Chapter 15: Beyond the Veil
Richard Vance quietly stepped into the paneled room of Rothschild's office bearing a manila folder under his arm. Walking up to the large expensive desk he waited in silence as the man continued to type on the old keyboard for several moments before sparing him a glance.
"Well?"
"Clarence's final report on the Dragon and his city." Vance stated, laying the folder down on the desk and sliding it towards him. "You might pay special attention to page five paragraph two."
Picking up the folder the man opened it and began scanning the document quickly, slowing at page five to review the section Vance had mentioned.
"So...this giant crystal he mentions...you believe it to be significant?" He asked, looking up at the man.
"I believe it may have possible importance." Vance suggested mildly. "Even if it merely a red herring we cannot discount the possibility of its significance."
"And what do you believe it to be?" Rothschild asked, leaning back slightly in his chair and giving the man his full attention.
"A power source, potentially." Vance stated. "In his report Clarence mentions that the man he spoke with referred to the object as the heart of the structure. It is only conjecture of course but assuming the man was telling the truth it may be the power source for the building itself or may be something more impactful, a focus point of some sort."
"Hmm...interesting certainly but not something we should concern ourselves with, being of little use to us at the moment." Rothschild said as he flicked through another page or two. "This man...the court jester...do you believe he could be of use to us assuming we have Clarence maintain contact with him?"
Vance's face lined in a focused frown. "It is difficult to say at the moment considering we know little about the man. He may be useful or he may be as indoctrinated as all the rest. Even so it might be useful to have Clarence maintain a relationship with him using his journalistic alibi as a cover to try and find out more information as needed. Again, assuming Clarence was actually being told the truth."
Rothschild nodded. "Tenuous as it may be it is the only inside link we have at the moment so we must make do with what we have. Inform our contact at Lindhurst to have Clarence reassigned to us for a possible long term assignment. Have him keep up appearances as a professional journalist and try to find out what he can within reason. If any special funds need to be provided in order to create an elaborate enough cover for him, make sure to provide it. Was there anything else of note?" Rothschild asked idly as he set the folder down.
"Not as such." Vance admitted. "Truthfully I was not expecting much, this is but the initial scouting action into the Dragon's realm. No doubt we shall have other opportunities to glean more intelligence. Perhaps at the new temple he has constructed in New York."
The man nodded thoughtfully. "Not a bad idea. Even if we learn nothing of importance we could use this to cement Clarence's cover as a journalist if he were to try and investigate the temple when it opens. Get his background setup and go from there."
"Understood." Vance replied with a nod.
"Good." The man replied, sliding the folder away and leaning back in his chair. "Now, let us move on to other matters…"
New York,
A few blocks away from the U.N building…
The citizens of the city and much of the world had been watching the construction of Prometheus's temple eagerly over the last month. Having easily obtained the various permits and completed the necessary paperwork a block of buildings scheduled for demolition and the land upon which they stood had been granted to him for his use. This close to the U.N building and other important businesses the land came with a premium price but Prometheus had been more than willing to pay the amount they asked for. The original buildings had been torn down and cleared before scaffolding had gone up and Prometheus's laborers had gone to work, hauling in new material from the floating city and beginning construction, often working late into the night under multiple spotlights. Naturally this had attracted attention and so he had been forced to post guards around the perimeter so as to prevent the workers from being harassed or materials stolen either as souvenirs or for analysis. As the days passed the building's outer pyramidal prism structure began to take shape, done in what appeared to be clean white concrete, the top edge and ceiling cut flat and filled with a mixture of clear and stained glass while the diagonal walls were filled with more colored glass depicting Prometheus engaged with various foes or dispensing wisdom. Finally the building had been opened officially and thousands had thronged to see the interior and see what kind of services were offered by the Dragon God's priesthood, though most went for the novelty of it rather than any desire to become his followers. Even so, Davis and the others had taken full advantage of the publicity surrounding the event and had purchased several internet domain names such as ' .com' and other similar names before creating a simple but effective website detailing the dogma of the Promethean faith as well as enabling visitors to speak with a priest via chat or webcam. In order to meet the demands they knew would be placed on the sites the moment they went live on the day of the temple's opening, multiple server farms had been set up on the floating city to handle the load as well as enough bandwidth channels to handle the amount of connection attempts.
Prometheus himself was on hand for the grand opening in his human form and had not only fielded some questions by reporters but he had publicly declared that the first to be allowed entry would not be world leaders, prominent celebrities, or those with financial or political sway but the homeless, impoverished, or those who were otherwise in need. As a result a small army of Synthoids and humans loyal to him had escorted a large number of the homeless from the streets of Manhattan into the temple, shielding them from the flash of a multitude of cameras and the press of the crowds, before being given food, clothes, and other aid while he spoke to those gathered outside, the cameras recording his every word.
"One of your religious leaders of antiquity once said that is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick! That he had not come to call those who were righteous but those who needed the cleansing and healing he offered! So shall it be with the temples I and my people shall construct! Human suffering knows no borders! It knows no government, religion, or ideology! It cares not what nation you belong to or what color is your skin! All know this and yet suffering still occurs in the poorest parts of the world! Even within this great city, where wealth uncountable can be found, the poor can still be found here! Ask yourselves, can we not do better than this!"
The crowd roared with approval as he continued.
"Some of you will say that much is already being done and you are correct! I know of the many services and help the city and this nation provides to its poor! It is admirable that you do so and I praise you for it! Yet it is not enough! When men, women, and children suffer because of bureaucracy and legalism others must step in to help and so we shall! I shall speak to the members of the U.N myself and with their approval I shall begin constructing such temples as this all over the world! Wherever there is need! Wherever there is suffering! Wherever there are those who have lost hope! THERE! WE! SHALL! BE!" He shouted emphatically as the crowds cheered in response.
Somewhere in China,
The same time...
"Do you see?" Longwei asked quietly to the group of individuals gathered around him as they watched the scene in New York on the man's smartphone. "This is why I follow him."
In a remote village elsewhere in China another of Prometheus's new followers was doing the same. "For years we have been forced to accept scorn and ridicule simply because we believed differently than the Party! But he looks to the needs of others! It is as I told you! He is our best hope! You saw the device I used to prove his power! You see what he is doing now in New York! He has created a hidden temple in Beijing already, he will create a public one here soon, I am sure of it! Pray to him brothers and sisters! Pray that he might come and lift us up from the dirt and the mud! He will hear you for he is mighty and compassionate!"
The scene was repeated in dozens of villages across the People's Republic and within a few days time hundreds began praying to the Golden Dragon.
The Temple of Prometheus
Two weeks after the grand opening…
Clarence looked about as he made his way into the temple, his face smudged with grime and his body covered in ratty clothes, looking every inch like another of the homeless that had been invited in. When his handler in Lindhurst had asked him to continue his assignment he had been excited. After all, the longer a contract went on the more money he'd receive. Whoever his clients were they were obviously quite wealthy and powerful as he had been given a solid cover as a journalist working for a major international newspaper with the credentials and access to the newspaper's systems to match. The only thing he didn't have was an actual cubicle in one of their offices. However, even his press badge had not availed him when he had attempted to enter the temple on the day of its grand opening as no press had been allowed inside. After several days of fruitless attempts he decided to switch to a different tactic, loathe though he was to use it.
It wasn't the fact that he needed to pretend to be homeless. He didn't even mind dressing up in old rags if the situation called for it. It was the dirt and grime he took issue with. A clean and well-groomed man by nature he found the feel of grime on his skin disgusting. He knew as soon as he was done here he was going to take several very long and very hot showers even as he entered the main brass doors. Looking about, he took in the massive room. While not a religious man by any means he had to admit the clean lines and trappings of the building were quite lovely. The large amount of windows as well as the variety of colors within them filled the entire room with a veritable rainbow of colors interspersed with small columns of clear radiant light in various places. At the apse in the back of the room was a massive metal statue of brass, chrome, and gold depicting Prometheus himself in perfect detail. The statue was in a sitting position with its wings folded and head held high while its open paws were cupped at the floor. Placed on the floor between the two large paws was a supplicant pillow. Instead of benches or chairs in neat rows like a traditional church there were collections of comfortable round pillows creating small groupings about the room, the floor itself a mix of smooth brass-like metal and rich carpet. The same anti-gravity field that had been present in the Dragon's main temple was also apparently in effect here as he felt much lighter than he normally did but not enough to actually lift himself off the floor. In the background he could hear quiet ambient tones and hums that were most likely to help with any meditation petitioners attempted.
Even two weeks after the temple had opened the room was quite full with all of the pillows in use and many others moving about, quietly speaking to others or several of the priests that were in attendance who wore plain white robes. Against the walls were tables filled with donations from second hand clothes to canned goods and toiletries manned by volunteers. While many of the occupants were destitute there were some in nicer clothing asking questions of the priests or discussing various other matters between themselves.
Unobtrusively shuffling his way along the outside of the room to avoid interacting with anyone at the moment he made his way towards the back of the room, seeing a slightly open doorway. Glancing about to ensure no one in the crowd was watching him he slipped inside, shutting the door softly behind him. The hallway he found himself in split to the left and right as well as the path forward leading downward to the level below where he could hear the spray of water. Moving forward carefully he made his way down the gently sloped walkway and soon found himself in a wash room with half a dozen stalled showers attended to by a pair of priests with several stacks of clean towels laid out on a long bench bisecting the room.
Noticing him one of the priests approached with a compassionate smile on his face.
"Welcome sir. Are you lost or in need of a shower?"
"Umm...ah was jus' lookin' around t' see what was goin' on." He shrugged, slurring his speech to make it appear as if he was not fully well.
The priest nodded. "Well as you are here would you like to use the facilities? I assure you they are free to use and you will be afforded privacy."
Clarence considered this for a moment. While he was loathe to break his cover so quickly after gaining entrance he knew that refusing a bath would make the priest confused and perhaps even suspicious of him. And it wasn't as if he wished to keep going about with grime on his skin in any case.
"Mighty appprec'tive." He slurred with a nod before looking about seemingly in confusion about which one to use.
The priest guided him to one of the enclosed metal stalls and handed him a plastic tub. "Simply place your clothes in here. We will keep him just outside for you while you bathe. With your permission we will attempt to clean and repair them."
"You do that? For me?" He asked in not entirely feigned surprise.
The priest smiled modestly. "It is a simple matter for us I assure you. And I doubt you wish to put on dirty clothes after a shower."
"Had t' do it before but thank ye." Clarence muttered before closing the stall and stripping carefully, glancing about to see if there were any recessed or obscured cameras that could see him. Not finding any he quickly stripped and placed the clothes in the bin before sliding it under the door. Turning on the shower he quickly soaped himself down, washing himself to get mostly clean before rinsing and turning off the shower. Noticing a towel draped over the edge of the stall he quickly dried himself before wrapping the towel around his waist and stepping out, the whole process taking less than ten minutes. He found the priest standing there who gestured to the bin that had contained the old and dirty clothes.
Pulling out the garments he suddenly blinked in astonishment.
He had expected a set of newer replacements obtained from the second hand tables upstairs but instead the garments themselves were restored as if almost brand new, the shoes, pants and shirt the exact same as the ones he had entered with and entirely cleaned. He turned to look at the priest with genuine confusion on his face.
"How-?"
The priest smiled in delight at his astonishment. "It is a simple matter, as I said. Our Lord grants us the power to restore that which is worn and faded or damaged. That is but one of His many gifts to us."
Clarence shook his head. "Darn right useful in'it?" He muttered as he slowly clothed himself.
"We are attempting to work with various charities around the city as well as social services to help those in need." The man explained. "If you wish I can guide you to those who might be able to assist you further in getting you on your feet."
Wary of exposing himself or having his background checked by any agency Clarence shook his head. "C'n do that m'self. Jus' wanted to look around 'n see the place is all. You mind?" He asked humbly.
"I can certainly show you around." The man replied, glancing at the other priest who nodded before the man led the way out of the room.
"So ye jus' do all this fer free?" Clarence asked in seeming confusion. "Or do we gots t' do sumthin' fer ya in return?"
"Naturally if you wish to be of help to us out of gratitude we would greatly appreciate it, but it is not required that you do so. It is our belief and the belief of our Lord that all should have the ability to rise above their circumstances and become as great as they wish to be." He explained as he led Clarence back up the ramped hallway. "Because of the imbalance between those who have and those who have not, society has always had such issues. It is our Lord's fervent desire to correct this."
"Sounds like a damn Commie t' me." Clarence grumbled, attempting to goad the man into a reaction. "Back n' th' day the Reds wanted t' share everything. Communism they called it. Look where it got 'em. Bread lines a mile long and everybody poor but the gov'ment."
The priest nodded in agreement. "It is a sad fact that power often corrupts the human heart no matter how well intentioned its origins. Even we must take care not to become arrogant as a result of our power, meager though it may be. It is why we place our trust in Him; He is not bound by human limitations or time."
"If'n you say so." Clarence replied doubtfully. "Dunno if I'd be trustin' a lizard wit' all that."
The priest merely smiled in amusement at this. "Our history and the history of your world as well has proven that mankind is limited and short-sighted in many ways. Hence we look to another, one who has proven himself worthy. As Lord of Technology He believes that once humankind has advanced sufficiently such issues will become a thing of the past. When all have their basic needs met and are able to work on what pleases them the most, what they are passionate about, humankind will see great strides made. But the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and we are that step."
Clarence continued to question the priest as they made their way through the temple, the interior rooms mostly made up of the priests' living area, storage for food and materials, and a utilities room which included a small power generator similar to what was found on Earth. The priest seemingly possessed endless patience as the man answered every question put to him including historical events on his own world as well as some of the other abilities he could call upon, though the man was seemingly careful to downplay them. Finally when they returned to the main room Clarence made his way to the door, certain that to loiter about would serve no purpose. If the temple did have any secret or off limit areas they were well-concealed. As he prepared to leave he found the priest resting a hand lightly against his arm. Looking over he found the man smiling quietly at him.
"Should you ever need a place of refuge or help we will be here." He said sincerely.
Clarence nodded. "Thanks."
Stepping through the doors the priest watched him go with a thoughtful expression on his face.
City of Datong, Shanxi Province
Northeastern China
"For decades we have worked the coal mines beneath the hills under horrible conditions and even your children are not safe!" A young man wearing a white button down shirt and black slacks exclaimed passionately to a group of about a dozen passerby as he stood on a crumbling sidewalk. "We know our children have perished in those mines and the Governor does nothing! No reparations! No changes in policy! Not even an apology or a funeral in their honor!" The man exclaimed. "The Golden Dragon will bring the changes we so desperately need! The technology He commands will allow our city and even Shanxi to free itself from those mines! Clean, safe, energy for everyone! This can become a place where children need not slave away for the Party!"
"You are ordered to desist!" An authoritarian voice demanded from nearby.
The young man paused in his speech to turn and see several police officers approaching.
As the group began to edge away from him the young man face them squarely. "I beg your pardon sirs, is there a problem?"
"You are creating public disorder by preaching in the streets!" The lead officer stated imperiously. "Cease at once and disperse or you will be arrested!"
The young man looked about at the masses of people walking by unhindered, the group that had surrounded him quickly dispersing into the crowds.
"As you can see, sirs, there is no disturbance and there was none until you arrived." He replied testily.
The lead officer glared at the young man's boldness. "Are you disrespecting an officer of the law?" He challenged.
"Merely stating my opinion sir." The young man replied flatly.
The officer snarled silently at this. "Take him." He commanded the others with a growl.
As the trio of officers approached the man reached into his pocket and withdrew a silver and gold orb about the size of a baseball.
"What is-" One of the officers began before the sphere shot forward from the man's hand, seemingly of its own volition, to strike the officer in the forehead. Stunned, the man fell to the ground as the orb returned to the man's outstretched hand before shooting towards the second, knocking him to the ground as well. As the third officer yanked a pistol from his holster the orb shot forward again, smacking into the weapon with enough force to knock it from the officer's hand, making him clutch his injured fingers as it returned to the young man's hand once more.
Suddenly a shot rang out as the lead officer had used the time to recover from the shock and draw his own weapon. The bullet slammed into the young man's shoulder, spinning him around before another shot tore through his spine, the officer firing several more shots into the man's torso, causing the civilians nearby to scream and stampede away from the scene. The young man fell to the ground, his white shirt covered in blood as the orb fell from his lifeless hand, crumpling to grey dust a moment later and blowing away in the wind.
The threat disposed of the officer holstered his weapon and helped the other officers to their feet, checking them for serious injury before radioing in the incident.
Prometheus's Palace,
Moments later
Prometheus looked up with a grim look on his face. "One of my newest followers has been killed."
"We knew this would happen eventually." Davis remarked stoically. "China's government in recent decades has not been friendly to religious tolerance. Especially if they perceive it to be a threat to their governance."
"I will speak to him and learn the truth of what happened." Prometheus stated as he began to focus his mind.
"Why not simply pull the information from his soul directly?" Beowulf asked mildly.
Prometheus glanced over at him. "As the first of my followers on this world to fall he is no doubt confused and frightened. The construct he will interact with will help him through the trauma but I would speak with him face to face to ensure he recovers."
Elsewhere, the young man known as Ling Koh looked about him in confusion. One moment he had felt the terrible pain of bullets tearing through his body before his vision had faded. He had suddenly found himself here, undamaged and whole, wherever here was, dressed in a simple shirt and pants of cleanest white with no shoes or socks. Looking around he seemingly stood in the main worship area of what appeared to be a lavish Buddhist temple. Crimson and gold covered every inch of the high room with pillars interspersed here and there along with small alcoves set into the walls and gilded lanterns providing soft light. The scent of pleasant incense tickled his nose and the atmosphere of the entire room exuded serenity and calmness with the quiet tinkling of bells. Towards the back, in place of statues to the Buddha sat golden dragons with their paws open in welcome. Before he could process the import of this he heard the shuffling of cloth behind him. Turning around he found himself gazing upon a wrinkled old man with a tufted beard and a bald head wearing modest yellow monk robes.
"Welcome young man." The monk said in a gentle tone.
"Where is this place? How did I get here?" Ling asked in confusion as he looked down at himself.
"What is the last thing you remember?" The monk asked him carefully as he slowly walked closer.
"I-I remember I was teaching some people about the Master." Ling explained awkwardly. "Then police arrived. They wanted to arrest me so I used...ummm…" He trailed off.
"You may speak candidly young man, there is none here but you and I. What you speak of will be held in the highest confidence." The monk assured him.
Nodding Ling continued. "One of the Master's servants gave me an orb when I vowed to follow Him, showed me how to use it. I practiced with it quite a bit so when the police tried to take me I used it against them but they...one of them…" He looked down and then back up with an utterly confused look upon his face. "I remember it hurt so bad and then…"
The monk nodded. "Do you understand now?" He asked with quiet gravitas. "Do you realize what has happened?"
"I'm…" Ling's eyes widened in fear, unwilling to finish the sentence and make his terror a reality as he began to shiver.
The monk closed the distance between them, opening his arms and pulling Ling into a compassionate embrace. The reality of his situation slammed into him like a tidal wave and Ling clutched him tightly, gasping and crying in fear and despair. The monk held him in silence, slowly rubbing his back as he let the young man unburden himself.
"Do not be afraid my son." The monk entreated him softly. "You have passed beyond the veil of life and death yet you still live. This is no eternal abyss, nor the Ten Hellish Courts of Diyu. Be at peace."
Finally Ling wiped his face and took several deep breaths before shakily taking a step back. "M-my apologies f-for…"
"You need not apologize young man." The monk said compassionately. "No man ever experiences such a transition as this until their time comes and it is unnerving at the best of times. I am here to help you through this time and to answer any questions you may have before you continue on."
"Continue on?" He asked in confusion. "Is this some sort of purgatory like the Christians believe?"
The monk chuckled softly at this. "No no my son. This is merely the entry foyer. My apologies for being unclear. Come, walk with me and I will show you." He said, offering a hand towards the main doors covered in gold.
Ling stepped closer and the monk placed his hand on Ling's shoulder before guiding him forward. "The...the statues...they are the Master?" He asked hesitantly.
"They are indeed." The monk confirmed quietly. "He welcomes you to His realm. He offers you His support in this most troubling of times. Most of all he bids you rest and enjoy your respite."
"Will...will I be judged as they do in the Courts of Diyu?" He asked anxiously.
"Our god is merciful." The monk replied. "All fall short of true glory for none are without blame. But you have done nothing worthy of punishment in His eyes."
"And what about my...my family? My friends?" He asked as they reached the paneled doors. "Will I...will I see them again one day."
The monk smiled at this. "Sooner than you think Ling Koh." He assured him warmly as he pushed open the doors.
Light spilled into the room blinding him for a moment before his eyes adjusted and before him stood a great expanse of silvery-white mithril which crossed a sea of pure, crystal clear water. At the far end of the bridge sat a massive landmass edged with a pristine beach and soft grass, the occasional tree dotting the landscape. Further still in the distance stood a radiant ultra modern city filled with sky-piercing buildings of white and cream containing windows of many colors. From the center of it shone a beacon of pure white light and high overhead the sky was perfectly blue with a few white clouds floating passively.
"Welcome to Utopia, Ling Koh." The monk said softly as Ling stared silently in awe. "Welcome to the eternal realm of the Dragon Emperor."
Ling stood silently for a few moments, taking it all in, before slowly walking forward with the monk at his elbow. Leaning against the slim parapet and glancing into the pristine waters below he could see dozens of sea creatures placidly swimming about without a care. While the distance to the shore appeared fairly impressive he soon found himself at the end of the bridge. Following the monk onto the beach he could feel the sand beneath his toes was pleasantly warm and fine-grained.
"Pardon me but I never did ask who you were." Ling said apologetically.
The monk merely smiled at this. "It is of no importance, young man. I am but a servant of this realm."
"Are you some sort of guardian spirit or angel?" He asked.
The monk laughed lightly at this. "I suppose you could say so. Though I tend to think of myself as simply a guide."
They moved on from the beach into the plains nearby, the vibrant green grass short and soft beneath his feet while a variety of tall trees including cherry blossoms in full bloom provided beauty and pleasant shade.
"I know that some of my family paid homage to our ancestors." Ling remarked thoughtfully. "Do you know...were they right to do so?"
"I do not have all the answers my son." The monk stated quietly. "I know much but I am still only a servant. There is but one who could answer all your questions."
"The Master." Ling confirmed.
The monk nodded before pointing to the beacon in the center of the city. "He awaits us there."
"I will get to see him?" Ling asked in surprise.
The monk nodded at this. "Not only will you be able to see Him, He wishes to converse with you personally. He is unlike the Jade Emperor of Heaven who is surrounded by a massive bureaucracy of functionaries, all may speak with Him whenever there is need."
Ling nodded as they quickly approached the city. Passing through a large grand archway of mithril and white stone he quickly found himself in a large metropolis with small sections of trees and grass interspersed between buildings of all shapes and sizes from tall skyscrapers to more modest single or double story dwellings in a variety of styles. The streets were straight and everything perfectly clean but one thing was seemingly absent.
"If this is the afterlife it seems rather...empty." Ling admitted.
The monk nodded. "While the size of his flock continues to grow he is a relatively new god in the grand scheme of things. As a result not enough time has passed for many of his followers to arrive here."
"But that would mean...he has only been a god for a few years?" Ling asked in shock.
"Approximately twenty of your years if the truth be told." The monk replied mildly.
Ling stared at him in disbelief. "How…?"
"It is not my story to tell but rather His, for it would take some time to do so." The monk replied. "We have all eternity of course but time continues to pass in the mortal world and he does have other affairs to attend to. Come." He instructed, guiding him towards the center of the great city.
The buildings grew even more lustrous and grandiose as they moved deeper in with many of the buildings tastefully adorned with precious gems, crystals, and metals of all types. After several moments they came to a massive plaza in the heart of the city. The entire square was covered in smooth and seamless white stone with inlays of various patterns and designs in gold, silver, and mithril. In the middle was a wide but low dais seemingly created out of a massive and perfectly circular diamond of immense size. Upon it sat Prometheus in his dragon form, his bearing regal and proud as the beacon of light emerged from his body to pierce the sky, his aura flowing about him like a whirlpool, drawing them closer.
As they approached Prometheus turned his head to look at the young man before smiling at him. "Welcome Ling Koh, to the place prepared for all who follow me in spirit and truth."
Ling bowed low to the Dragon. "Master! I am honored!"
"Rise, Ling, and look upon me freely." Prometheus insisted gently.
Ling rose to gaze upon him. "You...you wished to speak with me Master?"
Prometheus nodded. "Indeed I did Ling Koh. You are the first of my followers within this realm to perish in my service. There are others from my native universe who reside here as well but they are few thus far."
Ling nodded. "He...your servant," he said, gesturing to the monk, "said you had been a god for about twenty years? How is that possible?"
"You will hear my story in full Ling Koh but first I must impress upon you certain truths and ask for your help. You are the first to fall but you will not be the last. I have many such servants like him to help those who transition over but seeing and speaking with another human like themselves will be of help as well."
"So he isn't human." Ling mused, looking over at the monk who simply smiled.
"He can be whatever I wish him to be." Prometheus replied. "Or what the one who arrives is most expecting to see. As he said, he is simply a guide. But some will need a companion, one who has walked the path before them to help them understand. Are you willing to do this for me? It is not required of you but I ask nonetheless."
Ling nodded. "Whatever you require of me Master, I will do."
Prometheus smiled at that. "You have my gratitude, Ling. As you aid others when they arrive, it is my desire that those who come after you shall help as well. Returning to my previous statement I mentioned that certain truths must be made known to you. I know you and I know you have heard tales of the dead being resurrected. I see the hope in your heart but you must know that while my power is great it is not infinite; I am the Lord of Technology and Innovation and so my powers lie in that domain. Life and Death are not mine to control."
"Why?" He asked.
"There are ancient laws of this universe and my own that cannot be broken even by gods." Prometheus replied heavily. "A god cannot go beyond the limits of his domain. Even so, I have done what I could to bend those rules. It is within my power for the dead to speak with the living even though they may not meet directly. Very soon I will summon your family and friends to my city so that they might converse with you and confirm the truth of your eternal existence and this realm. You may speak with them but there will be matters that you cannot discuss with them relating to myself and others. But do not be concerned, you will know if you attempt to discuss something you should not." He assured the young man.
Ling nodded. "Your secrets are yours to keep of course." He replied.
Prometheus nodded. "I am glad you understand, for there is knowledge available here that could be harmful to others if it was made known. You should also know that when the knowledge of your existence becomes common it will ignite a firestorm of controversy and confusion. Until now this world has taken my words regarding eternal life as trite but harmless dogma, not a true reality. When they realize the implications…"
Ling nodded. "Religious leaders around the world will be frothing at the mouth in envy and anger."
"And more besides." Prometheus agreed. "My coming has already created great social upheaval but this revelation will increase it dramatically." He paused for a moment giving Ling a ponderous look. "I do not wish for you to become embroiled in what could easily become a media circus. If you do not wish for your existence to become known then I will consider it a private matter between you and your loved ones and will not make it known. But I give you the choice. If this is revealed it will impact those you cared about as well and possibly not in a positive way."
Ling nodded. "I can see that. Let me speak with my family and friends together before anything is decided so that they can prepare."
Prometheus nodded. "A wise course of action. I shall summon them soon."
"Thank you Master." Ling bowed his head.
"I sense you have other questions for me Ling. Speak your mind." Prometheus continued.
Ling paused for a moment before he spoke. "I was wondering...my family has venerated our ancestors for countless generations and many of my friends were taught to give reverence to the local gods of earth for prosperity and health. Were they...wrong to do so?"
Prometheus gazed thoughtfully at the young man for a few seconds. "Respect for one's ancestors is a noble thing and much can be learned from their past lives. However…your ancestors do not watch over you from the Jade Palace nor do they remain within the Courts. Souls do exist in this universe for you are 'living' proof yet they simply slumber in the void, unaware. The fire spirits and water gods you mentioned do not exist here nor do the ancient gods of the various religions. That is not to say they could not have at one point in time but now…" He shook his head. "I do not sense them and it would be within my power to do so. Even if it were not, no greater power has communed or even acknowledged me since I arrived. If the gods of your world do exist they are beyond my reach and thus beyond the reach of mortal senses and ability to commune with."
A sorrowful look appeared on Ling's face as he nodded in resignation. "Can you not summon the souls of those who have passed to this place?" He asked. "If no gods control life and death…"
Prometheus shook his head. "This universe functions in a different manner from my own where gods control all aspects of reality. Perhaps if my fellow god Pelor, Lord of Light and Life were to come here such a thing might be possible but even I cannot know for sure. I can commune with the souls of the dead yes, but it would do no good. They do not know me and do not accept me as their god." He explained. "I attempted to reach out to many on my journey here but all refused my offers, content to remain as they were. I was disappointed naturally but I will not begrudge their choice nor would I force them into an afterlife they had no interest in. It seems that once the spirit departs to the void it has little interest in change."
"I see." Ling sighed with a downcast look. "At least the ancestors do not suffer...but it also means that those who do evil in this world are not punished when they pass on either."
"An unfortunate but true fact." Prometheus admitted. "Since its inception this universe has cared not for abstract concepts such as justice or fairness, it simply exists. But that is changing and we are its catalyst."
"It is my fervent hope that one day all of humanity stands safe and secure beneath my banner with no fear of death or the unknown." He said firmly. "We shall unveil the mysteries of this reality and this universe will be ours to populate and enjoy even after the stars themselves turn dark for eternity will be ours to command. But first, this world and its people must be saved."
