Nigkala Tales Pt. 24: Mars needs Women

"Would it bother you if I went back with you just to watch things? I'll stay out of your way."

"No. You've earned it, even if I cannot tell them why."

I followed him back, and he got me a VIP chair, claiming I was his guest. Given how determined he looked, no one challenged him. He then got back to his duties, and I got a great view of them managing the emergency launch while keeping the spaceship launch as ready as possible. Every fifteen minutes or so, I focused on the weather, making it even clearer that it would bypass the launch area. About an hour in, their weatherman downgraded the storm threat, which eased a lot of the tension. A half hour before launch, the storm threat was removed.

When the rocket launched, we all cheered. Because of the mass being lifted, and the distance to synchronous orbit, it would take many hours to get there. People went home in shifts, leaving about a third of the people there. When Tex was released, I went with him. He was staying at a hotel, and said he needed sleep, so I said don't worry. I just laid down in the other bed, and went to sleep. An spoke to me in my dreams.

"Priestess, you have intruded upon Heaven."

"Lord An, my friends were in trouble."

"A noble sentiment. But they were in the heavens. The rules for our servants' presence in the heavens are strict, and you broke them."

"I do not know these rules, and I have not heard of them before. Will you teach them to me? I would like to know what I did wrong, so I can make amends."

"I shall teach them to you soon. But first, you must be punished."

"... I understand. What is my punishment?"

"I have not decided yet. I have others to speak with first, to see what is to be done, for you have three other divine patrons at the moment. They also have a say. But for now, I suggest you avoid using your powers until I have decided."

"I'll do my best." I then felt An's presence leave, and my sleep became just sleep. When I woke, I realized I knew the rules, and knew An had placed them in my mind directly. Thinking over them, I saw that I had indeed broken two rules. Less clear were the punishments. Some rules had explicit ones, others had suggestions. The two I noted did not say anything beyond that it could be serious. I felt that meant there would be a bit of politics to determine the punishment.

Getting home without teleporting would be a little complicated, as I didn't have any identification or money on me. But I did have a phone, so I called Filipe. I filled him in on the spaceship success, but also told him that there was some divine trouble brewing that complicated things. I asked him to send our butler with my identification, phone, and purse. Filipe wanted to come himself, but I said he could not take time off from his film to rescue me, but Henry could take the time off.

I stuck with Tex for the next day, just trying to be a fly-on-the-wall to their handling of this emergency. At one point, Tex asked if I could make another delivery, and I told him I was not going to be able to do that again anytime soon. Henry arrived late that night, and I met him at Tex's hotel. Once I had my identification and cards, I rented a pair of rooms for Henry and me. I then offered him a nice dinner on me. He left in the morning.

The next day, with a different outfit, I again hung with Tex. I got to see Mission Control's handling of the rescue, and learned that due to my assistance, they completed repairs, and were ready to go with eight hours left on their window. I was even in the background view they got of Mission Control wishing them a safe journey. Afterwards, I sprung for a small private party for Tex and his immediate team. The next day, I flew home.

I chose to keep close to home while I waited for An's resolution. I did not think there would be a problem with me doing some cosplay, and other demonstrations. Working with my agent to see what I might do, but I told him I was waiting for a legal decision that would affect me to come down. While he worried about me, I assured him it wasn't an issue, but just something I had to do that would take priority. An spoke to me again almost two weeks later, and I was at home at the time.

"Priestess, your presence is required."

"I will head outside." I was barely out the door when the lightning hit. I arrived in An's cloud throne room, except it had four thrones. He sat in the largest, and by his side, Inanna was seated in the one by his side. Next to her, sat a tall African woman. Her clothes seemed to be made of assorted leaves and bark, and she had footwear made of wood. She had assorted feathers in her hair. Porcupine quills pinned the long hair in place. She had amber jewelry, and I think every piece had some bug inside of it. Her weaker aura seemed familiar, but I couldn't place her. On the other side of An was an empty throne. It was gem encrusted, but empty. However, even empty, I could sense another powerful presence.

All this in the brief glimpse I got before I bowed deeply to An, Inanna and the other powers. I did not rise until I was told. An said, "Stand here, and learn of your fate."

Inanna spoke, "You currently serve four divine powers. We have come here, both in support of you, and as a warning, as to our seriousness. We are of different purposes, yet none of us opposes another here."

The unknown lady spoke, "We all know this age has few who believe, and so we seek to encourage faith. You have shown yourself to be quite potent, and have done much to bring faith back to the people." When I heard her voice, I finally recognized her as Aja, goddess of the forest and the animals within it.

Finally, a voice spoke from the empty throne. It was quite deep, and slow. "You have broken our divine laws. You must be punished."

An finished with, "We have discussed your transgression. It was done in ignorance, and for a good cause. Yet, it also was not allowed. Inanna and I have some dominion over the heavens, where the transgression occurred. We are also the gods you look to the most. Aja and Everest have a say, as you look to them as well. We do not feel a need to strip you of the powers we have given you, but we have decided you may not use my lightning for a year. This means you will not be able to teleport, or use lightning as an attack. Nor will you be able to infuse lightning's speed into your nerves in combat."

I saw him look at me, and knew he wanted me to reply. "My lord, your mercy is welcome. I shall not use lightning for a year."

An spoke again. "We have also decided that for that same year, you may not leave the ground in flight. Not even in one of your machines."

Again, he paused, so I spoke. "I understand and accept."

"The tribunal has spoken."

I sensed that this was the end of the meeting, so I bowed again. I paused before straightening back up. In that time, lightning hit again, and I was home, although a fair distance away. As I walked back, I saw someone waiting next to the shed over my secret lair. As I got closer, I realized it was Aja. When I came near, I stopped and bowed.

"Listen, priestess, the time has come for my talisman to move on."

"I shall miss you, as I feel you have so much more to teach me."

"You are right, but while my talisman leaves, I shall leave you with a lesser talisman. Meditate on it, seeking information, and it shall come to you." She handed me a polished golden drop of amber about an inch and a half long. Inside was a small spider on a twig. "I chose this one for you to set in jewelry with your skill."

"Do you have a place chosen yet to have your talisman appear?"

"No, why?"

"In my traveling, I met a spiritual guardian. He trains shamans to take his place when he dies. However, he is over three centuries old, and so has had to train a number over the years. I think he, or one of his heirs, might be a suitable student for your knowledge. He comes from a Native American tribe, and has a good connection to the land."

"I would meet this man before deciding to accept him."

"I can drive there in a few hours. You are welcome to ride with me, or you could meet me when I meet him."

"Let us go now." Suddenly, I saw the talisman in her hand.

"My car is over there." I then led her to my car, and opened the door for her. I then pulled out my phone and called Mato Hatathli. I told him something important had happened, and I needed to see him immediately. I was leaving by car now and would be there soon. I asked if I should head to the park or the cabin. He told me the park. I thanked him, and put my phone away.

We met a few hours later, and Aja essentially interviewed Mato. Eventually, she told me she would accept him. Suddenly, her talisman appeared in her hand. She told Mato to take the talisman. When he did, she disappeared. Mato looked at me, and I said she was a goddess, and would teach him. The rest would be up to him.

But that is another story...