by Stone, Ciana
“For a tense moment it seemed as if DaNurh would order the death of the workers. Adahl appealed to DaNurh and offered a solution.
“In the southeastern part of the continent there dwelled a being that could be trained to perform some of the mining tasks -- if the "mark of the gods" was implanted upon it. His suggestion was to genetically alter the indigenous life form -- a primitive biped -- with the DNA of the Birahnians and create a worker to take over the backbreaking labor of the workers.
“DaNurh agreed to the plan, as did the workers and Adahl enlisted the help of his half-sister SyFeth. Despite several failures, she finally succeeded in creating a hybrid. While this process was underway, RaNil waged war on his own people, the workers, punishing them for their mutiny with decreased supplies and increased demands.
“While the genetics program succeeded, the hybrids that were produced could not procreate on their own. SyFeth and Adahl worked tirelessly and soon there was sufficient number of the hybrids and they were put to work in the mines.
“More and more of the hybrids were created, and the Birahnians were placated, their workload eased and the tension abated.
“Over the objection of Adahl and SyFeth, RaNil seized some of the hybrids and took them to the capitol city of Ki Braun and put them to work tending the gardens. Knowing it was useless to argue with RaNil, Adahl and SyFeth kept their tongues and put their energies to another problem - namely trying to figure out why the hybrids aged so much faster than the Birahnians. Why did the Ape-men live such short lives and why did the hybrids live longer than the Ape-men, but only a fraction as long as the Birahnians? Was it genetic or environmental?
“Adahl began a series of secret genetic experiments on the hybrids. Using his own sperm, he and SyFeth came up with the perfect hybrid model. This hybrid had greater intelligence, and the ability to procreate, but not the longevity of the Birahnians.
“Secrets have a way of being uncovered -- particularly with the adept spies employed by RaNil. When he discovered what his half-brother and half-sister had done, he was furious. It was never intended for the hybrids to procreate like the gods. This was unacceptable. He immediately reported to his father, DaNurh, who sent for Adahl and his model hybrid.
“Adahl took the new hybrid model and journeyed to the home world where he pleaded passionately to his father for leniency. While on the home world, he accidently stumbled upon the key to longevity for the hybrids. It was the very food and drink of the gods. Luckily, his father gave into his pleas and released him and the hybrid to return to the production world.
“Immediately upon his return, Adahl set about synthesizing a serum of longevity for the hybrids.
“While he was busy in his laboratory, the demand for hybrid slaves increased. To keep RaNil off track and unaware of his true aims, Adahl and SyFeth increased production of the hybrids. The Birahnians wanted them for more than working in the mines. Over time, they took over more and more of the daily tasks for the gods. They built homes and temples, tended gardens, cooked, entertained with dance and music, served as valets and personal slaves.
“It wasn't long before the young Birahnian males, short of female company of their own kind, began to use the female slaves as sexual partners. Since they shared common genetics, they were biologically compatible and children were born to them.
“RaNil was very displeased. The entire focus of the Birahnians on the planet had changed. They were far more concerned with their easy lives than the original purpose -- gathering gold for the home world. He took his displeasure out on the hybrids and developed a seething hatred for them. He had to find a way of turning things around.
“As luck would have it, nature provided RaNil with the opportunity to put a stop to the deteriorating ethics of his people. The planet was entering into a new ice age and the pleasant climate reflected the changes. It got increasingly colder and dryer. Rains became less frequent and the waters of the rivers got sparser. Crops failed and famine spread.
“RaNil issued a decree that the Birahnians could no longer support the hybrid slaves or bastard children that had been born. His position was that they could starve -- let them die, but keep gold production flowing.
“At this same time, scientists working aboard the orbiting space station made an alarming discovery. The ice cap that covered the continent of the South Pole grew thicker and the increasing pressure of its weight caused an increase in friction and heat at its bottom. Before long, the entire ice cap was floating precariously on a slippery sea of mud.
“From the space station, an alarm was issued -- the cap was far too unstable. If it should happen to slip off the continent and into the ocean, an immense tidal wave would engulf the entire planet.
“An added danger came from the home world. Because Birahn was orbiting back to the "Crossing" -- a path between the 9th and 10th planets of the system, its gravitational pull caused earthquakes and other disturbances on the production world. The Birahn scientists calculated that the gravitational pull could trigger the slippage of the ice cap.
“Immediately preparations were underway to evacuate the planet. RaNil did not intend to do anything to save the hybrids. In fact, the coming catastrophe was kept secret from them. RaNil wanted them all to perish. Once the planet was habitable again, the Birahnians could return and being gold production again.
“But Adahl loved the hybrids -- one in particular -- and wanted them to survive. Knowing that he did not stand a chance of saving all of them, he did the best he could to save as many as possible. In secret, he had an enormous vessel built that could withstand space travel. He put his beloved hybrid, and 999 others aboard the vessel with instructions to make course for a star system his people had discovered to be habitable, but had not explored because of the distance.
“Little did he know, his brother and sister had their own ideas about saving the hybrids. When RaNil reconsidered, he thought it might be prudent to save a few, for his own use. After all, they could be a valuable commodity. His people would pay handsomely for comely slaves. He could produce a veritable race of warriors. That suited his ambitious nature. He planned on taking control from his father anyway. He was born to rule. The hybrids might be a way to help that aspiration along. He had a vessel constructed, and loaded 1000 of the advanced level hybrids onto it. Preprogrammed coordinates to take the hybrids to a sector of space in which a habitable star system had been located piloted the ship.
“SyFeth, likewise, had plans for the hybrids. The way she saw it, if she sent all of her research data with a group of hybrids, along with instructions, there was a distinct possibility that over the course of time, they might be able to fulfill her ultimate research -- namely, the creation of a hybrid that possessed none of the aggressive, warlike tendencies that caused death and destruction. Her goal was a perfect being that could live in harmony with a world, a being who would live by the tenant "cause no harm."
“She sent the most advanced hybrid that had been created, and one who had been personally educated and instructed by SyFeth herself. With this advanced prototype, Syfeth sent 899 females and 100 males. This, she determined, was the ration required to insure propagation of the race, using her genetic blueprint.
“The vessels containing the hybrids loyal to SyFeth was sent into space, it too, bound for a small star system composed of 12 planets. Four of the planets were habitable, but only one was prime. A green lush world with an abundance of water, it was a prime location for the evolution of her perfect species.
“The Birahnians left and the Deluge came. As they viewed the catastrophe from orbit, many of them realized how much they actually loved the world and its inhabitants. But it was too late, as far as they knew.
“When finally the waters subsided, the Birahn returned. Many were relieved and elated to discover that there were no survivors. RaNil was first among them. Now the planet was clean.
“Unfortunately, his father decided the entire project of resettlement was too expensive. Another source of gold
had been located and mining would commence there as soon as the transport ships could deliver the necessary work force and equipment.
“And so, the planet was all but forgotten. Ages past and as promised, RaNil attempted to overthrow his father's throne. He was defeated, and being the unscrupulous man he was, he implicated his half brother and sister, Adahl and SyFeth as part of the coup.
“His father banished him from the home world, along with Adahl and SyFeth. They were allowed to take with them any many of technological device necessary to sustain their lives, and the required number of personnel to operate the vessel.
“RaNil had the forethought to bribe a high member of his father's cabinet and have tracking devices planted on the ships belonging to Adahl and SyFeth. When he realized where they were headed, he followed.
“It took much time, but finally Adahl and SyFeth reached the star system they hoped would prove to be the home of their hybrids. Before they had time to do more than scan the planets for life signs, RaNil arrived and demanded they put him before them as ruler of the system.
“Bitter arguments rose and the truth of what each had done emerged. It came close to an all-out battle in space, but finally they reached an agreement. Each would rule the world inhabited by the hybrids they had sent.
“For countless thousands of years, the gods dwelled upon the world. Then a surprise from space arrived -- an envoy from the Emperor on the home world. He was dying and wanted his children to return so that a successor to the throne might be chosen.
“Adahl did not want to leave, but could not disobey the order of his father. He asked his beloved hybrid to accompany him. Thanks to the serum of longevity, her life span had been increased to that of the gods -- perhaps more. While she loved Adahl, she could not leave her world. There would be no place for her on the god's home world.
“Broken-hearted, but knowing that she was right, Adahl took her to the lands controlled by SyFeth where a secret following of females had long ago been established and was now quite strong. To their care, he entrusted his beloved, then left with a promise that one day he would return for her and take her home with him.
“And so the people of the system were left to evolve without the daily rule of the gods.
“Three great civilizations grew and flourished. A confederacy was formed and eventually this governing body became the central government for all three worlds. Then due to internal strife among the leaders, it split and spawned expansion. Centuries past and civilizations rose and fell. The Gods became little more than myth to those who held power, but many of the people remembered. Myth became religion and at the heart of their belief lay the words of a woman older than any could count. For centuries on end, she watched and recorded her Sights, never aging and never feeling the wrath of time.
“Knowledge grew, technology flourished and finally, they reached the stage they were as capable of destroying their worlds as those who had created them. Resources from the planets were gone, the water and air was polluted. There was overpopulation, crime, disease, poverty, and rebellion.
“Then the unimaginable happened. A comet hit the third planet of the system -- a lifeless planet of gas. The resulting shock wave and debris wreaked havoc on the three inhabited worlds. Technology was crippled and the worlds sorely wounded. Toxic gases from the explosion poisoned the air and water. Millions died. Those who survived were scattered.
“The catastrophe changed not only the planets but also the people. After the catastrophe, the people were sterile. They could no longer reproduce. They were also endowed with certain abilities.
“The D'Harahn, who had evolved from the hybrids owned by Adahl himself, possessed the mental abilities of their ancestors, the Birahnians. Bronze skinned and dark haired, they were the most pure of the breed.
“The Valian were the descendants of the hybrids of SyFeth and the prototype loved by Adahl, along with SyFeth. They were slightly taller, slender, with pale golden skin, startling blue eyes, and dark hair.
“The Nurian were the descendants of RaNil and his slave hybrids. Darker skinned, physically imposing, large and warrior like, they were superb warriors.
“The people lived for centuries, and no cure could be found for their sterility. Their planets, like their people, were dying and they had to do something. They battled and fought among themselves, each faction vying for power and control. Their scientists and geneticists were at a loss on what to do. Everything had been tried and everything had failed.
“Without hope, all that was left was war and so war it was. Finally, a decisive battle found the D'Harahn in an advantageous position. The D’Harahn assumed control.
“This control stretched for countless cycles and the Emperor was content, as were his younger sons and the J’Zhan. The Crown Prince, however, was not content. His goals were of Unity, of bringing the three worlds together. Upon advice from once of his brothers, he set about establishing a truce with the Princes of the other worlds. They would work together to bring peace to their star system.
“They were betrayed, manipulated into forming a strategy doomed to fail. The coup was discovered and made public. The Emperor, on the urging of his sons and with the support of the leaders of Nuria, Valian and the JZhan, agreed to banish the Heir Apparent from all three Houses, along with their retainers, if there were two others who would accept execution in their place. The volunteers stepped forward, the executions commenced and the exiles were sent to an isolated and primitive world selected by the Sisterhood.
“And so, the V'Kar came to Earth.”
There was shocked silence when Pandora finished speaking. Resa could feel the emotions churning inside Constantine. What he’d been told about the history of his people did not coincide with Pandora’s account at all.
“You betrayed us,” he finally spoke, directing his words at Pandora.
“I worked to save you.”
“You worked to secure power for yourself and the Order.” Leonidas jumped in.
“I led V’Kar to greatness.” She argued.
“For your own aim,” Octavian said quietly.
“You needed me,” Pandora shot at them. “You needed the Order.”
“Well we don’t anymore,” Resa stated.
Pandora whirled on her. “You do if you ever hope to see your mate installed on the throne and the people of V’Kar convinced to accept you as his consort.”
Resa felt a stab of perverse pleasure at the bomb she dropped with her words. “V’Kar is no more.”
Pandora nearly collapsed. Her face drained of color, her eyes grew wide, and her breath hitched. “You lie!”
“She speaks true,” Adahl finally spoke. “V’Kar has been destroyed. Those assembled here and their followers on Earth are all that remain of V’Kar.”
“And we don’t need you,” Resa added.
Pandora turned to Adahl. “They need me more than ever. How else will they amass enough power to take power and rule Earth?”
“That’s just it,” Resa answered. “We don’t intend to take over. We intend to integrate.”
Pandora barked a laugh. “Preposterous. V’Kar accept subjugation to humans?”
“Subjugation is not our goal,” Constantine spoke up. “Nor do we seek to conquer. As Resa said, we will integrate and in time win our place and power on Earth.”
“And kill the enemy that comes for us,” Leonidas added.
Pandora looked at Adahl again. “And me?”
“You will be relocated,” he said gently.
“You do not want me?”
“I care for you but your place is not here with me.”
“Everything I’ve ever done is so I can be with you.”
He shook his head sadly. “That is a pretty lie you have made yourself believe. What you have done you did for yourself – for love of power. There is no place for that here. Look around you. We live a simple life. We have peace and plenty and our people are happy. We have no need for those who seek power, to subjugate and rule, to b
end others to their will. You do not belong.”
“Adahl, no. I can adapt.”
“Sadly, no. I know you. You will not change. It is not in your nature. You will be relocated, made comfortable and secure, along with your followers on Earth.” He looked at Resa. “I ask that you make this so immediately. I will provide you with the coordinates. All that is required is that you establish a gate capable of transporting all at once.”
“I don’t quite know how to do that.” Resa admitted.
“Search your memories, the information is there.” He moved his gaze over everyone assembled. “It is time for you to go. I wish you peace and longevity and hope that you choose a productive and positive path on your new journey.”
Then he stepped over to embrace Resa. “Walk well, my child. My love is always with you.”
Resa clung to him for a moment, savoring the feel of a father’s arms and the comfort she felt at the love radiating from him. “I love you.”
When he released her, she stepped back and took Constantine’s hand. He raised one hand to Adahl. “I will cherish and honor her all the days of my life. On that you have my vow.”
Adahl nodded. “Of that I have no doubt. Go in peace.”
Resa activated the gate. In moments, they were back on Earth. It was clear from the silence that everyone had much to consider. Now was not the time for talk. She turned to Pandora. “Take me to your people.”
“I will attend you,” Constantine said.
“There’s no need,” Resa assured him and directed her next words at Pandora. “My power far exceeds hers. She is no threat to me.”
He nodded. “Very well. When shall I expect your return?”
