Terra 9996 AD: Full Circle

[Xeraph]

After locking the silo door and pouring dirt on it, they dragged some brush from the woods, further concealing the silo entry. At length, they arrived back at Atha's cabin. The Master opened a cupboard and pulled a dusty bottle off the shelf. "I've been saving this for longer than I care to remember. It was said that the older it got, the better it got. Let's see, eh?"

He grabbed some hard-clay cups and poured the 2200 year old whiskey. "Now remember...sip it. This is what was called Sippin' Irish. He took a small mouthfull, closed his eyes and shook his head. "Damn, that's good. Go ahead, try it."

Nim and Conor put the whiskey to their nose, looked at each other dubiously, then took a tiny sip. Conor coughed, his eyes watering. Nim said, "Powerful stuff. Irish Whiskey you call it?"

"Yes. Centuries ago, there was an island off the western coast of Europa. Good people. Honest people. And they had a penchent for potatoes and whiskey. They also gravitated toward law-enforcement jobs."

Conor took another sip. "This is beginning to taste better." He downed a gulp this time, coughing and wiping the tears away.

Atha remarked, "Now be careful with this stuff. Too much and the next morning you wish you were dead."

"So, Master, where do we go from here?"

"There's one more thing I need to show you. Or, rather, someone I need you to meet." He gestured behind him. "This cabin is where I live, but there are three more rooms behind that tapestry. A...friend...occasionally lives back there. A unique character, if I say so myself."

Nim asked, "Another Immortal?"

"Yes, but more than that. Almost unique among the Immortals."

"Almost?"

"Yes, he is one of two who display very different abilities."

Nim was about to ask another question, but he was interupted by another voice.

"So, Atha. Talkin' about me again?" They all turned to see a man standing in front of the tapestry. Tall, blue-eyed, long greyish hair framing a rugged yet pleasent face, a full beard rounding out his appearence. His clothing was a strange mix of raw silk and tanned animal hides, a broad belt holding an odd weapon and a couple of knives.

Atha smiled. "Ah, so you're back? Good trip?"

"Satisfactory. Got close to one of them space rocks as you call them. But them damned forest tribals found it, too. Couldn't get near it. They had me outnumbered."

Atha said, "And that Beretta couldn't take care of them?"

"You know I don't kill indiscriminately. They'll go away and I'll return."

Looking at Nim and Conor, he said, "Gentlemen, may I introduce Rikk. He's the one who lives back of the cabin."

Rikk grinned. "That's the Irish stuff! Must be a special occasion!" Atha handed him a cup and poured a generous amount. Rikk downed the entire cup and held it out. "One more oughtta do me."

Conor, his head already swimming from the strong drink, said, "So,sir, you are a Walker?"

Rikk answered, "You could say that. But I walk in places that few do."

Atha said, "There's no other way to say this, so here goes." He got more comfortable on the furs, then said, "Rikk is an Immortal, tis true." He stopped, then said to Rikk, "Why don't you tell your story? I'd enjoy hearing it once more."

Rikk sat at the table. "Well, let's start at the beginning. I was born in the mid-20th century, in a place called New Jersey. A decidedly wretched place. Over-crowded, dirty, and smelly. I became aware of my immortality early on when a gang menber shot me in the heart and I didn't die. Some ten minutes after being shot, I got back up on my feet and killed several gang members with my bare hands. Oh, and as it turns out, my strength was greatly multiplied." Taking a mouthful of the whiskey, he continued.

"I was young, 22 years old, and took off, leaving any family I had left to fend for themselves. My parents continued their useless lives, my brothers and sisters completely out of touch with me for years anyway."

Conor asked, "Were you never taught to honor your parents?"

"Sure, I honored them, but I never respected them. Or my siblings. They lived the way their rulers told them to live: don't think, don't question, just work until you die. I decided that I didn't want to ive that way, so I took off, eventually winding up in Europa some ten years later. Best decision I ever made."

Nim asked, "What part of Europa?"

"The central section, between the ocean in the west and the mountains in the east. The land was originally settled by a tribe called the Parisii and about a thousand years afterward, the Keltoi tribes entered from the far shores of the MedSea. Gauls in the north, Francs in the south. A relatively quiet existence for awhile. Then the Romans came and screwed it all up with their rules and laws."

"What did you do for all those years, Rikk?"

"Hunted, fished, lived off the land. Was a thief for awhile. Stole enough to keep me in nice clothes and nice houses."

Nim asked, "No wife or family?"

Rikk smiled. "That life was not for me. There were a few women, but I moved around too much fo their liking, and I didn't need a woman tagging along. They talk too much, always going on and on about our relationship. And I sure as hell wasn't interested in children. Little rug-rats with their snot-bubbles and shitting their pants."

"So, alone for centuries? A lonely life, no?"

Rikk grinned. "Never been lonely a day in my life, Nim. There's far too much life to live out there to be bored or lonely."

Atha said, "Tell them about the memories."

"Okay, I'll make it as simple as possible." He paused, pouring another drink. "Along with my immortality, I discovered that there was a way to travel through time. From NOW to either the past or the future."

Nim and Conor stared. "Surely this is impossible!"

Rikk nodded. "Yes, in the way it was always presented. You see, you can't go to either the past or the future, simply because they are not destinations. We have been sitting here for a half hour, but we can only go back to that time in our memories. But it was this very fact that got me thinking about turning memories into places to go. Destinations. Arrivals."

"So, you can physically go backward to a memory. But, how do you go forward to a memory that you haven't made yet?"

He grinned. "Your'e getting ahead of me. But, good thinking. Okay, follow me. You are here, now. Focus on a past memory, and slip into it. Go ahead. I'll help you on the first couple of trips."

Conor thought about Myriam, the daughter of the man in the next farm. It was with her that he had his first kiss. In a split second, he was there, the moment stretching into the future, never-ending. And in another split second, he was back with his father and Atha. "What happened? I was there! Physically there!"

Rikk laughed. "Yes you were. And from what I could see, a very pleasent experience!"

Conor blushed, Nim looking at him questioningly. Nim said, "I don't want to know."

Rikk continued. "There is no such thing as time travel. It is simply sliding into a moment that has already happened."

Atha asked, "Sliding from where, to where?"

"For every second that we are alive, the Universe records it and places that moment in a permenent archive. We can learn to slide, or slip, into that archive by simple focussing. It takes time to learn, of course. Took me over 60 years, but I got the hang of it."

Nim said, "Well I don't fully understand, but how does it work for the future? The future hasn't happened yet.?

Rikk allowed a small grin. "It hasn't? A river flows from the left to the right. The left is the past, the right is the future. In front of us is the Now. But the Now becomes the future because it is the same water. There's no difference between past, present, and future. So we can slip into what has already happened in the future."

Athat said, "This is, of course, an over-simplification. There have been hundreds of books written about such things. Physics, theories with their endless alorithms, metaphysics, and so on. The question is what do we do with this ability?"

Rikk said, "You forget that there are only two people who have ever been gifted with this ability. Both Immortals. I discovered this when researching the subject and found who the other one was. I'm not sure that they are aware of their gift."

Atha asked, "Dare I ask?"

Rikk looked at him, suddenly very serious. "This person is currently pillaging and conquering the western coasts. She is, for now, unstoppable."

Atha paled. "She?"

Rikk said, "Yes, she is the original rebel who would not be subservient to a man. And she must be stopped, but the way to do it is locked in the space-pods. We cannot access them at present because they carry an alien sickness."

Conor whispered, "Lilith........"

[Tarlag]

Great Dome, Iceland



In the room filled with Immortals no one seemed to be happy, Sofia worst of all. Campbell looked over to Neander and broke the silence. "Why in the name of God did you create Her? What horrible plan is running around that caveman brain of yours."

"If I remember correctly you ran like a little bitch when Lilith came a calling. You took a shuttle up to New Frontiers and left the system ans fast as that FTL could take you. Before you interject Cain you and that collection of Immortals on Mt. Washington have been hiding out since the Tower Lords took over. You raised not one little finger to aid mankind through any of this. Yes Cain I know about you and your little club."

Campbell looked to Cain. "What the deuce is He going on about?"

Neander smiled. "What am I talking about is The Last Roman, Saint Germain, The Lady of the Lake and several others have been living High on the hog. They have a large community of humans treating them like Gods."

"Hardly Gods, We give them guidance and protection in exchange for supplies. No one starves and they live in peace." Looking around for a moment Cain continued. "No different then what I am seeing here. Seems you are doing the same thing."

"And so much more. Erwin, have you ever wondered why another great civilization has not arisen since the Tower Lords left? Or Lilith's imperial dreams have not taken shape."

"Those thoughts have crossed my mind since coming back to Earth. Ok I will bite."

"My agents have kept any advance in tech to a minimum. For example 200 years ago the King of Niger in Africa rediscovered steam power. He had big dreams of using steam boats and steam wagons to invade his enemy's and wipe them from the face of the map. He died when His prototype steam wagons boiler exploded. One of my agents locked down a relief valve and nature took its course. 400 years ago The Shogun of Japan managed to rebuild and restore a aircraft. It burned to a crisp the night before its test flight. I dissuaded Him from a repeat of that experiment. As for the Biblical Bitch the Tower Lords did something to Her. She dropped off the map until a little while ago. Right now She is looting and pillaging on the west coast of the old North West."

"We have heard that a well, She is raising an army." Cain replied. "So now you have admitted that Humanity has been kept in a dark age for thousands of years on your say so."

"Yes, and how many world wars have we had? How many world spanning plagues have ravaged the human race? Because their numbers have been kept low even starvation is rare. I never saw your lot come out and complain, Cain. Besides some boarder clashes and some chest beating there has not been a major conflict on Earth since the Empires fell."

Campbell stood up and walked over to Sofia. "What was your plan for Her. I doubt She will blindly follow you now."

"Erwin, your mind still does not see the long term. I never wanted Her to be a blind follower. I spent three hundred years to create Her. An improved version of Queen Sofia the Just. She can do what everyone in this room has tried to do at one time or another, to bring Lilith down. The original was bred to be smarter and faster then Her fellow man. I just made a few tweaks here and there. She is a match for Lilith in every way."

"That is what you call it you Bastard! I have two voices in me head screaming to get out . You did not plan on that did Ye."

"Incorrect my Dear, both personalities are fighting for control right. You will go mad if I don't help you. You will not be harmed and these two men can link in as I repair the damage done. I will make it so both personalities work together for your betterment. If afterwords you wish to leave you may with my blessing. Please with your permission we will place our hands on your head I will then give you the tools and information you need. Campbell, Cain or yourself can stop me at anytime."

"If it makes the pain and the voices stop then do it."

With that the three immortals placed their hands on Her head and closed their eyes. For the next hour none of them moved. After the hour ended Neander removed His hand and sat back. "So my Child how do you feel."

"My God I can remember everything, The fighting in France, My parents, My first born. The pain has stopped. I can also remember My Mother and Father waiting for me back at the house, they must be worried."

Neander smiled. "Don't worry Sofia. They know where you are and what has happened. If you wish you can sleep in your own bed tonight. Tomorrow We will take a trip to visit with Cain's people. With Lilith on the move I think it would be best to seek their council on a course of action."

Cain stood up. "They will not be happy with this Neander. That being said we do have another immortal to welcome to the club."

Campbell just rubbed his hair after removing His hat. "Deuce of a thing Neander, I wager those probes have something to do with this so I am in. Besides Saint Germain owes me $50 bucks from a card game guess I might as well collect."

[Dystopic Swine]

"So, Freya, are our brothers and sisters ready to join us?" Lilith once more eyed the demi-god, trying to decide if she were for real. So many had come to her claiming immortality. But they all failed the ultimate test. Except Freya.

"The Immortals on the mountain really don't care much about the mortal world. The Roman Longinus enjoys his hunting and his humping. Faustina of the Lake is in her own world, picking flowers and ingesting hyaschuaca and anything else that keeps her spaced out. Perhaps St. Germain could be persuaded to join us if you could get him out of his chateau at the top of the mountain. But...what's your hurry? We've conquered half the western coast all the way up to the Alasc snows. And now we have a large bay where we can build ships for trade and war."

Lilith smiled. "I'm not in a hurry, but I have a schedule, a goal. Down to the Wall, and then east. I am slowly awakening to my old memories, and I am recalling deep holes, or pits, that held massively destructive weapons. I don't give a shit about the deserts. But the mountain ranges hold secrets you and I need to continue uniting the land that will be ruled by Immortals."

"So you think that there are more Immortals than those we know of?"

"Think logically, Freya. If there were numerous Immortals a thousand years ago, or five thousand years ago, don't you think they are still around? They're Immortal! I just don't know where they might be."

"And the Tower Lords?"

Lilith looked down. "They are evidently gone, departed back to whatever domain from which they came. But it's apparent that before they left, they set in motion powers that would continue to influence events for quite a while. Perhaps centuries."

A scout approached. "Pardon, my Lords. Riders from the east have been spied coming this way."

"How many?"

"Approximately sixty, Lord Lilith. Well-armed, all mounted. And a few have pistols."

"Alright. Double the guards and if they are looking to talk, bring the leaders to me."

"Aye, Lord Lilith."

[Tarlag]

Northern California



The Tinkers wagon made its way up the rough trail. A pretty young dark haired girl urged the plug horse on wards. A half dozen riders approached from the other way. The groups captain dragged a young girl of twelve summers behind him by a rope tied to his saddle. The riders stopped and blocked the wagons path. " My you are a pretty thing all by your lonesome, seems you may be needing an escort to protect you from bandits."

The girl smiled and motioned the Captain to come closer. "Nay Sir, a friend is sleeping in the back. I think it best if you not disturb Him. He gets most grumpy if He be disturbed."

The Captain pointed to one of His men. "Wake the Bastard up! I am thinking this bitch would be better company then that sprig of a girl. She is almost worn out anyways."

The rider went to the back of the wagon out of view of the others. After a moment a thump could be heard. "Dismount!" The Captain stayed on His horse as the others dismounted. "Come on down girl, we need a bit of sport and you are the prize."

The Girl dismounted and approached one of the men. She looked at the Captain. "You not be getting any sport out of Me you dumb bastard" With that She raised a stunner and shot the Captain's horse. Sofia then dropped the stunner and pulled a dirk out from under Her kilt. stabbing the man closest to her. She quickly removed the dirk and threw it at the next closest rider. The rider took the blade in the throat, blood spurting from the wound. The last two riders tried to run. Sofia threw a second blade catching the man in the back. A man in dark clothes ran from behind the wagon in an attempt to intercept the last rider. Sofia spoke. "Leave Him run. We got the Captain of these villains."

Longinus the last Roman stood there Short sword in hand. "I can't see these scum working for Lilith just some highwaymen." As he said this the Captain lay trapped under His horse yelling to be freed.

Sofia walked up to the man. "Do you be employed to Lilith? Or are you just road scum who like raping little girls?"

"Bitch I am Irongrom Captain for the warrior Queen. Now get me out of here lest you feel Her wrath!"

Sofia walked back to where the man lay as the Roman went back to the girl. "The Child is half dead I doubt She will live long enough to get Her back to the dropship." With that He placed the blade against the child's chest.

Sofia seeing this yelled to the Immortal. "What be ye doing?"

"I will put this poor soul out of Her misery, She is badly wounded."

"You be doing that I be putting you out of mine. If She is strong She will live damn it." Kicking Irongrom She yelled. "If that girl dies I be doing what they would of done to you in the Highlands. Putting you in the stocks and using your bare ass for target practice. Bugger you with a rough stick I will!" Looking over at Longiuns Sofia asked. "See what these bastards have done? A girl not even old enough for Her first bleeding is raped and beaten. I not be standing for it."

The Roman stood. "I have called for the dropship, I doubt the girl would make it to the pickup point. As for them I have seen far worse, Gods I have done far worse."

Sofia walked over to the Roman. "Now that you have seen with your own eyes you can report back to the others. After that maybe you can be making amends for those past deeds. It can't undo the evil done by your hands. It may perhaps balance the scales in the favor of good and let you sleep at night."

"Perhaps Girl, perhaps."

[Knaves Rock]

"So, my sword-wielding friend, have you discovered any more of our brethren?" Jeanne stood impatiently next to the bed of the young man, tapping her foot.

"What in hell do you want now? Can't you see I'm sleeping?" D'Artagnan turned over and tried to go back to sleep, but Jeanne was having none of it. She reached down and pulled the sheets off him. Trying hard not to show her interest in the naked figure, she slapped him on the ass.

"Get your lazy, whoring derriere out of bed and listen to me. I received a message from St. Germaine just minutes after one from the Goddess-Priestesses. Something is afoot!"

D'Artagnan groaned and sat up on the bed. "Merde! Putain de merde!"

"Watch your mouth, sir. The Lord watches and hears."

He looked bleery-eyed at her and smiled. "How about a little morning dalliance, mamselle? Good way to start the day."

Jeanne blushed. For a split second she considered his proposal. "Not on your life, cur! You tricked me once! It will not happen again! Now get up and make yourself decent!"

Pushing his long, golden hair back and tying it with a ribbon, he jumped up and got dressed. "Anything to eat around here? I'm famished." He picked up a pitcher of wine and gulped it down, emitting a watery burp.

Jeanne asked again. "Have you found any more Immortals here in Europa? I need to know because Lilith is on the move in the Amurcan west. Freya is with her presently and rumor has it that there are several others preparing to join them."

"Amurca? What the hell do we care about Amurca? That's 7500 kilometers from here."

"The Compte de St. Germaine wants nothing to do with Lilith's war. He is coming back here, presumably to one of the ancient chateaus of his past."

D'Artagnan laughed. "Good luck with that! I don't think any of them are still standing. All in ruins."

"The point being that sides are being drawn up and sooner or later Europa will be drawn into the conflict. It's the 22nd century all over again!"

He grinned. "Oui, that was a fun time.....until it wasn't." He drifted off for a minute as he thought of a certain woman.....

"No doubt you and your lower carnal nature thought so. But the end result was the total and complete fall of civilization. Over seven billion people died in the space of a decade. It was all we Immortals could do to find a land that didn't stink to high heaven!"

Again D'Artagnan grinned. "Yes, that little island off the coast of Afriq was nice. Good food, good wine, and good women."

Jeanne glared. "For the last time, get your mind out of the gutter! How many Immortals are in Europa?"

"Aside from you and me, just a handful. Maybe a dozen, most of which do not presently know they are immortal. There is, of course, Louis, Clovis, and DeGaulle."

"Which King Louis?"

"The 14th I believe. He and King Clovis do not look a day over fifty. DeGaulle looks a bit worse for wear, but still a formidable foe."

"Okay, c'est vrai. That's five who are aware and a few more who are not. And St. Germaine will be here forthwith. Lilith has Longinus and Faustina. At least so far."

"Faustina? Dors she even know who or what she is. Or for that matter, where she is?"

"Debateable. The priestesses are all worried about a resurgence of ancient culture where women were relegated to a subservient lives. But they can tap into the more esoteric ways to gain aid. I think they are going to try and contact the Tower Lords."

"They haven't been heard from for thousands of years. Is it possible?"

"The priestesses have the thought of convincing them to help in the search and handling of the space rocks. Reports of people rising from the dead after touching the rocks, then dying, have been circulating."

D'Artagnan shrugged. "We dealt with the Resurrected decades ago. They're still around?"

"If you recall, they were products of a large settlement on Luna, part human, part machine. I don't know if these new resurrected are similar, even if the tales are true."

D'Artagnan grabbed a leg of mutton and started gnawing on it. "Well, I guess we'll find out sooner than later,: A young servent girl came into the room and began to clear the table of the dishes and cups. He walked over to her, speaking low. She blushed and grabbed his hand, pulling him over to the bed.

Jeanne D'Arc threw her hands in the air and got out of the room as quickly as possible, the squeals of the serving wench already echoing off the walls......

[Dystopic Swine]

Lilith stood on the dais, arms crossed, as she gazed upon the assembled men and women gathered together below her. They were aligned in rows of fifteen, ten rows to a platoon, two squads to a platoon. They stood at attention as best they could in a driving rain, winds off the ocean gusting in strength. But if they were required to be ready in any weather, so was she. She had to set the example.

"Men and women of the Territorial Army of the West. You are the first organized and trained army on this continent in thousands of years. We are not yet very many, but we are strong. We are strong and proud to have brought the wild lands of the northern coasts under an authoritative control. We've accomplished a lot, but there is more, much more, to do. South of SanFrisc Bay are even more lawless and savage tribes, clans, and wandering bandits. Six hundred miles south are the remnants of the Angelic Cities of old. Myth has it that these lands are the origins of the Resurrected Ones, whatever or whoever they might have been. At any rate, the forces we are sure to meet aren't going to simply welcome us as their rulers. So we must show them, via any and all measures necessary. We need not only conquer those who would stand against law and order, but we must also gain workers to rebuild what was lost due to the unrest of centuries past, but also of the plagues that swept the world. And, most importantly, we must secure the stones that fell from space, for they contain immense knowledge, knowledge that is needed to help us help humanity." She paused, looking left to right at the soldiers. "I am here to tell you that as today, I am awarding positions of authority to twenty of you who are the first to secure both the southern lands and info as to the whereabouts of the stones. These positions include military promotions, governing positions, and for the very few, lands and title for the best of the best.

She glanced behind her and Freya stepped forward. "This is Lord Freya. She is number two in this land, my right hand. Only my word is higher than hers. You will hear from her on an almost daily basis, and it is she who will report to me as to those who excell at their work. Work with us, and you will prosper. Fail us, and your end will be swift. There is no room nor tolerance for slackers. Slackers will be considered traitors, and traitors will be executed at once. Lord Freya, dismiss the army."

Lord Freya the Grey stood ramrod straight, broadsword in her right hand. She stared cooly at the assembled troops, golden hair matching her golden eyes that so resembled those of a jungle cat. "Territorial Army of Lord Lilith! You are dismissed to your posts! We move ot in 48 hours......be prepared!"

As the army headed to their respective positions, Lilith and Freya saw a man walk toward them. Clad in an oilskin long-coat, buckskin vest and canvas pants, six-shooters on both hips, he laughed and said, "Quite the little speech, ladies. Promise 'em the world in exchange for their undying loyalty. I seem to recall that this was the tactic of them varmints Lincoln and Davis way back in the day. Hope it works better for y'all now than it did then."

Lilith responded, "Not to worry, General Jackson. Your methods almost won the South a great victory, but fell short because of the lowly tape worm. My people will be well fed and well rested. You and your men will range ahead of us, scouting the land. Find what you need to find and kill all you need to kill. I don't give a shit about these humans. Neither should you."

[Tarlag]

Meeting Room, Mt. Washington


The Immortals sat in the comfortable room as Neander and Sofia entered. Neander stood in front of them trying to look impressive. "Largest collection of us I have seen since the 20th century. I see even you Saint Germain have delayed your travel plans for the moment."

"My ship got a spontaneous case of termites, If you did not know you hairy little hairy Bastard! Sank at the dock."

Neander gave a Big smile. "A shame your retreat to France will be put on hold then. You might as well take a seat with the others and listen." Neander turned to Campbell. "So Erwin, what did we learn from our guest we brought back from out west?"

Campbell who was leaning against a table spoke. "The man is a Scout Captain in Lilith's forces, He was clear about that. She controls everything west of the Rockies from the arctic circle to about where L.A. was in the old world. The control is not total, some of the native tribes are giving a good account of themselves but Lilith has the numbers by spring She will be driving them into the Rockies."

Sofia piped in. "She takes a town then offers them a place in Her Empire. Most take Her up on it for a share of the spoils. She has everything from road men to town Militia in Her ranks a real mix. Also seems to have at least one other Immortal working for Her."

Longinus looked to Sofia and spoke up. "Lilith sent me a message, She is looking for like minded Immortals to help Her take and rule the world. A little bird told me Old Jackson and His men are joining up."

Neander walked over to the Roman. "Are you planning to join Her great crusade?"

"I was planning on it till I got a look at Her recruits. Bandits and Farmers are not an army. She did ask however if I knew of any silo locations. I wager She seeks weapons for Her conquest."

As the Roman finished speaking the door opened and a tall dark haired woman entered. "Sorry for my tardiness Friends, just came to see the caveman and His science experiment." Walking over to Sofia She placed a hand on Her chin and raised Her face to look Sofia in the eyes. "A perfect likeness Caveman. Damn She even has he originals personality and memories. I am all most impressed."

" Morgan La Fay, what rock did you crawl out from under. I was under the impression you would of been joining up with Lilith. You always liked to be Her Bitch, I know your gimp suit is at the cleaners." Neander sneered.

Ignoring Neander for the moment Morgan walked over to Campbell. "Haven't seen you since what 2040 in Poland I believe. I heard you are some great spaceman now. So why are you coming beck to slum with us poor earthlings?"

"Those probes are the only reason I am here your catfight with Lilith is not really my business." Erwin looked to the group. "Lilith is your problem not mine, certain rules keep me out of your disagreement for the most part."

Morgan ran Her hand along Erwin's chest. " Really farmer, dear Lilith has sent you packing several times over the years. You aren't looking for a little payback? The Caveman here seems to have a plan and backing I wager or He would not be here. Sofia just happened to land near the probe that landed closest to us. You just arranged for Her to meet Cain a lover in a past life. I see caveman if the other don't."

Neander went over to Morgan. "I have a partner in this operation. He will bring a keen mind and rally troops to our cause."

Cain interrupted. "What is your cause? Lilith want to place Immortals to rule over man kind. What do you plan?"

"The raising of mankind. To make a peaceful and prosperous new civilization ruled by wisdom and compassion. I want to see you sapiens crawl out of the mud and do great things."

"Under your undying rule I wager. " Cain replied.

"No! Dear Sofia here will be our rallying point. Sofia the Just returns to lead man kind into a new age. We will keep our little fingers out of the pie this time and see what happens. Every Empire from Atlantis to the Twin Empires have had our hand in them and all have failed. We need to take a different path."

Saint Germain looked around the room then to Neander. "Who are you and what have you done with the caveman? You almost seem civilized."

"We all have been trapped in our old ways and we have gotten no where. War and death are the past. It has taken me several thousand years to come to this conclusion but I see a new path. I hope a better one."

[Dystopic Swine]

Freya sat under the willow tree, idly looking at the map of the new empire of Lilith's Immortals. From the western sea to the foothills of the western mountains and the southern deserts there were satraps and governors overseeing her conquests. Many tribes, villages, and towns had come over to her, most without a fight. The larger towns and cities with populations of 1500 or less were holding out in some places. But they could not hold out much longer as Lilith's troopers were in siege-mode. No food or water in or out. Sickness was found in some of the hold-outs, children especially affected. The funeral pyres were burning day and night, the wailing of the women heard throughout the area.

Freya heard soft footsteps. "So, Freya, looking over our lands, eh?"

"Yes, Lilith. We've done quite a bit in such a relatively short time. Surprisingly, mostly a peaceful situation. Seems these humans just want to live in peace. Their narrow-focused world is all that is important to them."

"And that works in our favor, Freya. Despite the fact that I don't really care what happens to them, the simple fact that just accepting our rule makes acquisition of territory that much more efficient."

Freya glanced at the map. "As soon as we get over the mountains, we'll be coming to the western shores of the Great Inland Sea. Then we have to decide if we're going to utilize watercraft or just work our way around."

"Why not both? There are islands in the midst of the Sea and while most of the western and northern boundaries of it are virtually uninhabited, the southern coasts are slowly being settled, and it's the eastern shores that contain the rich farmlands and manufactories."

"Manufactories?"

"What they call cottage industries, mostly. Families and clans that produce leather goods and clothing, blacksmiths, cattle and horse raising. There are a handful, not many. Most people make their own necessities."

Freya asked, "Any of those ancient things called silos found?"

Lilith paused. "I have personal experience with these silos from times past. There were dozens of these places west of the Sea and the great rivers that feed off it. Many, if not most, were destroyed in the eruptions and earthquakes of the 22nd and 23rd centuries. Most of the rest are nothing more than large holes on the ground."

"But?"

She smiled. "But I know of at least two that are functional being utilized by clans. One is three weeks march north of the eastern midpoint of the Sea, deep in the forests of Saskatch. There are two Immortals who live there."

"And you know this how?"

"I fought one of them hand-to-hand thousands of years ago, name of Atha. The other I have never seen, but know of. A most unusual person, even for an Immortal. I don't know his name or even what he looks like. But he's there."

"And the other silo?"

"In the southern desert, about sixty miles north of The Wall. In what was called the upper plateau near to the old city of Querky. Since it ws on the upper plateau, it was much deeper and wider, with numerous side-tunnels running east, west, and north. The Civitas Clan, they called themselves. Mostly science people with some military."

Freya frowned. "Science?"

"A way of discovering how things work. You don't know much about the ways of humans, do you?"

"I never paid attention to mortals. Scurrying here and there with their noisy machines. I killed thousands of them because they were in my way. Kept my lands clean and quiet." She asked, "Do you think they're still there?"

Lilith shook her head. "Don't know. It was millenia ago. If there are, we have to assume that the successive generations have learned to maintain their world. I do know that the silos had immense volumes of information stored in them. If the one in the south was bigger, we have to assume the same. If any humans survived at all."

An aide approached. "Forgive the intrusion, Lords. There is a person here to talk to you both."

Lilith and Freya looked past the aide and saw a woman clad in a black cloak, her features hidden.

"Bring her here."

The woman stepped forward, her features still unseen. When she threw back the hood of the cloak, they saw a being of unearthly beauty, black hair framing a face whose skin was the hue of ivory, her eyes black as night. Silver glittered at throat and wrist, nails of a deep scarlet.

"Thank you for seeing me, Ladies. And forgive my impertinence, but I am here to join you in your quest to set the Immortals on the thrones of Gaia."

Lilth remarked, "You use the term Gaia. It is a name of antiquity."

"I hold to the old ways, Lady. First came the Creator, then came Gaia. It has been thus from time immemorial."

"Your name?"

"I am of the Magdalen Lands. I am called Lady Pandora."

[Dystopic Swine]

The Compte de Saint Germaine, Marquis du Montferret and Chevalier Bellamare drummed his bejeweled fingers on the table. Looking sideways at Longinus, "Have you heard enough, my Roman friend? These women think they can win out against Lilith and Freya. And my sources tell me that a certain Lady Pandora has switched sides against her pathetic region of feminine rulers."

Longinus sat quietly, thinking about a time in the past when he used his spear against a simple teacher. Coming back to the present, he said, "I don't think Lilith has an army strong enough or trained enough to accomplish her ends. They may be good against farmers and villagers, but if they should come against military regulars, they're gonna get their asses kicked!"

St. Germaine whispered, "That's where you come in. You're a trained Roman legionnaire. You'll be able to whip that rabble into shape in a few months."

Longinus rubbed his chin. "You think so? Why would Lilith want me to do that?"

"Don't worry about it. I guarantee she'll assign you a an officer's rank as you're training her army. Leave it to me!"

"Alright. Tonight we head west. I know just who I have to kill to get us out of this camp."

[The Xeraphian Space League]

High Lord Ricard de Lyonesse watched as planet after planet came online, the representative holograms filling the seats around the crystal table. Not for the first time, he idly marvelled at the technology that had thrust him into a position as supreme leader of a multi-sector empire. Four hundred twelve individual planets, their moons, and their trading/manufacturing bases comprised the empire. And he had plans of acquiring even more, backed by the enormous Xeraphian military presence in portions of three sectors of space. Each sector was so large that it took a warp-drive vessal nine weeks to cross it. And as he gazed out the transparent aluminum hull of the Sector 2 Palace Station, his thoughts led to visions of greatness unrivaled in the history of Outer Universe Expansion.

The Palace Seneschal rapped his gavel on the doorway of the Crystal Room. "Lords, Ladies, and esteemed representatives of sectors 1, 2, and 3, we welcome you. The Lords of the Taiuuen and Typhon Expanses will receive a micro-second delayed holo of this meeting due to the extreme distances of the Expanses in sectors 4 and 5." Turning to Ricard, he said, "Altesse?"

High Lord Ricard stood, adressing the seated holos. "I bring the greetings of Xeraphington to this great Space League. We are having this meeting on our Palace Station due to the on-going construction on Xeraphington. We are presently experiencing a 76% total coverage of the planet. As you may be aware, there will be two areas of Eco-Forests and parks left exposed, one on each side of the planet on the equatorial longitude, each comprised of 5,000 square kilometers of open, uncovered, landscaped nature areas. The rest of the planet will be covered in various materials such as concrete, steel, aluminum, and, in a few places, teak and redwood." He paused, looking down at his holo-tablet.

"I want to get right to the point. All of us here have received reports of space debris either landing or crashing into various planets, moons, and a few asteroids. This is normal out here in space. But a few of the reports have to do with debris that looks to be man-made of some sort of metal unknown to us. And the majority of these objects seem to be focussed on Terra."

Turning to the delegation from The Creator Sons, he continued. "We know that the majority of thee objects have been launched from your holdings. Care to explain?"

Clistoni Hab of the Creator Sons spoke. "We are not the originators of these objects. They landed on our planets and we simply re-launched them out toward the Milky Way System. Our people becamed affected adversely by them, so we got rid of them."

"With no regard for others? Not typical of your leadership, Hab."

"Agreed, but thousands were being affected. We analyzed and saw that this was the best and quickest solution to our problem."

Ricard frowned. "So now it's the problem of many, eh? Hardly the actions of an ally."

"The rest of you apparently have done much the same. Indiscriminately disposing of an unknown entity. And most curious, they mostly are headed for Terra."

Lady Cyber stood. "Altesse, this is our first foray into space from the Magdalen Lands on Terra. As a matter of fact, we are the only nation of that region who have ventured off of Terra. We have analyzed and plotted a course for the majority of the objects. Eighty-eight percent of them have either landed on or headed for Terra, a present total of 366 units. It took quite a long while to put a name to their metallic hulls. It is a version of the ancient metal colchicum, a rose-shaded material mythologically connected to a long-gone continent called Atlantis."

Earl Sethanis of Auralinia interjected. "We have heard of this myth. But...it is just a myth. The story is of a continent of highly advanced beings located in the Atlan Ocean that had flying ships and horrific weapons?" He smirked. "Come now, Lady Cyber, a master race that died out over 30,000 years ago? Perhaps you should recheck your data."

Lady Cyber stared at him for a few seconds, her analytical look showing all the representatives that she was a flesh, blood, metal, and fiberglass hyper-droid. "Be that as it may, sir, that is our findings. In the otherwise lack of any constructive information, I believe we should proceed from this premise."

Signaa of Uverrsa said, "It would certainly explain the viral sickness some of our people have experienced. It's extreme finality causes the internal organs to liquify and the skin to slough off. Very painful."

Ricard spoke. "This has been beneficial. The combined knowledge and wisdom of this council and it's information will be studied comprehensively. We will meet again on the morrow 1600 local star time."

As each of the holograms flickered off, he knew that there was more, far more, to this event than was being revealed by the League members. He was sure that Auralinia was witholding vital info.

But.....to what end?

[Tarlag]

S.S. Rogers, Terran Orbit


Governor Campbell looked out the transparent aluminum window of His cabin at the Earth slowly turning below Him. "So many years I have been gone. Maybe I should never have left." He thought to himself. His thoughts were interrupted as the door chime sounded. "I thought I ordered I was not to be disturbed!"

The cabin door slid open of its own accord. Standing in the door leaning on the frame was Morgan La fay. "Really Farmer, even for little old me?" With that statement She entered the room almost gliding as She entered. "Such a marvel of science this ship is. I am almost impressed."

"Morgan how in the Hell did you get here?" He reached for His wrist com. that was sitting on the dresser then thought better of it.

"Really Farmer, all of Terra can see the ship orbiting the planet. I just had to see."

"What do you want Morgan? I trust this is not a social call."

"Right to business I like that in you, no foreplay. Very well. The Roman and the Coward Have chosen Lilith as their Master. The Caveman is still keeping things close to His vest."
Morgan glided up next to Campbell as She spoke. Running Her hand along His cheek She continued. "That being said I know who the Caveman's unnamed partner is."

Batting Her hand away He snapped. "I really don't care Morgan, certain rules keep me out of this fight. On the galactic stage your little slap fight means very little."

"Really Erwin, If Lilith or Neander get control of the planet ether will come for your little colony in a few years."

"God, you lot are so full of yourselves. You lot have pulled humanity's strings for 15,000 years and where has it got you. Th planet is half destroyed and there are maybe 5 million people left on the planet. Down from 7 billion not a very good track record. Hell the Galactic Federation of Light does not even want to come here any more. After Neander caused Yellowstone to blow even they have written this planet off."

Morgan got a stern look on Her face. "Have a care Farmer, remember who you are speaking to. You may be Immortal but I am so much more."

Campbell gave a laugh. "You lot down there are nothing special. Many races have life spans of thousands of years old. With regeneration treatments a regular human can live hundreds of years some thousands. As for your magic
we can do so much more with our tech. While you have been crawling around in the mud we have advanced beyond your wildest dreams. The Humans who left have out grown you lot."

Morgan's look grew anger yer as Erwin talked. " You know so little, Lilith is seeking atomics to destroy Her enemy's just so She can rule a kingdom of ashes. Neander gives the promise of paradise but at a cost and you say it means nothing. They will destroy the planet and you will do nothing. Grow a pair and stop this."

"Stop this! You have been lerking in the dark for what 9,000 years. In 64 I begged you to try and stop Neander. 7 billion people died over the next two years as you did nothing. Lilith destroyed the Twin Empires and you did nothing. Why the change of heart now Morgan?"

"Simple, between Lilith and the sickness spreading from the probes the humans may be on the verge of extinction. That will leave us alone on a dead world."

Campbell looked Her dead in the eye. "It is what you deserve."

[Tarlag]

S.S. Rogers, Terran Orbit



Governor Campbell and Morgan La fay were still starring each other down as the com. unit came to life. "Sorry to disturb you Governor, Captain wants you on the bridge ASAP. that Martin ship seems to be making a soft landing."

Erwin looked to Morgan. "Go back under your rock, I have bigger fish to fry." With that He went to the door and left the cabin. Morgan followed without saying a word.

The Governor entered the bridge a moment later with Morgan on His heels. Campbell snapped as he entered the ships command center. "I was under the impression that ship was unable to land. What changed."

"They made an airobraking maneuver that should of ripped that ship and crew apart.They landed on the east coast of the old United States, mid Atlantic region."

Morgan spoke for the first time. "Show me!" The Captain looked to the Governor. Erwin just nodded.

Morgan looked at the screen for a moment. "The Devil's Forest, not exactly the best place to land. Better spots in the old Nevada desert."

Campbell looked at the data. "Why would anyone land in New Jersey? Place was a shit hole, by the looks of it still is."

"Farmer your memory must be failing. Remember Grover Mills, Orson Wells back in1939 War of the Worlds. Those people must have a sense of humor to land there."

Campbell manipulated the controls for a moment. "What is their plan?"

One of the sensor operators turned to the group. "Captain, I have 20+ ships braking Mars orbit heading on a course to Terra. They aren't making the insane burn the first ship did but they are on a course for here. They should be in orbit in about 34 days at current acceleration."

"Right, invaders from Mars, just great. Morgan this must be your doing."

"Farmer, I am good, I brought down Camelot. Pushed France to revolution. Pushed the Northmen to oppose your dear little Sofia. I don't have the influence to cause an Alien invasion." Morgan snapped back.

"They aren't aliens, but I get your point." Erwin turned to the Captain. "Keep me posted on what they are up to."

[Tarlag]

The Devil's Forest (Formally New Jersey)


The Tribal Captain lead His men in addition to several slaves to where they saw the silver thing fall from the sky the night before. Their fear of the forest and what lies in was minimal for each man was armed with a horn bow and short sword. As they approached the crash site they could smell a mixture of burnt wood and fresh turned earth along with smells they had no idea about. The Captain stopped and motioned for the slaves to go forward through a thicket to investigate the huge burnt silver thing that could be seen on the other side. After a few moments cracks of thunder could be heard from the other side of the thicket. The men readied their bows in preparation. Soon a single figure could be seen following the path the slaves had made. The figure walked towards the party. The man if could be called that was over six feet tall with thick reddish brown skin. His cloths were close fitting and made of no skin the men knew about. The figure said nothing as He cleared the brush. One of the warriors raised His bow out of fear and fired a iron tipped arrow at the figure. The arrow true on the mark stuck in the approaching figures chest. The man simply looked down at the arrow and broke it off at the shaft, no sign of pain or even discomfort showing. After breaking the shaft the man raised the metal object He carried and thunder again could be heard. When the thunder stopped the Captain and His warriors lay dead or wounded.

The whine of an exoskeleton could be heard as a space suited High Martian came through the brush. "Report!" The Officer spoke.

"Primitives at best. No armor and only bows and iron swords. The one with the longer bladed weapon is still alive. The rest have been terminated or will soon be."

Another High Martian came through the thicket and stood next to the first. "Their scouts or should I say slaves knew little. Their tongues and reproductive organs have been mutilated and their intelligence is subhuman at best."

The first one spoke to the new comer. " The Freman says that one over there there still lives, perhaps He can give us the data we need."

The second Martian walked over to the dying man and place His hand on the Captain's head. The Captain's body convulsed as if being shocked by electricity. The Martian remained motionless as the Captain kept convulsing, with one finial spasm the Captain died with a look of terror on His lifeless face. Standing up and brushing dirt off His knee pads the Martian returned to stand by the other.

"What have you learned?"

"That one was more intelligent which is not saying much. Both men have a lot of genetic damage. I would guess from long term exposure to radiation and toxins in the soil. As for their tech level it is iron age at best. No written language and their spoken language is based in badly corrupted American English. Their village is about five km. to the east with about fifty inhabitants."

"What of what we were warned about? Do they have any knowledge of them?"

"Rumors and stories only I can not guess if they are true or not until I can scan more of their minds. This one believes that some live in a great mountain to the north. They are Gods He thought. One to the south who is some kind of master or wizard. Also a travelers tale of a warrior queen near a western sea who is building a great empire. Nothing more. The only other thing of interest is the sky changed a few weeks ago. Most likely when their planetary debrie ring dissipated. They have also seen a moving object in the sky. Maybe a ship in orbit."

"Very well I will inform the Elon." Pointing at the Freman He gave an order. "Take two of you brothers and destroy the village to the east. Capture a breeding age woman and a young girl. We need to see if their wombs can be put to use. Kill everyone else, we don't need anyone else warned of our arrival."

The Freman just nodded His head and went to gather two others. The second Martian watched for a moment as the Freman left. "Holy Terra must be cleansed of the nonbelievers not to use their mud women as breeding tanks."

The Leader turned and walked back towards their ship. He turned back for a moment and said. "The Elon has ordered it and it shall be done."

"What of the Immortals? The Elon has interest in them. We are to learn of them and their locations, then what?"

"As you stated, Holy Terra must be cleansed. Be it these savages or the Immortals that is our holy duty."

[Dystopic Swine]

As Freya and Pandora watched the next prisoner strung up amongst the trees, General "Stony" Jackson walked up behind them, paying special attention to Pandora. "Morning, ladies! Nice day for executions, eh? How y'all doin'?"

"Good morning, General. May I introduce Lady Pandora? She recently joined our quest for equality and liberty."

He smiled. "That a fact? Ten thousand years of human history and you're still trying to let folks be free and equal. Think it'll work this time?"

Pandora turned her gaze on the general. "Cynicism has always been a major block to such lofty ideals, General. It can be done if approached properly and by honest people."

"Well, little lady, all I know is that the only people who are free and equal are the ones in the graveyard. 'Aint none alive ever gonna be free or equal as long as leaders think they know best how to govern. There will always be greater and lesser folks in their eyes, and so rules and laws have to be created to force people to be nice to each other."

Freya asked, "You don't think people can live in peace with each other, General?"

He pointed to the area where Lilith's army was camped. "Curious how peace is created by fighting, eh? You gonna name them troops a Peace Keeping Force like they did back in the 1940s and '50s?"

Pandora said, "We who know what is good for mankind have to make the hard decisions to create and enforce a mutually respectful society."

Jackson laughed. "Seems I heard guys like Napolean, Hitler, Stalin, Obama, and Putin say much the same thing as they bombed the shit outta all those who opposed their beneficial intentions. Didn't work then, 'aint gonna work now."

"What would you suggest, General? Just let humans evolve naturally and let the results speak for themselves?"

"Why not? Mankind didn't have any problems until warlords and strongmen came along."

They paused to watch the next half-dozen men and women climb the gallows, a noose put around each neck. As each one fell through the trapdoor, the distinct sound of the snapping of the neck could be heard. One of the traps didn't open, so the man with the black hood used a poniard jammed into the neck of the prisoner, severing the spinal column. The man twitched a few seconds before becoming still, blood leaking out of nose and mouth.

"Yep, all equal now." Jackson looked over to see Lilith watching the proceedings from her command tent. For an instant, their eyes locked.

"General, are you aware of our next move to the East?"

"Well, I heard tell that the bulk of the army will be heading to the Inner Sea coastlines to begin the occupation of the tribal settlements there. Personally, I think it's a mistake."

"Why?"

"You think them tribesmen 'aint heard of your army and what it's accomplished? Word is that there's some of us Immortals coming together to give y'all a good fight."

"That includes you as well, General."

He grinned. "Long as me and my boys get fed and have some women to play with, I don't give a coons ass who I fight for. Them over to the Sea got a better offer, well, let's just say I'd need to give consideration to joining them."

Lilith walked up behind them. "Is that why the South lost your Civil War, General?"

He turned and doffed his hat. "Ma'am, good to see you again. To answer your question, we lost the war because our boys moved far too slow as they advanced on Washington. Them Yankee generals had too much time to reinforce their positions. If our boys had got to Gettysburg just 48 hours sooner, it would have been a different outcome. We'd a-hung Lincoln and old Jeff Davis would have set in the White House. Probably with either Lee or myself as Vice-President. Then we'd get rid of them northern profiteers and carpetbaggers and put Americans in important posts instead of Yankees."

Lilith said, "Interesting interpretation. But you didn't win, and the result was the preservation of the nation."

"Preservation my ass, beggin' your pardon. That began the seperation and eventual fall of the United States, one side agin the other. For the next 200 years it was half the country agin the other. The Constitution of the US stated that it was by the people, for the people that the nation existed. Not by the government and for the government."

"We won't make the same mistakes again, General."

He smiled. "we'll see. We'll see."

[Tarlag]

S.S. Rogers, Terran Orbit


Morgan sat back in the conference room drinking a flagon of wine. She gave an evil smile as Governor Campbell and several others walked in. The Ships Captain looked to the Immortal as He sat down. "Governor why is this person here? I understood she was uninvited to this ship."

"Oh dear Captain I come and go as I please, besides dear Erwin needs my input concerning the planet below. I may be considered a bitch by dear Erwin but I know more about earth then you could ever learn. So let your betters discuss the matter."

Campbell raised His hand to stop things before they got started. "Enough Morgan, Captain what data is the probe returning?"

"As you know Sir, we sent a stealth probe to the martian landing zone. The crew made a hard landing but managed to live through it. Their ship on the other hand is a total loss. Its back is broken and from our scans they ejected their power core in high orbit. They planned on staying."

"They won't survive long, Terra's gravity should kill them in a week." Campbell replied.

Dr. Z glanced at His tablet then spoke up. "I don't think so Sir. We managed to get close up scans of them. I have never seen such genetic modifications in my life." A image of a red martian a "Freman" appeared. "This person's skin can protect them from near vacuum if necessary. Bone density is about ten time normal. Heart, lungs and pretty much everything has been dialed to eleven. " Dr. Z changed the picture and data on the screen to show a "High Martian." We also scanned two others, bone density is the same as the first examples. They do need exoskeletons to move around. I can't be sure but by the size and shape of their skulls their intelligence has been boosted."

Morgan leaned forward. "The monkey is right. Those folk have not been idle these few thousand years. The modifications made are extensive. Must have taken 20 generations to get the genetics right. According to your data they have purged all bad recessives and eliminated any unintended side effects from the changes. I could not have done better."

Campbell gave a surprised look at Morgan. " When did you become an expert in that field?"

"Dear Farmer, who do you think came up with the program that made the first Queen Sofia. I made and arranged the mating selections and used a crisper to get the results I wanted. In a way I was Her Mother." She then stood and gave a profile facing to the group. "See the resemblance? genetically I would be considered Her Grandmother."

"Neander will shit a brick hearing that. I will tell Him later. What else?"

A male Gorilla stood up. "They attacked a raised a near by village. Massacred the inhabitants and burned the place to the ground. They did however take two captives back to their ship. Both female, one adult and one girl of between eight and ten."

Erwin looked around before He spoke. "The question is why?"

[Xeraph]

It was still dark, the time just before sunrise when the world was chill with anticipation of the coming day. Nim and Conor had been up a half-hour, readying themselves for the trek home. As they packed, Atha walked in with two cups of steaming coffee.

"Morning, gents. I think you need this more than I do." Handing the mugs to the pair, he said, "You know now that you have to be extra careful on your return. I seriously doubt that any enemy scouts have penetrated up this way, but back in your area, there may be some strangers hanging around. Welcome them, yes, but do not trust them. Men do not idly travel from the western coastlines for the hell of it. They are there for a reason. Offer no information beyond generalities. And if I were you, I'd post guards a half-mile from your main living areas."

Nim asked, "You really think there's going to be trouble, Master?"

"You heard Rikk. He's an Immortal, and one with extra-special abilities. He knows that when one of his kind get a notion in their heads that they won't stop until the mission is accomplished or they are somehow defeated. Lilith was defeated once before. I doubt she'll have forgotten the lesson."

Conor said, "Well, I for one am ready to defend any and all invaders. Let 'em try and conquer us!"

Atha smiled. "Ah, the folly of youth! All muscle, little brain."

Nim said to Conor. "When we get home, we will describe to all the tribes what we have learned and take the appropriate measures. Then we'll go back to work just as we've always done."

Conor listened, not liking what he heard. But, for the time being, he kept silent.

"Master Atha, we thank you for your generosity and wisdom. Please tell Rikk that we are grateful to him as well. I'm sure we will see you again in the near future."

"According to Rikk, we already have....."

They all laughed, and Nim and his son picked their way down the rocky slope toward home.

It was to be a longer trip than anticipated............

[Ginger Blue]

Alexxa woke to the sound of men arguing outside her hut. Eloa was nowhere to be found, so she got up and dressed, noting that she had been asleep for nine hours. As she opened the door, she saw a small group of Ice Hunters gathered around a fire, waiting for her to come out.

"In their language, Alexxa said, "Greetings friends! It has been a long time since last we spoke. Are you hungry?"

One of the hunters approached and with difficulty explained their find. It was hard because they did not have words to describe the pod, so he had to use descriptive hand-signals. But, Alexxa understood at once.

"You can show me where this object is? It is important. I can pay you what you ask." There was no concept of money to these hunters, so they asked for food and blankets.

Eloa returned. "What the hell is going on here? What do these savages want?" She lifted her spear, ready to fight.

"Put that down! They are here with information about the space objects. I'm going to follow them....it's not far, maybe an hour's walk."

Eloa grumbled. "I guess I gotta go. Someone needs to protect your fool ass!"

[Ssyn]

Not for the first time, Jackie wondered about the wisdom of traveling deeper into the Rat Lands. One fortunate thing is that the heated desert slowly gave way to a more temperate climate. The sand of the hot desert was replaced by the appearance of low-growing shrubs and eventually some scrub pines. Off in the distance he could see the beginnings of a forest.

"Hey, Bub, hows 'bout we rest a bit. Been walking for two hours...need a break."

"Keep moving! I 'aint paying you to sit on your ass!"

Jackie mumbled to himself, "Sumbitch. Fuckin' asshole." In a louder voice, he asked, "When we gonna have some dinner, eh? Gettin' hungry."

"We eat when we've covered a sufficient distance. And we 'aint even near that. Keep moving!"

"Y'know, Bub, if I could ride one of them burros you got trailing behind you, we could cover more ground faster."

After some consideration, the man said, "You're right. That last mule has a light load, so get your fat ass on it and then lead the way."

A couple of hours later, Jackie saw a cloud of dust on the horizon. "Hey, Bub, we gonna have some company right quick." He pointed ahead.

"Okay,let's get over to that small copse of pine. Better to hide than be caught out here."

They stood stock-still as the party of very rough-looking bandits rode by. There were just eight of them, but their clothing was bright with sharpened blades.

The man commented. "Looks like what used to be called Mescaleros, maybe Comancheros. Either one is to be avoided."

Jackie grinned. "You the boss, Bub. Let's get moving. Still a couple of hours til dusk."

[Ssyn]

Peter, known to Jackie as "Bub", was cooking a lizard over a low fire as Jackie wandered around in the scrub-brush. "What in hell are you looking for? Only thing your'e going to find out there is poisonous...Gila lizards, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and a half-dozen poisonous spiders. Get over here and eat. We've got an early start tomorrow. We should be in the close vicinity of the space pod that crashed the other side of that ridge by noon."

Jackie entered the small halo of light provided by the camp fire. Peter noticed something odd about him, a glazed look in his eyes.

"What's wrong with you? You look stranger than usual."

Jackie smiled a vacuous smile, gaps in his grayish teeth noticable. "Found a tasty fruit near one of them cactus yonder. Kinda brownish with a fluffy center,like cotton. They looked edible, so I scarfed a few down. Feelin' kinda weird. y'know?"

Peter hung his head. "You fucking idiot, that's peyote you ate. How many did you eat?"

"Shit, I think it was two or three. Or six. I dunno." He paused, scratching at his ass. "Hey, what the hell are those birds doing over there? They're big, like vultures or something. They look mean."

"Shit, Jack. Now I have to baby sit you all night. You're going to be half out of your mind for at least four hours. Maybe more."

"Y'know, Bub, you look kinda pretty in that light. Got anything to drink?"

"Just some watered-down mezcal. I suppose at this point it doesn't matter. Here, have some."

Jackie swallowed a good amount, burped, then puked. "Damn! That shit don't agree with me!" He puked again, then sat back against a rock, still warm from the sun. Shit, Bub, this is nice. Everything's so bright and soft at the same time. And now you look like shit, all pale and shit. You should take it easy, y'know?"

"Jack, the more peyote you eat, the more you throw up. The more you throw up, the higher you get. The higher you get, the higher you want to get. If I were you, I'd stay put. You wander around the scrubs at night you might wake up dead!"

"How the fuck you wake up dead? Don't make any sense. Oh, hold on. Now I see what ya mean. Them vulture are flying around with owls. Making a shitload of noise. What's it mean?"

"Owls are a sign of both wisdom and death. Choose one, Jack. Your destiny is yours to live."

'Fuck that, Bub! Hold on." He puked again, so hard that Peter thought that Jack would throw up his intestines. But he didn't see any blood.

"Jack! Where are you going? Don't go out in the dark!"

"Shit, it 'aint dark, Bub. The world is a beautiful place. The flowers and clouds are.......happy. 'Aint ever seen anything like it." A large snake slithered over his boot and brushed his ankle. He reached down to pet it, but Peter grabbed his hand in time.

"Crazy bastard! That thing bit you, you'd be dead in minutes! Sit the hell down before you do something stupid!"

Jackie sat and said, "Shit....I gotta piss. Maybe take a dump, too. Feels like a big one. Been eatin' them lizards for a week now."

"So go ahead and shit, dammit! Just don't go out in the dark. I'm too tired to save your ass again!"

Jackie just sat there for a minute. Then the air was filled with a terrible stench. He grinned. "Hell, it was just gas. Farted. I'm better, but I still gotta piss." He stood up and started to piss in the fire.

"You dumb bastard! Your putting out the fire! Piss over there!"

Jackie swayed back and forth. "Pretty colors coming out the main vein. Am I done yet?"

"Yeah, you're done. Now relax and sit down before one of us gets hurt."

Jackie sat back down. "Now I'm hungry."

"You'll just throw up whatever you eat. Just enjoy your trip. You'll eat in the morning."

Jackie started into the fire, humming a tune he heard long ago from a wandering minstrel that he hadn't heard in years. "Drivin' that train, high on cocaine, Casey Jones you better watch your speed." He didn't have a clue what the song was about, but he was enjoying the cadence. He looked up and saw the vultures circling the campsite. One, then two, dived at him. He opened his mouth to scream, but it was a silent scream only he could hear.....

[Vhammpyr]

Alexxa woke to the sound of men arguing outside her hut. Eloa was nowhere to be found, so she got up and dressed, noting that she had been asleep for nine hours. As she opened the door, she saw a small group of Ice Hunters gathered around a fire, waiting for her to come out.

"In their language, Alexxa said, "Greetings friends! It has been a long time since last we spoke. Are you hungry?"

One of the hunters approached and with difficulty explained their find. It was hard because they did not have words to describe the pod, so he had to use descriptive hand-signals. But, Alexxa understood at once.

"You can show me where this object is? It is important. I can pay you what you ask." There was no concept of money to these hunters, so they asked for food and blankets.

Eloa returned. "What the hell is going on here? What do these savages want?" She lifted her spear, ready to fight.

"Put that down! They are here with information about the space objects. I'm going to follow them....it's not far, maybe an hour's walk."

Eloa grumbled. "I guess I gotta go. Someone needs to protect your fool ass!"[/quote]

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ninety minutes later, Alexxa, Eloa, and the Xiberyan Ice Hunters spotted the pod. It was still giving off heat as there was an oval of melted snow and ice around it. Eloa warned her not to touch it. She might be burned.

As she squatted next to the pod, she noticed some strange markings along it's side. "I don't know wha these markings are, but they look similar to the Cyrillic alphabet of the ancient Rus tribes. But it's the others on top of it that puzzle me. More of a cuneform writing. Pictographs."

"How do you know all this stuff?", Eloa asked.

Alexxa said, "I once had the privilege of reading a few of the millenia-old papers found by a man in the mountains 1500 miles south-east of here. They were very brittle, spotted with age. There was one, though, that was made of a different material, not unlike the tarp we found a couple of years ago in that cave. It was hard, yet had a certain flexibility to it. Large, it was, 8 X 11 and covered on both sides with these marks. If I had a few hours I could figure it out."

"Well you don't. It'll be dark in three hours and we need to get back before the temperature drops. Maybe you could write the markings down and translate them at the hut?"

"Yes, good idea. Tell the Hunters they have done well. They will be richly rewarded."

[Les Roi Bourbon]

As she approached the run-down village, Alexandre Saint-Yves d'Alveyd saw the tower at the center of town. Legend had it that this was one of the so-called Tower Lords locations, long since abandoned. The villagers still came to the tower every 100 days as they had in the distant past. Though whatever being had inhabited this tower had not been in it for centuries, they came out of habit, hoping, perhaps dreading, it's return.

Alex, as her friends called her, immediately noticed the unusual calm and silence of the land around the structure. The tower itself was about 40 meters in height, maybe 15 meters in diameter. It was topped by a conical roof made of the ancient "tuiles" used for millenia in this part of the world. A single window, open to the outside world, faced the village. She could see pidgeons flying in and out of it, their cooing sounds adding to the overall peace of the place.

"My Lady, it is perhaps not good to come so close to the tower. It is sacred, and strange things have been known to happen to those straying too near to it." The headman of the village stood with hat-in-hand, his worn tunic identifying him as a farmer.

Alex looked him over saying, "You are Pierre, no? Chief of this village? How many live here?"

"Just twenty-two, my lady. Our families have farmed here for over a thousand years. We are small, yet proud."

"And you still make the trek here several times every year to see if the Tower Lord is here to give you instruction?"

"Yes, my lady. That is our custom. Our stories tell us that when the Lord left, her instructions were for us to continue to seek her. We have obeyed, to this day."

"Her?"

"Yes, Lady. Our legends say the Lord of the Tower was female. We even have her name."

"What was her name?"

"Rafaelle, the angel of healing. When she was here, this village was a thriving township of some 1600 souls. Farms, merchants, a trading center in these parts. Nw we struggle to survive."

"Surely twenty-two people cannot that difficult to care for, Pierre."

"No, Lady. But there are lawless bands of men who steal our goods. They are careful not to kill too many of us, for if they did, there would not be enough for them to steal."

"And you have no lord to protect you?"

"We did in the past, Lady. But he has been absent for decades. And he took what few fighting men he had with him. He'd gone off far to the west, across a vast sea."

Alex frowned. "Is this lord the one named St. Germaine?"

Pierre's eyes widened. "Why yes, Lady. How do you come to know this name?"

"I knew him from childhood. A spoiled noble's son. He used to push me down and pull my hair. That is until one day I punched him square in his nose. It was the first time either one of us had seen blood."

"I'm sure, my lady. Bullies often flee at the sight of blood, especially their own."

Alex peered into the distance. "Pierre, I can see a ways from here the ruins of a chateau on yon hill. Is that the one of the family Tenebre?"

"I know not, Lady. I have never been more than a kilometer from our village. That place is quite the distance from here. One story has it that another noble family once came through here asking the same questions you are asking. Name of Puissance."

"Yes, the name is somewhat familiar." Turning to him, she asked, "Pierre, would you and your village have any problem with me a a few others setting up a camp by this tower?"

"Forgive my asking, Lady, but for what purpose?"

She looked pensive. "I don't know just yet, Pierre. I have heard some rumours about things happening in the world. This is as good a place as any to figure out what may be happening."

"Happening here, Lady?"

"Here and other places, Pierre. Disturbing, yet intriguing. But let's leave that for now. I suggest you continue coming here on your regular schedule and we will talk a bit."

"As you wish,My Lady. As you wish."

[Les Roi Bourbon]

It was still dark, the time just before sunrise when the world was chill with anticipation of the coming day. Nim and Conor had been up a half-hour, readying themselves for the trek home. As they packed, Atha walked in with two cups of steaming coffee.

"Morning, gents. I think you need this more than I do." Handing the mugs to the pair, he said, "You know now that you have to be extra careful on your return. I seriously doubt that any enemy scouts have penetrated up this way, but back in your area, there may be some strangers hanging around. Welcome them, yes, but do not trust them. Men do not idly travel from the western coastlines for the hell of it. They are there for a reason. Offer no information beyond generalities. And if I were you, I'd post guards a half-mile from your main living areas."

Nim asked, "You really think there's going to be trouble, Master?"

"You heard Rikk. He's an Immortal, and one with extra-special abilities. He knows that when one of his kind get a notion in their heads that they won't stop until the mission is accomplished or they are somehow defeated. Lilith was defeated once before. I doubt she'll have forgotten the lesson."

Conor said, "Well, I for one am ready to defend any and all invaders. Let 'em try and conquer us!"

Atha smiled. "Ah, the folly of youth! All muscle, little brain."

Nim said to Conor. "When we get home, we will describe to all the tribes what we have learned and take the appropriate measures. Then we'll go back to work just as we've always done."

Conor listened, not liking what he heard. But, for the time being, he kept silent.

"Master Atha, we thank you for your generosity and wisdom. Please tell Rikk that we are grateful to him as well. I'm sure we will see you again in the near future."

"According to Rikk, we already have....."

They all laughed, and Nim and his son picked their way down the rocky slope toward home.

It was to be a longer trip than anticipated............

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


As Atha watched Nim and Conor work their way down the mountain, Rikk walked up behind him and asked, "Think they'll be alright?"

"They're both smart men. With a little good fortune, they will discover what they need to know to protect their people from Lilith and her gang. It will be a while before she gets to their area."

"Should I notify the silo tribe south of the Inland Sea? They indicated that they would intervene with our friends if needed."

"Not yet, Rikk. Let's not stir up a hornets nest unecessarily. Besides, aren't you headed for your old territory?"

"The Devil's Forest? Nah...it's still the corrupt shithole it was when it was called New Jersey. Different times, but same ass-wipes. At least there's a damn sight fewer of them than in ages past, eh?"

"So you're hanging around for a while?"

"You got the food and whiskey, I got the time."

"You have that aged hooch hidden away in that hole you live in. All I have is the home-made stuff in those jugs."

Rikk made a face. "Rot-gut. Okay, I'll go fetch the good stuff. You whip up some dinner and I'll be right back."

[Xeraph]

"You know, Conor, that what you have heard about times past is pretty much nonsense. The truth of the past lies with the Immortals. They were rhere. They know what happened. They know about the Romans, the Greeks, the Renaissance, and all the rest. Because they were here. They saw and experienced the revolutions, the wars, the repression and oppression, the re-writing of history."

"Well, father I have heard that history is written by the victorious. Perhaps we'll never really know what happened in the past."

"Remember, Conor, that history is not necessarily what happened, but what was written down. The only reliable informatiom comes drom the Immortals. And I would be remiss to say that if you do not choose the truthful, you wil always be laboring within the false."

"How would we know the difference?"

Nim looked at is son. "By our hearts, son. Our hearts know, intrinsically what is true. The on-going follies of mankind are rife with error. Understandings that are based on human logic and reason. If it seems reasonable, it must be true. It is this reasoning that has lead humanity down the flowery path of false narrative. If man can reason it out, it must be true. Reason has caused more division, confusion, and death than any other human action. There are absolutes, whether man likes them or not. Do unto others if you would do it unto you in the same manner."

"These are not the same sayings that man has heard for millenia? Yet, we still kill each other because we do not agree with others."

Nim thought. "Men kill each other not because of ideology, but because of pride. Each in his or her own heart wants what they want, in their way of understanding. And understanding is based on each person's experience with life.. Can you imagine what an Immortal's view of human life would be? They have had hundreds, if not thousands, of years of what they consider foolshness."

Conor was tired. "Father, I need to rest and think upon what you've said. Tomorrow, we'll meet with the elders. And we'll decide what course of action will be necessary."

[Terra Civitas]

Tim sat perplexed. He was the highest unit assigned to the oversight of the surveillance squad, yet he did nothing to discover anomilies. That was left to a girl who had virtually nothing to do with security. The tribe was depending on a girl who spent more ime on the fashion pages of ancient pre-Sea Amurca.

"Dana, report on area borders lines."

Dana, popping a bubblegum wad, said, "Nothing to report, Tim. Same as always. Basically, no one knows where the fuck we are or what we're doing. These old high-desert readings basically show nothing more than the occasional blip. Possibly a tide higher than normal."

The tribal silo of Blackfoot had been ensconced in this silo for six thousad years, long enough for the tribe to have developed a culture similar to the surface dwellers. This particular silo had been the location of one-of-three complexes of frag/tactical radiant weaponry that had been launched on the dark forests of the east after the Marxist armies of Olivier had landed in the rural lands of Jersey. Evidently, Chinois and Rus trops had penetrated eastern shores almost undetected due to the thousands of quasi-legal immgrants allowed landing rights on the coasts running from Azbry to Cape Mayy. Twenty thousand foreign military invaders were eradicated in the counter-strike, which turned the Jersey shore ihabitants into radiated non-combatants.

"Y'know, Ma'am, that was around 1500 miles east of our assigned mission. We have a lot more info concerning the Inland Sea tracts. Most are unamed farm communities with little or no military capabilities. Lilith and her people are mere weeks away from them."

"Tim, are we not in communication withthe Immortal named Rikk? And his buddy Atha?"

"Oui, c'et vrai."

She glanced at him. "Anglais, commander. I don't need any confusion with you and your troops." Pausing again, she said, I want twenty of our people along the sand bars of Cape Mayy. Them fuckers think they can sneak ashore and surprise our boys."

Commander Timey Jones was the partner of one scout master Melli. They were a team of highly efficient killers. Any bullshit on the part of enemy troops sent Cmdr Dana into a fit of paroxyms. In short, she got bloody.

And when Cmd. Dana got her shorts in a bundle, she went wild. "If we can't out-manuever them, or talk sense to then kill 'em. They're a problem and the best solution is to kill the oroblem. I don't give a fuck about innate human rights. I got a problem that won't listen to reason, then I kill it."

"Well, get ready, ma'am. We got fifty-five heavily armed shit-stains comin' this way!"

[Tarlag]

Central Mongolia



The two Monks walked among the yrets and tents of a large Mongol tribe. In front of the largest tent two severed heads mounted on spears gave looks of terror to those entering the tent. Bowing to the guards who stood under the severed heads the elder Monk spoke. "We have an appointment with the Great Khan." The guard gave a simple nod and opened the tent flap for the Monks.

The two men entered and after walking a few feet bowed to a Man sitting on a raised platform in a throne like chair. The elder spoke once more. "Oh Great Khan we are humble servants of Neander Eldest of the Immortals. We bring you good tidings and news."

The man drank from a golden cup and looked down on the men with a all most feral smile. "I trust your offer and news is better then the last two agents sent by the Bitch Lilith. Their heads now guard my door."

"I pray so Great Khan. Master Neander's message is simple. The Just Queen has been reborn. She will take up the fight against Lilith our joint enemy."

The Khan leaned forward. "Is She as beautiful as the stories say? Can She fight like a demon as the old tales tell?"

The Monk in response removed a photo from the inside of His robe. "See for yourself Great Khan. She is tall and flows like a willow on a windy day. She has all ready bested Lilith's forces in battle. She has threatened the Immortal Cain Kinslayer over the life of a young child."

Looking at the photo the Khan licked His lips. "So the bastard's plan has bore fruit. A perfect copy of the first Empress of the Western Empire. I did not think He could pull it off, I am most impressed."

"I hope to take your words of praise back to our Master. Neander now asks that you honor the bargain you entered into long ago."

"What that I am granted the lands between the great Eastern Ocean and the Rhine River to the west. From the snows of the frozen North to the Holy Lands of the Jewish God, That bargain? "

The Monk lowered His eyes then replied. "Yes Great Khan, also that you would be warlord for Sofia the Just. In addition to the treasure buried on the Isle of Oaks. Gold silver and artifacts from before the time of the great darkness."

"You wish My tribes and my Tarter allies to ride across the ocean to smite the forces of the first woman? How does the World Breaker expect me to accomplish the feat, place water wings on our ponies?"

The Elder Monk started to perspire. "No Great Khan our Master will provide great iron ships. Ride to the ruins of Istanbul and they will convey you across the sea."

The Khan gave a great belly laugh. Looking to His Generals and Chiefs kneeling around Him He yelled. "Strike the tents, send riders to the west to inform the Tartars. Send Birds to the other tribes. Genghis Khan rides. Only the bravest shall ride at my side!"