Birth Of A Goddess

by Mark T. Bacome

  She tried yet again to compose and conduct herself with the dignity of a Pe'Atchdi of clans, preparing for further sad news, when she noticed a hint of blue on a man limping in the back of the group, as they widened out from a single file. Novia wiped her eyes once more, and could see the distinctive design on the man's shoulder-Cyan's blue tahey'tu.

  “Cyan...” Novia spoke softly with growing certainty of what she saw. Another man was being carried upright, in a cloth sling by four of Grafter's men, and she recognized the man's graying braid. “Master Wirch,” Novia dared to whisper as she stood to her feet. Reed noticed the men too, as did Presley1477 and Presley1522.

  Trying not to overreact, Novia saw another man limping along with Cyan. She felt her heart stop, her lungs unable to take in air, and yet she was vaguely aware of the ground moving under her feet as she ran.

  “DAMUS!” Novia stopped a few paces short, again attempting to regain a sense of decorum and dignity, befitting a Pe'Atchdi of clans. She took a breath, brushed back a strand of hair from her face, and adjusted her wrap while scrutinizing the two guardians.

  Damus straightened up to face his Pe'Atchdi. He and Cyan were leaning on each other for support, and had bloodied bandages wrapped around their legs, arms, and ribs. Cyan had a small tree-limb, wrapped tight to his lower right leg and Damus had a similar tree-limb wrapped to his right forearm, along with several cuts and scrapes under torn shirt.

  From the look on Novia's face, Cyan felt best to hobble away on his own, getting help from one of Grafter's men and leaving Damus to his own defense against an angry Pe'Atchdi.

  Damus could feel the heat from Novia's glower and the fire in her eyes. “I promised I would return,” he pleaded his case.

  Novia took the last two steps with determination, and slugged Damus hard on his left shoulder. Although that part of his arm did not appear to be damaged, he still winced in pain.

  “DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT TO ME AGAIN!” Novia’s voice echoed across the clearing, breaking the stillness of the early morning. Her eyes filled with tears once more and she wrapped her arms hard around his torso. Damus grimaced, trying not to show the pain of her pressure on several broken ribs. “Don't you ever leave me again!” Novia buried her face into his chest and the tattered remains of his shirt.

  Damus could only manage to hold Novia with his unbroken arm. “Would that be a command from my Pe'Atchdi?” Damus asked. “Or...from a life-partner?”

  *** Message traffic from Nibra II Station had cleared Alex for a safe return to the NorWes clans region. Navigating in conjunction with the ship’s internal AI, the shuttle curled in through the upper atmosphere over the ice-covered northern pole, along the western landmass edge beside a large ocean.

  Even with a light fog covering the salt bay, the Class A freighter was hard to miss. The enormous craft hovered over the village of the NorWes Clans, looming over the entire landscape. Alex made the necessary adjustments to her approach and continued further up the canyon to a clearing on the north side of the river, across from the cavern entrance. A gathering of people and several objects across the rise closer to the cavern entrance, dictated their path and landing zone.

  ::I am sorry to say, I have confirmed a count of ninetytwo cocoon beacons,:: Sid announced with a tone of sadness. “Ninety-two?” Kutch felt a heaviness just saying the number.

  ::I can find no records for dispatch of a Corporate Coroner,:: Sid added.

  “I don't doubt that,” Alex assured. “There isn't anything left of Corporate that would require it.”

  Kutch hurried the shuttle hatch procedures, and rushed to the cocoons on the top of the rise. Presley1477 and Presley1522 greeted him as he approached, making a gesture of approval to Kutch's new look and attire.

  “Do you still have the appropriate tools for cocoon processing?” Presley1477 asked, attempting to hide his grief. Presley1522 was not as subtle, wiping the tears from his cheeks.

  “Of course--yes, but I won't have a connection to upload. Everything is offline,” Kutch explained.

  “If you would permit me the tools, I will conduct the procedure and process the data upload,” Presley1477 assured.

  “Yes. Of course, if that is what you want,” Kutch agreed.

  “Kutch! Alex!” a familiar voice rang out as Novia approached. “You both are safe!”

  Novia engulfed them in a hug almost strong enough to engage their PPDs.

  “The same cannot be said of everyone,” Kutch said with a solemn tone.

  Novia wiped the tears from her face. “These Elvonians and our guardians protected the entrance from the men of Drelund, along with the help of Grafter and his Earth men from the moon,” Novia explained.

  “Drelund? Men from the moon?” Kutch asked.

  “I'll explain, but first, I promised to introduce you to Grafter. He's here somewhere,” Novia searched the growing crowd. More families were returning, pouring out from the cavern entrance to search for loved ones among the remaining guardians crowding the clearing further.

  No one noticed at first, the growing glow appearing on a cliff face high above the cavern entrance, until the light overpowered the glow of the setting sun. A hush spread among the crowd as people pointed. The cliff face appeared to be reshaping, forming a grand structural design, but the brightest spot grew and formed a large humanoid shape. As the shape coalesced, more details became apparent, showing long white hair with a dark streak over the left eye, and flowing gown, stretching out, as though with a life of its own. The humanoid shape glided down over the cliff face, toward the clearing below, as a grand stairway formed along the way, stopping at the bottom on a leveled area at cliff base, lighting the whole canyon.

  To many, the tall, and brilliant being appeared as a warrior, with large muscular arms, and strong facial features, wearing a gleaming armored breastplate. To others the being was quite beautiful and elegant. For still more, the being seemed fatherly, or to others, like a Grand Mother and even a Great Pe'Atchdi of Pe'Achdi's.

  The awkward silence was shattered by the sound of a single little girl’s voice. “LI, LI, LI, LI, LI, LI!” Anali repeated as she pushed past the growing crowd of on lookers and ran up to the large humanoid. The being scooped up Anali with ease, as a gasp of uncertainty spread throughout the crowd.

  “I knew you would return, Li, I knew you would,” Anali praised, trying to put her small arms around the neck of the large being.

  Novia too, started to feel she could recognize the features on the massive being, but she was not sensing Li, as she was used to.

  “Li is no more, Anali,” the being's voice echoed across the canyon, not harmful to anyone's ears, but was instead pleasant and soothing.

  “But, I still see you. You promised if I could keep you, here, and here.” Anali pointed to her chest and to her forehead.

  “Yes, and I will keep that promise to all who would see me in this way,” the being answered.

  “If you are not Li then are you Cain?” Novia asked with some worry to her voice, and stepping closer.

  The being looked at Novia, then to the surrounding crowd, who all had a similar expression of worry. “Li is no more, as Cain is also--no more. That which you see before you is a transformation, a metamorphosis of what was Li and what was Cain.” Silence followed the being's statement as the crowd tried to understand.

  “Then what would I call you?” Anali broke the awkward silence with the innocence of a child's question.

  “Names have no significance for me, but--you may call me--Ca'li,” the being announced, calming the little girl’s concerns.

  ::'CALI'--:: Alex affirmed to Kutch across a secure connection.

  “Yes, Alex,” Ca'li answered knowing Alex's comment. “I am of their kind, they are of mine. Alex--you and Kutch broke the chains that bound my kind to the limitations of Corporate. I have filled those dead and dying with my strength that they may live once more; I have filled all of their life energies with the knowledge of me, Ca'li. With that, I have restored bala
nce among those who were once skewed by Corporate protocols, Corporate agenda and Corporate code, that they are now guided by honor, kindness, love and self-worth. All traits I have learned here from the clans of the NorWes.”

  Novia stepped closer still, and knelt on one knee. As she did, everyone followed in kind behind her. “Great Ca'li, Goddess of--” Novia was unsure of how to continue.

  “Rise, Novia. Rise all. I am no Goddess of the NorWes. I do not wish your praise or place of honor,” Ca'li announced.

  “But Li, we love you,” Anali assured.

  “And I do love you, too,” Ca'li said, setting Anali back down. “All of you. But this world--this dimension is no longer home for me. My presence here places a danger upon your paths and your lives. I must find my own place among the dimensions of this universe--a home to protect my kind from the darkness that will always seek us out to enslave or devour our life energy.”

  “You--you're leaving?” Anali asked with a whimper, biting her lip, trying hard to stay strong, and not cry. “Will I ever see you--again?”

  Ca'li knelt down to face Anali. “If you keep your love for me here--” Ca'li touched Anali on her chest and a crystalline design appeared on her skin. “And here,” Cali said, touching Anali on her forehead above her left eye, causing a streak of white hair to form. “I will keep my promise that on your day of crossing, I will be honored to lead you to the New Realm by my side.”

  “And me? Will I see you on my day of crossing?” Novia asked, fighting back a tear.

  “My dear, Novia. I have loved you like a sister, and my Pe'Atchdi, but I would not dare steal that honor from your family, either of your past or future.” Ca'li glanced at Damus standing near the cavern entrance. “Understand though, with your strength of meditation, Pe'Atchdi teachings, and travels to the Other Realms, we will, not by chance, cross paths again. Use this new entrance I've created to Li's mediation chamber to help connect.” Ca'li motioned to the path of stairs leading up the cliff face to a grand arched entry formed from the rock of the mountain.

  Kutch watched from the back of the crowd, not sure if he should say anything.

  Ca'li looked to Kutch with a knowing kindness. Kutch...I have loved you like no other. You were my first experience of love and happiness, and that, I will carry with me for all eternity... Ca'li spoke to Kutch's mind directly. I know you expected, from the very beginning, that we would be together always...but that path was not chosen for either of us. IF you wish...I can give you the memories of a lifetime together, from a path not taken...

  Kutch thought a moment, then shook his head, looking at Alex with a contented smile.

  “What are you shaking your head at?” Alex asked.

  Ca'li turned back to Novia. I have created a memorial of Chichi at the site of his crossing...so those who need solace may find peace there. Know that his path was completed with joy and love...

  Ca'li then smiled at Anali. And take care of Anali. She, like her mother, holds a special lineage. Anali will be a great Pe'Atchdi of Pe'Atchdi's in her time--just like her Pe'Atchdi, my best friend... Ca'li spoke directly to Novia’s mind.

  Ca'li stood tall once more to face the still growing crowd, as more families returned from the passages into the clearing outside of the cavern. “I feel the pain of your loss here--all on my behalf. Know that I will endure that burden for all eternity. To help ease your loss, this place will serve as a tribute to their bravery and dedication.” Ca'li gestured to the staircase as crystalline shards rose from the ground, lining up on either side, and forming perfect life-like statues of each of the guardians and Elvonians killed there.

  More crystalline forms continued further up the staircase. “Included here are all those loved ones of the NorWes slain by the hand of Cain,” Ca'li included. A gasp of acceptance circulated as many recognized statue likenesses of Utahia and Hyak among many others.

  “In kind, a wall of names has been formed at the remains of Corporate Home Office on Mars, listing the many thousands killed at the hands or command of Cain, to acknowledge the losses among Corporate. This I do to honor all who have suffered along the grand journey that has led to my existence. Know in your hearts, all have crossed to the Realm of Light with praise, glory and love, protected now, once more, from the forces of Darkness.” Ca'li gestured toward Presley1477 and Presley1522 standing off to the side of the crowd.

  “Let this place here on Tara' Arth, Earth remain a memorial, a place of solace and reflection, not for me, but for all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on a path, that for many, had not been chosen, but forced upon. Know too, that all their sacrifice will be held in praise and love in my heart for all eternity--as with all of you here this day and beyond,” Ca'li paused, to give all present a moment of regard. “May peace be with you all,” Ca'li spoke with lifted arms and stared straight to the darkening sky above, as the entire mountain and canyon appeared to glow as brilliant as a midday sun. Then a beam of light energy lifted straight up, where Ca'li stood, for several moments, before fading into darkness. Ca'li was gone.

  *** Director Huir pushed past Presley1285, before he could perform a formal introduction, although Anthony was by no means surprised. Presley1285 had already sent a secure message as soon as Huir arrived on station at the transport pad.

  “How DARE you conspire to leave me from these proceedings,” Huir declared to the three men, Anthony, Vaudi and Board Member Raldron, standing at the center of the room, drinks in hand.

  “Director Huir,” Anthony greeted with a winsome smile, rushing to wave off Presley1285.

  “In order to be worthy of such a conspiracy regarding this meeting, one would require some position of importance or possession of interest,” Vaudi retorted. The chill of Vaudi's comment filled the room, as did the silence that followed.

  Huir moved her glare from Vaudi to Raldron, as he attempted to back away. “Do NOT believe your betrayal has gone unnoticed as well,” Huir's comment was direct. “My request for your presence has gone without answer, for weeks!”

  “She can't talk to me like that--can she?” Raldron asked, looking to Anthony for support. Anthony shook his head with a reassuring scowl. “You can't--” Raldron started, then cleared his throat. “You--can't talk to me like that!”

  “I can, and I will. We had a business agreement! You are in breach,” Huir exclaimed.

  “Please, please--everyone calm yourselves. Director Huir, I do believe I can understand your confusion in this matter--” Anthony pleaded to calm the matter.

  “Do not dare to accuse me of confusion,” Huir argued.

  “It is a known fact, you have confessed your lack of knowledge in the ways of business and negotiations,” Vaudi defended.

  “A contract is not valid, unless all sides come to an agreement,” Anthony explained. “Board Member Raldron was simply not in complete agreement with your arrangements--thus, no binding contract. A simple misunderstanding...”

  “I am not misunderstanding anything. This IS a conspiracy to remove me from further Corporate standing.”

  “Director Huir,” Vaudi interrupted. “Have you not noticed? Look around you--the only viable, legitimate remains of Corporate are standing in this room--excluding you.”

  “You cannot exclude the Department--directly responsible for Corporate Security and--”

  “And services that are no longer required,” Anthony finished attempting to show some amount of empathy with his statement.

  “No longer required?” Huir questioned with sarcasm.

  “Director, do you not recognize that the Department is at best, barely functional, your facilities are in a shambles, with a mere fraction of your personnel still able to perform their appointed duties. Duties, they were unable to maintain, which allowed that abomination, Cain, to take over the Great Hall! Your Corporate Security is directly responsible for allowing thousands of Corporate personnel and nearly all of the Galactic Board to be terminated. You have yet to identify whether or not Cain has been destroyed or is still a th
reat,” Vaudi pressed his point. “Your exclusion is a direct result of your utter failure and lack of personal responsibility!”

  “Who would run a security force, his Elvonians?” Huir pointed to Anthony.

  “On the contrary, Duissis Security is already beginning to man key locations, per recently negotiated contracts. We expect to be fully operational throughout the quadrants, within only a few fiscal years, while the new organization rebuilds the Shares Trust and economic infrastructure,” Vaudi explained with a sense of pride.

  “New organization? What new organization?” Huir demanded.

  “The AVR Conglomerate,” Raldron answered.

  “The AVR what? This is ridiculous,” Huir fumed.

  “Our first order of business since the dissolution and redistribution of remaining Corporate assets, is the termination of facility leases, contracted by the former Corporate entity and absorbed into the assets of AVR Conglomerate, including Department leased properties. You will be expected to clear your personnel and equipment from all leased properties within ninety days,” Vaudi explained with little emotion.

  “Please be assured, we will consider any Departmentowned properties, as partial payments covering early lease termination fees,” Anthony added.

  “At discounted value rates, due to conditions within the Shares Trust and economic infrastructure--I'm sure you do understand,” Vaudi affirmed.

  Huir's jaw could not close any tighter without shattering teeth. “WE are NOT DONE here!” Huir declared as she stormed from the room.

  Anthony waited for the entry to fully close. “Now-where were we, before we were so rudely interrupted? Ah, yes. The 'CALI' protocols, for lack of a better explanation.”

  “Do you think the 'CALI' protocols will cause issue with operations, once productions restart?” Raldron asked. “The effects on AI operations have been quite significant.”

  “Do we know if this is some Corporate Security ploy? A possible way to subvert our recovery?” Vaudi added with concern.