ISSUE 6: IN THE COMPANY OF CROWS
I had no notion of what happened to me those first few times. I had no context for the great metal halls and various nightmares aboard that Keeper Null ship. All I knew is at the end of it all, it gave birth to Mordred. The greatest failure of my life. I should have nurtured him properly. But all I could see was the violation of the Keepers within his eyes.—The Morrigan.
Notes transcribed. Encrypted. “I have observed this human subject. She has unusually strong healing factors. Even our most advanced plagues do not affect her. Even nanites do not pass through her system. They get absorbed, converted to fuel then discarded. Fascinating. Chronos has given his blessing. I will artificially inseminate this female. We must see what hybridization can do. Perhaps use it as a template for other projects.—Ishtar.
Now I know why she preferred the company of a few stalwart companions. Why she felt safest within the confines of the Jupiter Rising. This story is not for the faint of heart. I keep a room ready for her no matter what time of day or where I am at among the stars. She uses the leylines to access the ship when she has a need. She always asks me to examine a room for Keeper remnants. It has become second nature to me.—Sleeping in Starlight, a memoir of the 22nd century.
The Jupiter Rising
Minos 1 (Bardax Lunar Docks)
February 1st, 2104
I dashed along the hallways. To the guest suites. I could hear the screaming. Jupiter alerted me as I picked up speed. Four Rottweilers on my heels as we sped along the corridors. Two of them supporting Blue Defender belts. One turned his massive head, <>
As the entry hatch swished open a crow zigzagged around the room. I ordered Jupiter to bring up the lights slowly. Reaching out with my Empath senses to work on Morrigan. Not to elevate her terror all at once but to slowly bring her back down. Eventually, she landed on my shoulder, huddling within my spare flight jacket. I didn’t say anything. I just engaged the auto cleaning services and walked about the room. Resetting her things and putting on some soothing music. Her trembling abated after a long while. I exited the room. Heading to the Galley. Grabbing her some of those chocolate bars she liked. The four bardaxians an official honor guard. Ichabod, his whiskers twitching, climbed onto my other shoulder.
His voice was firm, “Good Ship! We find all the problems and fix them. My master tried to fix it. Failed. But you won’t fail.” After much consideration, her beak poked out from my jacket. The tempting fragrance of the chocolate coaxing her out. She shifted back to human form. Huddled against me. Like I could protect her from everything. She drew her shall about her shoulders. The servitor brought some mugs over. Its little oval-shaped form depositing the drinks before us. <
This was an old wound. Still crusted and bleeding.
I scanned the ship again. This time using a bit of Throne Sight. There was a usual compartment but I paid that no heed for now. What I saw within the Morrigan took my breath away. The eyes of Ishtar peered outward from her memory. The cries of an infant. Its eyes a more disturbing black than Hilary Brookes. He was the first hybrid. I wrapped an arm around the Morrigan. She shuddered but didn’t pull away. “They aren’t here? Please.” I nodded rapidly.
“It’s just us. The Bardaxians. I made sure with….”
Her bloodshot eyes locked onto mine. “Say nothing of it. I know what you speak of child.”
Iresh remained silent. The Litari’s feelings were apparent. The horror was of a similar vein. Reminding her of the Night of 1000 Stars. I offered what emotional support I could. Morrigan smiled. It was a tiny thing but there. “I was taken. Aboard a Null Ship, maybe even the one you breached with your brother, but at the time I thought I had been abducted to Hell. Made of endless metals and magic beyond the ken of Earth.”
*****
Morrigan ran. The air was fresh.
The rains of spring just passing moments ago. As she reached the Cliffside she sprang into the air, her form changing, hands and arms forming to velvet black wings. She cawed as she flew. The whole of Ireland was before her. The Weave sang within her heart. This was home. This was freedom. She would give an offering to the King of the Way. He guarded the very heart of her fair Isle. Working with the Iron Leyline to balance the magic of their world. Even as young as she was, 30 summers, she had been selected to serve as his eyes and ears. Her wings caught an updraft and she was above the summer apex line of Ireland. Called the Druidic Center. It was the most direct connection her people had with the Weave. Some could hear its call no matter their location but they were rather secretive about its nature and their relationship with the Weave.
Could anything be more perfect? She landed on the terrace.
Tír na nÓg.
The king waved her over.
Manannán mac Lir, Father of Water. He had close ties to the Leyline of Water but as far as Morrigan knew, wasn’t its sole guardian. He pointed at the map of the known world. “I must send you away from our fair Isle. We must help the Wielder and White Lion of England defend his home. Alongside the Iron Line. There is outer darkness forming there. A mad king of Atlantis aims to lay waste to that area. Then move on to other places that house Laylines. We must stop him. The bones of fate rattle within my skull. So I send you.”
Morrigan asked, “I thought the Atlantian’s policed that sort of thing. They wield magic outside the boundaries of the Weave. At least from what I’ve seen.” Lir had a sour smile. “Usually yes. But he had information that even their highest level Muthra didn’t suspect. Not all things are made of Urth itself. There are other footsteps outside our fair sphere.”
She exclaimed, “Does the Weave extend to the very stars that burn within our skies?”
He nodded, “Indeed. You will learn much. I must speak with the Ruler of the Void. He has some information about this Thoth fellow that will prove useful. For now, assist the Wielder. We must prepare for war.”
She shifted again. Taking to the skies.
She wondered what magic would touch her senses when she reached England.
*****
Lir rattled the bones once more. Two swords clashed. One made of the Weave and the Cosmos. One made of corrupted Endless Night and Muthra tech. The Weave had a personal stake within all this. The king knew. They could not let Thoth wield the cursed sword. He had promised Matarn he would find Pandora. He could still feel the echoes of that man’s torment within the healing halls. They hadn’t been able to completely repair his mind. But within all his mutterings the king had learned about many matters beyond Earth. He would have to help prepare humanity for the trials ahead.
While the Markav “drones” and “networks” encircled Earth, he would have to build other avenues. The Weave was the oldest entity in existence. Even technical wonders paled in comparison. They would have to become the children of the Weave. This was why more and more demis were birthed upon Earth. They were a focal point. Just like the Leylines. Just like the Weave. He might not live to see the end of all these projects but it would be felt nonetheless.
This Thoth wasn’t even of Markav origin or influence. He was what outer walkers called a Typherian. Of an alternative path. He had willingly cut out his “powers” to appear more along the lines of human enhanced via Markav programs. While humanity had developed upon Earth, the Markav had partially transformed it. As an anchor to the planet of Mars. The king knew something slept there. Like a Giant awaiting rebirth. But he would not let that override Humanity. He wanted to work with others. So the foundation must start with those who could help.
The Weave had pleaded with him. Wanting those who walked the ground and sky to work together to stop Unity.
*****
I saw Morrigan’s mouth drop open. “The king knew. About all this beyond the stars. The Council of 5? Who is this Matarn? Plus how? How did we see that?”
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I pointed at my head. Near my temple. She clasped my hands. “You are the spindle. The very eye of everything.” She rubbed her face. “I will relive my nightmares. So you may find other elements of import. I must face my demons.”
I squeezed her hand. “Never alone again. I promise you.”
Thoth was a Typherian.
That would explain a great deal of how he was able to move around.
I would try to talk with the Weave soon. Maybe use Throne Sight within one of the Earthbound leylines.
The imagery of the past continued.
The rolling hills of England were replaced by the cold shell of a Keeper Null Ship.
*****
She was strapped to a table. Needles digging into her skin.
The red flow of liquid told her these demons wanted her blood.
She shifted. The straps unable to hold her bird form. She saw an oval opening at the top of the shielding. She aimed for it. Finding the air on the other side to be frigid.
*****
Ishtar was delighted. What a specimen.
They had no idea she could change shape. Maybe this Earth had some potential after all. The tracer under her neck would let them keep track of her outside the preview of their research vessel as well. They had to conceal it and burn it upon her skin with a continuous tattooing program since nanites did not affect her. The crow form was ideal for recon. If they could manufacture Seed brood with that capability the sky would be limitless. So many variables to test and study!
*****
Again she was taken. Within the dead of night. The startled cries of the night sentries pointing into the air as the beam of white fire took her heavenward. She had a rather wicked knife on her person this time. The black ichor of their dreaded experiments washed the deck as she fought tooth and claw for her freedom.
She even found one of the gray bastards and buried the knife to the hilt within the foul creature’s neck. Watching the life drain from its eyes. She hoped not even hell could save it. She howled a fierce battle cry as she systematically searched every nook and cranny she could find. Laying waste to whatever was on the other end. She didn’t know how to use this enemy's weapons but she did find a strange blade that activated with a simple press of a button. Its edge hummed. Sending sparks into the metals of the walls of this dominion. Its bright blue light illuminating the corridors with an otherworldly glow.
*****
Ishtar didn’t expect her to find a hull repair kit but it was a crude enough device for violence. Why they insisted upon such things was a foreign concept to the Keeper. You could always get more data from breathing subjects. Chronos didn’t want this one harmed. Since her DNA was a fertile playground. The one regret he had was destroying the Markav too soon.
Releasing the failed experiments was still useful. By examining the battle footage he was able to gean more information on the vario9us vulnerabilities contained within. These human demis had qualities he and his brothers could exploit quite nicely. Besides, the war raging between the Houses of Typha would only grow. Thanks to their contribution to House Urranden’s indiscretions. By tweaking some of the ground rules, the Keepers hoped to stagnate developing worlds. So they would be easier to plunder for experimentation later.
It was so easy to whisper within the right ears. Sow distrust.
*****
That emaciated gray ghoul with dead eyes had injected her with something. Another sickness? She cared not. She only wanted to escape this place. Each winding corridor led to more horrors. Things she had no words for. Mishappen and terrifying. She raced into a strange room. At the very center were platforms. She dashed over to them. But found a barrier blocking her path.
The same symbols flashed upon its shimmering surface.
M<<>>M
So she turned. Fled deeper into the complex.
*****
Ishtar timed the strength and speed of Subject 23-F. Excellent!
She wouldn’t realize the accelerated pregnancy for another 3 cycles. He went to the next HUD. An alarm blared across the whole ship. <
He closed off those portions of the breach.
At least they still had some data and samples to work with.
They would have to work on the Weave dampeners as well.
Meddlesome.
*****
The Morrigan could see the white stag. Its great head turned towards the rippling orange, red and black patchwork beyond the metal monstrosity.
It said, >>This way child. Return with me.<<
Its eyes peered through her.
Adding, >>I await the Bearer. See the One who Howls. The Mallet will know.<<
Morrigan didn’t understand the strange speech beyond the return phrase. It sounded similar to the speech of England but the syntax was beyond her understanding. Perhaps it was for the best. She could only sense the righteousness of the Weave from the creature. It had found her. To bring her back to the land of the living. She bowed and sprang upon the mighty creature’s back. The patterns of the Weave dissolving as she saw the spherical outline of Earth. So many more landmasses than she realized dotted its surface. The stars sang in the distance. The Weave was truly everywhere here. She drank it in like a drowning man at sea. Letting it lull her to sleep as the stag galloped to the Isle of Man below.
It raised its head, >>Mordred and Bel will consume each other. Becoming one. But remain forever apart. Beware the serpent’s strike. Set hunts for followers. The Living Stone isn’t the only threat. Find Pandora’s Box.<<
Iresh asked, “How can I help the Bearer?”
It raised its glowing eyes, >>The humans know of me. They build mighty ships that will change the course of everything. Undermine your old Uplifted Codes. They were built upon guilt and lies. You know it young Dreamweaver. I see it. Your Pandora is blinded by Unity. There is only eternal death awaiting her.<<
It turned to the Bearer, >>Find the Hanged Man. Reunite him with his family.<<
Eliza saw an image of a ship.
With a familiar crest. Striker Nix. Alongside its hull was a Terran Alliance code. Filename: 244-A “Hanged Man.” She would ask her father upon her return.
As the White Stag touched the courtyard of Avalon, throngs of people surrounded Morrigan. Queen Guinevere parted the sea of people. Placing a hand upon the Stag’s head. “I greet you, emissary. Thank you for finding our friend.” Arthur went to one knee. Holding Excalibur before him. “By the Sun and all the Stars. May we the people be blessed this day with good fortune.”
A few months later Morrigan knew a terrible truth. She dived into the heart of the Water Leyline, “How must I cleanse this seed of deception and horror?” The waters formed around her. Showing her the path. A path that would lead to the salvation of the Earth. She saw someone called Sir Avalon and his unusual child. But for that path to happen Mordred must exist. She must bear this weight. For even Mordred will work against those who created him. The Void Walkers. He was a ticking timebomb that would explode when needed. Bringing another deluded soul down with him. She would have other children.
She could see the face of Marion.
What was corrupted would be cleansed within the future? That is what the Water promised. Morrigan sat upon the midnight shore. The stars twinkling above her.
The black tar upon her neck wept. The water lapping away at it until the mark was no more.
“They can no longer take you, child. Never again. See beyond all sight when the Bearer appears. She will house the Light of Life. Guard her. For the Twin Spears must strike.”
*****
By now, Morrigan had drunk 5 good tankards of Rum. Working on some Gin. It was at this moment I wish I could get as “shit-faced” as my dad called it. White said I still could but human-level alcohol wouldn’t do it alone. I’d need some Scholar level stuff. Enhanced with the essence of the Weave. Which was used in special ceremonies. According to Jupiter. Made me wonder what we still didn’t know about the Weave. Maybe the Ouro was something invented by it rather than the Scholars. I placed a holo call to my mother. Her human face appeared, <
<
She frowned at me, <
<
That was my code for Project Barracuda's file on Thoth.
Her face was pensive now. <
<
Now she knew he was a Typherain but not of our Universe. It paid off to have a secret language with one’s super secret agent parents. <
The feed went dark. I sent my regards another way.
>>You guys be careful too. I have a bad feeling about this.<<
Dexter replied for all of us, >>Keep a finger on the trigger sis. I will as well.<<
Even if I couldn’t talk to my whole Typherian family, my brothers and mother could warn the rest. Iresh was also sending flares up to those within a certain Litari circle. She called them the Arms of Calos. I had a feeling most of the Uplifted Community were about to get some cold water splashed on the face. It wouldn’t be pretty but it would be necessary.
*****
The Hanged Man watched the Pirates. He knew his stay as a “guest” would be coming to an end. He feared the future. Too many paths. Which would his son take? The weight of failure clawed at his mind. “The Sea turns. Pulls the soul across the blanket of stars.”
All he could see was the Sea of Fire building.
Knowing that he failed to stop it.