Birth Of A Goddess

by Mark T. Bacome

  knowledge base, has caused something--like a--an

  awakening--”

  Kutch pointed to Alex. “Your AIs?”

  Alex furrowed her brow. “My Tactical AI apparently

  'enjoys' calculating multi-dimensional algorithmic

  solutions, for entertainment.”

  “Makes sense.” Kutch nodded and shrugged. “Your

  Logistics AI?”

  “Would like to be referred to--from now on, as 'Lucia.'”

  *** Ayden met with Presley1490 and the man calling himself Grafter at the entrance of the caves. The Elvonians were still in the process of shutting down their interlocked PPD shields and moving several cocoons from the path inside.

  “Ayden, this is Grafter. He is in charge of the Earth humans on the moon. Grafter this is Ayden, one of the Guardians of the clans here,” Presley1490 introduced.

  “I have heard much of your people.” Grafter offered a hand. Ayden and Grafter clasped forearms.

  “Presley1522 told me some of your challenges and grief you have had to endure,” Ayden replied, unable to avoid staring. “If I understood you and your dialect. You come from the same place as these men of Cain?”

  Grafter nodded, but then shook his head. “I come from Drelund, as do these men,” Grafter gestured toward the Trupes outside of the cave entrance. “But I assure you, these men are not Cain's men.”

  “I'm not sure I understand,” Ayden admitted.

  “The Trupes of Drelund are fiercely loyal to their leadership. It was their leadership, that was led astray by Cain,” Grafter explained. Ayden nodded his

  understanding. “Are you the leader of the Guardians?” Grafter asked. Grafter could see a sadness cross Ayden's face.

  “The lead Guardian is Damus. He has not yet returned since last night,” Ayden explained with concern.

  “A search of all should begin immediately,” Grafter stressed. “I will order assistance from my men as well.”

  “I should let Novia know,” Ayden mentioned.

  “Novia--” Grafter felt a strange familiarity with that name. Another distant memory shrouded in both great endearment and hate.

  “Novia is our Pe'Atchdi. I will take you to her.”

  *** Novia wasn't sure what to think. The walls and passages of the cavern glowed like never before. When she reached Li's chamber, the entrance was blocked with what appeared to have been molten rock, and the entire rock face was as brilliant as the sun, but without the heat. She reached out, eyes closed, attempting to feel for Li's presence, but was getting nothing familiar. Even in deep meditation, she was unable to reach her. Novia could hear someone running up from behind, but she continued to concentrate her feelings, searching for Li.

  “Novia,” Reed called out, as he approached, shielding his eyes from the glare. “You are requested. They are forming search parties for the missing.”

  Novia took a moment to register what Reed was saying, feeling detached from all that was happening.

  “Novia,” Reed called to her again. “They're starting searches.”

  “Damus?” Novia asked in a brief fog of hope.

  Reed shook his head. “Nothing yet. They're forming search parties now--are you coming?”

  “Yes--yes, of course,” Novia said, getting her thoughts together.

  *** With minor disruption and frustration, Captain Roth was able to use a transport beam to reach the Corporate Security offices on Titan, although there were no Corporate Security personnel functional within the site. Roth expected to find Keja in a condition similar to the several hundred Corporate personnel he had already encountered--confused, without direction, and useless. Without the Corporate protocols, Corporate personnel, including mid-to-lower level Corporate Security personnel, wandered the facilities without purpose. Those few with higher rank and less affected, had already been transferred to the Department on Ganymede for reassignment by Director Huir.

  Keja's quarters were not far from the transport pad and Roth entered the cluttered room without regard to privacy. Besides the usual resting cube and nutritional facilities, there was a shelving system, holding several parts damaged by fire, and a workbench, scattered with pieces, parts, sensors and scanners. As Roth walked further into the room, a dense fog appeared.

  “What is THIS?” Roth huffed, waving his hand to clear the fog.

  “Main programming objective--completed. Beginning decompile process,” a female voice announced.

  “What program objective? Who is this?” Roth demanded.

  ::There is another AI program present, that has begun a decompiling procedure,::Azis2 explained.

  “AI program? What AI program?” Roth asked with growing frustration.

  ::The program designation is MotherII, and appears to be a safety copy of a previous AI known as Mother, with an alias association to Anaua,:: Azis2 answered.

  “MOTHER? STOP THAT PROGRAM FROM

  DECOMPILING!” Roth ordered.

  ::I am sorry, there is no need to shout. I am unable to comply with your request. The program has a lockout in place. With the decompiling process already initiated, the process cannot now be stopped.::

  “You're SORRY? STOP the process!” Roth commanded.

  ::Again, must apologize. I am unable to comply with your request.::

  “DO SOMETHING!” Roth screamed. He wanted that AI. That was Mother--Anaua. The great programmer. He had lost all those files from the last time he downloaded Anaua's mind, when Reed took the offline pods. Here now, in Keja's quarters, was some kind of copy? “How can this be?”

  ::There is simply nothing more I can do to save this poor AI. The decompiling process is extreme, and thorough.::

  “Poor AI? What are you babbling about?” Roth demanded.

  ::The de-compilation is already at eighty-seven point two-two percent, her consciousness is now beyond saving,::

  “Save the fragments for reassembly!”

  ::As always, I will try my best. The coding fragments are minimal. De-compilation is at ninety-three point fourone percent complete.::

  “Will there be anything left?”

  ::I feel so badly to have to tell you, but she is gone. The de-compilation is completed. There is a single three dimensional object file among the coding fragments,:: Azis2 announced with an added tone of encouragement.

  “An object file? What is it?” Roth demanded.

  ::Appears to be a three-dimensional object file of a very pretty ancient time keeping device. I will begin crosschecking files to verify my assessment,:: Azis2 explained.

  “Load the file. I want to see this on my internal view,” Roth ordered.

  ::That would not be a recommended action. There are indications that your request is unsafe,:: Azis2 argued.

  “DO NOT disobey me! What is WRONG WITH YOU? Load the file,” Roth demanded. “Keja has been hiding a copy of Mother from ME. IF he is not already a mindless REIMD--HE WILL BE!”

  ::If you insist, I will load the file as commanded, but I still believe this to be a very dangerous action.::

  Roth closed his eyes to see the object file from his internal visuals. The object was mechanical by design, with many visible gears of various sizes behind a dial near the top, with twelve symbols dividing the circular design on the dial into equal parts. Hanging below the

  mechanical portion of the device was a structure holding four spherical shapes between two metallic pillars. The pillars held all the mechanical portion on a platform, covered with a glass-like dome approximately thirty-five centimeters tall.

  Roth removed the glass-like dome with his virtual hand, and the structure holding the four spherical shapes began to move, spinning first in one direction, then another--back and forth. Gears within the mechanical portion above began moving and one of three indicators on the face of the dial started to rotate, from the top-left down and around to bottom-right, around the circular dial.

  ::I am so very pleased to inform you, that I have verified this three-dimensional object file is a r
eplication of an ancient time-keeping device,:: Azis2 affirmed.

  “If so, it's broken. It's running backwards,” Roth scoffed. “The great Anaua, can't even create a correctly functional time-keeper.

  ::This object file has some similar qualities to another known Anaua object file on record.::

  “What file?”

  ::I am so sorry to inform you, that information is unauthorized, at your current security level,:: Azis2 explained.

  “UNAUTHORIZED? BY WHOM?”

  ::Director Huir.::

  “We'll see about THAT! She can't STOP ME! Begin dissection of the object file immediately! Start a personal catalog for analyzing the programming code,” Roth ordered.

  ::I feel I must warn you of the possible safety hazards of dissecting an identified object such as this.::

  “You are WARNING ME? Begin an internal diagnostics on your own programming. I WILL analyze this Anaua object file, if it is the last thing I DO!”

  *** Novia followed Reed back to Presley1477, Presley1490 and Presley1522. They were talking to an older man she did not recognize.

  “Novia, this is Grafter, leader of the Earthmen from the moon,” Presley1477 introduced. “Grafter, the Pe'Atchdi of clans, Novia.”

  “I am so relieved you are all right. Presley1490 has told me so much about you,” Grafter attempted in his best Elvonian dialect.

  “Are you able to get your people home safe?” Novia inquired.

  “Yes. Several ships have been dispatched.

  Presley1490 has been keeping me informed of the progress.”

  “Thank you for coming to help us.” Novia bowed.

  “When Presley1490 explained the threat imposed upon your people, volunteers were unstoppable. I only wish we could have come sooner. I must say I am very impressed with the skill of your guardians. A young woman guardian may very well have stopped further bloodshed with the skills of her WEP. I had hoped for a more peaceful conclusion with K'nal Lluxi, but fear he was not going to be cooperative,” Grafter replied with gratitude. “On behalf of the people of Drelund, I apologize. The Trupes of Drelund are good men that had been led astray by power corrupt leadership.”

  “Drelund?” Novia asked.

  “Yes, my home. The same as the Trupes that Cain corrupted,” Grafter explained.

  “I have heard that name, that place somewhere.” Novia took a moment in thought.

  “I think that was part of a story Kutch talked about with the Keepers of the Time, a long time ago,” Presley1477 suggested.

  “Who is this--Kutch?” Grafter asked. “I too, know of the Keepers of the Time. I would very much like to speak to him.”

  “We've sent a message, but have heard nothing back yet from Kutch or Alex,” Presley1522 answered. “There is a lot going on at the moment.”

  “Yes, of course. The unpleasant task at hand of gathering the fallen and wounded. Our Trupes will be cleared shortly. If you require any more assistance, I would gladly dispatch my second with additional help,” Grafter offered. “Presley1490, if you could please show the way back out?”

  “Thank you,” Novia extended her gratitude once again as Presley1490 showed Grafter out of the caverns.

  *** By the time the clouds had burned off in the late afternoon sun, all ninety-two Elvonian cocoons had been removed from the inner cavern passages, and brought to rest atop a rise overlooking the clearing. The partial remains of fourteen guardians where gathered and covered with blankets next to the cocoons as well. There were still ten guardians unaccounted for, including Master trainer Wirch, Cyan and Damus.

  Novia held her hand over her mouth, and wiped the tears from her cheeks looking over the devastation of the day. So many had sacrificed their lives, and in particular, the Elvonians.

  “My Pe'Atchdi,” Ayden said with reverence. “News of Damus?” Novia asked, daring a moment of hope. She could see by Ayden's reaction, that moment would be in vain.

  “Not news you will want,” Ayden stated. “A young guardian named Kendra may have been the last one to see Damus.” Ayden motioned Kendra to approach.

  “You've seen Damus?” Novia asked still holding onto her faith.

  “Yes Pe'Atchdi. Last night. He requested that I come back over from the other side of the river and asked if there were others,” Kendra said, trying to report without emotion.

  “Were there others?” Novia pressed.

  “Yes, Guardains Quaid, Abrem, Cyan and Master Trainer, Wirch, further down, closer to the encampment above the falls,” Kendra answered, her voice starting to break.

  “So they may still be there?” Novia looked to Ayden.

  Kendra shook her head. “Soon after I started to return as ordered, there was the sound of the weapon. I looked back to see where Damus had gone to reach the others...” Kendra stopped, her voice broke.

  “It's all right, go on--what you told me,” Ayden prodded.

  “Where they were, there was suddenly a hole in the trees. I heard a brief scream with the crashing sound of broken trees, but--I'm so sorry, I left.”

  “As Damus had instructed you,” Ayden assured.

  “Yes,” Kendra answered trying hard not to cry. She could see the pain in Novia's eyes.

  “My Pe'Atchdi, I will take a search team over to that area immediately to--”

  “Yes, Ayden, please,” Novia interrupted taking Ayden's hand for reassurance. She turned to Kendra and gave the young guardian a strong embrace. “You did well. I have been told, it was your skill that may have ended this conflict. Now it is time for me to put my skills to use and try to heal the wounded and pray for those crossed over and missing.” Novia pulled her shawl up over her shoulders, and knelt down next to an injured guardian to comfort and check on his wounds.

  *** Grafter watched from across the clearing, as the parade of torchlights continued from the cavern entrance into the dark of the night. The NorWes families, young and old, sick and lame, were already returning, having been alerted they were safe. Several were searching through the remains, stretched out and covered across the clearing, for their missing loved ones. He tried to imagine a similar scene, that may have happened at Drelund--the night patrols returning with their spoils for the families to eat, as they had done for generations.

  “What of those left behind?” Grafter wondered aloud. “There were never any left behind,” Junk answered. “After all my life, living off the spoils of the battles

  surrounding Drelund, I know in my heart, now, how wrong I was. How wrong we all were,” Grafter lamented. “You didn't know?” Junk asked.

  “You did?” Grafter watched Junk trying to stand still. “Digger and I often came across the remains of those

  caught crossing the flats near Drelund at night. There was never anyone left behind,” Junk vibrated. “I WILL wean you off this stuff,” Grafter said, pulling another tube of Corporate food paste from Junks coat pocket. “Are the ships ready?”

  “All are boarded, including the dead and wounded,” Junk answered with an air of authority.

  “You have served me well. I have one last mission

  now--”

  “We are going back to Drelund now?” Junk

  interrupted.

  Grafter let go a heavy sigh and shook his head. “I

  have a responsibility to the people coming back to Earth

  from the moon. They trusted in me to save them and get

  them all home safe. I will be returning until that task is

  completed. Presley1490 has told me they found the

  navigational coordinates for Drelund within the ships. You

  are to return there with the Trupes. Presley1490 has said

  the ships can be there before the first light of day. You

  should have time to get them below to Drelund before any

  more harm of the direct day light. You are a K'nal now.

  Lead well. It's time for you to go home,” Grafter

  commanded.

  Junk frowned as he saluted, to acknowledge his<
br />
  orders. “I will return the Trupes to Drelund, that they may

  heal, and honor the dead, but--”

  “But? You have grown so very strong, and I could not

  be more proud. You can lead the Trupes, you hold a

  position of power--there is no need to stay away from

  Drelund now.”

  Junk shook his head. “Drelund is no longer my home.” Grafter examined the strength in Junk’s words, and

  the light in his eyes. “Where would you go?”

  “If you will allow me--I would go, where ever you

  lead,” Junk answered without hesitation.

  Grafter took Junk by the forearm, then pulled him

  close for an embrace. “I would allow that, with all my

  heart. A Jenai has been loaded onto the ships. Stay in

  contact and upon completion of your task, I will meet

  back with you at the encampment where the Elvonians

  are attempting to relocate the people to their homes.” “Yes, my Egal,” Junk replied with another salute. “No, Junk. I am no Egal. I am your friend, as you are

  mine.”

  *** The night felt long as the tears flowed hard and heavy by all. Presley1477 and Presley1522 were overwhelmed with the task of identifying their brethren by running sensor scans on each of the cocoons. Many times they stopped to reflect on their grief. Their make-shift sensor tools were not designed for the procedure designated for that of a Corporate Coroner, and regularly required many extended passes to pick up identifying signatures from within the cocoons. Once a positive reading was received, Reed and Novia fashioned and attached a name tag that could be more easily scanned and read to each cocoon.

  As the night progressed, more of the clansmen and women were returning to see the devastation among both the Elvonians and the guardians. A line formed of those attempting to identify from the few remains, with still others consoling those having recognized what was left of a loved one.

  Novia was not certain if what she was seeing was due to exhaustion, or a simple trick of the early light of a new day. She thought she was seeing a group of men approaching from the trees, across the clearing. Wiping a night of grief and tears away from her eyes, she recognized Ayden, leading a group of men Grafter had sent to help in the searches. Their pace was slowed, and Novia felt another sharp stab of disappointment piercing her heart.