Chapter 12: Initial Acquisitions
Beijing, China
Prometheus walked alongside Jin in his human form, adjusted to have more Oriental features and dressed in royal gold and scarlet robes of the Emperors of old, while the crowd followed at a respectful distance behind them as they left the square. His senses were scanning the area constantly for those who might try to harm or kill his new subjects but for now the police and other government forces were keeping their distance, being unsure how to deal with the situation.
"What shall we do now, your Imperial Majesty?" Longwei asked respectfully as the stars twinkled overhead.
The man was already astonished at the humility of his new Emperor, being willing to not only walk with them rather than in a vehicle befitting his stature, but alongside him as if he were an equal!
"For the moment we shall return to the place in which you have been meeting." Prometheus informed him. "I would have you and the rest of my followers gather together their families and all else they consider precious before returning to me. While you and yours have been an irritant to the government they will now consider you in open rebellion against them for having placed yourselves under my rule. I would ensure that all of them and all those they care about are safe before we begin enacting my plans."
"Your mercy and compassion know no bounds, Lord of Heaven!" Jin murmured fervently. "It shall be as you command!"
Turning back to the crowd Longwei quickly moved among them, giving out Prometheus's instructions. Prometheus himself turned to them and waited for Longwei to finish before he began to speak to them.
"You have each pledged yourselves to me with your words and in your hearts. Before you depart I would also fulfill that which I pledged to you. Come to me, all of you, to receive my boon and my blessing. In time I shall teach you to use the gift I bestow upon you to its fullest but for the moment, know that having received it I shall be with you wherever you go."
As the crowd slowly encircled him Prometheus transformed back into his Dragon form. As the crowd murmured in awe upon seeing it again his scales began to glow brilliantly until many were forced to shield their eyes. Dust-like golden light began to disperse from his body before it floated through the air and coated the people until their skin was covered in fine golden dust. A moment later it sank slowly into their skin and the glow from the Dragon faded before he became human again.
"Go now, my people, and do as your Emperor bids." He said kindly.
As the crowd began to disperse Prometheus and Longwei continued walking back to the warehouse where the Society met.
"I fear your Majesty will not find the accommodations acceptable." He said apologetically. "We did not expect for your Highness to accompany us."
Jin stopped in surprise as he felt the Emperor's hand rest on his shoulder. "I think you will find, Jin Longwei, that I am unlike any Emperor you have heard of." He said with a gently amused smile.
The man nearly fell to his knees in obsequiousness before Prometheus caught his elbow.
"I see into your heart Jin." Prometheus said with quiet seriousness. "And I know that you wish to do me the proper reverence. I also know that the Emperors of your past have required such things when subjects were in their presence. I too expect reverence and humility from my people when they come before their God-Emperor but I am also wise enough to know that such servility has a time and place. Here and now efficiency and swiftness must come before propriety. If you wish to consider it a command from your Emperor then do so, but time waits for no one and we have much to do."
The man inclined his head. "As you command your Majesty." He said before they moved on at a quicker pace.
The pair soon came to the large and seemingly abandoned building in one of the city's industrial districts. Ushering Prometheus inside the man looked about sadly at the ramshackle condition of the interior and the second hand furniture that was scattered about the large main room that had been cleared out for their use. Threadbare carpets dotted the concrete floor here and there with the roof consisting of simple sheet metal with a network of metal girders overhead, the windows near the top of the walls dirty from years of neglect and paint peeling from the plain square concrete pillars that stood about the room.
"This is no place for an Emperor." The man muttered despondently to himself.
"Then I shall make it so." Prometheus replied simply, catching the man's words. "A god dwells where he wishes and adorns it as he sees fit."
Prometheus stretched his arms out with his palms raised. Longwei watched in silent amazement as golden motes flowed from the Emperor's body like a shower of sparks. The scintillating dots soon became a flood with gold and silver light seemingly pouring across the floor like water. Jin backed away instinctively to try and keep out of its way but soon found the layer of light flowing around and under his shoes before reaching the edges of the floor and flowing up the walls, coating everything in its path.
The man watched with wide eyes as the liquid light flowed up to the rafters and coated the entire interior. After several minutes the glow began to fade and Jin gasped in amazement. The entire massive room had been cleaned and repaired with the cement walls covered in bronze and fine wood as well as strips of emerald marble. Inscribed into the walls in various places were silver glyphs and golden Chinese characters while the pillars had been rounded and covered in crimson with more gold calligraphy. The windows along the top of the wall had been cleaned and strengthened with tinting applied to them while the floor was covered in carpets of various colors to match the walls, the soft material inlaid with geometric symbols or complex fractal shapes atop an onyx floor. The furniture had been restored or reshaped into more pleasing shapes and traditional Chinese lanterns hung from the newly cloth-covered metal gridwork, bathing the room in a bright but warm glow.
At the closer end of the room sat a half dais of crimson and gold carpet upon which rested a golden dragon throne, each of the dragons' heads having gems for eyes and silver for their fangs.
Jin fell to his knees on the soft carpet with his head bowed. "Your Radiant Highness is the greatest in all of Heaven!" He exclaimed.
Prometheus came and stood before Jin with a quiet chuckle. "You will see greater miracles than these in the days to come, my servant." He assured him. "Return to your home and do as I have bidden the others. Now I must go, for I am expected to be at the UN, but do not fear. I have warded this place with my power that it might be a safe haven for you and all others you bring here. When my work at the UN is done I shall return."
"As you command your Majesty!" Jin acknowledged.
Prometheus vanished in a flash of golden light and Jin shakily stood, taking a moment to collect himself and take in the refurbished room before quickly leaving.
Chambers of the General Assembly
United Nations Building
"The Council of Kingdoms is rather akin to the august body before me, or perhaps your Security Council would be a closer comparison." The Knight was saying as he fielded questions from the various ambassadors. "The leaders of the major kingdoms meet at least once a year to discuss broad-ranging policies and actions that could impact the others as well as trends they have noticed or concerns they feel should be addressed to the entire group."
"I take it these policies and trends can cause...friction between the various leaders?" One asked.
The half-dragon smiled in amusement at this. "Not as often as you might think but of course there are a few who are always rather divisive in their decisions or who do not agree with the majority. The Theocracy of the Pale immediately comes to mind. They are a somewhat...insular people and do not always appreciate the views of others. After all, no one likes being told how they might run their own house." He suggested, making the room chuckle a bit.
The Knight was about to answer another question when Prometheus reappeared in a flash of light behind him, making many jump in surprise. The Knight bowed to him before relinquishing the podium.
"I trust my Knight has been able to entertain you in my absence and provide you with some thought-provoking commentary." He suggested calmly.
"Where did you go?" The Secretary-General asked curiously.
"Some of my newer followers were in need of assistance and I decided to meet with them in person to help them resolve the matter." Prometheus replied dismissively after a moment's pause. "As many of you still have questions I will be glad to continue answering them and I would also like to extend an invitation. All of you are no doubt curious about the city I arrived in and would like to know more about it as well as what life is like for those who serve me. To that end I offer the following: let each nation choose an ambassador to represent them that they might be brought on board my city-ship. There they can see what life is like in my realm and speak with my people as they please. They will, of course, be allowed to record their trip that it might be shared with others." He said with a knowing smile, fully aware of the planes that were constantly swirling about the city.
The crowd murmured thoughtfully for a few moments before the Secretary-General nodded. "Of course we appreciate the offer. I cannot speak for all present but I am certain the various nations will be providing my office with such information soon. To facilitate communications it would be best if an embassy or an office at the UN building could be established as well as setting up embassies within your city but that will take some time to complete. Is there a way we can reach you directly to inform you of the list's readiness and any other matters that require your attention?"
Prometheus smiled at their naivety before nodding. "One of my people shall remain here as a point of contact. For now it shall be the Knight I brought with me today but in future it may be others. Let any requests be sent through this organization to me for the time being. In the meantime I shall be setting up a temple nearby."
"A temple?" The man asked uncertainly. "I suppose that would be possible though I would think an embassy would be more appropriate. There are various forms and building codes that-"
"Mr. Secretary-General," Prometheus interrupted with a slightly cool tone, "do recall that I am no mere nation or country hoping to be granted a seat in your General Assembly or Security Council. I am here for the benefit of the entire world and a god is not worshipped nor are its servants found in an embassy. They are found within a temple or church. If you must have one my embassy currently floats in the sky nearby. I will be more than happy to allow other nations to create offices there, but there will be conditions." He said firmly before his face softened. "However, I am certain that these are simple matters that can be addressed with my priesthood and ministers. I am no stranger to such things and neither are my servants."
The Secretary-General quickly regained his color and composure before nodding. "Very well then. We shall be in touch on those matters."
Prometheus nodded. "As you say so shall it be."
Prometheus remained a while longer answering various questions before the Assembly adjourned. Departing as well, Prometheus materialized upon his throne in China, swathed in golden robes while the dragons' mouths roared, their eyes glowing. Before him in orderly rows sat the members and families of the Society, all of them viewing Prometheus's meeting at the UN on smartphones or small hand-held televisions as they sat on cushions or pillows they had brought with them. Upon his arrival Jin barked a command and they prostrated themselves before their Emperor, their foreheads pressed against the carpet.
"Rise, my people." He said.
The group sat back as Prometheus gazed upon them contemplatively for a moment.
"Organize yourselves in a semicircle before me." He requested as he stood, shedding his golden robes and letting them fall onto the throne.
As the people moved their pillows and cushions about Prometheus stepped towards them, clad in a simple white button down shirt and dark slacks. He sat cross-legged in the middle of the semicircle with the people sitting a moment later.
"Close your eyes." He said quietly, looking at the group.
The people immediately did so and a moment later Prometheus confirmed the nanites within the room had attached themselves to the brains of the newcomers that had arrived in his absence. He began to speak with the group through the tiny receivers in their heads the nanites had constructed.
~~Behold the power of the boon I have bestowed upon you.~~ He said to them.
The people gasped in quiet astonishment as they looked up at him in surprise before quickly shutting their eyes again, mindful of their Emperor's command.
~~Part of my being now resides within you and allows you to hear me just as I may hear you. You may also communicate with each other in this way with practice and time. You will also find that in time your bodies will grow stronger and more vital. Should you prove yourself worthy of becoming one of my priests you shall be given greater blessings and even command power in my name. But take heed lest your pride and desire for glory overwhelm your common sense. Those who would serve me I hold to a higher standard and all that you do, whether hidden or in plain sight, I shall know of. Know that nothing can be hidden from me for I am your god. Your minds, your thoughts, your deeds, and your words, all are known to me.~~
Sensing their emotions beginning to rise in fear and in many cases shame he continued.
~~Be at ease my people. I know all too well the darkness that lies within all of you, the memories you would rather forget and deeds you would not bring into the open, but I also see the light within you. I see the good deeds and kind words you have done and spoken. The ancients knew well that darkness and light coexist within each human being and there is none that are perfect. Even so, all should strive to better themselves, to become greater than they are so that their full potential might blossom. In this way you enable others to become greater in a cycle that perpetuates throughout time. The past cannot be altered but the future holds limitless potential and each of you decide what it will be based upon your will and your deeds each and every day. Each and every day you have the opportunity to become something new, to learn from the mistakes of the past and become something greater as a result. I shall be the catalyst, the fire, that ignites that newness within you. Serve me in spirit and truth and the shackles of your past shall be broken for in me is freedom, wisdom, and innovation. Within me is the power to create what you dared not dream of for fear of retribution or ridicule. All have fallen short of glory but all may attain it in me if they are willing to obey my commands and endure to the end. That is the message I preached to the world before my arrival and now I extend it to you. Send your thoughts to me as if you were attempting to project them beyond yourself and I shall hear them. Send your thoughts to others as well so that each of you might practice.~~
Slowly and with some difficulty they began to practice and he began to hear their mental replies as they practiced speaking to him and each other, his gentle voice guiding them through the process.
~~Good. It will become easier in time. For now I would have you go amongst those whom you know and trust, your friends and allies. Speak to them of what I shall teach you and become my messengers to the people of China for through you and through those I send with you shall my message spread. Many will have heard my words through the media but they will not be sure whether I can be believed or trusted. But you, my witnesses, you shall be my proof.~~
~~Open your eyes.~~ He commanded them gently.
The peoples' eyes opened and they gasped softly at what they beheld. Floating between Prometheus's cupped hands was a swarm of nanites and multiple pieces of glowing golden and silvery liquid metal circling about each other. As they watched with rapt attention the various parts began to link and connect together to form a seamless silver sphere the size of a baseball with the icon of a gold dragon imprinted upon it.
"A device created by me." He said quietly as he gestured and it began floating smoothly around them. "It has many functions and there is nothing like it on Earth. When those you speak to wish to see proof that you come in my name you may show them this. Each of you shall receive one and it shall be my token for you to use as you see fit."
Summoning the ball back to him it floated in front of him for a moment before he mentally commanded it. The crowd murmured in astonishment as they watched it unfold and wrap around Prometheus's outstretched hand, creating a silver and gold glove before shifting once again and becoming a long chain. Changing yet again it became a small statue of him before changing back into its original form.
"The device is commanded mentally through the boon I have given to you." He explained. "But it is also linked to me. Command it what you wish it to do and if it is within the device's capability it shall do so. Be aware it can only create simple solid objects the same size as itself but it can take many forms. Practice using them and think on ways you might use this gift."
"What if they are taken from us by force or stolen Great Majesty?" Jin asked.
Prometheus smiled calmly at this. At his mental command the device fell to the floor in a small pile of metal which quickly seemed to break apart before their eyes before being absorbed into his hand.
"These devices are mine to control as I see fit." He explained. "Without my boon they cannot be commanded and I shall know what becomes of them at all times. The technology within them is far beyond this world's current understanding. Rest assured no one can misuse it."
As he continued to create more of the floating orbs he began to teach them.
"The power of technology is great and it has the ability to do the miraculous. But as your history has shown it can also be used for dark purposes. Though few are willing to admit it humankind is flawed and seeks its own desires first. Even as the planet has undergone disruptive changes these last years those in power still cling to the old ways, hoping to hold on to their prestige and wealth a while longer while the poor and defenseless suffer. I would see this world change."
He looked about at them. "I have the power, the wisdom, and the technology to heal this world and mend its wounds but I cannot do so without your help. I have my own servants from my own world and many will help but it will not be enough for your world is vast and its people divided. We must bring unity of purpose and will to all peoples, not just those of China, though that will be the first step in our journey. I shall be calling others to my side from other nations and peoples but you are the first. In time every nation, tongue, and tribe shall follow after me and when that happens humankind will at last become what they were destined to be. The stars themselves will be within your reach and the galaxy itself will be your domain. Further still shall you reach, grasping at even greater realms and even beyond this universe for there are many others you do not know of. Infinity itself will be open before you!" He said with quiet passion, their eyes fixed on him with eagerness.
"But for now," he said with a smile, "we must focus on this world and its needs. The first steps are the most difficult but the most important. You must learn to walk before you can run and with my guidance it will happen."
"Great Majesty…" Jin said hesitantly. "In your message months ago you said that...there was life beyond death…"
Prometheus nodded as he looked over at him. "You wish to see proof of this my son."
The man bowed his head. "I do not wish to impose upon you Lord of Heaven, forgive your servant...your word alone should be enough for me."
"They should be enough for you, yes." Prometheus replied mildly. "But you do not know me well yet so I take no offense. In time you will see that I spoke the truth in all things when I sent that message across the stars."
Jin looked up to see Prometheus smiling gently at him. "Have faith my son. That is all I ask."
The man bowed low in reply.
Château de Pregny,
Geneva, Switzerland
The white stone manor stood grandly amidst the well-manicured lawns with nearby greenhouses filled with exotic flora, stables filled with fine and rare breeds of horses, and intricately sculpted gardens in full bloom. The great house had been in the Rothschild family for over a century and it was here that the family's most important and influential members had gathered at the request of their patriarch. Seated in the main family room surrounded by mahogany walls and marble busts along with various paintings depicting other powerful Rothschilds through the centuries the group of men and women sat in deliberation. Off to the side David Rene's aid Richard watched them argue back and forth with a barely concealed smile of disdain. They were like children, bickering over such absurdly mundane things when there were far larger considerations at play. Listening with half an ear he allowed his mind to wander back several years ago when he had first begun to play the intricate and shadowy instrument of politics…
The party at the White House was in full swing as the orchestra played in the background. Trim waiters slipped between partygoers in fine tuxedos and gowns carrying trays of expensive champagne. Dressed in a black suit and crimson tie Richard made his way across the floor, his eye scanning the faces in the crowd as he moved. Spotting his target he smiled with dark anticipation as he made his way towards the white-haired bespectacled man in a tuxedo who was speaking with a foreign dignitary.
"Mr. Henry Kissinger." Vance said warmly when the two paused in conversation. "Pardon my interruption but Senator Caldwell all but insisted I meet you. I have heard so much about your exploits over the years as Secretary of State that I could hardly resist such an opportunity as this."
"It appears you have a fan Mr. Kissinger." The Arabian man said with a thin smile. "Feel free to call me later if you wish to continue our discussion."
"Yes, thank you Abdul." Kissinger said before the man stepped away. Kissinger turned to Richard with a hint of a frown on his face. "So, Senator Caldwell recommended you to me?"
"He did indeed sir." Richard replied pleasantly with a smile. "He assured me that you and I have much to discuss and that you could be of assistance to me."
Kissinger raised an eyebrow at this. "I see. And you are?"
Richard chuckled at this. "Oh dear, my apologies. Richard Vance, I am an...unofficial adviser to the Senator. I'm quite sure you haven't heard of me so I take no offense. I tend to...stay in the background quite often."
Already regretting the interruption with this apparent flunky but too polite to back out Kissinger nodded, hoping to get the matter over with quickly. "And what can I do to help you then?"
"I can see you are already wishing to return to the party Mr. Kissinger so I will be brief and to the point." Richard assured him with a calculating look. "Your time as Secretary of State has afforded you the opportunity to meet and make friends with a great many people, most of them quite influential. I would like an introduction to one such set of people if you would be so kind."
Kissinger frowned in consideration at this. "That's all you need? An introduction?" Perhaps this would be easier than he thought.
Richard's smile grew slightly at this. "To start with yes. But I have a feeling I will need to meet more than just these people in the future. I trust you can help me with that as well."
Kissinger's frown deepened into annoyance. "I think you'll find, sir, that I am not a doorman to various people's lives. I do know quite a lot of people and I do have many friends but they would not be my friends for very long if I started introducing random strangers to them of whom I know next to nothing. I'm willing to assist you with the single introduction you asked for as a favor to the Senator but that is as far as I'm willing to go unless you can provide me with a very good reason as to why you should meet these others."
Richard's smile suddenly became quite shark-like and Kissinger suddenly felt anxious sweat popping up on his forehead, had not felt for many years having dealt with world leaders of all types. The man in black stepped a bit closer, enough to nearly invade his personal space, and the room suddenly seemed much more restrictive and stuffy.
"I think you will find, Mr. Kissinger," Richard said in a low and dangerously confident tone, "that it would be in your best interests to assist me with whatever I might need in the future."
Suddenly he felt a piece of paper being pressed against his palm. Kissinger looked down as his hand reflexively clenched around it, confusion seeding itself within his mind as he hadn't even seen the man reach into a pocket. Morbidly curious and slightly unnerved by the man's piercing gaze he opened the small folded square of paper.
On it was a date and a series of words.
Kissinger's face paled as Richard's smile grew almost gleeful in triumph.
"I trust you remember that day Mr. Kissinger and what occurred." Richard said with dark relish.
"How...How could you…" The man stuttered in stunned disbelief.
"How could I know what transpired on that day, in that room, when it was only you and a select few people you trusted implicitly?" Richard asked tauntingly, his face now completely predatory. "I know a great many things Mr. Kissinger. Things about you and things about others, Senator Caldwell being but one example."
Kissinger looked up at him in shock, the man's eyes as sharp as surgical knives as Richard continued in the same tone. "Things that you and he would most certainly not want brought into the light of day. Being Secretary of State gives one a great many privileges Mr. Kissinger, but it also tends to create some very dangerous and disturbing skeletons. Ones that could ruin a man's career and livelihood if they were ever to get out."
"How dare you!" Kissinger hissed through clenched teeth as he attempted to master himself. "If you breathe a word of this to anyone-"
"And what will you do Mr. Kissinger?" Vance asked him mockingly, completely unruffled by the man's veiled threat. "I assure you, whatever paltry ideas your feeble mind could conceive of I have already considered and made multiple contingencies for! I did not get to where I am by being a fool, Mr. Kissinger, and you will not be the one to bring me down, that I can promise you!" He swore with a sibilant and utterly confident tone.
Kissinger swallowed heavily as sweat trickled down his spine, glancing at the paper one more time before looking up at Vance's cruel smile. "Who do you want to speak with?" He asked carefully, thankful that at least his voice didn't quiver.
"Baron David René Rothschild." Vance stated smoothly, his posture and face a bit more relaxed and jovial than before. "I expect a glowing recommendation from you within the next few days. Do ask the Senator for any particulars you might need regarding my...background and expertise."
"Have a pleasant evening Mr. Kissinger." Vance said with a dark smile before striding away, leaving the flustered man staring after him.
The meeting had been swiftly arranged and had gone well. Impressed with his background and keen understanding of business as well as his analytical skills David Rene had invited him back for a few more meetings. After he had successfully predicted several short term trends based on nothing more than standard data the family's holdings collected in order to conduct business he had been asked to stay on as an adviser to the man with nary a threat or hint of blackmail needed. Over time he had proven indispensable to the man as he had increased the family's already substantial wealth and influence to levels they had not seen since the 19th century and Kissinger had been quite willing to introduce him to others in the various circles of power and influence he moved within.
Smirking inwardly Richard returned to the present in time for the Baron to begin speaking again.
"Regardless of his actions in Beijing, Nathaniel, I do not see him suddenly overturning the various natural resource industries unless he can somehow turn lead into gold." The man smiled.
"And that is my point!" The older man retorted. "He claims to be a god! Who knows what powers he has! He could very easily decide tomorrow to give everyone gold necklaces and diamonds as gifts out of nothing! Our mineral rights and holdings would become worthless almost overnight!"
David shook his head. "He says he has been watching us for some time and that he himself rules an empire. He must have an understanding of industry and economy if that is the case. Unless he had that city built with slave labor I do not think we need worry about such things."
"Then what should we be worrying about?" His sister Lynn asked tartly.
Richard suddenly spoke up, focusing on the female media mogul. "He is already upsetting the social order with his decrees and actions. Not that he has done anything terribly offensive but the sheer fact of his existence and claims have created uproars. People will be looking to him to solve all their problems; a god come down from heaven to save them from their mediocre and short lives. As a result our own power and authority may well diminish. We must work to forestall that if possible and hopefully prevent it entirely."
"And how, exactly, do you expect to stymy the plans of a god?" Leopold, another of David's brothers, asked snidely. "I thought you were beyond such foolishness Mr. Vance."
Richard held up a peaceful hand at this. "We must take care how we think of him." He cautioned. "He claims to be a god and he has done some amazing things, I grant you. But he has not transformed the earth into a paradise with a wave of his hand. He has not upended reality with a thought. You think of a god and conceive of an all-powerful being as your scriptures describe but so far as we have seen he is not that. He is powerful but this family has dealt with those in power before and survived. It can do so again, even against a creature such as that. We need only learn more of him and his weaknesses as well as his intentions."
"The tour he mentioned." David said with a nod. "He called on various heads of state to send representatives to him. Let us do the same, unobtrusively of course." He said, glancing significantly at Richard.
The one-eyed man frowned in concern at this. If I were to go anywhere near the place he would sense me immediately. He cannot be allowed to know I am here. Not yet...
"I think not." Richard said evenly, leaning back in his chair. "Nor do I recommend any of us go. After all, we know he has the ability to scan the minds of others to some degree. I doubt he would take kindly to learning we plan to disrupt his own plans here. Send an intermediary instead, one who is reliable and intelligent enough to know what to look for but unaffiliated with us."
The others nodded thoughtfully at this. "A sound plan." David agreed. "There is a man I have used before from Lindhurst Security when I needed some matters dealt with. Clarence is capable, clever, and can be discrete if need be. Just as importantly the company acts as the intermediary, he will have no idea who his client is, only that someone requested his company send him as an investigator."
"Then let us hope the creature does not scan the minds of the company's officers." Leopold grumbled.
David waved a hand at this. "If he can casually read the mind of any person completely, no matter where they are, then there is little hope for us anyway. This matter will be difficult enough without such self-defeating talk. J will get in touch with Lindhurst and organize it. Now let us move on to other matters…"
