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The order of the Mortal Knights
by Elnauhual aka Javier Delgado
Fan fiction, inspired by "Oh My Goddess" by Kosuke Fujishima.
Chapter XXV - rev 2
Conspiracies
It was an anonymous shabby little room, full of old and decrepit wooden furniture that had worn edges showing the large number of people who had been there. There was no evidence, no adornment to indicate that someone would have wished to mark this place as his own, so despite being a department it felt like an anonymous public office.
The air was stale, the few windows it had been covered by heavy curtains blocking the passage of light and air so the room was almost in darkness that a couple of incandescent bulbs hanging from the ceiling naked, failed to overcome.
In the center of the room, a man walked back and forth, it was a slow and obsessive walk like an old tiger in a cage. His clothes were indistinguishable from the one used by most of the people of this town, but his attitude was very different. He had a stone like face with a short beard beneath which some scars were visible, a fiery look and a proud stance that could be more appropriate for a statesman. He paused to inhale the smoke of a cigarette; his hand was stained with nicotine which showed that it was an ingrained habit, then continued his walk. Suddenly he stopped mid-step, as if he had an idea and slowly walked to a rickety table at one end of the room, he sat and put on a pair of old fashioned eyeglasses, then took a bunch of papers and notes and began to look for something.
His eyes scanned the papers, stopped, returned and re-evaluated what they had in front. They seemed to be the only part alive from his face. After reviewing a paper, threw it in disgust to a small brazier where there was some burning coal so that paper instantly burned into flames, briefly illuminating the room. The heat and smoke added to the tightness felt in the room.
A noise distracted him, it was the opening of a lock, he stayed motionless for an instant while he tried to identify it, his muscles were tense, ready for action. Finally he smiled at the sound of footsteps that were already known so did not bother to look at the newcomer.
- Is there anything new? We need to do something or the world will forget about us.
The newcomer hesitated, he brought with him an old portfolio. He could have passed for an obscure bureaucrat that no one would care to notice. His clothes were clean but worn out, and had a plodding gait, it was difficult to determine his age, since the hair that was beginning to disappear make him to look older. He looked at his partner with a lingering fear, swallowed hard and spoke.
- We have a strange message. It´s from Doctor Adlène Hervieux.
The man at the table raised his head at that name, and slowly placed the papers on the table. He removed his heavy glasses and slowly turned to see the newcomer.
- Our old friend, Dr. Hervieux?. Yes, I remember him. Did he commit the stupidity of sending more letters again? As if they would do any good. I always thought it was useless to educate people to be among them, very soon they begin to think like them.
- No, no, this is something... - gulped again, and licked his dry lips with excitement. - it´s something quite different. He sent us a report about a discovery, but it is something very strange.
The man at the table smiled slightly.
- A new discovery? That's interesting. What can it do for us?
The man with the briefcase pulled out some printed sheets containing photos of a destroyed laboratory and offered them to the man at the table. He looked at them with curiosity.
- He says this was the result of the action of a few milligrams of a strange material, but warns that it is very unstable.
The man scratched his chin, and quickly reviewed the photos, pausing before a photo that seemed out of place, it was Dr. Hervieux hugging a very young girl. With a puzzled look, wondered why the professor would have sent him a photo of himself. Mentally he ignored the girl, after all, she was only a woman,
- Only a few milligrams eh? What did this? I think we could put it to good use. Does he tell us how we can get it? Or he believes that knowledge of its existence is enough for us?
The man with the portfolio shuddered.
- He does not tell us how - cringed at the reproaching look of the man- But he tells us that this person knows how to do something more stable. - He pointed Jenny Rosenthal´s photo, the frail petite girl hugging the doctor. - According to Hervieux, she is a brilliant scientist and ...
He was abruptly interrupted by an ominous laugh, then the man said:
- That girl?, Who could have imagined. No matter, find out how we can approach her. I do not think we would need to mistreat her too hard to get her to cooperate and if not, it would be good to leave them without that - his face changed to a deep contempt - "brilliant scientist". How can they be so stupid to leave that in the hands of a woman? Do you have something else?
The man with the portfolio turned pale and commented- 'Also he tells us a very strange story, it´s about ... - he had an involuntary shivering - ... a meeting with gods and demons and a covenant with them.
The man at the table stayed frozen for a moment and slowly his eyes shrink to a sliver, then stood up abruptly throwing the chair, the fury invaded his body and looked at his partner and began to scream.
- I knew it, knew it. All their power comes from an evil pact. This explains why we have been squashed. The world must know this, so they repudiate them and join us to exterminate them. - Then closed his eyes until they seemed just two slits. - Dr. Hervieux will have to help us to get more evidence for this blasphemy.
The man with the portfolio took a step back and began stuttering.
- But he says here, he is not going to help us, that this is his last communication and that he wishes that his people can live now in peace
Instead of the expected fit of anger, he heard a soft laugh that give him chills.
- Left us? He cannot refuse those who are right and go to join the blasphemers. We'll have to remind him, who he really is. If I remember well, his family still lives in a village a few hours from here. We will have to pay them a visit so their dear and notable relative will remember about them ...
The office of CERN's Director General was not very different from the other offices: large windows overlooking the gardens of the building, two spartan desks with a pair of laptops, some awards hanging on the walls and piles of magazines, publications and other materials that invaded most of the available space, just some of the chairs of the place had been spared from that fate, and were occupied by two men, one of them, Professor Nambu commented exalted.
- I cannot believe it was him. I expected a leak of information from one of the youngest, but not Dr. Hervieux.
The other man, the director quietly replied
- I've always said you are too idealistic. You would not be apt to run a place like this - The director spoke without ostentation, he was just commenting on a fact. - I did expected something like that.
His words helped to calm professor Nambu, but still he was uneasy.
- But I think it was you who helped him to get out of jail ...
- Yes, and also I know the reasons that led him there and also know those reasons have not disappeared, but his brain is very valuable, so I decided to take a risk ...
- And he failed you. - Commented Nambu in disgust.
- Twenty years of giving everything he had to build this place, is not a failure. But maybe it´s not so disastrous. Some time ago I asked the people at Systems to monitor his activities. One of them was so excited; he commented he would install a "Keyloger" on his machine.
- That does not seem very ethical - frowned Nambu- you did not have authority to do so.
- I tell you, you're too idealistic. I feel good about having made that decision, so let´s see what we find.
The director took the phone and dialed an internal number, a young and enthusiastic voice answered.
- Hi, this is Systems. Jean Verdiux speaking.
- Hey, I you just want to talk with you.
- Director!, What a surprise. What I can I do for you?
- Do you remember my requests about Dr. Hervieux.
- Of course I do. So do you want to see what he has been up to? Wait a minute.
The director blinked at the enthusiasm of the young technician. He seemed so eager to show off his skills, he had not even asked the reason. All he could hear was the sound of a keyboard being pounded, followed by a series of rapid staccato sounds. Not a minute had passed when he heard the young voice.
- Here I have a log of his activities. Oh!. He sent a file ... - the young man stopped talking and suddenly erupted in loud laugh - ... a file via FTP to a server in China?. What is he doing? ¿Uploading a pirated movie? Or maybe an indiscreet video?
- Enough!, That's not funny.- the director said angrily- You know what happened in recent days. Dr. Hervieux sent confidential information to someone outside here, I want to know what he sent and to whom. Can you find out?
- Of course, I am sure that Dr. Hervieux believed he was a clever spy and thought nobody would notice. We're not in 1995 ...
- Okay, I know you think everyone older than 30 years is ancient. Now, please get this information.
- Chief ... I will get it, but I want something in return.
- In return? - The direct looked to Professor Nambu with a resigned air, Nambu watched the exchange with amusement- What do you want in return? More holidays?.
- No, it´s something much more interesting. I want some computing time in the "grid".
- You know that all the time is rationed and allocated.
- That is why I ask it as a special favor. I have a mathematical model that I want to try.
- Okay, I will allocate some access time for you, but first, get me that information.
The manager hung up and looked to an amused Professor Nambu, who asked :
- Do you also monitor my mail?
- You know that we are public servants, so all of our emails are stored for future reference, that goes with the job. Now let's hope this is not as bad as it sounds.
- Do you think we'll have more leaks? I do not want a scandal ahead of time, I guess many governments are going to get paranoid when they find out what we discovered.
- Out of the first videos uploaded at "youtube", and I wonder who was the idiot, all the communications have been done through our own internal networks. Our system connects directly through more than 150 universities and scientific centers of the world trough our own fiber optics and high band networks. Our computing people told me that so far governments do not care much about us as the flow of information we have exceeds by several orders of magnitude what their systems can handle and its mostly data they cannot understand, so far it has been possible to hide our streams on it. Currently all nodes at the grid had local copies of the material, and we expect to disseminate it to centers outside the grid, so it will be impossible to censor it when the time comes.
- Then you agree that sooner or later all this must be public, even if we are going to have a lot of pressure in order that only a few know the whole truth.
- I confess I do not like the whole mess we are into - said the director, with concern in his voice - but as scientists we are committed to never hide the truth. I remember we discussed at length the case of the publication in Nature and Science magazines on how to obtain an airborne infectious strain of Avian influenza. It was finally decided that despite being a potential hazard in the long run it was the best.
- And we do not want to repeat what happened after the World War, when only a few countries had access to nuclear technology and that resulted in the Cold War.
- So you're aware that we are going to irritate a number of governments and especially some militarists. So far no one suspects what is going on, but sooner or later we will call their attention. We have to carefully plan our next steps, all our people is eager to talk about this, so the must be certain how we are going to disclose it. What do you plan do now?
The two men stared at each other and finally Professor Nambu spoke:
- I think it's time to talk to the initiator of it all- he said with a wide grin- We need a long discussion with Dr Shugahara. It's time he shares some of the blame for this conspiracy.
Urd looked at the scene with exasperation. Before her there were a dozen demons, They were the highest and most renowned in healing chants, healing magic spells, magic alteration, magical aura phenomena, myths and magical chants, ancient history and other sciences. They were seated at a long table that she had materialized in her room. All had dignified attitudes, and wore elegant and elaborate robes that marked their ranks and merits. One of them had an annoyed expression, a small column of smoke rose from his clothes, the result of Urd´s temperament.
Urd was floating in the air, trying to think how to fix the situation. Unlike the great council, these demons were not greatly impressed with her power, her elaborate and revealing clothes, her marks or her titles. They were not very powerful, but they knew much more complex magic than the average demon, her outburst, that would have impressed the council, here it produced only a slight burn.
She closed her eyes and turned around trying to think, Kenji had told her that she should not work alone, instead she must rely on the wisest of her world, but apparently she had some communication problems, Urd thought - Kenji, I wish you were here, you know you to motivate and organize people. - Then sighed, Kenji was not there, she had to resolve this alone. Finally took a deep breath and returned to her place.
- I think we had a bad start. - she tried to stay calm- I have not called you to impose my authority on you, I have called you- Urd hesitated before saying something that always was hard for her to say - I have called you because I need you, our world needs you. The madness overcomes us, and causes chaos, victims and destruction. Unfortunately the armed forces are not immune to it.
Her words had the desired effect, a number of demons nodded gravely, one of them replied.
- Urd-sama, Hild´s daughter. We are not really sure why you call us, we are all working for a cure for this disease that invades us. You do no need to ask us for our help.
Urd gasped, suddenly she realized that for them, she was only Hild´s daughter, a pampered princess that left their world as child and knew little about them and not Urd: specialist in potions, the number one Sysop at Yggdrasil and a Norn. That hurt her pride, but she could understand their point. For them, she was just a distraction and not someone who could help. What would Kenji do instead?, Her ire disappeared as she focused on the immediate problem. She smiled remembering how Kenji managed to infect everyone with his enthusiasm, using a mixture of praise, criticism and humor, not guiding but leading, also she had to remember that those demons had the same goal as her. She took a depth breath and started to talk:
- I have called you because all of you are the best in your respective arts. But also because I think I can help to organize, to unite our efforts and use the authority I have to give you all the resources you may need.
A murmur of approval came from the group. Despite their high rank as scholars, their work was not appreciated in this world where long time ago, old age and disease had been vanquished. The only area that still were flourishing was to heal combat wounds and developing of combat magic. One of them, a tall and thin demon, wearing an elaborate hat showing his various areas of knowledge, commented with some hesitation.
- If you want to help us ... Maybe you could give us better facilities, more access time to Nidhogg and even some helpers. I think it´s not much.
He had barely finished his words when Urd said- Done.! - With an elegant flourish she generated a data screen, reviewed some data on it, and sent it floating to the demon. He read it carefully and threw a word of surprise, then nodded slowly. Urd waited then added: - I hope this is enough; I know most of your needs, since in a way I am also a scholar. - she generated other data screens that were sent to each one of the demons. - I have assigned working spaces for you within the palace, now you all are valuable, even more, there will be someone from Hild´s personal guard watching for your safety.
A new murmur of surprise came from the demons. That was a high honor. The murmur grew as they compared what they had received, yet another demon commented still with some doubt in his eyes.
- Urd-sama, I appreciate this. This is very generous, no one had taken us into account before, we all have needs and you have offered us a high honor. But I think seems there is something else. Is not that so?
Urd smiled, She had underestimated their intelligence. - Yes there is something else. Each one of you is currently working on his own field, and ignoring others, we cannot continue doing that.
- But ma'am, if everyone works in a different area, why should we work together?
- Listen to me. I cannot compete with you on your individual areas, yet I know things that you do not know.
Another demon rose, Urd knew him, he was one of the oldest of the wise, and despite that demons could have an eternal youthful appearance this one had a corpulent body with a big white beard that Urd had always considered a show off. Urd had to suppress a laugh. He was Wootan Woddin guardian of the ancient healing poetry. She had used his image to create some fantastic tales when she had lived between the Norse but his words quickly drove away her smile.
- You tell us then. If we judge you by your marks, we do not know if we can trust you. Will you tell us if this curse was sent from heaven? A disease that does not kill? That's a very clever way to attack us without involving the doublet system. Certainly there are some casualties, but mostly the disease weakens us and makes us vulnerable. Maybe this is the start of an invasion. This can only come from our enemies and you have the marks of our enemies.
Urd had expected that accusation, but that could not prevent her to feel anger, so a white glow began to emanate from her fingers. Urd floated again in the air. But then she realized the demons were tense and began to mutter defensive spells, yet at the same time they were trying to preserve their dignity and pretend they were not afraid. In some way it was funny, Kenji would have had a humorous phrase at hand for this, so Urd could not help but start laughing ... But this had an opposite effect to what she expected. This time she saw fear on their the(remove) faces. Urd froze suddenly remembering what might happen when her mother laughed. She closed her eyes and tried to take a calm attitude. Slowly she descended to her seat, while the demons looked amazed. The explosion they expected never materialized. Urd looked calmly at her accuser, then smiled, trying to be as honest as she could, and avoiding the ingratiating smile her mother used to hide her true feelings.
- That's the problem, you are so immersed into your work, that you have not heard the news.
- What news? - Asked an intrigued Woddin.
- The doublet system has been suspended.
A chorus of stunned voices emerged from the demons, who quickly began to inquire to each other, seeking confirmation of this amazing news. After a brief confusion, Woddin stood in a questioning attitude.
- That is impossible, there is only one way to suspend it and it´s by a ...
- A Magna Truce? That just happened!
- But ... What about the judges? All the other races are gone.
- There is another race!
- That's impossible, there is only the ... - The demon hesitate to say that word.
- Only the mortals are left. That is Right. Three mortals have been appointed as judges and they were armed with the weapons of the first born. - Urd realized she was enjoying the game, but refrained. She would gain nothing trying to poke fun at their ignorance on this issue of the wisest demons of Hell, so she changed her tone- We owe you an apology, the recent events have been so unexpected that apparently nobody explained to you the full situation. Listen to me, this is very important. A Magna Truce has been declared since gods in heaven are also suffering from this strange disease. Kamisama and Hild agreed that it is a threat to the multiverses, so they decided to cease any hostility and work together. .
The demons were stunned ... Woodin exclaimed
- A disease that attacks both heaven and Hell? That cannot be coincidence.
- I agree, that is why we need to work together, and not only us, but also among the other races. I will be the link to get information about what is happening in Heaven. Soon we will have detailed information. Heaven is currently our ally.
The demons were silent, Urd had destroyed their world view and turned it around 180 degrees. It was critical they accept it.
Finally one of them, the insolent who had received the burn, asked in a scared tone.
- I think I want to know more about what is happening before relying on our enemies. We know you're part goddess, but I do not trust Kamisama and I think you should not trust him, even as a goddess. Urd frowned at the assertion. It was unexpected but it was not the appropriate moment to ask, since she had a good reason to trust.
- I trust the new Kamisama
- New Kamisama? What are you talking about?
- Listen, the old Kamisama is dying- Urd could not avoid enjoying his stunned expression - And now the new Kamisama is my sister Belldandy. She is someone we can trust - The goddess smiled with satisfaction at their silence, looked around and finally said: - Now if you do not object, may I invite you to participate in an old Earth custom called " To Drink tea" and start working together.
Lind materialized above Yggdrasil´s central node and witnessed the destruction that lay under her. This was not caused by the attackers, but Belldandy, who without any regard or attempt at self-control had defeated the attackers. It seemed she had not cared about the destruction she caused around her.
She observed that the area was patrolled by a score of very young Valkyrie, Lind called the attention to the one that seemed to be the senior. She was unknown to her, probably was one of the newly accepted:
- Commander. Give me your report about the situation.
She took a while to react, apparently the thrill of battle had overcome her and at first ignored her call but after recognizing the legendary Lind gasped in admiration and quickly flew to stand in front of her.
- Milady Lind, I... - she quickly tried to regain her composure- ... I am Kára, NCO assigned as commander of the third recruit phylum, - She looked around trying to find the appropriate word to report to her incommensurable superior - Eh! The battle was ...I mean ... - she felt Lind´s angry gaze upon her- The battle is over.
- That I can see myself.
-Yes milady, I... I mean: Kamisama defeated all the disturbed - her eyes were full with admiration - it was awesome, no one could oppose resistance, she swept them like leaves ... Then she ordered us to seal them all and then she departed. That's what we're doing, here I have them. - The excited girl took a small bag she carried in her belt and from there levitated about twenty small disk with magical sealing signs.
Lind took a deep breath before answering, no one would have dared to present so ramshackle report before her, so she took a moment considering a not very nice sequence of possible disciplinary actions. She took mental note of the most appropriate and then decide to cut down the young girl enthusiasm.
- How many "disturbed" were attacking this place? - The young Valkyrie opened her mouth surprised at the question, raised her hand and scratched her head nervously ...
- Hey!, I think they were about six hundred ...
- Do you think?. And how many prisoners do you have? - The Valkyrie gulped at the few discs floating in the air realizing the victory was not so great, then answer timidly.
- Twenty-two.
- So, most of them fled. I also assume you did not think about putting tracers on them.
Suddenly another Valkyrie, even younger, flew in front of Lind, and made a proper salute.
- Milady Lind, I'm Thrud, third-class recruit, reporting. Most of the one suffering the madness flew when Kamisama began to attack them.- she pointed to another two very young recruits - When we realized, I called my two mates and we went after them, since they were too many we decided to mark them with tracker spells. Unfortunately we could not mark all- she made a simple magic pass and a map materialized in front of her, with hundred of moving marks.
- Who gave the order to do this? - Lind said in a stern voice. She swallowed hard when asked, nervously she looked at Kára, it was obvious she was trying to distract Lind from her superiors' failure, but she could not lie to Lind.
- No one ma'am, I thought it was the best thing to do and had no other orders...
- Very well done. - Lind carefully observed the girl. She had kept a cool head in a crisis, instead of being carried away by emotion, she needed people like her.
- Recruit Thrud. You have done an excellent job. I appoint you as commander of the third phylum of recruits. Your two companions will be your staff- The girl opened her mouth in amazement, but immediately regained her discipline-
- Thank you, madame
- Sergeant Kara. - Her face paled, but said nothing, she had realized her mistakes,- You will stay temporarily under the command of Thrud, you will be her adviser with the protocols she does not know.
After a brief pause, Thrud replied with energy
- Yes, madam.
- Listen!. You must locate the "disturbed" that have been marked. They should be sealed but you must act together. I do not want any kind of heroism, do not take unnecessary risks. You are very valuable for that. If you find you are after a senior god, ask for help from a staff officer. Also you should take care of your energy, by now you should have been instructed not to absorb energy from Yggdrasil until further notice. Do not disclose this outside the command structure, do not ask questions, just obey.
The young Valkyries saluted here smartly and shouted -Yes ma'am,- then departed to fulfill their mission under their new leader. While Kara had remained silent, in her favor, there was a determination in her eyes to fulfill her new orders.
Lind saw the girls part, for an instant she remembered long time ago when she had been young and duty was straightforward, she sighed, she knew she was just delaying her meeting with Belldandy, but it was time to find out what was going on.
She rose in the air to feel the excess of energy emanating from Belldandy. It was easy to locate her, she was in the control area of the node, without knowing exactly why, Lind had a chill and flew to the building.
The entrance was guarded by two Valkyries from her elite squad.
- Where is Othala?. - The senior quickly saluted and reported:
- She and two other Valkyries took a recruit who was injured during combat, Othala hoped she could save her life. We were left in charge of escorting and guarding Belldandy-sama, but she ordered us to stay here at the entrance. The remainder from the squad are protecting the entrances. Due to the damage to the building during the battle all security systems collapsed.
Lind was left pensive; it seemed that Belldandy had left the building more helpless than before. She did not like it.
- What happened during the battle?
- It was not really a battle and happened too quickly for us to intervene. Belldandy was heading for the entrance of the building when one of the infected attacked her. Until that moment Belldandy had paid little attention to them. But in that moment she reacted violently, so she rose in the air and launched simultaneous attacks against all of them. Before we could react, several of them fell unconscious to the ground as a result of the ferocity of her attack and the others began to flee. Belldandy's attack, destroyed the defense systems that were still intact, so Othala ordered to the main squad to guard the place in case the infected returned. The other squads and recruits were sent to patrol the other nodes. There is a group of recruits that received direct orders from Belldandy so Othala decided not to interfere. Then she ordered us to follow Belldandy-sama.
Lind nodded, everything seemed to by going according her suspicions.
- Do you know if the people of the guild of healers have found out something about the madness?
- No, Othala has been in contact with them, but they have not found the cause. They have been too busy taking care of the wounded during the chaos.
- Well, continue following Othala orders, do not get separated from Belldandy, but I need to you keep me informed of her activities. Until the communication channels are unblocked and restored, use message crystals
The two Valkyries saluted and said in unison:
- Yes madam.
Lind quickly went to the control room, she hoped that it were not too late.
The room seemed very small and austere, unlike nodes like the one at Goddesses earth support, this place was not designed to have active staff, just some maintenance technicians, since only a few operations done from here. Lind could not avoid an involuntary exclamation of surprise at entering the room.
Belldandy was in the center, with a vacant stare looking at the floating holographic screens that reflected all Yggdrasil´s inner activity, as if I she didn't know where she was, At her feet lay two prostrate technicians, their uniforms torn as if they had been subjected to a great force.
Belldandy felt her presence and turned around to see her.
- Oh, it´s you. - Lind!. I'm glad to see you. Tell me, what do you think?, Do you think they liked it? Do I win my nickname "the powerful Belldandy"?, It was fun, it's good you left me to do it alone. - Suddenly she started laughing with childlike laughter that only made Lind´s heart shudder.
- Yes, Belldandy-sama I'm sure they liked it. I can feel their feelings after all your actions- then Lind pointed to the prostrate figures on the floor - What happened to them? Did the attack you? Were they infected?
Belldandy eyes flickered, as if the technicians had not existed before. She looked at them in surprise. She concentrated trying to remember.
- I am not sure, I think they did not want to let me in, and ... I think I got angry and then ... - suddenly Belldandy began to tremble as her memories came back. She looked incredulously at the technicians and lucidity returned to her eyes, she stammered - I ... Did I do that? ... - She exclaimed frightened, then quickly kneel down at technicians, and her eyes filled with tears. She touched their face, closed his eyes and cried with relief. - They are alive! - Immediately she began to sing a healing spell.
Seizing the moment, Lind rose her hands and began another spell, it was an encrypted stream of codes that blocked access to the consoles at the room. Gradually the data consoles that were floating in the air began to disappear. Soon, only an empty room was left.
Belldandy meantime had managed to revive the technicians and now they looked at her with fear. Belldandy looked at Lind seeking answers.
What happened ? Where are we?
- All is right now, I will ask some of my officers to help you to take the technicians to the healers. I have been informed there are many wounded who would appreciate your presence and your healing gifts. - Belldandy nodded, and with a gesture she levitated the terrified technicians. Lind approached them and told then a few reassuring words, so they calmed. Then told Belldandy. - I will have to leave you. At the entrance that are two officers that will escort you the healers' guild. I will meet you later at the council chamber-
Belldandy nodded, there was sorrow in her eyes, and a tear was tuning running down her check. She went to meet the Valkyries the technicians trailing along behind her. As soon as she were left alone, Lind raised her hand and blew a new communication spell. A small crystal appeared on her hand. This was the most secure communication medium, since it never interacted with any external system and only would deliver its data to the ones that were targeted. This would never hand over its contents except to those it had been coded to. This small crystal was the safest form of communication. She put it in command mode:
- Receivers: To all High Command level 1 Valkyries. Maximum Priority, encryption level IV. Status Confidential. Deliver immediately. Ask confirm receipt, confirmation code: Ragnarok
Lind stared at the crystal on her hand and stayed silent. Words failed to form as she realized the next words would be the most important action on her almost eternal life. If she was wrong, she would be committing the greatest crime on her world. Treason.
The figure of a powerful demon was floating above the table. The body was partially transparent and it was full of notes and diagrams that were overlaid on it, also several floating screens were emitting a torrent of information about the body. All watched with attention as it showed a substance that was introduced through the skin and penetrated into the powerful body. It went directly to their nerve centers. Diagrams slowly beginning to change color, indicating that several anomalous lecture were going to normal values, at least for a demon fighter. Urd spoke.
- Simulation: Pause! - She looked around her and was pleased, she had managed to impress the wisest demons from Hell, that was even more rewarding than zapping a council member. She took a few second to enjoy the moment and continued - At that moment, he seemed to return to normality, he was able to think and even apologized for attacking me. All seemed normal and there was no trace of any foreign element. - - Simulation: advance to reinfection event!. - The image change, it amplified sections of the brain and marked conflict points. It was as if the brain were fighting against Urd´s potion, this was encapsulated and neutralized - As you see, the madness returned, somehow the culprit was hidden somewhere and returned. It has the capability to neutralize my potion. After that it became immune to it.
There was a prolonged silence. Woddin stroked his beard while he meditated, then remarked, pointing to the display before him.
- This is very strange, I myself used that potion on a case - Urd, along with several demons could not avoid a surprised exclamation, one of the greatest scholars of Hell was saying he had been using potions!, Urd thought maybe she had misjudged him. Woddin looked around, he was very aware of the effect of his words. - Yes, I used a magic potion. I have tried every spell, chant and enhance magic implements that I thought could work and nothing worked. We are in a desperate situation and I will try even home remedies if necessary. But I cannot understand why it worked in this case, at least momentarily. So far nothing I have tried produced any effect.
Urd smiled proudly pointed to her potions cabinet and with a magic pass, she levitated a small metal container. She sent it to Woddin. He took a vial that was on it, opened it, smelled it and then closed her eyes. He concentrated using a chant in order to connect to the properties of the material. After a few seconds opened his eyes in astonishment.
- This material is extremely powerful and has an extraordinary purity. How do you obtain it?
- A mortal helped me to refine my procedure. He is one of the mortals who was selected as a judge.
Woddin stayed thoughtful and commented:
- He must be a very special mortal and from your voice tone, I think you appreciate him. Tell me. Is he the author of the plan you are proposing? It is an extremely detailed and thorough plan, however it has some concepts that are not used in Hell or heaven, also it has a few errors that shows it comes from someone who does not fully understand the finer details of a ten dimensional being.
Urd smiled, she was proud of Kenji´s achievements. - Yes, his name is Dr Kenji Shugahara, but he is not the only author, there are other wise mortals. I think they can help us.
Woddin smiled, he pleased to have guessed it. He stroked his white beard and finally said.
- And I thought that relying on potions and remedies was very daring. Now you ask us to enlist the help of mortals, that's ... - he suddenly burst into laughter- sound wonderful!. When all else has failed against the madness, maybe an insane plan is the solution.
Urd sighted in relief. She had expected an outright rejection, but apparently Woodin was not so pompous as she remembered. Now as an adult her perspective seemed to have changed. Maybe one day she would confess to him the stories she had created about "Odin the patriarch of the Nordic gods".
Woodin rose from his seat with as much dignity as he could and proclaimed,
- Then we follow the protocol of this Dr Shugahara
Urd nodded and said to all demons
- I will ask Woddin to make the necessary corrections for these plans according his knowledge. I have asked to Walharen to developed a system at Nidhogg that will allow us to keep abreast of the progress of others. Any other questions before ending the meeting?
To Urd´s surprise, several of them raised their hands ... One of them asked with a very serious tone.
- Could you add tea to our list of supplies?
Dr. Shugahara was in his apartment, but he was not alone, two men of Indian nationality were with him. The youngest one was fascinated inspecting Dr Shugahara department, examining the memories of his trips. Mask, plants, magic and witchcraft elements from a dozen cultures but specially many items from Norse origin that were completely alien to him. Meanwhile professor Sripathi was speaking with Dr Shugahara.
- It was very kind for you to let Somasindhu stay here with you. It will be a very good opportunity for him to become accustomed to Japan until the classes start at the Tokyo Medical University.
- On the contrary. I have no way to thank you for your support, yet I still need more from you. Are you aware of everything that has been happening? I have been so busy that I have not been able to explain all to you.
- Do you refer to the crisis in heaven and hell, or the heaven and hell which seem about to occur on earth.
Dr Shugahara smiled, it was a good way of putting it.
- Both, but for the moment the most important for us is our world. We have a lot of physicists about to make the most important revelation in the history of mankind, and all indications are that they will do so with the touch of a bull in a china shop. We have to intervene.
- Do you think they will take our advice? But more important, What can we do to help?
- They have the knowledge and value reason, but they think all people think like them, but for many people this is not enough. We need these revelations to also touch the heart of humanity or risk them rejecting the knowledge. We have to look at the roots of humanity to prepare for this bold step. Without it, this knowledge it could destroy our civilization.
- Do you mean to use our myths and legends to prepare the way? There are many stories about gods coming to earth and cooperating with humans, but I am not sure if it will be appropriate to present them as real.
Dr Shugahara nodded and began to speak with a barely contained excitement and enthusiasm
- Remember that for many people those stories are real. As I say, some people may accept the rational evidence, but that is not enough. I sought help from the other members of the Society of primates. Soon we will meet. Unlike the people at the hard sciences, we are nearer common people and know their most basic beliefs. We must speak to every culture, every human group. But we must speak to them in their own terms and concepts and build on their legends and existing knowledge of nature, to prepare them for the revelations to come.
Professor Sripathi began to feel infected by the exuberant excitement of Kenji.
- And all this, to speak to humanity of our new relationship with the gods and demons. We will tell them that there are real gods and demons to whom we can talk and cooperate. But I shudder at the mere possibility that is real, although I have seen it.
- Then the challenge will be greater
- Dr Shugahara, you scare me!
- But. Will you help me? - He corrected himself quickly -Will you help us?
- I already have told you before, you have given me the opportunity to be part of a legend. I will not miss it. But I am worried, your plan to manipulate legends, reminds me about the NWO conspiracies.
- NWO?, what it that?
- NWO, "The new world order" -Sripathi smiled. - Seems you are not aware of conspiracy theories. Some people believe that there are secret groups manipulating governments in a hidden way to create a world government.
- Are there really people who believe that? Interesting. I was thinking what kind of myths we could use for people in the occidental countries. Please tell me more of these "theories".
- Dr Shugahara, I'm not sure I want to know what you're thinking.
-Think about it, we would not be lying, we are talking about real gods, and especially, about real magic.
Professor Sripathi went silent. He had not expected to go that far. Suddenly a voice behind them distracted. It was Somasindhu, the young Hindu spoke, struggling to convey his thoughts in his heavy accented English.
- I trust the doctor Shugahara, no matter what he wants to do, I will help him.
Shugahara inclined his head toward the young Hindu, as sign of respect and said:
- So, will you help me in this great conspiracy to teach the truth to mankind.
Infected with his enthusiasm both men simply answered - Yes.
End of Chapter XXV
Notes:
Primates: See chapter 8. This is the society founded by Dr Shugahara and other colleagues to bring cheap medicines to people on remote or poor places.