AN: Hey guys it's your boy, it's can't remember the plot of your own story here, and today we got a sick update coming from me VERY late because I am lazy. Sorry. Anyways, question, the Omnissiah didn't talk to Korban about covering for him the day of the party right? I ask because that is important, and I assume he didn't so meh.
Thank you to the guest who made suggestions for Hestia. Pervy, sorry, "SomePervyguy"...imma call you sum-guy. Flame thrower, solid idea, as for the shipping… I find it funny the virgin goddesses are always foddered for shippers.
Jim, creating cultic texts will come later, and will probably be both difficult and VERY fun to write, I would appreciate suggestions from readers on how to organize these as well as what topics I should cover in them. Anyone that has read varied religious material knows each one does not read the same. I hope my way of writing doesn't make them all sound the same and bland.
Other-guest who didn't like the last chapter, on one hand, I get what you mean, but the way I am writing it needs me to describe the gifts before the party and I'd have to describe them anyway. Plus I feel giving the thought process on why such a gift is made makes the Omnissiah feel more real, if stiff and inhuman, and less like a….hehehe, Deus ex Machina, hehehe. And can pull the solution or perfect gifts out of the void. As for the Zeus crown thing, I commented on it now because people wouldn't know it was there…and I don't plan on having Zeus find that for a long time if at all. Plus to me, using the full Cog Mechanicum, SKULL included is important, because he hasn't been able to. It is like a crucifix without Jesus, yes it is still recognizable, very much so, but it still at least alludes to it. What I just said goes for the cross, and the Cog Mechanicum which is a representation of flesh and metal melded.
Sorry for the long Author's note. Btw, Jim, I don't have any other stories in the works, I am just lazy. I mean, I could write other stuff, but I don't think I'd be good at it. And I certainly won't do so until this story is done, or in a place where I could consider it done. As much as I love the Ad Mech I feel I know so little about them, and I am lazy, so I often do little in the way of research aside from what I need.
Btw, Y'all can thank Jim for getting me off my butt.
The Primordial diety considered the question for a moment before speaking, "Hmm, well several things and perhaps after those we can simply converse my friend." Thoughts trailing off, "Apologies, yes well first off, I need you to cover my lessons tomorrow. I have some important business and will not be here, is this an issue?" The priest shook his head, "Excellent, now the other thing I wanted you to tell me about is the Olympians, I know some things about them but specifics are out of what I know. I believe you may be able to help me."
Korban raised an eyebrow, "What kind of things, and any specific Olympians or all of them? This is not exactly a small topic, if I may ask my friend are you simply trying to improve your knowledge going forward or something else?"
A hum came from The Lord with No Face before he spoke, "Of course, you can ask, but what makes you think I would need this knowledge for something else, as you have put it?"
"Mostly what you said beforehand," he took a bite of the bread, "hm, this is quite good, very fresh and soft, incredible." wine telekinetically flowed into the air from a jar and then into a cup afterwards Korban took a sip of it, "hm a bit sweeter than what I was expecting, huh, and rather strong, did you dilute this?"
The Lord of Mars nodded, "Yes, I recall when you told me of the various tales tied to Heracles that one was about diluting wine, since it is still strong I will add more water in the future."
"Ah yes the centaur story, ah, we have gotten off track." a pause, another bite and sip muttering about how fresh and good each tasted, "As I said before what you said beforehand felt related, are you meeting a king or group of people who have myths of their own, and you want to not appear unknowledgeable?" the old man guessed before he began to sample the various different loaves of bread and wines.
"And what makes you think I am meeting a king?" the deity questioned with a smile on his face.
"Call it intuition, or my old mind at work but, you have been making a lot of trips so I assume you must be doing something or meeting people. And likely important people which lead me to assume it was a king." the priest's tone was curious. "I admit it is not perfect reasoning, but I don't think it stretches the mind to assume you are meeting people when you leave. Especially since you were looking for a smith not long after we met."
(AN: I usually don't do mid-text ANs but, Idk if Korban knows the Omnissiah has been to Creteonus and there is a lot to check, couldn't find anything. So for now I will say it hasn't been known to anyone in Dimitis that he has been there…let me know if that is the case or not.
I have vague recollections of the Omnissiah mentioning a smith to Korban, at the very least that he was looking for one. It was Korban who suggested Tritia for incense but IDK if Omni name-dropped Mairus or where he went to Korban or someone else. Sorry if this comes off, badly.)
And that curiosity was met with a chuckle, "Well, I have met with King Basil of Creteonus once but that is not why I am asking."
Both triumph and renewed curiosity came to the priest's face "Ah, well. That is good to know," a pause, "but what is the reason, did you just want to know more?" the Omnissiah did not strike as one that was incredibly interested in cultural history, at least not more than was needed to be respectful.
"Yes and no, it is not just that. And it is related to my business tomorrow." the former Athenian grew yet further interested.
"Uh-huh, and what is that business? I don't wish to impose on you my friend, but I am curious and so long as it is not too troublesome I would like to know. Call it, the payment for teaching on short notice." his tone was teasing and there was an exchange of smiles.
"Ah, a small price to pay I suppose, though if I do tell you I'd ask you not speak of this to anyone aside from my acolytes and only in private." a serious expression came to rest on Korban's face as he nodded. "I am meeting another king." raised brow from Korban led to him leaning forward in expectation, "Specifically the king of Olympus and his kin."
A pause of dead silence, "The. King, of Olympus?" the teacher sounded out each word as if testing them, "That could mean several things in my mind, one of which seems far more…serious."
"Zeus, and the rest of the council. They have been aware of my presence for a little while now. I have been invited to a party or gathering." the confirmation of Korban's worries made the primordial reassure him, "Worry not, things shall not go badly, even if they do not go well, and I am certain it will be good."
Korban put down the cup of wine in his hand down and took a deep inhale of breath, "I don't know how to react to this. I…" he looked down, "I of course knew gods were real when I met you, and I always had faith, not just for gods in general but especially for Lady Athena. When you have spoken of the gods it was in varying amounts of confusion, distaste, and curiosity. To hear you confirm they are real, it feels like something else. I-I know you would not lie about this. At least I hope I do. "
The Omnissiah stood and walked around the table to place a hand on his friend's shoulder. Korban looked up, "I do not lie about this, Hephaestus and your Lady Athena came and met me just after you and the others left the morning of my incarnation."
"Truly, my lady Athena? Here?" Korban received a nod.
"Yes your goddess. From there I have had some interactions with other gods." The trinity broke eye contact for a moment as he thought, "This is a lot to present to you so I apologize for the discomfort."
After the Omnissiah removed his hand Korban spoke, "It isn't that I am uncomfortable. More so that it is simply, a revelation, and not something small to take in. I guess with that confirmation it just finally sunk in for me. I-I don't know how to explain it, we all have doubts, but this… I don't know that I am without a doubt in this matter but certainly less." The Machine God sat down again, "So," Korban began to say, "you need to know more about the gods, the Olympian council specifically…may I ask who and in what way?"
The tri-part deity responded, "To answer your unsaid why. I decided to make gifts for them, they find it funny that I would do so, but perhaps I shall explain that long story another time. Regardless, I am creating gifts for them and I find myself lacking in understanding with regard to some of the Olympians. Hera and Poseidon for instance, I have created some gifts already, but that is because several gifts are obvious or simply required a bit of thought. I do not know what I could give them as meaningful or useful gifts."
Korban's lips moved as he thought, "Could you show me what you have made so far?" After a quick explanation of what each gift was and what it could do Korban spoke, "You mentioned Hera and Poseidon specifically."
The Machine God nodded, "Yes I have not been able to think of what to make for them, well, and Aphrodite. I feel I know the least about those three." Korban looked thoughtful for a moment.
"So, you want to know mythology and information about them, in order to come up with a gift?" a nod from the tri-part deity, "Right, right, hmm. I suppose I could tell you some symbols but honestly, I don't know what is fitting."
"Try your best Korban, so long as it is not an insult it is fine." that did not seem to make the priest relax very much. What insults a person is down to the individual after all. But the old man went on to give a few myths involving them. And mention a few of their sacred symbols. The information that stood out to the Lord of Mars was several things. Poseidon it seems, in these myths, is nearly on par with Zeus in terms of his mortal relations, to put it mildly. As for Zeus's Wife, his initial impression of her was reinforced, she should not put up with Zeus's behaviour let alone punish mortals for it. Unless these myths were wildly off, it would still not explain why the Queen of Olympus puts up with Zeus given how many of his illegitimate children are among the twelve Olympians.
Aphrodite. Was a complex case by herself, and her depiction in myths was, inconsistent at best. She was a caring mother, a goddess who cared deeply about love forming healthy relationships, and wishes to help people. But at the same time, she is scornful, utterly horrid to her former husband, and regularly hurt mortals. How much of this fit with the actual goddess has yet to be seen. The story of Psyche, as interesting as it was, brought forth an idea. 'She is the goddess of beauty and cares about that, perhaps there is something related to appearances and beauty I could give her. Though what is a good question, some form of kit or technology to mask imperfections in her appearance would either be useless or something she already has.' Korban sat in silence as the Omnissiah thought, idly eating the various types of bread and tasting wines.
'Beauty, if I can not enhance it for her, what can I do? Ensure it lasts, capture it? Yes, yes, paintings and art attempt to capture views. But I have something far better, pictographs can transmit images taken from a camera, what can we do with that?' the One of Invisible Works began to think about how to take individual points of light into a physical image of what the camera sees. 'It will need a modified power pack for power, we shall have to tell her about leaving it in the sun instead of just Hephaestus. And aside from original programming and hardware, we shall need paper, ink, and a way for her to easily replace those without me doing so.'
A moment of thought before the Granter of Directed motion spoke, "I think I shall create special versions of Poseidon and Hera's symbols. I am having trouble thinking of anything better or more useful."
"Did you have anything in mind?" the old man received an affirmative before they began a back and forth. Eventually, the two friends settle on several golden and silver lotuses, which would be further modified in order to be healthy even in heavily metallic waters. A change to one of Hera's symbols while adding a likeness to metals to point to their creator who gives them to her. As for the lord of the sea, an underwater version of the Aleppo pine in the form of its seeds. It is a symbol of Poseidon on land, now also underwater, presuming he accepts and plants them. It will certainly make for something interesting. The Omnissiah considered giving a water pump to the sea god, given he also had some domain over fresh water, but figured the god would have little use or interest in the device.
"So now you just need to think of gifts for lord Hermes, lord Apollo, and lady Hestia? And then make them all of course." Korban asked for confirmation.
"...I admit to forgetting about Hestia, then again I suppose that just means she has done nothing bad to stand out in my mind. I should make something for her, but I don't even recall seeing her…most strange." the priest was confused by why his friend mentioned he had not seen her, since he only mentioned meeting some gods not all Olympians.
The Life Sparker continued to talk, "As for Apollo I have many memories of the future, but few relate to his domains in a way that I can give him a related gift. However, one memory I have is of one of my servants conversing with a noble of some sort, who was playing a stringed instrument. A violin, yes, that is its name, the noble made mention of its cost and materials. Some form of status symbol." the last few sentences seemed to be mutterings to himself but Korban was curious about them nonetheless, "Hermes, hmm, having met him. He seems rather busy. Perhaps I could make something to give him an easier time. But what, I doubt I can make him faster." 'And I doubt radio waves could enter Olympus's alternative realm, the only things that go in or out of there are gods and their faith trails, so that is not possible…unless, I use the faith trails, can I even do so?'
After thinking for a few minutes Korban spoke up, "I am sure you can figure it out, but do you have any ideas for Hestia, you did not seem familiar with her."
"I am not, I may need your assistance… when you think of her what do you think of? What associations does she have for you?" Korban seemed to find the question odd but nodded thinking.
"Ah, just lady Hestia's domains really, hearth, home. I suppose fire, but her fire only ever seemed fiery to me in the same way a father or mother could scold a child for their mistakes. It never seemed to be a rageful fire, though perhaps a warrior would speak differently. Many, if not all, fight for home after all." Korban shook his head, "Apologies for the tangent."
The Lord of All Knowledge smiled slightly, "It is quite alright, if anything you've given me some ideas on where to focus. I will need to work on the remaining gifts, did you want to stay or did you have something else you wished to do now that you've helped me?"
After a moment Korban answered the question, "Well, I, uh. I can't think of anything, and I would not mind staying a bit longer." From there the two talked about various things, including the two lessons that the One of Gold Feathers had in mind for the next day. Hera and Poseidon's gifts were relatively easy to create, to start a sample of the respective plants. A lotus and Aleppo pine, then modifying each. The lotus became not just golden and silvery but appeared to be almost metallic, Korban commented on them. He said he wondered if that is what Hera's golden apples were like. Even the resistance to metallic waters did not take much.
The Aleppo pine on the other hand needed less and yet more modification, it needed to be drastically modified in order to not just survive but thrive underwater in both the sea and fresh water. It needed not only a rework to its systems of photosynthesis but needed to become much more flexible in adolescence before becoming incredibly strong past a certain point in order to resist currents, and even then it would likely not do well in areas with strong currents happening consistently. As for those two very different waters, it was difficult given that an organism that was adapted to high salinity often didn't do well in fresh water, while fresh almost always couldn't survive in saltwater.
With those seeds created the conversation shifted to Korban expressing his realization that he had been incredibly close to meeting his goddess. Something he had missed in the mountain of information. "You sent us away when you saw them coming?"
The Lord of All Machine Spirits was now creating a framework for the pictographer, the most challenging part was not the computer systems or code. It was instead creating the proper inks with easy materials and then mixing them in the right places all in a handheld package. "Yes, I did not want any complications."
The priest took in a breath before sighing, "I would have still greatly liked to have met my lady Athena, or at least seen her."
The Lord of Mars looked at the priest with a raised eyebrow, "She was disguised, as a man at that. Though I suppose after I asked they appeared in their normal forms, though I am given to understand those are not their 'true' forms." Korban appeared to be giving him a blank look with a raised brow, "I shall introduce you the next time she is present near you or here." the former Athenian smiled in response.
"I would appreciate that my friend." It took a while but eventually, the inks and dyes were produced from materials that should be easy to acquire for a noble, let alone a goddess. After placing a machine spirit into the device it was finished and next came the perhaps the hardest gift. Creating a pair of two-way radios with some of their power exposed for solar charging was not hard, but finding a way to use the streams of faith left by the god of thieves was another matter.
It was easier and harder than taking faith. The process of getting a signal to travel along the metaphysical stream was not something that the tri-part deity was even sure could work, but it was easier in that removing faith took immense effort and couldn't be done automatically. 'If these faith-radios, faith…πίστη. If these phi-radios work, then I shall have applications for them myself and they will work without my direct input.'
Due to Hermes visiting just a few days before the trail of faith was not far which allowed easy access to said faith. Two small portions were broken off from the stream and then both portions were bound to a phi-radio. It isn't that they would be able to communicate with nothing ever stopping them, but so long as a trail of Hermes' faith was near both radios they would send signals to the trail which would make its way to the other unit. If it is used by Hermes himself then you can not be closer to a stronger faith trail. A blessing caused a Machine spirit to take root just like the pictographer and just like that it was done.
Perhaps the Omnissiah should think of a different name for it, pictographer did not fit well in the common dialects around Hellas, or any dialects that he knew of. Photographer: φῶς meaning "light," and γραφή, meaning "drawing, writing," together meaning "drawing with light." It fit just as well as pictographer-"painting drawer" but felt more at home with Hellas. The intermingled words and languages both from this time and words used by his servants in his future memories spoke to the heritage of what his servants spoke. They used some things from Hellas, "graph" being such a close connection is simply fascinating.
To Korban, it appeared as though the Omnissiah had gone silent after he created two odd boxes and closed his eyes before opening them a few minutes later. An amused smile played on his friend's lips, "Something funny Omnissiah, did you figure something out? I don't believe you ever said what you decided on for lord Hermes, assuming those are not something for lady Hestia or the violin for lord Apollo you spoke of."
A small chuckle, "These are for Hermes, they allow for long-range verbal communication from one to the other. They are radios, and these are specifically phi-radios. Would you mind helping me test them?" Korban accepted one and after a demonstration of pressing a button and then speaking, he waited as the One of Invisible Works moved out of sight. Then came a voice, "Testing, Korban please try to speak back if you can hear this."
The priest pressed the button and spoke, "Ah, uh hello?" this prompted a response from the Omnissiah.
"Ah good, good, one moment." silence for a minute. "Can you hear me?" Korban pressed the button before responding in a confused voice.
"Yes but I am rather, this is confusing if I am honest." a chuckle came at that.
"This is entirely new to you Korban if you were not confused you'd either be a genius or incapable of understanding much of anything. I think it is safe to say it works, I am quite far from Dimitis right now and we can still speak."
Korban's curiosity was once more poked, "How far?"
A quick response, "Several hundred feet out at sea and in the air." Korban sat in silence for a moment before sighing and asking if they were done testing. The One of Crimson Robes returned before setting both radios down among the other gifts. Creating something that looked like a violin did not take much effort but creating one that sounded like the one in his memory took a long time. During that time the two friends had their conversation turn to music, with Korban singing or talking about several of the songs he remembered to The Granter of Directed Motion.
Eventually, after rapid experimentation, the violin and its bow were made. It was not the least worthy thing he had blessed so he granted a very minor machine spirit to the instrument. By this point, the mid-afternoon air around the clearing was filled with the sound of an instrument not heard before. It started as stilted and slow before soon becoming smoother, different notes came to flow into the harmonies and songs that formed. Though he was far from a master the Lord of Rusted Soil could claim to play well. Unnatural steadiness, a higher mind and senses capable of sensing far better than mortals made for rapid learning
Korban seemed to refocus, "I can't say I am used to that but it certainly had a beauty to it." One last gift, thinking about what Korban had said earlier the Omnissiah had an idea. Though he had not seen Hestia at any point, in none of the stories he'd been told by Korban say she had an artifact of power aside from the hearth fire on Olympus itself. Zeus had his bolt, forged during the war with the Titans. Hermes was given the Caduceus by Apollo, both Apollo and Artemis had bows. But Olympians like Demeter, Aphrodite or Hera did not have anything aside from their symbols as artifacts they carried.
Extending his senses found hearths within Dimitis, ash in each of them. A couple that had been used to sacrifice to Hestia. Among the other gods' altars just before the Omnissiah's clearing, there were also faint embers of faith to Hestia in among the places for burnt offerings. Hestia did not have an altar much less a temple but the hearths of other gods and homes seemed to do. In these hearths, the faith in her was strong but not recent.
The Machine God extended his grasp at a distance to take those ashes and motes of faith. He absently notes that the faith in Dimitis directed towards him, especially from the Rust Root was connected and silently strengthening him. It was good to see the connection was still in place. He had been not actively hearing the prayers it seems, while those prayers were on his mind, the One of Energeia saw to hearing them.
He moved into the courtyard out from under the roof where he and Korban had been sitting and placed the ash as it came into the dirt. Still holding the faith directed to her, he deliberated on what tree to choose but decided on his own. A Rust Fruit seed was planted in that ashen spot of the soil before being urged to grow. Biological processes sped up and the ash was soaked up by the wood. It was not very big before it was uprooted and had its shape and nonwooden materials absorbed into a long hollow staff. From there the motes of faith were bound to the wood which had smooth fiery engravings shaped into the wood without removing material.
It was made to be slightly larger than the average height of the goddesses he had seen, and while it contained some connection to the goddess it was very small, especially in comparison to the other divine artifacts he had seen in the council's possession. The inside of the hollow staff became grooved. The inside was then smoothed out with metal that matched the grooves until it was without marks. As was becoming a running theme, modified las gun power packs were created in order to fit into the staff.
The bottom of the staff was a metal cap that could absorb sunlight like a regular powerpack casing. Two prongs at the top of the staff also served that purpose. Between those prongs in the center top was a machine that made a flame. Rather difficult to do with just power and the oxygen in the air as its only fuel but possible. From there, it was rather simple to add an intensity control and button near the top. Essentially creating a sort of flame launcher at various levels. Or, at more moderate levels without the button, a flame over a staff. He allowed Korban to inspect the gift after showing him why he should not make the flame larger.
Though the Omnissiah doubted that function would be used often, if at all given the seeming solitary peaceful nature of the goddess this was made for. After binding the mechanical inner working with minor spirits it was nearly done. It just needed some more faith to better conceal its connection to Omnissiah the duel-headed. 'Though I have admitted to seeing them from afar I doubt Athena or Hephaestus would take well to finding out my modification to their artifacts. And while I wish for friendly relations, if not friendship. I can remove my changes later, but I can't see plotting against myself without spying. Until trust and or an agreement is made I shall keep an eye.'
With that thought, he turned his attention to Olympus, easily through Athena and Hephaestus's weapons, even into another plane like the one Olympus was on. 'I must find out how to make a plane myself.' he idly thought to himself. Things seemed to be progressing as normal when he saw Persephone and Hades from Athena's weapon. 'Why is he there?' Athena moved away from the room he had seen the married couple in.
The Primordial deity sat down and absently ate some bread from the types of bread he had made. Korban had only eaten a small portion and not nearly enough to finish the supply, 'I suppose he would tell his family about our meeting if not our deal. The Olympians told him about their party and my guest status in some way after all.'
It was still mid-afternoon and the gifts were complete of close to it. He turned to Korban who had set down the staff, "Thank you for your help and company Korban it has been, well, helpful. But it is also appreciated."
"Well, it is not every day that you take part in creating gifts for the gods, even if my part was barely anything." the old man continued in a humorous tone, "You will put in a good word for me won't you?"
A chuckle was responded to by the Lord with No Face with a smile, "Ah yes of course," he match Korban's tone, "anything you'd like me to say to your lady Athena on your behalf?" a still playful tone in his voice.
The priest looked thoughtful before shaking his head, "Anything I have to say can be said in prayer, or should she ever come, and you keep your word, face to face." the Athenian's serious answer was an initial surprise before the deity nodded in response. "But now that I have helped and you seem done, I shall go home, I think. Assuming nothing else draws my attention off today."
The man departed and the Lord of Mars was left in a mostly empty house with many assorted gifts. Which of course brought the problem of carrying them all, and what to do until his acolytes' lessons that night. The solution to both was each other, he created a large wooden box which was quite sturdy. It was roughly six feet by three feet and the majority of the space was for Dionysus's drinks. Since several of them got seeds, most of the gifts with handheld and often not much bigger than a foot in diameter.
Once the gifts were secured it was heightened to about 3 feet and closed off with a lid. This did not take long but made the Machine God consider how to store things like the las guns, the lasguns are not just simple knives or even steel but possibly the most powerful non-divine weapons in existence at the moment. With this in mind he set out to gather additional materials. Stone, wood, metals, after an hour of work there was yet more materials in his house.
The next box is larger than the transport one about a foot in each direction and comprised of a three inch layer of stone. The inside is metal cross sections embedded into the stones with treated wood forming the true interior. The lid is much the same, except that it has an electronic locking mechanism that hitches into the stone and onto the metal frame all along the lid. With the password and code being in technalingua.
By the time these containers were done it was nearing the beginning of evening. He picked up the underworld contract and placed it in the metal safe. The Lord of the True Path still had time so he set about enhancing and pruning the design of the lasgun, from there he began to create several more. Once evening did fall the components were nearly done, all that was needed was a few more and then assembly. For now the parts were stored in the newly created safe.
Leaving and locking the house he made his way to the chapel where Walenty and Adga were already present. Soon after Jace, Alexandra, and Clio came. With that a recitation of the Laws they were already familiar with before diving into writing and reading lessons. They were learning but it was harder for the adults than Clio. During a few breaks Jace would ask questions about medicine, and the responses he would get were simplistic. Occasionally Jace would say something that was wrong or mistaken which would be corrected as best as possible without yet forming a complete groundwork.
There were many things he understood and got right, but he was not a trained doctor from a city, and it seemed they were wrong about some very important things there too. Though given the current technology, it could be forgiven since it is rare to learn something new through a process that is not trial and error. As the evening became later, with around two and a half hours of lessons, the God of the Noosphere sent his acolytes home.
With that the Granter of Directed Motion returned to his house, took out the unfinished las guns, and worked on fixing them. They were finished over an hour later. By making more the process was refined, and in some ways minorly improved, they could be lighter without sacrificing durability, more accurate without losing much if any power, fire rate and so forth. There was now a grand total of 7 las rifles in the safe.
With that completed, the trinity turned to the gifts. He picked up the box in its entirety moved. From there it was a short flight towards a convergence of faith trails for the Olympians. It was interesting to see that Hestia's stream was not the smallest, she certainly was larger than several Olympians. Somewhat unsurprising given her connects to home and hearth. Placing the staff at roughly the place where the metaphysical stream would be in physical space the Machine God was able to begin syphoning a small amount of faith from stream in order to further bind the staff and cover his own bindings. He flicked the flame on and off and it seemed to have gained a magic element to it, however minor.
Next came Hermes's radios, Aphrodite's pictographer, Apollo's violin, Ares' gauntlets, Artemis' rifle-bow, Hephaestus's thermometer, Athena's binoculars, Zeus' Crown. Each was given enough of the respective deity's faith in order to create a magic that would mask the Omnissiah's bless. Even if the spirits were eventually detected or asked about it was less likely should they feel familiar. And they would not suspect the truly impressive spirits residing in two of their councils weapons.
They could not blame him for giving them things he had blessed, when he made those things. Especially since they would likely not suspect him of seeing through the eyes of his machine spirits. It would be difficult to use these gifts to scry the Olympians but it would not be bad in comparison to trying to view them from across Hellas, in another plane, without the aid of an anchor.
With the gifts well and truly finished he returned to the house, set down his works, drank a bit of the wine he shared with Korban and went to sleep.
Given the limited experience the Trinity had with dreams the absence of a world to walk through was odd, but the darkness was accompanied by hymns from throats both modified and not. The darkness gave way to beams of light shining through cathedral windows, steam and gears sounded but the voices seemed to sing louder because they were not any harder to hear. Amongst the white noise and hum of the Noosphere a voice rose to prominence as he heard it, "Sing the song of the Machine God. None may stay our march. Let the merciless logic of the Machine God invest thee. None may stay our march. Praise and glory be to the Machine God. None may stay our march."
The One of Crimson Robes opened his eyes to see sunlight. He got out of bed and moved down the stairs to the box. Something stirred and the edge of his senses, Hermes was already closing in. A near perfect time to awaken it would seem. Moving the box outside of the house allowed the Granter of Directed Motion to be ready. The sun had just started to rise and it would seem there were no people in his clearing yet. The god of commerce came into the grove in a form similar to his usual one but far more in keeping with a typical Hellian than a divine being. For one he was bereft of his symbology, for another, he was in much more common clothes.
"Ah I see you were waiting for me, not for too long I hope, I take pride in being fast enough to get to things before people most of the time." his tone was full of humour.
"No not long, though I did not know when to expect you."
"Well what is a party if you can't do it all day and night. That is of course, what my little brother would tell you but he is biased." a hum in response met the herder. "Are you able to fly? And uh, will I need to help you carry all that?"
Both the Omnissiah and his cargo began to float, "Yes. I do not know that I will be able to match your speed but I doubt you will have much to complain about."
"Alright then let-" Hermes was interrupted by Praxis flying onto the shoulder of his master.
"Do you mind if I bring Praxis, he seems quite insistent." the god of roadways took a moment to take in the golden two-headed eagle. He had heard about it from his sister and brother but to see it was, interesting.
The god smiled, "That should be fine, as I was saying let us leave." The group departed making way across sea and land through the air. A large container trailing behind with cargo unbothered or harmed by its passage and speed.
AN: I edited some stuff in chapter 27 about the Las-guns. If you want me to answer your questions, please turn on personal messages so I can send you a response instead of me having to bloat my ANs.
I checked the wiki again "power pack can be recharged by exposure to sunlight or by being put into a campfire for a few minutes" I knew the solar one, I have been using that, but, campfire….holy-shit that is versatile.
Remind me if there is anything else important that needs to go in the safe. Let me know if you think anything should be edited or changed. Or if I forgot something.
Note to Self: The chapter ends at the morning of the day of the party. The 8th day. 2 years worth of writing and we are 8 days in, lets go! God I am so lazy.
