OOCS, Into A Wider Galaxy, Part 636

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Tread Softly Around Sorcerers.

“So what do we do now?” Warli’Satha asks. “You’ve just confirmed there is something more about me. Much like yourself and your companion. What do we do now?”

“Now, with your permission. We bring out the really experimental technology and see if we can’t measure it. We’re trying to find a way to take an image of Ode, but it’s a crapshoot. It doesn’t show itself unless it’s being actively used. It’s not Axiom, it has it’s own unique rules. Rules we’re still learning.”

“Do you actually know any of them?”

“Yes, first off time and space are more idea than actual thing there. The Primal, Elvira Greatpincer, proved that and used it to her benefit, effectively adopting and raising a woman she hadn’t met before that day, from infancy. She whispered backwards in time by decades and across large swaths of the galaxy in order to do this.”

“Really?”

“Yes, and there are at least two types of native lifeform. One in the form of Astral Hargath, who are ravenous and highly dangerous on that side, biting into and devouring anyone who tries to enter it wholesale. And there is no way to resist it. The second... being a very unusual entity that can only be partially seen by those untouched by Ode.”

“What do you mean?” Warli’Satha asks and Christos pulls out a communicator and brings up an image. “What is that?”

“An image of an Ode based Lifeform. For a while she was observing Saint Redblade through images of her and actively altering the images whenever not directly observed. We still do not understand the mechanics behind it, but we do know one thing. Only people who have deeply touched Ode can fully see her.”

“What am I missing? This appears to be a multi-armed, multi winged woman made of crystal and wearing rags.”

“You can see her crystal skin?” Christos asks.

“You cannot?”

“I can. But the question is, can your mother and brother?” HE asks turning the communicator to the Baroness Satha and Roob’Satha.

“It appears to be the empty clothing of a moderately endowed woman.” The Baroness offers.

“Looks like the wearer was erased.” Roob’Satha answers. “Why didn’t you use that first if only people with the weird power can see her?”

“Because we’re not sure if she can’t see us still. She was able to move, observe and more through images of her. We don’t fully know what’s going on. She seemed friendly but... we don’t know. And if we don’t know then we’re going to be very, very careful.” Christos says. “Still, it makes a good final test and confirms that it doesn’t matter what type of unusual Ode ability you have, you can see these... things. Which is weird.”

“How so?” Baroness Satha asks.

“We’ve all had our eyes or equivalent organs scanned. I have no extra photo-receptors or any other organ or modified part of my eye or brain that can account for seeing this crystal woman when other people cannot. Our science, as we understand it, does not understand this.”

“What about Saint Redblade and his ghostly eyes?”

“That is where things get weird.”

“Oh so NOW we’re moving into the unusual part of this situation? I’m so glad we’ve kept our talk of gods, spirits and those with mystic powers so mundane and grounded so far.” Warli’Satha sasses at him and Roob’Satha chuckles in response.

“Somehow his eyes are outright producing light. Which should not be possible. But it’s happening anyways. This light penetrates his skin at even amounts. Again, not possible due to the physical construction of an eye, but it’s happening anyways.”

“Why’s that not possible?” Roob’Satha asks.

“Because the pupil of the eye is a little hole. An empty space that lets light in. If there was a light source in his eyes, it would be brightest out of the pupil. But it’s not. Therefore some argue it’s not actually light.” Christos says. “But that’s not the point, the point is we need to continue our tests. Find out the shape and way of your enmity with your Rella counterpart.”

“I hate her and want her defeated beneath me. What more is there to consider?”

“Because it’s breaking the pattern and we need to know why. Every single advantage from Ode has been just that, an advantage. How is having a sworn enemy an advantage? Seeing who sees you is an advantage, knowing everything you have on you is an advantage, especially when performing triage during a battle or getting caught in a shootout. Hell, being seen as plain is an advantage and inverting the galactic norm for births is an advantage. But an enemy? How does that fit?”

“Two halves of a whole maybe? All sorts of twins and opposites in stories have powerful connections.” Vlad offers breaking his silence.

“I’d almost forgotten you were here quiet man.”

“I’m a sniper ma’am. I’m very comfortable being very quiet and very still for as long as I need to be.” Vlad says before rolling his shoulder. “Regardless of cramps.”

“Cramps? What do you mean...? You idiot, you’ve been playing with the anti-material rifles with your absurd training, haven’t you?” Christos demands and Vlad shrugs shamelessly. “You’re going to rip that arm out of it’s socket you damn fool.”

“Back on target perhaps?” Vlad offers and Christos sighs.

“Very well. Ma’am, do you consent to further testing? Again, non invasive, non dangerous and essentially just myself taking some pictures of you in such a manner to see the shape of the energy you’re using.”

“Yes but... what use is that?”

“I’m not entirely certain.”

“Then why were you sent?”

“Because for some reason any technology we develop relating to ode energy only really works in the hands of someone who already uses it. No we don’t know why. But anyone else holding onto this, and it would maybe work one time in three and without consistent and reliable results. But in my hands? Another piece of perfectly functional technology.”

“So what you’re saying is that I and perhaps... wait. Mother, we need to bring Thera here.”

“Thera?” Vlad asks.

“Thera’Satha was the last Rival. This condition spreads from one generation to the next. Passing on in full.” Warli’Satha says and she furrows her brow and puts a finger to her chin. “Does she still have Ode within her?”

“She’s on Serbow however. And her opposite of Mori’Rella is en-route to Centris. Expected to arrive in two days.” Baroness Satha says.

“Serbow is not out of reach. But a Yacht in motion is.” Christos says.

“Especially as it’s on a major laneway.” Baroness Satha says before she sets down Roob’Satha. “It looks like you’re going to be here a little longer my guests. Roob, go forth with your sister and see them well situated. Have a Sorcerer friend of yours bring Thera here to make sure she’s in good health. Can this be done? I need to remain here with the council.”

“Uh... alright, I... I don’t really remember the palace though.”

“There is a suitable chamber nearby little brother. This way.”

“Also, Undaunted.” Baroness Satha says and both men turn to her in full. “Behave yourself here. I don’t care how well you are trained or connected, nobility earned their place with blood and duty. Respect that.”

“Ma’am we have been respectful.”

“There is great change happening. I am not comfortable with it. So I am reminding you of your manners. Or do you simply not desire to have manners?”

“That’s not it ma’am, we just expected any incoming threats to arrive earlier. You just have us slightly unbalanced is all.” Vlad says with a wink and she raises an eyebrow at him. “What I can’t try to be charming?”

“Try is the operative word human. But I appreciate the effort. Now shoo, I need to return to noble business and help decide the fate of an entire world and the countless souls upon it.” She says with a wave of her hand.

“This way guests.” Warli’Satha says and pauses as Roob’Satha is suddenly on her back. She had instinctively ducked, but relaxes and rises up as he smiles at her and she returns with one of her own. “I’m glad that my first impression hasn’t soured you to me little brother! Now forward, I’ll order some snacks. DO you have a preference?”

“Edible?” Roob’Satha asks as Warli’s long stride carries her out of the council room with Christos and Vlad shortly behind.

“A good starting place, but can we get more specific?”

“Not really, compared to some things I was made to eat, everything tastes pretty good.”

“Death was too good for those monsters.”

“But it was the best we had for ‘em.” Roob’Satha says as they lead the way out of the room.

•-•-•Scene Change•-•-• (Rooftop Garden, The Visiting Palace Hotel, Casino & Resort, Capital City, Serbow)•-•-•

She had just put aside her communicator after another long, annoying and petty string of exchanged texts. But she had them. A bit more and the entire business will fall under her grasp. She could take a few minutes to finally relax and...

“You’re in my sun.” She says as her eyes snap open under the sunglasses and sees what would normally be a welcome sight in the form of a handsome young Apuk. She really needed to look into locking down a husband. But there was so much to do. So much time to make up for after her silly feud with dear Mori.

“Apologies ma’am, you are needed.” He says.

“Oh sweet fire... who sent you?”

“Your niece, nephew, sister and two Undaunted Soldiers.”

“What?” She asks.

“Are you aware of the debate going on in the palace right now?” He asks referring to the wonderful distraction that had likely helped her close the deal.

“Of course.” She answers then sits up as it hits her. “... Oh shit. Was Torn...?”

“Yeah, the younger one’s been renamed Roob.”

“Good name.” She mutters. “Naird’Rella too?”

“Yes.”

“Fuck, always in pairs our families.” Thera’Satha curses. “Alright, who are you, what’s going on and what is being asked of me?”

“The children have been returned to the families safely, but in the process The Rivals were spotted, and it’s triggered familiarity in The Undaunted who are helping with this.”

“Really?”

“Yes, they’ve confirmed some things about it and want to take a quick look at you to make see if it’s still in you and is sleeping or if it’s passed onto Warli’Satha entirely.”

“So you’re here to give me a health checkup?”

“And a quick look at your nephew.”

“... You have a picture... wait...” She lowers the sunglasses and squints at his face a little. “... You’re not HIM. But you’re close. Far enough for it not to be immediate though. You’re The Leviathan Lord. One of the newer, less bloody Sorcerers.”

“Guilty as charged. Or perhaps Innocent as Implied instead, seeing as how I’m one of the nice ones.” Dare’Char says and Thera’Satha lets out a quick laugh.

“Oh! You’re a charmer! If you were the standard Sorcerer throughout history then the saucier stories about your kind would be far, far more common!” She says offering him a wink before grabbing her bright blue drink and draining it. “Hey! Server drone! I will return shortly! Refill this drink while I am gone!”

She stands up, wobbles only a little after pounding back her drink so hard and grabs her towel to wrap around her waist followed by a wide brimmed hat. She smiles at him brightly. “Now then little Sorcerer! To Soben Ryd! With all the craziness and... wait, can you even...”

She stumbles a little and he catches her. Reality swishes around them and... she’s facing a familiar wall.

“Aunt Thera!” Warli’s scandalized tone blurts out and she turns. “You reek of drink!”

“It’s called a vacation darling. I was on it. And with you and I as the only girls in the room it’s looking almost like a real... oh! Hello there you adorable little thing! You must be Roob! Give auntie a...” She starts to say and Roob’Satha dips out of sight. “Oh don’t be like that I... wait... I’m talking like a fool and the whole thing is... Oh no... a moment.”

She brings her hands up and blows a stream of fire into them and they roil and give off black smoke that feeds back into the flame and then slowly run white then smokeless.

She stands up straighter, steady and adjusts the towel wrapped around her waist before tilting the hat back. “Well that was stupid of me. Allow me to start again. Greetings oh beloved family and allies, you have caught me mostly drunk and making very poor decisions thanks to my own little party after securing a very lucrative business deal. To our dear strangers, and those I am making a renewed introduction to, I am Thera’Satha, last generations Rival against the Rella Clan. At your service.”

“Greetings ma’am. I am Medical Officer Christos Ekmekci and this is..”

“I am Specialist Vlad Racz, we are both of The Undaunted.”

“Of course. And the adorable little man hiding behind my younger counterpart’s skirt is my now terribly frightened nephew who I am dreadfully sorry for scaring.”

“Not scared, just... cautious.” Roob’Satha says poking his head out to the side.

“Of course. Silly me. Now, what is this about? Some sort of medical concern?”

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