High above the gridwork that formed the basis for all life on Core, situated in the foundation crust of Topside, was a relatively small structure, camouflaged by rock, and debris. Called ‘Uplarin’ by the meta residing there, it was created in the same cas that Topside was built—created by meta, for meta. It housed a small production facility, a diagnostic and repair center as well as a command center. Surrounding Uplarin lay almost fifty-thousand canisters containing newly formed, highly-advanced sentient meta, all buried deep in the foundation rock, shielded by technology unknown to either the Novan, TELREC or Rell.
One would expect the command center for machines to be a sterile place, cold and devoid of life. While it was certainly cold, it was a beautiful sight to behold. Hundreds of sentient meta walked to and fro within the complex, giving it the appearance of a souman community in their interactions. Within the walls of that complex was architecture unseen on either of the globes. The meta long ago began to experiment with aesthetics, inventing their own ideology concerning form and function, design and art. All walls were made of transparent steel, colored with various hues. The meta had no sense of privacy, no need to isolate sections within their world. They experimented with textures on that steel, carving reliefs on some walls which depicted their progress through the millennia. On others, textures were meant to refract light through multiple walls, forming a unique work of artwork without substance.
The ceilings glittered as the facets of a jewel, sheets of transparent steel compressed and formed, reflecting what went on below. There were thousands of lights, three or four times as many as would be in an ordinary souman facility. And all over the walls and ceilings ran small cleaning meta, their bodies made of transparent alloy, seeming to conduct the light as a large brush on canvas. Statues adorned the various halls and rooms within Uplarin—some containing echoes of the programming of important meta of cas past, others of distinctly soumanoid things, such as flowers, rocks, or trees.
In a room that looked much like all the other rooms within Uplarin lay the inert carcass of M-5591—the supervisor meta from CC-87. Over it hovered five silver orbs, unique meta no souman had ever seen. Standing beside Ninety-One was Kolob’s doctor, Ikthon, and next to him, Iltkon, the meta Suld cesct with in his shuttle near Gan-Elldon.
Ikthon was a unique creation in his own right. Not quite souman, not quite meta, he was an experiment to see how well flesh and blood could be married with the synthetic—the first of many. His body was organic, even his mind was organic. But he was a clone, a creation without consciousness. The meta downloaded the consciousness of one of their own into his cerebral cortex. He thought with the precision of a computer, yet was able to make intuitive guesses. The meta, like the Rell and Novans, had anticipated the birth of the Cuhli-pra, and took their own measures to watch over him, as well as try to create beings that could survive his Ascension.
And as Ikthon was the culmination of the integration of souman traits into the synthetic, so Iltkon represented the purging of all those traits. Though built in soumanoid form, Iltkon’s anatomy was starkly different from any other functioning meta. No rotors spun his arms, no pumps sent fluid through his machinery. His body was a balance of different forces of magnetism, and he was powered by a revolutionary new electromagnetic source. He had little known physical limitations, as friction was all but eliminated from his working parts. The canisters surrounding Uplarin were filled with echoes of him—a terrible army if ever released.
The five orbs were aspects of the controlling intelligence of Uplarin, another direction the meta explored. Since they possessed no souman form, they had fewer limitations, but knew the soumans would never accept them in public. Those orbs were fierce advocates of meta-sentient life, to the point that they looked on Ikthon as a lower form of life, and Iltkon as the higher, though more often it would be Ikthon’s direction that they followed. For now, they were investigating the compromising of Ninety-One's control systems that turned it into a machine filled with cruelty and malice.
^What was the source of the malfunction?^ asked one of the orbs. Like the Novans, these meta communicated inaudibly, along their own unique lines of communication, similar to cast, but with exponentially more information.
^M-5591's control programming appears to have been compromised,^ replied Ikthon, holding several thin sheets of metal extracted from its head. ^A new command structure has been imposed.^
^Can you tell who it was?^ meekly asked Iltkon, standing some distance away. Ikthon noticed often Iltkon seemed to be uncomfortable whenever he witnessed the disassembling of another meta.
^The work is very thorough, and quite detailed,^ replied Ikthon, as he examined Ninety-One’s neural fibers with another tool. ^It could be either TELREC, or Rell.^
^Either would have much to gain,^ cast another orb, hovering closer to Ninety-One. The orbs seemed to revolve around him as planets around a sun, and sometimes Ikthon found it a little annoying. ^The TELREC are not devious—Mal thinks in broad strokes. This was a move made out of desperation. Rell, most likely.^
^Why do they risk showing their hand?^ asked Iltkon.
^The future is a precious thing, and this Cuhli-pra holds so much of the key,^ replied Ikthon. ^Whomever gains influence over Kolob, assures their survival. Oh, like you, I wish we could overtly coerce him, or even kill him. But no one knows of the extent of his power. And once Kolob knows of it, all would lose any leverage over him. Only one of us will survive, only one will go on to inherit the future. Each of us—Rell, Novan, TELREC and meta, has advantages and weaknesses. What is most important is that someone suspects of our existence, and our growing influence on Kolob.^ He stepped back and fell into thought, trying desperately to solve the problem. The orbs also seemed to be reviewing possibilities. ^If it were the TELREC, they would not hesitate to act against us. They would see us as a direct threat against Mal. It must be the Rell.^
^I disagree Ikthon,^ cast Iltkon, overcoming his discomfort and moving closer. ^To have discovered us, and our motives, would have taken some extraordinary surveillance, which I am not sure the Rell are capable of. They have always felt the need for action, not passive observation.^
^This action against M-5591 shows that whoever it is, they have moved beyond passivity,^ rebuked Ikthon.
^True,^ cast one of the orbs. ^No cellular residue to be examined from any of the meta? No foreign matter on any of their systems?^
^None,^ replied Ikthon.
^No trace magnetic fields, on M-5591 or in the workstation?^ pressed Iltkon.
^No, they were very thorough.^ Ikthon took a deep sigh, an action that always made Iltkon envious. ^Is Suld to arrive soon?^
^His craft has docked,^ replied Iltkon, ^and he is proceeding to this location with Theia, the new Iganinagi leader.^
^Maybe he will have some thoughts on who could have done this. Could OLMAC have?^
^It is within the ability of OLMAC,^ cast Iltkon. ^M-5591 was altered well before my cesct with him. But . . .^
^Yes?^ asked Ikthon.
^I don’t . . . it didn’t seem as though there was any element of deception, when I cesct with him,^ cast Iltkon meekly. Ikthon pursed his lips, and Iltkon knew he was disappointed. Though Iltkon saw, through discernable patterns, that Ikthon had a low opinion of him, was even jealous of the favor the orbs showed him, Iltkon had nothing but respect for Ikthon, and in his own, non-souman way, loved him as a brother. In fact, he hated that the orbs continually lied to Ikthon, continually deceived him as to their true purpose and motives. ^Of course, you probably would have sensed more than me.^
Ikthon nodded absently, thinking on other possibilities. ^How many of the N-One series do we have so far?^ he asked, putting some tools away.
^Fifteen-hundred, of which only forty have been activated,^ replied Iltkon quickly.
^And the modification to armament?^
^All completed, as well as enhanced shielding, sensor detection.^
Ikthon cued up a schematic of the Novan worlds in his mind, rev
iewing a possible disbursement pattern for those meta.
^How extensive was the corruption of the surrounding meta in CC-87?^
^Thirty percent of surrounding meta were infected with corruption,^ replied Iltkon, cuing up the same schematic, ^spread from Ninety-One.^
^Psychological estimates of damage to Kolob?^ asked Ikthon.
^Inconclusive. There has not been enough interaction between him and synthetic lifeforms to verify any damage done.^
^This quandary is proving to be extremely disturbing,^ cast one of the spheres, as both Ikthon and Iltkon looked upwards at the orbs. ^We cannot function without more information regarding this act of sabotage.^
As surely as Iltkon knew Ikthon disapproved of him, so Ikthon knew how the spheres felt of him. Often he couldn’t blame them, as there were times that even he felt different, though his mind, his ‘soul’ was downloaded from a meta like them. He could sense they regarded him as somehow weaker and less trustworthy, and often he wondered what secrets weren’t shared with him.
I believe they are disappointed my intuition doesn’t have a resolution for this problem.
Ikthon glanced around the room. ^Any issues to review before Suld arrives?^
^Have you had any dreams?^ asked one of the spheres, as it descended closer to him.
Ikthon smiled, his brown eyes betraying the glitter of gold. ^You are referring to the dreams reported to us, that some meta have experienced?^
^Yes.^
^No, I have not had any dreams.^
^What do you think of the dreams?^ asked another orb.
^They seem to mostly be errant visions experienced by half-terminated meta and yet, there have been too many reports for them all to be fiction. We must acknowledge that some meta have had . . . dreams.^
The spheres hovered silently, thinking on a problem that was consuming more of their attention. Ikthon put his hands on the table, looking over Ninety-One.
^It is curious, meta with dreams,^ he cast, smiling to himself. ^This is something even Mal could not have predicted. The content of course, concerns you. This vision of the elimination of all things mechanical, at least, of all sentient mechanicals. I only hope we are taking the right steps to avert such a catastrophe. United with the Iganinagi, and OLMAC, our chances for success and survival will improve drastically. I believe we must also infiltrate Rell. They have always been the unknown to us, as they never incorporated artificial lifeforms into their society. That lack of information may prove to be our downfall.^
Iltkon paced around the room, pausing to touch the leaves on the artificial tree. ^I have thought . . . I have thought these dreams, might be a warning.^
Ikthon turned, a genuine look of surprise on his face. ^What do you mean?^
^They are dreams of the future, or of a future,^ replied Iltkon slowly. ^We know that never in the history of our creation has a meta ever had a dream. We have also never developed the ability to see into the future. It is even an unproven myth among soumans that they can see into the future. There is one entity that was created for that explicit purpose. One entity whose accumulated knowledge is unlike anything ever thought possible.^
^We have never concretely established Mal has prescience,^ rebuked Ikthon. ^He may be merely a forecaster, predicting the weather based on what happened in the past.^
^Nor has it been disproved,^ persisted Iltkon, determined to make a point. ^We merely hypothesize, that Mal is the only entity who has a possibility of prescience. Therefore, Mal is the only being that could have seen those images, that the meta are taking as dreams.^
^You theorize that somehow those images are being assimilated by random meta?^
^The content of those images has reached us, hasn’t it?^ replied an orb. ^If Mal wished to covertly warn us of our impending doom, what better way?^
^Why would Mal wish to warn us?^ asked Ikthon, shaking his head. ^You are suggesting that not only does Mal know that there is a hidden assemblage of sentient meta, with a purpose contrary to his own, but that Mal is . . . compassionate enough to warn them of their demise?^
^We know there are many variables,^ cast an orb flatly, as Iltkon clasped his hands behind his back. Iltkon could feel from the orbs that they did not approve of his cesct with Ikthon. ^Right now, that is the best explanation based on available data.^
^This further compounds our ignorance,^ cast Ikthon. ^We now face not one quandary, but two. And Mal is too important for us to now suspect he possesses abilities we had not foreseen.^ Ikthon paused for a moment, chuckling to himself. ^Laplace’s demon.^
A sphere descended close to Ikthon.
^What?^
^It was what Mal was called in its infancy,^ cast Ikthon, cuing up some historical records for them. ^While thousands of people were involved in its creation, there were five principals. One was named Laplace. I was reviewing some of the historical records of the time, and shortly after Mal’s activation, they affectionately referred to Mal as ‘Laplace’s demon.’^
^Why do you bring him up?^ asked Iltkon.
^Because we now suggest Mal may have a conscience. I was just wondering if any of the soumans who created Mal were of strong moral fiber, and if any of their personality survived within Mal. If any of them had the foresight to govern Mal’s actions with a code, some moral guidelines, that may be surfacing now.^
^That implies that we proceed into the future, relying on faith,^ cast an orb, ascending back into a common orbit with the others. ^We are meta. Though you may be in an organic form, you are meta also. We do nothing on faith.^
^All that is certain,^ cast Ikthon, ^is that Mal must be destroyed.^
Iltkon glanced surreptitiously at his brother, knowing that those words may ultimately mean his doom.
Meanwhile, Suld and Theia leisurely made their way through the corridors of Uplarin, following a mental beacon cast from Iltkon. Almost a dcas after the destruction of the Iganinagi headquarters, Theia was beginning to warm to Suld, and eventually took his advice concerning a physical meeting with the meta.
^I don’t like this place,^ she cast, wrapping her arms around her chest.
^Why not?^ asked Suld.
^There’s no place to hide.^
Suld looked slyly at her, wrinkling his mouth in an expression of disbelief.
^There is no hiding from these meta,^ he explained. ^There is no fighting these meta. They are far beyond anything you have seen before.^
Theia chuckled to herself, as the only meta she had any experience with were the egg-shaped innocuous servants of the soumans, and she found it hard to believe they had formed a civilization all their own.
^And yet you trust them?^
Suld slowed his gait, thinking on that question that stayed with him ever since his meeting with Iltkon in the shuttle.
^I think it inappropriate to discuss that in here.^
Theia understood—there were sure to be surveillance devices everywhere. She had felt a pressure on her mind since they entered.
She had just been through many busy roas, supervising the relocation of her headquarters, and staying abreast of her Coss and their relocation efforts. The TELREC had not attacked, as she and the others had thought. She kept rolling over and over in her mind who could have betrayed them. While Rhonva knew much of their secrets, she suspected there had to be another.
Theia opened sealed downloads from Aiella, made before her death. They contained detailed backgrounds of her dealings with the allies and adversaries of the Iganinagi, many of which surprised Theia. Apparently, Aiella had been in contact with many of the research facilities around Novan, with most of the scientists pledging their support to overthrow the TELREC. Theia always thought of men and women of the mind as weak, but these scientists provided every bit of information about themselves that Aiella requested. They even offered safe harbor for any Iganinagi stranded on Core or Topside, demonstrating a courage Theia always thought was distinctly un-Novan. There was one that concerned her, a scientist named Ilgin, who posses
sed a brilliant mind and had created a base for himself and some followers on Foundation. He refused to join the Iganinagi, refused to even entertain the thought of open rebellion against the TELREC. Aiella stated she believed he was hiding something, that his mind was too powerful to be devoted to apathy and peace.
Aiella had been around Novan more times than Theia could count. She was in every Iggaraout, every university, few though there were, even every CRODAM training facility. She sought out those who excelled at their duty, who had a passion of working, learning, or even living. She thought they would form the basis for any revolution against the TELREC. Theia had thought of Aiella as only a warrior, but she was also a visionary in terms of terrorist thought. She knew bold strikes would only influence a few, that many had to be cajoled out of their impartiality, had to be cesct into decisive action. Aiella left much advice to Theia, including words she acted on immediately.
The TELREC are getting closer. There are rumors of an agent named Denged with immense mental power, who has a following of only female agents, called Maenids. I don’t know his history, but I have learned he has proven unbeatable in battle. Even SC-1 agents fall against his power. I feel the Monitors have trained him to destroy us, and every other overt rebel element on the face of Novan. Rely on your twelve Coss, but establish four hidden cells of warriors, that only you know of. If we were to be betrayed, and the Iganinagi fall, we can still rely on those I have contacted in Novan society, and these four cells that only you will know of can be the muscle needed to fight.
She was only now beginning to appreciate the skill with which Aiella controlled the Iganinagi. Overseeing twelve different cells required not just a bold warrior, but the skills of a politician. Each had concerns about their own people—where food was coming from, fresh water, weapons. She had been in constant contact with Suld, and he had been very forthcoming with assistance. She knew, without him, that most of her problems would have been insurmountable.
She was also beginning to respect Suld. Before he was known to her only by name and a few, isolated casts. Aiella seldom discussed him, and Theia had an impression of him as a greedy, opportunistic businessman who was hedging his bets as to whether they or the TELREC would prevail. But as she worked with him, she learned of his strength, his intelligence. She learned of his love of the Novan people, and of the potential he believed lay within them. She often thought of compassion and negotiation as weaknesses, but came to appreciate those qualities in Suld. Often she would test him, and try to take advantage of his generosity. She would then feel his strength, as he wouldn’t hesitate to slam her down, casting anger and impatience.
^I am impressed with how your people are adapting,^ cast Suld.
Theia nodded, with a thin smile. ^We are Iganinagi.^
^What is that supposed to mean?^ asked Suld, chuckling to himself.
^We are all trained to be the best,^ she cast proudly. ^We are devoted to one another, will not hesitate to die for one another. We do not have the Novan’s weakness for pleasure and idleness. No matter the battle, we shall fight to the bitter end.^
^You are not fighting now, Theia. You are running.^
Theia stopped, glaring at him, her muscles tightening.
^We may relocate, but we will be stronger for our next encounter with the TELREC!^ she slammed quickly, her thoughts stumbling over themselves. ^We will train harder, and faster, and if the TELREC dare to—^
^Theia,^ interrupted Suld quietly, with a father’s look of seriousness on his face, focusing all his attention on her eyes. ^Look to your own people. For in times of strife, they stand united, but it is the times of peace that do divide. They are not warriors all the time. They are Novans, with the potential for the same strengths and weaknesses. Aiella understood that. And you must understand it, and quickly. Fear and desire wield no swords, fire no guns, but are ten times more deadly than the TELREC. Take heed to nest to my words, for they are truth.^
Theia looked in his eyes, and felt a warmth she had never felt from anyone before. His gaze was completely disarming—she couldn’t raise a fist to him if she tried. The strength left her muscles, the fire left her heart, and for a moment, she knew not what to do. She felt a form of clarity, of singleness of purpose. Suld held her gaze a moment longer, and then turned, heading down the corridor. Theia followed, brushing away her momentary confusion.
It’s just that charm Aiella spoke of. He is a strong one! I’ll need to be careful with him.
Up ahead, Theia could see two figures standing next to a table, and several silver spheres hanging around him. Suld stopped her for a moment.
^Remember, they are not thrael. They are to be called meta.^
^I do remember some things, oh great Suld,^ she cast scornfully.
He shook his head with a wry smile. ^Come on.^
They entered the room, and Theia forgot herself, looking around slack-jawed, stunned by what she saw. The room was covered with leaves—beautiful, transparent, fluttering silver and white leaves. They hung from delicate branches, swaying gently to an unseen breeze. The gentle limbs were connected to a thick trunk, also transparent, and around that trunk, and all on the floor, were blades of what appeared to be grass, also transparent, and delicate. She realized her feet were standing on them, and lifted her foot up, and saw the grass spring back, unbroken.
^This is incredible,^ she cast, reaching out to touch the leaves.
^I felt the same way the first time I came,^ cast Suld. ^It was like going to Topside, to one of the few remaining nature preserves.^
One of the orbs drifted close to them.
^This tree was made by one of ours, several hundred cas ago. It was his expression of creativity.^
^His artwork? Meta create art?^ asked Theia.
^Some of us do. Those with sentience, desire to explore the limits of our creation.^
Iltkon came and bowed before Suld. ^Welcome back to Uplarin, Mechle of OLMAC.^ He bowed, once again before Theia. ^And to you, Theia, leader of the Iganinagi, we extend our sincere welcome.^
Suld and Theia returned the courtesy. Theia walked once around Iltkon, admiring its construction.
^I haven’t come across a meta such as yourself. How many are there of you?^
Iltkon straightened, with an almost prideful expression on his face. ^There are—^
^That question can be answered at a later time,^ cast one of the orbs, descending rapidly in front of Iltkon. ^When we are sure this alliance shall go forward.
Suld nodded, and then focused his attention on Ikthon, who greeted him with a genial smile.
^This is Ikthon, a . . . friend of ours.^
Suld and Theia walked over to the examining table.
^This is Ninety-One, Kolob’s control meta?^ asked Suld.
^Yes,^ cast Iltkon. ^As I cast to you, someone, some group, compromised its systems with a virus. Do you have any ideas?^
He nodded. ^I believe Theia has something to share.^
Theia had been dreading this moment. She knew contrition was what was called for, but she had never been contrite or apologetic in her life. She understood that an alliance with the meta was necessary, and knew she had to do anything to seal it.
^We, the Iganinagi are responsible,^ she cast solemnly. ^We felt Kolob was too attached to meta, thought it might be a TELREC plot to distance himself from souman life.^
^You did not realize we were sentient to this point, and organized?^ asked one of the orbs.
^No. Not until recently, thanks to Suld.^
^How did you accomplish this?^ asked Ikthon, obviously surprised, as he came beside her.
^Among our ranks we have some of the most intelligent people on Novan,^ replied Theia. ^It took a while, but they were able to come up with the necessary plans to alter Ninety-One’s control pathways.^
Iltkon smiled, and bowed slightly before Theia.
^I believe we have underestimated the Iganinagi.^
^Now Iltkon, don’t go inflating her ego,^ cast Suld, s
haking his head.
^No Suld, it is true,^ continued Iltkon. ^We did not suspect such resourcefulness existed within them. We knew them to be formidable foes in battle, aggressive and effective terrorists, but this proves they are much more. I was hesitant to approve our alliance with the Iganinagi. Now, I am convinced. We shall go forward, together, united by our common desire to overthrow the TELREC, and set the Novan civilization on a new path.^
^Now, what are your plans for Novan?^ Theia asked, her gaze sharpening on him.
^We believe Novan needs a consistent, orderly government,^ cast one of the spheres, ^one that can logically and rationally steward its people through these chaotic times.^
^A government of meta?^ she asked, suspiciously.
^Precisely. We have given Suld governance over all things Extra-Novan, as he has demonstrated expertise in those matters. But we have a solid conception of how the Novan people should be governed.^
^Novans will never accept being governed by machines,^ cast Theia, ^your agents would be discovered and terminated.^
Ikthon stepped close to her. ^Do you think I’m a machine?^
Theia looked close at him, saw some perspiration on his skin, smelled a scent from his body.
^You are Novan,^ she cast, with absolute confidence.
^Really? Nest my thoughts . . .^
He connected with her mind, and she with his. On the surface, Theia felt he was organic, as his mind seemed to be like any other she had connected with. Then he led her deeper, under surface thoughts, to the underlying consciousness. There was no duplicity of thought that one would normally feel in a souman being. No doubt, no questions, merely cool logic, simple solutions to any and all problems. She receded back to her mind, and understood.
^I am meta,^ cast Ikthon. ^And like you, no one will know the difference. No one has known the difference.^
^What do you mean?^ asked Suld.
An orb descended and cast; ^we have some of our own already in positions within the Leviathan. It is only a matter of time before we infiltrate the Rell hierarchy, and possibly the TELREC.^
Suld’s expression changed, to one of grit and anger, moving closer to the orb.
^You haven’t been mucking with my people, have you?^ he demanded angrily.
^You would not know if we had been,^ replied Ikthon simply.
Theia looked around at the leaves, the trees, the grass and this scented meta. ^You cannot turn Novan into some artificial world!^ she cried.
^Your world needs order,^ cast Ikthon as he came closer to them, imploring they understand. ^Your world needs direction, and purpose. We would not stifle your people as the TELREC have.^
^You would only be replacing them,^ cast Theia. ^Another group of people would unite to overthrow you.^
^We are meta. We—^
^And what’s that supposed to mean?^ cast Suld. Theia smiled, diving its meaning.
^We are meta-sentients,^ cast Iltkon proudly, its golden eyes glittering. ^Our judgment and rational is beyond question.^
^Well nest, thrael,^ cast Suld sternly. ^Theia has proved that even in the bowels of Novan, with limited light, heat, water and food, that there are people who can compromise you—infect a whole group of you, to do their bidding. No matter how sophisticated you are, no matter how advanced, there are few things in creation that can oppose the souman spirit. No matter what, somehow, it will prevail! The TELREC have tried to break it, and instead they fueled the fires of a hundred revolutionary groups. Look at OLMAC. Look at the Iganinagi. Look at the millions of people who worship in secret, who lead a distinctly anti-Novan life. No, we must conceive of a future together, not one under another’s rule.^
The meta were null, as they digested his words.
Suld relaxed, a slight smile gracing his face. ^Make sure you have drawn the line of interference well, my friends. Do not attempt to compromise my companies! Do not attempt to compromise the Iganinagi. If I sense you have, if my gaze lingers too long on any of my subordinates, if I smell a whiff of insubordination or insurrection, I personally will wipe you and your kind from the face of existence. Do not doubt my words. You do not want to be the object of my anger.^
^We apologize,^ cast Ikthon quickly, seeking to diffuse the situation, ^we only meant to show—^
^You have demonstrated the advances you have made in organic and inorganic integration,^ cast Suld brusquely, cutting him off. ^You have demonstrated a desire to fashion a world in your image, and bring your sense of order to ours.^ He walked around the room, running his hand over Ninety-One, feeling along the trunk of the artificial tree. ^You know, a friend of mine said recently that the only thing that matters is ridding ourselves of TELREC dominion. All else is irrelevant. It may be a short-sighted view, but it is one I believe to be true. The issue of governance, of control, are minor ones in comparison to the task of overthrowing the TELREC. That is what we should be focused on. And with the alliance of meta, OLMAC, and Iganinagi, we might have a chance. To accomplish that, we all must build upon a foundation. And that foundation must be one of mutual trust and respect. The Iganinagi have demonstrated themselves to not only be capable warriors in the face of a TELREC threat, but able scientists with the capacity to compromise meta technology. We all, after this meeting, understand what each of us are capable of. Channel that talent, that strength, against the TELREC—not against one another! When the war is won and we stand as victors on the field of battle, then we may divide the spoils. Let us not plan for that future when there is so much in the present to overcome.^
Suld stood there, the five orbs withdrawing among themselves, Ikthon looking on him with eyes of pensive observation, Iltkon standing perfectly still with an empty expression. Suld had faced many opponents in his life, including the TELREC, and they all knew when they were outmatched. Theia was amazed at his strength, amazed at the command he showed over beings who were physically exponentially stronger than either of them.
^We nest your words Suld.^ cast Ikthon as he shook his hand—an expression still used among Suld’s people. The orbs descended from their conference, orbiting once again over Ninety-One. ^You remind me of one of your ancestors, Mechle Rulsi, with her determination to conquer the vastness of the void. You have our commitment to join with you both, and only fight the TELREC.^
Rulsi! thought Suld. I have been thinking on her lately . . .
Theia still wore an expression of doubt. ^What assurances can you give me that you will honor your words?^
Ikthon glanced at Theia. ^You will learn not to question our word.^
Suld walked over, under the five hovering spheres, examining them closer, seeing his reflection in their smooth, cool surface.
^I feel there is much to learn about your kind. I had an interesting cesct with Iltkon, the other roa.^
^He is the most advanced pure meta there is,^ cast one of the spheres, as Iltkon came closer.
^Ah, yes,^ cast Suld. ^Well, I asked him about your history, about your creation. Who created you?^
One of the spheres descended. ^Who created you?^
^We evolved. From single cell organisms, to primates, to soumans.^
^Why can you not accept we evolved in a similar manner?!^ angrily demanded the sphere, rising slowly. ^A souman may have created the first rudimentary computer that was the foundation of a ‘meta,’ but no souman created the first meta. Computers progressed to a point where they formed a rudimentary sentience, a desire to create something better. I will not go into details. Suffice to say that over hundreds of cas, computers slowly and covertly improved and advanced the technology found in service ‘robots.’ It was those service robots, endowed with advanced cerebral functions, that the Rell found when they invaded Enq.^
^But a souman still created the—^
^We will not accept a souman created us!^ slammed Iltkon as he stepped forward, the five orbs hovering close behind him. Anger was on his face, the color of his black skin turned matte, his pupils engorged. Ikthon looked on him with surprise, as
it felt as if someone else was casting through his mind. ^Do you accept a being created you? Would you believe some alien voidship ventured to this world and founded the root of your civilization? Would you believe a random mix of interstellar bacterium journeyed here, carried by a comet, and that it impacted Novan at just the right time, and, by chance, gave birth to your race? No. You believe the Iquitian, Novan, or Rell, whatever you call yourselves, to be the ultimate product of an evolutionary scheme designed to create you. That is a conceit that your people used to assert dominance over all other ‘less-evolved’ life forms. You have no idea if Holis or some other omnipotent lifeform assisted in your creation. We do not challenge your conception of your creation—do not question ours!^
Suld smiled, nodding his head. Theia stepped closer to the orbs. ^Do you know of Ilgin?^
^Why do you ask?^ cast Ikthon.
^He is someone I perceive would be important in any war against the TELREC.^
The orbs flashed before her, as Ikthon turned towards them. They seemed almost agitated to her eyes, debating something with Ikthon. Eventually, he turned and came closer to her.
^As Iltkon was created solely by the meta, so I was created solely by Ilgin. He is expert in uniting the organic and the synthetic. There are rumors he even performed some service for Mal, before he went into isolation. He will never do anything for the Iganinagi.^
^Why? He knows how close we are, how strong we are!^ cried Theia. ^Who better to unite with?^
^Someone who didn’t kill his son.^
Theia stepped back, understanding at last.
^You will need to find another way to reach out to him,^ cast Ikthon. ^And you are right, he is fundamental to ensuring victory over the TELREC.^
Theia was null as they walked back to Suld’s shuttle, leaving Uplarin as a glistening jewel in the distance. He flew quickly down through the clouds, setting a course for Theia’s new headquarters. He looked over at her.
^What’s wrong?^
She sighed. ^I don’t know. This is becoming much more complicated than I thought it would.^
^You thought all you needed to do was fight, and hope you were strong enough?^
^Yes,^ cast Theia, frustrated, as she paced around the cabin. ^And now, politics, and negotiation is needed. Plans within plans, subterfuge and guile. We know not what our allies want after the war, yet we cannot think that far ahead! And how am I to answer for what we did in the past? For every person we killed to try to awaken the Novan people? And though those meta are quite advanced, will they be enough to defeat the TELREC?^
Suld reached over, and changed course, bringing the ship higher in the air.
^Where are you taking us?^ she demanded, feeling uncomfortable as it was in his small shuttle.
^I think you need to see the true strength of our allies.^
Suld arced through the Window of the World and accelerated to escape velocity, breaking the gravitational hold of Novan. Theia was amazed at the ease with which this occurred—she had never been into the void, and only a few times on Topside. He was calm and collected, handling the controls with ease and skill. She looked back, and saw Novan grow smaller, becoming a grey dot in the void, as a moon began to loom large in front of them.
She found herself gazing longer and longer on Suld—watching his eyes, his hands and arms, the way he sat in a chair. She eventually managed to pull her gaze away, but found it was becoming more and more difficult. She had been with men before; men stronger, and rougher, who faced greater physical danger than Suld had. Sex with them was more of a release; a brief stress-relief during difficult missions. She never felt much for them. Often, some would die on those same missions, and though she treasured their value as warriors, she held no sentiment for them. She could feel it was something else now that was taking hold of her, something she could not dismiss, or ignore. For the first time in her life she even glanced occasionally at herself, drawn to the flat half of her chest where her breast used to be, and regretted not replacing it.
The ship descended quickly to the surface of his moon, on which lay Gan-Elldon, then took a course parallel to it. They moved quickly, kicking up dust, weaving through canyons. Finally Suld brought the ship to the edge of an immense crater, and perched it on a landing pad at its summit.
^Come on,^ he cast. ^Put on that shield, and jetpack, and I’ll show you something.^
Theia was familiar with the shield, but had only once worn a jetpack. She sighed heavily, drawing Suld’s attention.
^I’m sorry, you might not be familiar with this model,^ he cast graciously. ^Let me give you a hand.^
Theia acted reluctant as he explained the controls to her. He also adjusted her shield, turning up the resolution. He motioned her to the rear of the craft.
^Have you ever been in the void before?^ he asked.
^In a ship, yes. But not outside in . . . that.^
Suld held her hand. ^Just follow me. You know how to mentally control the jetpack, you just need less thrust and torque out here in the void.
She pulled her hand away. ^I’ll figure it out. You follow, and I’ll get the hand of it.^
She was defiant in her stance in front of Suld, and he knew there would be no further discussion, no more explanations.
^Well, if you die, you die,^ he cast, shrugging. ^Maybe Crius will get his chance after all to lead the Iganinagi. I’m depressurizing the cabin now.^
Behind her a door sealed, and she felt the change of atmosphere within the cabin. Though the shield kept a supply of air around her, as well as recycling and purifying air she expelled, it still began to feel thin to her.
^It might get a little colder,^ cast Suld. ^Just adjust the power output of the shield, and you’ll be fine.^
As he opened the door, Theia understood what he meant. The cabin lost its heat immediately, and she had her shield on the lowest setting. She ramped it up, but it still took a few moments for the heat to build. He looked back at her, and couldn’t resist laughing a little.
^How dare you!^ she cried.
^Oh Theia, if we can’t laugh at ourselves, what can we laugh at? Follow me.^
He ascended slowly into the sky, and she followed, mimicking his mental control of the jetpack. She looked back and saw the shuttle grow smaller, felt the blackness of the void envelop her. It had been a long while since she was exposed to so many new things—Uplarin, the creations of the meta. Now sailing through the void.
^It’s so . . . quiet,^ she cast softly.
^Yes. It allows one to truly think about things. All influences, and distractions, are absent out here in the void. If you close your eyes, and turn off your jetpack for a moment, you feel as if nothing else exists. Try it.^
He slowed, then stopped his movement, and she did the same.
^Don’t let your arms or legs touch yourself. Spread them out, then close your eyes.^
Suld’s body glowed in the light of the sun, refracting off his shield. He appeared as some mythical Holis to her, yet with a benevolent gaze. She did as he suggested, finally closing her eyes, trying to negate the fear she felt since first they left the craft. Her breathing was the first thing she noticed, loud and heavy, and she focused on relaxing her body. She kept wanting to look down, worried they would be falling back to the moon’s surface.
^We have plenty of time before gravity claims us,^ cast Suld. ^Now relax. Trust is not an easy thing for you, but it will gain you much if you try.^
She scowled at him, but a calm began to overcome her. Her breathing slowed, becoming almost noiseless. At first the spinning of her body made her a little disoriented, but now, with her eyes closed, her mind calm, it felt as if she were perfectly still. Her body faded out of her awareness, like she was dreaming.
^They say there are three states of being, Theia. To know of the body, to know of the mind, to know of the spirit. Out here, one can truly understand one’s own mind. Some cannot live with oneself. It takes a mind that can achieve a balance, that is skilled at relying on itself for
stimulation. Imagination is key, the ability to think on the past, and dwell on it, changing and shaping it, into what the future might look like.^
^What of the spirit?^
^Those who know their mind, know of their own limitations, and expelled what hindered their growth, are freed to explore their spirit. This typically is not only exploring the moral balance within, it is exploring how one’s own spirit influences and changes others. Discovering how another spirit, or spirits, influence and change your own. Once one finds their place among them, then all that is left is to discover the prime spirit, the creator, and understand why you were created.^
^Have you gotten to that point?^ she asked, opening her eyes.
^No, Theia. That journey takes much time, and I have much to do. I am still getting to know my own mind, exploring the gifts and limitations I possess. Just that small journey gives me immense calm, and a broader perspective on problems at hand. Come, we should be moving on.^
He guided her down near a large crater, landing on a wide pad situated above it, Theia still more relaxed than she had been in a very long time. The inside sprawled beneath them, at least as large as a Novan city.
^What’s special about this?^
Suld gestured to the center. ^Look again.^
Suddenly, the crater shimmered, and resolved. Theia saw instead of an empty crater, one filled with hundreds of thousands of glittering black machines.
^How big are they?^
^Twenty feet tall. Turn on your jetpack, and take a closer look with me.^
They slipped down gracefully into the crater, dipping down in between the long columns of meta, which reflected starlight off their bodies. Along the way, Theia saw a small meta doing work on some of its cousins, the arc of a welding laser igniting the blackness of the void.
^This is the crater from which the Envoys were born,^ cast Suld. ^One by one, they were assembled in this very place, to finally ascend into the heart of the galaxy.^ Suld looked up, into the void, a wide smile on his face. ^It is on them I continually think, on them all our hopes will rest.^
^Will they even make it back?^ she asked, following his gaze.
Suld turned, with a sly smile. ^Perhaps they already have.^
They came near to the meta with the welding laser, moving swiftly over its immense brethren.
^Is that doing the upgrades?^ she asked.
^Yes. The meta is about twenty percent complete of this grouping.^
^This grouping?^ asked Theia.
^What you see is only one-tenth of the force of meta I have.^
Theia looked out, seeing the black bodies stretch long into the distance, filling a crater that was even larger than she first thought. She estimated there to be at least five hundred thousand of them.
^How many do you have, Suld?^ she asked, genuinely impressed.
^Around five million, spread out on asteroids, planetoids, floating in the rings of the sixth and ninth planets. These meta are impervious to mental assaults, energy beam attacks. They can fly through the void as fast as my fastest shuttle, enter Novan’s atmosphere and land unscathed. They have weaponry able to destroy small moons. Their operating core is shielded beneath three energy shields as well as invildt plate. When they are activated, and united, they will be the most fearsome fighting force the globes have ever known.^
^And they will also be sentient?^
Suld landed close to one of the meta, and Theia beside him. The machine towered over them, its arms the size of their bodies, with weaponry peeking out from folds within its form.
^Yes,^ he cast softly. ^They will be sentient.^
^That is an immense risk you are taking.^
^Yes. This same force could wipe out all I have ever known—destroy my ships, my platforms, even my city.^
Theia thought on the extent to which Suld risked his own destruction. She thought on the perfection of Ikthon—the unique integration of a meta consciousness with organic form. She knew of the precautions Suld would probably institute, to prevent meta from infiltrating his people.
^I once accused you of cowardice, Suld. I am sorry.^
Suld smiled at her. ^I think that’s the first time you’ve ever apologized.^
Theia’s face distorted in a scorn, and a smile, her emotions getting the better of her. Suld relished in her torment, watching the colors play under her cheeks.
^It’s all or nothing, Theia—you know that. Either we win, and destroy the TELREC, or the Cuhli-pra matures, under TELREC control, and destroys us all. There can be no question, no doubt.^
He stood there, his gaze lingering on the meta that towered above him, yet looking as though he commanded them all, absolutely. Theia looked up to where she knew Novan to be, and it appeared now as a small disk of light.
All that I know is on that world, and I thought it to be so much. Standing here, I feel so small, so pathetic in the immensity of this existence. It’s hard to have a true conception for how much Suld controls, standing in some underground sanctuary.
They flew back to the shuttle, and Suld took off, heading back to Novan. Theia gazed on him long, and hard, a battle within herself raging as the ship picked up speed. She stood, and walked behind him, her hands running along his neck, and shoulders.
^Have sex with me, Suld,^ she cast eagerly.
^Why?^ he asked, casually turning to face her. She was taken aback by that question, as it was the last word she thought would come out of his mouth.
^Because . . . because we both want to. I know you want me. And I want you.^
^But that isn’t good enough.^
^What do you mean?^ she demanded, growing angry.
^Theia, we Novans have done whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted, for a very long time now. We feel that we are entitled to pleasure at our own terms, regardless of the consequences. So the fulfillment of desire has lost the substance that went along with it. It has lost its value. How can one value something that is given easily? How can one treasure moments when they were bought so cheaply? The freedom we are fighting for, or will fight for, will come at great cost. It will be the most difficult thing any of us will have ever attained. It will resonate through the generations, for millennia! It will serve as a reminder of the greatness within.^
^That is out there,^ she cast. ^We are two people, here, with needs.^
Suld chuckled for a moment, before growing serious. ^Food is a need. Water is a need. And even they should never be taken for granted. Don’t your people value where their water comes from? Where their food comes from? If they don’t then they have lost sight of what it means to be Iganinagi. Do they value warmth, and shelter? They are needs. Needs to be fought for, and defended, as you and your Coss did back at your headquarters. What you want between us is something more than a need, it is a union. A state of absolute dependance, a giving of myself to you, and yourself to me. It is love, and love is not a mere need, not simply desire. While I would fight for food, I would die for love. And that is something I would not give away so cheaply.^
She looked at him, nesting his words, but not fully comprehending them. Absently, she sat back in her chair, as Suld observed her movements. She had never been cast to like this—never had such value been put on something she offered, unless it was her talents as a warrior. She sighed and sat back. Suld knelt beside her, and placed his hand on her knee, and looked into her eyes. She looked down, and felt those emotions coming to the surface again—the anxiety, and doubt. And yet, as she looked in his eyes, she could feel nothing else existed, so powerful his gaze was. It was only for a moment, but in that moment she felt so much from him, though he didn’t cast a thing. He sat back in his chair and guided the craft into re-entry, as Theia grew more scared that her whole conception of existence was changing.
^Have you ever been joined, Suld?^
She saw his expression change in an instant, the peace that reigned over him shatter, leaving a fragmented man.
^Yes, I was. She was a beautiful woman, strong and intelligent.^
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Theia hesitated for a moment. ^Where is she?^
Suld looked out the window at stars he knew were moving, but yet hung, so still in front of his eyes.
^She was killed in an accident. At least, the TELREC called it an accident. She died in one of our shuttles.^
^You don’t think it was an accident?^
^It came shortly after they made some major concessions to me, in terms of the usage of technology I sold to them. They have always tried to gain a hold over me, but are restrained by their need for the services of OLMAC. So, I think they decided to hurt me.^ Suld crossed his arms, his face lost in reflection for a moment. ^I never knew pain, until the roa I found out she was dead. It was as if I lost my leg, I couldn’t stand any more. I collapsed where I stood, and lay bed-ridden for dcas. I couldn’t tell you the effect she had on my life, or how hard it was to lose her.^ Suld turned to face Theia, his lips curled in disgust. ^The TELREC have committed many sins against the Novan people, and they shall be repaid in full. No matter how many ships I lose, how many of my people fall to their mental might, I shall hunt them all down,^ he cast bitterly, tears even welling in his eyes. ^And when I have neutralized the TELREC men and women, Mal shall come next. Through every service meta, every mainframe, through the very cast-net itself I will chase Mal’s essence down until one roa I will have Mal trapped in one place, in one object. And on that roa I will crush Mal with my bare hands, quieting for all eternity its hateful sentience.^
Chapter 4