The unexpected need for Kyla’s approval caught him off guard, and made him feel uncharacteristically self-conscious. Evan cleared his throat and looked away from the beguiling Atlantean. He indicated the direction from which Ni-Cio had come. “Let’s move. There’s nothing more we can learn by sitting here.”
Everyone scrambled through the grass and followed Evan over the ridge and down the incline. The biosphere had been left well above the high water mark and rested in the miserly shade of a scraggly copse of trees.
Ni-Cio explained to Evan why the biosphere appeared invisible, “It has a pliable outer material that adapts to any element, and reflects the surrounding area, so that it is virtually invisible. The biosphere remains undiscovered unless someone accidentally stumbles over it.”
Ni-Cio pulled the downsized craft toward the water. As he did so, Evan stepped around the group to get a better look. “I think it’s lucky for us that Atlantis was never interested in world domination. If this is an indication of your technology, we would’ve been in serious trouble.” He walked around the biosphere and inspected every line and curve of the magnificent craft. He bent to peer into the interior, trying to cover the wistfulness in his tone, “Another time, perhaps, I’ll enjoy a ride.” He straightened just in time to see a pensive look cross the Atlantean’s face.
Ni-Cio sent his thoughts to Evan only, “I know your feelings for Daria…that you are willing to accept her as a friend indicates a tremendous depth of character…for a man like you, it is not easy to put someone else’s needs above your own…I am grateful that you have chosen to help…you would have made a formidable adversary…”
Ni-Cio offered his hand to Evan, “I would be proud to give you that ride.”
The men viewed each other in the heat of the afternoon sun. Evan had used Ni-Cio’s exchange to discern the character of the Atlantean. With nothing hidden between them, a silent alliance had formed. “Take care of her.” Evan knew his meaning had not been mistaken when Ni-Cio gave a slight nod of his head.
Evan looked at Daria, “You gave me more than I had a right to expect. I will give my life to protect your happiness.”
Daria couldn’t speak. She just threw her arms around Evan in a tight embrace. For a time they held each other. The steady rise and fall of the waves was the only sound to break the silence. When at last they parted, Evan faced Kyla, “I will do everything in my power to see that your home remains safe. But when the day comes that I claim a ride in that amazing machine, I would rather you be my pilot.” He grinned.
Kyla touched his face in a feather caress, “I would be honored to be your pilot and I promise to keep my appearance a shade less extreme than that of the banshee you first encountered.”
Evan smiled and mimicked her effort at levity, “I’m grateful my smoking remains aren’t still warming the grounds of the marketplace. I think it’s safe to say even Athena pales in comparison.”
Beneath the white covering of talc, a deep hue of rose colored her cheeks and mouth. He laughed and the joy he felt was more than he ever remembered. “Just about everything pales in comparison. I will look forward to that ride.”
He stepped back and outlined his idea, “I’m going to continue to follow Travlor’s orders. At some point, I will do what I can to jeopardize his plans. Failing that, the moment I learn his strategy I’ll relay his intentions, which should help direct your defense.”
The biosphere increased in length to contain the three riders and Ni-Cio climbed in at the helm. Evan waded through the water to help the women. Before the hatch materialized, Ni-Cio spoke, “I know your heart. Do not blame yourself. The fault lies with your father. It is his twisted soul that has brought us to this. Your help is what is important now.”
Evan narrowed his eyes against the blinding glare of water-reflected sunlight. He backed away from the biosphere, but he sent an adamant thought, “If retribution for the sins of the father aren’t visited upon the son…you have my solemn oath…I will not let you down…”
Ni-Cio, Daria and Kyla simultaneously signed a heartfelt goodbye. There was nothing more to be said.
The topsider watched the canopy materialize to enclose the people who, in the space of one afternoon, had changed his life forever. With the fluid symmetry of a dolphin the craft arched across the water and in the blink of an eye, disappeared beneath a curl of sapphire waves. The surge raced forward to tug at Evan’s legs as though begging him to come, too. He felt more alone than ever.
The swell of bodies packed the Council Hall and people jostled for room. Those who couldn’t fit inside had inserted themselves as close as possible to the portal entrances. Every man, woman, and child of Atlantis was present and all eyes concentrated on Ni-Cio.
The last half hour had passed quickly as Daria, Kyla and Ni-Cio had taken turns reporting the results of their mission. But everyone still waited to hear what strategy they had devised. Ni-Cio reached the end of his account. “We will proceed as if we have only one month to prepare. I do not think Travlor will be able to produce the equipment he needs in that space of time. Nevertheless, we must be ready. If we are given longer, consider it a gift from the gods. Now I cede the floor to Our Most Sovereign Healer.”
Daria was anxious, however, she kept her demeanor calm and tried to look confident. Everyone had been shaken enough and it would not serve the best interests of her new family if they discerned the extent of her fear. She took her place by Ni-Cio again, glad for his strength, and she felt relieved that her voice sounded unafraid, “The Council Hall is one of the largest chambers in Atlantis, and because of the safety of its location, it will become our hospital. I have asked Ylno to see to those preparations and she will designate the members of her team. The children who are too young to fight will be sheltered there.”
A skittish murmur circulated the Hall and Daria waited for the noise to subside. ”Kyla is in charge of staffing the kitchens. Although you are used to collecting and harvesting food only as needed, it is prudent to see that the pantries are well stocked.”
From the back of the Hall came the worried questions that were on everyone’s mind.
“What about weapons? How are we to defend against the kinds of devices you have described?”
Ni-Cio cleared his throat, “The importance of your questions weighs upon us all. Let us finish outlining the initial plans, then Daria will speak to that issue. She has had an idea with tremendous merit. One that I believe could mean the difference in our chances. Right now, I ask your patience. The basic plans that will aid in our survival have to be laid out first.”
Ni-Cio waited for any response. No objections were raised, so he nodded and moved to the next stage of their strategy, “It is crucial that we supplement our fighting skills. The games that we have enjoyed as sport must be rechanneled into exercises of deadly intent. We must retrain our bodies and we must harden our minds.”
Daria looked over the faces of Ni-Cio’s friends and family. There were still a few who refused to accept the need for battle, while others hoped for some miraculous occurrence that would spare Atlantis from all-out war. But with his next statement, Daria knew that he would send a seismic shock. “To that end, I hereby invoke The Cabala of Ares. Barring our smallest children, and those over the age of three hundred and fifty, everyone is to become proficient in the technique of Last Strike.”
Throughout the Hall, a collective gasp arose, followed by strangled cries. Marik jolted from his seat and hurried to Ni-Cio. “Ni-Cio, is that truly necessary? I understand that we can do nothing to deflect Travlor’s assault, but I ask you, is the threat justified enough for such an action?”
Daria watched with sadness as their Council Leader came to understand a truth that even he hadn’t wanted to believe. Marik raised his head and straightened his shoulders, power radiating from every line. He acknowledged Ni-Cio with a quick nod and approached the edge of the dais.
Not until he had everyone’s full attention did he speak his heart. “My friends, we have a
bided in peace for so many generations that we no longer give thought to our freedom. Why, it is as much a part of us as the beat of our hearts. But I remind you, we have witnessed Terran societies dominated by the iron fist of tyranny and the results are catastrophic. Tyranny prospers always at the expense of the human spirit.
“Unless we sustain the values that have given reason and purpose to our existence, then I ask you, what is our purpose? There is no liberty when the right to choose is taken away. If we submit to Travlor because we are afraid to fight, do you think that he will be merciful? If so, you are letting nightmares chip away at your reason. Hear me when I tell you that if we let our fear of Travlor override our desire for freedom and our readiness to defend that freedom, then he has already won and we might as well be dead!
“We have come to a harrowing juncture in our lives, but let us not give in to a fear that would paralyze us. There is only one choice. Once again, we must fight for our right to exist!
“On this day and at this hour I say to you, do not fear Travlor. Instead, fear the loss of freedom that would kill our spirits! Remember, freedom has never been free, it has always come at a very precious price. But by the gods, I for one am ready to pay it!”
As one voice, a thunderous roar circulated as the people of Atlantis joined in accord.
“Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!”
A spectrum of blue and gold tones shone upon every face. Daria, struck by the purity of their intent, and humbled by the lack of hate that could have motivated their actions, beheld their magnificence. She knew that the reasons that led these people to make a stand would help them come together into an extraordinary fighting force.
Ni-Cio signaled for Aris to join him.
Aris rose from his chair and walked to the front of the dais. His affable demeanor was absent, and his expression was so severe that Daria almost did not recognize him. Aris took the floor, “We will split into squads. The leaders of each squad will see that a rigorous training schedule is employed. Once you have been assigned to your squad, you are not to leave that unit. The group of men and women to which you are assigned will become your family. You are to eat together, you are to sleep together, you are to train together. You will become each other’s lifeblood!”
He glanced at Ni-Cio and stepped back. Ni-Cio nodded at Rogert. The robust Atlantean took his place beside Aris. Although usually reticent, as part of the group assigned to study battle strategies, Rogert had uncovered an innate talent as a tactician. “The groups will rotate. When you are not training for combat, you will be placed in lookout positions. Though we are fairly certain Travlor will not attack within the month, and we have Evan Gaddes to warn of movement in our direction, we will still engage our own surveillance system. Our people will be stationed outside Atlantis as well as inside. All exits are to be covered at all times.”
Ni-Cio motioned the other five members of the study group to join them.
Mer-An took her place by Aris and addressed everyone, “Those of you not actively utilized as lookouts, or involved in combat training, will be drilled in fight and fall back procedures. Should the outcome not favor Atlantis, our last stand will be in the Great Hall of Poseidon. The portal openings must be fortified and food and water stored so direct access to the Council Hall has to be built. We cannot afford to waste the precious time we have.”
A commotion started, but Marik spoke and everyone quieted, “At present we have enough guidelines in the structure of our defense. I think we would now like to hear from our Most Sovereign Healer. I am fascinated to discover what ideas she might have that would produce a weapon with which to fight this fiend.”
Daria felt much less certain of her idea than when she had originally suggested it. She glanced at Ni-Cio, and he smiled his encouragement. “I don’t know, but it occurred to me, I mean, I think it might be possible to use our thoughts as a weapon,” she now had everyone’s undivided attention.
“Na-Kai unleashed an incredible power when she generated the thought-form that brought me here. It was a tangible energy that I was unable to resist. She also used it on you in the first council meeting I ever attended.” Nervous laughter twittered through the room and she smiled, “None of us need to be reminded of that, but if we could learn to reproduce that energy on a smaller scale, we might be able to wield our thoughts in a physical manner.”
Ni-Cio quickly added to her idea, “It might even be possible to use our thoughts to form barriers or shields. If we can learn to do this, it would give us a measurable advantage.”
Daria’s inspiration spread like wildfire as people grasped the possibility of her idea. Marik’s eyes gleamed, “How would this training begin?”
Daria considered his question. “In our last exchange, Na-Kai related the abilities needed to tap into this power. She specifically warned against its use until I had acquired the proper resistance to the drain of energy that would follow an event of this magnitude. I am not even close to the level required or I would not hesitate to utilize this energy in our defense. However, on an individual basis, we should be able to lower the power of this thought-form even as we attempt to replicate it on a smaller scale. This would enable us to acquire enough energy to serve as weapons or at the very least, shields.”
Lost in a whirlwind of emotion, for a time, no one said a word. At last, Marik approached Daria and bowed. When he straightened again, a wide smile spread across his face. “Most Sovereign Healer, we are amazed and honored. You have introduced a concept that gives us cause to hope and it might well tip the scales in our favor!”
Cheers rocked the Council Hall and applause broke out, accompanied by shouts of gratitude. With a grin that spread almost ear to ear, Ni-Cio took Daria in his arms and gave her a rib-cracking hug. She was dizzy with the magnitude of her responsibility, and as she clung to the man who had become her strength, she prayed with all her heart that her idea would work.
It was with obvious relief that Marik faced the gathering. “Daria, you have given us reason to believe that we can succeed.”
Shouts of joy drowned out the Council Leader’s voice. Marik raised his arms and waited. Silence fell like drops of rain, as his next pronouncement boomed into the stillness like thunder, “People of Atlantis, we are united in a powerful will to resist!” His determined features broke into a triumphant grin. “We awaken with a resolute and fierce fighting spirit!” Marik’s final words shook the air, “We have been given the ability to overcome! Let Travlor break upon the rock of Atlantis!”
Within the pandemonium Daria sensed a change. Galvanized by confidence, the people of Atlantis dared to believe that they could withstand the approaching cataclysm. A feeling that had been noticeably absent ignited in every heart, including hers. Daria recognized the feeling and that feeling was everything. It was hope.
“You must be more precise, and your pace must increase…”
The cryptic words scraped through his mind like a furrow being ploughed. Evan ignored the man standing next to him and leveled his concentration toward the target. Like a form of Chinese water torture, the scene crept toward an altered vision, drop by incessant drop.
The courtyard bustled with soldiers being grilled and drilled, but by excruciating degrees, the suggestion of a deserted, dilapidated winery began to appear. As though a scrim had been lowered, the ghostly outlines of people could be seen moving behind an overlay of the abandoned vineyard.
Evan sweated from the exertion. He squinted until his eyes were nearly closed and he ground his teeth together until his jaw ached. All of a sudden, the intensity of his focus left and the vineyard scene dissipated. The soldiers were once more the true reality. He was ready to give up. “It would be easier to get blood from a turnip.”
“Do not cease!”
At the harsh command, Evan felt his father’s presence slip into his mind. He redoubled his exertions and watched in awe as all live movement totally disappeared. The compound looked as desolate as it had on the day of its purchase. Evan felt his
efforts ease and in one brilliant flash, he seized upon what Travlor had tried to tell him and was now demonstrating.
“You make it too hard.”
The criticism stung, and with the impatient disengagement of his father’s intervention, he felt as though Travlor was fed up.
He knew that Travlor had expected his vision to yield, yet somehow he was able to hold the falsely vacant image in place. He thought he detected a tinge of pride as Travlor acknowledged his accomplishment.
“Yesss, that’s it. That’s it!”
Evan blinked and allowed his dry eyes some momentary relief. He slowed his breathing and was relieved to feel his mind unwind, bit by stiff bit. He decided that this newfound ability was similar to exercising a muscle that first needed flexing. He released his concentration and the scene immediately shifted to the build-up of military activity. But in the blink of an eye, the reality of vacant housing stood, refuting any rumor of life within the old winery. The only movement came as a loose shutter banged mournfully against siding sagging with age.
Evan nearly lost control of the vision when the man who had not allowed an emotional interchange of physical touch in thirty-five endless years clapped him on his back, “You do well. You do very well!”
Shocked by the sudden touch of recognition, physical as well as emotional, Evan scrutinized his father. It would be farfetched to think he saw a glimmer of happiness, but he thought the negativity that pervaded his father’s every waking moment had relaxed an infinitesimal amount. “I still feel that I am exerting more effort than is needed. How am I to sustain the façade and continue my other duties?”
Travlor’s abrasive reply cut through the wind, “Never lose awareness of what you are doing, but let the thought become so automatic that you need not access it consciously.”
Before Evan could ask what he meant, Travlor elaborated, “It is like your breath. You are aware that you breathe but it is not something you must consciously decide to do. Locate a secluded area in your mind and it is there that you store this tedious task, so that it no longer interferes with your normal routines.” Travlor hesitated and stroked his chin. “I seem to remember a game that Terran children play. It has something to do with one child placing an object in plain sight while the others attempt to discover its location. That is the area you seek in which to store this repetitious thought-form where it is at once in sight yet it intrudes not into conscious action.”
Tides of Change Page 21