In the center, two separate humanoid forms radiated an immense light, growing ever brighter, until fused together as one. The swirling energy surrounding the growing ball of light expanded further, succumbing to the internal forces and exploding outward with unimagined force.
In an instant the shock wave of the blast caused the sea to be calmed and energized the countless grains of sand, liquefying them all back to a living form, to rejoin the new species pool of life.
*** At first the bright spot appearing far above the raging battle between the Light and Dark Realms was of no significance, but soon the brilliant humanoid forms merged, as energy from surrounding dimensions fueled the swirling vortex. The ball of light and energy appeared to grow in strength without bounds, until all below were mesmerized by the unnatural brilliance.
Many among Kyrios's army retreated toward the Dark Realm in fear of the growing ball of light energy. The fighting came to a stop, as members of each side became curious of the spectacle above, unable to determine the cause of such a thing.
Without warning the ball of light began a rapid expansion and exploded with a force, similar to a small nova. The force shock wave blasted the Realms below, causing all Dark Realm creatures within the Light Realm, all the way to the exact border of the Dark Realm, to be transformed into crystalline manifestations of their original forms. Many creatures were caught mid-way across the border, losing a limb or other body part to the transition, others transitioned into the crystalline form, too far to survive.
The Tutela-Animus warriors were stunned, yet unharmed--the attack was over. The Light Realm was saved.
*** The ground shook as a loud rumbling echoed across the canyon, overshadowing the shouting of Cain's men in battle with the Elvonians. Every crystal within the mountain-side glowed with a brilliance comparable to the sun. The burst of energy flowed straight into the sky, parting the low-lying clouds in the path, and sounding like a near-deafening blast of rushing air. The beam of energy continued into deep space, traveling on to the farthest reaches of the universe.
Elvonian, Guardian, and Drelund Trupes alike, fell silent in awe of the spectacle for what felt like an eternity.
*** Through a connection with his necklace, K'nal Lluxi guided his small hover platform over his men to view his impending victory, standing tall in his full ceremonial battle armor. The metal breastplate, leg and arm armor, gleamed even in the clouds. Like his men below his pale white skin showed the scars of removed growths and evidence of more forming, and his bright orange-red hair was pulled back in the traditional battle braiding. Lluxi saw the energy beam exploding from the mountain into the sky as a sign from their God, Cain, urging the men on.
“This is A SIGN FROM CAIN! CLAIM YOUR VICTORY FOR YOUR GOD!” Lluxi commanded. He had not noticed the deep shadow darkening the sky behind the low clouds further down the canyon, over his ships. Nor did he understand, at first, the odd approaching sound in the air, as a cloud of shafts rained down upon his men, killing many and injuring hundreds in an instant. The Trupes scrambled to take a defensive cover, not sure of what happened from their flank.
“Cain is no God,” a voice echoed from across the canyon, through the thinning cloud cover.
“WHO DARES TO ARGUE THE GRACE AND POWER OF OUR GOD, CAIN?” Lluxi demanded, his voice amplified by an audio projector on the side of his floating platform.
“I am Grafter, of Drelund,” he said standing on a larger maintenance hover-platform. Presley1490 piloted the small craft a few meters closer, and out of a thicker bank of clouds over the clearing.
“Grafter? Of Drelund? Impossible. Grafter died, long ago, running away from Drelund like the coward he was,” Lluxi argued, then turned to his Trupes below. “Cover your flank, regroup and prepare to attack!”
“I recognize you K'nal Lluxi. You were once a trusted member of Jaqur's inner circle. Jaqur, the true Egal of Drelund. Before the abomination that is Cain, took over the mind of Dravon, pitting scion against fah'tier for power,” Grafter stated. “If you would care to see, your Trupes are surrounded, out maneuvered, out-manned-trapped against the cliff.”
Lluxi glanced around the area surrounding his Trupes. He could see several hundred men lined up at the flank of his own Trupes and several hundred more moving to locations on either side. “What would you know of Milcom tactics? You were only an advisor to the Egal. You have no experience,” Lluxi touted.
“I grew up with the Egal, Jaqur. We played and learned many things together. My advice was not limited to nonMilcom matters only,” Grafter assured.
“You have no advanced WEPS. You will be easily defeated,” Lluxi argued.
“I have superior numbers and range WEPS--”
“My ships will destroy you in an instant!” Lluxi interrupted with confidence.
“Your ships are no longer viable. See for yourself.” Grafter pointed down the canyon. As the low clouds continued to dissipate, Lluxi could at last see from his small floating platform, the cause of the darkness in that direction. A massive black structure, a Class A Freighter, hovered over the top of his two, much smaller Class C freighters with another approaching from further behind in the distance.
“Your ships have been neutralized, your range WEPS disabled. Another volley of our shaft WEPS, and spears, would decimate your Trupes beyond recovery. Cease now and--”
“WE WILL NOT SURRENDER!”
“Don't be a fool, K'nal! Take your men and go home with honor and dignity. There is no honor in this campaign. Cain is not a God to die for. Give them the resp--”
“WE ARE THE MILCOM OF DRELUND. THESE MEN ARE HONORED, RESPECTED AND FEARED TRUPES OF DRELUND, AND OF ALL THE WORLDS. THERE WILL BE NO TRUCE, NO CESSATION UNTIL VICTORY IS OURS. WE WILL FIGHT TO THE LAST TRUPE! WE WILL NEVER SUR--” Lluxi was cut short mid-word, his jaw stuck, forced open by a long shaft that had entered through his upper right temple, penetrated down through the middle of his head, and protruded out the left side of his jaw. A loud gasp could be heard throughout his men below, as they watched the K'nal's legs buckle and waver. Lluxi slumped to one knee, before teetering over the side of his floating platform, down among his men.
Grafter followed the track of the shaft to see a young woman standing alone hundr
eds of paces away, on the upper edges of a cliff. Her WEP stood as tall as she, and he marveled at the range of her WEP and her accuracy. This was not the outcome Grafter desired, but was likely the most inevitable.
*** Novia was concerned with the brilliance of every crystal in the caverns glowing beyond a brightness she had ever witnessed, along with the ground rumbling. The entire cavern system and passages glowed as bright as day, and dimmed only slightly over time.
“What is that?” Reed called out, pointing at the holographic displays. The imagery was filled with interference, but large masses appeared down the canyon over the village, and a massive number of red contact points were surrounding the previous ones he knew to be Cain's men.
“They've stopped attacking,” an Elvonian ran down the passage from the cavern entrance yelling his report. “There is another force of Earth men. They have stopped Cain's men.”
“The interference has been heavy, but I believe I can now understand the garbled message traffic that was received a few minutes ago,” Presley1477 added. “The Presleys from the moon have come with Earthmen to help defend us.”
Presley1522 could see, through all the excitement and news, that Novia still carried a heavy look of concern. “Are you all right?”
“I don't know,” Novia confessed. “I have to check on Li!”
*** “Would we dare believe that is a good sign?” Vaudi asked Anthony as they both witnessed with awe, the large, odd beam of light energy leaving the planet below, and continuing out into space for several seconds.
“I am not certain I could say.”
Presley1285 entered the room with a formal traditional Elvonian bow. “Many pardons, but I have
reports that the first freighter of Earthmen has landed at the NorWes clans site. It would appear they have met with Cain's men, and have had some success with the negotiations. The hostilities appeared to have ceased at this time.”
“And the other freighters?” Anthony inquired. “The second freighter of Earthmen is standing by. The rest are carrying the first wave of Earth humans to the facility that we have been preparing. They should begin resettlement of the displaced humans soon,” Presley1285 reported.
“How many are left on the moon?” Vaudi wondered aloud.
“Reported numbers still indicate well over a hundred thousand, but with your generous donation of large freighters for their transport, they are filling rapidly and should make quick work, clearing the detention centers,” Presley1285 praised with another deep bow.
“Let's not call my offer as much a donation, but a...good-will gesture toward a new era of contracts and negotiations,” Vaudi suggested, raising a celebratory drink.
“I concur.” Anthony raised his glass as well. “I am so pleased your legal team was able to validate the authenticity of the Aki contracts--and so quickly.”
“I believe my legal team felt speed was of the essence, in order to appropriately procure an advantage within the prospects and possibilities that have been presented,” Vaudi expressed. “I had no doubts.”
“Nor did I.” Anthony gave a smile of confidence, then turned back to Presley1285. “Any news regarding Cain. Is he still unaccounted for?”
“No further visuals since the massive explosion that leveled Corporate Head Quarters campus,” Presley1285 reported. “No transport beam signatures or unaccounted craft either.”
“Could it be true then? The Earth human, Cain, has been contained? Even, dare I say--terminated?” Anthony suggested with caution.
“That would certainly simplify negotiations,” Vaudi assured.
“One more note, Sir. Board Member Raldron should be arriving shortly for your meeting. Will you be wishing to dine before or after your formal discussions?” Presley1285 asked.
“I believe we will wait and see how our arriving guest feels,” Anthony suggested. Presley1285 bowed and exited the room.
*** Grafter could see the Milcom of Drelund, were feeling confused. Their K'nal had been killed and the next highest ranked leaders were only a few Caps with little Field Command experience. Now was the time, if he was going to get through to them, and prevent a massive unnecessary slaughter of good men.
“Milcom of Drelund,” Grafter addressed the men below, using his native tongue and dialect of Drelund. “Like you, I am of Drelund. Former advisor to the Great Egal, Jaqur! You have fought well, but your honor was displaced among your leadership. Cain and your K'nal have stolen our honor. Today--your K'nal has been defeated, your victory is postponed for yet another time. Sheath your WEPS, restore your honor, and fight no more--this day. Now is the time to gather your wounded, and gather your dead. Let me allow you to return home to Drelund. There, the dead may be properly honored by their fah'tiers and mah'tiers. Where their loved ones may feast upon the fallen and sing their praises within the Hall of Egals, Drelund, our home...from which we have all been far removed...for far too long.”
The area remained silent for some time after Grafter's words echoed across the clearing. Those Trupes who were able, stood tall, bringing their right hands to their chests in salute of their new leader, before beginning the solemn chore of gathering the dead and wounded.
Grafter signaled to Junk below, standing with the other Earth warriors brought back from the moon. Junk pulled several from the ranks and gathered in the clearing to offer their assistance with the wounded.
Grafter motioned to Presley1490. “Are you able to get a signal to your people inside the mountain? Are they all right?”
Presley1490 shook his head. “The interference is too great.”
“Then, can you pilot me to them, so we can make sure?” Grafter asked. Presley1490 nodded, and guided the hover-platform across the clearing to the cave entrance.
*** Kutch was enjoying the trip for once. The Corporate Security shuttle was designed much like personal quarters for someone of a much higher rank. There were private sleeping cubes for six in the back, a dining area well stocked with a selection of energy snacks, nutritional packs, including several flavored drinks. There was a small, but comfortable lounging area and a complete sanitation compartment including a clothing sanitizer and a rare combination sonic and water shower. A large storage compartment included a full compliment of Corporate Security uniforms and jumpers--all black, of course.
While Alex busied herself up in the pilot/navigation center, Kutch made use of the water shower and sanitation facilities. He noted that his jumper had sustained more damage from the fireball than he had realized so he searched for a replacement among the Corporate Security uniforms. He found a jumper without rank insignia. The jumper was loose around the middle and a little long in the sleeves and legs, but the jumper's built-in sizing sensor directed the appropriate adjustments for a proper fit.
“Definitely meant for a higher ranked official,” Kutch mused, as he turned on a holographic projection of himself for a better all around view. He had not realized just how long down his back his hair reached, nor how disorderly his beard appeared. After a quick return to the sanitation compartment, Kutch emerged with his hair braided in a NorWes style Li had taught him, and his facial hair gone. He reexamined the holographic view.
“I think the black suits you,” Alex complimented, as she climbed down from the pilot/navigation center. “You clean up good.”
“Thanks. Not too, 'Corporate Security?'”
Alex scowled. “Have you talked with Sid lately?” “Not for a while, why?”
“I'm going to link in, okay?” Alex asked.
“Sure, I guess--”
“How are you feeling, Sid?” Alex asked, linking in to
hear Sid over internals.
::I am so happy you asked, Alex. I feel fine, although often ignored, and under appreciated,:: Sid replied with a tone of discouragement. Kutch felt the need to consciously close his mouth. “What was that?”
“I know,” Alex agreed with a bemused nod.
“No diagnostic breakdown of your programming parameters?” Kutch asked.
What? Kutch mouthed to Alex, trying to understand, not so much what Sid said, but how she said it. Her tone and feelings.
“I know! I just finished a rather interesting, possibly-even enjoyable, conversation between the shuttle's AI, my Logistics and Tactical AIs, and myself.” Alex scowled.
“Wasn't the shuttle's AI shutdown?”
“I thought so, but apparently not,” Alex confessed. “She's not arguing about the flight plan, and
attempting to take over flight controls?”
“Quite the opposite. We discussed her 'love' of
piloting, her 'desire' to pilot larger class freighters and her
'excitement' for our current destination, Earth. Apparently,
she's always wanted to go there,” Alex explained, trying
not to sound too sarcastic.
“New AI protocols pushed out?” Kutch asked, reaching
for some rational cause.
Alex shook her head. “Nope--I mean...I don't think so.
I've checked. The protocol channels are all still offline, and
from all indications, may be that way for decades. I can
find NO evidence of any new transmitted AI protocols
across any known channels. At least, anything known to
be protocols.”
“What do you mean?”
“There is a new common knowledge, accessed by all
the AIs I've checked so far. Something called 'CALI.'” “So it IS a simple protocol--”
“This is beyond simple protocols. This 'CALI' common
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