Excerpt #5

 Excerpt #5

     Jean Claude sent word asking Iriisii to meet with him in the cafeteria between shifts. As she walks toward the area, she wonders what this is about, but more specifically why the cafeteria at a time when it will be almost empty. For whatever reason he wants an informal, mostly private place to speak to her about something. Something involving Tricia maybe? No way to know for certain, she will just find out when she gets there. She walks in and spots him off in a isolated corner.

     She makes her way between tables until she reaches him and sits across from him, waiting to see what the issue is. He is reading a single sheet of paper, and she sees the corner of his lips turn down into a frown.

     Iriisii: "Anything I can help with?"

     Jean Claude: "I am not certain, but please read this as it concerns you."

     Iriisii reads the words written on the paper, wishing for Blackwell to show up. This was the kind of legalese he is far more able to understand than she does.

     Iriisii: "I almost wish I understood more of the kind of mind that can understand this, but then I thank whatever lucky stars I was born under that is not the case."

     Jean Claude lets a chuckle slip through, "I am in complete agreement with you on that. The 'summons' does not concern me near as much as what they think they are going to gain from it. You are sovereign within your own right according to international law. And that is the closest body of law that can be stretched over this situation.

     There is no precedent concerning your obvious origins being not from this world, not even from this universe. And so I do not see any way they can enforce this. That is also the opinion of my lawyers, but they stand ready to defend you if given the chance. This would put them at the front of an entirely new body of legal lore. The way they looked at it when I showed it to them, they were almost salivating to be the ones to defend you. If not for the way they have defended myself, Tricia, and the 'Circus' itself, I would have turned and walked out."

     Iriisii: "I understand completely. When I was Empress, I had to do much that disgusted me. So much so that I would have been much more comfortable mucking out the stables than dealing with the 'politics' and the bureaucracy'' of the Empire. Please do not get me wrong, I loved the people, and wanted the best I could do for them. That was the only reason I put up with it. That and I had a teacher better than any other I have ever met. He became my Lord Chancellor, and I asked my daughter Kintyra to keep him on when she ascended to the throne."

     Jean Claude: "He must be an exceptionally loyal man to have earned such praise from you."

     Iriisii: "If only you knew him as I did then and do now. I asked him to stay in his position because I could trust him as I could no other. He had earlier told me that his loyalty was to the throne itself, no matter whose royal behind sat upon it."

     Jean Claude erupts into laughter this time.

     Iriisii smiling: "So you see he has no loyalty to any particular person but rather to the office the throne stands for, and by extension the people who make up the Empire that throne represents. He and I saw 'eye to eye' on that so to speak and it led to a greater understanding between us. I could trust him to stand with me and my decisions, so long as they were for the 'Empire' and not for myself. It was in part why when he made his choice between myself or Rigmor to offer the throne to when I took the old Emperor's head, he chose me.

     According to his words, even though Rigmor had a strong claim through her father's line, mine was better. I was the 'Dragonborn of Akatosh', proven by my abilities, my actions, and being recognized by the Greybeards of High Hrothgar. For only one of the Dragonblood, anointed of Akatosh himself, could wield the power that I could. And from the time of Alessia, who founded the First Empire, Akatosh made a covenant with her that was represented by the Amulet of Kings that he forged for her. As long as a Dragonborn Emperor or Empress wore that Amulet, and sat upon that throne. The Dragonfires would remain lit in the Temple of the One, and the liminal barrier would stand with Mundus on one side and Aetherius and Oblivion on the other. Limiting the abilities of both from interfering with Nirn, as was done in the Dawn Times, and almost caused its destruction. So now Kintyra III, sits upon the throne, wearing the Amulet of Kings, reforged from the time of Martin Septim, who destroyed the previous amulet to allow himself the chance to take the form of a dragon, and become the Right Hand of Akatosh in battle against the Daedric Lord Mehrunes Dagon during the Oblivion Crises.

     Martin won, but at the cost of his own life, and without another Dragonborn and no Amulet of Kings, the Dragonfires cooled and expired. It is said that his sacrifice kept the liminal barrier standing, even though it was weakened. I tend to believe that line of thought, for there has never been another invasion from Oblivion, although there has been more activity from the Daedra. Now with Kintyra on the throne, she can strengthen the barrier once more and lessen the problems caused by the 'House of Troubles'."

     Jean Claude: "But if she does that, would it not act against you going back to Nirn?"

     Alessia: "Let me answer that. Normally it would, but for extenuating circumstances. Iriisii is now far more powerful and higher in Celestial rank than any other God or Goddess in Mundus, especially those that put the barrier in place the first time. Also she has one of the Fortresses of the Ageless Ones resting in the Great Forest close to the Imperial City. Since it is already there, the liminal barrier cannot, nor does it have the power to, banish it from Nirn. And since she is now a part of that Fortress, and it of her, she can go anywhere the Fortress can go. And since she ascended, she joined with the Gods of Eld and not with us in Aetherius, the barrier was attuned to Mundus, Atherius, and Oblivion. No thought was given to those who exist beyond. So even if Kintyra totally blocked the Aedra and Daedra from interfering with Nirn, I doubt it would even try to stop Iriisii, because she is a part of Existence as a whole and not just the corner Mundus occupies."

     Iriisii: "This is your world, your city, what would you do in my place?"

     Alessia: "What is this about?"

     Jean Claude: "One of our higher courts has summoned her to appear and answer charges of being an 'Enemy of the State'."

     Alessia: "So this is a legal matter and not a religious one?"

     Jean Claude: "Mainly legal yes, as nearly always sometimes the lines between become blurred."

     Alessia: "I can agree with that, having seen it myself in my past. What do your lawyers say regarding this particular court that has issued the summons?"

     Jean Claude: "That it is one of the more level, balanced courts. There are five judges who sit on it, and for this case all five will hear it. It takes three of the five to agree and settle on a decision, but only two to say what cases they will hear."

     Alessia: "So this government was able to persuade two to hear their side and issue the summons?"

     Jean Claude: "Yes, but my lawyers say there are no true legal grounds for the charges to have been brought. This is meant to be a form of harassment and to start a series of legal battles to tie Iriisii up here fighting them."

     Alessia: "I agree, therefore do the unexpected. They expect her to fight and become entangled in their web of charges, likely they are playing for time. Time to do what is the question. So she should bring the fight to them in an unexpected manner."

     Jean Claude: "You are saying she should appear and answer the charges in the assigned court?"

     Alessia: "Yes, then they must defend their position with my daughter there to answer their charges by leveling some of her own. They have no idea of what they are involving themselves in, and someone should show them. Puppets like these always tend to overextend themselves, and so we can learn much of how great is their fear of her and what she can do."

     "Hear ye, hear ye, this session of the Appellate Court of Appeals for the Central District of the Unified Merican States is now in order. The full Court is in attendance. Chief Justice Morrow presiding."

     Chief Justice Morrow: "Before we get down to business, I would like to state for the record that there is no precise reasoning why this case should ever have been brought forward, much less our responsibility to hear it. But the forms have been followed, and we therefore have a responsibility to at least listen to both sides and go from there. Prosecution, are you ready to present your case?"

     Prosecution: "Yes, your honor."

     Chief Justice Morrow: "Defense, I understand you have motions of charges of your own to bring against this case and its merits?"

     Defense: "Indeed we do, your honor."

     Chief Justice Morrow: "Then we will hear your opening arguments, prosecution, if you will begin?"

     The prosecution team puts forward its opening argument in support of its assertion that Iriisii's actions present her as an 'Enemy of the State' and therefore brings its charges of such before the Court to be decided. The defense team does not appear to be worried in the least and are looking at this case to be breaking new ground on many fronts. At first they thought about arguing against any Court in the land having jurisdiction to 'try' her, but she insisted that they go through with it. When she presented them with her evidence of the government's malfeasance, they all came on board with a vengeance to make this case an example of a huge mistake on the government's decision to go forward with it. The prosecution finishes up and the defense stands to present their opening arguments.

     Defense: "Honorable Justices of this Court, let it be known that we first felt that there was no Court on this planet with the authority to 'try' our client. But she showed us things that changed our minds, things that otherwise would have no chance of being heard in an open forum. As much as they shocked us to our core, we agreed that the evidence should be brought out and heard, and that this Court would be the appropriate place for this to happen. We have provided transcripts of testimony for your perusal. Should you desire, we are willing to bring the persons themselves into this Courtroom to testify to their written words, with this caveat.

     Our client has given them 'Sanctuary and Asylum' according to the Celestial Laws that bind her. She wishes for it to be known that any attempt of the government to arrest or detain these individuals will cause her to enforce and defend her offering of 'Sanctuary and Asylum'. She feels and we agree that the Celestial Laws governing this supersede our terrestrial laws. The prosecution should know that if they disagree with this assertion, this case will have to be postponed until these supporting matters can be adjudicated."

     As the justices look toward the prosecution team, who are huddled around discussing how they intend to answer, they watch as the discussion although very quiet does grow heated at moments. The prosecution lawyers argue over how to answer the Sanctuary and Asylum question, for they think any witnesses she brings forth should be arrested as traitors. The lead lawyer overrules the argument, reminding them of the video that went world wide portraying the events that took place that are the underlying basis for the 'Enemy of the State' charges. If they challenge her motion it allows her team to bring the video as evidence and that would damage their case beyond repair.

     The others reply that it is likely to get in anyway, so why not go ahead? To which the lead answers that this is primarily a delaying tactic and they need to drag it out as far as they can. If they sabotage this then they can explain to Chief of Psy-Ops Hawkins why they did it. This brings about a complete reversal of opinion, for not one wants to bring down Hawkins wrath on themselves.

     Prosecution: "Your Honors, we agree to the stipulation and motion of Sanctuary and Asylum, in the interest of getting on with this trial."

     Chief Justice Morrow: "Very well. Defense?"

     Defense: "We are ready for our opening arguments, Your Honors."

     Chief Justice Morrow: "Then you may proceed."

     The defense begins their opening, one point at a time, discrediting the Prosecution's points. And at the same time laying the groundwork for their own broadside against the government. The prosecution begins sweating as they see the Justices reactions to the charges the defense is leveling. If this keeps up the Justices might just levy a immediate verdict just on what the defense is bringing to the table. Mainly because they know there is no way they can refute these charges. How the defense got hold of this information is a mystery to the prosecution, who increasingly understands just how far out on the proverbial limb Hawkins has put them, for they cannot defend against these accusations while keeping themselves from looking like 'accessories after the fact' at best. But what to do, throw in the towel and hope Hawkins is forced to run, unable to exact his 'pound of flesh' from them, or keep going and hope they can salvage something from this debacle? The decision ends up being taken away from them.

     Chief Justice Morrow: "Defense, I assume you can verify the charges you are leveling with witnesses?"

     Defense: "Yes, your honor, we are prepared to do just that."

     Chief Justice Morrow: "In light of the charges, I propose that we disregard the ordinary order and allow the defense to call their witnesses. I for one would very much like to hear what they have to say. If the prosecution has no objection?"

     Prosecution: "No objection, Your Honor."

     Chief Justice Morrow: "Very well. Defense, you may call your first witness."

     The defense team looks to Iriisii, who mentally asks Reaper aboard her Krang to send Jameson and Miraselle through. The murmur in the courtroom rises to chaos as a 'door' opens in the open area before the judges' bench as Jameson and Miraselle walk through. Iriisii notices the job Reaper did on stripping Miraselle's implants from her body. As far as she could tell, there was not a single scar showing, and Elihal's work she was wearing was garnering more than a fair amount of attention. As she moves to the defense table she lays a stack of papers and photographs in front of the lawyers.

     Miraselle: "You may need these to contrast what I looked like before the implants were taken out."

     The defense team asks if she was ready to take the stand, to which she replies that she is indeed ready.

     She gets called to testify, given an oath to 'speak the truth', and the defense begins by giving the papers and pictures to the Judges.

     Defense: "Your Honors, these documents and photos comprise first of all, what Psy-Ops did to this witness, not of her free will, in the course of her time working for that agency. There are photographs as well as an itemized list of the physical implants placed in her body. There were also some genetic changes made which have been reversed, and she has undergone psychological treatment to counter the effects of the agency indoctrination she received along with the implants, and the withdrawal aftereffects of their removal."

     Prosecution: "Objection, your honor! How could all of this been removed, if it was ever actually implanted. We do not have access to the level of tech needed to remove them without severe scarring, yet she shows not the least bit of tissue scarring at all!"

     Chief Justice Morrow: "Objection overruled." As he looks at several photos and then at the witness to confirm it is the same person. "I hold verified photos of her before the implant removal process. It is quite apparent to me that this is the same person, that the photos are not doctored for effect. It is also apparent to me that the defendant has access to amazing medical technology. Technology far beyond what we have to be able to undo what was done to her in so clean a manner. There is also a note here that says if required, the implants themselves can be produced for our verification of their existence. My lady, would you tell me in your own words just what your part is in this mess?"

     Miraselle then goes on to detail to the Court all that had been done to her, who did it, where it was done, what she was required to do on pain of being totally disfigured by the removal of said implants if she did not comply. She went on to tell what she observed herself and what she heard others describe what they saw and experienced.

     As the prosecution listens, they slowly realize just how deep in the mire they are and that in all likelihood, Hawkins is going to throw them to the wolves to cover his own escape.

     Miraselle goes on to describe how she has been treated since being granted Sanctuary and Asylum by Iriisii, and the differences in her life since then are nothing short of astounding. She has nothing but good to say of Iriisii, her people and the crew of her Krang. They have treated her with the utmost respect and cordiality, shown her not only who and what they are, but what she can herself become if she wants. Any degree of training she desires can be made available to her, and she can become a most valuable member of Iriisii's entourage if that is what she wishes. Jameson is next on the 'stand', and gives a strong accounting of what he knew and experienced                                    

     As he returns to the defense table, the rear doors burst open and several Psy-Ops members rush in to execute arrest warrants for Iriisii, Jameson and Miraselle. The Justices cry foul, as do both the defense and prosecution teams. Iriisii stands and motions for Jameson and Miraselle to stand behind her.

     Iriisii: "I expected this action from you and your boss, and so I did not come here unprepared."

     She gestures to the area at the rear of the courtroom behind the spectators. Dropping their cloaking are six Yautja warriors moving to stand to the sides of Iriisii.

     Iriisii: "Even one of them is more than a match for all of you Psy-Ops. And yes, they are alien. Their proper racial name is Yautja and there are few warrior races their equal, and fewer still more skilled. All those that are here have now taken service with me. Their Matriarch has declared me 'Empress' of their civilization, and the worlds they occupy.

     Go back to Hawkins and tell him, he is outmatched if he thinks to come against me. And if he fears those who pull his strings, he should fear me more. For I can take him from them and deliver him to the justice of the 'Mother of the Cosmos'. Perhaps he would enjoy living the worst nightmares of all those who dream for the next thousand years, until his soul is consumed within the 'Engines of Nightmare' within the darkest corners of the Dreamlands."

     The lead agent steps forward and suddenly begins convulsing. His flesh beginning to morph as it seems to crawl as his bones begin to reshape themselves. The other agents beat a hasty retreat as Iriisii attempts to scan this agent to see what is going on and why. She recognizes some of the genome of the Wamphyri, but something else is also attached and it is not Dahlek. She reaches out and telekinetically rips up some empty rows of seats, converting the material into an alloy of metal and magic. Shaping it like a huge double helix, she moves the agent inside its coils, and energizes it. It then begins to slowly spin around, slowing down time within its frame.

     The movement of the agents flesh slows and stops, then Iriisii begins tuning it with her voice, finding the structures harmonic resonance points along the scales of audibility. Using the Thu'um, she ties those points together into a song of unearthly ethereal beauty.

     Iriisii: "This will halt the progression of what is happening with him."

     Chief Justice Morrow, his face showing the awe that he feels at what he is seeing, "Just what is happening to him that should be stopped in this manner and who is responsible?"

     Iriisii: "He is being forcibly mutated. It appears this was laid as a trap in case their current ploy failed to detain me. I recognize some portion of Wamphyri parasite genes in this, but I do not know what else was used or what the final outcome will be. I chose to attempt to stop it and return the agent to his full humanity. From what I can see it will take more time than what I have available to me, for he must stay here, within the temporal helix. If I were to transport him to my Krang, there is no telling what further changes would take place. It is likely he could be used as an anchor to transport others past my shields and into my Krang, endangering a great many."

     Chief Justice Morrow: "Is there any way to heal him or reverse what is happening while he is held in that?"

     Iriisii: "That is the purpose of the music you hear, I have incorporated Dwemer tonal architecture into the Helix and its resonances will work at the cellular level and below to reverse this abomination. It will be slow going as the process of mutation is extremely strong and virulent. If not for the Helix he would already be transformed and we would be fighting him."

     Chief Justice Morrow: "Then the stories that are being told of you are true, at the least that you are not of this world. Just who are you truly?"

     Dettlaff steps out of the shadows where her Kinja used them to transport him to her: "She carries many names across just as many Realms, but the one that seems most recognized among them all is the first one she earned just before she stepped onto the 'Path of the Gods', and that one is as the 'Aspect of War', first of the 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse'. When she submitted her life to be judged whether she was worthy to assume that 'Mantle', even she did not know if she would survive. For to fail meant complete and total obliteration. As you can see, she survived, and has earned the respect and almost adoration of the other Horsemen. For they say there has never before been a 'War' as strong as she is, and they fervently hope she never steps down.

     As to who I am, I am Dettlaff van der Eretein, a High Vampire among my kind, and her Vyrkolos. All of us who are close to her, have risen from obscurity to being storied, spoken of in taverns, palaces, cities, countries, and empires. She has looked inside us all, found something worthy to be raised up, and has yet to be proven wrong in her choices."

     Chief Justice Morrow in a hushed, reverential tone of voice, "She is 'War', the first of the 'Four'."

     He then opens a briefcase placed under the 'bench' where his is the center seat. Fumbling around, he pulls out a very old, book with yellowed pages. He opens it to a much read page and begins to read aloud.

     Chief Justice Morrow: "And it came to pass in the last days those known as the 'Four Horsemen'

                            came unto storied Atlantis. Who called them, summoned them, is unknown.

                            But they came and made their purpose known to all, for they are the last

                            Harbingers of Change. The people believed they came to destroy and the

                            Four did not deny that might be. They said they came to bring all of 

                            Atlantis to repentance of their ways. The first day, their voices rang

                            out, and the skies poured forth unending rain for five days and nights.

                            The people replied with anger and rage. The sixth day, again their

                            voices rang out, and the lands dried up to dust, the crops failed,

                            the animals died. And the people still refused to repent. At the end

                            of thirty days, when the people still raged and would not repent their

                            ways, 'War' stood out alone, turned his back on the people of Atlantis,

                            and cried out to the Heavens. A storm of fire and molten rock fell, the

                            very land itself rebelled, cracks ran across and swallowed whole cities.

                            The fields burned until the waves came and washed over everything. The

                            waters would not subside, and kept rising as Atlantis sank beneath into

                            the deeps. And all the while 'War' lamented the destruction that came.

                            He shouted to all that would hear, "Remember what happens this day, as

                            Atlantis has died and is lost to the depths of mythic history. As once

                            more a proud and great nation dies, like many others that are now lost

                            in the memories of history, Sarnath, Aquilonia, Meris, Acheron. No one

                            remembers them now, and one day no one will remember Atlantis, save for 

                            perhaps in fevered dreams."

     Chief Justice Morrow: "Is this why you have come once more? To see to the end of another nation that will not repent?"

     Iriisii: "Now it is more than just a city as was Sarnath, or a nation as was Atlantis. Now I seek the repentance of a God, one who should have been a mentor, a shepherd to the worlds of this Realm. A God who should have worked with those others now in hiding, but instead, he usurped his role, hunted the other Gods. Devouring them and taking their power for himself, until the remaining ones hid themselves away. Until they felt my presence, and drew me here to deal with him. What is happening here should never have been allowed, it is not your fault, but rather 'his'. For it is his actions that allowed these events to go as far as they have. Once I have dealt with the greater problem, the lesser one should fade away, if it does not, then I will see what needs doing to resolve it. Perhaps the people will open their eyes, see the problem, and resolve it so that I am not required to. I pray that is what happens, for all your sakes."

     Chief Justice Morrow: "What can we do, who is it that is the lesser problem, what kind of problem needs to be dealt with?"

     Iriisii: "Look to the actions of Psy-Ops and its leader. Look at what they have done within their 'black sites'. For if they would torment those captive there, how long will it be until then the rest of you join them in the darkness, when it will be too late for all, and I must cleanse this world to stop the spread of the contagion. For as painful as it would be for me, the rest of Existence must be spared the terror to come, one way or another."

     Chief Justice Morrow: "Is there no hope of the innocents then? Those who had nothing to do with any of this save to provide for their families?"

     Iriisii: "If you will stand and fight against what comes, stand with the 'Were's', the Vampires, and the Fae. Then should what comes prove too much for the combined might and souls of this world, I will step in, safeguard the innocent, and rain down death and destruction on the guilty. Once clean, I will rebuild this world, and return it to the innocent, with a new shepherd to guide your path. Aid me in my purpose and know my blessings and protection, stand in my way and be damned forever. For the Jihad of Truth nears its time of beginning, when war shall rage across Existence itself. Seeking to restore the Great Balance and provide a path for all to walk into the future."

     Chief Justice Morrow: "What is this 'Jihad of Truth' you speak of?"

     Iriisii's head looks up into the skies beyond the courtroom ceiling, her body begins to glow and rises off the floor, her voice takes on a eerie reverberation as she makes a prophetic pronouncement, even as her eyes go to a golden hue.

     Iriisii: "So speaks the 'Hidden Prophet'":

                                  "When the Elder Gods become whole once more.

                                  When the ancient darkness of hunger lies imprisoned in unbreakable chains.

                                  When the 'Mother of the Cosmos' steps down and passes her 'Mantle' to her

                                  successor.

                                  Then shall the Dragon bearing the Wings of the White Phoenix come forth.

                                  She and her Heralds shall mark all her children.

                                  And the Child of Infinity shall extend her arms to protect them.

                                  Only then will the 'Dragon of War' unleash her legions.

                                  And the 'Four Horsemen' shall ride to War's side once more.

                                  She will gather together mortal and immortal, good and evil, light and dark,

                                  the Shadowed Ones will come to her call, as will the storied Warriors of Dream,                                                                                                                                                                                                            led by King Kuranes of fabled Ilek Vad.

                                  They will do battle for the fate of Existence against 'Evil' once thought to

                                  be banished, but has found a tortured path to return.

                                  The 'Dragon of War' does as she was chosen and trained to do,

                                  to fight for all who cannot fight for themselves, to lead the way to victory    

                                  with the blood of her enemies dripping from her blade, sharing with her          

                                  warriors, the risk of life and limb. And when the battle is done,

                                  should she be victorious. She will watch and guide Existence until the last     

                                  stars grow cold and die, then her Final and True Doom will make itself known.

                                  As she draws the last of everything into herself, gives to the ashes of   

                                  Existence, all that was given to her. And when she sings the 'Charm of Creation'

                                  entrusted to her by the Ageless Ones, all will be remade once more as

                                  it was intended in the past. As her last gesture, she will give her

                                  name, to the firstborn daughter of this new Existence. And set her feet

                                  upon the path to the 'Hall of Remembrance', that the story of those who

                                  came before will not be lost or forgotten. The path you choose will

                                  determine what comes, choose wisely and all will be yours, choose not

                                  wisely and woe be to thee."

     

     As Iriisii begins to fall when the prophetic spirit leaves her. Dettlaff springs underneath and catches her just in time. As she rouses herself, and finds Dettlaff holding her in his arms.

     Iriisii: "Wha..., what happened? How did this come about?"

     Dettlaff: "You do not know?"

     Iriisii: "No, Judge Morrow asked me a question and that is all I remember, until I find you holding me in your arms."

     Chief Justice Morrow steps down from his bench and walks to her.

     Chief Justice Morrow: "I believe this was meant for you."

     As he hands her what looks like some kind of scroll, but one she has never seen the like of before. Light as a feather as she takes it in her hands. She feels the thrum of power within it, but more like a lazy stream than a raging river. The power seems to reach out and gently touch her, then knowing who has it, the power subsides until it feels like a gentle breeze on a warm autumn day. She takes a closer look at it, but even her expanded sight can only see bits and pieces of it. It is like it exists in multiple Existences at the same time, maybe even in multiple times as well.

     Iriisii: "Can you tell me what just happened?"

     Skelos: "Please allow me to do that."

     Iriisii: "Skelos! Is that really you?"

     Skelos: "Indeed my Goddess. Honored am I above all who see and convey the visions of prophecy. For the 'Hidden Prophet', first and greatest of all, has chosen to speak through you."

     Iriisii: "Then what did he say, I have no memory of it."

     Skelos: "He laid the groundwork for when the Jihad of Truth will be unleashed. The things that must happen before, and what will come during and after. He does not specifically say who will win, but does say all will regret their choice if you do not."

     Iriisii: "Shit, another layer of expectation laid on me."

     Skelos: "I would not worry about it, somehow I do not think there will be many more episodes like this. In all of the Existences timestreams there have only been a handful of times when he has spoken, but those times he always used another prophet, and they were always mortal. This is the first time when he has chosen to speak through one not a prophet and an immortal as well. Likely because his message was to go out to all in all of the Existences, and so only your 'voice' has been shown capable of doing that."

     Iriisii: "But what does this mean going forward?"

     Skelos: "You will know as the signs come and pass you by. Just keep to the path you have set for yourself and all will happen as it needs to, when it needs to. Oh, and I almost forgot, congratulations are in order."

     Iriisii: "For what may I inquire?"

     Skelos grinning, "First for finding another mate for yourself, one that will have vast ramifications later on."

     Iriisii: "And..."

     Skelos: "Second, Aleytys has caught Arioch. Word of this and of Elric proposing to Kathea has reached Tanelorn. Play your cards right and all of Tanelorn will join your crusade. Oh, and when you are ready to merge Mahfaeraak with the 'first' Blackblade, you will need an intermediary. Look to the Swordsingers of your homeworld for that answer. Things will go much more smoothly if you have the merged blade when you speak to the Eternal Champions, trust me."

     Iriisii: "Anything else?"

     Skelos: "Hmmm, you may meet an unexpected ally soon, take full advantage of what this ally can bring to the table. And make sure she meets Demetrious, just before the wedding would be a good time."

    

     On the streets of St. Lou, outside the Federal Appellate Courthouse.

     Reporter: "This is Julie Monroe of KVJT News, reporting from the Federal Courthouse in downtown St. Lou. It has been reported that the workers in the building suddenly found themselves standing outside the building despite many being in the midst of doing their jobs. Attempts to return inside were found to be impossible as they walked full on into some kind of unseen barrier just about a foot from the doors, windows, and walls themselves. Also any attempt to enter from the underground tramway, was met with similar results. No one knows what is going on as unidentified Government Agents, which some of the workers have identified to me as belonging to the ultra-secretive 'Psy-Ops', have been intercepting anyone trying to approach the building. After talking to as many of the workers as I could reach, I have determined that there just may be a few people still inside.

     The full District Bench was seated to hear a case concerning the woman who is currently the 'darling' of that premiere showclub, the 'Circus of the Damned'. She has been charged by the Feds as an 'Enemy of the State', and no one can say exactly why these charges were brought, only that she showed up this morning with lawyers in tow to answer the charges leveled against her with some of her own. We do not know what happened or anything else so far due to the courtroom being sealed while the Justices were in session. However it is believed that they are still inside, even as we speak. We will stay here on the scene until we can bring you more news as to what has happened, why it is going on, who is involved, and anything else we can find out, so stay tuned and as soon as more news breaks we will get it to you."

     Team Leader: "Cut! Ok everybody that is a wrap. Good job, Julie. You did just fine with what little we know. But keep an eye out, some of those agent types were looking you over and it never goes well to get their attention."

     Julie: "I have heard the same thing. Hey, do you think it might be a good idea for me to head to the 'Circus' and see if anyone there will talk to me? They have always treated us pretty good in the past when we wanted to run a story on them."

     Team Leader: "Sure, go ahead and give it a try. If you need a cameraman, give Joel a call. He knows a few people who work there and can vouch for you."

     Julie: "Thanks, I appreciate this, a lot. Maybe I can get lucky and someone will talk to me. At least I won't be under the scrutiny of the Feds."

     Team Leader: "I hear you. Say, make it look like you are leaving with the rest of us. We will swing by close to the 'Circus' and let you out there. Less likely to draw unwanted attention that way."

     Julie: "You are sure it will not be a problem?"

     Team Leader: "Not at all, you might see if they have any tape of this Iriisii's work she did at the club that catapulted her to the top. It could make a good background piece."

     Julie: "Sounds great, at the least it gives me a legitimate reason for going there if anyone asks."

     Team Leader: "There you go, thinking like a winner. Keep it up and you will go far."

     Julie: "Yeah, as long as I can avoid Kennerman."

     Team Leader: "That sleazebag still trying to steer you into his bed? What promise has he made this time?"

     Julie: "He says he can get me a 'weekend anchor' position, but I do not buy that at all."

     Team Leader: "Don't believe a word he says. He will screw you and drop you out the back door. He sees you as a possible threat to his job and will do whatever it takes to protect it, so take it as a 'badge of honor' and keep fighting. You have talent, and a hellbent work ethic, which is more than he will ever have. It will all work out for you, you just need the right story to get behind and this one just may be the one. He passed it by and it will be a huge mistake on his part, just don't be afraid to go where it takes you. Unless it is in Kennerman's bed, stay as far from there as you can."

     Julie: "You got that right. Ok, you can let me out here. The main doors are just over there. Imagine making that place out of this old warehouse district, that was a stroke of genius."

     Team Leader: "Ok, out you go, be careful and knock'em dead girl."

     Julie: "Thanks, I mean it."

     She waves as the network van drives away back to the corporate headquarters, then turns and walks to the main doors that mark the entrance to the 'Circus of the Damned'. As she walks through the doors and into the reception area, she sees someone she knows from previous visits.

     Julie: "Hey Martha, how is the day treating you?"

     Martha looks up, smiles as she recognizes Julie, "Hi there yourself. I am doing just fine, things are really hopping these days."

     Julie: "I bet they are, can you tell me about your newest star performer or is she off limits to discuss?"

     Martha: "Yes and no, I can't say anything, you will need to talk to Tricia. She has laid out strict orders that any questions of that nature are directed to her. Wait just a moment and I will buzz her that you are here. By the way, I saw your piece about the courthouse earlier, well done. If Tricia will clue you in, the stars are the limit for you girl."

     Julie: "Thanks, I need some encouragement right now."

     Martha: "I am serious about this, literally there could be no limits on how high you could go."

     Julie: "I will keep that in mind, thanks."

     Martha: "No problem, Tricia will be here in a few, has a matter or two to sort out. Won't take her long."

     Julie: "Thanks."

     About fifteen minutes later, Trisha walks into the reception area, glad for once to see a familiar face that is not the cops or Psy-Ops.

     Tricia: "Julie, its been too long since you were last here, welcome back!"

     Julie: "Thank you, you do not know how much that brightens my day."

     Tricia: "Well, I am glad someone appreciates me, come on, we can talk as we walk through the place."

     Rigmor bursts in, spies Tricia, sees Julie as well but her nose does not react at all so she must be ok.

     Rigmor: "Sorry to be a bother, but Iriisii should have been back by now. I heard coming down the hallways that there is some kind of trouble at the courthouse."

     Tricia: "Can we talk about this later?"

     Rigmor reads Tricia's concern, "She is fine, my nose for trouble is not reacting at all. But I need something to tell Eliza, she says she cannot sense Iriisii at all and this is upsetting her. Believe me when I say we do not want her upset."

     Tricia starts to go white as a sheet, "Who is with her?"

     Rigmor: "Alessia and Illyria are with her or the walls would be shaking, I have sent Byrsael to help and I cannot find Dettlaff."

     Tricia: "All right, follow us where we can be more secure and we can put our heads together and see what we can come up with. But first, this is Julie Monroe, an investigative reporter for KVJT News, Julie, this is Rigmor Ragnarsdottir, of the House of Ragnar. There is more that goes with that but it will have to wait."

     As Julie looks Rigmor over with her practiced eye, she looks beyond the exquisite flowing gown she is wearing to note her mannerisms, word usage, tone of speech, hand and facial movements, and a healthy dose of instincts. The first thing that pops into her head is here is someone who has not had an easy life, but is sure of herself and knows she can handle anything that comes her way. Rigmor nods her head to Julie as if agreeing with her assessment. It takes some minutes swift walk to reach the quarters underground, all those they meet decide they need to be someplace else. Before Tricia opens the door, she looks to Julie.

     Tricia: "I do not know why I am doing this, but you must not show any strong reaction to what you are going to see. I cannot stress how dangerous it could become if you do."

     Julie: "If you are not willing to take a chance on something, you will always stand still while everyone else passes you by. I will take that chance."

     Rigmor: "Someone who could be as a sister to me, well met."

     Tricia opens the door. The three file inside as the door closes on its own. Julie gets her first good look at Eliza and has no idea why she does what she does when she goes to Eliza and gently takes her clawed hands in her own. As Eliza looks at her, Julie speaks in a calm, easy going voice.

     Julie: "You do not have to worry about Iriisii, she is fine. I just came from the courthouse where she is. You cannot sense her because there is a power shield surrounding the building. Almost everyone was transported out of the building except for those in the courtroom Iriisii was in. Even though Psy-Ops is there, they cannot get inside, so she should be safe."

     Eliza starts to calm down.

     Rigmor: "You say there is a shield up around the building?"

     Julie: "Yes, there is. No one knows where it came from. They just know no one can get in."

     Rigmor lifts her face to the ceiling and reaches out to Reaper aboard the Krang.

     Rigmor: "Reaper?"

     Reaper: "Mother Rigmor, what can I do for you?"

     Rigmor: "Did Iriisii by any chance ask you to set up a shield around the Courthouse where she is right now?"

     Reaper: "Indeed she did. She also instructed me to port everyone in the building, but outside the room she was in, to the area outside of the building. She also had me send her Kinja Acolytes to bring Dettlaff to her. Are there any further problems?"

     Rigmor: "Not now, Eliza's sense of Iriisii was cut off when you put up the shield and that disturbed her. Now that we know she is alright and has Dettlaff with her, Eliza has calmed down."

     Reaper: "I apologize for the trouble, I was not instructed to allow sensory connections to remain in place through the shield."

     Rigmor: "It is alright, she probably had to act quickly and did not think of it herself."

     Rigmor turns to Eliza, "There now, she is going to be ok, Dettlaff is with her and she was the one to call for the shield. We just need to wait for her to finish whatever she is doing and she will come back to us."

     Eliza: "Wait for sister, wait with family, love family, love sister."

     Rigmor: "We love you too, Eliza. Never forget that. I will be back soon, I promise."

     Rigmor stands up and motions for Tricia and Julie to follow her outside into the hall.

     Rigmor: "Thank you for what you did for Eliza. It meant a lot to all of us who love and care for her."

     Julie: "Who or what is she? She is not a 'were', that is certain."

     Rigmor: "Even Iriisii is not certain of some things about her, and she was present at her conception, birth, and spent just over two hundred years protecting her until the rest who went with her could catch up to her timestream and rescue the both of them. She is an emergent, a sorcerer brought her into our Existence by merging her with the unborn child his wife carried using a powerful but unknown spell. He had tried the same thing before but his other attempts failed. Something watching this unfold, took a small part of Iriisii's soul and used it to bind the two halves together. It was the only way for the child to survive the extreme differences in their natures. From that point on, Iriisii would not leave her until she knew what was going on, and that Eliza would survive.

     What we do know is that her father, her true, natural father, was the first 'Eternal Champion'. He became the first Champion of the Balance, while Iriisii now holds that position. When he laid down the 'Mantle' of the Eternal Champion, there was not another single champion that could assume it. It was then split apart into many, and they spread themselves across all of the Existences. One of them is named Elric of Melnibone, he was with Iriisii when she went to find and rescue her stolen daughter, Kathea. They are together now and soon to marry. Elric's mentor is Arioch, Lord of the Courts of Chaos, and in a strange quirk of fate, Iriisii's half-dragon daughter, Aleytys, met him, decided she wanted him for herself, and has been chasing him across Tamriel trying to catch him and drag him to the Marriage Altar."

     Right abut that time, Tricia gets buzzed by Martha.

     Martha: "Boss, Iriisii has made it back with Dettlaff and the lawyers. Seems things took a southerly turn in the proceedings but she got it worked out for now. She is on her way to you now with Dettlaff. The lawyers are going to wait for Jean Claude to wake and speak to him about what happened and where to go from here."

     Tricia: "Thanks Martha, good news anyway that she is back. Let me know if anything else happens."

     Martha: "Will do, later Boss."

     Tricia: "Come on, we can intercept Iriisii close to a private conference room. Then we can talk securely."

     They make their way upstairs and catch Iriisii close to the main conference room. Tricia asks if she would speak with a guest in the room for privacy. Iriisii nods her head and follows, glancing at Rigmor to see her nod her head as well.

     Once they get settled, Tricia makes introductions but little else. Once she gets to what Julie's job is, Iriisii sees a part of the prophecy the 'Hidden Prophet' spoke about in her voice.

     Iriisii: "You want to do an interview with me?"

     Julie: "If you would be so kind. it would mainly be a background piece on you as a person. So that my audience can get to know you a little to balance what the government is going to spew out."

     Iriisii: "Do you have anyone to handle video or is this going to be audio/text?"

     Julie: "I can call someone who knows people here."

     Tricia: "If it is who I think, go ahead. We can wait until he gets here and setup."

     Julie makes the call, saying as little as she can about the reason in case others are listening. 

     Julie: "Joel says he will be here as fast as he can make it. He already keeps a gear bag packed and ready for whatever happens at odd times."

     About a half hour later, they are ready to begin, Iriisii and Julie are seated in plush chairs so that each can interact and the camera gets a good, clear view of both of them.

     Julie: "I am speaking now to Iriisii Dovahkiin, the stellar attraction that Jean Claude and Tricia of the 'Circus of the Damned' have found and brought out for all of you to enjoy her shows. Let me start first with, your last name, it sounds more like a title than a family name, could you elaborate on that?"

     Iriisii: "You are right about that, my given family name is Starborn. Dovahkiin is a title from my homeworld, meaning 'Dragonborn'. And no I do not have a real dragon in my ancestry. Currently, yes, but not back then."

     Julie: "You are serious then about dragons? I know they were recently seen when the military got involved in an altercation here at the 'Circus'."

     Iriisii: "Let me clearly give my position on both those items. The military made the first move, I defended the 'Circus' and every other innocent noncombatant that I could. To know what exactly started this, you would have to ask the government. As to dragons, they do exist. In fact, they existed here on this world until your last Ice Age, when they decided to leave rather than go to sleep. I know this because I have met and spoken to them. As to where they are now, that I will not say. It is up to them if they wish to make their whereabouts known. I can say that it is a very, very long way from here. With that said, there are many different species of dragons, with different abilities. But they are all intelligent, some can speak, some choose not to. They all have a basic intrinsic language that they can understand, even as their direct speech may differ somewhat, like a dialect of a parent tongue."

     Julie: "What is it called?"

     Iriisii: "Draconic is the parent of all the dialects, the dialect I know best is Dovahzul. And no, I will not speak any of it as examples, it can be quite dangerous to do so. Why that is? Because the traits given to dragons, primarily breathing fire, but other things they can do as well, is directly tied to their language. Within the language, certain words are charged with power that will manifest when spoken by a dragon. I can do the same because as a Dovahkiin, Dragonborn, I share the soul of one of our 'Ancients'. So you could consider me to have two souls, one from a dragon, one that I was given when I was concieved by my parents.

     You have to understand we have a very diverse history, which I will not go into because of time constraints, just let me say that on my homeworld, called Nirn, our Gods were known quite well as they walked among us. It was a time of wonders unimaginable, and dangers unconceivable. It almost became our destruction, but thankfully that was averted. They distanced themselves from the mortal world and placed a barrier to enforce it. So then when trouble came that ordinary people could not handle. Our chief God, Akatosh, Father of Time and Dragons, would send a 'Hero' to do what they could no longer do. We were called the Dragonborn.

      Earlier in our history, as your scientists would say, some among us were infused with the DNA of Dragons, to be passed down in family lines. Nothing would come of this unless Akatosh anointed one with a dragonsoul. Then they became a Dovahkiin. Usually this happened after puberty, but in some special circumstances, it would be done while the child was as yet unborn, this made that child a Dovahkir or Dragonchild. I am one of these. As I grew up I thought nothing of it. But he helped me in many ways that one would never notice.

     Many things happened to me in my life till now, many painful, sorrowful, things. Because what would be asked of me, required that I be tempered in the crucible of woe, so I would become strong enough to bend but not break. When my tasks were done, usually a Dragonborn will go away and fade from sight and history, until the next was needed. But this time was different, others greater than my Gods saw the need to accept responsibility for me, to take on tasks for them over a much bigger horizon. I have continued to grow in power, in responsibility, adding accolades and rewards for what I have done. And so I have been brought here, by those remaining, hidden gods that live in this universe, to correct an injustice that has gone on for far too long a time.

     What I was brought here to do, does not directly affect anyone on this world, or almost all of them out there that your telescopes can see. But certain ones within your government thought my arrival was an opportunity for them. For that I can thank Jean Claude and Tricia for finding me and keeping me out of their hands until I found my feet again. One, even a Goddess, does not pass through the Hellmouth unscathed. But that is a far different story of how and why I came through that. I care for all who walk this world, be you human, 'Were', Vampire, or Fae. All of you are equal in my eyes.

     While I have been here, I have taken the opportunity to share a little bit of myself with all of you. To let you see what is possible out there beyond your vision. I have seen sights so beautiful to bring tears to the eyes of Gods and Demons alike, and places so terrible no God or Demon would tread. But I did, because if not me, then who, if not now, then when. I have had dreams just like you have. I have dreamed of sitting out on a veranda just as the sun sets behind the tree tops of an apple orchard. Watching my children running home to supper as the dying sunlight gleams off of the wheat fields they pass through. Of other children climbing in the trees, chasing chickens and goats, yelling in joy as they catch the aroma of fresh apple pies from the oven placed on the window sills to cool. And after they have been tucked into their beds, my mate and I lay in ours, talking about what we want to do on the morrow. Alas, I will never have those dreams come true for me. But I work and fight, I travel the length and breadth of the Existences so that all others have a chance to make those dreams real for them. I endure the horrible and the hopeless so that you do not have to. It is my calling and my doom driven path to walk from now until the very stars grow cold and dark."

     Joel lowers his camera slowly, his face showing the emotions he has had to learn to ignore in order to 'get the shot'. Julie, has tears slowly running down her face, as she wonders what could have been and if it was not too late to change her own path. Tricia, her eyes closed, looking inside herself to see if she has the strength to see if her own path is one like Iriisii's. And Rigmor gets to her feet, walks over to her love. Stands behind her, wraps her arms around Iriisii's shoulders and kisses the top of her head, before placing her cheek against Iriisii's cheek.

     Rigmor: "No matter what path we walk, where it takes us, what we have to do, I will always love you, and I will stand beside you."

     Iriisii: "Thank you, two words that can say more than an entire book, but they will have to do, because I can think of no others that say more."

     Julie asks Joel to deliver the tape to the news director for her, that she wants to stay here for a while longer.

     Joel: "Don't worry, I will see that he gets it and no one else. If this does not win you this year's Akerson Award for Investigative Journalism, then the judging is rigged. If you need me again, just call me."

     As he looks at his watch, "If I hoof it, I think we may be able to get it out on the six o'clock news. Boy won't this drive some nails in Kennerman's career coffin."

     Tricia: "I will have one of our limo's meet you out front, they will get you there in time."