“What of his familiar?”
“Detecting it was constructed from components of the original Bleed Casket. Its AI system appears to be on par with me; it’s mirroring my attempt to confirm its combat capabilities.”
“Once we have confirmed our destination, send the Regulators back to Earth,” Laurence instructed.
“Understood.”
As expected, each Regulator reacted differently to the tomb being torn apart and dissolving before their eyes as they were whisked through an interdimensional tunnel to an unknown destination.
“Rogers.”
He turned to Lady Tech, looking back at him from her own sphere.
“I can hear you, everyone else?”
“I’m here, sir,” Merge confirmed.
“Also here, sir,” Blitz acknowledged. “What is the plan?”
“The second we reach where ever this son of a bitch is taking us, everyone form up on my location if and when the Eye of Ra drops his shielding on each of us. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir!” the trio rang out.
As predicted, Seker brought Apedemak and everyone else to the destination it plotted out. A desolate, war-torn planet possessing very little water and a red and green spikey fern vegetation that dominated the world as it orbited a red star making the sky a blood red with a splash of orange.
“Planet Otra located in the Mustavar system,” Sol confirmed. “And we are not alone, detecting two warships in orbit belonging to Volori and Gregor.”
Laurence’s eyes narrowed under his visor as the subtle grin on Apedemak’s lips grew broader.
“Send the Regulators …”
“Unable to attempt portal initiation,” Sol reported.
“His familiar is preventing it?”
“Affirmative, which should not be probable.”
“The interference is similar to the shielding system on Volori,” Laurence growled.
“Affirmative.”
“Is that fear I smell under your helm, descendant of Amun-Ra?” Apedemak villainously inquired. “Should I be the one to tell your mortals this world is where their flesh will rot? Where their bones will revert back to dust, and no markers for their graves? Worry not; you shall witness each of their deaths, final memories you can take with you to the afterlife.”
Laurence’s answer was not for Apedemak.
“Sergeant Rogers, I am transmitting this to you and your team. I will be releasing my shielding constructs; an assault will be coming from above shortly, be ready for it.”
“Confirm the type of assault?” Rogers asked with an ice-cold tone.
“Fighter ships, high powered armor, possible assault vehicles.”
Merge mimicked Blitz’s abilities as they both powered up, preparing for an attack from the sky. Rogers checked his sidearm once more, preparing for combat.
“Uh, Rogers,” Lady Tech swallowed while looking up. “You’re going to need a lot more firepower.”
Her visor readings picked up what the Eye of Ra and Sol already knew was coming. Death meant for them that blotted out the red sky.
CHAPTER 19
Planet Gregor, located outside the Oongova system, a territory outside of the Dominion Council rule. A planet close to the size of Jupiter with a star similar to that of Earth. Because of its size and proximity to the sun, days and nights are longer, and each season lasts a full six months on each side of the planet.
A planet ruled by an iron-fisted patriarchal system, Gregorian society was a highly advanced amalgamation similar to the old Soviet Union with philosophy and belief mirroring the Islamic State of Iraq.
From the steps of the central capital of Othollo, an anxious Grand Emperor Togar stood with his personal guard and emissaries behind him. At the bottom of the steps was a sea of his new subjects. Many of them were forced to travel from the far reaches of the planet by his decree.
The reason for the grand audience was the dimensional portal that finally opened up. Mekhit, the lion goddess of war, stepped through. Togar willingly took the knee with his head bowed, prostrating himself before her. Following suit were his emissaries, personal guards, and eventually, everyone else attending, wishing to avoid the penalty of death.
“Goddess Mekhit, daughter of Horus, god of kingship and sky, and Mother Sekhmet, goddess of war,” Togar recited. “The Empire of Gregor is blessed for you to finally stand on our soil.”
“Rise, faithful servant,” Mekhit motioned. “Witness as I converse with your people on my father’s behalf.”
Togar rose as the rest of his subjects remained where they knelt. Mekhit took a couple of steps to gaze out into the capital at the sea of worn and skeptical Gregorians waiting to hear from a self-proclaimed goddess from another world.
Mekhit began her address to the nation with a soft voice projecting into the capital vibrating the citizens' bones while causing buildings and massive military vehicles to quake.
“Children of Gregor…because rulers of old chose to turn their backs on your gods…your gods decided to turn their backs on you. A fatal error that has left your world in misery and left them feeble and powerless never to return. As you can see and feel…power runs through me, and even greater power through my father and mother who sent me here to bring blessings and guide you to a golden age of prosperity never imagined in your wildest of dreams.”
Mekhit paused, allowing the citizens of Gregor to process her power and her words. They turned to one another, trembling yet amazed by a being capable of causing a nation to tremble with just her voice.
“Your former Grand Emperor was slain like cattle by my mother Sekhmet for offending her, giving you the ruler, you deserve,” Mekhit said while motioning to Togar. “One who will return your traditions to you, as well as your right to worship your original gods.”
Her words brought whispers of shock and surprise to the people, including Togar himself.
“Only this time, you will decide where your offerings flow,” Mekhit’s gentle voice boomed. “To your cowardice gods who watched your suffering from afar and feebly hid refusing to answer the call of their people, who begged them to intervene, or to the House of Horus, who has heard your words, your crying whispers, blessed you with justice, and will continue to reign blessings that will cause the universe to tremble. Tis for you the people to decide.”
Mekhit’s thundering voice spoken in clear Gregorian dialect brought the masses to life with waves of cheers, rejoice, and adulation all laid at the feet of the House of Horus.
A satisfied Mekhit turned to Grand Emperor Togar, who stood waiting for instructions from her.
“Per my father’s orders, you will send one-fourth of your warships to Earth for him to command,” Mekhit instructed.
“I will gladly send all of my warships to Lord Horus and mother Sekhmet if they desire,” Togar answered, placing a hand over his left breast.
“One-fourth will be sufficient at this time,” Mekhit answered. “They will be rendezvousing with a portion of the Volorion War Machine that is also en route to Earth.”
“May I ask the objective of this mission, my goddess?” Togar respectfully inquired.
Mekhit devilishly smirked before she answered.
“One requires hounds to bring down the kill once the trap has been sprung.”
˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜
Alvion Prime, Capital Planet of the Dominion Council,
Sophia tentatively sat listening to experts selected by the accused. One gave authenticity to the assailant in the footage, although she could not confirm the individual’s identity due to the massive about of radiation feedback the assailant was emitting.
The second expert was a biologist and geneticist specializing in Cosmivorses. The male Averan Al’Kraz from Avsolar gave detailed insights on the destructive capabilities of Cosmivorses, how they correlated to the attacks on the diplomatic ships. He then explained how the current readings were differentiated from other Cosmi
vorses and similar to the defendant.
Information Sophia already knew the Accusation would bring during her discussion with Oozaru. Two things that did take her off guard was seeing the updated chart of known Cosmivorses. Kimberly’s name was officially on the list. It was further down, preventing her from being a suspect, but her name was on the list nonetheless. After a discussion with Oozaru, Sophia gave him permission to release Kimberly’s medical records from Anu to ensure she was never targeted as a suspect.
It still unnerved her to see her name listed.
The other thing that surprised her was that Al’Kraz was also a Cosmivorse, ranked two levels below Kimberly.
Oozaru reiterated with the first specialist that since facial recognition failed, there was inconclusive evidence that Sophia was the actual assassin. With Al’Kraz, Oozaru argued that the list of current Cosmivorses accounted for was also uncertain, that it was possible for another assailant with equivalent power level to her own to perpetrate the attacks.
Head Accuser Novtia did not counter-argue Oozaru’s first refute. She did stand to speak for his second.
“Teacher Al’Kraz,” Novtia formally addressed him. “Given the footage that you have seen with your own eyes, what is the possibility of another assailant matching Sophia Dennison’s ability level?”
Teacher Al’Kraz glanced at Freedom, then back at Novtia before he answered.
“Because the human species are the latest to evolve to the level of Cosmivorses, we are still not privy to the extent of their capabilities or their limitations. However, to the best of my expertise and studies, and after reviewing Sophia Dennison’s physiology records, she is on a level of the spectrum, few Cosmivorses will ascend to in their lifetime. The plausibility of an assailant equivalent to Sophia Dennison is highly improbable.”
“Thank you, Teacher Al’Kraz, no further questions,” Novtia said with a smile.
As Teacher Al’Kraz left the inquiry stand, Novtia rose to address the Inquiry Tribunal.
“The Accusation calls upon Sophia Dennison of Earth to stand before the Inquiry.”
Members of the Tribunal glanced at one another and nodded in agreement. Nephthys spoke on their behalf.
“We recognize the Accusation’s request and call Sophia Dennison to the Inquiry stand.”
Sophia glanced at Oozaru, who nodded, giving her authorization to rise and head to the Inquiry stand.
The hairs on her body became needles feeling all eyes upon her once again. She stood in the circle sitting in the backless cushiony disc-shaped seat with self-propulsion.
Sophia calmly clasped her hands and mentally blocked out the eyes, focusing on Novtia leaving her desk to approach her.
“Sophia Dennison of Earth, do you pledge before the Tribunal and the Council to answer my inquiries truthfully?”
“I do,” Sophia nodded.
“Given the evidence presented, do you still maintain your innocence in the attacks at the border of your territory?”
“Yes, I do, considering I have no knowledge of where Earth’s territory begins or ends.”
“What do you know, Sophia Dennison, about us?”
Sophia narrowed her eyes slightly while reminding herself not to look menacing.
“Are you implying before the attack on my homeworld?”
“Detainment for inquiry,” Novtia calmly corrected her.
“The Eye of Ra mentioned the name Dominion Council in passing,” Sophia said bluntly. “He never went into further detail, and I never asked for any additional information.”
“Just to be accurate, you are referring to Laurence Danjuma, the second Eye of Ra of Anu?” Novtia asked.
“I did not know that was his name, nor that he was the second,” Sophia answered. “But yes, that same Eye of Ra.”
Accuser Novtia strolled up to her with an attorney swagger that was apparently universal. A pleasant sardonic smile formed on her face before she spoke.
“You must realize that your defense is filling up with holes, Sophia Dennison. Diplomatic ships attacked within Earth’s territory by a female assassin dressed in your uniform, operating on your power level. Yet you had a conversation with the only person with privy knowledge of this Council, and you stand here and say before us that there was no extensive talk?”
“If you believe that Laurence Danjuma allegedly conspired and divulged information in a plot to destroy those ships,” Sophia carefully said with a sprinkle of sternness. “Why not bring him before this Inquiry to defend himself?”
An impressed smirk formed on Novtia’s lips at Freedom’s counter; it disappeared as quickly as it came as she got serious again.
“There is currently no compounding evidence against the Eye of Ra that would warrant him standing before this Inquiry. As your Council most likely informed you, that or a credible accusation is the only thing that can legally compel a member of the House of Ra to stand before this Inquiry. Is there a credible accusation for you to make, Sophia Dennison?”
“No,” Sophia answered bluntly.
“No further questions for the accused,” Novtia said, turning to the Tribunal.
“Permission to redirect,” Oozaru stood up, addressing the Tribunal.
The members of the Tribunal once again quickly conferred, nodding with one another in agreement. Sashal, the Vice Prime Minister of Femado, spoke on their behalf.
“You may proceed, Defender Oozaru.”
Oozaru turned to Sophia.
“Sophia Dennison of Earth, in your own words, why are you not the assassin in these images?”
“Aside from my oath to do no harm, anyone with half an intellect would know that committing an act, this egregious could only be defined as suicidal genocide for myself and my people. No Earthbound government would be insane enough to sign off on such an attack, nor would I willingly carry out such a monstrous and despicable act of violence. I have no doubt that this Council has extensive knowledge of my people's barbarous history, but you will see that we have evolved past stupidity if you examine further. Please ask yourselves what the people of Earth could possibly gain from these attacks, aside from ensuring our annihilation? As I sit here before this Inquiry, I assure you that we do not have the technology to defend, the numbers to fight, or the alliances needed to back us.
And I say this not for you to take my words as truth but to use your vast, limitless resources and examine for yourselves. Morally I am not capable of this. Strategically my people would not dare attempt such an attack.”
Freedom’s words brought softly whispered conversations amongst the Council members.
“No further questions,” Oozaru said to the Tribunal.
“Request to redirect,” Accuser Novtia requested.
Although her lips remained pleasant and sensual, her eyes were that of a predator aiming for Sophia’s jugular.
The Tribunal members nodded to one another in agreement, Shogonite Faustra of the Sar Republic answered.
“Proceed, Accuser Novtia.”
“Thank you, Tribunal Faustra.”
She turned to Sophia to verbally pounce on her.
“Sophia Dennison of Earth, you just said before this Council and Tribunal that your sworn oath to do no harm would not allow you to do this.”
Sophia’s eyes instinctively narrowed, remembering what she had said and knowing what Novtia’s next words would be. She had slipped up, and the Accuser smelled the blood in the water.
“I know where …”
“Please answer the question,” Novtia sternly pressed, cutting her off.
“Yes, but…”
“But you have broken your oath,” Novtia steamrolled through Sophia’s chance to defend. “You have done harm.”
Knowing the longer it took to answer, the more damage she brought to her defense, Sophia reluctantly answered.
“Yes, I have.”
“Can we go as far as to say, you not only harmed but killed?”
“Yes, I have.”
“And you have kill
ed to defend your world.”
“Yes,” Sophia solemnly nodded.
“No further questions for the accused, Tribunal,” Novtia triumphantly said.
“Permission to redirect, again,” Oozaru defiantly spoke up.
Once again, the members of the Tribunal agreed, Tribunal Mulfus Siral answered on their behalf.
“Proceed, Defender Oozaru.”
“Sophia Dennison, please elaborate on why you were forced to break your oath.”
Freedom took a slow, sad breath before she raised her head, looking at the Council to answer.
“I killed to defend my child from being taken away from me and used as a weapon. I killed to avenge a mother who was forced to watch her son torn apart by a warlord’s men before they raped her, and I killed to protect my world against a terrorist and her operatives from subjugating it through bloodshed.”
Sophia’s head fell in shame as she allowed the condemnatory sentence to leave her lips.
“But…Accuser Novtia is correct…I have broken my oath …to do no harm. Regardless of the justification …I am guilty of that.”
Freedom’s words brought soft whispers amongst Council members for a second time. Sophia’s eyes remained to the ground, filled with her regrets, unable to see the subtle frown on Novtia’s lips, not the satisfied smirk on Oozaru’s beak.
Novtia did not count on Sophia, not defending her actions and showing genuine regret. Something the Dominion Council, who championed civility and accountability, would take into consideration.
“No further questions for the accused,” Oozaru said, resting his case.
The Tribunal waited for Novtia to redirect again. She remained silent, taking her defeat for now.
“Sophia Dennison may step down and return to the side of the defense,” Tribunal Fenian Dayra decreed.
Fenian’s words snapped Freedom out of her poignant self-assessment of her life and actions. She rose quietly, returning to her seat, while Novtia and her team regrouped.
Head Accuser Novtia, after confirming with her staff, rose to her feet.
“Members of the Tribunal, we wish to bring forth a new witness for testimony, a human named Mildred Humphries from Earth.”
War of Mortal Gods Page 25
