The Constant Star (52)

THE STORY SO FAR

She is the one who brought horses to the community, not as captured and broken animals, but as willing participants in the world they were creating: to help the future of both species.

Siff wonders about Lucas’ horse, Callio, and its history in the community. What does talking with horses even look like?

Clomenei holds her animals dear. The deer refuse to be tamed, reveling in the joy of bounding over hills and valleys. She runs with them, as they leave her far behind. But she has learned to keep steady pace and catches them when they are tired of sprinting, laying in their midst among the glades, soft light playing on their hides. She mourns bitterly when they are taken. Very few die of old age as the cycle of life calls predators forth. She understands it, but weeps at the necessity. Clomenei defends who she can, but even promising safety within the village does not entice them to give up such freedom. And that is her revelation: that we would not trade our freedom for safety, but live according to our soul-call, even when it calls us to risk our very lives, “We must be who and what we are: the universe demands it. The universe needs it. And we need it also.”

Elleibrieth silently exits the cobblestone stage, her audience seated in silent awe at her storytelling.

The stories and visions have captured Siff’s imagination and transported her through hours sitting here with Lucas and Esken. The sun is starting to lower in the sky and young men and women begin to build small fires in dedicated pits around the circle. The tables begin to be served with breads and cheese and meat sitting on platters with crisp fresh vegetables. Water comes about poured into wooden cups and set before each of those attending. Those serving do so with genuine joy on their faces, excited to give to others what they have prepared. And Siff is really excited to eat it, though she is wise enough at this point to wait and see what protocol there might be. Diving in might just be frowned upon.

Once the places are laid the chief priest makes his way to the centre, “Let us pray.” Siff looks around to see some heads bow, some arms raise, some hands hold out, some cover their faces, but all close their eyes. She chooses to close her eyes, but this is going to be really weird, “Great Jupiter, who guides us true toward Vesta. Saturn, who teaches us wisdom. Mars, our mighty protector. And Pluto our gracious caregiver. We thank you for allowing us to participate with mighty Janus, and all your great goodness towards us. We thank you for the gift of our new member today and we pray your blessings upon her. You are awesome in your wisdom and we pray we are able to walk in the soul-call of Siff as she joins to our own. May your names forever be praised, and your promises come quickly to us. Bless all who call upon your names as we speak with one voice:”

The whole village speaks in meaningful unison, “Praise you and let it be so unto the whole,” Before each of them kisses the knuckle of their index finger as a salute to the gods.

Yep. That was definitely weird. If these people knew exactly who they were praying to I don’t think they’d be impressed. Damn that’s uncomfortable to know.

41

There are four god-armours, each corresponding to the leaders of Janus. When designing the Tube and choosing the starting point for the Chosen Ones, giving them gods to aspire to was considered the best course of action. In lieu of creating a brand new pantheon, the leaders of Janus chose to base these gods—and most other systems—on Roman mythology. The god-armours were designed to give the wearers mythological power with which to impress the Chosen Ones. In order to do this they were given the capability to store vast amounts of energy and release it in massive quantities. Beyond this, they were created to impress with a powerful silhouette. They are rarely used: Jupiter is the first to wear a god-armour in over a century. And the first to ever wear one for battle. The momentous occasion is not lost on him as he dons the weight of the Council’s expectations. He feels the power barely contained within the suit humming through his body. As the helmet is lowered into place and the visor lights up he is almost overwhelmed by what is possible. Can he really conduct lightning? Travel at extreme speeds? Lift massive weights? For impressing primitive peoples this armor seems very overpowered. For getting the Gate free of the Rebellion, it might just work. Jupiter smiles as he takes his first steps from the outfitting hub, fully incarnate in his godly power, “Jupiter reporting. Ready for mission.”

There is a sense of awe as he walks through the troops who have assembled at the Gate. Many heads bob under the natural urge to bow, others stare, and others smile the smile of those who have renewed hope in their cause. It feels like slow motion, and Jupiter can’t help but bask in the moment and wonder if this is what it feels like to actually be a god. It is a heady moment for him.

Even Mars seems impressed at the sight of the god-armour, “First time in over a century, and you’re the one who gets to wear it. There’s a term for that,” He shakes his head, “Felix bastardis.” Mars gestures to the special team Jupiter worked with previously, “They’re waiting for you. Ready?”

“Oh, hell yes.”

“Good luck.”

Mars leaves Jupiter with the team of six and walks back to command. Jupiter joins the other soldiers who are staring at him with impressed smiles, “Now that’s more like it, Sir. They’re not gonna see this coming.”

He smiles back, “No, they’re not. Our mission is to get to the artillery and destroy it, then hold the Gate until

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