by Jessie Wolf
As I enter the Temple I see every one of my students there. I watch as more plates are brought out for them all by the novices of the other orders. I am even more surprised to see the Reverend Mothers of the other two orders at the altar blessing the girls as they join the Sisterhood of the Dragon Ryōjin. What the hell?! I thought that I had gotten a handle on this, but I must be wrong. Off to the side mama and Alice are performing The Placement of the Blades. Behind them Master Yoshi had what looked like the entire inventory of Fang’s from the armory. As each girl approaches mama he would ask them a few questions, wait for the girl to answer, and then turn to the racks of swords; once he found a set of blades he would hand them to mama, who would then in turn ask the girl again if she wanted to join the Sisterhood. Only after the girl answered yes to all the questions asked of the others would she place the blades at her waist.
Ok, this just got a whole lot more complicated. I just went from a platoon sized unit to a full company. If what Doctor Brim and Mr. Lenard said was true then that will grow exponentially when word gets out back at the schools. She must have been reading my thoughts or they were playing across my face. “Lady Maiha, all of us wish this, including myself.” When Princess Daniela says this my shock must have shown. “What, did you really think that I want to follow in my father’s footsteps or enter into some politically correct marriage? Maiha, didn’t you realize that my father sent me here not to learn to be ‘proper ladies’, but learn to be an obedient servant of the Empire. Susan and Lisa were given a choice of either JES or Carfax Abby. I maybe the next in line for the Throne, but I have absolutely no control over my life. None of the girls at this school do. Don’t you realize what you have given all of us?”
I just look at her as I think about what she has said. I must admit that I never really thought about the lives these children lead. I was born on the wrong side of the tracks. To me all the High Families were nothing more than over indulged spoiled rotten prima donnas. But the fact that these girls don’t even have the basic right to find their own happiness was abhorrent to me. The fact that joining this order is the first true choice ever given to these girls made me truly see them for the first time. Looking down at her waist I saw not the twin handles of Fangs but the three of a full Dragon set. Looking around I found that more than a few of them wore the triple blades of Dragon’s. Not all of them were from the High Families or the rich and powerful ones; in fact most of them were from commoner families. Girls that were sent to JES instead of a JD facility.
“Here in this Sisterhood we are all equal Lady Maiha. It is the Master Yoshi who decides who carry Fangs or Dragons. He is the one to decide it. To be truthful I was not expecting to be given a set of Dragons. Why he chose me to be one of the Dragon Claws, I don’t know.” I could see that she did not think she was worthy of the honor, but it was not an honor. It was a sign of respect for her potential.
“That is where you are wrong, Daniela. You earned those blades, or I should say will earn them. You will train longer and harder than the others in mastering those blades. Those who only carry Fangs will not have to grasp the ways of tri blade combat. You and the others are to be the example that I will use for the others.” looking over at one group of novices I notice that they all wore the robes of the Silent Sisters. So the Temple Heads had done as I ordered. “Excuse me, Princess, but I have to take care of something.”
I head over to where the Silent Sisters are sitting. I notice that none of them are full sisters. I wonder where their more senior members are. I notice that both of the Mistress of Novices for the other orders was present, but not theirs. Stepping over to Sister Li Mau. “Excuse, Mistress Li Mau, but where are the other sisters and Mistress of Novices for this order?”
“These are all there are, Mistress Maiha. The Silent Sisterhood has never had more than a few members here. The last time this order had a full complement was ten years ago when their Reverend Mother received orders to transfer to Rigel four. It was their Mistress of Novices who took over for her. Sister Mary Robert has been their Reverend Mother ever since the old one left for Rigel four.”
“So you’re telling me that none of these girls has ever been taught by a Mistress of Novices or had a real Reverend Mother?”
“Exactly, Mistress Maiha, none of them have ever had true guidance as a Sister of the Faith.” From the tone of her voice she didn’t consider these young women and girls as true members of the Temple. If she has this attitude toward the members of other orders, then it is no wonder that mama can’t stand the bitch. I think she’ll be finding herself on a one way ticket to the far side of the ice moons before too long.
“Have any of them take their Final vows?”
“No, more’s the pity. We would be better off without this trash in our halls.” I don’t know who this bitch thinks she is but she just paid for her one way ticket.
“Sister Li Mau, this Temple is no longer in need of your counsel. Your ticket off world will be waiting for you at the Space Port. Go pack your bags and be gone by morning.” The look of shock then anger that crosses her face at me telling her to leave is priceless.
“You can’t send me from here. Only a true Head of House can send me away, and that is not you. No matter what the Lady Dai Etsu says, no tank born slag can be a true Head of House. Let alone Temple Voice.” Her spite filled words denying my right to be the Head of House and the Temple’s voice would have pissed me off as it is, but it was “the tank born slag” that pushed it too far. Normally I would never resort to violence within a Temple. However, this was one time I would make an exception to my personal rule.
My right fist catches her square in the jaw knocking her out. “Listen up people! The next one of you, ass clowns think you can turn your back on someone in need or doesn’t fit your perfect ideal of a penitent, you will find your ass either dead or out bound for Freeza seven. I told you I would no longer tolerate the old attitude of helping only those you see fit. I don’t care if they are natural born or GLB; all are equal within the eyes of the Goddess, so get over it. I told you once already this order has the Trial of Refusal by Combat. Sister Li Mau challenged me and lost. I suggest that you remember this as you deal with those who wear the Blades of a Dragon’s Daughter.”
Turning to a pair of her own novices. “You can get your old Mistress out of here now. Make sure she is not within the walls of the estate come midnight.” I know my order may seem harsh, but I had to set an example. The wicked bitch of the east just happened to fit the bill just fine.
I take a few minutes to calm and center myself before turning to the girls and young women of the former Sisterhood. “Has anyone told you all that the vows you took were not valid?” they look at me as if I suddenly grown a second head. “Has anyone told you that the woman posing as your Reverend Mother has her voice?” again I see nothing, but shock at first. Then I see the first signs of anger. One of the older novices tries to speak but it has been so long she has problems. I place my hand on her shoulder and smile down at her. “Peace, Sister, peace.” The young woman looks at me and shakes her head no, and then points to her robes before trying to speak again only this time she gets out what she wants to say.
“Nnn…not ssss…sis…sister. Nnn…na… naa… nov… novice nnnot ta…take ffa…final vows ye…ye…yet.”
“That does not matter, Sister. All of you have earned the title of Sister and a place amongst our new Sisterhood. You will not be forced to take vows of silence or chastity to be among our number. Nor will you be forced to be warriors. We need healers, spiritual advisors, all kinds of support and care takers, would you be willing to do this for us? If you do not wish to join us I will arrange for your transportation to another Temple or you can live here as a member of one of the other orders. They will not hold your past sins against you. You have all paid the price for that by suffering the abuse heaped upon you by your old order. Then again you can leave Temple life all together. The choice is yours.”
I started to walk away and let
them think about what I was offering when the one who talked first grabbed my arm. She pointed to her chest then to mine then put her hands together. She did this a few times before I got the hint. Then she said one word “He… he… healer.” I could tell the idea of speaking had become foreign to her. I have a feeling that will be the case for most of them. We’ll have to work with them in regaining their voices, but that is for later. For now we just need to show them they are welcome. Taking the young woman by her hand I lead up front to mama.
“Reverend Mother, I present to you the first of our Sister who would be a Healer.”
Mama didn’t even stop to think about it, but pulled the woman into a hug then gave her the Five Point Kiss. “Welcome to your new order Sister Magdalen. You and your fellow Sisters shall be a blessing upon us.” Mama had only just finished welcoming her than another one steps forward to join our new order. This one is barely into her teens, nothing more than a girl, really.
“May, I too, join your Sisterhood Reverend Mother?” her voice is barely above a whisper. It was as if she was afraid to speak. However there was a problem and mama saw it before I did.
“Where are your parents, child? Do they know you have joined one of the Sisterhoods?” If I thought she was under aged, and mama did, then she most likely was. The fact that mama was asking those questions told me that something was up.
Once again in a voice so small it was hard to hear. “Reverend Mother, I don’t know who my parents are. I have been raised by the Sisters of the Temple my whole life.”
The look on mama’s face said it all. This young girl was an orphan and she would be joining the Sisterhood of the Dragon Ryōjin. I doubt that she will join the ranks of the Guardians, but those of the Healers. “Yes, child, you may join our order, but only as a Healer. Will you accept this path for you?”
The smile that came to the girls face said it all. “Yes, Reverend Mother, I gladly accept the task of becoming a Healer for my new order.”
“Then go join your new sisters, child of the Goddess, and become a Daughter of the Dragon.” Mama pulled her close giving her a hug of welcome then the Five Point Kiss. The girl almost ran to be with the other girls. Happy to finally belong to a Sisterhood of young women close to her own age. She would be the last holdout as when the other seven teenage girls and four young women practically ran to mama. All of them wanting to join an order that would not hold their sin of suicide against them. One by one mama welcomed them into the Sisterhood, and then sent them over to wait with their new sisters.
Once everyone had been welcomed into the Sisterhood mama sent the rest of the Temple staff away. When we had the main hall to ourselves she gathered everyone around her. “This is your final chance to back out, Daughters of the Dragon. No one will think less of you if you do not wish to take this final step. After you have been given the nanities there is no turning back. You will become second generation Death Dealers. Some of you will receive the strength, endurance, bio-armor, and AI, but not the weapons. You shall be our Healers and Spiritual Advisors. The rest of you shall become Guardians, it will fall to you to be the bearers of arms for this order. The life you have chosen will not be an easy one. In fact most of you will not see the peace you so richly will have earned. For those of you on this path, and those who will join us from your brother school, you are to be the peacekeepers that this Empire so desperately needs. I will ask you all one more time before I let you take this step. There is no dishonor in refusing. It is not an easy thing to share your mind with another. Each of you will come to the side alcove one at a time where you will give me your answer in secrecy.” When she finished she turned and walked over to the alcove she just talked about.
I expected for some to rush over to the alcove, but no one did. The girls talked quietly among themselves as Master Gibson moved several large plates of armor into the Temple main hall. Mistress Lisbeth Salander wheeled in a table with a control console and six large glass containers filled with a gray fluid. I should say looked like a fluid, in actuality they were filled with millions of nanities. Before long the former members of the Silent Sisters all headed for mama’s alcove. For them this might be something that they always wanted. To serve in a Sisterhood that served the greater good. After the first one stepped back out mama waved over Mistress Salander. After a few quick words between them Mistress Salander took the girl over to her table. There she did something with her control console, waited a few minutes then handed the girls a small vial and pointed over to Master Gibson.
The girl walked over to the man and handed him a piece of paper. The old man read the note then nodded his head. Taking the girl by the hand he leads her over to a slab of armor three foot wide and six long. He has her lie down on the armor plate, then hands her the vial. The three of them repeat the process until all of the former Silent Sisters are lying on armor plate. Then as one the young women spill the contents of the vials on their chests.
I am not the only one to watch this happen. I think everyone within the Temple was watching as hard as I was. For what seemed like hours, but really was only seconds nothing happened. Then as if called from the depths of my nightmares I once again saw the black cloud rise up and engulf each of them individually to form a cocoon. The armor plate was only a few millimeters thick and was soon consumed and turned into the cocoons. Inside I knew what was happening to each one of those girls. I walk over to Mistress Salander I need to know why these girls are having to go through a similar process that I did, when mama, Alice, and my sisters did not.
“Mistress Lisbeth, I have a question.”
The woman looks over at me and then smiles. “You want to know why they are going through the cocoon process rather than the way your family did, my Lady?” I nod my head yes. “Unlike your family we are having to use the armor plate as the building blocks for their Death Dealer configurations. If we had enough bio-feedback pilot suits for them then we could have gone that route. Before you ask the reason for this is the circuitry and armor content of the suits. Here we have nothing like that to work with, so the nanites have to create everything from scratch.”
“How long will the girls be entombed within those cocoons?”
“No more than ten hours. When they awaken those girls will feel as if they have rested for twenty four hours and be fully integrated with their new Death Dealer AIs and systems. For these first ones I removed the weapons and replaced that programing with a full medical data base. One that will give them the full knowledge of a practicing trauma surgeon. They will be no ordinary ‘field medic’ but full doctors and surgeons.”
Holy Shit! A ten year medical degree within ten hours. Talk about ‘upgrading’. “What of the others, the ones who will be Guardians?”
“They will all have the same knowledge base as you and your family. They will need training though in the use of that knowledge, unlike the Healers who will have the ability to use their knowledge from the start. The reason for this is the Healers will not have to understand new and unfamiliar abilities. Yes they will be stronger, faster, and everything else that their sisters will be, but they don’t have to deal with all the weapon systems, only how to use their hands and other senses.”
“So basically they already have all the tools they just need the supplies.”
“Exactly, my Lady, now if you’ll excuse me my next round of patience’s are here.” I step away as the girl’s from JES begin to line up for their own vial of nanites. Within a half hour all of the girls have a small vial of Death Dealer nanites in her hand and a place upon a piece of armor plate. Then as one they all raised the vials over themselves. As one they call out. “Where my sisters go I go.” Then dump their vials over their chests. Once again each girl is encased in an armored cocoon, to be reborn later that morning as second generation Death Dealers.
They will rise up out of their cocoons like butterflies. Reborn from the caterpillars of indifference and abuse of their pasts. Only these butterflies will be as deadly as they are beautiful. It is t
his thought that stops me cold. I now have a possible major problem with two of these butterflies. Lisa Parkwoods and Marion Fitzwalter our two resident High Winds problems. I ask Dee De to get me a fix on them. Instead of telling where they are outside in the estate compound she pulls up my HUD and highlights two cocoons.
“Oh Bloody Hell! Are you telling me that those two are inside those cocoons?”
Maiha, how many times do I have to tell you that I’ll never lie to you? (Dee De)
“DAMN IT! How did this happen? Those two were told I needed to figure out what I needed to do to give them sanctuary.”
Commander, both Captain Ravenswood and Lieutenant Silver Leaf have returned to the compound. (Charlie)
“Send them a message to get their asses over here now, Charlie!”
Sending it now Commander. (Charlie)
Turning to my family. “Watch over the girls for me, I know that no one can hurt them in those cocoons, but if someone else can be hurt by them. If you know what I mean?” I don’t wait for their answer and head outside to meet Prince Raygel and Dana. I was a little surprised to see that the two of them were not alone. Standing just behind them was a pair of fully armored Land Warrior suits with the face shields up. The fact that Taylor and Combs were with them should not have been a surprise. Those two had taken to being the personal bodyguards of Raygel and Dana from the day I had given them a second chance.