by David Tucker
“I have seen your many complaints of Genesis even being accepted into the Order. But you must set these feelings aside, for even from our more inexperienced brothers we can learn new lessons and values. I know only too well of his weaknesses and his pitiful talent, but it is not for us to say whether he serves along with us, that is only for the SINAI, not for me, and certainly not for you.”
Justice’s eyes flared as he realised his master’s telepathic abilities were tuning into his own thoughts. With a wince, he shut off his own telepathic connection and snapped his head towards the older Immortal, infuriated. His voice was almost a bark and Osiris could see Justice’s temper had now taken over.
“Sovereign, I have been assigned with Genesis many times before, I even had him assigned with me before he was a Weapon’s Wielder Immortal as myself; I can still remember his Earthly name, and even then as a mortal he was a threat to the Sacred with his weakness. I do understand that he has trained himself beyond measure of any other human, for that he can only be eternally grateful to his former master … but that does not mean he is capable, as the Elders say, of becoming one of us, and certainly not the Reborn.”
Now in full flight, Justice clenched his hands into enraged fists, his reaction surprising Osiris.
“I mean, it is just not possible, it’s absurd, no, its more than that, it’s embarrassing for us all. In a battle any Immortal could kill him,” he sneered, “his Rieft is so slathen weak. He comes from the gutters, he’s a Roach for Sacred sake.” Justice twisted the word to make it sound vile even to speak. “I mean look at his pathetic ability within manipulation, that alone should be a Wielder’s greatest—”
Osiris felt himself getting heated, and shot a quick deflating comment to Justice’s argument, feeling the need to defend Genesis and disliking Justice’s lofty vision.
“You mean, other than his ability to dissect and rebuild weapons of a completely unfamiliar compound, Justice. He may not have the conventional Rieft abilities that you or I have, but that doesn’t mean he is useless. Unusual yes, and maybe in our eyes ineffectual, but that’s not to say it’s not for a purpose, it may be that it’s for another reason his broken Rieft is the way it is. Sometimes through great adversity, power can be forged and even controlled. His weakness may one day be useful … for what, we cannot begin to fathom, but for something beneficial we hope, for his and all our sake.”
Justice frowned at the interjection and passed over it quickly as he retorted indignantly, “There are no real validations to him being of the Creator’s race Osiris. As I was saying before you interrupted, just look at his sword Katana, our kind’s most important skill, and he has only the two forms he can construct, and those took him twice the amount of time than normal to master. His neural imprints may be in line with a Reborn, but I doubt he is really the one to …” Justice didn’t finish his sentence, just the thought of it disgusting him to the point of silence. Osiris finished for him.
“Yes, I know only too well Justice, I am of Historian class and I remember seeing the text with my own eyes when we found it, in the Temple of the Sacred, centuries ago.” His voice echoed its importance as he quoted the verse from memory, “The one being, to be born of Earth, yet to be Reborn by the Gods; the Sacred and holy Prophet of …” Osiris stopped as Justice turned away repulsed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. Osiris became concerned with the level Justice was taking this to, and studied his pupil intently as he allowed him to interrupt again.
“Yes, yes Sovereign, I know, the one Immortal being that becomes of three, the trinity of the Creator’s race from its chosen and favoured species,” his voice now teeming with loathing and mockery.
Osiris tried hard to ignore the tone of voice as Justice circled towards what was clearly the root of what was tormenting him. He spoke, not taking his eyes off Justice’s features, “That’s right Justice, well remembered, and if our interpretations are correct, then you know as I, that this being, or trinity, will become more powerful than any of us, and this is exactly why we need to show all Immortals the same level of dignity … even if that one is a Roach.”
Osiris didn’t like calling Genesis this, but it had the desired effect as Justice now stared back at him. Osiris continued his defence, “This Immortal, whomever it be, will be powerful enough to stand by the Creator’s own race and will be elevated from mere mortal – as we are not truly Immortal Justice, we can be slain, we can be killed – to the sanction of a potent being; the entity of three creations …” Osiris smiled, trying to ease the mood a little, “depending on how you interpret the texts of course. Either way, Genesis or not, one of us is described to become this one, the powerful creation to lead us to the salvation of our Creator’s sanctuary, which is why all must be viewed as brother … or sister.
Before Osiris could finish he felt more anger rocket through Justice as his pupil stood rigidly before him, almost tearing off his flight harness. Justice bent towards him, malice filling his every feature, shocking Osiris no end as he screwed up his face.
“WHAT! And you REALLY think that this reckless and thoughtless human, can be of the Reborn? I think not Sovereign, Genesis is not of divinity, and I know his wretched background well enough to know this to be true. He is very much just another weak human, with his becoming an Immortal the closest step he ever has to being of the Creator’s trinity, or cogent being – depending on how you interpret my words of course … Sovereign.”
Justice’s grip left dents in the metal of his chair as he seethed from his outburst. He’d also revealed his true frustration at his master’s insights towards another student. It had been a long time since Osiris had felt an emotion this strongly, it burned through his own thoughts in anger. Justice had well and truly overstepped his bounds, as a pupil or even an Immortal for that matter, and the Historian felt his face flush with anger.
Osiris slammed his pupil back into his chair using only a fraction of his Rieft. In a voice far more penetrating than his student’s, Osiris uncommonly lashed out with animosity.
“Watch your tongue Justice, you forget your place,” he felt himself brim with annoyance at Justice’s attitude. The old Immortal’s anger welled as he shook momentarily before spewing forth like a younger version of his past self. “You will address me properly and respect the Order of your brethren, or I will have you disciplined by the SINAI myself. You may not agree with my philosophies, and you may not believe or even follow the Sacred as I do, but you will respect its rules, including accepting and following your assigned Sovereign’s teachings; at least until you become my equal as a Divine Wielder – this is the way it will be. Don’t you ever dare speak to me in such a way again or I swear it will be a day you never forget young Wielder.”
The cockpit fell silent as Osiris still shook, his words reverberating and Justice staring speechless ahead of them. Osiris eventually blinked, he was in nearly as much shock as his pupil. He wasn’t quite sure where it had come from, but he knew deep down he’d wanted to say that for a long time. His pupil had been, for many years, becoming worse in his attitudes towards their Order and rules. What he’d said had needed to be said for his pupil’s own sake … and now it was done.
Osiris used meditation to calm himself, sensing Justice’s embarrassment and frustration at being reprimanded so harshly. He physically neutralised his emotions and outward expressions with just a little effort, a talent that was akin to his kind. He started again, but more calmly this time.
“If you would only listen to my words once in a while young Justice, then you would have long since been given a title above your ranking as a Weapon’s Wielder and finally made as your class dictates, into the next stage of a Divine Wielder. Then you can follow your own damned path, become a damn Elder if you like, but know this, you will not speak ill of another Immortal in my presence again, especially one so akin to yourself.”
Justice bristled with these last words as Osiris cursed himself silently. He’d said too much, but being too late he de
cided to go on, a little pressured to do so and feeling like he should make amends for his outburst.
“Justice … I uh … Genesis is not the only Immortal to be patterned with the signs of a Reborn. Word has reached me that there is another within our time that also shows promise. I was going to wait until you were made a Divine, but due to your lack of patience, I will let you know now.”
Osiris could sense Justice’s bewilderment at his words. He now had his full attention. The old Historian softened as he turned to face Justice fully, who was now staring back intensely. His pupil’s clothing was the general garb of the Immortals, so only a part of his face could be seen through the dark hood. Yet now, up close, not even the darkest of the deepest shadows cast across his face could hide the glint of anticipation in his eyes.
“Yes Justice, look into yourself, I know you can feel it too, you also are suspected by the SINAI to be patterned enough to be of the Reborn.” Osiris let the words hang, allowing them to penetrate fully.
For the first time in years Justice had no answer, he was completely silent, except for his eyes, which were louder to Osiris than any words in existence. His permeating telekinetic fluctuations also clearly gave away his ambition and true feelings, and worryingly to Osiris, his deepest desires.
A-flight interrupted the Historian’s focus on his pupil’s new feelings of ambition, loudly announcing their imminent arrival on Pavises – which was still an hour off.
The moment with his pupil had passed, and Osiris, still a little annoyed, dismissively sent the confused and stuttering student to the cargo bay to meditate on his new-found heritage. He also told him to ready himself for the upcoming meeting with the council, which could be quite painful for most Immortals, especially if unprepared. He thought it best to give the young pupil plenty of time to get ready.
He also knew what else Justice would be facing when meeting the Elders, so any rest now would be needed if his pupil was to survive his upcoming tests for the Reborn.
Chapter 19 Genesis
Where on earth was his second personality? Had it decided to take a vacation?
Somehow, he was still conscious, but it felt like a piece of him was missing … yet strangely, a new piece added.
At least I’m alive! What in the name of the Creator—
The intense pain he’d felt a minuet ago was replaced by – he didn’t know what – as he rose to his feet and started regaining his sensibility. He felt – he couldn’t quite explain it – different. Genesis wiped a hand over his eyes, his vision clearing as he blinked rapidly. He felt refreshing energy washing over his body and throughout his mind, the pain evaporating to its advance—
Almost overwhelming him, he tottered on his feet as for a split second he could see clearly around him; no longer just looking with his eyes! He could feel everything for metres around him … the walls … the floor … absolutely everything! He could even detect the medical officer’s anxious mood in the next room as he went over the many scans and cursed the lights for turning off.
It took a little time for Genesis to recognise the voice calling inside his head, and the strange feeling to shrink as he tried to understand what in hell had just happened. Over his internal HUD, he comprehended Me’lina’s soft voice talking through a crackling link. Moments later she became completely audible and clear. Genesis cocked his head as he listened, perplexed.
“Genesis it’s okay … it’s fine, all will be fine. He has shown me that we are finally free and this is the only way. Our fate has been opened, we have survived our first test.”
Genesis went to respond but was cut short as the lights flickered and came back to life. He noticed he was still shaking, but somehow felt almost back to normal. He was having difficulty concentrating as his senses leapt with new, as yet unstable, ability.
In one of these spikes, he felt the med officer’s annoyance as he looked at his data pad and back up to the lights, obviously still displaying the frustration of the lights going off periodically. How Genesis could sense this so clearly he could only put down to the effects of the – he didn’t really know how to explain what had happened … the attack … bond? He wasn’t sure if this was the right terminology, but it sure was what the collapse and ensuing experience had felt like; something forcing itself into his body and bonding to his core being—
The lights flickered once more and Genesis reined in his senses, the strange power diminishing as if it was vanquished by him gaining full control over himself and the light passing over him. With a shock, he realised the significance of the lights flickering.
“Slath!” Genesis cursed aloud. He must have knocked out the entire ship’s electrical grid, at least for the light systems – “Oh crap,” he muttered, “the admiral will not like this, not one bit.” As if in response to his concern, sirens started up, deep within Aspire.
Great, Genesis thought sarcastically, the admiral won’t be at all suspicious of an Immortal arriving the same time as a mass power outage in his ship … slath, slath, slath, this is just what I—
The med officer spoke again over the speakers, startling Genesis as he was trying to recover. Luckily, the officer had not heard the commotion, and the grainy voice was unperturbed, “Um 05, just stand still, I need to take another look at your bio-signs, something’s not adding up here.”
Genesis barely contained his concern as the last words filtered into his ears … Oh no, this is going to be bad … he knew if he was found out to be contaminated with the alien’s poison, he would be locked up for months, or at least until the SINAI or Antipatros worked out what to do with him. Genesis opened his thoughts to Me’lina, desperately looking for ideas.
Me’lina tell me you’ve worked out what the hell is going on in there?
There was no answer. Genesis felt his gut tighten – things were even worse than he first feared. If Me’lina was not responding then he truly was in deep trouble, beyond what he’d first assumed – slath, slath, slath! He cursed again—
He tried not to flinch as the buzzing started again and the lights worked over him. This time they went much slower, searching deeply for the foreign toxin they must’ve picked up on earlier. The scan went on for an agonisingly slow minute. He waited, his mind racing with all the possibilities of being caught. After the painstaking scan, and to his relief, the officer began talking again.
“Uh … right, um, okay well that’s odd … okay 05, looks like there was some kind of glitch in … well obviously due to the lights … yes, that’s probably why. Okay Genesis you’re free to go, just wait while the room vacuums and you can head up to the bridge. Oh and that’s a direct order from Admiral Antipatros, your escort will be here shortly.”
Genesis felt the med officer’s presence disappear as he walked out of his observation post and off into Aspire, not thinking anything more of the scan. Genesis let out a sigh of relief, and tried to work out what had just happened to him, and more importantly, why? He knew something was different – different inside of him – but he wasn’t quite sure what. He needed time to investigate the weird encounter, to scan his systems and find what the hell the alien had been up to with its injection. Something serious was done to him, and he desperately needed to know what.
The air around Genesis gushed as the twin turbines above him whined and sucked the room clean with great blasts of air, attracting any possible lingering contaminates efficiently into the micro-filters. This also indicated it wouldn’t be long until his escort arrived, and it looked like time was a luxury he was to be afforded for a brief moment only. He decided there was little he could do about the events just gone, so he tried to work on the problems he could influence; his impending meeting.
He looked towards the flexi glass, mainly to double check that no mist or lightning was still pouring from his hands or eyes. He absently noted that from the neck down he was still in combat form, still armed from the last mission.
He retracted his suit into one of his preferred civilian modes. He watched as the armour
burst into nano-swarms and slowly re-formed, settling like dust as it took shape over him again and seconds later as it draped into dark robes, leaving just his head and arms bare.
Genesis started fretting about his absent personality; he couldn’t begin to fathom what this all meant. His head felt lonely without his protector and religious judicator watching him; he’d forgotten what it was like to have only his own voice in his head – beside Me’lina of course. His head thumped and he couldn’t focus properly, its absence making him struggle to take care of his thoughts, let alone his current situation.
Genesis felt his boots become slightly lighter, the material changing like the robes he’d chosen to wear. He decided to focus squarely on these adjustments as he tried to remain objective and block out his strange feelings. He adjusted his gun belt, which was now the only item that remained of his retracted armour, and the only portion that showed him as still being a soldier for his religion, apart from his rifle jutting above his right shoulder. His weapons were placed for easy access and his low slung ion-pistols looking almost sinister as they sat just below his hips, ready at a second’s notice to be called to hand.
The Immortal looked at his robes, which were not of religious making. He’d copied the design from a tailor on Harst, which he’d seen just before he’d left on this mission. Like the outfit, he was apart from his religion in a lot of ways, but now … without his religious personality …he was more cut off than ever.
Where the hell is it? It’s not like it could just lift off from my head and wander off. Genesis pulled back his hood so he could see his full complexion as it was intended, not modified by the strange powers that had been pouring out of it. He glanced over his features, still searching for any signs that might remain from his experience or give him a clue to what had happened. Seeing none, he lingered a second longer contemplating his form, wanting to keep focussed on tangible things.