Chapter 64: Interlude - Mage Parliament (2)

Chapter 64: Interlude - Mage Parliament (2)

The Anunnaki had more than one way of traveling between starisles. Some were limited to the common routes using Gateways. But a few Anunnaki had Gateway Keys, allowing them freer access to the starsea sea as a whole. And an ever smaller group of select Anunnaki had starcutters, magical vessels that they could use to sail the emptiness between the stars.

The existence of starcutters was known only to a select few. In fact, the puzzled expressions on the faces of the others in the room went to show that, even on a Mage Parliament in a Flourishing starisle like Sin-Amuhhu, most people were ignorant of their existence.

Shabadras was asking Muna if she thought an Anunnaki could be involved in the Abhorrent invasion. It was a dangerous question to ask, but in his opinion, it was an important one.

I know what youre referring to, Muna said. And though we cant rule out that possibility, youre right that its too risky to speak of such things aloud. From my perspective, theres a much more dangerous explanation. She looked around the table.

Shabadras did the same.

Kingallu and Simiak both looked hesitant. Shafika, Lapis, and Adom seemed similarly pensive. Only the general appeared to be outright confused.

No one? Muna asked. In that case, Ill say it. Technology. Far be it from me to question the Pontifarchs wisdom. And based on casual words Ive heard spoken by various Anunnaki, I know he pays attention to the Nightmare Cove. Perhaps even watches it directly. But Ive always feared a problem like this could arise.

The general looked left and right at the table, then said, Forgive me for being an ignorant Unsighted. But what?

As Shabadras surveyed the table, he noticed Adom looking at Muna. The High Archon nodded back.

There are many reasons for the strict laws on technology, Adom said. Even in the empire, despite all the lawsand punishmentsits still a challenge to prevent the rise of machinery. Humans are innovative and creative by nature.

The Nightmare Cove occupies one of the four spiral arms of the starsea. In other words, it makes up about a fifth of everything. And that entire area is unsupervised. Uncontrolled. Unpoliced.

Shabadras frowned as the implications of Munas statement weighed on his mind.

But the Abhorrent infest the Nightmare Cove, said General Kamaru-Ayyabu. They must have long since devoured all human life there. Otherwise, why would they be looking in our direction?

Adom snorted. The Abhorrent didnt just take over that entire part of the starsea overnight, he said. They started out on a handful of important starisles. And yes, they spread rapidly before the Pontifarch cut them off from the empire and the rest of the starsea. But even here in the empire, the Anunnaki patrol the stars looking for new civilizations. So its possible that a high level of technology could have come into existence in the Nightmare Cove.

If thats the case, Muna said, then the situation could be more dire than we can envision. If the Abhorrent can travel between starisles without relying on gateways or starcutters, then nowhere in the starsea would be safe.

Head Mage Muna, Shabadras said, might it not be worth it to consider bringing the Nergal into this?

Muna shook her head. The Nergal doesnt like false leads. If you submit a report about illegal technology to the Nergal, youd damn well be sure its not a mistake. He doesnt like his time being wasted. That said.

Muna paused in thought for a long moment, then looked at Adom. Adom, you know who the Nergals agents are on Sin-Amuhhu, dont you? Could you arrange for a rumor to spread to the Nergal through them?

Shabadras looked at Adom and noted the pudgy mage gnawing his lip.

Technically, yes, Adom said. But the risk is similar to filing an actual report. If I spread a rumor, and the Nergal came, only to find the rumor was false, he would follow the trail of information. Of course, I could use proxies and other manners of deception to hopefully ensure he didnt trace the rumor back to me. The question is, do I want to risk my life in that way?

Munas lips tightened, and she sat there without saying anything for a few seconds. Fair enough. Well keep matters of technology and the Nergal as something to consider as a last resort. For now, we need to operate on known facts. One: the Abhorrent have a way to travel between starisles. Two: they can attack us without warning. Three: theyre only attacking Stricken starisles. Four: theyve left Humusi starisles and moved on to Lira.

Speaking of which, lets talk about our response to the Lira situation, and our plan of action going forward.

The new recruits have all been deployed, High Archon Kingallu said. But the Combined Armed Forces still have plenty of resources. For instance, the Legion of Martial Adepts, though theyre working with the Sin-Erimmatu Combined Armed Forces on that operation in the Endless Shoal. Of course, we have plenty of ordinary divisions ready to deploy.

Good, Muna said. Lets talk specifics.