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Episode 8 "Exodus II" 1313hrs, Temple of the Sun Complex, Egypt, 2510BC I watched tears roll down Allie's face as I felt my own cheeks moistening. "NO!" I shouted as the rush of emotions fueled my anger. "This shouldn't have happened!" My whole body began to tingle as I noticed everyone and everything stop moving. Though, that wasn't quite true. Allie looked over at me as she finished wiping her tears away and raised an eyebrow. "Alex, what are you doing?" she asked curiously, her still shaking voice echoing ever so slightly. "This shouldn't have happened," I reiterated as calmly as I could, noticing how my quavering voice echoed too. "This man's future was bright, happy, and challenging. I can't let this happen, Alex!" "But it has, Alex. Won't we upset Upper Management? I don't want you to end up like Momma," she countered. "I can't let it happen, Alex...I just can't! This man was only doing his job. Instead, he went above that- far beyond what was required...or necessary," I pushed. "Then let's do this, Alex. Like I said, I'm not ready to lose you. If you must be punished, we will share the burden," my twin said as she stepped toward me and took my hand. "Alex?" Emily's frightened voice asked- also echoing somewhat in the temporal eddy I had just established, surprising both Allie and I. We both looked over to our sister, noticing she had a bluish aura surrounding her- not unlike the light now emanating from both of us. "Alex, this wasn't supposed to happen! He goes on to do great things. I've seen it!" Emily cried as she continued to look around in bewilderment. "Emily, how...how can you...you be unaffected? I stopped time...how?" I stuttered out. "I'm not sure, Alex, I just felt this was wrong and wished I could change it. I guess I'm more like you than I thought?" she responded as she stepped carefully and took my free hand. This was all so surreal. The three of us remained silent for at least a minute. "Alex, we have to fix this," Emily urged. Allie nodded her agreement. "Agreed, sisters," I said as I concentrated and time amazingly began to move in reverse. Continuing to concentrate, I slowly rewound recent history until the three recently deceased men were lying prone before us. "So now what, sis?" Allie asked as we gazed at the time-frozen men. I noticed the young guard's eyes were closed tightly. He knew exactly what he was doing and what his fate was to be. It was a good thing I didn't believe in fate! "I'll right this wrong," I replied as I released my sisters' hands and walked over to the courageous guard. "How can you be doing this, Alex? I thought you had to be in contact with us to keep us here?" Emily cried out in shock as I reached down to touch my target. "If mother can do it, so can we," I replied. "Awaken, my courageous knight. Your time to leave us has not yet arrived. There is more required of you." The light emanating from my body flowed like a wave and engulfed the young captain of pharaoh's guard. His eyes blinked then shot open. "What is this magic?" he gasped in surprise as he slowly stared up at me. "It's called repairing a bump in time, my young sir. Your sacrifice should not have been required today," I told him as I offered a hand to help him up. Once standing, he looked around. "What is happening here? Why is no one moving except us four?" "She stopped time, hun. We can do that. Empress of Time and Space, remember?" Allie informed him with a smile. "Why me? What did I do to receive such favor?" he asked disbelievingly. "You did what you felt necessary. What exactly possessed you to jump on those men to begin with?" Emily answered with anger in her voice as she pointed at the two statued men on the ground. He looked at my sister strangely. "My job is to protect the Supreme Administrator and others of the royal court...no matter the cost." "Well we can't let that happen this time. Come here and take my hand, please," Allie said confidently. I guided the bewildered young man over to my sister. Cautiously, he first looked at then took her offered hand. I inserted myself back between Allie and Emily. "Tell me," I asked, looking forward and not over at him, "if you could be anywhere else at this very moment, where would that place be?" "I would be at the Administrator's service, Empress." "Really?" Emily asked sarcastically as she leaned out and looked at him, questioningly. "You mean, given the Empress' gift, you would just assume stay here? Don't you have a mate and newborn son you'd rather be with?" "My duty is to the Supreme Administrator, M'lady, though, my last thoughts were that I would never see my son and his beautiful mother in this existence again. I had come to terms with and accepted that." "Too many concessions have already been made during this mission! I refuse to concede yet another- especially when a very important and bright future is at stake," I said as our location changed. The room that appeared around us was small in comparison to the lavish residence of Pharaoh, but was comfortable. A young woman sat in a comfortable chair, nursing her newborn. There was no movement, no sounds except for the young guard's gasp. "This is where you should be, captain," I said sternly. "This child...your family- they need more protection than any royal. Khufu and Anna Beth would both agree," I nodded to Allie, who pushed our guest away from us and released her hold. I continued as the young man's expression became frightened. "You will remain here with them today. Tomorrow, you and your young family will pack for a week's vacation to the western hemisphere. You will then travel, using your government-issued, holographic cloaking device, to the Sun Temple in order to participate in the departure ceremony two hours before noon. You will make sure that your mate and child ascend the temple steps, enter the gateway, and do as instructed by one of my sisters one hour prior to its start. There they will safely await your arrival. You will then take your place in Pharaoh's processional. Is that understood captain?" I ordered. "But Empress, I..." he began to complain before I released him from my temporal protection and he became captive in paused time. "Let's get back to the temple, sisters," I said as the scenery changed once more. "Emily, you need to resume your position before I release time." "I love you both, Alex," Emily said, kissing Allie and I on the cheek before hurrying back to her original place on the landing. Allie and I separated and resumed our positions opposite each other. Time slowly advanced to the point from which I had stopped it. The stress I was feeling ebbed as time again moved forward. Allie motioned to her nose while staring at me. It was then that I felt the warm trickle on my upper lip. Anna Beth also noticed and glared at me curiously with a raised eyebrow. "Alexandra, what did you just do?" she accused quietly, looking at Allie and I alternately. "What we always do, your majesty," I answered simply. "What we had to do." She immediately looked up into the heavens then glared at us again. "I presume everything is as it should have been, Empress?" "Everything is as it should be, majesty," Allie assured her with a smile. "Did something just happen- something more than was seen, Alexandra?" Khufu asked looking between Anna Beth, Allie, and I in astonishment. I closed my eyes slowly in answer. The three remaining protest leaders looked around at everyone still on the landing. After a few moments, Khufu nodded to Allie and I with a look of admiration. "Gentlemen, it has come to my attention that this protest and subsequent meeting was designed for the sole intention of forcefully removing me from office...not by negotiation, but by violence! Furthermore, there have been numerous reports of seemingly random attacks around the lower kingdom in tandem. I'm afraid I shall have to ask you all to vacate this temple area immediately. If you are not here to discuss politics in a civil atmosphere, consider this meeting at an end," Khufu said politely. "Administrator, the prophet said you would do this. He claimed an attempt would be made on your life just before you would resign. Are we correct in assuming that is what you intend?" The oldest and apparently wisest of the three said. He seemed frightened and paranoid now as he kept glancing back nervously to Allie and I. "Gentlemen, it has struck me as possible, given this temporal control device the Empress has described, that your so called 'prophet' may well be in our audience at this exact moment. It would also seem possible that his present observations could be the source of his 'premonition'. I will now consult with a proven authority on temporal logistics," Khufu looked to Allie and me. "Empress? Your gift of prophecy has never been questioned and its accuracy has served this administration well over the years. Is this man correct in his belief that this is the time you spoke of twenty years ago?" Khufu asked diplomatically. The three remaining protest leaders' mouths dropped as they heard how long my prediction had been known. "The time of the great civilization known as Egypt is at hand, Administrator. Today is the delineation between old and new era," I began. "The reign of Khufu has now waned on this Earth. Quickly, he is to be replaced by a new Pharaoh. The new Administrator will lead this society further along its path of historical greatness in the annals that are compiled history. From here on scholars record that Egypt will be ruled by an administrator declaring his lineage directly from the Gods themselves," Allie continued. "On the morrow old will pass to new and the true 'kingdom' of Egypt will violently come into being. This new empire, as with the present socialist-democracy will see its downfall in due time as the region will fall to those more brutal in nature. Life will be callous in the new era- more cruel, unforgiving, and challenging than any time seen to date," I took over for my twin, continuing the 'prophecy'. "Tomorrow, shortly after Ra reaches his zenith, the region will have a new leader and the legend of Khufu begins. His epitaph will endure on this planet throughout the millennia as one of the most popular, but misinterpreted administrations of all time. It is advised all knowledgeable persons be well clear or in the safety of this temple site before the Supreme Administrator and his devout followers depart for their next life," Allie declared as she finished our prophecy. All eyes were set on the two of us as each person interpreted our words differently. Khufu and Anna Beth stared, aghast with open tears, at us, while the older of the three oppositionists looked sadly to the prophesized, departing royalty. The two other gentlemen smirked with satisfaction that they had successfully defeated their opponent- that after tomorrow, they were somehow to be in control and the Supreme Administrator and his queen would be entombed for all eternity. Khufu remained quiet as he contemplated this new prophecy for a few minutes. "Well...there you have it, gentlemen. As of tomorrow, I will no longer be your Administrator...your Pharaoh. As the Empress has declared, the new regime shall face many difficult challenges...much hardship. Pray to the Gods things work out as you have all obviously schemed. Governing this large a society has many caveats and cannot be taken lightly. If you gentlemen will now excuse me," Khufu advised before walking to the edge of the landing. "My fellow citizens," he shouted with outstretched hands, attempting to gain the peoples' attention. "It is with a heavy heart that I announce today, here and now, that I will step down as your Supreme Administrator effective tomorrow mid-day. Having been given overwhelming evidence of a need for governmental change, an election will be conducted to choose the next Pharaoh. The three gentlemen attending our impromptu discussion today will select electible candidates and submit those selections to the kingdom's media outlets. You should receive the formal election form on your personal communication devices by tomorrow, mid-morning. I ask for a quick, but knowledgeable consideration for each candidate before your selections are officially registered. I wish to thank everyone for your confidence over the many years I have served this great society. Now, I wish to spend time with my beloved mate and my close friends and relatives. Thank you once again for your support. Good day, ladies and gentlemen." A mixture of applause, gasps, and crying echoed up from the crowd as a defeated-looking Khufu stepped back from the edge and turned around. Anna Beth rushed to him and wasted no time wrapping her arms around him. She broke down into sobbing tears the instant her face touched his shoulder. "Gentlemen...and we use the term very loosely...it is time for you to give Khufu the privacy he deserves," Cami said somberly as the three men began to hover off the granite landing of the temple. All three began to panic as their altitude increased. "Do not struggle," Jack advised calmly though both her and Cami's face said otherwise, "as much as we would like to, you will not be harmed. You have achieved your goal here. Go now and join your constituents. Prepare for your much-sought election." All three men hovered out and over the gathering. Cami gently lowered them to the ground in the crowd. The gathering suddenly became silent and I noticed people nearer us once again holding their heads in pain. The protesters began to break up. Apparently Jack, and or Cami told the crowd to disperse peacefully. Our Mind Warriors stayed vigil for several minutes more until it was clear the danger was over. They both turned in unison and stepped off their perches. "Those! Arrogant! Assholes! They seriously think they are now in control! Can you believe that?" Jack growled angrily as she and Cami joined us. "Is this truly the day for the Exodus of the Great Khufu, Uncle?" Peyton asked with tears still falling from her eyes. Khufu took a large breath, tapped Anna Beth gently on her back so that she would release him, and turned to the celebrated heroine of Egypt. "It is, dear one. Egypt demands fresh leadership," he responded. Persephone Peyton rushed her uncle and embraced him tightly, squeezing the air from his lungs easily. "And just when did you get so strong, niece? Could it be that this future military institution is having positive results?" "Just shut up, uncle!" Moments later, Yuuka and Sunni flew into view. Yuuka landed on Allie's shoulder and Sunni landed on mine. "Area is secured, Alex. All previous threats have been successfully neutralized," Sunni reported. "Thanks, hun, good job," I complimented. "Alexandra, if not too much trouble, can we return to the residence to prepare?" Khufu asked after catching my attention. I silently offered my hands and nodded to Cami. I motioned for the royal guards to join hands with us also. "Meridian, external security protocol alpha-zeta-seven-three-epsilon- acknowledge," Cami ordered loudly into the temple's gateway. A thick granite panel slowly slid down into place, completely covering the entrance, thus securing the temples interior. The large dining room of Pharaoh's residence surrounded us and I released my sisters' hands. Twelve young men remained still as statues, fright displayed blatantly on their faces. "You gentlemen surprise me," I giggled. "I would have thought Pharaoh's select guard would fear nothing." "M'lady, I have never experienced such transport before. It is most instantaneous! I only wish our captain were here to experience it with us." "Gentlemen," Khufu started. "I have a feeling circumstances have favored the men of the royal guard today. You are hereby relieved, with compensation, of all duties for the rest of the day. This evening you and your families are invited to dinner here at the residence- casual attire, please. In the meantime, pack your families lightly for a trip abroad and at first light, escort them to the temple gateway terrace. One of the Empress' sisters will meet and explain things further at that time. Once seeing your loved ones securely into the temple you will report to the Sun Temple parade preparation area by 10AM." "Administrator?" All twelve chorused. "Those are my orders, gentlemen." "But Administrator, we do not wish to join you in the afterlife! Some of us have just started our families," One of the guards gasped in horror. "Gods man, is that how you took Alexandra's prophesy?" Khufu looked stunned. A look of complete confusion washed over twelve faces. "Is that not what she said, Administrator- that your mate, friends, followers, and relatives will follow you to the next life?" "That is exactly what we said, hun- though the meaning was meant to be interpreted differently by those attending," Allie confirmed with a devious smile. "M'lady?" The young man- now acting captain- asked in confusion. "Just follow the Administrator's orders, hun, and know that the Empress will not allow harm to come to anyone in Pharaoh's favor," I recommended as I too smiled deviously. All twelve men nodded cautiously before breaking rank and walking away. As expected there was some quiet discussion as they all exited the dining hall. "Would you care to share, Alexandra?" Anna Beth asked after a moment of us just standing quietly. I instead turned to where I knew the wait staff stood watching. "Can we have two, one hundred and fifty milliliter containers full of honey, please? I have two well deserving pixies to reward." Anna Beth's butler looked confused, but nodded and disappeared into the hallway behind him. Minutes later he returned with two bowls of honey. "Where shall I place them, M'lady?" "Anywhere on the table will do, they worked up quite the hunger and are not picky about location. "I'm not real picky, but I refuse to eat off the floor, Alex," Sunni said from my shoulder. "Wow! That smells like the good stuff!" she purred before streaking to the surrendered containers. The servant's eyes almost popped out of his skull as he witnessed several aerial maneuvers before our two pixies nose-dived to the table. "I have never witnessed such a sight, Empress! Are these also part of your sisterhood?" "Highly valued sisters, hun," I told him. "The yellow-winged woman is Sunni and this is Yuuka," I added in introduction. "You are Lady Yuuka?" he exclaimed as he began to reach and point. "But that means you can..." "It is wise not to disturb hungry pixies, honey. Yes, both women have a normal form as well," Allie giggled. "Gather the staff here for a meeting," Khufu ordered. "Many of them have yet to return from the Sun Temple gathering, Administrator." "That is anticipated. Spread the word then, that Anna Beth and I humbly request that all staff, on or off duty, and their families attend tonight's dinner. Tonight we celebrate our many years of service to each other." "I will do that, Administrator, and thank you, sir." 1800hrs, Pharaoh's Residence, Egypt, 2510BC "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to all of you and thank you for accepting our invitation. By now I'm sure you have all witnessed or heard about the events at the Sun Temple gathering this afternoon," Khufu began as he stood to address those attending dinner. "I'm afraid that Anna Beth and I will be leaving our home of many, many years. Discussions erupted around the thirty tables set for the guests. There were three hundred men, women, and children dining in the residence's large dining hall tonight, though it could easily have held twice as many and still been comfortable. "At this time Anna Beth and I wish to extend our invitation to you, our faithful and dedicated friends and family, to join us as we travel to our new home." "New home? But the Empress' prophecy clearly stated that you were going to the afterlife," One of the chambermaids' interrupted- her young daughter taking the opportunity to quickly snatch a piece of baked chicken from her mother's plate while she waited for an answer. "Alexandra fashioned their answer to deceive our opponents. We move to start a new life- very much alive- somewhere else. Again, we welcome all in this room if you should wish it," Anna Beth told her. "Has the Empress also misled us as to how the new government will treat its people, majesty?" Another housemaid asked, her hand securely grasping her fianc?e's. "Majesty...if I may?" Allie asked politely. Anna Beth nodded. My twin stood from her seat. "We have actually taken kind liberties as to treatment under the new regime. Though I spared you all some of the more, shall we say, colorful highlights." Allie waited for the murmurs to die down. "What my sisters and I have seen would horrify the most courageous soldier. Inhumane treatment, slavery, debauchery, famine, and plagues- manufactured and natural- all assail this kingdom in the forthcoming years. Only the royal monarchy, Pharaoh and his favored cabinet, will bask in the luxuries you all share at present. Wars, against your peaceful neighbors, result in millions of deaths as the outlying peoples fight to regain the freedoms enjoyed under Khufu and Anna Beth. Of course, life for most in the middle classes will remain somewhat stagnant for a generation into the future. Those are the facts that I have recorded on my many travels through this and future times here in Northern Africa." "You paint a vividly dismal picture, Empress Alexandra. Surely, as you say, times won't be that dramatic?" The woman's fianc? accused. "I offer my hand to any who wish to view several small samples of the future I just described. I do not wish to shade the truth from the people my friends hold so dear, sir," Allie said as she remained standing and walked to the center of the hall. She held out her hands freely while slowly turning about the room and waited. Not one adult moved, instead they all looked to Khufu and Anna Beth. However, several older children wasted no time gathering around my twin sister. Allie smiled in relief. Khufu meanwhile, looked to Anna Beth for her take. When she nodded with a tense smile he stood, walked over, and took one of Allie's hands. "Since I will not be here to officially see my countrymen's future, I will chance the offer. I suggest anyone with doubts about Alexandra's prophecy join us." Half the room joined my twin in the center of the room. Allie began her pre-travel announcements. "At this time I would request everyone join hands with your neighbor. I would also request each of you to continue holding hands until we return here. We will be safe from harm while we are joined. We will also be immune to any violence; weather conditions, plagues, and attacks as long as our chain of hands are not interrupted. Are we ready?" "Empress?" A young girl of six or seven years tried to get Allie's attention as she looked around. My sister smiled brightly. "Yes, honey?" "Empress? Can the yellow-winged sprite come along? I saw her at the Temple and would feel better if she came along. Can she come along? Please?" Jim Smithson blushed. He and Yuuka had exited Pixie mode a few hours ago after having downed their individual portions of honey in record time. "Honey, they aren't Sprites. They prefer to be called Pixies, and why don't you ask him yourself?" Allie suggested. "Him, Empress? I remember seeing a yellow-winged GIRL Pixie." "Pixies are very curious people, honey. Sometimes they look different when they're all grown up. Yuuka, the purple-winged pixie and James, the yellow-winged pixie are seated right over there," Allie pointed to the end of our table. The youngster politely excused herself and approached them. "Um...excuse me, sir? Can the yellow-winged pixie come with me to see the future? I would feel better with her there." Jim's jaw dropped. He preferred to change modes in private to reduce his embarrassment. After a moment he gave in to the child's darling request though. "How about both the yellow and the purple-winged pixies come with you, sweetie?" he asked kindly. "Really? They would both do that for me?" "Of course we would do that, sweetie," he answered the girl. "Just give Yuuka and I time to change." "How long will that take, sir? Father says my mother takes forever and a day to get ready to go anywhere." Laughter rose up from our guests- except from the tike's blushing parents. "We just need a few seconds and a little room, sweetie." Jim stood and helped Yuuka from her seat. He then offered his hand to her. All three joined the group in the center of the hall. Allie motioned for everyone to make a space so the two could change modes. "James, you really don't need to do this. I know changing in public embarrasses you," Yuuka challenged. James Smithson took both of Yuuka's hands. "Who am I to deny such a delightful request?" Yuuka nodded and both closed their eyes. They immediately began to shrink. The group gasped as a whole- most having never seen the transformation. Within seconds two Pixies shot from the ornate floor, did several passes around the group, hovered momentarily before the young girl then landed on her shoulders. She giggled ecstatically. "Did I also mention that pixies love to show-off?" Allie giggled as she offered her hands again. We will now transit to our first stop. This will be five years into the future." Allie and her curious companions disappeared. "How long will they be gone, Alex?" Anna Beth asked after a full minute. "About thirty minutes. Allie wants to make sure everyone believes in time travel." "Why on Earth would she do that, Alex?" Anna Beth asked. My expression grew sad and I looked to the table. "Not everyone here will accept our invitation." "Why on Earth not?" "Their beliefs," I told her quietly. "Some believe more in the Gods than they do their own eyes." "That's ridiculous! I'll just have to have a word with everyo..." "Majesty...please let it go," I said, stopping her as I felt my eyes begin to burn. "Requiring compliance will only strengthen their resolve. Allie will make several rescue missions to Egypt's near future in the coming months, as will I. Most will have a change of heart by then." "The girl...her family remains behind?" Anna Beth asked as realization hit. "No. Something more terrible, I'm afraid." "No! That cannot happen to such a bright and courageous child! Empress, you must remedy what is to be!" Anna Beth cried. "Alex will be limited in what she can do, majesty," Emily told our hostess as she wiped tears from her own eyes. Changing the subject quickly, I looked across the table at Jack. "There will be an attempt on Khufu's life later tonight, Jack. I'd like you and Cami to monitor the whole residence for covert thoughts." "Someone inside will make an attempt? But how could anyone..." Anna Beth began. "How could anyone possibly reject your hospitality?" I asked, cutting her off. "Have you ever heard the phrase: 'The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence'?" Anna Beth shook her head gently. "It means that no matter how good things seem to some people, they always expect for more- money, power, fame, luxury...it doesn't matter. Simply put, some people just aren't content with what they already have. Once on the other side though, they grumble about losing what they had prior," I explained. "It's what we call 'catch number twenty-two'." "Many of your friends will choose to stay then pray they could start over, Anna Beth. Some will realize that much too late," I added. Anna Beth's eyes flew wide open. "Alusia!" "Your niece will join Meridian's complement tomorrow." "Oh, thank the Lords!" Our hostess said as she exhaled heavily. "Alex, what do we have to look forward to tomorrow?" Ricky Lynn asked- her concern very evident. "Tomorrow at 0800, I will transport you, Natalia, Uhm-Shu, Peyton, her older sister, Sythia, and Emily into the temple where y'all will commence your station pre-flights," I told the professor, laying out the plan. "Once the temple gateway is re-opened you will escort the arriving families into Meridian, stow their personals, assign quarters, and see to their needs." "Haven't you forgotten that MY presence is required to gain access to MY ship, Alexandra?" Anna Beth reminded tersely. "Of course not captain, I could never forget that detail. A good first officer never forgets her captain. At least that is what I've been told by those under my own command," I answered, looking to Jack. "A good first officer also tries to compliment and forestall problems for her captain, ma'am," I added with a wink. "Once access has been granted, I will return Anna Beth here. Together, Jack, Cami, and the rest of us will transport to the beginning of the Processional Causeway to join the parade. Meanwhile, Allie will transport luggage, supplies, and fresh water to Meridian. Ricky Lynn, once Engineering's pre-flight is completed you help Alex stow the supplies in the holds." "Alusia and Khafre will join the procession just before we step off." "What about my Djedefre? Where will my son be during all this?" "Djedefre will take his rightful place in Khufu's procession, majesty. The Royal family will remain together for the parade and will top the temple steps to fanfare, applause...and mocking," I responded. And projectiles, I thought. "Why do I get the feeling you've intentionally left things out, Empress?" Anna Beth looked at me cynically. "I have told you the truth as I have seen it, majesty," I assured her. Anna Beth's right eyebrow twitched once, subtly. "Alex, how many attempts will be made during the procession?" Cami asked. Again I looked down to the table sadly. "Enough and from a distance that will make quite a fireworks display. You both should get plenty of rest tonight and eat a good breakfast in the morning, Sweetheart." "Sounds like we'll need all the energy we can spare, Alex." I closed my eyes softly. She didn't know the half of it. Tomorrow would be a procession through Hell itself. Crying and sniffling alerted us to the fact that Allie had returned from her excursion. Everyone quickly dispersed and returned to their seats- many using their napkins to wipe their faces dry or blow their noses. Khufu returned, stoically, to his seat next to Anna Beth, shaking his head slowly as he walked. "No! Don't let me go, Sunni! I want to go with you- to the future- to your future!" The previously brave, young girl cried as she refused to release Sunni's tiny hand. Jack and Cami both stood from the table instantly and hovered over our heads. The girl's parents gasped. They, unfortunately, had elected not to see their future. The girl's mother quickly ran to her daughter, but stopped short of persuading her to let go of my pixie's hand. She appeared to freeze, terrified that our Mind Warriors would take action on them. Allie hurried over to the scene as the girl's mother retreated hastily to her seat. "It has been my experience that not everything is cut in stone, Tath'ba. The future is based on the past- on history- and also by what happens in the here and now. If something happens to change the past, it affects the future. Just changing your mind here and now is sometimes enough to accomplish that. Though my sister and I can show the future and suggest ways to steer it, we cannot make you change your mind if it is made up already. Our minds are exclusively our own honey, and only we can decide the direction we go." "But I saw something terrible! Something you need to change, Empress! I want you to change it before it happens. You can do that, right?" "Some things must happen, honey. I call them temporal waypoints. If this particular instance you observed is one of those points, I cannot, nor even attempt to change it. I'm sorry." "But you will try for me right, Empress? I've seen how you have already helped people today. You'll do that for me...say you'll try, Empress?" The girl pleaded through her tears. Allie closed her eyes momentarily. "I'll give it my best effort, Tath'ba. Now, go to your parents and tell your mother that Camille and Jacquelyn wouldn't hurt you or anyone in distress. They are only interested in everyone's safety. I'm sure you realize how delicate pixies are...just by their size, right?" "Yes, Empress, I'm sorry," Tath'ba said shyly. She looked to where Jack and Cami still hovered. "I'm sorry for startling you both, Lady Mind Warriors. I'll watch myself better in the future. If I have one, that is." The young girl turned sadly and slowly walked back to where her worried parents stood. "The kid's got Moxie, I'll give her that, Alex," Ricky Lynn commented after the commotion died down. "I know...such a waste," I mumbled. Allie returned to her seat next to me and took my hand momentarily, under the table. She gave it a gentle squeeze as an almost perceptible tingle passed between us. The rest of our banquet went surprisingly well and Emily and I retired to our room to get some sleep. Given my rest patterns over the last few months, I stood to lose more than I gained. "So what's up with the twerp, sis?" Emily asked as soon as she closed and locked the door. "What 'twerp'?" "That six year-old. She seemed very upset when Allie returned. What's going on? I saw that she boards Meridian tomorrow," Emily pushed. "She saw her parents' graves, sis! How wouldn't that destroy her?" I replied angrily. "So...so they don't make it," she stated quietly, looking down to the floor quickly. "No...they don't, and there is absolutely no way Ah can change that! What is with you lately? Why so stern and brooding all of a sudden? You've done nothing but bitch since you arrived on Atlantis." Emily quickly glared at me, but her expression softened quickly. "I haven't been getting as much sleep as I need. Its...its starting to affect me, I think." "Bullshit. Need Ah remind y'all Ah'm a farm girl and Ah know the difference 'tween mud and manure?" I groused. "Why don't y'all tell me what's actually goin' on?" "Doctor, patient privacy, Alex. I can't divulge information without the proper permission. You know that." I snapped my finger. Emily and I were suddenly in my private domain. "How...how...?" "How did Ah do that- snap mah fingers and poof, we're here?" I asked sharply. Emily simply nodded in silent astonishment. "Obviously the same way y'all phased yourself into mah protective temporal bubble earlier- Ah used mah imagination, sis. That IS the key to our gifts, y'know." "I...I...I didn't until now, Alex. Thanks for all the hints by the way! It would have been nice to know when we visited daddy last week." "Are you astartin' your mense?" I asked without blinking an eye or blushing. "What? No...I mean...why would you ask that?" "Because you're acting like it, sis," I replied before pausing a moment. "This strange behavior wouldn't have nothin' to do with Ricky Lynn, would it?" "You knew?" "Duh! Empress?" "Then you know why I'm upset. So why bring us here- to show off a new facet of your gift?" "To confirm what Ah already know'd," I admitted- "and to give y'all a chance to talk about it away from prying minds. As someone told me on many occasions, sometimes it helps to talk to your sister. They're the only ones that can understand and comfort a body when a confidant's needed most." "So we're here, sis, now dish," Allie said after appearing in front of us. "How can..." "I have an imagination too, remember?" Allie giggled and smiled devilishly. 0500hrs, Pharaoh's Residence, Egypt, Day 2, 2510BC "Time to get up, sis," I said nudging Emily on the far side of our king...pharaoh-sized bed. "God, it isn't even light yet, Alex. Go back to sleep." "We need to prepare for things, so get up." "How can you be so alive this early? We were in your domain for what, about ten days?" "Quit complaining and get out of bed, Em, there's a lot to do before we head down to breakfast," I reminded. "Like what? I thought you had this all worked out, Alex?" "I do, but I left out some things." "So Anna Beth was right? Alex, you've rarely lied to any one, why do it to her? Why now?" "Technically I didn't lie, I just didn't tell her everything- and she knows that already or didn't you pickup on that subtle twitch of her eye last night?" "I didn't see it. I was on your other side at dinner last night, remember?" "But you didn't see it coming?" I asked in surprise. "No...I didn't. I decided to give my gift a break last night." I rolled my eyes in annoyance. After another long half hour of waiting for her to wake up enough to wash and dress, we finally left our lavishly appointed room and headed for the grand staircase. Emily looked down to her left and noticed it as we reached the large entrance hall. "What is that reddish-brown circle about?" she asked curiously. I closed my eyes and sadly let out a sigh in preparation for my explanation. The circle she was asking about was roughly eighteen inches in diameter and dark red- almost brown, bordering on black. It looked like something had puddled and dried in that spot on the highly polished granite floor. "There's another one back there," she said as she pointed toward a door just inside the wide, main hallway. My sister's eyes widened instantly. "Alex, those are puddles of dried blood! I'm still picking up some cellular activity. Human cellular activity!" she swallowed loudly. "These were...these were...people!" "We couldn't afford to take chances," I began coldly. "Allie left orders with Jack and Cami to protect with extreme prejudice before she joined us in my domain. There were two attempts on Khufu and Anna Beth overnight, while we were gone." "But the circles of blood?" "Jack and Cami placed a reinforced acoustic field around each perpetrator before tripping their concealed explosive devices. The force fields were spherical. What little that didn't vaporize pooled at the bottom. When the fields were removed...well...that's...that's the result." I thought I had steeled myself well enough, but... "My God, Alex! What have we become?" Emily gasped in sickened shock. "Haven't we taken enough lives back home? How many people have already died by our hands because of the war? Alex, the Sisters of Kili are meant to protect life, not judge who lives or dies!" "Emily. Dear sister, sometimes even the Empress has no say as to who survives," Allie said sadly as she and Cami descended the wide, granite, stairs on the opposite side of the opulent entrance hall. "If it means anything, I feel terrible about carrying out my orders, Emily. Jack and I had little to no time to react, but admit we reflected on our actions most of the night afterward. You know we value life over everything else," Cami said reverently. She looked like she hadn't slept a wink. I couldn't blame her. "I'm sorry, Cami. I don't think I'll ever get used to it...the killing...all the death," Emily apologized. "Unfortunately, it is a fact of life...especially here and now, sister. Opponents to Pharaoh outnumber his allies many times over. Therefore, the Sisters of Kili must be the final line of defense and, as you've already foreseen, Khufu, Anna Beth, and their close friends must survive to right this timeline," Allie said sadly. "I understand that. Still, it doesn't mean I'll ever accept it...or the reason it had to be done!" Emily argued. "Last night's attempts were just the tip of the iceberg. Today will prove to be the most dangerous processional on record. For any period or society," I revealed as I saw Anna Beth coming down the long hallway. "Attempts? There were actual attempts made IN this residence overnight? Why weren't we notified?" she demanded, obviously hearing a part of our conversation. "I'm dismayed to report that the attempts were discretely handled," Cami informed her, looking down sadly. "They left us no other choice, captain. I'm sorry." Anna Beth noticed the strange, dried circles. Her eyes widened. "By the Lords of Terra, who were they?" she asked, covering her mouth dramatically. "Do you really want to know?" I asked. "Wouldn't it be better listing them at a later date as missing and avoid any resulting scandal? I'm sure their families would rather remember them as loyal right up until their disappearance." "But what if more..." "There will be no more attacks in this residence while you are here, majesty," I interrupted. "So...this is what you neglected to tell me last night, Empress?" "Partially." Anna Beth glared at me intensely. "So there is more that you've conveniently left out?" "Not out of convenience, I assure you. Certain things need to happen today and your inclusion of those specifics would certainly hamper- if not stop them entirely." Anna Beth stared into my sad, dead-serious, eyes for several long moments before she closed hers- a single tear escaped each. "Empress..." she said quietly...reverently. "Tell me. Will my family live through this day? Please...I beg of you. Answer me truthfully?" I regarded her in anger for a moment before I answered. Her request almost sounded like a prayer. "Yes." "Oh, thank the Lords..." "But it won't be easy or gratifying, my sister. The processional will be fraught with danger, despair, and most certainly death today. There will be severe loss- both physical and emotional," I interrupted to continue. The woman's mouth and expression dropped. "Anna Beth, Jacki and I will do our best to keep everyone safe, but I cannot guarantee complete safety," Cami promised. "We barely had time to thwart the perpetrators overnight. They seemed highly skilled at hiding their true thoughts and intentions." "Fellow Terrans?" Anna Beth asked, surprised by the thought. "Or revisions, possibly," Allie nodded. Something yellow caught my attention from the second floor balcony. Sunni flitted drunkenly down the near set of stairs to where we were standing in the main foyer. She hovered unsteadily while yawning and absentmindedly scratching her buttocks- very 'un-ladylike', but forgivable given Sunni's unusual circumstances. "Mornin' everyone. God, I feel like shit! What the hell did you have them put in that honey last night, your majesty?" Sunni said in a half drunken stupor- her eyes barely open. "Are you alright, Colonel Smithson?" Anna Beth asked in worry. "Of course! I always feel like hell in the morning. Especially when I've had way..." she suddenly paled, "too much to...drink...the night befor...urp...'scuseme!" Sunni replied tersely before unexpectedly zooming over to one of the potted palm trees and upchucking in its planter. After a minute she shot back over to us. "Alex? Alex! I'm still a Pixie! Why am I still a Pixie?" she shrieked in horror and moaned. Her hovering still hadn't stabilized. "Maybe because you didn't change yourself back?" I wisecracked with a stupid smirk, my downcast mood temporally broken. "Alex! I'm in no mood!" she shouted then quickly grabbed her head and moaned louder. "Oooohhh God did that hurt!" "Sunni, if you can, drop your natural defenses so I can evaluate you, please?" Emily said in her professional voice. She held up her hand, open-palmed, to the hovering pixie, closed her eyes, and began to concentrate. "Alex, she's been 'Mickey'd'. I'm detecting the physical and psychological remnants of some narcotic substance in her system. They seem to be similar to ecstasy or Rohypnol according to my future memories," she gasped in concern. "The 'Date Rape' drugs?" Sunni gasped. "I've been Roofied?" "Apparently. Thankfully, your hymen is still intact," Emily added professionally. Sunni hovered open-mouthed, but silent for a few moments. " Ya...well...that's certainly a big relief!" The Pixie deadpanned before shouting, "What the hell is going on here, Alex?!" She groaned again as she lost altitude. I shugged my shoulders in reply. "Jeez! I'm a girl for just under a day and I've already been... Can things get any worse?" Sunni asked in pained anger as she leveled off again to eye level. "I'm afraid you're starting to menstruate too, Sunni," Emily added sadly, but still professionally. "WHAT???" her wings sputtered spastically causing her to lose even more altitude this time. She quickly recovered though. "Oh, that's just great! Just what I needed! Ya got any more delightful news, Doc?" Sunni whined sarcastically as her hands cradled her throbbing temples. "No, but make sure your Reilly is charged and its sanitary system is operating properly. Sunni crossed her arms, hovered closer to my sister, leaned forward, and glared at her. "I didn't sign up for this part, Doc." "It's all part and parcel, hun. Still, you've only experienced half of the whole female condition," I giggled. Sunni flew back over to me; arms still crossed, and leaned closer. "You aren't helping, Alex!" she said sardonically. "Why would someone drug her?" Anna Beth asked looking between Allie and I for an answer. All five of us looked to our host. "Sis, take Emily to Yuuka's room. Sunni, stay with me...and try not to barf on my shoulder," I said. Sunni gave me the ol' one finger salute before landing heavily on my right shoulder. "You're all heart! Sometimes you can be such a bitch, Alexandra Steinert!" she said into my ear after grabbing my earring forcefully to steady herself. "Anna Beth, do you know where Khufu and Djedefre are?" I asked, ignoring my tiny passenger. "My mate should be in our chamber. We had difficulty sleeping...for obvious reasons as I've just found out. Djedefre is an early riser. He could be anywhere at the moment." "Cami?" I asked. "Picking up anything from our future Pharaoh?" "Camvailence has him in the physical development center at the lower, rear level of the residence, Alex." I rolled my eyes. "Camvailence?" I asked warily. "Well Jacki has 'Jackdar'." A collective moan escaped our little group. "What? You don't like it?" she asked innocently. I rolled my eyes a second time. "Just tell him and Khufu to meet us in the dining room when they're able." "Where are Jack and the Professor anyway?" I added. 'Waiting for you and the others in the dining room, Alex. Is your foresight acting up today?' Jack's voice echoed in my head. "Actually, Jack, I'm busy working out the best way to accomplish today's objective," I said out loud as I began walking down the wide hallway. Although Sunni's somewhat comical situation was a welcomed distraction, it was now time to rejoin this painful reality. Anna Beth stared at me the entire way to the dining room. Just inside the massive, opened, archway doors, she reached for my shoulder to stop me and turned me around. "You mean you don't have things worked out yet, Alex?" she hissed quietly so as not to alert our sisters. "Look," I said quietly as I turned to her. "Things are really in flux right now. The obvious thing would be to transport everyone into the tomb, load up Meridian, and fire her thrusters, but history needs to see the royal family and all their loyal subjects triumphantly enter the tomb in a spectacular procession. The gauntlet the Causeway presents poses the major problem. That being the case, how do we get as many of the followers through in one piece?" "Will it be that brutal, and why do you call the temple a tomb?" Anna Beth asked in a whisper. "I wouldn't just call it brutal, and I called it a tomb because, from the outsiders' perspective, we will enter, but not one of us come out before the gateway is sealed. History will speculate that the mighty Khufu was entombed this day and his family and followers entombed along with him...alive." Anna Beth's face paled drastically, her hand slowly slid off my shoulder and dropped limply to her side. She stared, open-mouthed, in awe at me- of what was to come. "Look, I'm sorry it has to be this way," I said sadly as I turned and walked to the table. I tried to wipe my tears quickly so my sisters wouldn't notice. "So you told her?" Jack asked quietly as I sat down. I nodded. "Not all of it, though." "Alex, what I saw..." Jack paused a second. "The brief glimpse that you allowed...that I saw..." she stopped again. "Why, Alex? Why would these people turn so completely against a leader that treated them all as equals?" "Clemson has poisoned them; reawakened long dormant thoughts of excess, luxury, greed, and power. His half-dozen visits to this civilization- the rallies and speaking engagements- they all added to devalue the good things Khufu did. They brought his ineffectiveness against Hathor back to the forefront in everyone's mind. Clemson has succeeded in dismantling a promising, thriving society to remake it- to make it fit the text books of the future," I said wiping more tears away. "And there is absolutely no way you..." "Our hands are tied, Jack. "Cami and I...we can..." "Jack," I said, trying, but failing to hold back my tears, as I leaned over and took her hand in mine. "This has to happen. As much as I or Allie would like to change it, this has to happen," I paused and sniffed back more tears. "It's going to be a blood-bath out there for both the royal procession AND the innocent spectators." "Not if I have anything to say about it!" Jack whispered through gritted teeth as I felt the hairs on my arm begin to stand. "Jack...please don't do this? You'll only make things worse," I pleaded hoping to stop her power buildup. "How?!" she almost shouted. "How can it get worse?! How, Alex?!" "It would drastically change the course of history, Jack. The Greeks and Romans wouldn't have conquered Egypt. If that hadn't happened, Rome wouldn't have expanded across Europe and into Britain. The major wars that shaped and reshaped the borders of the continents wouldn't happen as they should. Our home time wouldn't exist, as we now know it. In short, Jack...we'd cease to exist as we are now!" "But that's happened before, Alex. We were able to fix things then, why not now?" "Because...Temporal Waypoint...and, " I paused a moment frustrated that I had to admit the real reason, "and because I'm tired, Jack. I haven't been able to sleep for more than an hour at a time in the last five years- ever since I started this mission," I paused to wipe my eyes again. "Allie and I are tired, Jack- so very, very tired. I want a happy ending for everyone as much as you do, but I just can't do it anymore. I don't think I can hold it together long enough. I make one miscalculation, lose my temper at the wrong time, save the wrong person...screw up any number of things and one or both of us get banished to some inescapable universe- possibly forever. Are you starting to understand, my friend?" "I won't let that happen, Alex." "You don't have a choice! Remember there are things more powerful than you, Cami, Cassi, Connie, and even Billie out there, Jack." "Then I'll go down with my captain, Alex! Screw what is right or wrong! We have to do what is necessary and moral. If the powers that be decide we botched it then I'll plead guilty and stand right alongside the Empress to share her fate," Jack perjured herself further. "Jack's got a point, skipper!" Ricky Lynn chimed in as Cami nodded her inclusion also. "You ain't getting' rid of us that easily. I'll do anything I can ta save as many people as we can! God be damned!" "Count me in too, Alex. If you fall then we all crash and burn," Sunni said resolutely into my right ear. "Besides, I could use to go pixie on some of those assholes out there...and now I have the perfect excuse to be a bitch!" I couldn't let them do this! "ENOUGH!" I shouted in anger as things went dark. I found myself in my private domain. ...Or was it? Thinking about it, something wasn't right. The sun was directly ahead of me? This WASN'T my or Allie's domain. So whose was it? But whose it was really wasn't important right now. I found myself wearily dropping to my knees, sat on my heels on the unseen floor, and completely broke down, sobbing hysterically. I felt completely defeated and ready to give up. I was tired of this mission; tired of worrying about 'Upper Management; exhausted from the five years worth of trips through history, so far, trying to repair that little shit, Clemson's, changes instead of sleeping at night... I felt physically...and...emotionally...beaten! And on top of that, my sisters wanted to help fix time by any means necessary! I certainly couldn't have them perjure themselves for my benefit or this mission's. Didn't they understand what doing that would mean? What punishments they might draw? I couldn't bear the thought of them sharing Momma Scott's punishment, or worse, with me! As I knelt wallowing in my own dread and anguish, I noticed my surroundings begin to brighten. I found myself on a large white square of what looked to be an expansive black and white checkered floor; almost like a life-sized chessboard. Composing myself a bit more I finally raised my head to look around. "Well, hello there, Alexandra. Has my mother had herself a good cry?" A voice that sounded similar to mine asked from somewhere out of the blackness in front of me. It was gentle, sympathetic, and there was no malice or scorn in it that I could detect. "Where am I," I asked timidly? "Who are you?" "I'd have thought you had that all figured out by now, mother?" The unseen voice answered in a playful tone. "I don't have time for guessing games. Who are you and where am I?" "Why, we're in your domain, Alexandra. Where else could we possibly be?" "This isn't my domain and you know it! Now show yourself," I demanded impatiently. "Ah, now that's the Alexandra we know so well! So confidant. So inquisitive. So...observant," The voice stated evenly- though still with the playful undertone- as more of this 'place' began to brighten and reveal itself. What appeared to be a young woman sat partially visible in a pink leather, Victorian style wingback chair. It was angled away from me to a degree. From my position close to the floor, I could see she had her legs crossed demurely at the ankles and tucked in between the chair's decorative front legs. A stone fireplace and hearth with a thick, stained wood, mantle, and inviting wood fire appeared just past her. "Why am I here?" I asked- my tone a little calmer. Why...to play a game, of course! Isn't that something people do to relax, mother?" "I need to get back to Egypt," I said as I envisioned the royal dining hall. Nothing happened! "Why can't I leave? What's going on here?" "Sure you wouldn't rather play a game, mother? I know this isn't your mundane version of chess, but the rules only differ slightly," she asked countering my questions. I still hadn't seen her face. "Chess? I never said anything about playing chess!" "No?" I woman teased. "Let's." The place where I had arrived changed slightly and was now fully illuminated. What I thought was a black and white squared floor turned out to be some kind of game board eight squares by eight squares. The square I was now standing on was three feet by three. "What is this?" I asked as I looked closer at my surroundings. "Why, this is our game board, mother. Don't you like it?" "It looks like a scale. An Assayer's scale specifically. Why?" Very observant, mother, but this balanced playing board has a twist." "You mean that the other side of the scale is at least fifty times larger? Or that there's another slightly smaller, lower level between them?" I asked. "Those are the cosmetic differences, mother. Like all games though, opponents must start on separate, but level playing fields. The lower level I'd term a 'Battleground' of sorts- the place where opponents meet to clash or negotiate. But that is not the twist I referred to." "So...pray tell what is the twist?" I asked trying to keep any sarcasm or patronizing out of my voice. "If either of the opponent's levels should go too far out of balance, both levels will topple." "Some twist, hun. What might the lower, battlefield, present? Inescapable quicksand?" The young woman giggled and I could imagine her smile broadening. "No, mother, that level is stationary and quite stable." This was ridiculous. "I'm really not in the mood to play any games, hun, I have other worries to contend with. Maybe some other time," I told the unknown woman as politely as I could. "But I'm sure you'll like this game, mother. It pits 'Time'," she said as her left hand rose above the chair back with a flourish, "and the masses..." On the opposing top level, appeared a life-sized 'king' chess piece. Hundreds of smaller 'pawns' appeared in front of and around it. Each looked the typical chess piece- round, wider at the base, ball-shaped on top, and completely uniform in all respects, though, strangely, they seemed to be milling around the king slowly. The voice continued. "Against," she paused dramatically, "you," The same hand made a flourish motion to me. "So how is this game anywhere near fair?" I asked, deciding to play along while pointing to my over-abundant adversaries. "Oh, you'll have some help, mother. I wouldn't dare do anything underhanded or illegal. I might, however, take my cue from you and not reveal all or some of my motives." "Motives? I don't understand. What motives?" I asked in alarm. "Let's not worry about such trivial things at the moment, mother. Right now you'll need the rest of your playing pieces." Her hand raised above the chair back again and flourished carelessly in my direction. I noticed that Allie, Camille, Emily, Jack, Ricky Lynn, Yuuka- in pixie-mode, and Sunni- also in pixie-mode, appeared on either side of me. "My sisters have nothing to do with this- whatever this actually is about! Return them at once!" "Ah! But this is all part of the game, mother. You see, you designed this game yourself, and have already played it countless times over the years." "I've done no such thing, now return them! They're innocent," I demanded. "'Innocent,'" the voice giggled before continuing, "is such a subjective term, mother. 'Innocent', in the most basic of definitions, would imply no knowledge of what you're 'missions' entail. That term ceased to be relevant when our sisters willingly offered to put their lives on the table to better the odds, and hasten your current mission's success. They have involved themselves as much as you in the outcome of your so- called mission and therefore are decidedly NOT innocent, but unquestionably complicit." "Why do you keep calling me mother? I don't recall having another child." I could almost hear this woman's smile brightening again! "Oh, but I am! You're first-borne as a matter of fact. You see...I was born the day you first utilized your gift, Alexandra Francis Steinert. I came into being that afternoon in Honolulu when you first found your 'private domain' as you call it. In essence, I am the product of your travels and experiences throughout time, mother." "You're insane. How could you claim such things?" I declared. "I'm as miraculous as your gift, mother, and, I am far from insane. Although, I suppose it may appear that way to you at the moment." As I struggled to evaluate my situation, I tried to buy some time. "So IF you ARE my daughter, what is the name I gave you?" "Oh, mother, I'm dismayed you had to ask...although, this being our first 'official' meeting, I'll humor you," The woman paused a moment and began to lean forward in her chair then turned to face me. "I am called...Andora." My mind reeled upon hearing the faintly recognizable name and seeing my own face looking back at me. Her name... 'Andora'...it hovered in my mind like a specter- something familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time. Where had I heard that name before? And why did it trigger such frightening memories and emotions? "I see your mind is running the possibilities, mother. Father would be proud to know that his mate still retains her deductive skills. "I have only had three 'mates' that I've seen and Andora was not among any of the names we'd chosen for our offspring." "Well, that was certainly cold, mother, and I am rather disappointed in you. Maybe this will key up that elusive, but vital, bit of memory." 'Andora' turned, twisting around to the opposite side of her seat, leaned over to pick something up, turned back around to me, and produced a small, nicely stained, wooden box with bright brass hinges, lock, latch, and trim. "I believe you've seen this before? Maybe in a dream, perhaps?" she said turning back around and holding it out for me to see. "The box," I mumbled quietly, recognizing it. "Pandora's box." "Andora", she corrected pleasantly with a warm smile. "So you have seen 'it' before. Wonderful, mother," she said as she opened and closed the box several times then played with the latch several more times, but couldn't get it to stay closed. "Too bad the latch is broken; it won't keep anything now." She opened it fully and tilted the box toward me to show that it was empty. "Of course you know what was contained in here, don't you? You yourself filled and locked this chest so very long ago. Andora pouted. It really is a shame that one of our sisters felt curious enough to pry it open. What she allowed to be re-released into this existence had only grown stronger while it lay dormant within, mother." "Get to the point, Andora. Why call me here to play chess and show me an empty box with a sprung latch?" I said angrily. I just wanted this to go away. I wanted to rest- to sleep for more than an hour a night. "This rendition of the game is not called chess, mother. I thought you already realized that?" "So what IS the name of the game, Andora?" "Life, mother. That is the name of this game- though it is more of a high-stakes gamble; you and our sisters against time and his pawns- all those that are slaves to him- those that do not call you mother, sister...or friend. Those that would see the 'great' 'Empress of Time and Space' defeated and/or dethroned." "And the objective of this game, Andora? Would it be the same as its namesake?" I asked as my eyes narrowed not liking this situation at all. "You would think that, wouldn't you, mother? I'm sorry, but this game has another, more compelling caveat- so simple, really." "The game board must remain in balance. If it does not, both sides lose- completely." Andora smiled deviously. On any of my sisters or me, the expression would look cute- endearing even. On this young woman- this version of me- it looked creepy- almost obscene. "So who starts?" "Not so fast, mother. Shouldn't we introduce the players first?" I sarcastically flourished my hand back to the young woman. "Unlike your current version of chess, we will start out with three queens: you, Aunt Alexandra, and Aunt Emily." Allie and Emily started to move and looked around to either side of me. "Alex? Where the hell are we?" Allie asked cautiously in confusion. "What she said, sis. What is this place?" Emily added. "Apparently we are somewhere in my domain- or so I'm told. And that, over there is my daughter 'Andora'...supposedly," I answered without taking my eyes off the young woman- apparently our 'moderator' for this inescapable 'game'. "So why are we here?" Emily inquired. "Andora wants to play a game. A game similar to chess, but that she calls 'Life'." "So let's just leave," Emily said as she phased out only to rephase on the lower, 'battlefield' level of the game. She looked around in confusion as the scale went out of balance slightly. "Why can't I leave?" "Really, Aunt Emily? Rarely in life do we get the opportunity to just disappear from our responsibilities! Responsibilities aside, it just won't do." Emily frown