The Uplift Protocol: In the Beginning

Issue 3: Medusa's Lament

Everyone is gone. Even my beloved. I do not need to acquire money. I use Thoth’s alchemical machines to give me a modest boost in that category. Not enough for the Terran Alliance to notice. Just enough to stay comfortable but I find I am bored. Even that Anna creature is having more fun combating people on INet. Hmmm. I have never had a calling of my own.—Medusa

Boss, who the hell is this chick? She tore Andre in two! He had metal skin for god’s sake!—Viktor “Redline” Dreburg, a recruiter for the 2nd Street Hive.

We’ve had Star looking outward so much that some common criminal enterprises have sprung up. But I think we should look into this because at the heart of it is an old foe. It reeks of Set’s doing. Along with the Sleepers.—Argus Paxton

Did I think that Medusa would team up with street-level mob organizations? No. But it didn’t occur to me until later it was because, without Thoth, she wasn’t self-sufficient. She craved guidance. Messed up as it was. Her brother, Karvax, and her Leader had abandoned her without much thought. I can’t even imagine what that feels like. Even with my empathy abilities. To hold such little regard for someone. That must hurt worst of all.—Sleeping in Starlight, a memoir of the 22nd century.

Whitman Heights (New Ashbury)

Tap Dance Club!

April 8th, 2104

Medusa eyed the party of cops with glee.

They had already found her presents! She was disappointed at the two stupid ones gawking at her chest. At least that ploy worked often enough on most men. Even some women. Like that NASA capped Texan girl. She sauntered up to the brown-haired woman. Medusa said, “I’m gonna get a ladder and climb all over you.”

There was no response. Not from her. The raven-haired woman wrapped her arm around the NASA woman’s waist. Green eyes smiled sweetly but her body language indicated murder, “Already taken.” Her unsaid curse was rather clear to Medusa.

The red-headed gangly man elbowed the lead detective. Whispering something into his ear. Medusa wasn’t able to use her other senses for the moment. The magical cloak keeping her real form under wraps prevented it. Alas, but she had them where she wanted them. All the world would know who killed the love of the Star-Spangled Banner. The Atlantian exile would prove to be the best in the business. A way to lord it over Hilary. The FBI woman had hated Star so much that she had a shrine dedicated to it.

*****

I wanted to gag. Medusa thought I was checking her out? There was only one person who could do that and she was ready to punch Thoth’s groupie through a wall. With bells on.

Sparklers and the rockets red glare all in one. I pulled my yellow NASA cap down. To hide my continuous scans for more demis within the building.

I called out to Blaze, >>Get ready. Make sure to mold the metal to these areas around her body so she can’t wiggle out of that cover.<<

Zach sent a mental picture of a stuffed X-mas Turkey with rollerskates.

Thank goodness he didn’t add that hideous shirt.

Then again, it might look fun on Doc.

Lorain shot me an amused glance.

<>

That message was via our private channel.

Eddie already had enough ammunition from INet according to Lorain.

Paxton showed his badge, temporarily locking down the place, “NAPD, we have a few questions!”

Three more waiters appeared with their “manager.” Their hands bursting into claws.

“You and what army Mr. Badge?”

Arthon as Lightbearer and my little brother fell from the ceiling.

Paxton grinned, “That army.”

Blue Blaze hurled the metal ball at Medusa. Locking her into that human form. Various metallic threads wrapped around her like a cocoon.

Lightbearer shouted a few choice words in Markav.

One hooligan exclaimed, “SHIT! He’s one of them! A muthra!”

Rays of light hit the four men. The gravity of the force pinning them to the wall.

Paxton asked, “So. Who did the contract on the Banner and her Lady?”

Their eyes shot to Medusa’s human form.

Paxton headed to the doorway, letting more SWAT Members within, armed to the teeth with anti-demi weapons. Most of these were built with all sorts in mind. Fire users, Water, Ice, Wind. Mutations. I felt the pressure of their Telekenitic expert, she could make out I had a higher level of density in places. Paxton sent a crypto message to her. Her eyes never left me but the pulse of her power eased up. She said, “Someone is a daddy’s girl huh?”

SWAT Teek was rather persistent. Her critique grew, “Wish I could have that kinda military-grade addon. That’s a black box upgrade for sure. Christ.”

I honestly thought it was best most would think I was a bit mod happy.

Doc glared at her, “She needs those additions to pilot her ship.”

I held Lorain closer.

<>

Lorain pulled me off to the side. Her eyes flickering back and forth as she accessed more Terran Alliance records. Dad cut in with, <>

Doc took it all more personally because she was my physician. Knowing that all her hard work was extraordinarily classified in most cases for her civilian role still ate away at her. I planted a kiss on her forehead. A particular favorite spot. She grumbled but I could see it had a very welcome effect.

She said, “Fine. Let's go skin the handbag harpy.”

I shook my head. Grinning as she amended, “I know. I’ll be the worst cop. I’ll make you pay for that one Cornfed.” I swept her off her feet while Human Medusa gagged. Blue Blaze frowned, “What’s that saying? Get a room? Please tell me I won’t be that much of a dork when I’m older.”

Lightbearer chuckled, “Don’t worry about it. Even when you are 100, women will never make sense.”

Medusa’s wailing and cursing were cut off as we loaded her into the NAPD transport.

The flashes of holo-cams and drones followed.

I could just see the headlines now.

Thinking, “This is Anna Preston-McQuire: Hot Pants Harpy Arrested….”

*****

Medusa was quietly seething. Why had Thoth never carried her around like that?

She had even made this human shell “sexy” on purpose. What did that pinch-faced Terran Alliance doctor have that she didn’t? Her mind froze. Maybe Thoth was into men? Was that why he never gave her the time of day? She snarled as the blue-dressed speedster blocked her view of everyone. The metal he commanded prevented her from exiting this monkey suit. She wished her brother was here. His poisons would wipe those smirks off the faces of her enemies. She screamed, “THOTH WILL COME FOR ME…..”

Gas seeped into the cell holding her.

She didn’t deserve this.

Her heart slowed.

Sleep carried her away from all worries.

*****

Doc glared at the cell while the world outside darkened as we entered the spaceport.

They were taking Medusa to Stonewall. We were here to give after-action reports.

The Teek ambled over, “Ok. I get it. Sorry about your spine. It’s just….never mind. It was an unworthy thought. You have a good day!”

She saluted Lorain and exited with the rest of her team. The K-9 was a Belgian Malinois.

Another recruit added after the Living Stone incident said, collar lighting up, <>

Doc rested her head on my shoulder, “Oh god.”

I asked the fellow before his handler came by, “Right! One question: Which line has the most say in House setups?”

Mr. Malinois cocked his head to the side, considering.

His reply was simple and explained a great deal.

<>

Doc reached out to scratch his chin, “That’s it for now. Remember what Big Momma said!” His tail drooped. Ears flat for a split second before he changed tracks.

The dog shook his triangular head, <>

So even Earth K-9s knew more than I did.

That’s why mom wanted me to break the system. She preferred Earth’s take on someone's value outside of bloodlines. As far as their Houses went. The Commons didn’t have this many hang-ups. I remembered the night and day reaction from them compared to the House officials. I flicked through a basic database but found I couldn’t access anything.

Doc temporarily disconnected me, “She doesn’t want you to get too worked up. Typha’s ruling class needs a complete shock to the system. You are the right amount of genuine cornball to do it.”

*****

Arthon and Ritark sympathized with Doc’s frustration.

The fact that they knew what the elephant was didn’t help much. Typha’s Great Genetic Houses would demand that both Eliza and Dexter would be required to have many children. To see if they would pass on their amazing gifts. Once her infertility came out? The entire social structure propping up House protocols about the social arena being the dominant space for women would be thrown out the door. Those Houses prized their specialized bloodlines far too much. X’mil’s was at the forefront. Their men even demanding that all House lines integrate with them.

Arthon was certainly banking that many would turn out to be the Lying House sleepers.

What worried him was how many were littered throughout the rest of the major players.

A symptom of Set no doubt.

The Commons of Typha were used to other societies and customs.

They would need to keep promoting the Idea that Dexter and Eliza had hidden heirs all across Earth. That was the main reason why J’ino didn’t want her daughter to look up anything. She knew her kid had very human Texan social mores. For the Typherian elites? Many did mate for life but it wasn’t unheard of for HOUSE officials to sire or give birth to various lines of 2nd or 3rd House branch bloodlines.

It was ironic that the Commons got to be much more monogamous, more true to form, of old-style Typherian values. Arthon caught Doc’s attention. His hand over his heart. She shot him a grateful look. They would have to tell her later but for now? This was the best way they could protect their friend. Ritark chittered, <>

Arthon’s stomach churned, <>

Stonewall Correctional

Inner Cell Blocks

Orbit of Pluto

Medusa cackled.

The guards ushered her into a room that contained a very familiar scent. Her brother had been here. She hoped he had left some tricks. Her tongue flicked out. She didn’t have much access to anything except for the prison system sub net but it would do for now. The prisoners loved to gossip. She was good at that. She would find her place.

Thoth would not save her. She knew that now.

She would forge her path.

Without the help of false rulers.

The Jupiter Rising

Murphy Personal Quarters

J’ino raged.

Her tears flowing as she clutched the pillow to her chest.

Her father had told her why. What Set wanted.

Why their ancestor had done what he did. Passing along the last vestiges of Light Shaman and Weave Speaker abilities to the rest of his line. Not in an active way. Passive. Special nanites that wouldn’t be expelled by the Void Walker nanites. Her family line was immune. This was why they had intermarried with House M’tah and Odessen over the years. To give their allies stronger genes to resist the long game of Set.

The Gray Void of Unity.

Unity was dangerous but that man was insidious.

He had poisoned early Typha so they wouldn’t have much in the way of Light Shaman or Weave Speaker resistance.

When the Lying and Hidden Houses of Set and Urraden attacked: There would be those who would not fall to the darkness. He knew the civil war was coming. Thomas entered and picked her up in his arms. No need for talking. He just held her until she fell asleep. Exhausted and spent.

Hating every moment of this lie.

Knowing her daughter was very loyal.

Dexter was taking the brunt.

Putting out “courting” feelers to keep most from his sister.

Not human attention. Typherian.

She hated it all.

*****

Dawnbreaker shared a drink with The Puzzler on the main entertainment deck of the Jupiter. Both still in their demi uniforms after breaking up an attempted grav train hijacking. Some thought it wise to do so when all Earth Demis were slated for duty on high alert. Eddie said, “Anything else I can do? I can cloak more ads from Eliza’s H.U.D feedback.

Dexter nodded, “Do it. I don’t want her to even get a hint. The fact that most think Impossible is a temporary fling distresses me.” He wanted to find a good woman. This phase wouldn’t help. But once they kicked the hornet’s nest of Set’s lies on Typha? Then he would be vindicated. Then it would come out.

For now, he would play the part of the interested playboy.

He would protect his sister.

No matter what.