* * *
It had been a busy past few days for Darla and her forensic team, preparing for the presentation of the evidence and conclusions drawn from the investigation. She was satisfied with the thought that their evidence was both conclusive and accurate. But such knowledge somehow didn’t relieve a nagging ache in the pit of her stomach.
The fleet wardroom aboard the carrier, Admiral Lonche, was filled with some of the most influential officers in the Empire. It wasn’t that Darla had not been in such company before, but never had she been the intended center of attention. Looking around the conference table, the woman observed officers from every branch of the military service. The major felt overwhelmed when she thought of the weight everyone was placing on her findings. The conclusions drawn by her team were to affect the future strategy of the entire kingdom.
Darla’s immediate superior, Colonel ArkeoTeleio, sat against the far wall, silently scanning the others in the room. He had acquired this name after displaying his unwavering resolve during these many long wars. It’s meaning - ‘One who has strength to bring matters to a finish’ - was honored upon him after the battle of Mordem, the Castle, when his half-starved regiment stalled the enemy in the Tannim Forest. Then, when a counter-offensive was ordered, they drove their protagonist back across the frozen Lupeo River and out of the Eastern Fortress at Mordem. How well Darla remembered the following days after the regiment retook those fortifications.
Colonel Arkeo was not an easy man to serve under. He was often oppressively demanding of his subordinates and his troops were repeatedly pushed to the limits of their endurance. Darla doubted that few other commanders would have, or could have held the heights of Castle Manor, a series of fortified hills overlooking the once beautiful, park-like fields just east of the city Mordem, back when it still carried the lilting name, ‘Mordeniah’, meaning ‘city of the aster blossom’. He and his troops successfully held those hills for eight days against four times their number and he lost two thirds of his regiment in doing so. But the sacrifice had been worth it. Stargaton remained firmly in their hands and, along with that, control of the Hindly Page jump portal.
The colonel made Darla nervous, but in some refreshing sort of way. She knew how he watched his junior officers with a critical eye. If someone needed readjusting, he was quick to make the point and not always in a subtle way. He was also slow to give commendation. So, when he did acknowledge a person’s efforts or achievements, it was a treasured thing. Upon hearing of Darla’s commission to rank of major, he requested she be assigned to him. He had not forgotten the woman’s outstanding valor displayed at Mordem when she was a lieutenant, and he believed her experiences since then had only toughened her more.
Today he would judge the value of his wisdom and see if his choice had been correct. For weeks, the major had directed hundreds of troopers spread throughout the region. Not only that, she had led a forensic team on an investigation of the MoonDust incident. How well or poorly she had performed, he was already well aware of. Now for the last of it, the presentation... When finished, Darla was sure he would approach her to express his opinion. In some strange way, she preferred matters to be handled like that. She always knew just where she stood with the colonel, and that was pleasantly satisfying.
Across the table from Darla sat Commodore General Planetee, the supreme Marine commander. She had been in close enough vicinity to make a personal appearance at this strategic gathering. Gabrielle, admiral of the Fleet; Sarah, centurion general and commander of Special Forces; Trisha of Qā·Shaib·Jal, field marshal and commander of the Army; and Michael – MihaiAstron - king and ruling steward over all the realms above and below, had all been at too great a distance to be there in person. Standing in for them were officers and representatives who were trusted to attend in their stead. ZabineaTizkertinah, one of the three admirals over the Crimson Fleet, did manage to make the meeting. She and her immediate lieutenant would speak for the other Tarezabarians not assembled at this war council.
Observing all the great and powerful people gathered together in this room because of what they thought her team had discovered troubled Darla greatly. What if she was in error with her conclusions? These people trusted her to give them accurate information that would help them decide the future course of war. If she was wrong, it could cost them the Empire, or, even at best, many needless deaths. The smell of her own nervous sweat filled her nostrils and only increased the aching fear of uncertainty growing in her breast. Still, she managed to suppress those trepidations behind a calm, almost tranquil appearance. Only Euroaquilo could sense Darla’s real feelings. He smiled reassuringly when catching her glance.
Ambassador Tizrela, Trisha’s leading staff officer and Archon-in-Standing for Mihai, the king, opened proceedings for the Council of Inquiry. She stood and approached the front of the room. With calm and deliberate speech, she commenced. “Reports come to us that the enemy is spreading himself across our borders like clouds of dust on a building storm. As of yet, we have been unable to locate the power behind that blinding cloud and have been put at loss as to where his real strength lies. So we have waited - waited for some sign, clue - some little scrap of evidence indicating his intentions.”
Tizrela began to pace the floor while gesturing with both her hands. “Deception is a tool often used to fool one’s enemy. It can be a most effective weapon if wielded with skill and cunning. But one cannot afford to be the least bit careless when using it, for, if a person is, more may be revealed about one’s intentions than should that person have remained silent altogether. We feel the foe has done such a thing. Our trusted Admiral Euroaquilo has informed me the missing piece of our puzzle may have been found. If so, then we must be prepared to shift our strategic plans to bolster ourselves against the enemy’s potential onslaught.”
She bent forward, placing her hands flat on the table. “Some of those reasons are the basis for this meeting.” The ambassador proceeded to speak at length concerning other stolen secrets regarding the enemy’s purposes.
Darla sat in silent amazement at hearing the depth of information her people had already gleaned through forays by the Crimson Fleet and Special Forces hunter-seeker packs as well as the infant spy organization recently set up by the Centurion General Sarah. For nearly an hour, Tizrela continued on with one bit after another of the gathered intelligence. The essence of her information was summed up thusly: right after the Prisoner Exchange, Asotos began to remove his major carrier groups from their home bases to secret locations. He had done a call-up of conscripted off-duty forces and put a freeze on all military leaves. The manufacturing of non-essential goods and materials was prohibited, replaced by military production of supplies and weapons. Laws were imposed requiring all greetings to include some special, praiseworthy slogan mentioning their dictator. And most noteworthy…the enemy’s four western and southern colonies, SanteTrapresiah, HagiotesAdelphos, PolisAnabaino, and Palaios were experiencing a vast construction boom, indicating possible troop build-up.
When Tizrela finished, she introduced Darla. “All that I have revealed to you has little impact on our strategy because we still remain in the dark as to what our adversary’s initial intention really is. Major Darla and her forensic team have exhausted themselves searching for the needed clue as to what the enemy may be doing. If their information, as I have heard told, is accurate, they may have discovered it. She will now offer her findings to you. Please save any questions until her presentation is finished.” Tizrela returned to her seat.
Darla was not prepared to be handed control of the meeting. She expected to be asked some questions at her seat while Tizrela or another high-ranking officer would conduct the proceedings. It took her some moments to gain the needed composure, stand, and walk to the front of the room. Everyone remained quiet and attentive as they patiently waited to hear her speak.
After a long silence in order to collect her thoughts, D
arla began, “I am aware that few of you have been informed as to our findings regarding the MoonDust debacle. In fact, I doubt many of you even know what the MoonDust is. It was feared that any communiqué mentioning the collier might alert our enemy to the importance placed on our findings. Allow me to now fill you in on the details.”
Darla went on to explain what the MoonDust was, where its travels took it, and a general overview of its demise. She then went on to list the passengers and crew. An occasional sigh would go up from the room when someone heard the name of an old friend or lover. Relationships were deep and many in a universe where some inhabitants had lived for so long a time.
The location of the attack was clearly identified by the ship’s logs, time of departure from TilgathPilneser, hour of the distress call, where it originated from, and the approximate time of death of those aboard. The way in which the major offered her information evidenced the exhaustive effort as well as countless days and weeks Darla and her team had invested in the task. None in the room doubted that she had put any less energy into the more critical findings that were yet to be divulged. With restrained eagerness, they waited to hear more.
Before going further Darla stated, “It is believed that the Stasis pirates did not carry out this vile act alone. First, there is no reason to believe they wanted the fuel rods. They have no known use for them and they do know how deadly the rods can be if handled improperly. Second, there is great risk in attempting to board an opposing ship in deep space. The Stasis have watched colliers for many centuries and they usually leave them alone because they know what little value is contained within. At most, such ships have been threatened, and surrendering a token cargo of food or other basic materials as booty has always pacified the pirates.”
Darla raised and extended her arm, shaking her finger to add emphasis. “Another very important point that is not missed by those of us familiar with the habits of the Stasis is this: left to themselves, these people will be hard-pressed to abandon any of their dead on the field.”
This created some stir among those gathered. Many were ill-informed concerning these pirates of the Trizentine because they had never played a major role in the wars of the Rebellion. On the other hand, there was little Darla didn’t know about these miscreants. Over the centuries, she had often made herself an unwanted guest in their camps. Her wildly painted face, hair filled with smoldering wicks, pitch-black garments, and an insect-like guttural sound coming from her throat filled her enemy’s hearts with unbridled terror. There was rarely much of a fight because of the instant confusion that would erupt as the screaming, panicked survivors fled into the darkness.
Yes, Darla had studied these superstitious people well. During the passing years since the Rebellion, they had created a pantheon of gods and demons that ruled over and controlled their lives. It was they who invented the Therioskotia, the demon god that walked the battlefields of the slain, drinking the blood of the fallen. She had capitalized on such foolishness in her personal war to bring vengeance upon them for the murder of her close friends centuries ago. Her passionate hatred for the Stasis had not yet diminished.
“Let me explain.” Darla offered. “The rebellious actions and subsequent violence meted out by these people gives strong evidence that most, if not all, have disjoined themselves from the fabric of the mind. It is said that when the person’s mind is separated from the Web, a certainty of future death rests itself upon his or her heart. Whether it be the case or not, these people have developed an unnatural fear of death. Along with that fear there have risen stories and myths disclaiming the Web and suggesting other forms of eternal life.”
Darla allowed herself time to go into some detail over this matter. “These people have invented a strange and surreal universe filled with monsters, demons, gods and sorcerers. Upon death, the Stasis believe the inner body, the Mukkah, starts on a journey to regain the flesh. If successful, the Mukkah will attain it in the after-dreams, a time when all things in the universe will come together again. If it fails, then the Mukkah falls into the pit of distress, where it languishes in an eternal darkness filled with the gloom of empty hope.”
“Now these same people believe that if a fellow Stasis should die in their presence, and those observing or knowing of the death should abandon the dead body, not attending to the proper ceremony by releasing the Mukkah and giving it guidance at the start of its journey, the Mukkah might become lost and wander hopelessly in the land of the living. When the Mukkah realizes it cannot find the path leading to new life, it will seek the death of former companions so that it can follow one of their Mukkahs to the hidden road.”
“One of the dead on the MoonDust was a Stasis pirate. He was evidently killed by an impact laser, a weapon often carried by officers in the Pseudes’ army. We could find no reason for the man’s killing. There was no indication of a struggle aboard the MoonDust at any time. Although we found the man’s fingerprints on the sealed door to the containment room, the lock was not disturbed. It appeared to us to be more of an execution-style murder. I have never seen or heard of a Stasis performing such an act on another Stasis for fear that the victim’s Mukkah might seek revenge.”
“I should also tell you that this is not the first dead Stasis we have discovered. In half a dozen different villages, bodies of murdered pirates were found. Many died by being shot in the back by weapons rarely used by the Stasis, but commonly at the disposal of Pseudes soldiers. No Stasis would willingly leave behind a fellow Stasis unless his fears were salved with an offer of a protective talisman and/or a rich enough reward was given to satisfy his greed. These discoveries were the first concrete evidence that some kind of a confederacy is being created between the Stasis and the Pseudes.”
Darla paused to give her listeners time to digest the information, then added to the evidence. “Allow me, please, to segue from the MoonDust for a moment. The style of clothing and body markings reveal that at least four known tribes of Stasis are involved in these raids on the Trizentine colonies. What is more upsetting is the fact that, at one destroyed outpost, pirates from two opposing tribes were found. Old tattoo marks on their faces proved that. Both were simultaneously killed, hit with powerful energy blasts directly beneath the skulls, blood and brains saturating the other’s clothes while still standing.”
“It was also apparent that both men were cooperatively working together at the time of death. Skid marks in the dirt showed them to be in process of dragging some heavy object, absent at the time of their discovery. Continued skid marks indicated that the object was dragged away by at least three people fitted with the same mass-produced footwear, something Stasis generally have a disdain for.”
This final comment caught the attention of everyone. It was common knowledge among most of Lowenah’s children that the Stasis cared little for manufactured goods, preferring to make their personal garb. Even weapons and ships - things often acquired through theft, or sometimes barter - would be decorated to suit the new owner. A stolen pair of manufactured shoes might be found on one pirate, but three? Never had such a thing been seen or heard of. This was the most chilling evidence yet presented that some kind of union was being forged between Asotos and the Stasis.
“Now let us return to the MoonDust.” Darla lifted her hand. “Other discoveries we found on the collier prompted us to make further investigation of the ship and contents. When static dust tests were done, we did find footprints that appeared similar to what was obtained at the outpost - not exact, mind you, but similar.”
Darla then went on to reveal findings from autopsies done on the bodies aboard the MoonDust. It was dismaying for many to think of friends and lovers being cut up and dissected. They marveled at people like Darla and the members of her forensic team. Such teams were very rare. So few were willing to perform voluntary acts of necessary mutilation on former loved ones and companions. It was easier for Darla and some of the younger team members because
most of Lowenah’s children were still strangers to them. Yet, the thought of further desecration of something considered so holy was mentally and emotionally difficult.
A projector hummed to life and a white screen materialized on the front wall. For the next twenty minutes the room was filled with the sights of horrors found in the belly of the MoonDust. Even though Darla presented the pictorial evidence in black and white, there were many a queasy stomach in the group and few of the observers were found at the evening’s dining tables.
The major finally got to the primary reason why this meeting had been called. “As you have seen, all the women were viciously and repeatedly raped, tortured and mutilated - most of this done while they were still alive. The men, on the other hand, appear to have been shown less interest, receiving fewer torture marks and none missing body parts or being raped…save one.”
While Darla continued on, the screen flashed several pictures. “The captain of the MoonDust was raped, or that is assumed to be the case. Also, as you may have observed, his scrotum and the remaining skin from his genitals was removed, and with near surgical precision. We discovered this to have been done after the captain was dead. There was no other physical trauma found on his body other than a narrow wound at the base of his skull, made by a sharp instrument. The wound to the back of the head killed the captain instantly.”
“We found the condition of the captain to be unusual. You see, men’s joining themselves together in such a way is taboo among most of the Stasis. Although hated by these people, Lowenah is still viewed as the evil Supreme Mother Goddess, with greater powers than most of the other gods and demons. They are in morbid fear of her and continually offer animal sacrifices and the occasional person to stem her vengeance. They have heard stories of what happened to Asotos when he openly humiliated her by connecting himself to another man at that council so long ago. So, should any of the men do such a thing, it would be carried out in secret, far away from Lowenah’s Ever-Eye that is always searching to bring injury upon those openly disrespecting her.”
Darla shut off the projector before continuing. “Although we did harmonic blood and DNA testing as well as chemical analysis on all foreign fluids in the victims’ bodies, we concentrated our limited time and resources on the captain. Our findings had a ninety-nine plus percent accuracy rating, but we could not be absolute in our conclusion. By using a harmonics replicating machine, we reproduced a facsimile of the harmonic blueprint a woman could compare with those from her dream shares. We were able to find four trusted female officers to test with this blueprint. Three found a similar match in their dream-share memories. One felt she was certain who the person was, but the others remained unsure. Darla knew for a fact who the person was, but remained silent, hiding painful memories.
“To settle matters, our team shipped samples and machinery aboard a swift packet boat with orders to deliver the materials to the admiral of the fleet. We believed that Gabrielle would be able to give us conclusive proof whether our findings were accurate or not. Sadly, some mishap on the packet caused an accident, and everything in the cargo hold was destroyed or contaminated by a small but intense hydrogen blaze. This left only the tiny valise containing the remaining samples that were still with us. As soon as the Shikkeron arrived here, work was started on making new harmonic replications and sending them on to the admiral. We are still awaiting her report.”
Darla paused. She studied the faces of those sitting at the table. There were looks of concern and sadness on many, but there was also an eagerness showing on most to hear the remainder of her report. She sighed anxiously. “So, with the knowledge of some margin for error still existing, I will tell you what we believe has been discovered. All the evidence points to this fact: not only were Asotos’ people involved in the capture of the MoonDust and possibly the torture and murder of the passengers and crew, the man who violated the captain was none other than AsreHalom, who, after the Rebellion took for himself the name SalakTaqadam.”
The room went dead silent. Many knew this Salak, or it should be said, knew of him. The man once known as ‘AsreHalom’, meaning ‘blessed dreams’ had been a very mild and tender person before the Rebellion. He eventually joined forces with Asotos’ henchmen some time after Mihai’s attempted murder, finally falling in with Godenn, his former mentor and close associate. His cunning and needless violence gained him the name given by his contemporaries – ‘SalakTaqadam’ - meaning ‘cast down into the blood by heavy blows’. He was mercilessly vicious in the extreme.
It was also known that Salak was rarely far from his mentor’s side. If there was some special duty Godenn was to attend to, he might send his chief lieutenant ahead to prepare things for him. If Salak was in the vicinity, it meant Godenn was not far behind. And that was what troubled the gathered company most. Legion would not send his top-ranking general off gallivanting so far from Memphis unless Asotos had requested it, especially with war looming. And Godenn would not take many risks. He could be counted on to surround himself with a naval fleet of measurable size.
Darla felt awkward. She had finished her presentation and wanted to dismiss herself and return to her chair, but now the room was filling with the rustlings of hushed comments and discussion. At the moment, no one was paying any attention to the purveyor of the news that was causing such a stir. She uncomfortably clasped her hands and stood there, shoulders slightly stooped, wondering what to do. For several minutes she went on being ignored while the air filled with comments and counter comments.
Finally, Ambassador Tizrela stood. Looking directly at Darla, she asked, “Can you provide us with the harmonic samples so we may test them ourselves?”
The major’s face clouded as she apologized. “The harmonics machine the forensic team first used had been sent aboard the packet and was destroyed in the blaze. There were no materials to build another one while on the Shikkeron. We did manage to cobble one together after reaching the fleet, but it was very primitive and required the entire remaining sample just to get a reading. Harmonic machines are nearly nonexistent and are very complex. When finished, I hurried it, as well as the technicians who built it, off to the admiral of the fleet, feeling she would have the greatest ability to offer correct testimony.”
Tizrela was openly disappointed. She slumped forward, head drooped, hands on the table. After a moment, she lifted her gaze to Darla. “Do not hold yourself to account for my unhappiness. No one informed you as to who would be here. Besides, sending the information ahead to the admiral of the fleet was undoubtedly the wisest course to take. You have provided us more insight into the enemy’s intentions than any of us had bargained for and we need some time to digest it. Would you be kind enough to leave your team’s forensic report with us to review if necessary?”
Darla smiled her willingness to do as Tizrela requested, but her eyes reflected deep sadness. “I am sorry I’ve disappointed...” Once again she felt she had failed.
The ambassador instantly picked up on the major’s inner emotions, reassuring her. “My child, I see that you count yourself as of little worth among such people as share this room. Do let me tell you just how wrong you are! You think your life has been lived in hidden shadows and that your deeds and valor have gone unnoticed by others? I shall inform you just how mistaken you are. Few...I say few others have given so much for any cause. I am the one to be honored by your presence with us today. Major, I bow in your company.”
Darla stared in disbelief as her jaw dropped open in surprise. She was dumbfounded. Before she could respond, another person chimed in. “Aye! Too long have we remained silent about our little sister. She is a light of hope and bastion of power, truly a jewel given us by Lowenah.” Planetee stood, then bowed her head toward her little sister.
At that, the entire company rose and showed honor to Darla. On that day she acquired a new name, ‘Adaya’, ‘God’s Jewel’.
(Author’s note: For ma
ny of the children of these later ages, the name ‘Darla’ has no meaning. But, when Queen Adaya walks in their midst, the people stand in silent awe or break out in song. ‘Adaya, the Gifted Jewel That Shines Forever’ is well known by all.)
Tizrela then spoke for all present. “You honor us in many ways. None could have done a more thorough investigation of the MoonDust incident than you. Indeed, I know few of even the stoutest warriors who would have offered themselves willingly to carry out such a difficult task. Yet you deserve our honor even more for the powerful example you have set in your love and devotion to our Mother. You have faced the Dragon and defeated him in mortal combat - something rarely accomplished. There exists no greater living example for us to follow regarding courage, determination, and unselfish love.”
This was more than Darla was able to handle. With Tizrela’s final words, the girl buried her face in her hands and wept. Someone provided a chair, offering for her to sit as others gathered around, staying close. The woman cried and cried, unable to stem her river of tears. Gradually, Darla’s sobs came to an end. At length, she regained her composure and thanked all those gathered for such kindness. The meeting eventually resumed for a short time. When no one had any more questions for the major, the council was adjourned. Later in the evening, the top leaders gathered again in Admiral Euroaquilo’s wardroom aboard the Oruomai for further discussions.