Terra 9996 AD: Full Circle

[Yuusuk]

Major Dikhed looked over the reports very carefully before sending them to Nanpel's desk. She'd been on a rampage lately, ordering the execution of a half-dozen of his officers for breeches of conduct that included spilling her drinks, not bowing before her, and knocking her over when she couldn't walk a straight line.

"Ma'am, the scouts report that we have neutralized the southern threat and that the revolution has begun in Shade Lands. Commander Fetter has assigned his supervisors to local areas and given them directives to put in place a policy of continuing revolt."

Nanpel brushed some drool off of her greasy lap and asked, "And this is of what interest to me? Another upstart revolutionary kills a few assholes and I am to be concerned?"

"Ma'am, this Fetter may be the catalyst we have been waiting for. He's smart and dedicated. He can add the south-eastern quadrant to our lands. They are rich in farms and even some silver mines. And they have a bank."

She blinked at that one. "A bank? You mean there are those who want to return to the old days of money? Splendid! Be a dear and see to it that I get a piece of that bank, eh?"

Dikhed grinned. "Yes, Ma'am. Major Bush is already there arranging things." He paused, then continued. "Ma'am, I need to tell you that there are reports of the distant battles nearing the Inland Sea. Apparently, the western armies of a person named Lilith are being slowed down by a gang of farmers."

Nanpel tossed back another shot of vodka. "Ya, so what? That's a long ways from here, Major. What the fuck do I care? I have the assurance of Hilly and Billy that we won't have to concern ourselves with that shit for months yet. Their Gonad Forces are armed with the latest in steel blades and armor. And Kamla over in The Shyyt Coastlands has built several war-ships that are presently making their way over towards the Inland Sea via the Rivers of Smoke. It's slow going, but they'll get there." She emitted a loud fart and tried to wave it away before continuing. "So tell me, Dikhed, whatcha doin' tonight? Mama needs a little lovin'."

[Gonad 1]

Marc Fizzbuk sipped on a glass of the local hooch, watching the young girls at the edge of the water. A sheaf of memos lay in his lap, something about bandits or some such nonsense. He never worried about violence in his town. He had two of the best metallurgists around and their steel workings were the strongest and sharpest of anything he'd seen.

"Hey Marc. You gonna sit there all day? We got work to do." Belinda stood with hands on hips, tapping her foot. Still a good-looking piece of ass in her late thirties.

"Hey, babe. Your'e harshing my mellow. What the fucks' your problem?"

"My fuckin' problem is that the drunken witch just north of us is rattling her sabers. Some shit about some ass-wipe heading our way from the far west looking for trouble."

"The west? How far west?"

"Near the Inland Sea. About 1600 miles from here. She supposedly has a shitload of soldiers who are very good at winning fights."

"The Inland Sea? What the fuck, Bel. Even with horses they couldn't get here in less than 6-8 weeks. Why don't you come over here and calm down?"

"Yeah, and then what? You gonna offer her a drink? From what I hear she'll cut your balls off and stuff 'em down your throat."

He grinned. "Sounds like my kinda girl. But what do we have to worry about? There's plenty of guys with our weapons and the Yuusuk/Shade troops will arrive and protect us." He tried to stand, wobbled a bit, then sat back down. "Whew! That's a good batch of the hooch. Think I'll have another."

Belinda shook her head. "Drunken pig. You should go see Nanpel. You two would get along famously."

"Yeah, and she gets better lookin' after every drink, eh? Just gotta be careful she doesn't have her dentures in her mouth."

"Your'e disgusting."

"Yeah, true. But that's why you love me." He laughed and slapped her ass.

Belinda sighed. "You just sit there for a while. I'll take care of our defenses. Ass wipe."

[The Social Enforcement Korps]

"Mr. Chainey, a penny for your thoughts." The pretty young aide to the co-chief of the Korps placed a cup of coffee on the chief's table.

Rick Chainey allowed a quick smile and said, "They're not worth a penny, Doris. I guess I'm just tired of playing nice with the drunk and corrupt tribes up north."

"Well, what does the Boss say?"

"Fortunately, he's of the same opinion. We need to nip this surge of liberal motives in the bud. Attack, give them an opportunity to change their ways or remove themselves from office."

"And the chance of that happening?"

"Slim and none, my dear. I'm not an overtly violent person, but it looks like we have to wipe 'em out. Then we can occupy their lands and begin to rebuild and fortify them against this Lilith who is supposedly unbeatable."

Doris asked, "Sir, is there any possible truth to the rumor that this woman and some of her allies are......Immortal? Hardly seems plausible."

"Doris, there are many things under the sun that we cannot explain. After the chem-bio wars of the late 22nd century, numerous mutant strains of humanity prevailed over the planet. Who knows? Perhaps these so-called Immortals are descendants of the mutants. If so, they also need to be eliminated."

Yes, but how do you kill an Immortal?"

"If it bleeds, my dear, it can die. Life is in the blood. Remove enough blood, and the host dies. Simple."

[Angelianum]

Sephriel hovered over the primary planet of the Outer Rim, Interlude. She had been contemplating a correct avenue of action for a long while, and saw that a direct intervention by non-humanoid beings was the only thing that was going to stop the repeat of the Great Fall so many millenia ago. It was not the preferable way to go, but the Immortal humans were making life increasingly difficult for planet Gaia.

Millenia before, the Creator began His master plan for populating the universe by placing a man and a woman in a Garden, east of the first named land on Gaia, Edynn. Quickly remembering the interference of Lucifer, the Creator had to, in effect, turn to plan "B". Some thirty-seven million years later, the plan was close to completion.

Except for Lilith.

She had been the first woman created, long before the one called Eve. She was created with the same materials as the man, Adam, and therefore had a similar independant streak. While Adam walked daily with the Creator, keeping His ways faithfully, Lilith refused to be what she considered subservient to anyone. She rebelled and later joined Lucifer in his effort to take over Heaven, which failed miserably. As a result, the Creator had to make a second woman for Adam. It went along well for a long while until she was tempted to question the Creator. She believed the serpent and so she and Adam were cast out of the garden to live the rest of their lives doing what they thought they should do rather than what the Creator intended them to do.

Forward to the present times, the same pattern of rebellion and disobedience was about to bear fruit. Already, Lilith, along with Pandora and others, had raised an army of malcontents on the northern continent and now occupied a third of it.

The planet was primarily agricultural, but now there were aspects of extra-terrestrial elements becoming involved. They were bringing highly advanced technomogy back to Gaia, starting with the small info-pods. Already, Martian units had begun to approach the planet but had been all but destroyed by Gaian forces and space ships from the Typhon and Taiuuen Expanses, far out in the galaxy.

Sephriel became aware of another presence. "Greetings, Michael. You are no doubt wondering what I'm doing out here?"

Archangel Michael said, "I am all too aware of what you are contemplating, Seph. And though I do not like it, I agree that your decision is the correct one. We need to eliminate the Immortals once and for all."

"Both the good and the bad ones? Why? They that are positive influences on the humans should remain, no?"

"For the time being, yes. They and the Tower Lords will be instrumental in reconciling the planet back to the Creator's original intentions. That is, to populate the universe with positive waves of energy."

"But has that already begun? There are hundreds of sectors with thousands of planets and moon that are populated with humanity."

"This is true, and for the most part the settlements are worthy of creation. We must continue to populate the galaxy and turn our sights on the ever-expanding universes."

"So, the Creator desires to begin to populate all seven of the Super Universes? All at once?"

"No, as the cyclical path of the Super Universes brings each universe closer to Gaia, fresh explorations will depart from that system."

"This will take hundreds of thousands of Gaian years, no?"

Michael smiled. "Are you in a hurry, Sephriel? There's no concept of time in the universe until living beings inhabit it. Until then, eternity is the rule. And the concept of time is absent in eternity."

"Yes, you're right. I may have been too long within the environs of the created-ones. When do we begin?"

"We already have, Seph. The unit in the south-western desert of the northern continent that arrived a hundred thousand years ago is about to play it's intended part. We just need to steer Lilith away from it."

[The Celestial Fallen]

Azrael and Iofiel had for millenia been inseparable. Together they found their way amongst the stars and galaxies of the universe. But they'd never been able to access any of the other six super-universes.

Now, together, they walked the crystal lanes of Paradise City, the entryway to the Creator's personal realm. Their objective was simple: To ask permission to leave their present universe and tour the second-through-seventh universes.

"So, Azra, what do you think? We have thought about this for a very long time in an effort to persuade the Thrones of Judgement to allow us entry to the Ceator's cycle of universes."

Azrael said, "You know as well as I do, Iofiel, that the Thrones are the Guardians of the extra-spacial territories outside this universe. And they are not sympathetic to most queries."

"Most, but not all?"

"As far as I can ascertain, only the Grey Ones called Tower Lords on Gaia have ventured to two of the other uuniverses. Only they and Lucifer, of course. Fortunately, Lucifer could not take any of his rebels with him so his footprint is small. Not nearly as much damage in the Universes three and seven."

"He is not there now, though. Seems he has an interest in just the one involving Gaia and it's myriad neighboring planets, systems, and sectors."

"Yes, and with the defeat of the planetary Martians, he is currently re-imagining his plans for the complete takeover of the Gaian system. He has a strong foothold, but it is tenuous. At any time his minions, the rebel Immortals, can be stopped, or at least slowed down. Neither he, nor us for that matter, know why the Creator favors this planet. But no doubt it concerns the ancient town of Jerusem who He has pledged to honor and protect from time immemorial."

Iofiel nodded. "Verily, it is a perplexing thing, this preference for the city of Jerusem. Non-descript, a farming community, yet the center of so many conflicts over the millenia."

They came to the gates of Paradise, fully seventy feet in heigth, fifty feet wide, made of burnished bronze that shone in the light of the Creator. The archangel Hadriel greeted them.

"So, it has been a very long time, Azrael, since you approached these gates. I didn't let you in back then, and I see no reason to let you in now."

Iofiel spoke. "My lord Hadriel, we are aware of the restrictions concerning us, but we need to pint out that the Creator has allowed numerous angels into the throne room of the Guardians. And so we speak our right to access these environs as per His precepts."

Hadriel looked hard at her, and not for the first time he regretted not being able to consort with her as his duties commanded his entire being. Aside from the Creator's order that angelic beings were forbidden to mate. "You are right to state this, Iofiel. YOu have the right to propose entry, but I have the right to deny it. Give me one good reason for me to allow you to go before the Throne Guards."

"There is only one good reason, Hadriel. And it is to seek guidance as to the preservation of Gaia and it's system from rebel angelics and their Immortal servents, namely Lilith and Pandora."

Hadriel didn't like it, but she was right. Preservation of Gaia, and therefore Jerusem, was of supreme importance in the muktiple universes. "Veyr well. You two may enter the gates for no more than a period of two Gaian moon cycles. Don't make me come find you when it is time for you to leave."

[Spiral Zone]

Lady Angelika didn't like it one bit. Her sector bordered the very edge of the galaxy, and while she was aware that it was frequently traversed by those considered "angelic", she didn't appreciate her ships being suddenly boarded by these beings. There had never been, and would never be, any danger from the angels. They went about their business without interference in Angelika's realms. Perhaps their contact was due to the fact that her sector was the only space-located area of the otherwise Terran-bound Lady-governed lands. But all that was beside the point.

For a Terran originated government, Angelika's military force was impressive. Consisting of land, sea, and space contingents, it was the sole force in the entire sector that had not originated in space. Aside from the massive cloned army of some 300,000 units and their support units, and the nominal but large armored units, her Orbiting Battle/Communication vessals numbered sixteen ships. Twelve were battle cruisers, destroyers, battleships, with two battle carriers. The carriers held twenty-five scout/fast-attack units and the support ships included MASH units, LZ Prep units, and diplomatic units. All food needs were provided by the replicators on board each ship.

She tapped her nails, fuly aggravated. "What in hell do these angelics need to be boarding our ships? They don't need to rest, nor eat. So at a mere whim, they appear on our bridges, or anywhere else for that matter."

Marquese de Puissance bowed, offering a possibility. "M'Lady, perchance they simply want to meet our people, get to know them. They have not done any harm, and they stay on board less than fifteen minutes. Just a friendly visit, perhaps?"

"Maybe, but again....to what purpose? We don't have anything they need. Even with our advanced tech, they've forgotten more than we're ever going to know. They are eternal and are aware of all things from a vast existence."

The Marquese knew perfectly well why the angelics came aboard the ships. They were searching for human Immortals among the Lady-ruled possessions. She knew this because she was one of these Immortals, which Lady was completely unaware of. She knew that the Lady-Immortals were few, just a handful among the thousands of the Magdalena's region on Terra. And she knew that at least one had gone over to Lilith's side, perhaps Pandora as well.

"My Lady, perhaps we should consider helping them as much as possible. We may not know their intentions, but they mean no harm. If their aid becomes necessary, should we not cultivate their contact with us?"

"Hmmm, perhaps your'e right, Marquese. I still don't like it, but maybe we can start welcoming them both to our ships and here in the Zone as well. They have knowledge of what is beyond this galaxy that will be of help to us. See to it, Marquese. Contact who or what ever can be relied upon to come and talk with us."

"Yes, Lady. At once."

[The Grail Kings]

Atop the ancient tower overlooking the vast forests of the southern hills, three chieftains sipped the sweet white wine of their chateaus. Maximus, Erasmus, and Phillipe were the leaders of the three largest tribes of the south-western Europan continent. Their scouts had discovered a number of pre-plague manuscripts hidden in a deep cave near the Langedoc ruins. They were sealed in airtight boxes which were the devil to open. At length, their Druid overseers succeeded.

The documents were hand-written by scribes during the far-eastern-induced plagues of the 24th century. These plagues, when combined with natural catastrophes, wiped out over 93% of the continent's population within a six-month period. Another significant portion of the victims died during the next two years. They had never fully recovered, with the present population hovering around 10,000 on the entire continent. Beyond the towering mountains to the east and south, nothing was known.

"So, brothers, the writings tell us of a time of death that would last thousands of years. It appears they were accurate, eh?" Erasmus poured another cup of wine and stared out over the landscape.

Phillipe nodded. "Yes, I believe we may be at the end of the calamities and on the brink of a new age. We have reports of the priestesses reviving the old beliefs and of newly formed tribal clans inhabiting the ancient Parisii territories. I've heard that there is even a large contingent on the Ile de la Cite'."

Maximus laughed. "Large? Just a hundred or so. What concerns me is that they have steel weapons. We have so few down this way. Our iron and bronze blades woild not stand up to the steel of the ancients."

Erasmus held up a finger. "Don't concern yourself with them. They are 855 kilometers away. Even the fastest horses would take weeks to get there. And we'd see them coming. No, we should focus on our lands."

"And what of the falling stones? The blackened bodies of numerous tribesmen have been found near them."

"The priestesses assure me that they have immunity from harm. They have set out to discover what they can about the stones."

Phillipe asked, "You've been in contact with them? Why have I not heard of this?"

"Relax, brother. I have not seen them up close, but rather one of our scouts reported that an entourage has proceeded to the falling stone areas. The women are in that entourage. With minimal guards, I might add."

"You have them being tracked, of course?"

"Of course. Three of our Druid trackers are following them. Althugh I'm sure the women are aware of them. According to our beliefs, nothing is unknown to the priestesses of Mother Gaia."

"On another subject, how are the ships coming along?"

"One is finished and being outfitted with supplies for a three-week voyage. Two more are in various stages of completion. All three will eventually put out from Perpignon on exploratory trips."

Phillipe looked at the now-empty bottle. "Very well, brothers. All sounds like it is according to plan. Let's open another bottle, eh?"

[The Isles of Xeraph]

Earl de Noyarey looked over his hand-drawn map of the eastern MedSea, specifically from the islands of Malta to Cyprus and on to the coasts of Jerusem. His army was finishing up his eradication of bandits and ne'er-do-wells in his realm and was aware that a number of the criminals had fled both west and east. He was fairly sure that his troops could catch up to the Maltese lands to continue the purge, but he was a bit concerned about Jerusem.

Jerusem was an ancient, continuously inhabited land that had experienced invasion, occupation, and even short spans of freedom in it's 13,000-year history. Relative peace was the order of the day now, but the larger portion of criminals had headed there after being beaten in battle on Cyprus. And the Earl knew that Jerusem's defenses were not adequate for an all-out assault. Though the bandits numbered just about thirty brigands, the fallen walls of the cities could not withstand a hit-and-run type of fighting. There weren't enough defenders to cover the entire length of the land.

"Does my lord Earl require more wine?" He turned to see Sarai, a serving-wench from the kitchens. Dusky, with straight, black hair, she was quite beautiful.

"Not now Sarai. I have plans to make, and you would be a distraction." He grinned, winking.

Sarai allowed a small smile. "Surely, my lord Earl does not suspect me of any undo intent?"

"I suspect all women of undo intent. It's their nature. Come back in the afternoon with some fruit and wine. And bring my Viscount with you."

"Aye, lord Earl."

She left and he turned his attention once again to the map. He was aware of his distant ancestor who conquered the island and moved onto the rest of the coastal Medsea area. From the Jerusem coasts to the Greque territories, and on to the island-nations of Sardinii and Corseca then south and east to the desert cities of Maroq, Libya, and to the shores of the source of the great Nile, the Cypriot Empire ruled for almost 600 years. Then came the plagues..........

Earl de Noyarey was not naive enough to plot for a return to empire. This was a different world today, full of unease, mystery, and now the un-named stars that had fallen from the darkness of the night skies. He had an uneasy feeling that the past was about to infest the present time with a culture he could not understand, and therefore control.

A guard interrupted his thoughts. "Lord Earl, a visitor from a far land wishes to speak with you."

"A far land? How far?"

"He claims from across the Great Western Ocean, in the center of the northern lands near a great inland sea."

This peaked the Earl's interest. "Search him and then show him in. Remain near me."

The stranger was of average height, a hooded robe covering him head-to-foot. The hood partially covered his face, but what could be seen was a non-descript man, white hair falling to his shoulders, an equally grey beard framing a tanned, withered face. Piercing blue eyes surveyed his surroundings before settling on the Earl.

"Greetings, Lord Earl. Thank you for seeing me."

"You are indeed from across the Great Ocean? Quite a feat, eh?"

The man shrugged. "Nothing is as difficult as most men think, lord."

"Your name, wanderer?"

The man allowed the merest hint of a smile. "You may call me.......Atha."

[Auralinia]

An Auralinian Orbital Comm Platform operative sent a highly-encrypted message to the High Command of the Xeraphian League flagship.

"For High Lord Sybele, eyes-only." It was a short message: "The Elon of Mars trajectory describes a sub-surface landing off the eastern shore of northern continent in pre-tropical area formerly called Outer Islands, depth of 600 meters. End message."

High Lord Sybele's holo-screen flickered, an enhanced red hue indicating urgency. She re-read it several times, relegating it to memory before erasing it.

She smiled, then summoned a runner. The droid orb received instructions, binary algorithms tracing coordinates from the High Lord's ship to a small camp on the western side of a large inland sea.

The droid orb would deliver the message in approximately two hours to the current forward HQ of Lilith and Pandora's army...............

[Knaves Rock]

Chevalier D'Artagnan sat under the shade of a large willow tree, his horse nibbling at the tall grass. Beside Him, some local conscripts checked and rechecked their gear,making sure their swords and knives were placed for quick usage.

"Mamselle Jeanne, I see a farmhouse down in the vale. Think you they have some beaufort to spare with some good paysan bread?"

Jeanne D'Arc shot him a look. "Always hungry, D'Artagnan. It's a wonder you don't weigh 150 kilos."

He smiled. "The advantage of being Immortal, Mamselle. And if I say so myself, you're looking rather lovely today."

She sighed. "For the last time, you lecherous cretin, keep your filthy thoughts to yourself! Do not suppose that one episode of weakness on my part defines our relationship. I keep you around for protection, not dalliance!"

"As you wish, my celibate friend." He peered off into the distance. "Do you see that cloud of dust yonder? Trouble, do you think?"

"I can't see from here who or what it might be, but have your men ready. I heard tales in these parts of marauders reaching that tavern and causing a ruckus."

"Ah, it's a tavern, not a house. Good to know. I'll send two of my men to scout-out the environs. Mayhap it's just the place we need to rest for a few days until the others catch up to us."

The others he spoke of were the old Merovingian king, Clovis, and Louis XIV and his knights. Both Immortal, both prepared to restore monarchal authority to the Europan continent.

"How many of these knights is old Louis bringing?"

"Fourteen, or so I'm told. Clovis is just himself and his two retainers." Jeanne spoke a low word to one of her ladies. The woman rode off, tresses blowing behind her.

"Where's she going?"

"Actually, she's going to fetch you a couple of flagons of that mead you're so fond of. And to eavesdrop on any gossip at the tavern."

"You don't worry for her safety?"

"She's an accomplished swordsman, D'Artagnon. She can cut the balls off her opponent in short shrift."

"A woman? I'd like to see that."

"Keep up running your mouth and you'll see, my friend."

At length, the woman returned with some drink and some roasted meat as well. 'What have you discovered, Isabelle?"

"My Lady, the forces of a certain clan have tethered their horses at the tavern. The Dagoberts."

How many?"

"Six, my Lady. They are already in their cups. There will be no problems from them this night."

"Very well. Get some sleep. Tomorrow may bring a change."

DÁrtagnan smiled. "My good woman, would you care to share a flagon with me? I'd like to tell you a story."

In a flash, Isabelle's sword was resting lightly on his throat. "A story? From you, good sir? I'd sooner listen to a cow fart than listen to your lascivious stories. Begone with you!

[Tarlag]

Great Dome, Iceland



Neander the Eldest of the Immortals looked over the report and communication from Campbell aboard the Rogers. Neander sat back and rubbed His chin looking at the data. "Well, well I wagered you were dead, hard to kill you were back in 16, harder to kill now I bet." The ancient one said to Himself. "You have crawled back out from under your rock to plague mankind once more."

His thoughts were interrupted as Sofia stormed in with a stack of data pads. "Explain yourself you monster! Billions dead by your hand. Mankind brought to this sorry state because of you."

Neander did not need to look at the data to know what the angry young woman spoke of. "Yellow Stone, so long ago, I saved the human race from its self. Yes I killed billions but saved the planet. Every living thing today owes me a debt of gratitude. Sit down and listen Child!"

Sofia threw the data pads on the table in front of Neander and sat down hard in the opposite chair. "Your a bastard!"

He leaned forward and gave a big smile. "Being a bastard is how I lived for so long. I am glad you know the truth. Yes I arranged for the super volcano to erupt on that day at that time. I ended civilization with a single attack because I could. I wanted to see the world burn to ash."

Sofia sat back shocked, The monster admitted His crimes. "You will burn in Hell!"

"I most likely am going to burn, but not today. I caused Yellow Stone but I am not the monster you think. Mankind was in the process of destroying this world. Between pollution, wars, plagues and over population man kind had only days left. The fools were preparing to launch atomics at each other. The God of the Jews even sent down His Spirit of Vengeance to stop them but it was too little to late. Billions died so mankind could live. It was this or a radioactive waste land. What would you have chosen?"

Sofia was taken back by his admission. "There were other ways you of all people could of solved the problem. You were the richest man on the planet and had been for years."

"I tried other methods, Col. Green among others did my bidding. We tried to bring down the corrupt power mad fools that ran this world. I purchased or bribed whole governments. I acted through legal and ill legal channels. But their stupidity was an driving force I could not defeat. No Sofia, they were hell bent on destroying this world in the name of power and profit."

"We sit here today because of Yellow Stone and the plagues that followed. Think on this, look at the over all information and come to your own truth on the matter. Think on this also. The Elon of Mars has landed here on Earth. He is more of a monster then I could ever be. Look up the name of Jim Jones of Jonestown. He ran a death camp for Jews during the second world war. Slaughters Millions then ripped the gold out of the mouths of the dead with His own hands. He pushed your enimies the Grail Kings to attack you back in the day. He has spent thousands of years to create an empire of a mad man on Mars. Now He is here right now to do the same."

She spat back. "Who could be a bigger monster then you?"

He stood and leaned across the table. "Rasputin the Mad Monk! Elon of Mars."

[Xeraph]

Conor was red-faced with exertion and excitement as he rushed into his home. He looked around for Nim, but saw that his father was not in the house. Going out the back door, he saw Nim relaxing on the porch, a glass of the strange drink the Master had called "whiskey."

"Father!"

Nim glanced over to the boy. "Calm down, son. What is it?"

"Father, the old tower near the lake....."

"What about it?"

"The light is on in the window! The Tower Lord has returned!"

[Xeraph]

The old woman stood trembling. She had been summoned to the Tower when a note nailed to the willow tree in the village had been found. She had always been a sort of a mystic, receiving insights and having unexplained experiences. Nothing all that serious, to be sure. Bit now, she was standing in the presence of an angel, one of the near-mythical Tower Lords of millenia past.

The angel sat at a rough-hewn table, a large book opened before her. "I am Tagas, of the Fifth Heaven. Do not be afraid, for you have been chosen to bring the wisdom needed to end the threat of the Evil One and his creatures. What is your name, child?"

The old woman looked up and saw an angel so beautiful that she was radiant. "Why do you call me child, Tagas? I am an old woman, here on this plane for over 133 years."

Tagas smiled. "Yet your spirit is one of youth. This is what is important."

The old woman smiled. "I am Hannah, of the sea-village of Sideall. What can I do to help you?"

Tagas said, "Your job is fairly straight-forward. Just bring these pages from the Book of Life to your headman." She held out a number of sheafs for Hannah to take. "You will be disbelieved at first, but show them the mark on your wrist and all doubt will be removed."

Hannah pushed up her sleeve, and was astonished to see a faintly-glowing tattoo. "What is it, Tagas?"

"It is an ancient glyph of our language. This language was used by the Creator when He created the universe."

"Are you the only Tower Lord, or are there more that have returned?"

Tagas smiled at the name. "Tower Lord is what Terrans call us. It is as good a name as any other, I suppose. Who are we? We are the twelve angels who, when the Evil One rebelled against Heaven, decided not to decide who we would follow. We are neither of the light angelic realms nor the dark realms. We are the Greylings. As of right now, I am the only one who has returned. Depending on how well, and how quickly, your people do what is necessary, I will probably be the only one to return and guide mankind through this crisis. There are eleven others who will arrive if needed."

Hannah was a simple, obediant woman. "As you wish, Tagas. I will do my best." She turned to go, but then asked, "How may I contact you should it be necessary?"

"Just come here, Hannah. Do not rely on the old signal of a light being seen. I will be here should you need me."

Hannah bowed and moved toward the door, and in a moment found herself back in her village, walking toward the headman's hut....

[Dystopic Swine]

Lilith sat wrapped in furs, watching the prisoner. The weather was getting colder, snowflakes drifting down, lightly coating the ground. The prisoner, one Altaros who was chieftain of one of the insignificant villages, sat in the semi-frozen muck staring at her. He had been chained at the ankle, a fifteen foot length of rusted metal that bit into his flesh. On most days, children walked by, tossing him bits of food as they held their nose. Six days of sitting in his own filth was a stench worth avoiding.

Lilith thought to herself that it was amazing that the man did not admit to his crime. If he had, he would have been quickly executed. But he was holding out, an indication that he thought he was innocent.

His crime had been that he had attacked Pandora, slicing her with a poniard several times before being subdued. She was Immortal, but she could still be hurt. One wound was deep, and it festered before it healed three days after the attack.

"So, Altaros, why do you prolong your agony? I am not an evil person. I don't want to see you suffer. I promise you a quick death." Lilith smiled, showing the elongated incisors. She had noticed their incremental growth over the past six months, but decided she liked them. They gave her a more intimidating look.

"Come over here, witch, and I'll show you mercy. I'll break your legs and piss on you as you writhe in this bloody muck. And just as your legs start to mend, I'll shove a sword down your throat so far that your guts will wonder what's cutting them to pieces. Fucking bitch!"

A mangey dog wandered a bit too close and Altaros grabbed it by the throat and strangled it, after which he drank the slowly dripping blood from it's mouth.

Freya walked over to Lilith. "How long do we have to tolerate this asshole, Lilith? Why not just kill him and be done with it?"

"Because it amuses me to see him suffer, Freya. No other reason. I hear people are taking bets on how long he'll last."

"Yes, that's true. I'm in for ten days. Some think he'll last two weeks. But I doubt it."

Lilith looked past her to the dense forests that bordered the Inner Sea. "I think it was a good thing I decided to wait for Spring to continue our conquests. This is a different climate than the southern portions of the western coasts. Not nearly as warm here."

"Yes, and we can take our time planning our raids and saving our supplies. These farms produce a goodly amount of grains and fruit."

Lilith said, "Yes, but I am concerned about stories I hear about the armies of the east that are forming against us. And those fucking space rocks, or whatever the hell they are, seem to be a key factor in all this."

"Not to mention the battles we are hearing of in the heavens. Space ships, indeed."

"They could be real, Freya. Long ago I stumbled upon deep holes in the ground that held weapons that could reach space. It is not unreasonable to suppose that there are civilizations that have this advanced tech from out of the depths of space."

"Well, I for one will trust in my sword and axe to kill my enemies. Now...how about I kill this piece of shit?"

Lilith grinned. "Patience, sister, patience. I have a stake in that pool as well........."

[Tarlag]

Great Dome, Iceland



Neander sat before His fireplace, glass of brandy in His hand. The conversation with Sofia running again in His mind. "Regrettable" He said out loud, but no one was in the room to hear. He knew the Great Khan was unloading His forces at Oak Island. He would wait for spring then move west to wipe Lilith's forces from the map. Neander smiled as He thought of the Khan's promise. He would make the bitch bare His children then chop her up as the youngsters watched. This one thought seemed to lighten His mood.

He took another sip of the brandy as a servant entered. The young woman bowed before she spoke. "Master, one of your agents reports that one of the Tower Lords towers has lights in it. He believes they may have returned."

Neander seemed to draw into himself for a moment gathering power. His skin gave off a yellow glow for a moment, then He spoke. "Unforeseen this development is, I wagered they had fled this world. Another player in this game." He stood and stretched His long arms over His head. "Be sure to reward the agent and instruct Him to keep watch. Nothing more, He will keep to the shadows and report every thing He sees."

The Servant bowed then asked. "Anything else, Master?"

"Any reports on that Bastard Rasputin?"

The woman looked frightened for a moment before She answered. "No Master, with out our satellites we could not track His escape pod. Your agents question any they come across about the Monk but none have seen Him. I think He has gone to ground."

"No, not that one. Campbell and those interlopers defeated Him. That is only a temporary victory for Us. He will gather His strength and strike."

"I will be sure our defenses are ready. We will be ready for His attack." The Servant said.

"We aren't the target. Lilith maybe or it could be Saint Germain but not me. Please let my agents know that a 1,000 gold will go to the one that locates Rasputin and His direction of travel. This will tell me His mission."

[Xeraph]

Nim and Conor made their way north to the site of the old Tower. Nim knew it to be millenia old, but it appeared relatively newly-built. And a light was on in the upper window.

"Conor, I want you with me this time. If the Tower Lord is back, you need to meet him."

Conor grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that."

"But that's not to mean that you have a say. Just remain quiet until or unless you're spoken to. Understand?" Conor nodded.

As they approached the hill upon which the Tower sat, the door of the Tower opened. Neither Nim nor Conor could see anyone, so they continued their advance. They entered the Tower and , looking around, saw the stone steps carved into the wall and followed it with their eyes as it rose to the top floor, another door standing open. Upon passing through the door into the upper room, they saw an angelic being sitting at an old wooden table.

"Please sit down. I am Tagas. You are Nim and Conor. You have been selected as messengers. There is an old woman who I've spoken to and who is on her way to the headman of her village. She is going to tell him what I am about to tell you."

It was evident to the pair that the angel was female. And a beautiful one she was. Nim and Conor sat at the table, keeping silent.

"There is a menace in theses lands today. The Immortal Lilith and her allies are part of it. But there is another that has entered the picture. He has had various names over the centuries, the last one being a degenerate spiritualist by the name of Rasputin. His current re-constructed personage is The Elon. He's what you humans would call a loose cannon, a rogue operative who kills and destroys for his own ends, changing sides as he sees fit to further his goals. As of right now, not even the Tower Lords know where he is, except that he is on Gaia. He was responsible for a major extra-spatial battle and the impending invasion of the planet Mars by highly advanced powers from beyond this star system. Many are dead and wounded and an ancient civilization is about to be compromised."

Tagas sat for a few seconds, then said, "I know this may be a lot for you to comprehend right now. And this meeting is for informational purpose only. Humans can search for this Elon, but they will not find him. To try and search for him will only make the situation worse. You must leave it to the one you call the Master and the one you call Rikk. They may make use of you, and others, but do not interfere without guidance. This may well be the most dangerous occurence in human history since the Garden Expulsion."

Nim asked, "So why are we here, Tagas? If we can do nothing, we should just go about our business as usual, no?"

"For right now, and for the most part, yes. You will be contacted by a number of beings over the next month or so, and they will have more information. At length, the Master and his companions will let you know of a plan to thwart both the Elon and Lilith. At best, however, there will be great loss of life as the plan will be worked out slowly."

Tagas looked over to Conor. "You, young man, will play a larger role in the future. To start, you will apprentice yourself to the Master. You and two others will be his pupils, and you'll learn the ways of Wisdom."

"Nim, you will go back to your village and speak to the elders, urging them to unite with other villages and towns along the southern and eastern lands to combat Lilith, Freya, and Pandora. They are presently occupying a small section of the western coastlands of the Inland Sea. When winter ends, they will march forth both to the north and the south to conquer more lands. Your people will have to be ready to meet them."

"Tagas, are there more Tower Lords coming to help?"

"That is unknown at this point, Nim. There are eleven more of us presently scattered across the universe, each on different assignments. I would say that you should not look to us for any direct assistance, at least for the moment." She held up her hand as if in blessing. "Go now. Prepare."

[Tarlag]

Some Where in The Smokey Mountains



Samas lead the hunting party in the tracking of the wild boar they had been following for the last two hours. The trees were bare and a light dusting of snow covered the ground. The woman noticed movement to the left in some bushes that had kept their leaves. Turning to face the possible threat Samas lowered Her boar spear. The bushes parted and a man dressed in strange cloths emerged from the bushes. "Fear not my friends I mean you no harm I am just a lost traveler in this strange forest."

Samas and Her party did not lower their weapons, but the young woman did respond. "These woods are no place to travel this time of year. The big cats come up from the lowlands in search of game. They find the dear and boar easier to track in the snow."

The man smiled and out stretched His hands. "I fear no beast of the forest, I knew these woods well, it was all so long ago. I traveled as a man of God. I preached His holy words to all that would listen."

The party seemed to relax at these words. Samas leaned against Her spear. "No men of God has travailed these Mountains in living memory. With the Immortal Lilith on the warpath I doubt any will. You are ether crazy or very lost Sir."

"Lilith the whore of the devil. She wars against God Girl! Those who join Her cause will burn in the fires of Hell when the Lords mighty blade descends on the wicked."

One of the older men in the party shouted out. "She has swept all before Her, An army of Immortals at Her back. If what you say is true than Your God has abandoned us. By next summer She will be here and we will have to follow Her or die."

"No Friend the Lord God has not forsaken You. I have come as His holy servant. I will rise those up who would not live under Her evil rule. You will make plowshares into swords and destroy Lilith and Her followers." The Mans voice seemed to carry a power that increased with every word. "Lead me back to your village and gather those who dwell in the lands near by. I will preach the word of God and you will see the Victory in His Word!"

The Hunting Party all went down on one knee without the man's bidding. Rasputin smiled again. "All to easy soon a host will follow my words." He said to himself.

[President Steven Seagal]

The band of misfits had successfully made it past The Wall in the far southwest and trekked across the southern forests, following the streams and deer-paths for nearly three months before coming to a settlement in the highlands of an area called Tennsy by the locals. Off in the distance, they could see the Mountains of Smoke, their destination.

"So, you fellers walked damn near 2000 miles, eh? Quite the feat in these here days." The old man sat on his porch, rocking in an old chair.

Rybek said, "Yessir, and I'm here to tell you we're tired of walking. I think that for awhile we're just gonna sit and rest up before we head to them mountains."

The old man asked, "You humtin', or runnin'?"

Rybek grinned. "I guess a little of both. We came from the Rat Lands south of The Wall because we heard about some bitch named Lilith stirring up trouble. That and those space rocks been falling all over the place."

The old man stopped rocking. "Don't reckon I know anything about a woman, but some of them there space rocks came down in the eastern flatlands past them Mountains of Smoke. I heard tell that some renegade bunch of shitheads been causin' trouble."

"Yeah, and some trouble up north in Yuusuk. Seems they are starting the whole corrupt thing again."

"Yep, heard rumors of that. You boys need some refreshments? I got some home-made gin yonder in the shed and some squirrel pie a-cookin' in the cabin. The missus would love to have you for dinner. She's a good cook, but she'll talk your ears off."

Rybek smiled. "Never knew of a woman who didn't chatter away, most often for hours on end."

The old man cackled. "Yep, gonna have a word with the Lord about that. I reckon he coulda done better with that."

[President Steven Seagal]

Rybek and his boys sat silently atop a large outcrop of rock thoroughly hidden by a thick screen of rhododendrons. There were a dozen or so of them, but they were fully armed with hatchets, knives, and swords. In addition, two of them had long bows and a full quiver of arrows.

Fifteen feet below them was the one called Rasputin. There was something more than a little odd about the man. The grin on his face didn't match the menace in his eyes, and he was obviously a religious fanatic. And even at this distance, Rybek could see the slightly elongated incisors.

He clambered back down to a flat portion of the rock. He whispered, "Okay, boys. We got a weirdo down there thinking some higher power is on his side. He spoke just a couple of words and the fools listening to him knelt as if to a king. He is apparently against the Lilith woman and her allies, but he's not with the good guys. He's got his own agenda. The question is 'what do we do about it'?"

His scout said, "Why not just kill him and the idiots with him? Get it over and done with. Then we can move on."

Rybek nodded. "Exactly what I had in mind. Cut off their heads and burn the bodies. Kill the problem, eh?"

As they prepared to pursue the plan, an arrow thudded into the scout's shoulder, causing him to fall to the forest floor. In an instant, a a hail of arrows came up from below, most missing their targets.

The last thing Rybek saw as he scrambled down the escarpment was the grinning face of Rasputin..........

[Tarlag]

Some Where in The Smoke Mountains



Rybek had been tied to a post in the village square, His wounds tended. When He awoke the Elon of Mars watched Him. "First lesson boy is that you make friends with the locals. They smelled your party out before you even saw me. Lesson two, I am Grigory Rasputin, I have been shot, poisoned, and drowned. I have ruled Mars for thousands of years, so you should of brought more friends!"

Rybek looked up His lip swollen His mouth dry. "Why come here? Why do this?"

Rasputin gave a hint of a smile. "Because I can! I have brought Empires low, bedded more women then there are stars in the sky. Forcing Lilith and that fool cave man Neander to bow before me will be my crowning achievement. Both Earth and Mars will be under my rule. The Rule of the most Holy God!' Rasputin stroked Rybek's hair for a moment.

He looked at Rasputin with fear in His eyes. "Kill me then! I will never follow you!"

The Monk laughed. "Good, you have a strong will. No you will not die this day. You will be fed and you wounds healed by my power, then you go out and tell that whore Lilith Rasputin is here. Gods judgement is upon Her." With that He placed His hands on the bound man and Rybek screamed as His injuries were healed and His mind broken.

[Xeraph]

"Father, you will go with me to the border of the Master's territory?"

"Yes, but just to the border. I will have to get back and continue unraveling the history of the ancients. There is much that happened back then that has parallels now."

"Such as?"

"Such as the overall cukture of the 20th through 23rd century. The rampant lawlessness, violence, and tremendous increase in knowledge."

"Well, the first two are not good, but what's wrong with increased knowledge? Seems to me that would be beneficial."

"Yes, if there weren't lawlessness and violence. It's basically what the knowledge was used for. The acquisition of money, power and the ability to control vast populations with false narratives. And the double-edged treachery of the richest nations being arms dealers to the rest of the world. Hypocrisy, pure and simple."

"And you see that happening again? Here? In our time?"

"The beginnings of it, yes. Discontent breeds dissatisfaction, which in turn breeds arrogance when people think they deserve what they want no matter the cost. When they don't get it, they see themselves as victims. And a victim mentality breeds an entitlement mentality. Then, those in power give people what they want in small increments. But, it's never quite enough, and people fill the streets with violence toward the very people who are giving them what they asked for. But the biggest single thing to remember is that a government that is big enough to give you what you want is big enough to take it away."

Conor nodded. "A never-ending cycle. It surprises me that humankind has survived as long as it has."

Nim grinned. "And that,my son, is what you are going to sit at the feet of the master and learn all about. How to break the cycle without massive death and destruction."

[Les Roi Bourbon]

The Marquis Alexandre Saint Yves d'Alveyd said, "My dear Count, take a look over there." He pointed a manicured finger out over the wall of the chateau in the direction of the heavily-wooded hillside.

Count Michel Saint Germaine glanced for a moment. "Just a handful of bandits, Alex. What's your concern?"

"My concern is that there is a woman at the head of those so-called bandits. If it's who I think it is, she'll be accompanied by a man that we have had words with in the recent past."

St. Germaine furrowed his brow. "D'Artagnan? What the hell would he be doing with such a band?"

"If it's Jeanne D'Arc in the lead, rumour has it that they are an.....item. And as such they would command a group of the most deadly efficient chevaliers in the land."

A voice from behind them asked, "Would you two like me to go down and see what they are all about?" They turned to see Baron Marq Puissance and Rico Swavey, his scout.

"Indeed, my dear Baron. I am not interested in what that woman has to say. She has the notion that she's one of these so-called Immortals."

St. Germaine said, "But that's true, m'lord. She and I have known each other for centuries."

Alexandre stared at him. "We've known each other for decades, and you're just now bringing this up?"

St. Germaine smiled. "As my old commandant always said, 'Never volunteer information unasked'. Words to live by."

Alexandre turned to the pair. "And you, Monsieur Swavey. Where in hell have you been?"

Rico Swavey, a dark-complexioned man of an indeterminate age, brushed an imaginary speck of dirt from his otherwise immaculate tunic and said, "Purgatory, m'lord."

"Indeed. A decidedly unpleasent place, I'm sure."

"You have no idea, m'lord. I intend to write about it one day."

"Hmmm, I thought there was another fool who was writing about it."

"I am that fool, m'lord. My given name is Dante Aligiheri. And if you think Puratory is bad, wait until my third venture."

Another man entered the terrace, hat in hand. "Pardon m'lords. There be a lady at the door asking for lodging and food."

"Let her and her companions in, Pierre. Feed them all, lodge the soldiers in the barn and bring up Jeanne and D'artagnan."

Pierre blanched at the names. "Aye, m'lord. At once."

Alexandre grimaced, glancing at St. Germaine. "Immortals indeed......"

[First Archons]

The Archon ships powered-up both weapons and trajectory coordinates. They'd received messages from Space League units to stand down from attacking Terran and Martian ships. In four seconds, a long time for cyborg units, they decided to launch a small rocket that would hit near a domed complex on the surface of Mars that straddled the line marking the seperation of night and day. It was set to strike within two kilometers of the complex, enough to rattle it with minor damage. Then the Archon units would warp-out toward the Typhon Expanse one light-year away.

As the sub-sonic rocket impacted, the ground shook violently and one of the domes cracked open, sucking the inhabitants out into space and rendering it's operations null. Six seconds later, the two units entered warp drive, never again to be seen in the system.....

[Interlude]

A large gathering of Angels hovered over the planet of Interlude. The somewhat passive scrutiny of some of their leaders, the Archangels Michael and Gavriel, had evolved into a curiosity of what was developing there.

Interlude had been for millenia a repository of knowledge not entirely approved of by the Paradise Kings. Arcane knowledge, knowledge that was contrary to dogmatic and accepted versions of existence. And although there was a generally-accepted policy of a 'hands-off' attitude toward questionable wisdom, the marked increase of darkness covering the surface was a bit alarming.

It had started as a gradual graying of the lower atmosphere, a pale tinting, barely noticable by the few human inhabitants of the planet. Since Interlude had been created as a source of Light, any discrepancy in that brightness was noticable. The human in charge, Degic, decided to ask the angelic community what was happening.

The usual, accepted method of contact was simply that a human stepped out into a field and, raising his arms, spoke into the air. Degic was a little startled by the immediate presence of Gavriel.

"Greetings, Degic. What troubles you?" The man quickly apprised the angel, noting the great stature and regal presence.

"Gavriel, we are concerned about the loss of light. It is unprecidented here."

"Yes, we have noticed it as well. We have no concrete reports from the Paradise Realm concerning this. All I can tell you is that, as in all creation, there is a cyclic nature here as everywhere else. It may be a periodic change that will eventually return to it's original intent."

"Is there danger?"

"If there is, you and your people will be led to a place of safety. The last time this happened was millenia ago. But, as you know, the man Adam was placed in an immense agricultural area where he was guarded for over ten thousand years. He was then put out of the area for disobediance."

Degic nodded. "Yes, the Garden Experiment. Hence the condition of the universe today."

"Correct. I don't know if there are parallels, but if so you will be notified and placed in a safe-zone."

Degic smiled. "It is good. Thank you, Gavriel. Give our thanks to the High Lords."

They bowed to each other, unaware of the future troubles brewing beyond the galaxy.....

[The Paradise Kings]

While one could not exactly call it a room, the Rulers of the Paradise Isles reclined in an undefined place of meeting. Most of the Rulers were present, some twenty beings representing varying degrees of light and wisdom. A few were either in another section of the universe or in another zone of existence. They all had the capability of moving through both space and time, but they generally stayed in their proscribed realm, the Realm of Paradise.

"What's this nonsense I hear of Interlude becoming dark? Didn't we take care of that 33 million years ago?" Tarakk was of an indeterminate age, He looked about forty or so, but as with all the Rulers, he was aeons old.

"That's what Gavriel has reported. Not dark, exactly. The barest tinge of grey. Hardly there, but noticable." Wulkk waved a hand languidly.

"Is it progressing?"

"Slowly. It's been twenty thousand years, and it's just being noticed." This from Hakk, who had oversight of the angelic realms.

"And the source?"

A softer voice said, "Not yet proven, but it could very well be Lilith up to her old tricks." Adkk was one of the few female Rulers, but she held sway over a large portion of the galaxy wherein lies the Gaian star system.

"Them again? When do we put an end to this periodic stupidity?" Puckk was a grizzled Ruler, of short temper. "I don't care if she considers herself an Immortal. What has a beginning has an end. Only that which is eternal has no beginning or end."

"You are right, Puckk, but the Creator set in motion all beings with an urge to progress. That's how we Rulers came about. We ascended the realms of existance for millions of centuries before we were granted eternal existence. There is only one realm higher than us, that of the Creator."

"And I suppose we have to remember that what He allows, we have to allow, eh?"

"Yes, essentially. Remember, the Creator holds eternity in the palm of His hand. Nothing happens without His knowing it as well as His tolerance of it. He will render final judgement on Lilith when He sees the need."

"In the meantime she is free to act as she wills. Is that it?"

"Yes, and while we can interfere in little ways, we cannot alter her progression up into the inner planes."

Puckk grunted. "Alright, let's hear some of the things we can do to interfere with her plans."

Adkk said, "The first thing we do is send the angels to the Tower Lords and have them re-enter their towers as they once did millenia ago. The people of Gaia must have representatives of Paradise available for information and instruction."

"How many angels do we need to send, and how many Tower Lords are available for assignment?"

"All twelve of the Lords wil be dispersed over the planet. I would think that 500 angelics should be enough. At least to start."

"Alright. Are we all agreed?"

They were, and the process began...