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.
<
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:
<
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?”
<
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, <
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
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, <
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.
<
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. <
*****
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.