XIII

"This cannot stand..." Gaiya lamented on the situation. "All I want is to tear them to shreds, however, Orion's integrity is top priority. Unfortunately, I will have to expose vulnerability for the beast to show it's fangs. Only then we will know where the head is hiding that is in dire need of being cut..." Furious miasma radiated from the woman.

"Olympus is ready and at your disposal." Erot pledged support. "I also have an authority to confirm Gard and Devas pledging their swords to the cause of Orion. They've been anxious to root out the poison afflicting Orion for half a Thai. I can also guarantee Tian's loyalty, as you know they are strictly pacifists so instead of combat we can leave relief efforts to them." His quick and unconditional approval of Gaiya's dark side was terrifying. Taras shrunk away a bit at the exchange between the two, who were discussing affairs of entire worlds as if deciding what to have for dinner.

"Good, good, lets hope it won't come to open conflict. I trust you implicitly, I will accept your judgement and will put my trust in them as well. However, this leaves nine, it's too many, what shall I do..." She was thinking out loud when Taras spoke up:

"Don't we already know who the culprit is? Doesn't Kronos win the most out of this?"

"Not necessarily, they could have been guided by their noses using greed. Besides, they have proven themselves to be a bit too awkward when it came to technology. Also, their awfully bad affinity for diving into the nether makes me suspect that they aren't the real culprits behind the assault on Orion." Gaiya shared her opinions on the matter.

"Good girl! You see? You can absolutely do this if you set your mind on it!" Erot was really proud of his protege. "Although, you forgot a point, tsk-tsk." He waved a finger at her in playful disapprovement.

"Really? What?" Her curiosity was peaked.

"Orion! Whomever can hold Orion hostage gains the most power over the council. Tian is probably the only society that would be alright with giving up Orion's god-like services and support, the rest of us are spoiled rotten by it." He educated them.

"Oh, my! That is true, I didn't consider it. The loss of staff already made Gard & Devas nervous if I judge things correctly. But if they manage to manipulate authority..." She shuddered at the thought. "Wait, that makes me good bait, ha-ha." She tried to make it sound funny.

"Don't! Don't even joke like that." That earned a stern look from Erot, who was not amused, then he softened and played guilt violin: "Don't you know that it would break my heart if anything would happen to you?"

"I'm sorry, failed attempt at a joke."

"You do realize you'd put Orion in danger by putting yourself in danger?"

"I said I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that." She said regretfully. "Anyway, when does the council want to convene?"

"As soon as possible, some were pushing for today, but it is ultimately up to you."

"Ahh, perhaps hoping to catch me sleepy and ignorant. You did all the groundwork, and warned me, which is greatly appreciated now that I know the gravity of the situation. So, I suppose I can be ready by tomorrow, just let them know I'm available after today, let the representatives choose day and time."

"Are you sure? We can make them wait a lot longer. I don't want you to put too much strain on yourself." He seemed to care more about her well being than the world affairs.

"I only need a bit of update on current events, and have Orion implant biometric regulatory support, which can be done by dinner time. Postponing the inevitable will only make me stew in my doubts and worries, I'd rather be reactive or proactive. And you did imply that procrastinating might get things pushed onto me."

"Alright, if that is what you want I will do as you ask. I will go make an official announcement about your availability. Don't do anything careless or rash, stay in the facility Taras will keep an eye on you." Erot sounded a bit worried and looked reluctant to leave.

"No worries, I'll be safe here." She tried to pacify him.

"We don't know how the breach happened, so have a human set of eyes on you in addition to Orion." He continued lecturing.

"Just go, I'll be fine! Stop worrying!"

"Fine, I'll pick you up later. I just want you to be safe, that's all."

"I know, and I appreciate it."

"Lady Gaiya, you have an incoming call from Nyx."

"Put her through." Gaiya said, while the men had unreadable looks on their faces.

A small Nyx-shaped hologram appeared on the console table.

"Hi hun, how are you?" Gaiya said smiling.

"Oh, you're in the lab... Am I interrupting?" Nyx said apprehensively.

"Not at all, we were just done."She answered.

"We?"

"Look behind me babe. And say hi to Erot and you big bro!" Said Gaiya, oblivious of the strange mood.

"Oh, hi... I guess I'll call you back later." Nyx was backing out of the conversation.

"Please talk to me now, something came up with my project, I'll be very busy any moment now."

"Well... I wanted you to meet Kali... but since you're busy it can wait." Nyx wasn't making eye-contact.

"Gaiya and I were going to have dinner tonight at the Aqua. You and Kali should join us!" Erot butt in.

"Ehh... I don't know..." Nyx lurked up startled.

"What a marvelous idea! I was curious about Kali myself!"