The morning passed with far less aggravation than Earl Foster imagined it might.
His initial frustration at having been selected to represent the Guardians had been tempered by the Overlord’s promise to divulge his origins. It was hard for Earl to imagine that, after all these centuries, he would finally discover where Adam came from.
Why now though? He wondered.
Of course, he readily agreed. I’ve had to wait three and a half thousand years for him to get around to answering the question that’s always bugged me, so I can put up with a little discomfort for a few hours.
Except, there was far more to his task than merely being uncomfortable.
The Lord Conciliator’s suggestion that Earl arrive in the Flagship Olympus, proved especially astute. Astute and crafty. When the massed crowds caught sight of the vessel that had led the defense of Earth—one of only three to survive the encounter—bedecked openly for the first time in Guardian emblems, they had erupted, generating a deafening chorus of adulation Earl could hear from inside the bridge.
Unbeknown to him, the Lord Conciliator also supplied a number of Guardian flags to the secretariat of the United Nations, to be unfurled at the moment the Olympus dropped from the sky. The gasps they drew at their unveiling was quite moving, and thousands of cameras and faces had remained trained on the silver and white or silver and black logos ever since. (The buzzword being they looked suspiciously angelic in design.)
As popular as that entrance proved to be, when Earl descended from the belly of the carrier in his transcended state—reminding them of just who their saviors really were—only to materialize in human form in front of the visitors’ lobby, it caused an uproar that took President Vivian Becknell more than fifteen minutes to settle.
And the organized chaos didn’t stop there. Earl manifested inside an honor guard where an endless stream of children bearing gifts and colored bouquets waited. The moment he metamorphosed, the floodgates opened with everyone surging forward all at once to greet him. Thinking on his feet, Earl promoted his impromptu court to ad-hoc flower bearers, bestowing upon them the thankless privilege of wondering where to safely deposit the thousands of trinkets and sprays on offer.
Fortunately, his liaison for the morning—High Grand Master Joseph West—swiftly demonstrated why he was such a prominent figure on the Conciliator wing. He’d suggested the Lord Marshal ask the crowd for their blessing in allowing the youngsters currently under training with the Guardians to select their personal favorites from among the many presents. Once completed, the excess would be donated to the needy, especially the flowers, which would brighten the wards of many of the city’s hospitals and care homes.
That idea proved most acceptable.
Earl had then worked the line, exchanging personal greetings and handshakes with many notaries and VIPs and gradually making his way toward the General Assembly Hall, where the speeches had begun well over an hour ago.
The auditorium itself was packed to capacity, and in keeping with the occasion had been decorated accordingly. Two rather large Guardian pennants now hung on either side of the United Nation’s symbol, adding a somewhat martial overtone to proceedings. Privately, Earl thought them rather tasteful, and a nice final touch that rounded off the occasion.
Speakers were supposedly restricted to a maximum of five minutes each. Eleven of the twelve had droned on for well past that, the exception being Lei Yeung—Founder and CEO of Yeung Technologies—who was acknowledged as one of the world’s leading industrialists.
Events over the past few years had exposed the depth of this man’s involvement in the acquisition of people possessing any form of extra sensory talent, ostensibly to further his dominance of the business markets. Earl was gratified to see Yeung appeared to have taken the Guardians blunt warning to heart, with recent months in particular demonstrating how eager his board members were to share the beneficial applications and technological breakthroughs his subsidiary companies were making. Keen to follow their patron’s lead, Yeung’s workforce continued to set a sterling example to their contemporaries by stepping forward to properly register themselves as licensed psychics.
A promising and impressive change of direction!
To cap it all off, Yeung had given a refreshingly informative, self-depreciating and hilarious monologue, which had ended bang on the five minute mark. Against all the odds, Earl found himself fervently wishing Yeung had been allowed a much larger segment of the program, as it would have helped ease the monotony of endless pomp and ceremony.
Sill, other forms of entertainment were available if you knew where to look.
His favorite so far centered on the antics of the BBC’s Guardian Correspondent, Cathy West, who was going out of her way to lavish as much attention on his Deputy Conciliator as possible while they were together in public.
Watching them now brought a smile to his face, for Joseph was squirming so much in his seat; it was as if he literally had ants in his pants. My God, it’s only been what, just under five weeks? Poor boy doesn’t know what hit him. I wonder what date she’s set for the wedding . . . and if she’ll bother to tell him until it’s too late to wriggle out of it?
Checking back in on the proceedings, Earl realized Vivian Becknell’s discourse was in the process of winding down. He seized the chance to take a long drink of water from the pitcher in front of him.
As the President gathered her notes together, two ushers brought in a small stand, placing it next to the speaker’s lectern. Studying it closely, Earl could see something concealed beneath a heavy velvet cloth. An expectant hush fell over the room.
Clearing her throat, President Becknell announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, auspicious gests. It is my deepest pleasure to officially declare this day, January fifth, Guardians Day. A date that will be commemorated from this year forward and for time immemorial to mark the heroic actions of those who saved our species from certain extinction. There is no doubt in any of our minds, that were it not for their benevolence and unwavering commitment, none of us would be here now.”
She paused to remove the cover from the table and selected one of the articles from underneath.
Holding a golden key in the air, she said, “This token represents the key to the doors of every city in the world. We hope the Guardians accept it in the spirit in which it is given. We invite them to enter every land; every metropolis; every township and community, to persist in doing what they do best. Protecting and safeguarding our lives, and acting as our best line of defense.”
Rapturous applause followed that announcement, filling the air with reverberations that hurt the ears.
Picking the next item, she held aloft a gray and bronze medallion the size of a large dinner plate, emblazoned with the dual crests of the Guardians and the United Nations. “This tribute has been struck from the remains of the Guardian Dreadnaught Magenta. The strange colors you see within its composition are pieces of the asteroid Abaddon, which caused its destruction along with the loss of two hundred and four heroes on board. Their sacrifice, now one year ago, put us on notice as to the standards by which the Guardians measure themselves in their service to us; one of personal dedication and nobility!”
Tumultuous acclaim tested the integrity of the glass in the windows.
Once it had subsided, President Becknell continued. “It is with great pride that I present this medallion and this key to the Guardians as a mark of our deepest gratitude and as a sign that we are ever grateful that they chose to be our friends.”
Turning to face him directly, she concluded, “Earl Foster, Lord Marshal of the Guardians, do you accept these gifts in the spirit with which they are given?”
There’s my cue, Earl thought.
Easing himself from his chair, the Lord Marshal descended the stairs. A lump rose in his throat as the auditorium erupted into an enthusiastic standing ovation. The cheering was so deafening, the handclapping and foot stamping so vigorous, he could feel the ground shake beneath his feet.
Unwittingly, the response of the audience within the General Assembly had been amplified by the feelings of the billions of viewers tuning in to the live broadcast. So united were they in their hearts, so cohesive was their hope for the future that—just for a moment—a subliminal note of soaring majesty burst forth, ringing into the ether like a fanfare.
What the . . .?
The note faded into the probability lattices as quickly as it began, causing Earl to stop dead in his tracks.
To those in the hall, it looked as if the Lord Marshal was scanning the congregation in order to meet the eye of every person present and acknowledge their grand gesture. In reality, the oldest transcended human being on the planet was struck with awe at the glimpse he’d just witnessed of the world’s announcement to the cosmos, that its emerging mind had taken a huge step up the ladder.
A familiar presence, from so very far away, coalesced in close proximity: Did you feel it, my old friend?
Adam? Was that what I think it was?
Yes. You’ve just been given a rare glimpse of what no mortal or immortal will witness until the grand unveiling itself.
His mind still ringing into the furthest reaches of space, the Lord Marshal whispered: It was so beautiful!
I know, and one day its essence will be a beacon among the stars. But for now, I think you had better turn your attention back to the matter at hand.
Clearing his acuity, Earl’s senses registered the clamorous backwash again, and he resumed his approach to the podium and the waiting President.
Shaking hands amid the glare of myriad flashes, both leaders gazed out into a sea of faces and vidi-cams until the noise gradually waned.
The President returned to her seat, and Earl hefted the two emblems high, unleashing a blinding pulse of energy to cast back the blaze of the cameras. “As Chairman overseeing the presiding Council of Lords of the ruling Guardian Oligarchy and on behalf of the Guardians themselves, we accept . . .”
His words were drowned out in another unrestrained outburst, a deluge bringing with it the fleeting whisper of a familiar melody. Damn!
Earl bowed his head and waited for the adoration to stop.
After a full three minutes had passed, he was forced to use the power of his mind to instill peace and restraint amongst them.
“Dear friends. Thank you, all of you, from the bottom of our hearts. We gladly accept the weighty accolade extended to us today, but for a different reason than you may imagine.
“Your welfare is, and always will be, our dearest concern. We undertake that duty, that calling, with a willingness that you do not fully understand . . . yet.”
Displaying both key and medallion to good effect, he moved to clarify his comments. “These gifts are a wonderful expression and we appreciate the sentiment behind them. But we would serve you even if you had not extended such an honor. However, your gesture reveals something important, vital even, for the sustained development of our relationship. Trust!
“That you now trust us to always act on your behalf and with your best interests in mind is evident. Therefore, it is in that spirit we accept the key to your cities, because we now know we can devote ourselves fully and without hindrance to the very tenets that drives us: service, sacrifice and honor.”
A rippling accolade forced him to wait again.
Raising his hand in acknowledgement, Earl lowered his voice. “This is a great day, because it marks a turning point in mankind’s history, a new course proving your social maturation is well underway. You are starting to turn your eyes from purely selfish pursuits to those concerning a greater benevolence.
“Abaddon’s timely lesson taught you how fragile life can be. It is a rare and precious gift; something you need to appreciate; to value and cling to with all your strength. And to do that effectively, you’ve got to be willing to cut down the invisible barriers that have divided society for far too long. You’ve got to look to the future as a united family, because that’s what we all are!
“Despite our efforts a year ago, a great deal of harm was inflicted on this precious gem we call home. But look what’s been accomplished by working together since then.” Earl gestured expansively to the trappings about the hall and their significance. “Here, is the proof you need. United we stand. United we prevail. United, the future holds no bounds! Do you agree brothers and sisters?”
So resounding was the unrehearsed “Yes!” that thundered back, Earl was almost lifted from his feet.
“Very well. It is with this healthy, singular goal in mind that I have the pleasure of announcing the following stages of our integration into society:
“A finalized draft of the Psychic Law and Order Amendment Bill was put forward for inclusion in this year’s ratification process and will serve as a stepping stone toward active legislation in twelve months time. The full Act presents a guiding format for the introduction of Psychic Law Officers, investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys into everyday affairs. It also includes a useful codex for those in the legal profession intending to specialize in this new area of law to help implement its various mandates and decrees into criminal and civil practice.
“That Draft will safeguard citizens everywhere. It not only codifies standards and acceptable practices for those who are gifted—protecting their liberties and freedoms—but it especially defends the civil rights of normal members of society, who will have to cope with the emergence of psychic individuals amongst them.
“Over one hundred cities have already agreed to its trial implementation as from next week, with a further two thousand due to join us at the beginning of April. The framework should then be in place for the universal launch of the Bill by January next year.”
A smattering of applause echoed around the auditorium.
“Expanding on the theme of integration, you will be relieved to hear that we Guardians are busily engaged in the task of positioning a network of planetary, lunar and solar system-wide defenses that will help shield against hazards similar in nature to Abaddon. The grid has been designed in such a way that it will remain fully compatible with your progressive technological acumen and is capable of incorporating the very latest military ordnance into its setup. This move compliments our strategy of global instead of purely nationalistic security.”
Now the applause was more vigorous and was interspersed with shouts of, Bravo! Abaddon was still on everyone’s minds, and anything involved in reducing such threats was welcome.
“I am also delighted to announce that the latest generation of Yeung Technologies, Energy Mirroring Units—EMUs as we call them—have passed their final assessment trials with flying colors.” He indicated the founder of the corporation sitting in the audience, who waved amiably in reply. “They are currently being installed in areas of civil, military, economic, and ecological importance or sensitivity, to provide a terrestrial bulwark against natural and other disasters.
“Additionally, plans for the latest spec Saline fed power plants, courtesy of our Mister Yeung again, have just been approved. International construction is scheduled to commence in twelve to fourteen months time. I don’t need to stress to you the beneficial impact this will have on the recovering environment, especially as this breakthrough is being supported by the results of other studies that have been able to produce power cells fuelled with a by-product of the filtration-distillation-regenerative process: pure water. As you can imagine, the implications are simply enormous.”
He paused for a few seconds to allow the audience to express their approval.
“Finally, I’m glad to reveal our involvement in selected research projects with specialists chosen from among some of the best scientists in the world, who will help us conduct fresh studies into the disciplines of quantum levitation and human genome sequencing and adaptation.”
This time, the reaction was very enthusiastic.
After allowing a suitable period to pass, Earl signaled he wished to bring proceedings to a close. “That’s all I have to say for now. However, I understand that the next stage of the investiture will be conducted in a more intimate setting outside?”
The chairman of the assembly nodded, so Earl made haste to conclude, “In that case, may I once again say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ on behalf of all Guardians everywhere—and especially on behalf of those who gave their lives—for the trust you have extended to us this day and for evermore.”
Earl stepped down to the sound of a boisterous ovation. As he returned to his seat, Joseph West came forward and spoke mentally to cut out the din: Nice one, boss! Do you want me to take the gifts back up to the ship? It’s only you and a few representatives from the Conciliator’s and Inquisitor’s office who will be staying for the finale.
Handing the key and medallion over, Earl replied: Thanks, Joe. I’d get out of here while you can if I were you. Goodness only knows how long it will take me to get through this lot and out into the gardens.
There’s always teleportation? Then again, they’d probably think that rude.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Go now, before I decide to deputize your ass and spoil the rest of your day!
Joseph responded by backing away in mock horror: I’m gone, I’m gone. I don’t exist and was never here. And with that, the Deputy Conciliator winked out of existence, taking his ever-present girlfriend with him.
“Lucky bastard!” Earl muttered as he sat back down.
The latest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Michelle Zeller from Switzerland, had assumed the platform and was announcing the next phase of the commemoration.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, honored guests. The time is fast approaching for the final phase of today’s inauguration. However, we will now break for a short recess in the Plaza area where refreshments have been provided. Farewell, to all of you who are leaving us at this stage. Please be aware a guided tour has been arranged for your entertainment beginning at twelve noon. For those delegates forming the presentation party, would you ensure you make your way to the North Gardens where the unveiling is due to take place, also at noon. Thank you.”
And with that, the stampede for the door began.
*
Flashing his VIP pass at regular intervals allowed Lei Yeung to swiftly make his way from the General Assembly Hall and remain unchallenged until he entered the environs of the North Gardens.
There, he lingered only long enough to subject himself to retinal, palm print and DNA verification before he was through the cordon and into the relative calm of the inauguration site. Having threaded his way those workers who had remained behind to help in the last minute preparations, Yeung stopped to chat with three security guards.
As they talked aloud, he took the time to inspect the four ornate posts holding the sail cover awning in position, ignoring the statue entirely. Mentally, his concerns were focused on an entirely different topic: Is everything ready?
Simon turned to face him, and replied: Of course. You have done well today, my friend. Thank you for the great service you have rendered in affording us this opportunity to strike back.
Nodding, so onlookers would think he was agreeing to some aspect of the setting, Yeung said: It has been my pleasure, but now is the time for you to fulfill a promise. Despite the bio-technology I now carry in my head, I seek the further guarantee you promised that will safeguard me from the longer repercussions of what we do here today. Remember, I must have no memory of my treachery. No hint! I understand their forensic redactors are extremely adept in retrieving information. They must be unable to glean anything from me except genuine shock and horror.
Have no fear, human, Simon assured him. As skilled as these Guardians have become, they are no match for those of the Host. The only ones capable of detecting the initial application of my manipulations are absent, and by the time they return your psyche will show no hint of any deception whatsoever. Do you wish me to apply the block now?
Nodding his assent, the old man shuffled forward.
*
To onlookers, it appeared as if the four persons around the monument were showing their deepest respect for what it represented, as they had just bowed their heads in prayer.
Ensuring to keep a respectful distance, those workers continued to busy themselves with their chores, mindful of the fact they couldn’t dawdle, for the main event was now only thirty minutes away.
*
The Veran froze, indistinguishable from the surrounding jungle, thanks to her dappled markings and ability to telepathically will herself into nonexistence. A stiffening breeze brought with it the unique aroma of the new apes that had taken to roaming through her hunting grounds of late. She sniffed, causing her twenty-four inch long whiskers to twitch.
Previous encounters with this flesh proved them to be a frightening and formidable opponent, and as such, not on her list of prey. However, she had cubs to feed and the scent assailing her nostrils contained the tell-tale signature of the young of this new species. Perhaps they would present less of a challenge?
Lowering her huge head onto tufted paws, she smacked her lips and yawned, releasing a reverberating growl that rumbled into the canopy overhead. Fourteen inch incisors formed an amber gateway into the jaws of death.
Disdainful of the other critters now eyeing her from the underbrush, she became immobile once more, alert and patient, confident of the fact that with every passing second, fresh opportunities were striding obliviously her way.
*
Sharing the magic of the moment, Earl Foster clapped as vigorously as all the other guests clustered about him for a job well done.
Their benefactor for the event, Lei Yeung, had just finished describing the intricacies involved in blending the exotic meteor ore together with the metals used in the creation of the commemorative statue and medallion. The alloy produced was unique, providing a fitting accolade to the stand the Guardians had made only a year ago this day.
Having concluded his speech, Yeung bowed and gestured toward him. “Without further ado, may I invite our distinguished guest, Earl Foster, Lord Marshal of the Guardians, to join me and accept these ceremonial scissors to finally make public the world’s tribute to our greatest ever protectors.”
A slight fellow, Yeung struggled with a huge pair of specially designed clippers, as big as garden shears, so Earl quickly made his way forward. As he approached the monument along a brief length of red carpet, the breeze picked up and a handful of ladies in the audience were forced to hang onto their hats. The wind began to gust and several UN security officers stepped in to support the ornate anchoring posts holding the heavy canvass covering in place. Earl felt the briefest tingling sensation cross his skin as he walked beneath the awning and assumed he was once again getting caught up in the ambiance of the affair.
Holding out the scissors, Yeung said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you in person at last. I believe you know what to do with these?”
“I’m sure I’ll work it out,” Earl replied, “and the pleasure’s all mine, by the way. Your company is making huge strides in the development of so many new technologies. I must admit, that worried me for a while, but now? Let’s just say, we’re very pleased how you’ve taken the reins. We really must get together to discuss a number of special projects I’d like to put your way now you’ve decided to join us in promoting a united front.”
A genuine smile lit up the old man’s face—curiously tinged with a deeper, regretful undercurrent of remorse which was soon smothered. How odd?
Yeung stepped aside and waved toward the shrouded memorial. “If you would be so kind?”
Dismissing his confusion, Earl stepped up to the statue and severed the ribbon with a deft, snap! He shuffled back a few steps as the canopy fell away to reveal a truly astonishing piece of craftsmanship.
A beautifully intricate and detailed representation of the Earth had been positioned upon a plinth of the utmost delicacy, its style highlighting the fragile nature of the planet it symbolized. Where that plinth met the floor, it thickened, twisted and flowed, growing into a miniature overhanging plateau upon which two life-sized Guardian figurines stood, side by side. One was male, the other female. Their cloaks streamed behind them, and their faces encapsulated a serious and determined fortitude.
Braced as they were in a defensive position—with their outer feet forward and hands held high in front of them—the meaning was clear. Nothing would be allowed to breach their defenses or bring harm to the world they would die to protect.
A simple message was inscribed below the statue:
“In memory of those who perished so we might live.”
A tear came to the Lord Marshal’s eye as he recalled those friends and colleagues he lost that day. He was surprised to note the mood had also affected the elderly gentleman standing next to him, for earnest sorrow leaked from Yeung’s usually stoic persona like water through a colander. Well I never! Who would have guessed?
Earl reached out to grasp Yeung’s shoulder in mutual support. That’s when he noticed he was no longer able to sense those thoughts or emotions that should have been emanating from the ringed spectators seated only fifteen yards away. Strange, there are over a hundred people here. I ought to be getting something. . . .
Spinning on the spot, Earl discerned the tingling sensation across his epidermis had increased. A subliminal warbling impinged on the buried layers of his awareness, disrupting his concentration. Yeung must have felt it too, for his gaze darted from place to place as he backed away, giving the impression he expected to be jumped by muggers at any second.
The crowd, seeing the Lord Marshal’s reaction, was also coming to the realization that something must be wrong. Earl scoured the sea of faces before him. It’s like they don’t exist?
Yeung’s turmoil distracted him. In a world of his own, the old man kept glancing toward the security contingent surrounding the sculpture. Regarding them himself, Earl recognized something he’d initially missed. I can’t perceive their esoteric presence.
Puzzled, he glanced to and fro between the screaming psychic nub that was Yeung’s anxiety and the disturbing absence in the place each steward should have occupied. Comprehension dawned.
Responding with superhuman speed, Earl reached for his plasma baton and dropped into a defensive crouch. Reciprocating, the closest of the spectators reacted in alarm. At the same time, the impenetrable sheath insulating the guards fell away to expose a set of bizarrely combined psychoenergetic imprints.
What the hell is going on? He didn’t know the people before him, but their minds were a different matter, bearing a provocative, hostile familiarity.
Echoes from the past, almost forgotten, came to the fore. “You!” Earl exclaimed. “I thought . . . I thought you were all dead.”
Unleashing a wave of searing authority, Earl was stunned to watch as his efforts warped in midflight, only to come bounding back at him almost instantly. How in the seven shades did they do that?
The female cackled. “Surprised?”
Earl’s hair stood on end as the dynamism of a threefold choral splicing intensified about him. Ignoring the woman’s taunt, he triggered multiple concussions between them and him in a bid to divert their attention.
Through a now visible, shimmering force field, Earl saw an increasing number of his colleagues teleporting into the location. Some began ushering distraught civilians away from the threat, while others started to pepper the dome with their own mental bombardment.
Earl raged: Call the Overlord! There are transcended ancients loose in the city!
His thought projection bounced impotently back toward him. Damn, something seems to be nullifying my abilities.
Knowing there was little time to act, Earl grabbed Yeung by the lapels and drilled into his brain, depositing a nucleus of mental data there that would easily be found. That completed, Earl then generated a needle of meteoric potential and hurled it with all his might at a single point in the barrier. As he did so, he tightened his grip on Yeung’s jacket, pirouetted once, and sent him flying bodily through the air toward the exact same spot.
Thankfully his efforts were just enough. An alert Grand Master had seen what the Lord Marshal was trying to do. When Yeung became enmeshed within a crawling web of power, the Grand Master latched on with his telekinesis, pulling him all the way through.
Earl’s assailants had come together now. Standing shoulder to shoulder, the atmosphere crackled as the substance of their metapsychic concert continued to grow.
I’m not strong enough like this. In desperation, Earl summoned his own transcension program, only to find it skipping away from his grasp as the process began to take hold. Eh?
He tried again and narrowly missed being incinerated by a gobbet of blazing plasma that stretched his natural defenses to the limit. Absorbing as much of the discharge as he could, Earl channeled its exuberance down through his staff, adding the sum of his own vitality as it went.
A devastating ribbon of royal blue lightning stabbed out, branching into separate hybrid filaments as it neared its targets.
Though most of Earl’s bolt was reflected back at him, some of its influence hit the mark. Each of his opponents staggered under the vehemence of his attack. So they do have their limitations?
Aloud, he taunted: What’s the matter? Am I not as weak as you thought?
The hatred blazing from the enigmatic trios’ eyes would have been sufficient to sear the flesh from lesser beings. But Earl didn’t have time to dwell on that, for he’d just spotted how his adversaries were maintaining their advantage. The awning supports! The darn things are augmenting the frequencies the rebels are employing; oscillating them in some way so that their overall wattage is amplified.
That observation didn’t sit right in Earl’s craw. Then why can’t I use the pillars to boost my own output?
He scanned the props more thoroughly. Jesus Christ, they’re mirror unit too! But how? We haven’t authorized the manufacture of anything like this. They’d be illegal.”
Frowning, he glanced toward where Yeung was receiving first aid and having his mind reamed by one of the Inquisitors. The truth struck home. You measly little bastard!
The look of surprise on the Inquisitor’s face brought little comfort. Though it was obvious she’d just uncovered the packet of information Earl had planted in Yeung’s cerebrum, nothing in the way she acted gave any indication that she’d been tipped off as to the charlatan’s treachery. What the fuck is going on? How could he stand a chance of concealing what he’s done?
Snatching a deep breath, Earl decided it best not to dwell on the negative. His initial warning was out there now, and he was confident that once the Overlord arrived, the matter would soon be settled. Then I’ll deal with that little turd myself and get to the bottom of this.
Sure enough, the Inquisitor’s head snapped up and she began signaling furiously to her comrades. Then she stared into the sky toward the Olympus. At that same instant, the Guardians broke off their disjointed attempts to gain entrance to the memorial site. Adopting similar postures, they started to form a harmonic counterstrike of their own. Yes! Now we’re in bus . . .?
“You’re too slow, human.”
Earl recognized a subtle overlay to the voice. “Psi-edon! It’s been what, nearly three and a half thousand years? I take it these are your cronies, Ares and Hestia? Sorry, but you look a little different from how I remember.”
The outer bubble went opaque.
What?
In answer to his dismay, Psi-edon boasted, “We don’t want too much of an audience for your final moments, do we?”
All three ancients triggered the transmutation back into their natural forms.
Scanning their efforts as closely as he could, Earl tried to mimic the process, attempting numerous times and different ways to access the full majesty at his disposal. To no avail. The errant energies pouring from the pylons thwarted him at every turn.
Aghast, he watched as his opponents started to ripple and change unhindered, knowing with absolute certainty that unless someone or something intervened, he was done for. They must have some form of mental code or bio-mitigator? Shit, I’m screwed!
Stepping back to give himself space to maneuver, Earl summoned the entire potential available to him in human form. Smirking, he raised his sword and waited.
Psi-edon’s cruel mental jibe cut like a knife: Why do you smile, fool? Do you not realize your death is now imminent?
If I die, I die, Earl acknowledged: But at least I’ll do so knowing for a fact that you’re signing your own death warrants. No, maybe it won’t be as swiftly as I’d like, but you’re still as stupid as you were millennia ago if you think you won’t face the consequences of your actions. My only regret is I won’t be there to watch him grind your atoms to nothing.
As their transformation neared completion, Earl could feel the fever of their radiance growing within the confines of the mirror bubble. Straining with all his might to boost the resilience of his own defense, he commenced draining the substance of the crystal powering his baton, hoping to gain those vital few seconds that might make all the difference.
Outside, Earl could sense the massed minds of over fifty of his Guardians approaching prime focus. From what he could surmise, they were going to hit one of the EMU generators. He hoped their strategy would work.
Psi-edon, Ares, and Hestia finally fused their transcended wills into one terrifying artifice. Their eyes blazed with triumph.
Debilitated as he was by the constraints of his humanity, Earl’s shield held for a heroic five seconds before it buckled under a titanic onslaught. The devils pounced immediately, seizing the sum of his psi-well in a merciless threefold grip of unimaginable ferocity. As one, they yanked it free of his complexus, prolonging his agony by shredding his life-force as they fed.
An unearthly howl pierced the ether, only to cut off abruptly as what was left of Earl’s body flared like a nova before crumbling to dust.
As his blackened, lifeless plasma staff fell to the earth with a thud of finality, Earl Foster, Lord Marshal of the Guardians, uttered a final thought. Remarkably, it was laced with deep satisfaction: He knows what signatures you’re hiding behind now. There’s nowhere you’ll be able to run—run—run. . . .
Then the generators exploded.
*
The Veran edged its way forward. Only a single curtain of moss now separated it from the path on which the new apes approached.
She heard their calls, mentally and physically, resounding in the air about her, sending the other beasts lurking nearby into a wary silence. Adopting the pose taught to her by her own mother many cycles ago, she willed herself into non-existence. Coiled and silent, she bided her time, ready to pounce.
The voices drew closer.
Suddenly they stopped and an alien notion insinuated itself in her mind.
Unwillingly, she straightened and slunk gracefully out onto the pathway, only to discover two younglings of these new flesh-walkers in the company of an adult.
*
Joshua pointed, his eyes almost popping from their sockets. “What’s that?”
“She’s a Veran,” Andrew explained. “A very big cat that lives here, something you need to be very careful of.”
“Why? I like it, I want one! I want to take it home.”
“You won’t be taking this one home.” Andrew laughed. “She’s a mother and has cubs to feed, can’t you tell?”
Amused, he observed warily as both Joshua and Becky edged forward a few steps, scanning the beast’s mind for all they were worth. Andrew did the same and marveled at its power, its pride and feline confidence, even in this unusual situation.
The children were dumbstruck and in total awe of the creature towering above them.
Andrew snorted. At last, I’ve found something that keeps their attention.
“What do they eat?” Joshua asked, not daring to look away.
“Stupid, silly boys like you!” Becky couldn’t contain herself any longer. “You know you can’t have one, so why bother?”
Instead of retorting in his usual way, Joshua remained quiet, fixated on the magnificent eight-foot tall beast in front of him.
Becky hadn’t given up. “Why don’t you like the Guppa? He’s clever and brings us present, he likes to wash our faces over and over again, and he’s small enough to fit on the bed at night.”
Ignoring the heckling, Joshua held out his hand and extended a gentle audible and telepathic invitation. “Psst, psst, psst!”
Becky, fearful of the danger, looked to Andrew for guidance. Andrew raised a cautionary finger and waited, keen to see where this unprecedented opportunity might lead.
Meshing to Joshua’s psyche, he was amazed to discover the boy’s superlative empathic ability had already established a bond within the predator’s consciousness. I don’t believe it!
Slowly, the powerful beast padded up to the tiny child and lowered her massive head, drawing in his scent and uttering a soft growl. She walked around him, sniffing and snorting and licking, batting her head against him where his essence was strongest, causing Joshua to giggle and rub back adoringly.
Andrew thought he’d seen everything in his long and lonely life. But when the eight hundred pound killer emitted a coughing snarl of acceptance and started to wash Joshua’s legs, he realized just how much he still had to learn.
*
Strange emotions flowed into her mind from the youngling: love?
What was friend? What was play? What was this strange thing called string?
Making up her mind this insignificant flesh was not prey but a whelp in need of instruction, she disdainfully lifted one side of her top lip and emitted a rumble of impatience at having wasted her time with them while her own brood went hungry. But the small flesh-walker was insistent and kept hugging her around the leg and filling her mighty frame with warmth and comradeship.
Perhaps she would come this way again, with her cubs next time, to see if they enjoyed the presence of this strange little creature that was not prey.
Perhaps it would bring string?
Suddenly, the larger flesh—a dominant male—became a source of terrifying danger. Anger and hate radiated from him in growing waves, terrible and fearful to behold.
It screamed a sound: Earl!
What is an Earl? Why does it make the flesh-walker rage so?
A defiant counter roar built in her throat, her muscles bunched in a fight-or-flight reflex. At the last second, her incredible senses realized the dreadful feelings were not being directed at her, but elsewhere, at prey in the sky.
Suddenly the flesh vanished, leaving her alone on the path.
She approached the spot where the adult had stood. Sniffing cautiously, the Veran decided it was relieved not to be on its list of food, for she had never sensed so much strength and limitless dominion in one thing before.
Unsettled, she slunk back into the jungle, determined to re-establish herself as queen by bringing down the other food source she had scented on the way there.
*
Attuned to the cadence of the primeval galaxy spread out in all directions around him, Adam drifted sedately, content to let the eddies generated by his age-old friend’s passing take him where they would. Though bereft of its anchor, the speed of the system’s deceleration was not yet acute enough to pose a problem. But that would need to be addressed, and soon, before gravitational fluctuations began affecting the rhythms of the entire local cluster.
Knowing that time was short, Adam juggled the countless factors that must be addressed in order to rectify the imbalance, back and forth in his mind. So much to do, so little time.
Time! Though it pressed on him constantly, he was coming here more and more often lately to enjoy the solitude afforded by the vast reaches of the stellar hub and its cold embrace, courtesy of the void left behind by the leviathan’s departure.
His feelings of jubilation over the discovery that return was possible had been tempered by the regret he would experience at being parted from them. Where he was going, they could not follow, being outside the established laws of creation. They were not of the Host, nor human come to that—being something in-between that should never have existed. And yet, here they were. Aeons had passed, and he still couldn’t account for the miracle that had generated their conception. And because of that, he couldn’t properly assess their potential, or when they might eventually mature, centuries from now.
How will they bear the burden knowledge brings, he thought, knowing they will be forever alo . . .?
Adam’s meditations were broken by the far-off eradication of an intimately precious and familiar mind. His stupendous psyche leaped the gap in an instant, absorbing a wealth of data and unwelcome confirmation simultaneously.
Then everything changed as the tranquility of deep space was broken by the petrifying return of a true angel of the abyss, whose boundless wrath—restrained as it had been for so very long—threatened to rage unleashed for the first time in millennia.