Resolution

by Douglas E Roff

  Humans, always in control and unaware of the Gens and the Nobilus as separate species’, would be most difficult to convince that things had to change. If Adam could not convince Liara that the species were working together toward a specific goal, her goal, she might pull the plug. By the time the humans were ready to accept their common plight, they would likely already be dead at the hands of the Creator.

  Some Gens knew what was at stake; a few Nobilus but almost no humans outside of Adam and his wives and family. That was the mile-high view, and it was getting close to Adam’s unenviable task of letting all the species know the dire situation and try to work fast enough to create a plan that would convince everyone about what the future would entail. He would have the worst time with humans, who would believe nothing that Adam had to say.

  He could hear it now.

  That other beings existed on this small blue planet, poppycock; that they could ever threaten mankind, impossible; that they were smart, lived many of our values and integrated into our societies, silly; or that there was a threat originating from an Immortal being, pure BS. They had science and religion to turn to for answers and everything they believed they ever needed to know; if any of it was actually true, their religious and scientific gods would have said so by now.

  Paleontologically speaking, where was the proof? If these creatures were around, would not evidence already have been discovered of their existence? There should be plenty of evidence in the fossil record; these were “cryptids”, after all. Bones or footprints must be somewhere. If no DNA is around, then the claim was merely the stuff of fiction writers, TV shows and vivid imaginations.

  “Bigfoot has a show next year on cable, and didn’t the Neandertals have a comedy show a few years back?”

  They would laugh and go about their daily lives and post jokes on social media. Inventive animators would have a field day with this news; late night show hosts around the world would have joke writers working overtime.

  Proof would be required, hardcore proof, and then real examples would have to be shown to real people; all accomplished without causing panic, hunting parties and overreaction. That was the human side and Adam thought convincing the masses in short order would be near impossible. A more targeted approach was required, and Adam thought the best way to do that was to prove the existence of these cryptids slowly and meticulously, using the scientific method.

  There was still time for rationality to prevail.

  The Prophecy predicted that the three species that could produce amazing new beings with individuals who already, like Adam, already possessed the four genes. It was as if mating with these rare individuals somehow supercharged their offspring, and their offspring, in turn, turbo charged theirs. Adam would have to find these other beings, including those among the human ranks. It might be too late for him, but not for others.

  To the Gens and the Nobilus, whose historic survival depended on secrecy and never disclosing their existence, Adam’s plan for going public globally was non-starter at present. The vast majority of the transformed Gens community was never going to step forward voluntarily with its history. The Gens in natural state were virtually undetectable to most humans if unaided by tech, and would remain that way.

  The basic structure of what had to be accomplished in the Bio lab was simple: gene therapy. How did four genes, only three of which occurred normally in the three species, be combined and introduced into the three genomes quickly. If the gene therapy worked, would it hold, was it epigenetic and permanent, or simply transitory? What was achievable through mating alone? Could a hundred-year plan, a two-hundred-year plan, a thousand-year plan spanning multiple generations achieve success in the eyes of Liara the Creator?

  Adam and Alana had speculated that all progeny of a single four-gene individual would produce a four- gene child in every case. Mating with these individuals needed to be recorded, as would the genetic results from these individuals mating with specific other individuals. Genetic engineering would then take over.

  Time; time was the answer. Not how much time Adam had, but how much time the planet had to gestate a solution. He would set Alana onto the problem, but the high number of variables were against a rapid resolution. Eight billion humans, half of whom, via sampling, did not have the critical fourth gene, the transference gene. A high percentage of the other species had the gene, but they were relatively tiny in number. The Gens at three hundred million was a good start if all could be accessed, but the Nobilus, even all in, was at maybe ten million. The numbers were out of proportion, leading Adam to surmise what he did not wish to contemplate.

  He would have to force all humans to submit to genetic testing along with offspring. Mating with humans who did not carry the gene to produce offspring simply could not be allowed. Growing the human population any further was similarly irresponsible. If anything, human numbers needed to decline while Gens and Nobilus needed to increase, procreate at faster rates.

  As he stared at his computer, and Alana joined him, she leaned over and whispered into his ear that they would find a way. While they breathed life, no matter the tenor of the obstacle and the challenge ahead, the three species could work out what was necessary.

  “We needed to start with our plans like yesterday,” said Adam. “The problems multiply each day that we don’t address them. We’re not ready. It might be decades, if not centuries before we truly know our fate.”

  Chapter 5

  Cori, Hecate and Niona landed in Alana’s oversize office and Lab filled with tech, computers and a staff of nerds including Beata and her fellow sisters. The arrival was unannounced and unscheduled, so naturally Alana was, at first, apprehensive. She was expecting the return of the two ladies with Paulo hog tied and docile. Hecate and Niona were supposed to be tracking down the leads she painstakingly generated for the pair and, instead, appeared out of nowhere with an amazingly beautiful young lady.

  Niona spoke first. “We found him where you said he would be at the top of your list, but he does not arrive permanently until sometime later. We will stay here for now and check the site for his arrival, then collect him, deposit him in the cells for Tar to bother with, then inform our Master. We have no idea when he will arrive, but he is on his way to the Amazon.”

  Alana said, “Then you should explain to Adam who you have brought to our City and why. Your new friend seems uncomfortable in her new surrounds. Perhaps a chat with her new Master will break the ice.”

  Cori immediately said, “I serve no Master but the One True God.”

  Niona said, “I have already explained the term ‘Master’ to her, but to no avail. And our young Immortal cannot sleep any longer. She frets day and night about her assignment. It is all I can do to comfort her. But I have news from my sister …”

  “You have a sister? You never said.”

  “You never asked. It’s beside the point anyway; there is good news and knowledge I did not have before.”

  “He will live?”

  “It has gone from ‘no chance’, to ‘a remote chance’. It is not, however, an occasion to celebrate. The decision, though Liara’s alone, is not final. There is still hope. I shall share it with you soon.”

  ***

  Two months later.

  Paulo was nothing if not a creature of habit, punctual and a perfectionist. The Ladies could practically set their watches, if they had watches, by what Paulo would do and when he would do it. The Ladies arrived at his sitting room, seconds after he arrived, watched him pick up a newspaper, sit in his favorite recliner, and light his pipe. A cool breeze was manufactured from air conditioners as the weather outside was stifling, and Paulo preferred comfort when in human form, which, these days, was always. He too could transform at will and not be bothered by temperature and humidity, so most of his research was to placate the rank and file of the Collective about whom he cared little these days.

  “Good afternoon Paulo,” said Niona. “It is time to go and determine your fate. Our Master, Adam St.
James, awaits you and the contest in the Coliseum.”

  “When I die, he dies,” said Paulo, now up to date on the implications of the contest to Adam’s fate. “Perhaps a long delay in the event would be a better strategy for your Master.”

  “Maybe. But we have you here and now, and you can wait in a cell just as easily. Tar of the Village sends his regards.”

  “While you are both fetching, and it would be my earnest desire to have you both, my men are on their way. I will not be leaving with you.”

  The doors locked and sealed as if welded shut.

  “We shall not be leaving by normal means today. Hecate the Immortal is now fully mature, so we will depart by her special means of transport. Her Lord has approved the mode of transportation.”

  Paulo began to fumble for a gun, but Hecate froze him. The three joined hands, and in seconds, Paulo was deposited in a cell in the City of light. It was newly constructed, replacing the one created for Enzo and appeared quite comfortable. He was manacled to the wall: neck, feet, and arms, with leather straps binding his midsection, but otherwise the cell looked more like a condo than a prison.

  Niona said, “You will fight the Human within two months time, and the Coliseum will be filled with dignitaries from the human, Gens and Nobilus worlds. They say the Coliseum holds over two hundred thousand, all with a good view and numerous boxes and platforms for senior dignitaries. We will give you time to train, should you require it, and you may have a second. Unfortunately, it will not be your brother.

  “Your wives and children, in fact both sets are here, and no worries, each set has been treated well and are adapting to their new lives here in Paraiso admirably. Bella is married to a human, and your children adopted by him. Your present wife is still wary being here, but seems to be less apprehensive every day. Your kids have fit it well and seem happy. Should you desire to have them visit, just ask Tar. I understand you tortured and murdered his family. I guess that meeting will be interesting.”

  ***

  Dinner was to begin promptly at seven, with Alana and Adam grinding, fileting, and chopping everything necessary for a magnificent meal. Adam had marinated meats and fish all day since learning of his special treat, so when the time came, and everyone was dressed, Adam entered the room behind his cooks and took his seat. He looked around for his surprise, but saw only a beautiful young lady, radiantly attired and sitting next to Niona.

  Niona spoke first, “While on assignment, Hecate and I had occasion to visit Rio de Janeiro for a brief stop while we waited for Paulo to arrive at his new hiding place. Alana, as usual, discovered the location; we simply bided our time waiting for the prey to arrive.”

  “No doubt studying the effects of Hawking radiation on silkworms.”

  “Exactly.”

  “But one day we returned to our room early …”

  “Studies can be tiring. Especially on Ipanema Beach. At least that’s what I hear.”

  “Correct again,” said Niona, half seriously and half annoyed with the sarcastic interruption. “And to our great surprise we encountered Cori Marquez cleaning my room and making the bed. I knew immediately she was not human, so Hecate entered her mind immediately to determine her intention and level of danger. We considered her both safe and in great danger.”

  “Do tell.”

  Cori was looking at Adam, staring, as if she had never seen a man before in her life. One like Adam, she had not.

  “She was naturally apprehensive, so we gave her limited but useful knowledge and she agreed to come here with us. She was about to be sold into sexual slavery, and I am sure you can see why.”

  “Yes, I can. She rivals or exceeds Marie.”

  Cori reiterated, “But you will never be my Master, no matter what you force me to do here.”

  Adam laughed. “First, I am nobody’s Master. That Niona prefers to call me that, along with others, is purely by choice, notwithstanding that I have forbidden its use. Secondly, you will never be forced to do anything by anybody. Me included. You have free will and may choose your own destiny.”

  Adam paused, and seeing a blank stare from Cori, asked, “Have you questions?”

  “Where do I stay?”

  Adam turned to Niona. Niona said, “We have sculpted a room between my quarters and Hecate’s. There are connecting doors between rooms.”

  Adam smiled, “Of course there are. For security, I’m sure.”

  Hecate said, “It was you who told me that one can never be too secure.”

  Alana said, “Hecate has needs and fears now that Paulo is our guest. You need to speak to her privately after I speak to you first.”

  “Hecate?”

  “Sorry, but this is all of a sudden too real for me. I’m freaked.”

  ***

  Dinner was excellent; Cori particularly enjoyed her meal. Marie could not attend but promised to visit at breakfast. One of her children was ill and needed her attention.

  Cori asked, “And you, Adam, prepared all this yourself? With help from Alana?”

  “We both prepare, cook and clean up. It is our ritual.”

  “I am truly sorry for thinking the absolute worst of you. It was without foundation.”

  “Perhaps not. I am known to have a foolish side of me, and a temper. I often beat my wives.”

  Cori was astounded and frozen in place.

  “No, I don’t,” Adam said. “Just fucking with you. Can’t help it, you seem so young and innocent.”

  “I am that, and easily fall prey to jokes and mockery at my expense.”

  “I see no reason to relieve you of that burden, but remember, I am but a fool guided by my wives.”

  “I shall from now on.”

  ***

  “He is not what I expected and was very kind and respectful. When I spoke, he listened and did not interrupt. He was … a gentleman.”

  “He is that,” said Niona. “And more.”

  Chapter 6

  Niona cornered Adam in the kitchen, washing dishes with Alana and chatting away about post death details and duties that all should undertake when he was gone. They spoke as if it was no more important than the plan for the review of the new Nabatean Gardens, recently completed.

  “May I have a word with you, Master?”

  “Of course. Feel free to wash and scrub.”

  “No thanks, husband. I shall leave that joy to you and Alana.”

  “Is this about Cori, or some other topic? Marie will be quite shocked to see her new rival in natural beauty.”

  “No issue there. Marie is the most beautiful human of her gender alive, and Cori the most beautiful of my species.”

  “Which is?”

  “Not your concern, Master.”

  “Can’t blame me for trying.”

  “You are too clever by half and just as incorrigible.”

  “Correct! May I have a kiss?”

  “Your demands are …”

  “What?”

  “Reasonable, for a change.”

  “What do you wish to discuss?”

  “Your impending fight with Paulo, his death and its aftermath.”

  “We know all about that. What’s left to discuss?”

  “Fortunately, much. I have spoken with my sister and there is something Liara has failed to mention.”

  Niona paused, “The Book.”

  “The Book? And you have a sister? When did we find out about your sister?”

  “Never. I never brought her up. Besides she’s not my real sister; we pair in our species, and I am paired with her. We are never far apart. She senses my nearness and watches over me, and I do the same for her.”

  “Will I ever meet your sister? I mean it’s just like my family. I have a million cousins, aunts, and uncles, but we’re not really related. We are family because we choose to be.”

  “Like when Misti saw her look alike ‘cousin’ putting her tits in your face? And pushing herself into yourself? Like that?”

  “No, not exactly. Besides, tha
t was a misunderstanding. Her cousin is an actress and we were rehearsing lines.”

  “Misti said she saw two very large hard nipples and attached to two very large tits out of her blouse and one very large … appendage under your pants rubbing in unison.”

  “Well, it was a very realistic scene and we are both ‘Method Actors’. You know, to achieve realism.”

  “Yes, I’m sure that’s what it was.”

  “I’m shocked at your ignorance of method acting. I should be insulted.”

  “But you’re not.”

  “Pretty hard to insult me. Now what’s this about a Book and a sister. I must know more.”

  ***

  “The most pressing item concerns you and the young Immortal. She counts the days in fear and trepidation and you seem unconcerned. Do you not understand that she is petrified and loves you very deeply? You cannot be indifferent to her pain.”

  “I’m not. And, Niona the Huntress, I am a little peeved that you would, number one, think like that and, number two, and that I would ever let Hecate do the deed. Never going to happen.”

  “As usual, you miss the point entirely. Normally I would say you’re ignorant about emotions, just like every other man, but none of us wives are sure just exactly what you are. Some percent little boy, mostly grown man, and then some other stuff.”

  “I’m in touch with my feminine side.”

  “Nope. You don’t have any of that, or any bi-stuff either. You are, as Misti says, an enigma.”

  “She’s the boss, you know. Even when absent.”

  “I do. You have a plan, I assume?”

  “Yes and no. Mostly no.”