Birth Of A Goddess

by Mark T. Bacome

  ::No, sir, they remain in the transport beam buffers,:: Lluxi replied, still shaken.

  ::Dump the buffers off-ship,:: Cain ordered. Lluxi directed the buffers off-ship and dumped the remaining portion of the small craft particles into space.

  ::Come to my quarters immediately!::

  ::Yes, SIR!:: Lluxi replied in earnest, if not relief, although he was still not certain of his fate.

  Cain pondered the possibilities as he waited for his K'nal to arrive. The destructive power of the transport beam, when utilized in that fashion was almost overpowering. The mis-purpose of such a simple device was sheer genius. Dravon's knowledge of WEPS and tactics had become invaluable, discovering possibilities where Cain had not been aware before. Cain was seeing the Corporate world in a new light. There would be nothing to stop him now--everything was becoming so clear. He had been chasing Elvonians, in an attempt to find Li, but this action had been shown to be the wrong tactic. With this new WEP, he could force them to come out of hiding. Bring Li to him directly, or face the complete destruction of everything they know.

  K'nal Lluxi entered Cain's quarters and immediately bent down to one knee, head bowed. “My Egal--I beg your forgiveness, that I may die honorably.”

  “Stand.” Cain motioned Lluxi to his feet. “You may yet honor me with your death, but not this day. Your incompetent actions today have led to a great moment of discovery. I will perfect the actions and procedures and you will train the rest of the Trupes in this new WEP and tactics.”

  “Sir, yes sir!”

  “My only issue with all that has happened--we have no more targets to test this new WEP on,” Cain pondered as he reviewed the debris field dissipating into the darkness of deep space. “We will rectify that problem very soon.”

  ***

  Part 2

  Reed stepped into the secluded shuttle bay for the waste facility at Europa, just as the last of the passengers disembarked from the craft. ::I see Presley1522 now,:: Reed remarked.

  ::Remember--the latest protocols due to the heightened security. We now address them by their given Corporate names. His name is Rhys,::Pia reminded Reed.

  ::After all this time, I'm not sure I'll ever get used to that,:: Reed argued.

  “Reed,” Rhys called out.

  “Presley--uh, Rhys,” Reed caught himself. “Your trip-was successful?”

  Rhys shook his head and greeted Reed with a forearm embrace. “More disturbing than even I initially thought. Troy was correct, Corporate is covering up the numbers.”

  Even after over six years hiding from Corporate, Reed still found disparaging comments regarding Corporate hard to hear without feeling insulted. He had, after all, been a loyal part of Corporate all of his life. “Are you certain?”

  Rhys stopped and gave Reed a hard scowl. “I saw it with my own eyes. I have retinal scans, and proximity scan data as well.”

  “I'm sorry--I didn't mean it like that. I--”

  “I know--” Rhys softened his glare. “I know, my friend.” The two exited the shuttle bay and entered a large main corridor. The number of Elvonians that had arrived, and continued to arrive over the last several years, crowded the large facility. The brilliantly lighted corridor bustled with people, unlike when Reed first saw this part of the facility a few years ago. Now, filled to capacity and all seeking refuge from Corporate, the sight was often overwhelming.

  After several minutes Rhys and Reed found a side path that could lead them out of the crowd. The narrowed passage was a shortcut Reed had discovered, that led to Toolkit's workspace.

  “So, the stories are true then?” Reed asked, leading the way.

  “The Earth humans are dying by the thousands,” Rhys's voice cracked with emotion. The image of Utahia dying in his hands was still as fresh and painful, as that day over six years ago. Now, seeing the Earth humans relocated from Earth to the moon facilities, stored away like rotting inventory, added to that emotion. “I believe I have evidence of the cause now, as well.”

  “Toxins?”

  “In a way. Toolkit should be able to analyze the data collected and possibly give a more definitive answer.”

  They turned a corner, caught an overcrowded lift and descended several levels. The next passage crossed another crowded main corridor. Reed led the way through the maze of Elvonians, some in standard Elvonian dress jumpers, others dressed like typical Corporate or Duissis employees. After a few more minutes they came to a familiar marked spot on the wall of the passage. Reed activated the entry and an outline of a doorway appeared where none was visible earlier, then opened.

  Compared to the extremely bright passage, the workspace was very dark. A far corner held the only glow of a flickering light-source.

  “Toolkit?” Reed called. There was no answer.

  “I've got some data for you to analyze,” Rhys added, as they entered. The door closed behind them. Still, the dark cluttered room was lit only from a single source in the far corner. Reed and Rhys picked their way through the maze of shelving, equipment parts and odd artifacts.

  “Toolkit?” Reed called again, as he and Rhys turned another corner in the room to find the source of the glow-a short repeating segment of a holographic image of Presley IX. She was undressed from the waist up, and appeared to be examining some odd growths on her chest. Toolkit was transfixed, and unaware Reed and Rhys were standing directly behind, watching too.

  “Toolkit!” Rhys gave Toolkit a soft tap on the shoulder.

  “WHA--” Toolkit jumped. “DON'T DO THAT!”

  “Sorry--” Reed assured. “What's going on? What is she saying?”

  Toolkit settled back to his seat. “The sound is not available on this segment--but she has been going through some physical changes in these earliest data disks.”

  “Changes?” Reed wondered aloud.

  “I've seen that,” Rhys offered.

  “Seen what?” Toolkit turned and asked.

  “That--those. Earth humans. Particularly the females. The larger ones have those--growths--on their chests. Breasts, I believe was the term I heard used,” Rhys answered staring at the holographic image.

  “Is it painful? Do they have a cure?” Toolkit asked with some concern.

  “Umm--not that I was made aware, while I was there,” Rhys answered, unsure.

  “Amazing--” Toolkit mumbled, shaking his head.

  “Wait a second--wasn't Presley IX an Elvonian? Corporate? Why does she have--breasts?” Reed asked.

  “Something toxic on the planet?” Toolkit wondered.

  “I don't think so,” Rhys answered. “I believe it has to do with the food.”

  “Earth food is toxic?” Reed asked. “I thought Alex and Kutch tried some without issue.”

  “No, no--Corporate food,” Rhys said, pulling out a proximity scanner and handing it to Toolkit.

  “What?” Toolkit took the scanner and held the device up, as though it required a visual inspection.

  “Check out the data on this scanner, plus my retinal scans. I think you'll see what I'm talking about,” Rhys said.

  “She also has been having issues with hair growth--in strange places,” Toolkit added.

  Rhys nodded. “I've seen that too. Again--my data collected. From what we were analyzing on Earth, dealing with some changes occurring with Presley1750 after she decided to stay with the Earth humans there--and now this new data collected, I believe you will affirm my hypothesis.”

  Toolkit gave the holographic image another firm examination, then turned back to the proximity scanner, before giving a confirming nod as well. “I need to examine this phenomenon in person,” Toolkit pressed an old argument.

  “I know, Toolkit,” Reed assured. “It's too dangerous for them while in hiding, and for us--getting past Corporate Security seems worse now then ever.”

  Toolkit sulked. He knew the dangers for all involved-still after hearing all the stories from Kutch, Alex, Troy and Rhys, Toolkit felt more determined everyday to find a way to Earth and the Cla
ns of the NorWes.

  “Finding anything else in the vast data cubes Captain Roth had stored away?” Reed asked attempting to change a sore subject.

  “Possibly,” Toolkit rummaged through the many pockets on his overcoat. “On a few of the earliest data disks, Presley IX talked about the clan's origin myths-their history--such that it is. Since everything was being passed down by word of mouth, much is suspect.”

  “What does that have to do with the storage cubes that Captain Roth had?” Rhys asked.

  “Something--maybe nothing.” Toolkit continued his search through several pockets on his jumper. “The clan's where Presley IX lived, talked about a...a stone. A Savior Stone--very powerful protection.”

  “I was personally witness to some of their strange religious beliefs. Some appear to be based on loose forms of truth,” Rhys mentioned.

  “So what would their strange belief in a...what was it?” Reed paused.

  “Savior Stone,” Toolkit reminded.

  “Right--that. What does that have to do with data in Captain Roth's stored data cubes?” Reed wondered.

  Toolkit continued his search until he finally pulled out a small data cube from a pocket on the back of his jumper leg. “I found an obscure Corporate document--extremely old file reference--mentioning a “Sovereignty Contract” stored within the atomic structure of a stone.” Toolkit held up the cube.

  “That's not a stone,” Reed offered his quick analysis.

  “Not this--the reference file is in this cube,” Toolkit defended.

  ::I am not finding any authorized reference to that word,:: Pia relayed.

  “What is that word--Sovereignty?” Reed asked.

  “I haven't been able to find any known Corporate definitions,” Toolkit said. “I was hoping one of you might or maybe Kutch--he has some experience with ancient vocabulary.”

  “What kind of stone?” Rhys asked.

  “Not just any kind of stone,” Toolkit smirked. “TriSphali-Lonsdaleite.”

  “Never heard of it,” Reed said without emotion, but could see that the name meant something to Rhys.

  “Ten, to the sixth power, stronger than wurtzite boron nitride, and far more stable,” Toolkit explained.

  “The hardest material ever produced by Corporate Engineers--Elvonians,” Rhys added.

  “So what does that mean?” Reed asked.

  “Basically--indestructible. That also makes it the hardest non-naturally occurring material to manufacture and is extremely rare--mostly non-existent,” Rhys explained. “How many micro-grams does the document say?”

  “453.592 grams,” Toolkit answered, trying to keep his voice from bursting out with uncontrolled excitement.

  Rhys felt as though the wind had been knocked from his lungs. “That's--that's--”

  “Astounding! Yes, I KNOW!” Toolkit finished for Rhys.

  “And something called a--Sovereignty Contract--is stored within this stone,” Reed tried to reiterate and understand.

  “That's what is referenced in a document file in this cube,” Toolkit assured, holding up the cube again.

  “You think there is some kind of connection between this unknown Sovereignty Contract stored within the TriSphali-Lonsdaleite and the Savior Stone the clan's claim in their history?” Rhys asked.

  Toolkit took in a deep breath and held it with his answer. “Maybe?”

  *** The resort spa relaxation area was filled with soothing audio tones, and choreographed lighting effects, calculated for maximum assuagement throughout the mind and body. Coupled with the body suit that covered every square centimeter, except a small portion around the eyes, nose and mouth, with a fabric that had built-in sensors that monitored medical output from the host AI, the calming effect was overwhelming. With that medical information, the comforting, yet snug-fitting suit, could apply heating, or cooling or electro-pulse massage anywhere required. Kutch was enjoying the heating and cooling on various aching muscles, along with a tingling massage to his scalp.

  ::How is your green colored drink?:: Kutch asked Alex over a secure channel.

  Alex was sitting on a similar lounging cube a few meters away from Kutch, sipping at her drink. ::Okay--I guess. How is your--pink drink?::

  ::It's--pink,:: Kutch replied. ::We've been here for nearly a week now. Are they sure this person is going to-you know--go?::

  ::You insisted on this assignment,:: Alex reminded him.

  ::I know, I know. Last time only took a few days. Our target person here looks too relaxed to me, she can't possibly be about to go Free Radical.::

  Alex glanced over at their target, relaxing in another portion of the facility a few meters away. ::They know what they're doing. Just relax and enjoy the--:: Alex was interrupted by a man staggering through the entry of the lounging space from an outer corridor.

  “GET OUT! GET OUT!” the man screamed. Everyone turned to see him pulling at his hair and face. “GET OUT OF MY HEAD!”

  Several people stepped away, trying to avoid being too close. No one attempted to assist the man, including several attendants from the spa resort.

  ::He's not our target,::Kutch stated, as though he needed the reassurance.

  ::No--he's not!:: Alex affirmed.

  ::He's going to--::

  ::Yes!:: Alex assured, as everyone watched in shock.

  The man gripped at his chest and head as he stumbled further into the lounging area of the spa resort. “GET OUT! GET OUT! STOP! STOP TALKING!” He choked on his own tongue from screaming so hard, and fell to one knee, his PPD cushioning the final gap. He threw his head back one last time in agony, then dropped to the floor. The cocoon engulfed his body in an instant. The whole area was silent as everyone stared. After a few minutes everyone returned to their previous activities, as though nothing was out of the ordinary--the cocoon was now only an annoyance in the middle of the main path through the spa.

  ::I am receiving an internal alarm indicating a cocoon beacon,:: Sid announced with some surprise.

  ::We should leave,:: Alex suggested.

  ::Just turn off the alarm, Sid. Why should we leave?:: Kutch asked.

  ::Has it been that long? A Corporate Free Radicals Coroner will be arriving shortly. We might be recognized. YOU--might be recognized::

  ::How? We're completely covered--only our eyes, nose and mouth are exposed in these suits, and our DNA signatures are masked. I'd like to see this,:: Kutch admitted.

  ::You've done that job thousands of times for many years! Why do you need to watch?::

  ::I've never seen it done from this point of view,:: Kutch replied, wanting to exploit his unfettered vantage.

  Alex realized Kutch had a valid point. This certainly was a front-row view of the process, without actually being involved. ::Okay--first sign of trouble and we're gone!::

  ::Agreed.::

  *** The glow returned to Cain's hand and retreated back to the area of the invisible ring--the life force of the Trupe was well received. His death was, at least, with honor, as his affliction with the large mass growths throughout his chest and throat had begun choking the life out of his body. Two Trupes stood by to receive the body before their fellow Trupe fell to the floor, absent life.

  Cain could feel the current injection of life energy coursing through his own body, like a fresh dose of adrenaline, and reached, without thought, for his short blade across the room to partake in the first slice of flesh from the man, as per tradition. The blade slid across the table toward Cain, as though by some unseen force. The two Trupes witnessed the movement and stared in shock, unsure of what they had just seen.

  “Take the man, and leave--now!” Cain commanded, without taking his eyes off the short blade. The two Trupes followed their orders without question, and made a hasty retreat from Cain's quarters.

  Cain continued to stare at the short blade. The Animus had told him to watch for the signs--signs of the powers to come. Cain reached once more and the blade fell to the deck. Cain adjusted his posture, cocking his head to the side
and reached with a full intensity of concentration. The blade slid across the deck toward his feet, stopping short. Cain could feel a drain of energy from the effort, but also felt a strong sense of

  empowerment.

  This strange new power felt as though all of the universe was bowing down before him. Memories from Dravon's life and lessons learned as a young man of Drelund, flooded Cain's mind with the traditions and beliefs of their Gods. There was no doubt in Cain's mind now--he would soon rule over all the Gods of Drelund--and any beyond.

  *** ::Finally--forty-three minutes,:: Kutch commented when he saw the Corporate Agent arrive. He recognized the Corporate jumper uniform, the man was a junior ranked Field Agent. Kutch suddenly recognized something else as the man waved-off an annoyed resort staffmember, and started the data recovery process on the cocoon--the Field Agent's face.

  ::He's an EJ-AG4162D-9 series--same as you,:: Alex commented. ::Chad and his AI, Lia.::

  ::Does he know you've tapped in?:: Kutch asked.

  Alex glanced over at Kutch with a look of disgust. ::He's rather new on the job,:: she added.

  ::I can tell. He barely gave the cocoon a proper examination before going on to the data upload processes.::

  ::He doesn't have any gray in his hair either,:: Alex smirked. Kutch attempted a scowl, but the relaxation suit was rather tight around his face. ::Lia isn't anything like Li was,:: Alex noted. ::Lia seems stiff, kind of stern--very formal.::

  ::I don't remember Li ever being stern. She was formal, only when she communicated with Corporate,:: Kutch recounted.

  The Corporate Field Agent continued with his duties not noticing his audience. Kutch walked through all the steps in his mind while watching. Chad was following procedures to the last protocol, and Kutch felt a little jealous, not seeing the junior agent slip up in any way. In only a few short moments, Chad stepped back and watched the cocoon disintegrate, leaving no trace.

  “File the report--and done,” Kutch whispered to himself, as Chad took a quick glance around the spa resort lounging area, as if on cue--then left.