From: dgolding@connect.ab.ca Subject: STAR AND CIRCLE: "The Seeker's Fire", Episode VIII, Overture Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 23:56:28 Previously, in STAR AND CIRCLE, 'The Seeker's Fire'... The arrival of a heavily armed battlegroup in Interstellar Alliance territory from beyond the Rim raises fears of war until it is revealed that the species in control of the warships, an avian race named the Eloi'a, have arrived in search of the force that drove away their enemies, the Shadows. Additionally, as Anla'shok Val'na Julia Tikopai, captain of the ISAS SHARD OF NIGHT, soon discovers, both Speaker Aeilyn of the Eloi'a and his daughter Nirisha are Observers just as she is... part and parcel of an order of watchers created by forces unknown. After a certain amount of negotiation takes place, President John Sheridan invites Aeilyn and his flagship to come to Minbar to take place to continue the talks that may lead to an Alliance between Aeilyn's Crade of Stars and the Interstellar Alliance. All is not as it seems, however, for the wily elder Observer has a hidden agenda. Upon arrival at Tuzanor, the visitors soon come into contact with the man that some name Rimstalker, Ranger High Councillor William Westcastle... as well as his wife Jennifer and their twin children. Aeilyn eventually shocks everyone when he all but demands that the 'circle-head' of the human Observers turn over to him her daughter for training in her craft... a demand that Jennifer refuses to accept. At the same time this is going on, the Minbari Ranger Larieken finds himself summoned back to his Wind Sword homeland beneath the mountainous Wall of Daggers... and the reason for the summons is not a pleasant one. As he soon discovers from his father, Larieken's eldest brother has been banished from Minbar by the Grey Council, and a debate is about to begin on who shall be chosen to lead the family once Larieken's father passes on... a debate that his brother Ariekaas seeks to short circuit by demanding that Larieken leave Minbar and return to the Anla'shok... And while this is all going on, Aeilyn, bitter at the turn of events that fate has dealt him yet still set in the ways and traditions of his kind, makes a decision that may doom his order for all kind, as he sends his dark minion Saakli to kidnap Jennifer's daughter -- a decision that also results in the banishment of *his* daughter Nirisha as she decides to make a stand for what she believes is right. And even as the stolen child is spirited away, Nirisha summons Julia to her side, a spot at which they are shortly joined by an all too angry William, as well as an unexpected guest... The Technomage named Alwyn. * * * And now -- the conclusion... * * * "There is justice, and then there is vendetta..." Alwyn allowed, as Julia, Nirisha and William, surrounded by their Ranger escort, reclined at their ease as the Minbari transport that the High Councillor had 'borrowed' for his descent minutes before quietly made its way back towards Tuzanor through the midnight darkness. "If you allow your rage at what has happened to eclipse common sense, High Councillor, those you would call enemy may well take advantage of your lapse of common sense." The older man paused for a moment, then, before a smile curled his lips. "And as much as I *know* part of you wishes to chase off in pursuit of the Eloi'a 'guns blazing', as they say, perhaps this time, may not the need for justice in this matter overcome the need for vendetta?" William took a deep breath, and then raised his eyes to meet the piercing gaze of the Technomage. "You speak wisely... and even I must admit that you arrived at an opportune moment. If you had not, and I had spoken in anger, or even..." "If you had done such a thing," Alwyn replied, "All the good you have wrought in your time amongst the Anla'shok would have been for nought. As we all know, the line between light and dark is often blurred into shadow -- it is very easy to slip down into darkness when one is balanced upon a cusp that one cannot *see*." "So... if I cannot act, who can?" "Who indeed?" Alwyn thoughtfully considered, as his eyes came to rest upon the serious countenence of the young, dark haired captain of the SHARD OF NIGHT... as well as the exhausted winged visitor who stood at her side. "The search will be a difficult one... and while your resources are spread far and wide, there is *yet* hope. They are the future, Rimstalker -- one who dreams of a better future for all her kind -- and one who acts as the hawk cast from your hand, the daughter of a woman you name friend. Together, they stand a very real chance of tracking down the individuals who have done this deed... but only if you allow this to be. What say you then, Rimstalker?" the Technomage finalized, his eyes now narrow. "Which path will you choose?" There was a moment of silence, and then William began to laugh. "As if you're giving me a choice!" "There are *always* choices, sir..." Julia wryly noted. "But it does help that we have guides to help us make the right ones, though!" "It does, indeed. So how soon can you begin the pursuit?" "Well, therin lies the problem, I'm afraid." Julia replied. "We don't know who took Celia, and where they're going..." "In that you are wrong, my circle-partner," Nirisha intruded, her eyes bright. "The minion of my father who stole your partner's child, his name is Saakli, and he is Skier'g to his hand, what you would term an... operative, yes?" "Assassin?" "As necessary." "Thief?" "As he has already proven." "And bodyguard." "Yes." Nirisha admitted. "And he is among the best at what he does. I have no doubt that he is at this very moment on his way to the TIELDA'S PRIDE with his captive, and that my father's flagship will soon be making its way back to the fleet. If we cannot reach them before that reunion occurs, any attempt we make to reclaim your daughter, William-stalker, will surely fail -- the defense systems of my father's vessel and fleet are... impressive." "While this may be the case," Julia reminded her fellow Observer, "Know that the *offensive* weapons of my command, in addition to its countermeasures array, are equally powerful." "Now, now," Alwyn warned, "Why don't we try and remember that the coming contest will not be about whose gun make the loudest *bang*... although," the Technomage added with a sigh, "I fear that it will inevitably come to that in any case." "Doesn't matter," Julia insisted, "What it comes down to is this -- the *Speaker* for the Cradles of Stars is shortly going to regret his recent actions. He is going to return the child he has stolen from us, and if he decides to run, I will follow him. If he decides to attack, my Rangers will turn that assault aside, and carry on. If he makes it necessary, we will board his oh-so wonderful flagship, and *if* he makes it necessary, we will tear that ship apart from the inside out until the stolen child is returned to us." "Just remember, though, Julia..." William cautioned, "One thing we don't need right now is another war." "There will be war sooner or later, I am afraid," Nirisha suddenly admitted, "But you will not have to fight it... at least not at first." "And now," Alwyn noted, "The truth emerges at last." "If not us," Julia suspiciously asked, "Then who?" "We are not alone." the Eloi'a replied. "And now that 'I' and 'we' are one, we are free to act at last." "We... who?" "The Fallen, of course." was the avian's next, more confident reply. "Welcome to our circle, Julia Tikopai. Now that we are one, anything is possible." * * * "You will not leave." "I will not leave." Larieken confirmed, his expression polite and neutral, as opposed to the fury his younger brother was displaying. "This demand you have made, Ariekaas... this is *not* the way that things are done. Now that our father has explained the situation to us both, we must go before the elders of the clan and demonstrate who is more worthy to lead our family into the future... when our father is no longer with us." "I gave you a way out, brother," Ariekaas reminded him, as he visibly reined in his anger. "A chance to turn aside from this, to avoid a debate that may tear our family apart. One last time I will ask you -- you will not leave?" "I will not." "So be it, then. You wish a contest of wills, do you!... you will get one. And by the time we are done with this, you will wish you had never returned!" And with that sharp warning, Ariekaas finally vanished back into the darkness... leaving Larieken to grimly consider what it was he had done. What choice had there been, really? His father, the warrior who had cast him out for his choice over six cycles before, had opened the door for his return -- honour now demanded he fulfill his part of the bargain. "Larieken... so it *is* you!" a whisper came out of the darkness, and with heavy yet yearning heart, he turned towards the final visitor he would receive this night... a visitor that he knew, above all others, would come to him once she had learned of his return. "They said that you had come... I did not believe it, but find that it is the truth! -- you *have* come to face your brother, to stand before the clan... to claim the birthright that is yours, now that Mallarain is banished. You have come to do what must be done!" "Belaii," he began... but then he suddenly fell silent as she moved forward to reveal her mysterious smile in the moonlight... a smile he remembered all too well. And her face?... the face he had seen in every candle during his long cycles of service in the darkness between the stars. "And so the circle closes." "Come to me then, my dark flame of memory," Belaii replied, as she extended a hand in his direction, as consort would to warrior. "Tell me of your plan... tell me of what you have seen in your time amongst the stars, in the service of Valen. Come... walk with me. We have much to talk about, you and I." * * * While many light years distant from these events, the black claw of a ship controlled by the Eloi'a named Saakli raced towards its destination. Saakli knew that things had gone well on this mission thus far, but also could admit to himself that the easiest phase of the operation was also the one just past. The human child stolen by his master's order, this had not been a difficult task to accomplish... what lay ahead, however, was another matter entirely. In time, perhaps he would convince the Master that this was true, but for now, all they could do was run... run and hope they would reach the TIELDA'S PRIDE before She who would Pursue caught them. Saakli's mouth tightened at these thoughts, and he abruptly rose to his feet and left the bridge of his vessel, leaving his concerned underlings to their thoughts. The facts could not be ignored -- two of the three Observers who served the Interstellar Alliance was militarists as well... a combination unheard of in the recorded history of his race. A dangerous combination. Could it be, he asked himself? Could the greatest operative of the Cradle, Skier'g Saakli, admit he feared someone other then his Master? Yes, it had to be admitted... he did. She who would Pursue was coming... and was there anyone in the universe to stop her? * * * She had cried out for hours, now, and no one had come to take her out of the dark place. The nightbirds had put her into this place, and no one would answer, not Mother, not Father... not even David, the boy she had played with in Tuzanor once in a while. Too exhausted to cry any more, Celia could only sit down, and wait. No one was going to come, the nightbirds, they... "Who said that?" she yelped, scrambling to her feet. "Who are you? Where are you?" "You talk just like Father's friends." she complained. "Well... I guess not." she finally admitted. "Nice to have someone to talk to... even though I can't see you." * * * [Cue Dramatic Music] KLAIRIKA ALIDIAE We are the Watchers... [Klairika standing on the bridge of the SHARD OF NIGHT, an image of the EXCALIBUR hanging in the air in front of her.] SHEYNELL KEYNES We are the Warriors. [Images: Sheynell at the tactical station, the battlecruiser firing its main gun and destroying a Drakh capital ship] LARIEKEN We are the Guardians... [Image: Larieken defending his Captain against Z'shailyl attackers, warrior pike in hand] VEYSHAHK We are the Healers. [Image: Veyshahk at his desk in MedSection, an image of the Drakh virus on his computer screen.] DASOURI and NICHOLAS DAWSON We are the exiles... [Image: Nicholas in Engineering, Dasouri at the helm of the SHARD] JULIA TIKOPAI And I am the Seeker. [Image: Julia's face, lit by candles, the stars of the Galaxy beyond] KLAIRIKA ALIDIAE We are the Rangers of the SHARD OF NIGHT, in this, the Earth Year 2267. [Image: The SHARD OF NIGHT enters, from the left...] JULIA TIKOPAI This is our story. [... before engaging darklight mode, and going into hyperspace.] S T A R A N D C I R C L E "T H E S E E K E R' S F I R E" * * * STAR AND CIRCLE created by David Goldingay * * * Legal Disclaimer: BABYLON 5, CRUSADE and all characters and situations thereof are the creations and copyrighted property of J. Michael Straczynski and Babylonian Productions. This series is a non-profit creation for the purposes of private entertainment only. Original characters and situations are copyright of the author, 1997-99. * * * Coming soon: Act I of Episode VIII: "Mythos" * * * http://www.connect.ab.ca/dgolding/index.htm From: dgolding@connect.ab.ca Subject: STAR AND CIRCLE, "The Seeker's Fire", Episode VIII, Act I Date: Sun, 28 Nov 1999 21:37:40 "STAR AND CIRCLE: THE SEEKER'S FIRE" EPISODE EIGHT "MYTHOS" GUEST STARRING ROBIN SACHS as Aeilyn LEA THOMPSON as Nirisha MELANIE SMITH as Belaii DANIEL COSGROVE as Ariekaas EDWARD WOODWARD as Alwyn LARA FLYNN BOYLE as Sech Jennifer Westcastle WITH PETER WOODWARD as Galen *and* RUSSELL CROWE as William Westcastle * * * (disclaimers and associated descriptions in overture) * * * <> Having dropped off William and Alwyn at Tuzanor and after saying a very quick and sincere goodbye to Jennifer in the process, Julia now found herself speaking to those who stood in her place when she was not aboard her command, as their flyer quickly made its way up towards orbit. Rangers who were presently wearing expressions almost as grim as those she had seen during the battle with the Drakh in the skies of Earth, over five months before. "Report." she commanded, while Nirisha waited patiently nearby, her expression difficult to read. "Sech Westcastle and President Sheridan have brought us up to speed on the situation, Val'na." was Klairika's immediate reply. "And yet again, for all intents and purposes, our crew has been recalled from their leave on the surface, and stands ready to serve you, in the name of the One." "In short," Sheynell continued, picking up from her superior officer, "We should be ready to leave orbit as soon as you and your... guest come aboard. Anla'shok Holm stands ready at the secondary fire control station, while Mr. Dawson has stated, somewhat resolutely, that we *will* be able to catch up with the target, regardless of their... technological prowess, I believe he said." "Now *hold* on a moment!" Julia suspiciously replied, "You said, 'for all intents and purposes', Klairika. What did you mean by that?" "I regret to inform you," the now visibly uncomfortable Brakiri replied, "That Anla'shok Larieken will not be joining us on this mission." "May I ask why?" "He wishes to speak to you personally about the matter when you come aboard... in private." "I... see. In that case, if there isn't anything else?" Klairika and Sheynell shook their heads, and a moment later, contact between the transport and the SHARD was severed, and she turned her attention to her new Eloi'a associate, while a part of her mind continued to work thorugh what could have possibly caused Larieken to take this unexpected 'leave of absence'... a thing he had never done before in her experience. '"Nirisha -- what can you tell us about Saakli's ship? Do you think it's possible for us to trace its course?" "If your command was any other, and I was not with you," the avian replied with a frown, "I would not consider this a probable outcome. It is clear however, that your vessel, this SHARD OF NIGHT it is called? -- is among the most advanced vessels in the Interstellar Alliance... as I have already seen, it is more then capable of concealing itself from most sensor arrays, even those used by my own people." Julia nodded. "A similar technology to the one we use, then, perhaps. As such, I feel that if all goes well, we should be able to trace the path of Saakli's ship without difficulty, and even pierce their protective stealth technology when we do catch them. In addition," Nirisha added after a moment, "Given my father's recent choices, I feel no shame in passing on to you details of our drive technologies, which should make the task ahead of us even easier." "And if we cannot catch them?" "Then we must deal with my father's flagship, as you have previously noted." She gritted her teeth at that comment... and then went on. "The Technomage and his craft may be able to assist us with this problem in due course when he rejoins us... in addition, of course, to these forces you have mentioned that are loyal to these 'Fallen' you spoke of?" Nirisha guardedly nodded at this comment. "Then there's certainly a chance we can take on the TIELDA'S PRIDE... if it comes down to a firefight, that is. Now what else did I want to ask you about... oh yes. Can you tell me why you requested that the third human Observer, Alkanion Verah, accompany us on this pursuit? This has been done with the High Councillor's reluctant blessing -- but as you may know..." "The ancient races harmed his mind during the war with the Dark Ones, yes!" Nirisha answered for her. "This I know and understand, from the histories and data you passed to us during our initial voyage to this place. What I intend is as follows: on occasion, it is known for our kind to suffer mental illnesses brough on by excessive use of our talents or assaults upon our persons by... forces you have yet to meet. When this occurs, other Observers who are well skilled in the art of using their *gla'ima* have been known to heal these illnesses by reaching out to the Troubled Ones as I have reached out to you in the recent past. There is no guarentee that this will work, of course, but it is, how shall I say it?... the least I can do as repayment for what my father has done to you and yours in the course of this... tragic incident." "And about that," Julia continued, her eyes now narrow as the sky outside the transport faded towards the black of vacuum, "About this sixth sense we share, this 'gla'ima' as you call it..." "You wish to ask questions." Nirisha replied, almost matter-of-factly. "This is not unexpected. During our pursuit, I will attempt to tell you what I can about who and what we are, and teach you as much about our sixth sense as I can during our time together. I fear, however, given your recent isolation from the rest of the Order, that you may not find some of these concepts easy to comprehend..." "I'm a quick study." she assured her companion. "If I hadn't been, a lot of people I call friends might now be dead." "This does not surprise me, either." "So what *does* surprise you?" she shot back. "This, you will learn in due course." was the avian's concluding remark, as the transport made its final approach to the SHARD OF NIGHT. * * * Dawn. Larieken stood alone in the practice ground of the Wind Sword enclave which was, in its full and formal naming, known as *Teirann Aeiyn Vei'shai*. The Stand of Daggers... and simply Teirann in the common form. Warriors young and old had practiced and battled here for hundreds upon hundreds of cycles. From here, in the times before Valen, the warriors had moved forth to protect the boundaries of what was... while afterwards, when the doom of the Shadows looked set to descend upon all, the elders of his people had pulled together with the rest to defend what was... and what might be. History... so *much* history. And so much pain. So many lessons learned, and so many forgotten, to be relearned in the most difficult fashion. So many unwarranted suspicions on the part of some of those he knew, and all for the wrong reasons. Against these traditions he now stood as outsider even with his father's welcome... as his recent conversations with Ariekaas had proven only too well. His mother, sisters and cousins amonst the Clan would of course choose the neutral stance -- and of allies, he had precious few. Precious few... and one that truly mattered. One he had loved, long ago -- one who had stood aside to ensure he would not have to make a choice between that love and the service that mattered above all. One who had returned to his side even after all that had happened... one he still loved, even now. The question that had to be asked, however, was this: despite last night's performance, despite the words they had shared before retiring to their beds... did Belaii of the Wind Swords still love *him*, after all he had done, after the shattering of ties that had occurred? He could not answer this question. Not yet, at least, he amended -- but nevertheless, for now she stood as his closest ally in this undertaking. And yet... if he found success, what would she ask of him? What price would have to be paid? "You have not waited long, I trust?" her voice came to him then, and he turned to see her slender form emerge from one of the side passages into the practice ground as the dawnlight grew stronger, her dark cloak echoing his own... both acting as defence against the morning chill. "No... not long." "And you are well rested? The sleep I allowed you after our... discussions -- it was *sufficient* for your needs?" "This all depends," he replied, "On how hard you intend to press me this day." Belaii smiled at that remark, before casting aside her cloak to reveal the warrior's garb beneath, a move he echoed a moment later to show the uniform of darkness and light he wore. "Hard enough. You must prove to me that your time amongst the humans has not blunted your... skills." And with that, her pike emerged into sight, and flashed open -- the sound a silvery summons as night faded around them. Larieken let out a short breath, then -- she was faster then she had been... and had no doubt improved her skills since they had last fought each other to a standstill on this very spot, so long ago. A challenge, it would be, then -- and an instant later, his weapon echoed her own. "If you believe that, Belaii, you do not understand them nearly as much as you think you do. I feel I must inform you at this time that two of the humans I consider close comrades are masters of these blades." "An interesting claim." Belaii thoughtfully replied, as they slowly began to circle. "But enough of this... no more talking. In the Name of the Betrayer," she challenged, "So do we serve." "So do we serve." he unconsciously echoed, even as the sun burst into sight behind him. And a moment later, their pikes came together, and their contest... joined anew. * * * "The time is drawing near for me to step aboard her ship, my friend." Alwyn began, as his craft rose from the surface of Minbar entirely unseen. "So far, everything is progressing as we have forseen." "Ah -- everything, you say?" was Galen's amused reply. "In that case, Alwyn, I expect her to turn your world upside down on a moment's notice." "An interesting claim to make -- although I wil1 admit that she does seem to have talent in paths that the human race has not pursued for a *very* long time." "Why, yes... so she does! Do you know that the Soul Hunters have named her 'Sha'naktoweire'?" A raising of eyebrows. "Well, now... that *is* surprising. Do you suppose they have made the offer to her yet, then?" "I was present when this occurred." "An ominous portent. If this is true, there have only been four others in our history like her that I know of. And we *both* know what happened to those, now don't we?" "Unfortunately, yes. The path branches before her, and if she steps wrongly, all those who follow in her footsteps may fall into darkness. Which is," Alwyn's fellow Technomage finished, "Where *we* come in, of course." "The game you are playing is a dangerous one, Galen." Alwyn warned. "To meddle in the affairs of both this one and of Gideon as well -- history warns us of those of our Order who have meddled too much, and paid the price for their mistakes." "If I... if *we* do not act, we may all be doomed. And if I do not meddle, as you say," Galen concluded, his eyes bright, "The quests they have embarked upon may fail." The younger mage took a deep breath, then. "In any case, I have made my choices, and you have made yours, and the path we have set ourselves upon cannot be turned aside from, now that we are commited to this thing that we do." "In that case, I suppose we'd both better get on with it, then. Until the next time we speak, my friend... fare you well." "And you, Alwyn." And with that, Galen's image faded away, leaving Alwyn to carefully consider the path ahead. After a moment, he cleared his throat and began to speak. "Now, then!... they've left orbit, I suppose?" -Confirmed. Entry into hyperspace has occured. The chase has begun- "Prepare pursuit course, then... and make ready for our own hyperspace transition." -Ready- "You may proceed." And with that, the tiny black diamond of Alwyn's ship wheeled away from Minbar. The mission... Awaited. * * * "Do we, then, declare this a draw?" Larieken casually inquired, as he and Belaii stared into each other's eyes across two pike-widths. "We can continue if you wish, of course..." "Unnecessary." was her reply, as they disengaged and smoothly stepped back to the positions they had started in... how long ago? The sun was measurably higher now, and at this Larieken allowed himself to smile -- it had been *long* since he had partaken in a Dance such as this one... too long. Not even Julia's skill could compare to Belaii's... for now, that was. Although, now that he thought about the matter, it would certainly be *amusing* to see his captain engage in a contest with her... a most interesting thought, this was. "Larieken." He turned, then, to see one of his sisters, Eranni, standing on the edge of the practice ground, near to where he had stood at dawn. "You must come -- the human who commands you, she is waiting to speak to you... the matter appears to be an important one." "As expected." And with that he smoothly retracted his pike and returned it to its place at his side, an action that Belaii smoothly echoed. "And now comes the explanation for my actions of late." "Explain to me your need to tell this human *why* you have done what you did." "The answer I will give you will sound simple," Larieken replied, "But on closer examination may appear less so. When the Shadow War was at its height and President Sheridan and several of our greatest leaders were presumed missing at Z'ha'dum, the Entil'zha and some of her senior commanders requested that I be the one to protect a child who would one day become a Ranger, a child who already obeyed many of our ways, and strived to learn the rest. I walked with her through the fires of Corianna VI, stood by her side as she grew to maturity... and now, through what amounts on occasion to sheer force of will, she has ascended to command the vessel we name 'Vi'dalae An'shaka'... and still my Entil'zha's command stands, and has not been rescinded. Still I stand with my charge to protect her... until she grows wise enough to protect herself." "This would be the human I have heard of, then." Belaii slowly replied. "The Anla'shok some name 'changeling'... the human Julia Tikopai?" "That is correct." he agreed as they stepped inside, walking in his sister's footsteps. "And now," he added, as they approached the communciations terminal, "I will please ask you to stand aside and keep your silence. She may not be pleased to know that I am not alone." "What difference can this make?" Belaii demanded a moment later. "Now that we are together again..." "It is important to me." he insisted. "In time you may come to understand what it is that she and I share -- a bond, to be sure, though not the same as the one we share. You may watch if you wish, but for my sake and the sake of the One, will you keep your silence?" Her eyes narrow with suspicion and thought, Belaii curtly nodded, and somewhat relieved, Larieken then turned his attention back to the terminal, and activated the connection that would put him through to his ship... and there she was, as he had requested, alone in her room of readiness -- the private space on bridge-deck that was hers and hers alone. "Larieken... at last." "Many apologies, Val'na," he began, "But until this moment, I was otherwise -- indisposed." "Your timing in this is not as good as it usually is, Larieken." was her somewhat waspish reply. He frowned at that -- it had been long since he had seen her as upset as she was now. "You will explain your comments, I trust?" "In short, the Eloi'a Speaker named Aeilyn asked Sech Westcastle to turn over her daughter for training in our craft -- she refused. Shortly thereafter, the Speaker ordered one of his underlings to *kidnap* Celia Westcastle. We, along with his now-banished daughter and one other ally, are now in pursuit, following their trail." At this revelation, Larieken momentarily found himself at a loss for words, but this soon passed. "As you say, my timing is not the best -- but as much as I wish I could join you in this mission, this time I cannot. For the moment, a crisis besets my family and my clan, a crisis I cannot, as you say, 'leave hanging'. If I do not act in the here and now, what faces us may tear my family asunder. I cannot allow this to happen, Val'na -- honour demands that I act." "When this is all over, Larieken, we're going to have to sit down together, and then you tell me what *really* happened." He bowed. "It shall be as you say." "In that case, I suppose we've both got more important things to do then run circles around one another with words. I'll see you when we return to Minbar, Larieken. SHARD OF NIGHT out." And even as her image faded, he felt the hand of another slide on top of his own, and turned to meet Belaii's now questioning expression. "A piercing gaze, your Val'na has." she finally admitted. "And one who appears to be veiled in mystery." "I will tell you the full story in time. For now, however, we must begin planning for the council to come." * * * "So quick to move he is, when his *Val'na* calls." "Which only *proves* to me that he has been tainted by his contact with the humans!" Ariekaas angrily replied. But then, the youngest son of Alyt Kendraii forcibly calmed his expression. "And yet, what you said to me is the truth -- I must not give in to my rage if I am to succeed in this matter." "A difficult prospect, to be sure, Ariekaas. Your father does not consider you an appropriate choice because of the... outbursts you have displayed in the recent past. If this were not true, he would not have called out to your *brother* to return to this place." "Again you speak the truth. But what can I do to change his mind, and the minds of the elders?" "The task will not be an easy one, I am afraid, but you must show the council that the humans have indeed affected the way in which your brother now approaches our affairs... that the human 'taint' upon him makes him an unsuitable candidate to conduct the business of your family once your father has passed beyond the Veil." "Yes." Ariekaas whispered, "Tell me more..." * * * A short time later, after the hot-headed youngster had gone on his way, the warrior that Ariekaas named as friend and confidante entered into conference with two others of his clan, and the discussion that followed would not have been a pleasant one for any one member of Kendraii's family to overhear. "So." the eldest of the three gravely pondered, "A most difficult choice to make! On one hand we have *Anla'shok* Larieken, the warrior who ran away to fight the fight against Darkness and shattered tradition in the process... and on the other, his younger brother Ariekaas, full of anger and pride, and almost *completely* lacking in common sense." "Your analysis would appear to be an appropriate one, Alyt. Now that Kendraii's oldest child has been banished, neither of those who follow appear to be... suitable to take up the role of family head after Kendraii has passed beyond." The 'ally' paused for a moment, then, his expression one of polite calculation. "The situation would appear to be ripe for the downfall of a family that has stood amongst our upper echelon for *far* too long." "Your analysis appears to be an appropriate one." the third member of the triad replied. "It is entirely possible that we may be able to influence the elders to choose neither of them to lead after Kendraii. If we succeed in this, if Ariekaas is proven unsuitable to lead and Larieken is returned to his exile amongst the Anla'shok, along with any he has called to his side in this matter, the power that Kendraii has shared with five of his line may finally be broken. Which should free up space for... others to become ascendant." "A most interesting suggestion. Let us discuss this matter further..." * * * To be continued! http://www.connect.ab.ca/~dgolding/index.htm From: dgolding@connect.ab.ca Subject: STAR AND CIRCLE: "The Seeker's Fire", Episode VIII, Act II Date: Wed, 01 Dec 1999 23:57:21 "STAR AND CIRCLE: THE SEEKER'S FIRE" EPISODE EIGHT "MYTHOS" (disclaimers and associated descriptions in overture) * * * <> Behold hyperspace -- full of distortion waves and hidden pockets of turbulence, concealer of mysteries both guessed at and unknowable. The Centauri were the ones to introduce us to this realm, and as we eventually learned, galctic history has been full of species stumbling across the secret of jump technology and subsequently moving into hyperspace. The beacon grid constructed between here and the Rim by forces both modern and ancient guides us between stars like skaters following grooves across an ice-covered pond. Of the spaces between and the water beneath, we know nothing... only that ships dissapear on occasion... and that rumours abound. Now, behold an arrow cast from a bow of justice sought, a bolt sent in pursuit of that which has been stolen. It has been said by some that there is nothing faster then the myriad ships of the White Star Fleet. Those authorities are wrong. There *is* something faster... several somethings, as a matter of fact. * * * ISAS SHARD OF NIGHT - in pursuit. May 18th, 2267, human reckoning. "Mr. Dawson," Julia abruptly began as her all-too-obviously harried chief engineer arrived on the bridge, "Why don't I come straight to the point -- now that we've found the trail of the ship controlled by this 'Saakli' that Observer Nirisha has told us about, how long can we keep this up?" "Well, the last time a captain of the SHARD tried something like this, I had to forcibly restrain our former chief engineer from doing something unfortunate," Dawson thoughtfully replied. "But as for an answer to your question, to be honest, Captain, I don't think that we've *yet* pushed this ship as far as it can go." "Well *now* we're going to try." Julia paused then to cast a quick glance outwards into the reddish hell of hyperspace visible through the bridge viewports before turning her attention towards the tactical station, where Sheynell's pale features shimmered with blue and orange from the tactical projection her station was projecting at the moment. "Anla'shok Keynes. What is..." "The status of the trail?" the telepath wryly replied. "You peeked." "Did not, as a matter of fact. For now at least, it looks as if we're going quite a bit faster then this ship of..." "Saakli." Nirisha re-supplied from the far side of the bridge. "...Saakli's is. Then again, they had several hours head start on us, so even though the emission trail from his ship has increased in magnitude since we've begun this pursuit, I simply don't know enough about these Eloi'a ships to make an accurate guess as to how far behind them we are." "Perhaps I can help." Nirisha commented as she approached the tactical station to gaze critically upon the sensor output. "Ah, yes -- his vessel is a..." everyone winced then as the avian proceeded to rattle off a high noted sequence in her own language... "As I had suspected. The news is somewhat promising, then -- this class of operative-vessel does not possess as much drive capability as some of the other vessels in our fleet... and even though I suspect Saakli is pushing his command to the limit in order to reach the TIELDA'S PRIDE before we reach him, we are presently overtaking his vessel at our present velocity. I estimate no more then ten of your hours before the pursuit concludes." "And would you care to additonally estimate how long it will take for him to reach your father's vessel with the captive child?" Klairika inquired, her tone pleasant yet carrying a hint of steel. "Between ten and twelve of your hours, if the plans my father was making before my banishment have not changed." "So in other words," Julia went on, "They could still reach the flagship before *we* reach them." Nirisha sadly nodded. "Then we need to go faster, don't we? Dasouri!" "Val'na!" the Drazi helmsman immediately replied. "Time for us to find out how fast this ship can *really* go." "As you command." And a moment later, the barely heard and felt background shriek of the SHARD's engines climbed another notch, which drew a wince out of Dawson. "While the cause is a good one, Captain, I don't recommend keeping this up for too long." "We will keep this up, as you say, Mr. Dawson," she icily replied as she returned to her chair, "Until we catch our prey." "In that case," the chief engineer replied with a sigh, "I've got work to do below. I'll be back in a bit for that meeting we've got planned, though. Later, folks..." "Why do they always look so worried?" Nirisha commented a moment later, her face creased with puzzlement. "It is the same among our kind, as well." "They who?" Warren Holm curiously asked from the secondary fire control station. "Why... 'engineers' of course, I believe you call them." "It's part of the job description, I guess." * * * the pleasant voice asked her. Celia nodded, as she bent down to pick up the food and water the nightbirds had left for her. "They're gone, I *think* -- but they left me the same food again... I don't like it!" "I *guess*." The child began to pace in the darkness, then, even as she slowly drank the water the nightbirds had given her... that tasted strange, too. "Are you *sure* there's no way I can escape from the nightbirds?" her friend confirmed. "And you're telling me we're on a *ship*?" "Wow." Celia whispered, momentarily forgetting her fear as she tried to think about the red-stuff that hyperspace was. Her brother had tried to tell her about it, but he always made it sound silly. Mom was a way better storyteller, though -- she had even told them about the time Dad and the President had attacked a Vorlon observation post, once! Celia shivered -- scarry stuff, though the Shadow stories were *always* worse. "Where do you think we're going?" the Voice admitted. "'Guess so." At that point, her face brightened. "Promise you won't leave me?" the Voice gravely replied. * * * "About time you got here." Julia muttered, as she and Alwyn moved out of the hangar bay together, while several of the fighter pilots looked upon Alwyn's tiny black craft with interest. "I was beginning to think..." "Now, now," the Technomage cautioned, "Don't be impatient! -- we tend to dig our heels in and be stubborn if we're pushed." "So I've noticed." "Hmm, yes... Galen has had a great deal of things to say about you, and not many of them are complimentary. But then again, until I've actually seen you in action, I shouldn't be judgemental I suppose." "So you're giving me a chance, then?" Julia asked with wide-open eyes, as they entered the transport car that would whisk them down towards engineering. Alwyn snorted. "And now, she tries to flatter me!... won't work, girl. But yes, I approach this situation with an open mind. Please do your best to ensure it stays open." "Yes, *sir*." she mischeviously replied. "And is my wizardly companion going to tell me what all these... things he's carrying are for?" "Well, since President Sheridan, in his *infinite* wisdom, decided to make you the captain of this ship, I suppose I should, yes. It is my understanding that your chief engineer is becoming a bit concerned with the way that things are progressing -- this chase you are undertaking is pushing this ship harder then it has ever been pushed before. As such, I am willing, for a short time, mind you!... to offer your Chief the use of a Technomage power source to augment his own reactors." "You... honour us, sir." she slowly replied, all humour gone from her voice now. "Greatly." "I'm *so* happy to hear you say that. Additionally, we may want to do a bit of creative tinkering with your weapons grid before you go up against the Eloi'a and their somewhat more advanced technology." Alwyn sighed. "I suppose I will need to speak to your weapons officer as well, then... the telepath who once served with a... Mr. Bester, I believe it was?" "Riggght." "Oh good, my intelligence data's accurate, then -- but let's deal with the power problem and Mr. Dawson's hair pulling antics first, shall we?" She laughed at that, which defused a great deal of tension she had bottled up inside her since this pursuit had begun. "For someone who's never been on this ship before, Technomage Alwyn, you seem to have an awful lot of inside information on my crew!" Alwyn tapped the side of his nose. "We are wizards, Observer Tikopai -- ad we are capable of many things, some mysterious, and many useful. For now, let's just say that we like to see the *big* picture when we can." "I see. And just out of interest, what price will we have to pay for your services?" "Ask not the price before the deed is done." Alwyn warned. "Be assured there will be a price, there always is with my kind... but let us discuss this at mission's end. For now, there are far more important things to think about." And with that, the Technomage fell silent, and Julia realized that was all she would get out of him on the subject for now, at least. * * * Tuzanor. "What's taking so long?" Jennifer demanded, as William stood on the balcony overlooking Tuzanor, holding his son's hand tightly in his own. "Why hasn't she called?" "She won't have caught them yet, love..." he replied, and a moment later she moved to be with him, leaning hard into his shoulder, a position familiar to him now from their years together. "Let's give them a little more time before we start worrying." * * * "And now," Nirisha began, as the senior crew reclined at their ease in the conference room on bridge-deck, "I will fulfill another part of the bargain that ties us together. Your captain, as many of you are aware, shares special abilities with me -- we see patterns in history, and we are drawn to important events like the insects of your worlds are drawn to the flame. To record these events for the benefit of those who follow, to warn... and to instruct, these should be our goals. To reveal to those who follow the pain of the past, so that these things should never happen again. This was not always the way it was, though." the Eloi'a continued as she slowly strode back and forth, the fine-tipped claws of her feet clicking against the deck as she walked. "Over seven thousand human years ago, we lived in innocence, without the benefit of the Order to guide us... without any warning of what was to come. We came into being in a much *larger* Cradle then the one we now inhabit." she continued, her voice a whisper against the silence. "The first of my kind came to sentience with a billion-fold lights filling our night skies... the fires of this disk of stars you name 'home' above us." "You originally come from one of the *Companions*?" Klairika incredulously inquired. "The larger of the systems *her* kind name Magellanic Clouds, yes." Nirisha acknowledged, gesturing in Julia's direction. "We rose to sentience, and then to the stars themselves. In time we discovered evidence that other races had gone before us, for even as it is in this galaxy of yours, the ancients built jump portals for us to use and understand... and we spread to six hands of stars at our height... before the Fall came. The universe was a bright place for us in that age, and there were no shadows to fear." "But all that changed." Sheynell quietly noted. Nirisha nodded again, her eyes now full of pain. "The date of that terrible encounter is well recorded in our legends. In the six hundred and seventh year of our expansion we came across a species that asked no questions, took no prisoners, but only drove all before them, destroying what they could not catch. Their ships we could not touch, and our fleets, they tore to shreds... and soon enough, our colonies began to fall. They were not the Dark Ones, but since this was the time of our youth among the stars, they were more then bad enough. In that time, the First Observer, an Eloi'a named Eteiras-Elan-Tireen, came among us and cried out to be heard -- he told us that an Exodus would be necessary if any of us were to survive. At first he was not believed, but in time, as the predictions of Eteiras began to come true, and we faced our Doom at last, our leaders chose to hear the words of their Observer, and built a mighty fleet of ships. Into this fleet we went, and as one we left our world-of-birth behind, and went forth into the void, with the forces of our enemy close behind. Our world they destroyed, this we are sure of." "You say," Dasouri inquired, "That you come from galactic companion to this place. If this is so, how then did Eloi'a pass from companion cluster named Cradle, to encounter Shadows, to begin search for our peoples? Distance between companion and galaxy is considered... uncrossable by my people." "Not uncrossable, Drazi..." Nirisha sharply corrected, "But not easy to attain. There is, how do I say it? -- a *trail* of stars connecting our former home to this galaxy we now share with you." "The Magellanic Stream." Nicholas confirmed from his position near the doorway. "So you name it? In any case, along this trail the Exodus proceeded, guided by their Observer. Into and out of hyperspace they passed, following the trail of ancient gates laid down before them. Many ships were lost, and some were *taken*..." "Taken?" "Taken, yes, by things in hyperspace. Out of the ships that left our home, only three out of every ten reached their destination. But in the end, before Eteiras passed beyond our call, the surviors opened their gate between worlds, and emerged into the Cradle of Stars, hanging within reach of the civilizations of the galaxy below. And before his death, he taught our kind the signs to look for, the signs he had learned the hard way. Two of his final brood were also Observers... the rest, as they say, is history. In time, we were to encounter a number of other species in our home cluster, and after generations of growing together, we were astonished to discover that these lesser lights now also had Observers among them. After a period of consolidation, the Order was established as it is today, junior members serving the Elders in their flame-crystal towers. And soon enough, those Elders began to choose from among their number an Observer to lead us above all others... Speaker for their policies, voice of their body. We have had many wise Speakers, I will admit... but ever also are there those who disagree with the policies of the Elders. In time, more rules were passed, and the Elders decided to cast out those who stood against them... that they should be banished from the worlds of the Cradle, and shunned by all." "The Fallen." Julia stated. "Just so. In the recent past, however, these choices have begun the work of creating a division amongst my people. Those still loyal to the Order and the old ways are still more numerous, but the number of what you would call 'rebels' grows by the cycle, as those younglings unhappy with the rules of their elders have decided to stand behind the Observers declared Fallen. Their voices grow louder day by day..." "And what your father has done," Klairika inquired, "Has this galvanized the two sides still further?" "It has. My father was commanded by the Elders to uphold the old ways if he was to encounter Observers among your people, as was expected by my... prophecies -- that the Tithing should occur as it always between the Order and those welcomed into the fold, as is *traditional*. Those you would name rebels tried to prevent this from happening, and failed. Those who serve as our voices among the expeditionary fleet may already have relayed word about what has occured -- if so, my brethren will no doubt be infuriated by what my father has done... and warships loyal to the Fallen are probably already on their way into this region." "Hoping to find your father's command?" "I suspect so." "Good God," Nicholas ground out, "A three-way firefight -- that's *all* we need." The engineer rose from his chair, then. "If you'll excuse me, ladies, Alwyn is still waiting for me down in engineering... we haven't finished installing his gizmos yet, so yet again, I bid you adieu." Julia nodded at that, and without a word, Dawson swept out of the room. "Just out of curiousity," Julia guardedly asked, "How easy will it be for us to tell the difference between warships loyal to your father... and those loyal to the Fallen?" "Not easy." the avian replied. "Not easy at all. We will, I fear, only know the difference when the vessels we may encounter open fire. If they open fire on my father's ship, we will know that they are friends. And if they open fire on us..." "We'll know that we're in trouble." Sheynell bluntly finished for her. "Any questions?" * * * Minbar. Teirann holding. "Your expression tells me that you have news you wish to share with me," Belaii allowed, as Larieken sat down at table with her to eat the midday meal. "The elders, they have decided to hear the claims set forth by you and your brother?" "As expected, and it is equally apparent that they wish no delay in this matter." Larieken replied. "The council is called for the Time of Shadows Passing." At that, Belaii sat up straight as a rod, her expression more then slightly shocked. "But that is not even half..." "No, it is not. But they have spoken, and Ariekaas and I must accept that decision. In any case, the decision is perhaps a just one... perhaps they wish to see us as we really are, and not hidden behind a wall of practiced lies?" "You do not refer to yourself in that statement, of course." "No, I do not." Larieken smiled then, as Belaii reached out her hand, and they laced their fingers together. "Ariekaas will no doubt be displeased by this turn of events -- but come, even for us little time now remains more council. Let us discuss what I plan to bring before the elders." * * * "It is not enough time!" Ariekaas exclaimed. "It will have to *be* enough time, Ariekaas!" his erstwhile ally replied, his tone sour. "The elders wait for no Minbari, least of all you!... and if you are late in coming to their council, Larieken will be quick to take advantage of your lapse of common sense!" "Yes, yes!" Ariekaas all but snarled, "I have listened to your words, and listened, and *listened*... I will listen no more. While the advice you have given me is sound -- understand at the same time that I must make my own decisions and speak my own opinions, as well." "Of course you must, Ariekaas." the other allowed, the faintest touch of a mocking smile now on his face. "The choice is yours -- I now leave you to your thoughts. Pray that they are sufficient to protect you against what is to come." But would it be enough, Ariekaas furiously considered as his 'ally' departed. Was there any way of affecting the outcome of this council meeting, of swinging things in his favour? And then a cunning smile came onto his face... of course. The comment his friend had made in passing about 'being late'... it had not just been in passing. The inference was a clear one, now the question was, could he act on that suggestion? COULD his brother be delayed in his appearance enough to anger the elders, to swing their favour in *his* direction? Now where would Larieken be, was the question -- most likely with *Belaii*... if so, there was opportunity to reach Larieken's *place* of meditation before he did. Perhaps there would be opportunity to arrange an 'accident' of sorts. * * * "He is a fool!" "Indeed he is," the leader of the group manipulating Kendraii's youngest son replied. "He is a fool, and this means that he will no doubt discredit himself, doing our work for us. We need only focus our arguments on the Anla'shok outsider. We thank you for your work in this, but Larieken must be considered our prime target." "I pray that you are right in this." "I am. Now, as I was saying before we were so *rudely* interrupted..." * * * To be continued... * * * http://www.connect.ab.ca/~dgolding/index.htm From: dgolding@connect.ab.ca Subject: STAR AND CIRCLE: "The Seeker's Fire", Episode VIII, Act III Date: Wed, 08 Dec 1999 23:45:15 "STAR AND CIRCLE: THE SEEKER'S FIRE" EPISODE EIGHT "MYTHOS" (disclaimers and associated descriptions in overture) * * * <> Medlab onboard ISAS SHARD OF NIGHT -- in pursuit. May 18th, 2267. "He is sleeping for the time being, then?" "How did you guess?" "A reasonable assumption to make -- if he had not been, *you* would not have emerged to take rest from this vigil you have held at his side, ever since we left Minbar to begin this 'stern chase' -- which is, is it not, the way your kind describe such pursuits?" Having said all that, Physician Veyshahk then turned his attention upon the vital statistics of his nearby patient while Jaarisa Kaise finished up the cup of herbal tea (or was it something else?) which had mysteriously materialized in Medlab some moments before. "Ever since we've come aboard, sir," she finally replied, "He's been... much quieter then he normally is." As one, the two turned their heads at that point to gaze at the reclined figure of Alkanion Verah through the cross-hatched crystal pane behind them. "I find this curious." "Perhaps this has to do with the presence of another of his kind aboard." Veyshahk replied after a moment. "I have heard that Sech Westcastle, together with our Val'na, have chosen to visit him on occasion -- and that from time to time their presence seems to calm him. In this case, however, the effect, whatever it may be, may be amplified due to the greater... skills of our Eloi'a guest." "I must confess I do not understand how this 'Observing' can be as important as reports suggest it is!" Jaarisa said. "To weave the threads of a history together into a tapestry for future generations is a special gift, I will admit -- but the evidence laid before us by this contact with the Eloi'a that suggests the 'gift' that Anla'shok Sech Westcastle and Val'na Tikopai share with Alkanion Verah is genetic in nature... this I find harder to believe." "And from that statement, comes another thread I would discuss with you at this time," was the Minbari's reply. "Trainee Kaise, it is apparent to me that you hold interest in the art of healing others. As you must soon choose your path with the Anla'shok, it would please me greatly if you would join me on the path that I walk with Anla'shok Nividia and the rest." Veyshahk smiled, then. "Our numbers are small for now, but in time, this may yet change." For a moment she did not reply, so astonished was she by the physician's suggestion -- but then, a smile blossomed on her face, as she *finally* realized what it was she had been unconsciously aiming towards all along, since Observer Verah had fallen under her care. "Your suggestion, sir -- it is truly a remarkable one. Why, the answer I have been searching for, it has been before me all this time!" "Such is the way of things, on occasion." Veyshahk allowed. "And now that this has been decided..." All conversation slid to a halt then, however, as the doors at the main entrance to Medlab slid apart behind them, and a small procession of Rangers entered the room. Central to the new arrivals were two individuals that she had only just been thinking about a moment before. The first, her shimmery wings tucked close in behind her back, her grayish-green plumage neatly groomed, was their avian-heritaged guest, the Eloi'a named Nirisha-Shalios- Trakande. The other, of course, the black-and-silver uniformed captain of this vessel -- and as always, Jaarisa shied away from meeting her rapier gaze -- a silly reaction to have with a woman who was over five years younger then herself... but nevetheless appeared the same age as she did. "Veyshahk." The Minbari bowed. "Val'na, your timing is excellent on this occasion... as usual -- he is at peace for the time being. What it is your companion is about to attempt -- she would be wise to begin *now*, before he awakens to realize what is happening." "Nirisha?" "The circles of being wait for no one," their visitor replied, her voice low and mysterious. "But the synchrony cannot be ignored -- in this place and this time, the circles of flesh, spirit and star may indeed stand as one. He is near to us, but so very *far* away at the same time." "Can you reach him?" "I believe so." came the avian's reply as she moved through into the room where the other Observer slept unawares. "Now all must be silent -- heed my words, if this is to succeed, I must not be distracted!" * * * Her claws fully retracted-in-peace, Nirisha took a deep breath into her powerful lungs as she reached out her hands and laid them carefully against the face of the human below her -- and then closed her eyes, whispering as she did so the ancient chant of Together-walking for the ill one to hear, as she reached out to touch the muddled currents of thoughts that moved within him. The phrases of the First-brood escaped from her mouth in a silent blurred torrent as she searched through the mists of *gla'ima* to find the pattern of his mind, and slowly, ever so slowly, she fell out of the waking world and into the in-between of what he was. It had been a long time since she had done such a thing as this -- too long. Father, of course, had frowned on the practice as being 'beneath her station' but only in Together-walking could Observers truly deduce the patterns of the souls -- the nature of those they would call friends. In time she would attempt this with Julia-Seeker-Tikopai... before they parted ways at the end of this affair, as inevitably they would. For now, however, she walked down a different road -- a road that descended into darkness. And then *fire*. "Who are you?" the man cried out, as she emerged out of the night onto a ledge of rock that stretched out of sight in both directions. "What are you?" "A friend." she gently replied. "A hand to hold on to, in your time of need." "I have been alone in the Dreamtime for so long -- dimly I have heard the whispers of the Others, but though I have cried out to them for aid, they could not hear me!" the man replied, his eyes showing the despair that had plagued him for so long. "You are the first to reach me in this place." Again he frowned. "Human, you are not -- you must first tell me what you are if I am to trust in this vision." "Of course I must. Eloi'a, I am... and an Observer, such as yourself." "You have the *sense*, yes -- but strong, stronger then I have ever known!" "The others have sent me to help you, Alkanion Verah -- and help you I shall, if you would let me do so. The first thing I shall ask is this -- you are hiding from the world, hiding from your fears behind a mask of madness. Why have you done this thing?" "Know this place, do you?" Verah replied, gesturing behind him -- and then, all of a sudden, Nirisha suddenly saw what was behind him, and could not stifle a sudden gasp -- it was a *city*, a city of darkness and light, in a cave vaster then any she had ever beheld. "I see from your expression that you do not. Very well, then, tell you I will what this place is -- the city of darkness and light, the heart of the place named *Z'ha'dum*... the homeworld of the beings named Shadows. Imprisoned here, I was, before the man named Westcastle came to save me." "The Dark Ones kept you in this place?" she managed. "They did. They sought to use my talents to advance their own plans to fruition, but other forces denied them this aid. An ancient being came to me, and drew me away from Z'ha'dum. In time, I came to meet the man who would seek to save me, and on his ship of wonders, we moved towards a place of safety, a place where my rescuer assured me I would be safe." Verah's expression turned bitter at that point, however. "The truth was not so kind -- in a moment of weakness, they came upon us, the ones of Light, the speakers of *lies* -- the ones named... Vorlons." In a sudden instant, the world around them changed, and Nirisha suddenly beheld a vast armada of tentacled vessels in space, the power of their golden forms unmistakable -- full of menace and unstoppable pride. "Took me, they did, into a place of horrors -- they asked me many questions, painful questions, and when I did not give them the answers they sought, more pain did they deal in return." Of course. "You've been hiding from them!" she managed. "They hurt you badly, both the Dark Ones *and* these Vorlons." "I cannot face them again, not after what they did to me!" Verah suddenly cried. "I will hide from them in this place until the end of time if need be, but I cannot face them again!" "Human," Nirisha carefully replied, "A secret, I must tell you -- the ones who lead in this place, the ones named Sheridan and Delenn, they have banished both Dark Ones and Vorlons beyond the walls of night. They are gone, Alkanion Verah!... for more then six of your years they have been gone." "Gone?" Verah suddenly cried out, his face now full of anger. "No, I do not believe you, bird-woman -- I *cannot* believe you. You speak lies!" "Lies?" she all but snarled in return. "You would dare accuse me of this? You would accuse a daughter-of-the-Circle, an Observer such as yourself, of such a thing?" "I do not believe you, I *cannot* simply accept your word on this matter!... it is too easy a way out, for all that I know, you may be an agent of theirs, sent to draw me out of my hiding-place! Too much pain have I suffered at their hands to come so easily out of this place.. Proof you must give me, before this tale of yours I will believe." It was in that moment that Nirisha decided she had him *right* where she wanted him. The strain would be difficult, but it was necessary -- and a moment later, she rose back into the waking world, and turned her gaze towards the Rangers who waited nearby. "Julia..." she whispered, "Help me, you must, to convince him that I do not lie." "Help you... how?" "Were you not at the last battle of the War of Light and Darkness?" Nirisha sharply replied. "The battle your records speak of, above the world named Corianna VI?" "I was, yes." Julia said, her gaze now faraway as Nirisha watched her sink back ito a memory of a time best forgotten. "And I will never forget that day, for as long as I live." "That proof, I require. Give to me your hand, Seeker..." she commanded, falling into the cadence of circle-prime to student. "Show him your memories, we must." "But I... I don't how to do what you want me to!" "I will guide you in this," Nirisha promised. "You need only *follow*." * * * The ways of the world are sometimes mysterious ones, she would write later on -- and there are many things hidden from us that happen just the same. In that instant of understanding, I watched the visitor and the captain of the SHARD OF NIGHT merge their left and right hands and drop into communion with the man I had cared almost since I had come to this place to become Anla'shok. I watched their eyes flutter almost closed in that moment of union -- and finally, I beheld a miracle... as Alkanion Verah cried out, a cry of surprise and of disbelief, as he rose fully into the conscious world for the first time in almost seven human years. * * * "It is true, then?" Verah asked, his voice shaky, as the two who had brought him back stood before him. "Are they actually gone?" "We have showed you the truth of what is." Nirisha replied. "There is no other." "Tell me this, you must -- what is the year?" "It is the fifth month of the Earth Year 2267." Julia slowly replied, and she almost looked aside then to see the dismay that appeared on the other's face at those words. "The galaxy has changed a great deal since you fell behind your veil of madness, Mr. Verah... and as much as I would like to explain this to you, for the moment I simply do not have the time... but *she* might." "And... she is?" "Her name is Jaarisa Kaise -- and she has invested a great deal of time in ensuring your continued health in recent months. Talk to her, and she will talk in return... won't you, Trainee Kaise?" "It would be... an honour to serve in this way." Kaise replied, her words slow and steady, although she still showed her shock at Alkanion Verah's sudden recovery from Julia's point of view. "Greetings to you, then, sir -- it seems that we have a great deal to talk about." "And now this deed is done," Nirisha whispered in her ear, "It is time for us to be elsewhere. She will tell him all he needs to hear, Julia -- and in a shorter time then any of us may believe, a new weaving may emerge." "How, exactly, did we do that?" she asked, her voice full of wonder now as she ran her mind back over the bright memory of the link just past. "Is it because..." Nirisha nodded. "All three of us are Observers, my Seeker-friend -- our talents, while not finely honed on the part of you and the other, may dance as one in situations such as this one. I had indeed hoped the matter would as easy to resolve as this -- it is with relief that on this occasion I find those hopes to be one and the same with reality." "Which is all for the best, of course." Julia replied with a sigh, "Since our *prime* concern has yet to be dealt with." "It should not be much longer, now." As if to reinforce that claim, all of a sudden an image of Klairika, the rest of the bridge behind, sprang into existence ahead of them. "Ah, Val'na -- there you are." "Spare me the small talk, Klairika -- what's up?" "The outermost elements of our probe network have just overtaken the vessel commanded by the Eloi'a named... Saakli." the Brakiri replied with bared teeth. "If all goes well, we shall soon be overtaking that vessel. Do I, at this time, have your leave to bring this vessel to full combat readiness?" * * * Minbar. "There is little time left to do what must be done." "There will be enough time for us to do what we must... we have observed the others speaking their dark words... and the seeds they have planted in young Ariekaas will shortly be bearing fruit, I fear." "What will he do, do you think?" "What is expected, of course. One of the only ways for Kendraii's youngest child to gain advantage in this is to ensure that his Anla'shok brother does not arrive at council on time..." "Do you fear sabotage, then?" A shrug. "It is... inevitable, I am afraid -- but nevertheless, the result may not be what Ariekaas is expecting." * * * Ariekaas remembered the times before the war -- remembered how his brother had always had 'places of power' that he would retreat to in times of great doubt and struggle with the thoughts that were... with the patterns that might yet be. Already during this visit Larieken had stood at one of those -- and now, predictable as always, he had come to the greatest of those that remained -- the bridge at Kei'zhei portal. That bridge had stood across the gorge for over seven hundred cycles... and while what he planned here today would not damage the bridge overly, he had taken several steps to ensure that there would be no connection made between the 'accident' to come and the council close at hand. His gaze certain, his hand steady, Ariekaas watched the scene unfold through the watcher's-crystal his 'friends' had given him some time ago. A useful technology, this was -- all one had to do was place small elemental crystals infused with certain optical/transmission technologies, and one could safely observe the movements of those one was interested in... watching. And in this moment, Ariekaas watched with baited breath as his brother slowly approached the north side of Kei'zhei portal, and the gateway through the canyon wall that waited there. Watched, and carefully set his finger against the remote trigger in his right hand, a trigger that spoke to a countless multitude of tiny explosives which had wormed their way into the rock face above his brother only moments before. A terrible rock fall it would be, he had calculated the aspects of the 'disaster' quite throroughly in multiple predictive runs since he had gone into seclusion following his disagreement with his... friend. A terrible fall, but not life-threatening -- Larieken would recover, but by then, the council would be over -- and it would be too late. His concentration on the moment immense, Ariekaas awaited until his brother stepped into the portal itself -- and then his finger came down on the trigger. And if he had seen the figure stepping *out* of the portal to meet his brother, would his reaction have been any different? * * * In the times to come, Larieken would go back over and over this moment in his mind, seeking to find a moment in time where things could have gone differently -- a different future, without the moments of pain that had resulted in this one. He remembered the sharp crack of stone... remembered looking up to see a hundred and more fragments of stone shatter away from thec canyon wall above him. There would be no time... and then there was, as an ever-so-familiar pair of hands closed around his waist, and *pulled* him bodily through the portal. Even then their escape was not complete, however, as with a thunderous roar, the rockfall smashed down upon the surface of the bridge and then rebounded, casting long, jagged slivers of stone in all directions. One of those grazed his face... While three more far larger ones embedded themselves in the shoulder and head of the one who had saved him from his fate. And after a moment of disorientation, he found himself looking up into the face of the one he loved in his life... and feeling his heart tighten to see the blood pouring down her face from the wound she had endured only a moment before... blood echoed in lesser amounts by the wound in her shoulder, and also that running down his own face. "Belaii!" he cried out, "Why did you do this thing?" "For you, I would dare to assault all the hidden dark places we know of in this life," she whispered in reply, her breath coming in short gasps through the pain she was feeling, while he ripped aside a piece of fabric from his garments and tied it around her head to staunch the blood loss. "And now, for me, justice you must seek. This was not... not a natural fall, Larieken. A force saught to keep you from council this day of all days -- a guess, my love, to the identity of that individual." Even at that, even at hearing those words from her lips, his hands tightened upon her own, so did he wish to doubt her accusation. "Minbari do not kill Minbari." he exclaimed, invoking the time-honored saying as bastion against a truth he did not want to believe. "He did not seek to kill you, Larieken -- only to *delay*." "He shall pay for his choices then, this day," he ground out as he took her into his arms and moved away at speed, one of his hands clamped tightly upon the wound in her shoulder. "This cowardly act must be answered for!" "And answer for it, he shall... but not in the manner you seek in *this* instant." she whispered in his ear, barely conscious now. "Promise me you will remember reserve before you face him -- promise me, Larieken, or this thing that we have together may die." "In Valen's Name, I swear it shall be as you say." he promised. "There shall be a reckoning between us -- but I hear your words, now you must hear mine. Listen to my voice, Belaii, we approach a place where help may be found..." * * * Elsewhere. "What's happening?" the girl cried out in the darkness. "Why won't you talk to me?" "I thought you were my friend!" Celia shouted. "You said you'd never leave me alone!" the voice carefully replied, in a tone the child could not understand. * * * "Will she never cease that confounded wailing?" Saakli ground out, his expression bitter. "It was my belief, Speaker, that your... intervention would aid in this." the larger-than-life image of Aeilyn nodded, his expression severe and pleased at the same instant. "And help it has, my friend... help it has. The time when she will accept the offer grows near -- now all that you have to do is reach us. We are near, the distance grows short!" "I pray that you are right, for our time is running out..." It was at that very moment, of course, that the low sustained rumble of a proximity warning filled the command-deck of Saakli's bridge, and the operative winced. "Pray let me amend my previous statement, O Observer -- our time appears to have run out." * * * "Weapons officer," Julia smoothly began, as she took her seat at the heart of the bridge. "Our range to target, if you please." "Their stealth-tech's making it difficult for us to get a clear lock on them." Sheynell replied, her gaze intent upon her instruments. "Less then twenty thousand kilometres, more then fifteen... but we're closing on them, *rapidly*." "Stand by." Klairika replied to her fellow Ranger, "I am about to change the sensor network scanning pattern... perhaps this will help." "If I make another suggestion," Nirisha advised, "It may be possible for us to bring this vessel's stealth technology 'into phase', if you will, with the technology built into Saakli's vessel." "Nicholas?" Julia inquired, "Is that possible?" "Maybe..." the engineer replied, a moment later. "Hold on -- Alwyn's nodding his head wisely in the corner -- tell you what, let me confer with our resident wizard for a moment, and then we'll see what we can do for you." "Do your best, Mr. Dawson -- bridge out." And with that, Julia's expression turned even more hawk-like. "Anla'shok Keynes -- time until we enter weapons range?" "Estimating... eighty seconds." And then, the telepath blinked. "Make that seventy-one seconds, mark! Whatever it was Nicholas and our guest did down there, it's done wonders for our fire control system. Range to target, nine thousand one thousand kilometres and closing!" "Get me a channel to the enemy vessel." "Done." Klairika replied a moment later. "This is Anla'shok Val'na Tikopai of the Interstellar Alliance warship SHARD OF NIGHT to Eloi'a vessel. You will stand your vessel down and prepare to be boarded -- you have sixty seconds to comply." "He will *not* stand down." Nirisha muttered, as the seconds ticked by. "It is not his way. And I warn you not to underestimate him, and especially not to underestimate my father. As well you know, when things appear easiest, there will be trouble." "Maybe not this time, Nirisha. After all, we reached him before he reached your father, now didn't we?" "We've just entered weapons range!" Sheynell suddenly exclaimed at that point. "All batteries are hot!" "Bring the secondaries to bear on a vector off of his port quarter, if you please." Julia commanded. "Ready." "Fire!" Almost as one, the two vessels, hunted and hunter, fell towards a natural fold in hyperspace with only slightly more then four thousand kilometres separating them. It was at that point, as two golden threads of energy rocked his vessel with their passage that a now desperate Saakli ordered his vessel flipped end over end and fired in return... a shot that went wide as the just as maneuverable SHARD OF NIGHT ducked beneath the weapons burst and closed to near point-blank-range. Julia began to smile -- if this was how the hunt was going to end, they were getting off *easy*. "Make ready our boarding party, Klairika." she said, rising to her feet. "This was easier then I thought it was going to..." Then it was that she realized the entire bridge had gone silent... and slowly, very slowly, she turned around. "Be?" As the half-mile wide prow of the Eloi'a dreadnought TIELDA'S PRIDE emerge out of the hyperspace pocket in front of them. "This is, then," Dasouri wearily said for them all, "How trouble is defined where you come from?" * * * To be continued... * * * http://www.connect.ab.ca/~dgolding/index.htm From: dgolding@connect.ab.ca Subject: STAR AND CIRCLE: 'The Seeker's Fire', Episode VIII, Act IV Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 00:21:39 "STAR AND CIRCLE: THE SEEKER'S FIRE" EPISODE EIGHT "MYTHOS" (disclaimers and associated descriptions in overture) * * * <> Eloi'a Dreadnought TIELDA'S PRIDE -- command sphere. Victory. Speaker Aeilyn-Trakande-Xexus of the Cradle of Stars watched the situation unfold before him, and knew that he had won... that all would now proceed as he had seen. As they often had with the Dark Enemy from time to time, his Wingleader had chosen to take advantage of a natural 'fold' in hyperspace to hide his massive vessel from clear view -- and slowly, *very* slowly, they had moved towards the rendezvous agreed upon in the times-before. Now, there upon the holographic depict at his private station, he could see the tiny icon of Saakli's vessel fleeing onward at the greatest speed it could manage... while close behind, the much *larger* icon-form of the Alliance vessel commanded by the militarist human Observer named Tikopai swiftly closed the distance to firing range. "Speaker!" the Wingleader entreated, casting a somewhat desperate gaze in his direction as Aeilyn watched the icon-status of Saakli's ship suddenly change as his pursuer ordered two shots-of-warning sent across her quarry's bow -- so be it, Saakli had finally turned his ship end over end to bring his largest weapons to bear upon his opponent -- but they were close now, *so* close. "Speaker -- if now we do not act, your prize, it may be lost!" "No, my Wingleader, it will not... and right you are, as always. Bring us out of our hiding place... slowly. The status of our forward batteries, if you please?" "All missile batteries are fully loaded, ready to fire." the Wingleader reported, as the bow of the TIELDA'S PRIDE emerged out of the hyperspace fog and into clear view. "You intend to engage the Alliance vessel, then?" "Only so far as *is* necessary." Aeilyn gravely replied. "Even though she has now proven herself as Fallen as the other human, I will not kill an Observer, not even for the prize I seek... the prize which, due to the communion I have been conducting with the human child as of late, will soon be mine. Instruct the firing crews that they are to *disable* the Alliance vessel, not destroy it. Do you understand my orders, Wingleader?" "I do." the Wingleader reported, and a moment later, after a brief intership discussion, he nodded again. "As do the firing crews. All is ready." "Then you may open fire, of course." Aeilyn finalized. "Let us end this charade." * * * "Missile launch!" Sheynell cried out. "Eight... no, twelve inbound!" "Launch countermeasures." Julia ordered, as the tension on the bridge of the SHARD rose another notch. "Dasouri, the evasive patterns you learned in flight school -- now would be a *very* good time to use them." The Drazi nodded grimly -- and a moment later, the SHARD flung itself into a complicated series of maneuvers while simultaneously launching a dozen plasma countermeasures charges from its fore and rear launchers -- charges that almost immediately caused the dispersal and destruction of the first missile salvo the Eloi'a had cast at them, while their parent ship continued to spin across the ruddy skies of hyperspace in a fashion only made possible by White Star technology. There was, however, no time for Julia to rejoice at this reprieve, as a moment later her opponent launched *twice* as many missiles as he had the first time. "This... is not good." a now tense Sheynell muttered, as the new and larger salvo swiftly crossed the gap between the two warships to meet another wall of plasma fire. "We haven't hit our limit in full defensive mode yet, Val'na -- but we will, if this keeps up for much longer." "Anla'shok Fenric!" Julia suddenly snapped out, "Is your squadron ready for launch?" "Ready and prepped to engage the enemy, Captain..." the dry voice of her squadron commander came back. "Just give the word." "You may consider the word given, then, Mr. Fenric." she replied, as behind her, Klairika immediately opened the launch ports in the battlecruiser's skin, while the second set of Eloi'a missiles met Minbari plasma charges and died the same death as their earlier brethren. "Let's see if this doesn't even the odds a little." * * * "At last!" Saakli exclaimed, as he and his fellow operatives moved through the metal-laced interior of the Eloi'a flagship away from the smallship docking portal with no small amount of relief, now that the long flight was over with. "Let us pray this has been worth it..." he added a moment later, casting a quick glance back at the struggling human child held firmly in the claws of those-who-followed. "Safely aboard, are you?" a voice from above called out. "How... commendable." "Commendable, you say... remarkable would perhaps be more accurate. But in any case, what is, is. I trust that you wish the human child brought to the command-sphere, Speaker?" "Yes -- that will suffice for the time being..." At which point, Saakli and all those around him suddenly stumbled, as the mighty dreadnought shuddered around him, its gravity field momentarily thrown out of whack. "You will have to excuse me for the time being, however, most favored servant... it appears as if the enemy has cast out a few *pests* that we must deal with before this movement can be brought to an end." * * * Minbar. Teirann Holding. "He is coming, isn't he?" "That is so, yes. After the action the youngling is taken, what do you believe he will do? Perhaps he may be full of righteous anger at what has been done to the one he cares for -- if this is so, the choices we must make will not be easy ones." "Remember that the choices we make must be for the good of the clan. Without balance we will falter... without a center to anchor ourselves upon, we will surely fall." "You veil your intent to us, Sina'h -- kindly make your meaning plain." A smile. "It shall be as you wish." * * * He remembered the last time he had been here, to declare his choice to become Anla'shok -- he remembered the stern, black-faced glares his father and eldest brother had worn... the shadows of grief upon the faces of others amongst his clan... and central to it all, solemn and unreadable, his beloved Belaii. Belaii who had watched him turn away from the Clan to wage the war against the Great Enemy -- that same Minbari who now lay in the halls of healing deep in a drug-induced slumber. She had been safely operated upon, and the needle-like stone shrapnel removed from her skull and shoulder. That she would recover was certain -- that the one who had done this to her, if not by intent, would pay for his actions was *also* certain. Teirann's council hall was one of the original three -- the three that later became nine and three, as the Clan population grew and spread out to new land in the shadow of the Wall -- and it was unique among them all, for it was not a built place, but a natural one. Aeons ago, the great black mountain named X'zharai had been an active volcano, a volcano that had in time collapsed in its death throes to form a massive crater at its heart... at around the same time as the Wall had formed. As a result of this collapse, great cracks had formed within the mountain's bulk, and caves had later resulted -- including this one, a mighty bubble in the rock a hundred spans high and across -- the floor of which was still warm to the touch -- Larieken smiled at a thought then, of the story his mother had told him, long ago... that the rocks still remembered what they had been, before Minbari had walked in this place. Now, as day passed into night outside, the cavernous chamber was full of shadows -- the glowing crystals that gave it light stoked dimly ...and the cave was also full of his people, come to witness this debate. Larieken nodded stoically at that -- so be it, if that was the way it had to be. Above the multitude stood the great black table where so many decisions had been made -- and at that table, the greatest elders of his clan now sat. This passage, it would be a difficult one, but it was necessary, if his family was to survive. All too necessary. And with that, Larieken strode forward, the warriors of the Wind Swords parting before him like the sea in the ancient human religious saga Julia had once told him about... until he stood before the table of Council, surrounded by silence. But not for long -- another ripple in the clanspeople soon made itself known, and rather abruptly, Ariekaas emerged from that ripple, his expression expectant... an expression that soon passed, however, as Larieken laid a steady, almost *challenging* stare upon him. Now would the combat of the word be joined -- now would decisions be made. "Who comes before us?" a sonorous voice announced, and both brothers turned to face the table, as D'hal Sina'h Araell, she who was eldest among the Wind Swords, rose to her feet and glared down her nose at them. Araell's history was a varied and colorful one -- not only had she been the one to make the first stand against the Streibs when they had run their raids into Minbari space cycles before, she had also commanded three triads of war cruisers in the war with the humans. She had been there at the end, when the call for surrender had come -- and she also come, in the end, to stand beneath the glare of Euphrates when Sheridan had called for the final fleet to gather, just before the great war of the Shadow had come to its close. And now, Larieken locked gazes with the warrior who was greatest amongst his clan, smiled grimly, and began to speak. "I come -- I, who have returned from the deep, returned from my service as called by my father in his time of need." "His time of need, you say?" Ariekaas suddenly countered. "You, who have been gone from this place for cycles, how would you know the nature of our father's needs? Do you refer to the very same father, brother mine, who cast you out for the crime of turning against our family and clan?" "The youngster's point is a valid one, Anla'shok Larieken..." Araell dispassionately noted. "How do you respond to his attack?" "Ariekaas claims that what I did was not in the best interests of the clan -- perhaps he infers that I would now have been one of your most promising young warriors, Sina'h, if I had stayed -- perhaps he is right on both counts. If I had not become Anla'shok, if the Call had not come... these things would be true." "You see?" Ariekaas declared, his expression triumphant. "He admits his flaws, admits that the path he chose was not in the best interests of family and clan! How, then, can one such as this be chosen to lead one of our greatest families in the times to come?" Larieken winced -- the path his brother was taking in this matter was a direct one, and the attack already fierce. Araell gestured sharply as Ariekaas opened his mouth to speak again, and the sudden crash of pike upon crystal filled the chamber -- Larieken nodded at this: even the Elder would only allow *so* much impertinence. "Hasty you are, youngster, to make your closing arguments before we have heard all the evidence." Ariekaas bowed in acquiescence at this reminder, his embarassment plain -- but when he straightened, this had been swept from his face... although if one looked closely, flashes of anger and vindictiveness could still be seen deep in his eyes. "Indeed that is so, Sina'h -- as you suggest, a far more telling piece of evidence awaits our attention. Attend to this, you must!" Kendraii's youngest son suddenly cried out, turning to face the massed members of the clan. "How Larieken of the Wind Swords chose to walk upon the path of the One -- and first encountered the changeling human named Tikopai -- a trifling human female he would soon place above all others. Understand how Larieken, fully Anla'shok even then, was ordered by *Delenn* to take this untried stripling under his wing, train and protect her, and propell her towards her... destiny. And now," Ariekaas continued, "If this can be believed, the roles have been reversed. Rumour speaks in many tongues, but loudest among them is the voice that tells us Sheridan has given one of our greatest creations into the hands of the changeling -- and that Larieken, he who could have been one of the greatest among us... Larieken has decided to place himself into servitude, to answer the impertinent calls of this child who dares to call herself... Anla'shok. From this, deduce that Larieken is flawed to the core by his choices -- tainted by his near-continual involvement with the humans... and not fit to stand as future head of *my* family." Larieken sighed. Again and again, the warriors of his people chose to fling this insult in the face of the one he called friend, and leader -- the one he had, as Ariekaas had already implied, helped guide towards her destiny. The day would come when Julia would have to stand before Shai Alyt Kozorr's council, and answer this challenge. To stand up to the daggered attacks his people were flinging at her from behind. That day was not this day, however -- she could not be here, therefore it was up to him to defend her honor. Up to him to challenge and dispute Ariekaas's 'claims'. And finally, it would have to be him who would reveal what Ariekaas had tried to do to one who was family. And to another who had all but sacrificed herself to protect the one she loved. "He has declared his position, Anla'shok Larieken." Araell finally said, breaking the expectant silence that had filled the council chambers after Ariekaa's emphatic final statement. "Now, as the rules demand, we must honour both sides -- we must hear and understand your side of what is, and what may yet be. Speak to us of these matters, then, Anla'shok Larieken -- speak to us of the reason you left us behind, so many cycles below, and of the claims your brother makes. Tell us the truth -- that is all that we ask." "The truth, you say." he slowly began, the framework of a plan beginnning to come together in his mind. "If it is the truth you want, D'hal Sina'h, then the truth you shall have. Only understand one thing before I tell this tale -- The truth hurts." * * * Sheynell knew this moment would come -- knew in her heart that despite Dasouri's skills, despite Julia's reluctance to open fire with all the weapons at her command... that this moment would come just the same. And so it had, as the Eloi'a missile crews finally overcame her ability to defend against their attacks... As two sniper-like missiles passed cleanly through the wall of countermeasures as if they were nothing but tissue... and cleanly struck against the SHARD's belly and portside engine -- casting shards of organic hull and precious air out into the red hell of hyperspace. * * * Victory -- it was now all but inevitable. Aeilyn clenched his claws in triumph as he observed the Alliance ship suddenly spin out of its complex defensive dance, haloed by the expanding plasma bubbles of the missile strikes upon its hell, and knew that they were done with this dance at last. "The crews may now cease fire." he smugly informed his Wingleader. "And since we have also disabled two of the six smallcraft the enemy sent out to harry our flanks..." "The rest will no doubt swing back to protect their injured mothercraft." the Wingleader agreed. "And since the child is now aboard, perhaps we shall now endeavour to set course for our rendezvous with the..." * * * A scream -- she had heard a scream as blazing sparks erupted from half of the bridge stations -- and most of their so-far reliable systems suddenly fell offline. Sheynell blinked then, and not because of the smoke produced by the suddenly redlined crystal fibre systemics, either -- the scream had not been an audible one, but a *mental* one, instead. And since that was true, who had been doing the screaming -- one of the crew? Or the *ship* itself? "Dasouri, get us back under control!" Julia suddenly commanded, her tone the angriest Sheynell had ever heard, even as the Drazi struggled to bring the suddenly sluggish SHARD out of its strike-induced spin. "Klairika, do be so kind as to inform me what *he* has done to my ship." "Val'na," Klairika haltingly began, "As we feared would occur, two Eloi'a missiles have penetrated our defensive screen -- a combined fifteenth of Decks Seven and Nine lies open to vacuum. Casualties are reported from both areas -- it is confirmed," the Brakiri bleakly added a moment later. "It appears that we have suffered two deaths and three times as many injuries, both minor and serious, in those regions. Veyshahk and his people are responding as quickly as they can." "Mr. Dawson," Julia imperiously called out, as she began to stalk back and forth across the bridge, fist clenching and unclenching as she went. "How soon can you give me maneuvering power and weapons?" "Weapons?" the incredulous chief engineer replied over inter-ship comm a moment later. "We just got our belly torn wide open, and you want to start firing at the..." A moment of silence on the part of the engineer followed, accompanied by some barely heard lecturing in the background, and then, the reply came. "Sorry about that, Cap -- Alwyn's 'explaining' some things to me -- gimme a moment, Captain, we should be back up to two-third's maneuvering and more-or-less, uh, full weapons ability shortly. Engineering out." "For the sake of a child, he had done this thing." came a deadly whisper from below, and Sheynell drew in a deep breath as Julia rose to her feet and turned towards her... and she shuddered to see the *fury* in that gaze. "Anla'shok Dasouri -- as soon as your systems come back online, bring us into close proximity with their drive section..." "The wizard's worked his wonders!" came Dawson's sudden cry from below, even as most of the control surfaces in the bridge shuddered back to life. "Whatever you're going to do, Captain, do it now, before this all falls apart on us!" Anla'shok Keynes..." Julia finalized all too decisively a moment later. "Ready the main gun." * * * "Fleet?" Even as he watched it, Aeilyn could not believe it -- how an vessel he believed disabled and knocked out of contention suddenly spun to rest in space and darted towards his flagship, its movement a blur against the red and black background. How no one on the bridge was given time to respond to the suddenly renewed threat, even as the nose of the Alliance warship named SHARD OF NIGHT suddenly began to glow, four streamers of light focusing in the space just beyond as, inevitably, the childling militarist who was his opponent gave the command to... * * * "Fire!" Julia snapped out, and without pause, Sheynell's hand passed across the crystals in question. Seconds passed, then, seconds in which desparate Eloi'a scrambled to do something, *anything* to prevent what they knew in their hearts could not be prevented. Seconds in which Rangers hoped for the best, and expected the worst. And then, a sun briefly kindled, as a fiery knife sprang out and carved its way into the drive section of the TIELDA's PRIDE, in one side and out the other and then abruptly UP, casting molten bubbles of steel into the hyperspace vacuum. The mighty Eloi'a vessel shuddered like a wounded beast, and slowly began to spin even as three of the great drive nacelles at its stern gradually ripped away from the dreadnought's superstructure and began to drift away from the battlefield. But this was a victory that could not be savored, as a cry of alarm suddenly came from engineering. "Ah, Hell! -- Lesaki, catch that power sp..." A sentence that was shortly followed by a virulent curse from the captain of the SHARD OF NIGHT, as the bridge suddenly plunged into darkness, and all control over the ship's systems was once again lost. "What means 'pox'?" Dasouri hesitatingly inquired. * * * Another moment swept by, a moment in which three quarters of the fusion reactors remaining to the suddenly desparate Eloi'a engineers cycled up to overload, cutting in the automatic safety protocols that were built into every ship of the Cradle. As a result, within ten more seconds, a wave of darkness swept down the hull of the great vessel, while pandemonium ruled within. Through this darkness and mayhem stalked Saakli and his minions, human child in tow -- their destination finally reached. "Master!" Saakli cried out through the darkness of the command sphere, a darkness only intermittedly banished by emergency lighting, "The child." "For this prize, we have suffered greatly." Aeilyn darkly mused, as he whirled on one foot to bring a fierce eye upon the terrified human girl before him. "Pray to Those that Are that it has been worth it." And with that, the Speaker bent down on one knee before Celia Westcastle, and reached out his hand. "Welcome, my child..." he intoned. "Welcome *home*." "You?" the child disbelievingly replied, her voice full of fear. "You're the voice?" "I am." Aeilyn agreed, as his ship continued to shudder around him. "Embrace the future that is, child -- there is no going back, for either of us." "Speaker!" the Wingleader suddenly exclaimed, "Observe!" And observe Aeilyn did, as the mists of hyperspace suddenly parted to reveal the familiar, welcome shapes of three Eloi'a heavy cruisers. * * * "Val'na..." "I see them." Julia grudginly admitted, as the three new arrivals bore down upon her temporarily crippled command, as it slowly pinwheeled through space next to its larger, equally crippled opponent. "Answer me this, my unwelcome guests..." she mused, "Are you friend... Or foe?" * * * The answer coming soon, in the *fifth* (yes, fifth!) act of MYTHOS... * * * http://www.connect.ab.ca/~dgolding/index.htm From: dgolding@connect.ab.ca Subject: STAR AND CIRCLE: "The Seeker's Fire", Episode VIII, Act V Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 23:14:34 "STAR AND CIRCLE: THE SEEKER'S FIRE" EPISODE EIGHT "MYTHOS" (disclaimers and associated descriptions in overture) * * * <> This wasn't how it was supposed to end -- not like this, tumbling slowly through hyperspace next to one's opponent, with three almost-certainly hostile enemy cruisers bearing down on you! The pale violet lights that spoke to her of the damage her ship had suffered in this engagement shone upon her pale skin -- at least the artificial gravity hadn't failed. After a moment's decision, Julia finally decided to walk to the front of the bridge, and stood in the observation area the SHARD shared with its White Star predecessors to gaze out upon the approaching Eloi'a vessels. After a moment, she realized that Klairika and Nirisha, who had so far been silent during the engagement, had come to her side -- as was just. "Friend, or foe?" she whispered, turning to the Eloi'a who had come to her side in this affair. "Can you tell? Is the answer an easy one?" "The answer is *never* an easy one, with my kind." the avian regretfully admitted, "But in this case, I'm afraid I cannot give you the answer you seek... yet. The commander of that force, he is hiding his thoughts from me -- and for this to be possible -- " At that point, the SHARD abruptly shuddered, and the lights of emergency faded away and were replaced by the familiar lighting of normal operations, although Julia noted that there was still a rather significant number of bridge control surfaces that remained dark. "...stand by, damnit!" a familiar voice barked. "This is Dawson to the bridge -- do you receive?" "Right here, Nicholas." she replied. "What's our status?" "Not good, Captain -- look's like the Eloi'a missile that hit us amidships severed one of the energy feeds to the main gun -- it was only Alwyn's Technomage power source that actually let us fire the damn thing this time. In any case, several of the power couplings in our reactors still overloaded and burnt themselves out during the engagement, so it's going to take at least a little while before we can things even reasonably back on line... and certainly at least twenty minutes until the breach in our hull is completely healed." "Sounds like we're going to have to spend some time in dock to repair the internal damage," she observed, "This is, of course, assuming that we'll actually be given such a chance." "What do you mean?" the bemused Engineer inquired. "In case you haven't noticed, Mr. Dawson," she sharply replied, "Three Eloi'a cruisers are bearing down on us as we speak..." "Oh, Hell!" And as if to prove the point, an insistent chime came from the tactical station at that moment, and Julia turned to look in Sheynell's direction, a look to which the telepath regretfully nodded. "... Which have just entered firing range. Stand by." Everyone held their breath, then -- and then, all of a sudden, Nirisha's face brightened. "Set aside your fear, my friends... I have good news." Which turned out to be entirely true a moment later, as six beams of gravitational force sprang out from the Eloi'a cruisers... to latch onto the still-helpless form of Speaker Aeilyn's flagship! "Signal coming in from the new arrivals." an astonished Klairika reported as she returned to her station. "The commander of the force, a 'Taeldric', wishes to speak to you, Val'na." "Do you know this Taeldric?" Julia asked Nirisha. "I *do*." came the reply, and Julia could hear and *sense* the smile behind those words, even if Nirisha was not capable of smiling herself. "He was declared Fallen by our Speaker when I had not yet begun my training. That he is here with his forces is a potent sign." And with that, she straightened as the image of another Eloi'a bridge shimmered down -- and center to that bridge was the Observer who commanded there. "Ah -- you would be the younger human wielder of the Gift, then?" Julia nodded. "Excellent -- I am known as Taeldric-Axar-Luun, the last of my line, and, as you no doubt have already been told by your companion, Fallen to those who rule in the Cradle. It appears that we have come just in time to aid you -- and since the Traditionalists have damaged your vessel and caused harm to you and yours, ask of us what you will -- if possible these things are, your wishes we will fulfill." "The leader of the 'Traditionalists', as you name them," she carefully replied, "Has stolen a child of my race who is to be an Observer when she comes to maturity. Understand that the 'tithing' pursued by his kind was refused by the child's mother -- we must recover this child, and return her safely to her family." "As such," a now deadly serious Taeldric noted, "A boarding party will be necessary -- and a guard of protection and honour, as you would no doubt say. It shall be as you wish, then, Observer Tikopai -- I will shortly be sending over six smallcrafts of warriors which will accompany you to the TIELDA'S PRIDE. Once we have proceeded onboard, and I assure you, we *will* be proceeding onboard -- we will fight our way to where this stolen child has been imprisoned, and we shall recover her for you." "Taeldric," Nirisha suddenly implored, "This plan you suggest, it will only involve more bloodshed for all concerned. I cannot have this on my conscience -- there must be a better way!" "Very well then, daughter newly joined to our Circles..." Taeldric replied, his eyes narrow, "Explain to us your plan." Nirisha did... and a while later, after Anla'shok Fenric had returned the fighter units of his squadron damaged during the engagement to the SHARD, the remaining operational fighters in the squadron escorted a single flyer over to the TIELDA'S PRIDE, the supporting craft of Taeldric's warrior brethren close behind. The confrontation the two passengers in that flyer knew was coming was now close at hand. * * * Tierann Holding, Minbar. "Hurt?" Ariekaas scoffed, as his brother stood solemnly at the heart of Tierann's great audience chamber. "Perhaps the truth is painful for you, brother, but as for me..." "You have spoken quite enough already this night, Ariekaas!" Larieken interrupted, his voice a blade that cut through his younger brother's posturings, which threw the suddenly astounded Ariekaaas into silence. "Now, it is time for you to listen -- time for everyone present to hear *my* words, to hear the truth in this matter. Called I was to this place by our father Alyt Kendraii... for a reason. It has taken me some time to deduce the pattern of all this, but in the end, deduce it, I have." At that, he laughed, a slightly mocking chuckle that filled the silence around him. "The truth, I said -- understand that the truth comes in many forms -- and that what I said in response to my brother's 'claims' was also an accurate statement. If I had stayed, I would have joined my elder brother in becoming a respected warrior of our clan... in fulfilling the wishes of our elders, in doing the *expected* thing. The thing I did was not an easy one for all to endure -- but it was necessary, necessary for some of us to make the stand against the Great Enemy when many among us refused to believe they had returned. Necessary for those of us who did what we did, myself, Val'na Lanniel and Sha'vei Shival, for instance -- to show the path for the rest to follow. Which," Larieken concluded wryly, "In time many of you did." "Your points are accepted, Anla'shaok Larieken." Araell allowed, a faint smile now upon her face. "And deal with the initial attacks of your sibling. Now would you address the other, before proceeding further?" He nodded, before turning to face the members of his clan. "Again and anon, I hear the word 'changeling' used by various members of our clan and caste -- and while the term is accurate, the way it is used is *not*. It is easy to declare the human female Julia Tikopai unfit for command simply on the basis of her age, is it not? Easy to conclude that she has not fought enough battles, others will claim -- and if I had not seen her in action, I might agree with you... but this I cannot do. The Vorlon Kosh Naranek chose her for a reason, did what he did *for* a reason... Delenn, in concordance with all those who have trained my Val'na since first we met, understands this, and perhaps Sheridan does as well, in his own way. And while the full tale is not yet written, each day I stand at her side another page is added to the tome. I have supported her from the beginning -- and I will support her until the end. There is no other option." "Oh *well* done, brother!" Ariekaas cried out, a moment later. "With each word, you dig yourself deeper..." "Ariekaas." The young warrior blinked, and raised his eyes to meet the stare of his Elder. "D'hal Sina'h?" "Your brother has not finished revealing his truths to us." Araell observed, her voice icy against the silence of the cave. "Interrupt him again, and I *shall* have you removed from this chamber until he is finished. Is this clear to you?" "With all due respect..." "Do *not* make me repeat myself. The last warrior to make *that* mistake found himself posted to the Rim for a very long time -- if this is your intent of course, Ariekaas, please do feel free to continue." Ariekaas shut his mouth, then, bowed rather quickly, and backed away from the Elder's table. "And now, Larieken," Araell observed, "Comes your most difficult challenge. Now that you have dealt with the incidentals, you shall address the main issue at hand -- tell us why you should be allowed to lead your family upon your father's passing... and why your brother should not." "But that is the question, is it not?" Larieken thoughtfully replied. "For some among you, is it not a choice between two evils? On one hand, you see a member of your clan who chose a path frowned upon, but a path that was necessary. And on the other, my brother -- one who did indeed choose the accepted path, but is known for making... unwise decisions. If neither of us are fit to lead once my father has passed beyond the Veil, what then will become of our family?" "If the leadership of the family passes out of Kendraii's direct line," another elder critically observed, "The power your family has held in this clan may falter, Anla'shok Larieken... and given the choices at hand, perhaps this is an acceptable choice." "Acceptable?" Kendraii suddenly roared from the shadows. "Such a statement, D'hal Chaeran, could only come from *your* lips." "That," Chaeran smoothly replied, his tone daggered, "Is a somewhat inaccurate claim, Alyt Kendraii -- there are many among our people who think as I do, that your family has held its power too long, that it is time for others to take up the burden you have supported." "And if this is so," Larieken suddenly countered, "What means would you use to bring this future to pass, D'hal? Would you, perhaps, advise a member of our clan to attempt injury upon a member of my father's direct family, to ensure that his opponent did not appear at this council?" "That you *dare* to accuse me of such a crime is proof of your taint, Anla'shok outcast!" Chaeran roared. "You should not have returned, and you certainly do not deserve to hold power as a Wind Sword, after all that you have done, and all that you have said!" Larieken laughed. "So easily you assume that I returned because I saught power -- what if I was to say that I returned because my *father* asked me to come, and because the loyalty to family may in certain cases be higher then any other?" "You make a most humble claim, Larieken," Araell noted, while other elders mused on these points, "And if true, what you have suffered since your return is a crime that must be answered for. And is there not one among us who is the other side to your soul, a warrior who stood aside rather then affect your past decision to become Anla'shok?" Larieken nodded. "This is so." "This warrior was injured, protecting Anla'shok Larieken from a most *unnatural* rockfall." Araell continued. "Injured because there are those among us, like your brother and D'hal Chaeran here, for instance, who are afraid of you -- afraid of what you are, who you are, and what you represent. And," the Elder cunningly concluded, "What you might *yet* be, if given the chance." "You go too far, Sina'h!" Chaeran cried out, "I will..." "You will do *nothing*, D'hal!" Araell suddenly barked, her now-fierce eyes casting the younger Minbari back upon his heels. "I had hoped that this would be resolved the easy way, but now you give me no choice. Understand that I and my attendants have been watching this situation develop most closely -- and it is very interesting what one may see when one sets up observation crystals throughout one's lands." "You have not!" a suddenly appalled Chaeran replied. "You could not have!..." "The 'backstabbing' in this affair, as the humans have been known to say from time to time, has gone on long enough, in *my* opinion." Her fingers steepled thoughtfully, Araell leant forward over the table then, her smile suddenly predatory. "Will it be necessary for me to show the evidence to the rest, D'hal?" "Enough!" another voice suddenly cried out, and as a ripple of sound that might almost be a gasp passed across the chamber, Ariekaas suddenly stepped forward again, his face more pale then Larieken had ever seen. "Enough, Sina'h! -- it... appears I cannot hide the truth from you." "If you had been even *slightly* more cunning," Araell observed, "You might have succeeded in your aims, young one. Instead, you displayed your intent as openly as a *mik'ari zat* would, blundering through the crystals in pursuit of its prey. You have, I fear, Araell concluded, "Much still to learn." "So," Larieken dispassionately observed, "It *was* you, then." Ariekaas nodded, his expression now blank as his now-furious father watched the proceedings from the crowd. "It was. But do not assume that I will admit wrong-doing in this, brother... I did what I did because I believed that it was right -- because I believed in the words my *advisors* spoke in my ears. Believed that my plan would lead me to become the future head of my family." "It appears that you erred in this assessment." "Why so it does!" Ariekaas replied, his tone now snide. "And now that I will in all probability be joining my eldest brother in exile, it *also* appears that you have won this engagement, brother. My congratulations." "Your answer we must have, Anla'shok Larieken." Araell noted, her eyes now fully upon him. "If this matter is to be brought to a satisfactory conclusion. Is it within you to stand aside from your path when the time comes to return to this place?" Larieken took a deep breath, and slowly revolved upon his feet to take in the waiting ranks of his clan, before returning to face the expectant, waiting (and partially disgruntled) rank of his Clan Elders. And then, he gave his answer. * * * "Let me go!" Celia Westcastle cried out, as Aeilyn once more reached down to grasp her hands, while chaos swirled around him. "I don't want to do what you want me to!" "This is no longer your choice to make, child..." he wearily informed the human eggling. "The moment of bonding has come." a venomous whisper suddenly cut into the back of his mind, and Aeilyn whirled upon his feet, and spat a long and intricate curse. Nirisha, she was upon this ship... but *how*? <'My oh my'... we Fallen are just *full* of surprises, now aren't we?> The humans, and *one* human in particular, Aeilyn concluded, had obviously been influencing *her* far too much. And even as he thought on this, Celia Westcastle slipped away from him, dropped down on her knees, and scampered away under the nearby row of consoles. * * * Even before she emerged from the flyer, Julia knew what she would see... sensed in her heart the discontinuity in this race, the schism that was still growing, a rent that would need to be healed if the Eloi'a were ever to understand peace in her lifetime. But that day was not this day... as she strode forward, Nirisha at her side, to stand before the gathered squads of Eloi'a battletroops, while Taeldric's own forces stood ranks deep behind them. The tension in the air was almost unbearable -- and if anyone in the room decided to fire, it was almost certain that everyone in the chamber would die, including herself. "Why have you come to this place?" an authoritarian voice suddenly cried out, and she watched a tall, slightly graying Eloi'a moved out to the forefront of the defending ranks. "Nirisha -- you *must* understand that I cannot let you through?" "Wingleader," Nirisha replied, going down on one knee as she spoke, "From the egg you have protected me, watched me as I grew towards my gift and into my full powers. As the seasons have turned and the ice has come and gone, you stood beside me beneath our flame-crystal towers, and never once have you sought to interrupt my path-of-flight. Now, in this instant, I stand between two worlds... and I give you a chance to move aside from the path of darkness you have set yourself upon, a chance to avoid the bloodshed to come if you should ignore my words." "Because of our past history," the Wingleader replied, "I will hear your words, Fallen One -- but speak quickly, for even now, tradition calls me to battle!" "You understand that this thing my father the Speaker has done is wrong, do you not? The tithing that is common to the races of our Cradle is not a thing that is done with these humans -- my father, however, chose to ignore this fact and moved ahead regardless... ordered his minions to 'kidnap' the human child, and bring her to him. He intends to engage in an unlawful bond with this human eggling, a bond that is doomed to failure even before it is established, for the child will fight him... and only pain can result." "And what of this willful female you travel with?" the Wingleader challenged. "Attacked my vessel, she did, with claws of fire and flame. Would you have me give over this child so easily, without fear of further agression from this *Ranger* and her Interstellar Alliance?" "I would, yes." Nirisha bluntly replied, as she rose back to her feet. "I would have you return the child to us, so that insult does not become injury... and then hate. For the smallest of insults have warfleets been launched -- would you have her Alliance, with their numerically superior if technologically inferior forces, burn our worlds to the bedrock, for the sake of a stolen child?" "This is..." "Unlikely?" Nirisha exclaimed. "Of course it is unlikely, but it is possible, Wingleader!... and I *cannot* ignore a possibility so dire, for if I am right, our people may be doomed if your Speaker goes ahead with what he plans." "So -- what would you have us do, then?" "I would have you escort us to the command-sphere, my Wingleader. I would have the stolen child returned to my comrade-in-arms -- and finally, I woud have my father the Speaker returned to the Cradle to answer for his crimes -- and stripped of his rank, if need be." "Most hasty, these claims are... but it appears that there is truth to some of what you say." The Wingleader gestured sharply, and somewhat resentfully, to Julia's eyes at least, the ranks of waiting Eloi'a stood aside to let Nirisha and her warrior escort pass through. "I would not see my people involved in another war so soon over something so... trifling." "You do not know the humans as well as I do." Nirisha reminded him. "What was it you said, Julia?... that a frown once launched a thousand ships?" "Well..." she carefully replied, "Not *quite*." * * * The tread of dark boots upon the stone was what brought her back from the abyss -- as for the first time in hours, Belaii opened her eyes, and gazed out upon the shadows that were. In the near distance, a figure waited, dark of cloak and hood -- the only setting piece the emerald and silver jewel upon his breast. "Larieken." she whispered, the hint of a smile coming upon her face, "How fare you?" "The answer to that question is not an easy one, I fear," came the reply, as he drew back his hood and reached out to take her offered hand in his. "The answer to a different question, however, *has* been resolved." "Ariekaas?" "Revealed his treachery through his own inexperience, as I had suspected he would. The Elder challenged him, and he could not sum up the courage to muster an adequate defence." At that, Larieken smiled, if a trifle bitterly. "He will be sent from this place for a number of cycles, I believe, to walk the far reaches and gain much needed experience, and when he returns, he will be better for it." "But that will not be soon." Larieken regretfully nodded. "For as long as Araell and her successors form a majority in our Councils, I fear the watch upon the Nightmarch will continue for my brother." "And thus, the day will come when you must return to this place... for good?" Another nod. "Indeed. But that day will not be soon -- for as long as my father does live, Belaii, my place is amongst the Anla'shok... and the time draws near for me to return to my duties." He sighed. "I do not wish to be parted from you again so soon, but there is no other choice..." "In that," she replied, "You are incorrect, my love." A long pause, and a frown. "Explain." "I have decided, Larieken, to follow your example." she carefully replied. "To become Anla'shok, to walk in your footsteps and follow the code of honour that helped guide you in your choices, this day of all days. I almost followed you when first you left us -- for duty's sake, I held my ground then. Duty, however, is no longer enough -- if you must walk among the stars in the service of the One, then so shall I -- and again and anon, our paths may cross, until you are called home, for I will *not* endure another seperation such as the one just concluded." "You *cannot* do this!" Larieken exclaimed. "You cannot stop me." she replied, and reached up her hand to touch his face. "I have made up my mind -- the decision is made, and cannot be undone." A sigh. "You are sure about this?" "Very." "In that case," Larieken regretfully concluded, "I fear that I must contact some of my associates in Tuzanor before I depart... the life partner of the one named 'Rimstalker', for instance." She laughed, the sound bright against the night-time darkness. "I have heard *so* much about this human, Larieken! Are all the stories really true?" Larieken bent down on one knee beside her, and leant his head against hers. "There is time enough to tell his tale, Belaii -- it begins like *this*..." * * * "Where must we go?" Julia asked her companion, as she carefully moved through the low-grav environement of the command-sphere at Nirisha's side. "Where is he?" "In his place of power, of course... up there." Nirisha pointed to a platform high above. "There we will also find the stolen child." "And how," she tartly inquired, "Am *I* going to get up there?" "Like this, of course." All of a sudden, before Julia could even cry out in alarm, Nirisha grasped her around the waist as two of Taeldric's warriors did the same for her. A moment passed then, in which the Eloi'a Observer passed her orders to the warriors, and finally, as one, the three avians rose towards their goal, Julia suspended between them beneath their fiercely beating wings. "I am going," she carefully enunciated, "To *get* you for this." "Later, perhaps," Nirisha replied, as they rose level with the darkened platform, and slowly descended onto it a moment later. "After this movement is concluded." "You have come too late, Nirisha." a familiar, caustic whisper emerged from the darkness. "The moment has passed, the child is *mine*." "I would know if that were true, *father*." Nirisha spat. "She has resisted your advances ever since she learned the truth about her invisible 'friend', as well you know. As a matter of fact, is she not even now hiding beneath your command consoles?" "The bond is closed!" Aeilyn suddenly thundered. "You have come in vain!" Nirisha sighed. "So -- we shall soon learn whether or not this is true -- for there is one here who is capable of reaching out to the child in a manner you cannot emulate... one who has stood in vigil over her since she came into this world. Julia," Nirisha suddenly implored, "Call out to her, as I have called out to you since we have met. Only this way can the cycle of fear be broken." "She... she will hear me?" "If dedicated to this task you are," the avian promised, "She will -- I promise you." And at that, Julia closed her eyes, blocking out the distractions of the outside world, and cleared her mind. she called out, along the band she shared with both Nirisha and also the sullen, angry Speaker for the Cradle, "Julia!" With a roar, Aeilyn moved to catch the streak of human child that erupted from beneath his feet, but he was nowhere near quick enough, and a moment later, Julia went down on one knee to catch Celia Westcastle in her arms. "I *thought* I was dreaming -- I didn't believe you'd come!" "Sssshhh..." she whispered, gathering the now-shaking child into her arms. "Tell me later, once we're back on my ship, okay?" "This farce is now concluded, *father*." Nirisha smugly informed Aeilyn, even as the Wingleader and his troops arrived on the platform to begin the process of returning the Eloi'a flagship to normality. "Your mistake, spelled out, for all our people to see." "Nirisha," the Wingleader wearily informed his former charge, "Now that certain... mistakes have been rectified, I believe that is time for you and your allies to depart. Our sensors have detected the outer elements of our fleet approaching this position, and I cannot guarentee your safety if you are still here when they arrive." "My wishes," Nirisha asked him, "Will they be fulfilled?" The Wingleader nodded. "To the best of my admittedly limited ability, yes. The proof is in hand of our Speaker's 'transgressions', and now the child has been rescued, this proof will be brought before the Elders -- they will decide his punishment." "As is proper." "Now go, before it is too late!" "We go." Nirisha promised. "Farewell, my Wingleader!" "Be warned, Lost One!" Aeilyn suddenly cried out, as the forces of the Wingleader took him into custody. "I will remember this day... and there *will* be a reckoning!" "Is he right, Nirisha?" Julia finally decided to ask her companion, as Taeldric's soldiers once more gathered around them and they prepared to leave the platform behind. "Is he capable of striking back at us, after all that we've done to hurt him this day?" "This answer," the reply came, "I wish I *could* give you, Julia... but the future is veiled to my sight. One thing is certain, however," Nirisha concluded, her voice suddenly full of sorrow. "The Schism is spreading -- and one day, very soon... There *will* be war." * * * To be (finally!) concluded... * * * http://www.connect.ab.ca/~dgolding/index.htm From: dgolding@connect.ab.ca Subject: STAR AND CIRCLE: "The Seeker's Fire", Episode VIII, Envoi Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 00:46:07 "STAR AND CIRCLE: THE SEEKER'S FIRE" EPISODE EIGHT "MYTHOS" (disclaimers and associated descriptions in overture) * * * <> ISAS SHARD OF NIGHT -- enroute to Minbar in hyperspace, May 20th, 2267. "Mom *never* told me about this ship!" Celia dutifully informed Julia as the pair of them emerged onto the bridge, something Julia had been loath to do until Veyshahk had declared William and Jennifer's daughter unaffected by her recent ordeal. "And what's with all the Minbari fighting with those crystals in the ceiling?" "Well," she replied, "We had to fight a battle with the nightbirds to get you back, Celia -- and when ships and their captains have to fight, sometimes things break." "That," Nicholas muttered from his position up near the ceiling, "Can *definitely* be counted as one the understatements of the century." "Now, now, Mr. Dawson..." Julia gently chided, "Be *nice*." "If I must." Dawson replied with a shrug. "Who's *she*?" a goggle-eyed Celia exclaimed, pointing at Klairika. "Bray-kiri, right?" "'Brah'" Klairika enunciated, as she bent down to the child's level. "But the way it is said is something you will learn in time, child -- for now, perhaps the most important thing is that you are going home." "Uh-huh." Celia replied, as she slowly wandered past a slightly nervous Dasouri and out into the observation area to look at the Eloi'a cruisers keeping station with the SHARD as it moved slowly through hyperspace. "I really miss Mom and Dad... and I'd sure like to see *David* again, too -- he's *never* going to believe all the stuff I've seen!" "Um..." Nicholas noted from his perch, "That wouldn't be David *Sheridan* you're talking about, would it, kid?" "Yeah!" Celia chirped. "Do you know him too?" "They start *so* young." the engineer wryly muttered. "She shows great promise," Nirisha observed, as she came to Julia's side. "Perhaps in time, she may even grow into greater power then any of the Observers your race presently possesses." "A guess." The avian nodded. "Perhaps... for now, there are more pressing concerns to address, of course. If you do not mind me asking -- what has the third member of your triad, Verah, decided to do with his life?" Julia sighed then, as Celia scampered off in Sheynell's direction, who looked no more pleased then Dasouri was to have a kid scampering around the bridge of one of the most powerful warships in existence... but would, she knew, patiently endure, nevertheless. "I'm really not sure, actually. He and Jaarisa Kaise appeared to have hit it off, somewhat -- and since he can't go home as long as the quarantine's in effect, maybe he'll follow Jennifer and I and become a Ranger... who knows?" "The important thing, of course," Nirisha replied, "Is that his mind is now whole -- that the fears are gone, and that he is able to pursue a normal life again. The rest... will come in time." "And what about you?" "An even harder question to answer, I am afraid. Taeldric and his warriors have assured me that they will escort you as far as the edge of Minbari space -- any farther, I fear, would be unwise -- and then, he and I must be on our way. Our struggle against the Traditionalists of the Cradle is barely begun... and I hope that you will not be affected overmuch by it." "You hope... but you don't *believe*." Nirisha nodded. "Indeed. The war I mentioned before is coming, Julia -- and when it arrives, I am afraid you will become involved despite all I can do to prevent it. My father now holds emnity against you, of course... be wary, and watchful... for when you least expect it, then will he strike." "Though not in the near future, I suspect, if your Wingleader has anything to do with it." "You may be right... but enough. Would you care to escort me to your smallcraft bay? I believe that it is, as your kind says, 'time that I was going'." Julia smiled, before casting a quick glance in the direction of the pint-sized hurricane still moving around the bridge. "That would be *wonderful*." * * * "And now that's dealt with," Alwyn observed a short time later, as the SHARD's hangar-bay doors sealed shut behind Nirisha's departing smallcraft, "I believe it is time for *me* to be going as well." "I'm sorry we didn't have more time to talk during this crisis," Julia apologized to the Technomage. "Perhaps next time?" Alwyn laughed. "Oh yes... be assured, young Tikopai, there *will* be a next time. While I expect Galen will also be stopping by for a chat as well... eventually." "Would you like to be a little more specific?" Alwyn laughed... and a moment later, a puff of flames reached up to envelop the Technomage, leaving Julia only his laughter drifting away upon the breeze. Breeze? On a *starship*? "Wizards." she muttered, before turning away to stalk down the corridor. * * * Minbar orbit -- orbital facility 'LEI'SHEVEN NAL' -- thirty-six hours later. "Mom!" Celia cried out, as an openly weeping Jennifer Westcastle bent down to receive her daughter's affection. Nearby, Julia stood beside her High Councillor, who was, she noted, hard pressed to hide the tears in his own eyes, as well... but they were tears of joy, this time around. All in all, she concluded, things had more or less ended on a good note. This time. "I find it astonishing, you know," William observed, as the two walked away to look out upon the Minbari orbital crews hovered around the outer skin of the SHARD OF NIGHT, "That you're still capable of surprising me." She quirked one eyebrow, before turning to gaze appraisingly up at him. "And isn't that a good thing, sir? If I'm capable of surprising *you*, then I should definitely be capable of surprising our enemies." "Hmm, yes... but please do be a little more careful from now on, though, Julia." the Rimstalker observed, his tone now critical. "You've got a Hell of a ship, but even she's not completely indestructible." "A lesson hard-learned." she whispered, as her eyes went to the spot on the SHARD's belly where the Eloi'a missile had tore into her command, and stolen away two Ranger lives. "But as you found out yourself on a number of occasions, sometimes that's the only *to* learn the lessons that count." William nodded, as a familiar figure came around the corner nearby, and moved at speed towards them. "Just so -- but we can talk more on this at a later date. For now, looks like there's 'someone' who wants to talk to you -- and I know you've both got some catching up to do. Good day, Val'na." And with that, in addition to a small wink and a slight bow of thanks, William moved off to join the rest of his family -- which left Julia facing the new arrival, an arrival that shortly thereafter drew off the hood of his cloak... "Larieken!" she exclaimed, moving forward to clasp hands with her friend. "I've... I've got so much to tell you!" "And I, you." the Minbari admitted. "It has been, how do you say it?... 'a most eventful week'." "You've got that right. But anyways, looks like the crews are going to be working on the SHARD for at *least* a few days..." "A much needed holiday, then." "And to start it off, a good meal and better company would certainly be appreciated." "Ah." Larieken pondered. "I believe I know *just* the place, then." * * * Next time: Whoever invented the term 'Here be Dragons' was obviously refering to Hyperspace, as the crew of the SHARD are about to discover! 'The Wolves of the Deep' Episode 9 of 'Seeker's' coming soon! * * * http://www.connect.ab.ca/~dgolding/index.htm