The Constant Star (54)

THE STORY SO FAR

I’ll take out the guns, you clean up the mess. Let the enemy target me for as long as you can and lay charges around our position.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Here we go.”

Jupiter activates the god-armour and vanishes from sight. A lightning bolt travels through the artillery, and Jupiter travels through the bolt. He strikes each one with such power the shrapnel decimates everything within seventy feet. He hears the gunfire of his team mopping up the casualties as he retargets the next set of artillery and vanishes again. Good god this is power.

It is less than a minute before all the artillery is scattered detritus across the ground. The enemy begins to understand they have been infiltrated and move on his position, but the god-armour is beyond anything they expected to face. Lightning pours from his fingers and soldiers are thrown like dolls in a tornado. His movement is too fast for them to aim, and each blow from his fist takes down a dozen soldiers. Confused, many begin to flee.

The assault has started on the front as the security forces push rapidly down the left flank. Jupiter’s team holds the Gate as a confused Rebellion quickly gives way. Without artillery support they are unable to hold the ground. The retreat brings cheers as the security forces meet Jupiter. With the boost of morale the push continues and the enemy is routed. Mars pulls up with his bodyguard soon after, “Well done, Pluto should release all these god-armours.”

“Ha! They weren’t designed for this. My power levels are below half already. The Gate’s secure, time for me to head through.”

“They’re going to regroup and assault us again. This area is going to be hotly contested. You’d better get a move on.

“Pluto, Gate is secure. Jupiter ready for stage two.”

<Roger. Opening Gate now. Surveillance in the Habitat is still temperamental, but we are working on it. Our weapon systems however are fully functional. You have until midnight, Jupiter. Over.>

The thick steel door slides open, the inside of an elevator awaits, “When you get her back, I’ll have my team take her straight to that elevator.” Mars points to a nearby set of doors about fifty meters away, “It will be pre-programmed to take her straight to the prison block.”

“Got it.”

“Okay, good luck. We’ll hold the Gate for as long as we can.”

The door closes and Jupiter accelerates through the grav-module before transitioning in speed to connect to the Tube. He accelerates again for a few seconds before coming to a halt and the door opens for him once more to reveal a short, narrow hallway guarded at the far end by the same energy shield that surrounds the Needle, “Everything’s a go up here, Jupiter. Let me know when you are ready.”

“Thanks Pluto. Lower the shield, I’m going in.”

The village is still celebrating by firelight when the girls return. Lucas’ mother comes over and gives Siff a tight hug, “Welcome dear, we’re so glad you are with us. We are all so excited to know you and help you walk in your soul-call. Come meet the family…”

Siff is welcomed by all of Lucas’ siblings and his father. She learns they are farmers who bring large harvests for the community and feed the surrounding area. They are enchantingly excited for her when they discover her love for art and take her to meet Atros, the local craftsman, who discusses with her for a long time about her desires put on paper, as they are slowly surrounded by people. Atros shows some of his smaller creations he likes to keep on his person: beautiful pieces of jade and amber molded into landscapes and animals, decorated with golden patterned designs. How is it even possible with their level of technology? How could they even begin to craft such amazing art? Tell stories that transport you to a different place? Create homes that embrace your heart?

As if reading the wonder on her face, Atros draws her attention to the walking stick he holds. There are intricate designs and pictures on it, “Each one tells the story of one glorious day to remember. Tonight, I shall add another: the day I met our wonderful new family member.”

Siff expects him to take out a knife and begin expertly whittling, but instead he brings the walking stick up to his mouth and whispers to it, then dips it into a bucket of cloudy water. Then, with eyes closed, Atros begins to massage the stick with his fingers, adding more pressure to some points. Siff blinks and stares enraptured. The staff begins to mold and shape as if Atros were moving putty, the grains of wood following his guidance until a face gradually appears that is all too familiar. Atros stops and opens his eyes to look upon Siff’s stunned gaze as she beholds her reflection, “We have learned to speak with our environment and be one with it. We mix the water with herbs and minerals to help the wood receive our words and become soft to our touch. The wood is as much a part of the universe as any one of us and violence toward it is not necessary to create art.

“Nothing is impossible for the gods, and so nothing is impossible for us. Our call is to be one with our world, and we pursue this noble thing. Each of us has our gifts and our soul-call. We are a part of all that surrounds us and can affect it in many ways. You, child, are a powerful light in your path, and when you discover your soul-call I cannot wait to see your gifts flow.”

“But it’s just…I don’t understand…”

“Perhaps she is not ready for this teaching just yet.” The Lord Elder puts his hand on Atros’ shoulder, “Young Siff is new to our ways and is used to a very different life. Let us send her to sleep and tomorrow begin

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