Rebirth (Game of the Gods Book 1)

by L. Fergus

  “No, you have a way of putting me to sleep soundly. I’m just sorry you had to leave.”

  “I get restless, and then I’d just keep you up.”

  “How are you feeling?” Cotton curled up on the couch. Kita cuddled up to Cotton after she settled. Cotton stroked Kita’s face affectionately.

  “I’m ok. I’ve been trying to force open some digital doors, but nothing yet. I feel like I’m staring at a skull and trying to guess what its face looked like.”

  Cotton frowned. “Don’t dwell on it, pretty bird. The past is the past.”

  “And how do I keep from repeating mistakes and know who I am without knowing the past?”

  “I did not say it was a good thing not to know, I said don’t dwell on it. You’re dwelling, and I can see it in your beautiful little eyes.”

  Kita blushed and squeezed Cotton. “You’re so soft.”

  “I’d hope so. I am a princess. I have to be the best.”

  The door opened. Case and Rabbit stumbled into the room looking like they’d just rolled out of bed.

  “I beg to differ, Your Highness,” replied Case with a long yawn.

  Kita smiled from Cotton’s chest. “Good morning, ladies.”

  “It’s so damn early, but that bunny said it was time to get up.”

  “Sorry, everyone rises with the princess,” said Cotton.

  “Obviously not with this one.” Case yawned again. “So, you two have an active night?”

  “Sleeping and reading,” said Kita.

  “Oh, that’s no fun. I was hoping for some gory sex stories.”

  “Gory?”

  “You two don’t seem the missionary type to me.”

  “I actually prefer to keep blood out of the bedroom. Blood is a totally different type of orgasmic pleasure.”

  “Ew. Wrong choice of words, Case,” Rabbit said, turning up her nose.

  Kita shrugged.

  “So any word on us?” said Case. “Are we still under house arrest?”

  “I can assure you nothing was decided during the night,” said Cotton. “I doubt anything will be decided until after the summit. Until then, you will stay here and continue the interview over video conference.”

  “At least this place beats a cell,” said Rabbit.

  Cotton smiled. “I can put you in one if you prefer.”

  “Try keeping me there.”

  A knock came from a window. Kita turned to see Onyx waving. Kita went to the windows and opened them.

  “I’m glad to see I am not the only one these squishies felt the need to wake,” said Onyx.

  “Her fault.” Case pointed to Cotton.

  “Tomorrow I will tell the staff to let you sleep in an extra fifteen minutes.”

  “You sleep?” Rabbit asked Onyx.

  “Yes, much like you. We strike some ridiculous pose and then harden. Randomly we move or shake as our brains play some profoundly confusing movie that makes perfect sense at the time. Or, I just shut my eyes, and we let automated systems run while we ignore the world for a time.”

  The group laughed.

  “And you, Miss Kita. Did you sleep at all?” said Onyx.

  “Nope. No need for at least three more weeks.”

  “Hmm. If I did not have the opportunity to escape this world for hours every day, it would surely drive me mad.”

  “Most of the world is quiet, and I can catch up on things I wouldn’t normally get to do.”

  A butler knocked on the open door.

  “Yes?” said Cotton.

  “Your Highness, the rest of our guests have arrived.”

  “Good. Show them in. I’m sure they’re exhausted.”

  “I haven’t reached that point. I’m still too wired,” Hawke grumbled, leading Zentix and Cross into the room. Raph snuck in behind them with a plate of fruit and pastries.

  “What happened?” said Kita, sitting up straight.

  “That explains a lot,” Hawke snorted.

  “What happened?” Kita looked between the three and Cotton.

  “The ship and we have been in a standoff for the last eighteen hours.”

  Kita looked at Zentix for an explanation.

  “I’m sorry, Captain. High Command wanted to seize the ship and I refused.”

  “This girl’s got a pair,” said Hawke. “She turned the main guns on the port and threatened to blast our way free. They even tried to board us, but your hyper-loyal crew met them with guns drawn. It was intense for a few hours, but they relented. I figured that was your doing.”

  “Mine, actually,” said Cotton. “I believe Kita would have repeated the display she put on at the arena. I commend you and Commander Zentix on handling the situation without incident.”

  “Why wasn’t I told?” said Kita. “It’s my ship.”

  “You were in enough trouble. When Zentix tried to contact you for instructions, I took over instead. You made Grand Marshal Tetarax very angry. He wanted your ship to punish you. I told Zentix to hold firm while I talked the crusty old bastard down.”

  “Whatever you said must have been good,” said Case.

  Cotton nodded. “I wasn’t alone. Minister Snowy worked the military ministers from her side. I understand she has very good relations with them. We convinced the Grand Marshal that taking your ship is bad for relations. I saw how you handled the crew and took command. I also told him there is no better way to imprison someone than give her command of a military vessel. It’d be the perfect prison for Kita. He doesn’t understand how loyal your crew is, but I convinced him it was just Zentix and a bunch of humans holding off the boarding party. That old man has been so far removed from fleet life he’s forgotten how a ship works. It seems the Grand Marshal’s had a long night if you are just arriving. He will be a darling to work with this morning.”

  “I still don’t see why I shouldn’t have been told,” said Kita.

  “Your involvement would have made it worse. I am your political clout. Let me do what I do best. But to do that, I can’t have another two dead and thousands injured.”

  “What happened to you?” said Hawke.

  “Cotton thought it’d be funny to call her out on being just another human,” said Case.

  “It was just a game,” said Cotton. “I thought I’d make it interesting. It proved to be very educational on many levels. Young Raph’s skills are very impressive. It wasn’t political damage I couldn’t have repaired. It wasn’t until Kita wished to prove she was better than the Aurori when it comes to abilities that it got out of control. She sprayed the Grand Panel with boiling water and caused a panic by flying over the crowd while on fire. I have since negotiated your parole, but you’re under house arrest here until a final decision is made after the summit.”

  Hawke rubbed his face and looked at Zentix. “I don’t know about you, but I am damn glad to be a simple, old soldier.”

  Zentix nodded. “Please remember, Captain, others are depending on you and your actions reflect on us.”

  Kita wanted to shrink to nothing. “Just call me Kita.” Cotton put an arm around her and pulled her back to the couch.

  “What about Auggy and Lacy?” said Case in a worried tone.

  “They’re on Dallas,” said Cotton. “They preferred to stay aboard.”

  “They’re not really comfortable with everything.” Case sighed, looking to Kita.

  Kita shrugged. Auggy was a problem she’d have to handle later.

  The butler entered and announced a new visitor, Hali.

  “Why the hell is she here?” said Case.

  “I should blow the traitor away.” Rabbit’s gauntlet extended and her minigun began to spin.

  “Don’t shoot her,” said Cotton. “She was in on the joke and has been a valuable ally in getting you all out of trouble. I invited her here to explain her role in everything. I don’t want you hating her.”

  Hali smiled, her scales moving in a slow pattern.

  “You’re not getting an apology from me,” said Kita. “You d
eserved a face full of water.”

  Red dots showed where the water had hit Hali.

  “Kita, no one here is without blame,” said Cotton.

  “I know that, but I’m not apologizing to someone who betrayed me.”

  Hali gasped. “I did not betray you.”

  “Would you like me to replay your remark?” Kita held out her hand, and a tiny holographic image appeared. They watched and listened as Kita showed what she’d seen and heard.

  “Sounds like buddy-screwing to me,” muttered Hawke.

  “More importantly, when did you get a home theater system?” said Case.

  “Comes with the computer.” Kita tapped her head. She nodded to Raph. He tapped on his Arcom. “I do apologize to the people of the Tet for doing what I did. I did not mean for anyone to be hurt or killed. It was an error of judgment made in the heat of the moment. I hope everyone will forgive my mistake.” She turned to Hali. “Raph will give you that little sound bite to use. That will be all you get out of me.”

  Cotton sighed. She looked at Hali and shrugged. “We will have to agree to disagree. No one is right in such situations and feelings will have to be put aside. Can we all agree with that?”

  “No.”

  “Kita,” Cotton said with a disapproving glare.

  “I want an apology for them.” Kita pointed at Rabbit, Case, and Raph. “You needlessly put them in danger. It’s one thing to pick on me. It’s another to pick on people who aren’t playing your game. What if one of them had gotten hurt?”

  “Kita,” said Case, “I’ve got perfect porcelain skin, but I’m not made of the stuff. Jess and I can take care of ourselves. I accept their apology for being stupid.” She looked at Rabbit.

  “I guess.”

  “Fine,” Kita snapped. She pointed at Hali. “You stay away from my friends and me. I have a habit of liking to break beautiful things.”

  The butler appeared at the door and nodded to Cotton.

  “If anyone is hungry, breakfast is ready to be served,” said Cotton. The butler and his helpers wheeled in several carts of food.

  “Why the hell not?” Hawke went over to fill a plate. He sat down on a bench. Zentix sat next to him with her breakfast.

  While the others ate, Kita looked out the window reflecting on events. She didn’t like being powerless. And she did not like disappointing her crew and friends. She seemed to have let down everyone on the same day. As if on cue, a tiny pinprick of light floated in through the window. It grew into Tina.

  “Hello, big sister. Why so glum?”

  Everyone in the room stopped eating to look at the new arrival.

  “Tina?” said Kita sitting up from leaning on the couch.

  “That’s my name, don’t wear it out. I was in the neighborhood, watching a Verisom relief mission on a tiny moon helping a bunch of tiny snake-like creatures that are being overwhelmed by a series of volcanic eruptions.”

  “The Clux,” said Cotton.

  Tina smiled. “I see you’ve collected a Verisom of your own.”

  “This is my girlfriend, Princess Cotton,” Kita said, getting off the couch to give her sister a hug.

  “Hello, Princess,” Tina said, floating up to offer her hand to the Verisom.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “Well, I’m sure it’s all been good.” Tina laughed. “And I see my sister’s been collecting again.”

  Kita went around the room and introduced everyone. She paused when she reached Case and Rabbit. Not everyone in her group had heard the news.

  “And I have two new Angels, Jess and Case.”

  “Angels?” Tina chuckled. “They seem to be ten pounds too light.”

  “Angels are more than just feathers. They’ve shown everything I’d want in an Angel.”

  Tina held up a hand. “I’m only playing. Who you chose to hang around with and what you call them is your choice.” She looked at the pair. “I know Jess. It’s deserved for her. Who are you, Case?”

  Case explained who she was and why.

  “Holy hell,” Hawke whispered. “If this day couldn’t get any longer.”

  “Damn, big sister. You’re picking up some real blue chips this time around. I didn’t think you’d be able to one-up Jane, but you’ve done it twice.” Kita shrugged. “Both are good choices. I see Casey already has a dose of nanites.” She drifted over in front of the human. “Are you ready for the big time?”

  “You don’t get much bigger than me.”

  “So, big sister, what are their names?”

  “Names?” Kita said, confused.

  “Almost every Angel gets an angelic name when they become an Angel. It kind of completes the change. Like, Scion, Panther, Phoenix, Anthrax, Sarin, Talon, Punishment. My personal favorite is Baby Doll. Thought of anything for these two?”

  Kita had no idea. What names best fit them? Rabbit was loyal, brave, vigilant, and persevering. Case was independent, resilient, determined, and confident. “You are Valor,” Kita said to Rabbit. “Case, Defiance.”

  “Oh, I like those,” said Tina. “Come here,” she said to the pair. Rabbit and Case edged closer to her. Tina floated upward and smiled at them. “Hang on, this is going to hurt,” she said as she reached out and touched them on the nose.

  The two women jerked at the same time. Case gritted her teeth in pain, while Rabbit cried out. They fell to their knees as their wings grew from their backs. Tina helped them to their feet. She pulled on a wing from each to prove to them that the wings were real.

  “Nice color choices,” said Kita.

  Valor’s feathers were crimson red with a blue leading edge. Defiance had a white and blue V-shaped pattern running up her flight feathers. The rest of her feathers were bright blue.

  “Where’d my armor go?” Rabbit said patting herself.

  “It’s still there,” said Tina. “Just activate it.”

  Valor whispered, “Usagi, Kogeki.” Her skin turned to gold, her feathers hardened, and her missile and mortar packs grew out of her shoulder and hips. Her cannon closed over her left hand. Her helmet encased her head with the familiar T-shaped visor.

  “You’re not indestructible, but pretty damn close.”

  “Wow,” Valor said as she looked at her hands.

  “You look like you should be handed out at an award ceremony,” Defiance teased.

  “She can change the color if she likes,” said Tina. “I’m not a computer person so her VI’s intact. I haven’t forgotten about you, Defiance. You can do more than chill drinks.” Defiance held out her hand, and a ball of ice appeared. “Think bigger, frostier.” Defiance’s skin covered with ice.

  “Coldhearted bitch,” Valor teased.

  The sound of hollow clapping ended the jovial mood. A cloaked figure came out from behind a pillar in the room.

  Tina frowned. “You’re not supposed to be near Kita.”

  Kamikaze swept back her hood. “Neither are you nor should you be doing something you know nothing about. Growing Mom’s wings is hardly the same as creating Angels. You’re gambling Mom will be well before they fall apart. You should leave this to Kylee and me. Or did Mom train you in Angel-making while she was completely unconscious?”

  Tina remained quiet.

  “Come here, sisters. Let me fix you,” said Kamikaze as she waved them to her.

  Valor and Defiance looked at Kita.

  Kita wasn’t sure whom to believe. She looked between her sister and her daughter. Her mind filled with everything Snowy had told her. She grimaced as she made her decision. “Let Kami look at you.”

  “That’s not Snowy. Who is she?” said Cotton.

  Kita stood up and walked to her daughter. “This is Kamikaze. She’s Snowy’s and my daughter. She’s a friend. You can trust her.”

  Kamikaze smiled at Kita warmly and then wickedly at Tina.

  Valor and Defiance came over and joined Kita.

  “Hello, girls,” said Kamikaze. “I wish I had more time to meet you. The othe
r Angels will be excited to hear the flock is growing again. We’ve lost so many.”

  “Hello, Kamikaze. My name is Casey Bush, everyone calls me Case. I guess it’s Defiance now.”

  “Most of us will keep calling you by your true name. Angelic names are for protection and intimidation of the outside world. Everyone just calls me Kami. Hold still. This is going to hurt a bit.” She placed her hands on Valor and Defiance’s chest. The Angels blinked in and out of reality until Kami removed her hands. Valor and Defiance flopped like fish as Kita caught them and helped them to the ground.

  “Are you out of your mind?” Kamikaze roared at Tina. “You didn’t create Angels. You created time bombs. Turning up the power of Case’s nanites would have killed her in a matter of days.”

  “She’d have been fine. I ran the interpolation,” Tina said evenly.

  “You’re also making Mom a liar. She gave a great speech on what makes an Angel an Angel, and yet you didn’t change their DNA. You just stuck in some bird DNA and manipulated their equations. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

  “They’re no different than how we were originally made.”

  “They couldn’t flap their wings,” Kamikaze snarled. “We’re in space, but there’s still room to fly.”

  “Are you originally Panthera uncia or Homo sapiens?” Raph asked Kamikaze.

  She spun to look at the teenager. He had a dreamy look in his eye. She turned up her nose at him.

  “Forgive him, sweetheart,” said Kita. “He’s just a kid.”

  “Neither,” Kamikaze said flatly. She looked at Hawke and then Cross. “Men,” she growled.

  “They’re good men,” Kita assured her.

  “Not yet they’re not. Come here, human,” she ordered Hawke.

  “Ask nicely, kitty.”

  Kamikaze extended her claws and waved again. “Disobey me again, and we’ll see what this kitty drags in.”

  Kita waved him over. Hawke set down his plate and joined the Angels. “I don’t answer to you,” he said to Kamikaze.

  She slammed him in the chest with her palm. Hawke flew backward and bounced off a pillar. He landed on his hands and knees. He jerked several times and roared angrily and transformed into a giant grizzly bear. He growled and roared again. Bands of armor erupted from his spine. The armor closed around his body. A heavy helmet encased his head. On his back, a pair of guns extended. Missile and mortar pods formed on his hips and shoulders. He moved his head back and forth, and the guns followed his movements.