The Silka
Chapter Ten
If Marc's teleportation of the two Cephi ships had resounded through non-created reality spreading consternation and speculation in almost every place it was noticed, the emergence of the dragons on that side of the Rift was akin to a sustained brass fanfare, spreading all of that and much more. Everyone who heard them or heard the alarms the First Ones had set all those long millennia ago were more than jolted. They were more than flabbergasted.
True, a majority were overjoyed that the dragons had returned. A small percentage were horrified at the implications and the inevitable consequences. Another small percentage were galvanized by the same implications and consequences, for a variety of reasons, including those related to the shifts and eddies of power and the brand new board this meant they were all, suddenly, playing their game on.
In one small corner of the universe the two beings who'd so carefully arranged that the dragons would have help reaching this point had a foot in both small percentages. The woman, who's name, when roughly translated into something approaching the common language of the Rim, sounded akin to Aurora looked at her mate, Tremin, her eyes huge. "It's not possible," she gasped. "It's too soon."
Tremin didn't bother to agree. He was busy with the data pouring in from the Rift. "There are also three humanoids who have crossed as well." He looked at her, his eyes alight with amusement. "Our two helpers and the Watcher."
"McGee?" she clarified, "and the Siolastre and her mate? Otherwise known as the two wildcards and the joker in the deck we're playing with?"
"Joker, yes that's a good name for him," came a voice from the doorway.
"Wye," Aurora said, her voice something that mingled the dry and the light, calling to mind a chilled white wine. "That was fast. I didn't expect you for, oh, at least another ten minutes or so."
Wye laughed, which came out the sound of a melodious breeze through a grove of trees. "The most important development in centuries and you think I wouldn't drop everything to come?"
Her eyes softened. "Indeed."
"But," Tremin said, "As much as I hate to say it, not an unmixed joy."
Wye took a seat and regarded Tremin. "Yes. Risk factors are now increased and there will be attempts to breach the Rift."
"I'd say there already have been," Tremin replied. "The attack on the Silka can't be interpreted in any other way that I can see."
"Yes, but now the dragons and the humanoids have crossed over. And I expect they know that our agent has decided to take matters into his own hands..."
"Are you surprised?" Aurora asked. "After your meeting with him? He has been alone too long and now there are two people who know -- somewhat, and understand."
Wye gave her a rueful look. "True. Well, we still have one other to correct the situation."
She raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
He shrugged. "If McGee becomes more of a problem someone might activate him."
"I thought we left that sort of thing behind a long time ago," Tremin said. "We're actually supposed to be the good guys."
"Well, perhaps we should try to make sure it doesn't happen. We should also, perhaps, try to find a way to protect those who've crossed." Wye frowned. "They're targets and they don't understand their enemies."
"They'll find it hard to believe they have enemies," Aurora said.
"I think we should talk to them," Tremin said.
"The Dragons?" Aurora asked.
"No, the Wildcards and the Joker."
"Oh, I don't know. I think the dragons deserve to know too. It was so wonderful to hear their song. We must treat them as equals to the others now," Wye added.
Aurora laughed. "They'll think it's a joke. Perhaps you're right though. All of them, the dragons and their riders. Bring them here."
"Tremin?" Wye asked, looking at their third for his vote.
He nodded. "Yes. Bring them here."
The thee closed their eyes and concentrated, reaching outward toward the maelstrom. Many dragons played along the edge of the storm, so it took the others a few minutes to realize that three dragons carrying three humanoids had just disappeared.
They reappeared in a high meadow in a mountain range that Dinah knew weren't the Rockies. Or even the Andes. She looked over at Marc and McGee. "Well, we're certainly going places today," she said.
McGee was frowning as he climbed of Kalie's back. "Thank you," he told her, as he looked around.
"They're coming up the trail," she said, joy making her quiver.
"They?" Marc asked. "The First Ones?"
Cola's joy in his mind was his answer.
Dinah accepted Marc's hand, helping her down. "And I didn't even wear lipstick today. Whatever will they think of me?" she muttered for him alone.
"I'm rather glad you didn't. We don't want to frighten them off." When she kicked him, he let out an 'ooof' just as the three came into sight.
The three dragons didn't stand on ceremony. All three shoved their noses over and around the three humanoids, practically toppling them, dragon laughter rippling around them.
Aurora laughed, delight in the rippling notes. "Oh, we have missed you," she whispered, rubbing Kalie's nose. "We've missed you so much. Welcome home, darling."
Kalie snuffled gently against her hair, while Quinn and Cola did the same to Tremin and Wye.
"Hullo," Wye said to the humans. "Sorry for the sudden transport. We thought perhaps a chat might be in order."
McGee folded his arms across his chest. "I'm so surprised."
"I don't think he's happy," Dinah whispered to Marc.
"I'm Marc, this is Dinah, and the pissed off guy is McGee, but then you know all that, don't you?" Marc commented.
"Yes," Tremin said, looking up from Quinn. "I'm Tremin and she's Aurora. You and Dinah might recall our earlier talk. The other man is Wye. He and Jack are rather well known to each other."
"What's happened today," Aurora said, "is wonderful. But it's also going to require some thought. Partly because now that they've returned the Dragons are going to be in danger."
"From whom?" Marc asked, watching McGee eye Wye unhappily. Wye ignored the human and chattered in some alien language with Kalie.
"The Star Lords," McGee said. "Isn't that right, Wye? Because they've unbalanced things."
"It's not just them," Tremin said. "It's the created universes. You moving the ships was bad enough, lighting up the sky like a nova. After this there's no way we can keep them out. At least not as things stand."
"Keep them out?" Marc asked. "So they've wanted in all along. Yes, I got that. What I don't yet get is why."
"It's about power," McGee said.
"He's essentially correct," Aurora said. "Ultimately, the two things from which power are derived here are the status conferred by evolutionary seniority. The other accrues from the number and quality, if you will, of the species one controls."
"What she means by control," McGee said, "is everything from semi-voluntary alliances between perceived semi-equals to the involuntary servitude of the perceived wholly inferior."
"My my," Wye said. "Aren't you the rebel these days."
"My, my aren't you patronizing these days," McGee sneered. "If you're going to tell them, tell them the truth and don't dress it up."
Wye looked over at Marc and the currently silent Dinah. "Thank you for helping the dragons. Now they must help you. Because the Star Lords will find your little universe ripe for the taking and will fight each other for the privilege of subjugating you. I'm afraid we've done you no favors."
Dinah looked at Marc, an eyebrow slightly raised. Then she said, "That implies you think you were before this."
"It is why we created the Rift in the first place. To keep you safe until you evolved enough to join us all. Although, granted, I'm not sure why anyone would want to do so. Still, if you can save the Silka perhaps we can repair the Rift and that would help keep them out, or at least slow them down."
"Saving the Silka are the only way to do that?" Dinah asked.
"Well, let's say they are an integral part of the problem," Wye replied.
"Oh?" Marc asked, looking at the other two who'd been far less inclined to explain so far.
Aurora and Tremin exchanged a look. "What's wrong with the Rift and what's wrong with them are the same thing, basically. Maintaining it is how they get infected. We think it was deliberate."
"The Silka maintain it?" Marc asked goggling. "How?"
"They dream it," Wye replied simply. "Their dreams made manifest. It is their energies and dedication that has kept you safe."
"Now something has found a way to enter them through their dreams," Aurora said. "We don't know how."
"And they've not explained any of this to us," Marc replied. "We've thought it was a physical illness."
"They don't know. We only just figured even that much out. The Silka never really see the physical reality of the Rift. They see a dream of it. So they wouldn't have seen the turbulance. They'd have made the repairs they thought it needed and then left." Tremin's eyes clouded. "Taking their death with them."
Marc frowned as he thought about it. "How to infect beings through a dream. Intriguing..."
McGee sighed. "An academic exercise?"
Marc looked up at that. "No, definitely not. Just trying to consider the possibilities. Have you any ideas?"
"The two Caphei ships," he said.
"Meaning Aaru and Ther'lin might be able to help?" Marc asked.
"Well that too. But I meant the ones following us that we lost," McGee said. "So, that's all you can tell us?" he asked the First Ones. "Or all you're going to tell us. And more importantly, are you going to let them cross the Rift unhindered on this side?"
"They've been inside the Rift observing since just before we were sure the dragons were ready," Wye replied. "I'm surprised even Aaru or Ther'lin could detect them at all. "It will give us an edge I could hardly have hoped for."
"The dragons saw them first," Dinah said. "Once they did, Aaru and Ther'lin knew 'how' to look. But they can't get past the shielding. Can you? Or as McGee's hinting, is your help confined to the spiritual and moral only?"
"We'll do what we can," Wye promised, after sharing a look with the other First Ones.
"Gee thanks," Marc muttered.
"So you really are the deistic type of gods," Dinah said. "Aloof and above it all now that you've set it all in motion and doing what you can so long as your hands stay clean and your hair isn't mussed. It must really give you a warm feeling to know you've helped."
Aurora flushed. "You don't understand."
"No, you're right I don't," Dinah said, scorn dripping from the words. "And I really don't want to. What amazes me, though, is the reverence and love those creatures feel for you when you so clearly don't deserve it."
Wye put his head to Kalie's muzzle, closing his eyes for a moment. "We aren't gods, that's the problem," he finally said with a sigh. "I promise you," Wye added, "both you and the dragons, we will help."
"You've acted like gods," Dinah spat, not appeased. "You chose that role when you set this in motion, regardless of the purity of your motives. You did it because we couldn't defend ourselves against your enemies. Having done all that you don't have the luxury or even the option of dumping this fight on us whether it takes place inside or outside of the Rift. It was your fight then and it's still your fight. So you goddamn well better figure out how to do more than just bloody help."
"You're right," Wye replied. "We still have to make certain no one else will punish you for our revolt."
"Oh for the love of Finnigan's testicles," Dinah swore. "It never, ever changes. Are we through here? Or is there more good news?"
"No, Dinah," Marc said thoughtfully. "I understand where he's coming from. We'll take what we can get from you three. And thank you."
True, a majority were overjoyed that the dragons had returned. A small percentage were horrified at the implications and the inevitable consequences. Another small percentage were galvanized by the same implications and consequences, for a variety of reasons, including those related to the shifts and eddies of power and the brand new board this meant they were all, suddenly, playing their game on.
In one small corner of the universe the two beings who'd so carefully arranged that the dragons would have help reaching this point had a foot in both small percentages. The woman, who's name, when roughly translated into something approaching the common language of the Rim, sounded akin to Aurora looked at her mate, Tremin, her eyes huge. "It's not possible," she gasped. "It's too soon."
Tremin didn't bother to agree. He was busy with the data pouring in from the Rift. "There are also three humanoids who have crossed as well." He looked at her, his eyes alight with amusement. "Our two helpers and the Watcher."
"McGee?" she clarified, "and the Siolastre and her mate? Otherwise known as the two wildcards and the joker in the deck we're playing with?"
"Joker, yes that's a good name for him," came a voice from the doorway.
"Wye," Aurora said, her voice something that mingled the dry and the light, calling to mind a chilled white wine. "That was fast. I didn't expect you for, oh, at least another ten minutes or so."
Wye laughed, which came out the sound of a melodious breeze through a grove of trees. "The most important development in centuries and you think I wouldn't drop everything to come?"
Her eyes softened. "Indeed."
"But," Tremin said, "As much as I hate to say it, not an unmixed joy."
Wye took a seat and regarded Tremin. "Yes. Risk factors are now increased and there will be attempts to breach the Rift."
"I'd say there already have been," Tremin replied. "The attack on the Silka can't be interpreted in any other way that I can see."
"Yes, but now the dragons and the humanoids have crossed over. And I expect they know that our agent has decided to take matters into his own hands..."
"Are you surprised?" Aurora asked. "After your meeting with him? He has been alone too long and now there are two people who know -- somewhat, and understand."
Wye gave her a rueful look. "True. Well, we still have one other to correct the situation."
She raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
He shrugged. "If McGee becomes more of a problem someone might activate him."
"I thought we left that sort of thing behind a long time ago," Tremin said. "We're actually supposed to be the good guys."
"Well, perhaps we should try to make sure it doesn't happen. We should also, perhaps, try to find a way to protect those who've crossed." Wye frowned. "They're targets and they don't understand their enemies."
"They'll find it hard to believe they have enemies," Aurora said.
"I think we should talk to them," Tremin said.
"The Dragons?" Aurora asked.
"No, the Wildcards and the Joker."
"Oh, I don't know. I think the dragons deserve to know too. It was so wonderful to hear their song. We must treat them as equals to the others now," Wye added.
Aurora laughed. "They'll think it's a joke. Perhaps you're right though. All of them, the dragons and their riders. Bring them here."
"Tremin?" Wye asked, looking at their third for his vote.
He nodded. "Yes. Bring them here."
The thee closed their eyes and concentrated, reaching outward toward the maelstrom. Many dragons played along the edge of the storm, so it took the others a few minutes to realize that three dragons carrying three humanoids had just disappeared.
They reappeared in a high meadow in a mountain range that Dinah knew weren't the Rockies. Or even the Andes. She looked over at Marc and McGee. "Well, we're certainly going places today," she said.
McGee was frowning as he climbed of Kalie's back. "Thank you," he told her, as he looked around.
"They're coming up the trail," she said, joy making her quiver.
"They?" Marc asked. "The First Ones?"
Cola's joy in his mind was his answer.
Dinah accepted Marc's hand, helping her down. "And I didn't even wear lipstick today. Whatever will they think of me?" she muttered for him alone.
"I'm rather glad you didn't. We don't want to frighten them off." When she kicked him, he let out an 'ooof' just as the three came into sight.
The three dragons didn't stand on ceremony. All three shoved their noses over and around the three humanoids, practically toppling them, dragon laughter rippling around them.
Aurora laughed, delight in the rippling notes. "Oh, we have missed you," she whispered, rubbing Kalie's nose. "We've missed you so much. Welcome home, darling."
Kalie snuffled gently against her hair, while Quinn and Cola did the same to Tremin and Wye.
"Hullo," Wye said to the humans. "Sorry for the sudden transport. We thought perhaps a chat might be in order."
McGee folded his arms across his chest. "I'm so surprised."
"I don't think he's happy," Dinah whispered to Marc.
"I'm Marc, this is Dinah, and the pissed off guy is McGee, but then you know all that, don't you?" Marc commented.
"Yes," Tremin said, looking up from Quinn. "I'm Tremin and she's Aurora. You and Dinah might recall our earlier talk. The other man is Wye. He and Jack are rather well known to each other."
"What's happened today," Aurora said, "is wonderful. But it's also going to require some thought. Partly because now that they've returned the Dragons are going to be in danger."
"From whom?" Marc asked, watching McGee eye Wye unhappily. Wye ignored the human and chattered in some alien language with Kalie.
"The Star Lords," McGee said. "Isn't that right, Wye? Because they've unbalanced things."
"It's not just them," Tremin said. "It's the created universes. You moving the ships was bad enough, lighting up the sky like a nova. After this there's no way we can keep them out. At least not as things stand."
"Keep them out?" Marc asked. "So they've wanted in all along. Yes, I got that. What I don't yet get is why."
"It's about power," McGee said.
"He's essentially correct," Aurora said. "Ultimately, the two things from which power are derived here are the status conferred by evolutionary seniority. The other accrues from the number and quality, if you will, of the species one controls."
"What she means by control," McGee said, "is everything from semi-voluntary alliances between perceived semi-equals to the involuntary servitude of the perceived wholly inferior."
"My my," Wye said. "Aren't you the rebel these days."
"My, my aren't you patronizing these days," McGee sneered. "If you're going to tell them, tell them the truth and don't dress it up."
Wye looked over at Marc and the currently silent Dinah. "Thank you for helping the dragons. Now they must help you. Because the Star Lords will find your little universe ripe for the taking and will fight each other for the privilege of subjugating you. I'm afraid we've done you no favors."
Dinah looked at Marc, an eyebrow slightly raised. Then she said, "That implies you think you were before this."
"It is why we created the Rift in the first place. To keep you safe until you evolved enough to join us all. Although, granted, I'm not sure why anyone would want to do so. Still, if you can save the Silka perhaps we can repair the Rift and that would help keep them out, or at least slow them down."
"Saving the Silka are the only way to do that?" Dinah asked.
"Well, let's say they are an integral part of the problem," Wye replied.
"Oh?" Marc asked, looking at the other two who'd been far less inclined to explain so far.
Aurora and Tremin exchanged a look. "What's wrong with the Rift and what's wrong with them are the same thing, basically. Maintaining it is how they get infected. We think it was deliberate."
"The Silka maintain it?" Marc asked goggling. "How?"
"They dream it," Wye replied simply. "Their dreams made manifest. It is their energies and dedication that has kept you safe."
"Now something has found a way to enter them through their dreams," Aurora said. "We don't know how."
"And they've not explained any of this to us," Marc replied. "We've thought it was a physical illness."
"They don't know. We only just figured even that much out. The Silka never really see the physical reality of the Rift. They see a dream of it. So they wouldn't have seen the turbulance. They'd have made the repairs they thought it needed and then left." Tremin's eyes clouded. "Taking their death with them."
Marc frowned as he thought about it. "How to infect beings through a dream. Intriguing..."
McGee sighed. "An academic exercise?"
Marc looked up at that. "No, definitely not. Just trying to consider the possibilities. Have you any ideas?"
"The two Caphei ships," he said.
"Meaning Aaru and Ther'lin might be able to help?" Marc asked.
"Well that too. But I meant the ones following us that we lost," McGee said. "So, that's all you can tell us?" he asked the First Ones. "Or all you're going to tell us. And more importantly, are you going to let them cross the Rift unhindered on this side?"
"They've been inside the Rift observing since just before we were sure the dragons were ready," Wye replied. "I'm surprised even Aaru or Ther'lin could detect them at all. "It will give us an edge I could hardly have hoped for."
"The dragons saw them first," Dinah said. "Once they did, Aaru and Ther'lin knew 'how' to look. But they can't get past the shielding. Can you? Or as McGee's hinting, is your help confined to the spiritual and moral only?"
"We'll do what we can," Wye promised, after sharing a look with the other First Ones.
"Gee thanks," Marc muttered.
"So you really are the deistic type of gods," Dinah said. "Aloof and above it all now that you've set it all in motion and doing what you can so long as your hands stay clean and your hair isn't mussed. It must really give you a warm feeling to know you've helped."
Aurora flushed. "You don't understand."
"No, you're right I don't," Dinah said, scorn dripping from the words. "And I really don't want to. What amazes me, though, is the reverence and love those creatures feel for you when you so clearly don't deserve it."
Wye put his head to Kalie's muzzle, closing his eyes for a moment. "We aren't gods, that's the problem," he finally said with a sigh. "I promise you," Wye added, "both you and the dragons, we will help."
"You've acted like gods," Dinah spat, not appeased. "You chose that role when you set this in motion, regardless of the purity of your motives. You did it because we couldn't defend ourselves against your enemies. Having done all that you don't have the luxury or even the option of dumping this fight on us whether it takes place inside or outside of the Rift. It was your fight then and it's still your fight. So you goddamn well better figure out how to do more than just bloody help."
"You're right," Wye replied. "We still have to make certain no one else will punish you for our revolt."
"Oh for the love of Finnigan's testicles," Dinah swore. "It never, ever changes. Are we through here? Or is there more good news?"
"No, Dinah," Marc said thoughtfully. "I understand where he's coming from. We'll take what we can get from you three. And thank you."
