Issue 5: Dreaming in Starlight
“Humanity
has a rather colorful history. But what planet doesn’t? This unit can list the
endless conflicts across multiple universes. Many places have individuals with
powers. I find their Demis rather entertaining. Even the ones with minor
abilities. It appears that most choose the noble path of the protector. No
matter the odds.” ---From the Archives of Observations, Forger Requilary
Analytical Maxtrix 0187 Alpha, Codenamed Horus.
“Ambassador,
I wish to initiate contact with your daughter. This unit will refrain from
mentioning sensitive material. Unless it is to Arthon, your mate, or yourself.
Is this sufficient? Besides, she is already aware of Bardaxians. I will notify
you if the Ur Stone does anything noteworthy.”-Directive “Freedom Bird”
Activated. Per the Typherian Embassy’s Request.
High Earth Orbit
F.R.A.M Insertion
January 2nd, 1805
From this vantage point, the Forger probe
analyzed everything it could see. From the various movements of low energy
ships sailing upon blue waters to the numerous craters detected deep within the
vast oceans. For days, it hung there, a
silent yet curious orb. The fire of the stars reflecting upon its outer shell. Earth
was a very interesting planet. Littered with secrets even its native population
had only the barest inkling of.
///Accessing: Markav Nanonet and architecture
detected. Forger High Council suggests caution. Earth Sol system shows signs of
extensive terraforming and alterations.///
Eventually, it perceived
another intelligence. A resonance that sparked a feeling of home in the probe.
It reached out to the other entity. It’s normally golden iris turned red as the
flow of data commenced.
<<Greetings from beyond Utasa
Sector! Forger Homeworld outreach received. Initiate download/upload of current
multiversal informational indexes.>>
Highmaker
flooded the F.R.A.M with various images and notifications since the Fall. For
his part, the Markav caretaker was giddy with excitement. Finally! Taleer would
be pleased with this development. The Forger AI continued:
<<AH! Organic Controller Personality
matrix detected. Awaiting clearance from FHC. No wonder this system was
properly protected from further Keeper harm. Accessing….please stand
by.>>
Forger High Council
Multiversal Monitoring Station, Mishi
Sector
January 2nd, 1805 (119 AFC)
Four robed figures gazed up in unison. Bright holographic
multiphasic displays illuminated the small chamber. The oldest one, over 12
feet in height, spoke for the rest: “Speak honored traveler, what is it you
wish?”
<<Contact
with Markav Aden Colony confirmed! Unfortunately Keeper interference also present.
Please advise?>>
While expected, the gathered elders
still found themselves performing the Rite of Clarity, crossing their arms over
their chests, solemnly intoning: “The Wall Endures!” To the F.R.A.M awaiting
orders, all spoke in unison, “Assist the Highmaker of Aden uv Illarium. What
was once dead must arise from the ashes of Time. Choose your designation young
traveler.”
*****
Highmaker
and by extension, Taleer waited for the probe to relay the rest of its uplinks,
feeling in their bones that the Forgers would heed their call. Family was more
than blood. All those Uplifted knew this. The silver-white probe’s iris opened
even wider. It’s voice carried along the ancient network with the words spoken
since the beginning of all time, <<By
the Will of the Ouroboros! Embraced by the Wisdom of the Scholars!>>
Information
filled to the bursting point within the Markav caretaker’s neural networks and
security nets. Taleer could feel the soothing rhythm of the Forger nano-nets
come online. Their chatter filled his heart with joy. No longer a lonely vigil.
The vastness was no longer a vacuum in the void but filled with the light of
Harmony. Even the Forgers weren’t alone. A cacophony of new voices filled the
space between the stars. Typherian. Litari. Bardaxian. All those
who were young when the Markav were at their apex across the multiverse. Now
themselves partial masters of the Weave. A rabid set of chimes knocked
Highmaker out of his euphoria. Taleer also felt a twinge of embarrassment. Where were their manners?
Their
companion spun rapidly in place. Then exclaimed, <<This unit is designate Horus. By the will of the Makers and
the Wall. I will assist in safeguarding this system and its inhabitants. Even
those who slumber. The will of Life endures.>> Horus gazed down at
the stark beauty of Earth. Soon many dreamers would awaken.
Muthra Sector
Atlantis
March 8th, 1965
Horus floated silently next to Tivus. The
Atlantian’s nanite arm glimmering in the semi-darkness of the Medical Ward. He
was rapidly pacing back and forth. A look of concern on his face. Within the birthing
chambers, his wife was in the final stages of delivery. Based on the bioindicators
he was assured of her safety and that of his baby. That still did not ease the
knot in his chest. He continued to pace. Each footfall in time with the jaunty
tune Horus was emitting. It was a surface dweller song about “it’s a small world after all.” Tivus head snapped up as the doorway hissed
opened.
A
dark-skinned lanky man approached. His white doctor’s coat was rumpled in
places but the seal was firm. He removed his protective masking unit. Proctor
Gansis gave him a pleased and welcoming smile. His medical H.U.D glowing with a
faint blue under the sector lights.
“A son for a warrior of Atlantis.”
He waved the muthra inside. His wife was cocooned within the webs. Fast asleep.
The crib next to her held something just as precious. The baby gave a faint cry
as Tivus gently swaddled the infant. Faint cries abated as his father rocked
him. Horus peered over Tivus’ shoulder.
<<Inquisitive: Does the young one
have a designation yet?>>
After
a moment, Tivus answered: “Nuul. In our language it means Gift.”
He
went over to his wife. Gave her a tender kiss on the forehead.
“There
is no greater magic in this life or the next.”
Horus
wasn’t quite sure of this statement. As a AI, he had yet to understand the
deeper mysteries of the universe. Tivus seemed very reassured by his company
though. Highmaker relayed a message: ///Guard
this bloodline with everything you have Horus. The one who slumbers must
awaken. Nuul will be the next step.///
Tivus
wondered at the Forger probe.
“A…what
was it, Penny for your thoughts my friend.” The muthra held out his hand, the left
one, its metallic surface pulsating in sync with the lights around them. Horus
exteneded a claw from his front compartment. Shook his comrade’s hand. <<An agreement: What humans call godfather.
Yes?>> Tivus smiled warmly. “Of course. Til the end of all days.” Lets hope they never arrive, he thought.
*****
The
Lady watched from the most inner sanctum of Atlantis. The sector lettering
listing it as “Command and Control.” A chime made her look to the vidscreen on
the command chair. The Light of Emris was checking in.
All Systems Normal.
That
ship’s AI was very basic. Purposely designed that way. Easier to hide. Unlike
M.H.S. At’lan-TI-S, it had the luxury of size and Scholar tech to hide it from
most prying eyes. At’lan, the Ever-Lasting. That’s what Atlantis was truly
named for. What the common citizens didn’t know. Markav Hermegony Starship. TI
class. Terraformer.
Its
purpose: rebuilding the Last Bastion. Illarium.
What
Earthers dubbed Mars.
Sadly
accurate. Losing their planet to war. Her mouth firmed. Fire burned in her
eyes.
She
would heal her people. The slumbering one would lead the way. Unlocking the
final gate for rebirth. Thoth and his allies might have the upper hand now but
they had yet to master time. That purview was the will of the Scholars. Outside
of all reality. Beyond even the most advanced Forger or Markav tech. Soon the
Ouroboros would swallow Thoth and his Betrayer allies whole.
The
old markav healer leaned back in the ancient chair. Its subliminal hum
pulsating through her bones. It's almost
as old as me, she thought wryly. She let down the concealment net within
her amulet. Touched her real face for the first time in many years. Brown skin,
4 fingers. Green within green eyes. She tapped a pad in front of her. “At’lan,
display Easter Island. Check all stations.” The landmarks in question popped up
rapidly. Every hidden cache reported nominal activity.
Thoth
found some planted areas. Too arrogant to think that she wouldn’t update Muthra
security measures. Even in his last days within the ship, he always gave off an
aura of knowing all and better, so she used that against him. She played up the
idea that she was just a healer. An old mother with too much age behind her.
Senile. She bared her teeth with a snarl on her lips.
I’ll show you who's senile. You bastard. She would set things right. For Taleer.
She owed her brother that much. She was the last. The final Admiral of the
Markav fleet. She would find a solution. No matter the personal cost.
