Birth Of A Goddess

by Mark T. Bacome

“At current speed--seventy-eight hours.”

  “What now?” Anthony felt compelled to ask.

  “We watch, we track--and we wait.”

  *** ::I want a complete analysis of that transmission immediately!:: Director Huir commanded over the communications channel to Keja.

  ::I will have a preliminary report before I arrive back at my office quarters,:: Keja replied. Xria already had a copy of the transmission cycling for review, although he had witnessed the transmission interruption first-hand, while communicating over channels with a team at the data spheres. The interruption was magnificent, if not confusing. The missing AI telemetry left a large portion of the transmission vague and hard to understand without taking a closer look. The fact that virtually all

  communications, entertainment and informational channels had been infiltrated at once, was quite impressive.

  ::ETA?:: Huir's question sounded more like a demand. ::ETA to my quarters is approximately sixteen hours. I will have a first preliminary report in two hours,::Keja replied.

  ::ONE hour!:: Huir corrected.

  *** : :Damage reports!:: Director Huir demanded. Roth wasn’t even done sorting source reports, let alone actual numbers. The transmission interruption had not helped either, cutting vital data about the ongoing massive freighter explosions and casualties at the Interstellar Gate.

  ::Still calculating,:: Roth replied in an attempt to stall for time. The imagery of the vague shape, yelling in some dialect of Elvonian, had Roth seething. He wanted to analyze that transmission for details, but was hampered by tedious requests from the Director.

  ::You need to remind the Director you are still convalescing,::Azis2 reminded.

  ::NOT NOW!:: Roth answered across all channels.

  ::NOW!:: Huir ordered.

  Roth sent a short burst of the only preliminary data that was available, in hopes the Director would be satisfied for the moment. The fact that the strange transmission had no vital telemetry was a significant detail, along with the Elvonian dialect, giving direct evidence of Elvonian involvement. How could Huir not realize Roth's analytical expertise was absolutely required NOW?

  *** Keja was well aware the missing AI telemetry within the transmission would cause a problem for ninety-nine percent of Corporate. Without that data included, virtually no one would be able to understand what they were seeing. Only a very small percentage of Corporate personnel would have the slightest comprehension, including a small number of Corporate Security Analysts, like himself, and a few low-level maintenance-repair class workers.

  Xria ran the image recognition scanners on the background. ::Scanners indicate an eighty-eight point seven-three percent structural match to the loungingrecreational spaces on a Class C freighter,:: she reported,

  as she presented a visual reference of a Class C Freighter in the indicated corresponding location inside the ship, on Keja's internal view.

  ::The human scale?::

  ::Using the lounging-recreational spaces as reference, the scale would indicate an Earth-sized human, approximately two meters,:: Xria analyzed. Again, she showed a scaled version of a Earth-sized human inside the spaces of the Class C freighter on the internal view. ::What is that he appears to be seated on?:: Keja asked. ::That looks like piping, but not--::

  ::Scanning shape references--there is a ninety-two point three-three percent match with human skeletal structures.:: Xria pulled up the schematics of the human skeletal structure on Keja's internal view, highlighting the various bone structures that best matched reference material in the analysis.

  ::Biomass? Human bio?::

  ::Unable to confirm composition from this reference,:: Xria replied.

  ::Scale?::

  ::Using the lounging-recreational spaces as reference, the scale of the human skeletal structures indicate Earthsized human biomass.::

  Keja took a deep breath of relief. ::Good--not Corporate.::

  ::Agreed.::

  ::The language is definitely Elvonian, but the translation programming is not working correctly. Elvonians generally don't speak so erratic.:: Keja complained.

  ::I am attempting to adjust and possibly correct,:: Xria assured.

  ::Compile the latest corrected translation as soon as possible and send it directly. The Director will want this information immediately,:: Keja requested.

  ::Agreed.::

  *** Diathon's aide, conducted the count, and presented the results. “The motion has been carried. Director Huir will be convened in one hour for questioning and situational updates regarding both the damage reports at the Interstellar Gate and the strange transmission that interrupted all communications,” Diathon announced. “Holographic presence will be mandatory for those unable to physically attend.” Several chairs around the room signaled approval as their holographic projections closed.

  “Are we to include Central and Regional Board Members?” Rubura asked Diathon, still standing in the position of Orator at the center of the main board room.

  “Considering the extent of the communications disruption and possible damage costs, they would be a reasonable inclusion. Please extend the customary Corporate-Galactic Board invitation for a holographic attendance of a delegation from each. Be sure to have the viewing loft prepared for additional attendees,” Diathon agreed.

  “You realize several media programs are reporting the transmission interruption as a simple media stunt,” Kadra suggested. “Director Huir would take no end of pleasure by mocking your concern if those reports are true.”

  “I understand your concern, but as Senior Member, I must evaluate all possibilities, and would hope the remaining Board Members would support my call for a thorough investigation,” Diathon affirmed.

  *** Cain arranged several holographic view screens to display multiple data streams for a response to his glorious arrival announcement.

  “Now without sponsorship, the new trending comedy, Elvonians! Complete with no AI telemetry or Elvonian translations...” the voiceover announcement began, as several corporate media personnel wandered around bumping into each other's PPDs, unable to see each other or understand what they were saying. An over-layer of commentator and laughter audio made for a very confusing image. Cain changed to another channel.

  “Diane, Corp-Talk 24 has just received exclusive data indicating that JJX-99 Power Bar and Nuke-Glow GelCap100's has indeed announced sponsorship of yet another top-rated new program, discussing Elvonian media tactics, starting on Corp-Talk 01, called, 'ElvonianTalk,'” co-host Dion announced. The current show ratings could be seen raising, across the bottom of the holographic projection.

  “Dion, this new craze where the AI telemetry is turned off, has swept the ratings across the entertainment channels in just the last two hours,” Diane added.

  “According to Corp-News Talk 23 hosts, Pete and Terr, initial analysis of the trend, indicate this new media frenzy could last an astonishing thirty-six to forty-eight hours,” Dion reported. “Brought to you by the 'Mx2 Sport Sled Deluxe, When You Need More, Go Mx2,” he continued turning to look directly at the viewer for maximum effect.

  Cain turned to the news outlet channels:

  “--is continuing a financial free-fall, only weeks after unsubstantiated reports of internal mis-digestion, and memory loss, after the consumption of blue and orange nutritional pastes mixed together. For now, blue and orange nutritional pastes have been pulled from all consumer outlets while Corporate Health and Services continue conducting an internal review--”

  “In other news, there have been reports of an accident at the Mars solar system Interstellar Gate. No damage estimates or list of casualties have been released by Corporate Security,” the announcer reported with little emotion. “Now back to our top stories--the new top-rated programming trend, with AI telemetry turned off!”

  Cain terminated all of the holographic projections from his necklace, as he gripped the arms of his throne. The material was distorting and beginning to melt under his hands, and not without Lluxi's notic
e.

  “My Lord, Cain--I feel I am not understanding these reports properly through the necklace translators,” Lluxi said, not able to understand Corporate-speak, relying on translations from his necklace.

  “Explain--” Cain grunted through clinched teeth and he stared off where the projections had been.

  “AI telemetry?”

  “Corporate humans cannot visually comprehend anything of significance without AI telemetry--” Cain stopped to see that Lluxi was still struggling to understand. “The AI telemetry allows the Corporate human to understand what they are seeing. Anything without the telemetry data appears--blurry at best.”

  “These reports are claiming your glorious arrival announcement contained no AI telemetry?”

  Cain realized his misstep. Years had passed since he last enabled the AI telemetry--a process not required with Earth humans.

  Lluxi stepped away--he could see his question had angered Lord Cain. His face had turned quite red and the material under Cain's hands began melting at an accelerated rate.

  “LEAVE ME!” Cain grunted with a deep resonance.

  Lluxi exited Cain's quarters entry in haste. Seconds later, loud thuds, and banging noises reverberated throughout the ship from inside the room. Lluxi stood by, as his duties dictated, until he noticed the bulkheads of Cain's quarters began to distort, flex and crumple, as though being pushed, pulled and crushed by unseen, inhuman forces. Lluxi thought it best to retreat to a safer vantage point down the passage until he was summoned.

  *** Reed was feeling chilled through his gear, and could tell Toolkit was also. The four-legged animals were not attacking, but they all had approached to within a couple meters and were now laying down, but still watching.

  “Maybe they will let us move now?” Toolkit attempted to move in a direction away from their spot. The animals all turned and those closest gave a low growling noise.

  “Or not,” Reed guessed, but noticed the animals appeared agitated and sensing something at the tree line now.

  “I'm getting two more heat signatures,” Toolkit reported. “Similar configuration, slightly longer.”

  Several of the animals stood and gathered in the direction of the other heat signatures. Between the heavy snowfall, the dark clouds above and the late hour of the day, Reed was having difficulty seeing the tree line in the dark, but he did notice movement along the edge.

  “Now maybe we can leave,” Toolkit suggested backing away. The remaining three animals encircled and bared their teeth, as well as emitted a low growl. Reed and Toolkit sat down in their snow-packed spot. The three animals continued to stand guard, while watching the rest.

  “I don't understand what's going on here,” Reed said with frustration. “We're going to freeze out here if we don't get somewhere warm.”

  ::Pia--any useful signals?::Reed asked.

  ::Nothing through the interference,::Pia replied.

  The two new heat signatures moved closer, but the long line of animals previously surrounding Reed and Toolkit intercepted the path, growling and snarling. The approaching animals followed suit with a screeching growl of their own and made aggressive movements, baring teeth and sharp claws.

  “I don't think they want to share,” Toolkit offered.

  “This can't be good,” Reed agreed.

  *** The runner was near out of breath when he reached Novia and Damus at her cave entry. “The Guardians searching outside--” the young runner stopped to catch his breath.

  “They found Li!” Novia jumped to the conclusion. The young runner shook his head, still trying to get enough breath to continue. “They found little Elvonians--” “They have arrived,” Damus concluded with surprise. “But...” the young runner stopped again for breath.

  “Two more are still missing in the heavy snowfall, and they found howler and Longtail tracks!” “howlers!” Novia exclaimed. “Li spoke with them-there has been a truce!”

  “A truce? With howlers?” Damus asked, skeptical.

  Novia grabber her Pe'Atchdi pouch, cold-weather wrap, and started down the path with the runner leading the way. “Long story--Li--” Novia stated, waving her hands.

  “You're not leaving without ME!” Damus answered, grabbing his thick, hooded, fur coat and followed.

  Novia, Damus, and the young runner, found the other Elvonains at the opening to the outside along with the small ones, expressing gratitude for the rescue from the snowstorm. Two more, senior guardian's approached Novia.

  “From what we can tell, there are two more little humans out there. Our concern, besides the storm, is the presence of, not only howler tracks, but Longtail,” the most senior guardian reported.

  “Bring fire and ceramic torches--which way?” Novia ordered, taking control.

  “Now just one moment,” Damus interrupted and took Novia by the arm. “Inside, you're the Pe'Atchdi of Clans. Outside, when there is danger present, I'm in charge of your safety,” Damus clarified.

  “Fine,” Novia agreed, then turned to the senior guardian. “Which way?” The senior guardian pointed, and Novia led the way down the snow-covered path. Damus rolled his eyes, grabbed a ceramic torch, and followed close behind.

  *** The exchange was violent and loud. Six animals taking on two longer animals, with horrible howling and screechy growling. Reed was unable to make out the action, and even Toolkit could only see a blur of moving heat signatures together for several minutes. With a final yelp, the two longer animals scattered to the tree line, followed by a chorus of howls from all of the animals that remained.

  “What happened?” Reed asked.

  “The other two animals have gone up the ridge and are now too obscured by the trees to follow. I can't see them anymore,” Toolkit reported with a shrug.

  “I can't really see that well either; it's getting dark, but the animals appear to be moving closer,” Reed added with concern.

  “That's what it looks like, and one may be injured,” Toolkit confirmed.

  “How can you tell?”

  “It's limping and I can see a different level of heat signature on one of its legs--possibly biofluid.”

  “That's not our fault--why are they getting closer?”

  “I don't know--” Toolkit shook his head.

  “This CAN'T be good!”

  *** “You have the floor, Director,” Diathon gestured to the holograph of the Director Huir. She accepted her introduction and moved her projected image to the center of the main board room.

  “Since you all have received the brief, I will dispense with any redundant details and simply ask if there are any questions,” Huir addressed the board. Many of the board members, Diathon included, noted the Director’s uncommon sympathetic demeanor.

  “The damage estimate to the Interstellar Gate appears superficial at best. My concern is the estimate has been understated. Are you willing to stand by your original analysis?” Wierre asked from his holographic projection.

  “The estimate is reasonably accurate. The Interstellar Gate ultimately sustained very little damage. Three days will be required for safety protocol checks, and the gate should be fully operational immediately after,” Huir answered.

  “The debris field left over from the eight Galactic freighter chains would seem more problematic. Your estimate of only two weeks for cleanup seems

  understated as well. Can you explain?” Rubura asked, from across the room.

  “Very happy to, Board Member Rubura. Since the Galactic freighters were on an empty return trip, there was a significant reduction in debris as well as shares loss for shipped goods. The bulk of the debris field has already drifted into a non-use area. A Duissis subcontractor will be using that area for staging. Clearing of the staging area will actually take an estimated three months; however, the high-traffic zones will be cleared in the appraised time given,” Huir explained.

  “Director Huir, on the matter of the, dare I say, strange transmission that interrupted nearly all communication, entertainment and informational channel
s--what are your findings?” Torrance asked from his holographic projection.

  “Corporate Security is continuing an investigation; however, all available information I have at this time is classified. Secure requirements would be mandated, including my physical presence, the Board chambers secured of all holographic projections and uncleared visitors, before I would be allowed to elaborate further,” Huir responded.

  “Duly noted, Director” Diathon replied. “Please make the necessary arrangements to present your findings at your earliest convenience. Any further questions for the Director?” Diathon asked and gestured around the room. “None? Fine--thank you Director, for your time on this matter.”

  “My pleasure,” the Director stated before ending her holographic transmission.

  Rubura stepped next to Diathon. “That was odd,” she whispered.

  Diathon held a finger to his lips. “Thank you all for coming...the Board will now adjourn for midday meal and prepare for our secure meetings.” The visiting holographic projections ended their transmissions. Diathon watched the remaining Board Members depart then turned to Rubura. “Indeed.”

  *** Though Novia was considerably shorter than Damus, she out-paced him through the snow, leading the way down what was left of a path made by the little Elvonians. The snow was coming down very hard and covering their tracks, but lessons from her grandmother, Utahia, former Pe'Atchdi of Clans allowed her to follow with ease.

  “I don't hear the howlers in the distance anymore,” Damus mentioned, while trying to keep up with Novia. “Night-singers--”

  “What?”

  “Li calls them 'night-singers,'” Novia replied as she

  wiped at her cheeks, and pushed on through the deepening snow. The senior guardian pointed his ceramic torch over to the side of the path. “Longtail tracks there.” Novia nodded but kept her pace. The other guardian held his fiery torch out to the other side. “howler tracks--uh, nightsinger tracks,” he corrected.

  Novia stopped and turned the crystals of her ceramic torch off. She waved everyone to stand back.

  Damus turned his ceramic torch off and stepped next to Novia. “What are you seeing?”