Chapter One
This was the first time the young, curly haired blonde man had been entrusted with such an enormous responsibility; looking after the Crystal Eggs. Well, nine of the glittering blue oblongs anyway. There were acropolises like this all across the green world of Lepiterra, rising up above the dense forests to better catch the rays of the planets star. Like all of the plant matter below that stretched for as far as a man could see, the eggs absorbed sunlight converting it into energy and food for the Engineered Life Form growing within. There wasn’t a human being on Lepiterra who didn’t dream of working for The Institution. The Silver Republic plundered world after world of all the best Golden Age technology, physicists, engineers... but the ELFs could only be made here. Those wonderful creatures, perfect and beautiful by design... How could you not want to be around them? And Trent was bristling with ideas for new designs; a plant that ate factory smoke and produced clean air, or a type of pet that was like a cross between a cat, a goat and chicken. You could stroke it, milk it and it laid you eggs. Or maybe a living Star Engine... that would be something. There was really no end to the possibilities with ELFs. Of course, Trent was a long way from being promoted to actual design work, and before he could get there he had to not mess this up. He feared he already had. The first day he’d been left alone to mind the eggs he’d been so wrapped up in poring over huge rolled sheets of genetic data that he hadn’t noticed that one of the eggs had been in the shade almost the entire day. He’d pushed the cranky trolley back into the sunshine but by then there had only been minutes of light left. Today that egg was due to open, the first to do so on his watch... and he just knew it was going to come out hideously deformed or with only a half developed brain or something. They’d have to destroy it and put a black mark on his record. He’d spent this entire morning fretting to and fro, not leaving the egg alone for a second, constantly turning it to maximise the amount of sunlight the uneven crystal surface could absorb, checking the cables that stretched from the base of every egg through a central hole in the floor and then underground for miles all the way to the city and the mother machines. There the status of every egg was monitored all the time; if this one came out deformed then it wouldn’t take Trent’s superiors long to discover the mistake he’d made. And then they’d probably send him back to scrubbing out the tanks of ELF algae. “No... no. It’s going to be fine,” he said, pacing a trench into the stone floor. “We’re going to be fine. You hear me in there? Be fine.” Crap... what was he doing? He was blocking the sun again... After jumping out of the way, Tender Trent tried to sit down but he just couldn’t. He continued to stomp about nervously just wondering when this damn waiting was going to end. All he knew was that it would be sometime today. He checked the needles around the metal trolley the egg sat on that indicated heart rate etcetera... it was alive in there at least. Other than that all he could do was wait; the egg would open when it was ready. Just watch, wait and pray. He wondered if it would be like this every time; how could any man survive this interminable torture? And why was the ground all wet? A large puddle was forming across the stone floor, the liquid collecting into very narrow channels or grooves that covered the ground like a spider’s web where it was drained towards the centre. Trent looked up and ran around the egg, examining it closely; all down one side a tiny crack had appeared from which the amniotic fluids where seeping. It was happening... happening now... “Don’t panic; don’t panic,” his pacing became frantic; his heart started trying to punch a hole through his chest. “Breathe... slowly. Deep breaths... in... and out... and in... and out,” he repeated, using his hands to try and circulate air under his nostrils. “Okay. Good. Now got to get things ready...” The egg shuddered as the crack widened to a couple of inches, expelling the last of the fluid. Tender Trent couldn’t feel his heart or his own breathing anymore. Although he knew there were things he really should prepare, he remained transfixed by the egg, not wanting to miss a second of the birth. Another shudder, and then the egg split open like the doors of a jewellery box. The life form within, head bowed and legs drawn into her body, found herself exposed directly to the sunlight for the first time. The warmth tickled her for a few seconds, and then she started slowly raising her head and then rather awkwardly shifted her legs and stand on her knees, using the inside of the egg to help her. Trent breathed a sigh of relief; she wasn’t physically deformed at least. A little on the small side, but not terribly so. In fact, she was very pretty. All the humanoid ELFs were of course; there wasn’t demand for any that were ugly. But this one, with her fair skin and blonde hair, which was still damp, was positively angelic. “You’re beautiful,” Trent whispered. Then he looked down, his cheeks flushing red. “Oh... a-and you’re naked. I-I’ll get you a towel and some clothes... just wait there,” he wondered why they’d made them so human like. But, even with his limited experience of the world, the answer was obvious. It was to please their masters. There was in fact an entire line trained in pleasure... although the batch he was looking after were all common Hestians, or House ELFs. He was going to open one of the small chests around the edges of the circle they were in, but had only gotten half way there when he looked back and saw that the ELF must have responded to his voice and, with her eyes still closed, was about to stumble out of her little alcove. The egg was mounted on a metal trolley; there were a good few feet between her and the stone floor. “I said to wait!” Trent cried, rushing back to the egg and catching her in his arms just as she fell forwards, then guiding her soft, warm body gently to the ground. “Not much point in feeling guilty now I suppose,” he sighed, “not like you even care about modesty yet, is it? I suppose being surrounded by beautiful, naked women is just something we scientists have to get used to.” He felt her body shudder violently as she gagged several times, “Wh-what’s wrong? What’s the matter?” He asked, turning her over and finding her hands clutching at her throat. It was like she was choking... but she can’t have swallowed anything yet. Unless it was her own tongue... no it wasn’t. What then? Stop panicking... think. Looking around Trent saw what he believed was the problem; the cords that connected her to the Crystal Egg, sustaining her life, had come free as she fell. Now she had to survive on her own. “Oh... you have to breathe! I-it’s easy,” so easy that he’d always done it without thinking, as far as he could remember anyway. How on Lepiterra do you teach it to someone? “Just... relax. Move your chest in and out... do you even understand me?” Gods... he was going to have to do something to help her. How was it going to look for him if she went and died within minutes of being born? “I am not cleaning algae!” Trent declared, slapping her hard across the back. Her eyes sprung open as she was knocked forward. They were blue and, to the relief of both of them, she started to suck in air and then expel it again, and then in and out a few more times. “There? You see... easy,” Trent said, mopping his brow. “You’ll get the hang of it... I guess I’ll have to remember that trick for next time.” Satisfied that she and his promotion prospects were in no more immediate danger, he went back to the chest to get a towel. When he returned he found her with her head bent back staring up at the sky, giggling as she watched the sun’s rays filter between her fingers. “Oh my Gods,” Trent covered his face with his palm. “You... you’re an idiot, aren’t you? Your brain must be only half grown... it’s my fault,” he could feel those algae tanks and a brush beckoning. “No... Breathe, Trent. In... And out. This... this is normal, right? You’re a newborn... everything you’re seeing you’re seeing for the first time.” In fact, he really had to envy her in a way. The sun, the sky, forest, trees... even towels; he just took them all for granted. But to her they were all new and exciting and funny, apparently. “Here... you’ve got to dry yourself,” Trent said, draping the white towel over her shoulders. At least now she was covered in something. He still wasn’t sure if she understood him though. “Listen,” he sat down of front of her. “I am Trent... Tender Abel Trent. Can you say ‘Trent’? Please be able to speak...” The ELF looked at him curiously, tilting her head as she studied every detail of his face. His eyes, ears, nose, and his lips... very soon she started trying to imitate the shapes and the sounds that they made. “T...Tr... Tr-trent,” she said, and then giggled. “Trent!” “Yes! That’s it, well done!” He applauded, equally excited. “There’s hope for us both yet.” “Trent,” she repeated, “w-who... who am I?” “Well, you’re an ELF. An Engineered Life Form... we made you,” in explained; her mouth quirked to the side, as if that answer didn’t fully satisfy her. “Er, you see all this?” He motioned around at the landscape, “The forest, the trees, the flowers, the butterflies and birds... those are all cousins of yours, in a way. They’re ELFs too. A long time ago, Lepiterra was a barren world; nothing would grow here. But ELFs turned it into a paradise.” “How did you make me?” “Well, in your case,” he smiled; he was always more than happy to discuss ELF biology with anyone. “We took a small sample from one of the Matriarchs... those are ELFs we already made and are like the blueprint for the rest. We put the sample into this Crystal Egg... inside the Mother Machines split the genes apart and recombined them randomly, making you.” “But... what is my name?” “Oh, well... that’s a good question,” Tender Trent scratched his head. “I’m not really sure who gives you all your individual names.” “Could you give me a name?” “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to think of something to call you for now... let’s see...” “Could I be called Trent too?” “Um... no. That wouldn’t suit you. It’s a boy’s name.” “Oh,” she bowed her head, opening up her towel, “I’m a girl...” “Um, yes,” he said, closing it for her. He had to remind himself that she wasn’t just a girl; she was an ELF. Property of The Institution, until it found her an owner. “Humanoid ELFs mostly are female; it’s the default you see. Making boys requires a little extra work... um, not that I’m implying that being male is an upgrade or anything. I mean you’re perfect... wonderful, the way you are,” she was glaring at him, her mouth still doing its odd quirk. “Er... so, a good girls name is something like Rose or Lily or Minerva. Or Jenny; that means fair. Jenny Starling was my grandmother’s name...” “Jenny Starling!” She grinned and clapped, evidently choosing for herself. “Oh, well... fine, we’ll call you Jen then. Now, Jen, dry your hair while I fetch you clothes.” “Hmm... soft and... fluffy,” Jen purred contentedly to herself as she pulled the towel over and around her head. “Ohhh... friction,” she said, rubbing faster. While the ELF was experiencing the wonder of converting kinetic energy into heat, Trent went to another chest. Inside were a number of simple robes and tunics; with her complexion probably some pale pastel colour would look best. A few minutes and a bit of fumbling later, she figured out that the panties didn’t go over her head and was soon fully dressed in a short sky blue tunic with a white belt. It seemed Trent no longer had to worry about demotion, and so when the phone rang he was able to lift the receiver from the candlestick stand feeling relatively confident. As he walked away, Jen watched him and then it seemed she realised that she had legs too. Again using the Crystal Egg for support, she tried to stand. She slipped a couple of times but was soon on her feet leaning against the blue crystal. And then, biting her lip determinedly, she started to move her feet. It was wobbly at first, her knees not quite sure which way to go; but very quickly she was getting the hang of it. “Uh-huh... yes, just a little while ago,” Trent spoke into the candlestick as he watched the ELF, amazed by the speed of her development. “Oh, perfectly healthy as far as I can tell... yes, she’ll be ready,” Jen was now walking around confidently, exploring the rotunda. She was heading across it, towards Trent’s little table over which was strewn all his work. Great stacks of paper, held down by glass weights that contained detailed accounts of all his ideas, designs, calculations... and Jen wasn’t looking. She was gazing up at some birds flying in circles around each other, her momentum not slowing at all as each step brought her closer. “Okay, I’ve got to go now,” Trent said hurriedly into the phone. “Okay then... by... what..? He said what to her..? That’s shocking... I’d be surprised if he ever gets that birthday present now...” crash... “Er... right. Listen, I’ve really got to go... okay... bye... yeah..? Bye.” He hung up, then his hands clutched his temples as he saw his life’s work thrown up into the wind. “That’s just great,” he chuckled with a hint of mania, “this is how it’s going to be, is it? I save your life and you finish mine? You stupid, clumsy, pointy eared bint!” Jen, lying flat on her face, slowly crawled to her hands and knees. “I... I-I’m sorry,” she sniffed and sobbed. “I’m sorry I made a mess...” It was strange for Trent to see an ELF cry; he’d never really thought they could. Usually when you saw them they were so sombre; keeping their heads down low and only speaking when they were spoken to. But, wait... “Oh no. No, no, no... I’m not fooling for this,” he said, folding his arms determined not to let go of his righteous anger; that was his life’s work all over the floor. “I know what pretty girls are like... I’ve seen theatre, read novels. You think you can get away with any crime just by fluttering your eyelids and crying a little. It won’t work, you hear? You just... you just pick all that up.” “I’m sorry,” she kept sobbing as she started to crawl around a little awkwardly, gathering the sheets of paper. “I-I don’t know why I’m crying... I-I guess just because it hurts everywhere.” Trent shook his head. He wouldn’t start feeling sorry for her... he wouldn’t. Although, when he thought about it he supposed that although she may have the body of a woman, she had in fact only been born five minutes ago. Could have she have really learnt to manipulate him in that amount of time? He supposed in a sense all ELFs were really just children trapped in adult bodies... and this one had just hatched. She was bound to make a few mistakes, wasn’t she? “I suppose it doesn’t matter too much,” he sighed, “a lot of that needed redoing anyway. Best just salvage what we can.” He started helping her. After a few moments they had gathered up most of the papers and didn’t seem that he’d lost very much. Of course, it would take him far longer to put them back in order and Jen wouldn’t be around to help at all. “It’s strange,” she said, looking at one of the last sheets and moving her fingers over the text. “I know what this means.” “I doubt you know what all that means,” Trent said taking it from her. She probably just meant she understood the individual words. “Those are designs for a somascope.” “There are other things too. I look at things and some of them seem familiar somehow... and yet I know I cannot have seen them before.” “Some genetic memory, maybe. Also, while you grew in the egg the Mother Machines were teaching you, feeding you all kinds of information. Languages, mathematics... Things you’ll need to know when you start working as a servant.” “A... a servant?” The ELF tilted her head, staring worriedly through her big blue eyes. Obviously the Mother Machines hadn’t taught her much about the role she would have in society. “Well, that’s what you are, yes. You’re a Hestian, a House ELF. You’ll be given to a master and your job will be to look after him, or her. Prepare food, keep the house tidy, and maybe manage some accounts, read stories to the children if there are any... I’m sure you’ll find it all very rewarding.” “But, don’t I get to choose what I do? Or even who my... who my master will be?” “No, but... don’t look so down about it,” Trent, like most humans, had never thought much about an ELFs free will; he’d always assumed they just knew their place and accepted it. A Hestian aspiring to be more than just a servant... it was possible. They certainly had intelligence exceeding that of ordinary humans and they could learn new skills with ease. But he also knew what happened to ELFs who deviated from the norm. Such a line of thought was not safe for her. “I mean, you’ll be happy once you get started. It’s what you were made for. It’s instinct. It may not give you very much freedom, but think of all the advantages you will have. Wherever you go and whatever happens The Institution will always take care of you; make sure you always have a place to be,” Trent said optimistically, but she still didn’t seem convinced. “See, we humans only have a limited time in which we can be useful, but you... you will never grow old. Provided you’re careful you’ll get to see many Kings and Kingdoms come and go. You’ll get to go to the stars and see things that I can only dream about... isn’t that exciting?” “I suppose,” Jen smiled, although it seemed to be more for his sake. But, that was her instinct; she was already trying to make him happy. “I hope I will get to see you again Tender Trent.” “That’s unlikely,” he told her as he put the paperweight back down. And then, for the first time since receiving the news on the phone he felt... a sense of loss. “Um... they’ll be coming for you soon.” “Who?” “The Institution. The Mother Machines alerted them to your egg opening and so now an airship is on its way to pick you up.” “To go where?” “Back to the city. And then they’ll do some tests on your intelligence, make sure you’re healthy. I’m sure you’ll be fine,” he said, although he realised now it was more for his own sake. “Then, you’ll meet a matriarch who will teach you more about your duties and then you’ll be probably be sold to a master on another world.” “Will it be someone like you?” “Like me?” Trent snorted. “Oh no, no. I’m afraid someone like me couldn’t afford to keep you. It’ll be someone rich; a gentleman or lord or a mogul... maybe even a senator. You’ll have a good home, anyway.” “But you seem sad, Tender Trent,” Jen said, all dewy eyed and innocent. “And I don’t understand why... this is all perfectly normal, yes?” “Guess I didn’t realise how alone I felt up here until you came out of that thing. You’re just an ELF, but I feel like I’m going to miss you, Jen Starling.” “I will miss you too, Tender Trent. But you won’t be alone for long... the other eggs will open soon.” “Yes indeed. But you’re the first and... heh, seeing how well you turned out despite all the worry I had. I don’t think any of the others will feel as special.” “Is that... sentiment?” “Yes... I suppose it is.” “Nostalgic feelings not based on certainty or proof... It will probably pass then. But, thank you.” “You are a very strange ELF, Jen Starling.” “Well... if you say so,” she shrugged, “I have yet to meet another so can be no judge.” “You will soon, look... the airship...” It was a gold fish shaped object hanging beneath a huge air filled sack and driven along by propellers attached to each fin. With the wind behind it, the ship glistened and sailed quite effortlessly above the sea of green; not particularly fast, but not slow enough for Tender Trent’s liking as he and his first watched it looming closer. Soon it was alongside the open acropolis, the hatch was cranked open from inside and a metal plank slid out, touching down on the stone. Trent watched it silently. He had nothing more he could say to the ELF... Jen. He wondered who they had sent; his eyes widened in trepidation when he saw a pointy eared man in a flowing black robe, a sabre sheathed at his side, glide across the walkway. This was a very different type of ELF to Jen. His white skin and grey eyes had none of the warmth. “You are Tender Abel Trent?” The Black ELF enquired, his voice softly chilling. “Er... who? Me?” Trent answered as if he’d been accused of something. “I doubt that she is Abel Trent.” “Oh... a-an ELF with a sense of humour,” Trent chuckled very nervously. The ELF wasn’t smiling though. One got the impression that he never made any kind of expression at all. “I’m sorry, of course I am. I was just surprised to see... I-I mean aren’t you...?” “Charon.” “Charon... the Governor’s own bodyguard. Shouldn’t you be, um... guarding his body?” “The Governor has many men to protect him. Besides, what is there to threaten him on Lepiterra?” Charon shrugged. “I was therefore given leave to explore as I wished, and I wished to see some hatchlings. This is the one we are to collect?” “I am Jen,” the blonde ELF smiled. ELFs had a good deal of control over their body temperature which was probably why she didn’t feel the chill. “Jen Starling.” “You are?” Charon arched his black eyebrow. Trent just shrugged helplessly. “As you wish then... Jen Starling. You are a bit on the small side,” he said, walking around her like an inspector. “Oh, b-but very cute, don’t you think?” Trent pulled at his own collar, “there’s definitely a market for cute.” “Yes. I have seen that many humans like weak, helpless things. I am sure she will be to their satisfaction.” “Oh... I wouldn’t say she was weak, exactly...” “I’m not weak!” Jen stamped petulantly like a child, which to be fair she was, really. “I’ve not been alive very long but I know you mean to insult me and... that’s not nice!” Stupid brat... Trent knew that he was probably quite safe, provided he didn’t do anything threatening. But ELFs had no conditioning that prohibited them from doing very nasty things to other ELFs, and ELFs like Charon were just ticking bombs of pent up aggression. “I’m sure he didn’t mean to insult you,” Trent said through his gritted teeth, “just calm down.” “He did,” Jen huffed, “and I think he should apologise.” Charon raised a curious eyebrow. And then he bowed his head. “I am sorry. I misspoke. Clearly, you are the epitome of a strong, independent female,” he said. Obviously it was impossible to read his expression, but, could it be that the most dangerous entity on Lepiterra, if not the whole Republic, was actually amused by this? “I shall have to be more careful how I choose my words.” “Well... I accept your apology then,” Jen said, losing some of the redness in her cheeks. “Good. Enough pleasantry then. It is time we departed,” Charon stepped back, motioning towards the airship. “Listen,” Trent sighed, imparting one last bit of advice, “just do everything people tell you, don’t make anyone angry, especially not him, and hopefully everything will turn out okay.” “Thank you, Tender Abel Trent, for bringing me into this world,” Jen smiled sweetly as she bowed, “you need not worry. I will... be fine.” Would she? Tender Trent found he couldn’t stop worrying as the airship departed. She would have to continue growing up very fast. But... her fate no longer had anything to do with him. Suddenly it was very quiet. He supposed it was just back to work, then. Just sitting and watching those blue crystals, watching and waiting... Stupid pointy eared bint... she had better be fine.
~*~ On board the airship, Charon led Jen down some stairs. The newborn looked around, examining this new environment but there wasn’t much to see. Outside was vibrant with all sorts of stimulating colours, smells and sounds... here there were just cold metallic surfaces and the hum of the engines. “Are there no windows on board?” She asked. “I was hoping to see more of the landscape as we passed.” “Why?” Charon raised his curious black eyebrow. “Um... curiosity, I suppose. I just wanted to see what Lepiterra was like.” “It is all much the same,” he shrugged, “green and brown and lumpy.” “Oh,” Jen sagged. “You will wait in here,” another metallic door clanked open as Charon turned a key. Jen peered inside; disappointingly it was another windowless room. Although, somewhat excitingly there were other ELFs inside. About a dozen, a couple of them were males, all stood in clusters or sat on cold metal benches. “Who are they?” Jen asked, starting to perk up a bit. “You were not the only one to hatch this day. These are other newborns we collected before you.” “Will there be more?” “Not today. You are the last, so now we return to the city.” “The city?” The young ELF said, her blue eyes sparkling with anticipation. “What’s that like?” “Loud,” Charon shrugged, “annoying. You will probably like it.” “Well, are there lots of cities on Lepiterra or just one? Are they all the same?” “You ask a lot of questions, Jen Starling. I suspect because you have an abnormally high intelligence.” “Well, asking questions is how you learn about things, right?” “The beginnings of wisdom, indeed. But be aware; Humans do not like slaves that appear too clever.” “Slaves?” Jen gasped... a slave was rather different from a servant, wasn’t it? “I am sorry... I must have misspoke again.” “Okay... um, when will we arrive?” “Not soon enough, I fear. You will have to wait with them,” he beckoned her inside. “Right,” Jen swallowed and clasped her hands together as she boldly stepped inside. She didn’t yet understand all these feelings she had. She felt... nervous? A bit afraid. She wondered what all these others would think of her, whether they would like her or not. “Um... hello,” she smiled what she hoped was a friendly smile. It may have been a bit too exaggerated. A dozen puzzled faces turned and looked at her, none of them returning the smile. Jen felt her heart thump once far more strongly than usual as she heard the door slam shut and then lock behind her. “Um,” she swallowed again. She noticed that her body felt stiffer... tense. “M-my name’s Jen. Jen Starling,” their bewilderment only increased. “Er... do you have names?” A couple of females looked and shrugged at each other. Now Jen felt her heart sink. “Jenny means fair,” she whispered, her smile finally fading as she gave up. They were all newborns; all they were doing was waiting to find out how the rest of their lives will be. “I guess we don’t have much to talk about, do we? I’ll just sit down...” She gasped in shock; as soon as she turned around one of the ELFs, a red haired one with darker skin, was extremely close to her, sniffing curiously at her blonde hair. “Er... h-hello?” Jen hazarded. “Hmm,” the Red ELF straightened out. She looked disappointed. “You smell weak.” Jen tensed again, clenching her fists and gritting her teeth... and yet, for a moment she couldn’t move at all. The other ELF was so close so that, even though their bodies were not quite touching, she could feel the power in her muscles. Every slight reflex felt like it could crush every bone in Jen’s body. She was annoyed, angry but afraid. She wanted to back away, but she couldn’t; this other ELF was being rude after all and it didn’t seem right to run from that no matter how strong she might be. “That’s not a nice thing to say,” The blonde ELF said at last. “I don’t know what ‘nice’ is. I just know I want to fight you,” Red said. “Will you fight?” “No,” Jen gasped. “Are you a coward?” “No! It’s just... we’ve only just met. I have no reason to fight you.” “You are,” Red curled her lips in a wicked grin, “I can see how afraid you are of me. All these ones are afraid of me as well... cowards.” “I’m not... I mean, I am a bit afraid, yes,” Jen said, crossing her arms defensively. “I think if a stranger suddenly asks you for a fight then it’s probably normal to be a bit afraid. But that doesn’t mean I’m a coward. If I had a reason to fight you then I would, despite how afraid I am. Um... does that make sense?” “He said something like that... Charon,” Red yawned and stretched her arms. “He said if you can’t face fear you’re a coward. But if you have no fear you’re foolhardy... sounded like coward talk to me. Heh, you’re much too pretty,” Red grinned as she gently cupped Jen’s chin. The blonde didn’t resist, or rather couldn’t. She didn’t why she couldn’t; she was just unable to move. “Just thinking about beating and beating you so that your face turns inside out makes me feel warm, here,” she said, indicating her heart. “I’d like to do that to all of these in here, but... the humans said that would be bad of me.” “I’m inclined to agree with them,” Jen gulped. Red sighed sadly and released her... in the circumstances, the blonde ELF thought, backing away probably was the best idea. There was clearly no reasoning with this one. She stumbled back and guided herself onto one of the benches, keeping her head low. Breathing had become difficult... her chest felt heavy. It was like that for a few minutes before gradually returning to normal and she risked looking up again. Red was still eyeing her... and so Jen turned to the ELF sat next to her; a girl with brown hair and eyes. “Hello,” Jen tried. The girl turned her head slowly. “Um... do you know what they’re going to do with us?” There was something... peculiar, about the way the girl looked at her; a blank uncomprehending expression. “That one doesn’t speak,” Red said, “I don’t think she grew right. Someone will probably have to kill her,” she remarked. “I hope they let me do it.” Jen glanced up at her, gritting her teeth and clenching her fists once again. She still felt the same way as before, but... there was no way she could let Red start picking on someone else. “You’ll leave her alone,” the blonde insisted. “Hmm... what’s this?” Red said curling her lips. “Maybe you are brave... ohhh, that makes me want to break you even more...” Ignore her... Jen told herself. Yes, surely Charon and maybe some others were still outside. Red wouldn’t be crazy enough to do anything to them in here. She was just bullying, that was it. Jen turned her attention back to the brown haired ELF. “Are you okay?” She asked. The other girl frowned at her... perhaps she didn’t understand the question? “Um... do you have a name? You probably don’t, do you? Well, how about I give you a name? What about... Minerva. Min-er-va...” the newly named ELF kept staring, and then her lips started trying to mimic Jen’s mouthing the three syllables. “Oh... that’s good,” the blonde clapped and grinned. “I mean, you’re not producing sounds yet but you’re trying, so that’s good.” Minerva started to smile back. “My, what trick will she learn next I wonder?” Red sneered. “Maybe you can teach her to stand on her head?” “It’s all right Min, just ignore the nasty lady. She must have fallen through the wrong side of her egg this morning.” Throughout the rest of the journey, Min didn’t make much more progress. She mostly just giggled and laughed while Jen attempted to teach other words to her, while Red watched on disdainfully, yet also curious. It wasn’t as though anything else were happening in that room. Until finally the engines stopped; Jen hadn’t realised how much noise they really made until suddenly it was extremely quiet. And then Charon unlocked the door and led them all outside. The city, like the acropolises, was made of a light coloured stone. But much more of it. The airship had touched down in a huge coliseum. There were hundreds of people, ELF and Human, standing up in the arches or going to and fro across the sand. So much activity... nearby the disembarked party some humans were running around tying up ropes attached to the airship, while others went up the plank carrying boxes. Elsewhere, ELFs were being lined up and inspected while around the edges of the arena floor were men on horseback, keeping watch as their breastplates glistened in the sun. Like Charon had said, it was loud; so many discordant voices all around. Jen wasn’t sure if she really liked it though. After her initial wide eyed wonderment had worn off it started giving her a headache; although not so much as the enormous toot that then filled the entire sky. The men tying the ropes suddenly became more frantic, shouting things at each other as they made sure all the posts were secure. The wind started to pick up, causing the sack above the airship to lurch dangerously and blowing some sand around Jen’s legs. And then a shadow started to crawl across the entire coliseum, turning day into night. Looking up, Jen saw a huge metal cylinder defying what she intuitively knew about enormous metal objects by not falling and squashing all of them. Instead it floated like a cloud. She first saw the front of it, with two plates attached on each side. Then a long cylinder, probably five or six times the width of the object. It seemed to get a bit wider towards the end, and then finally ended in a funnel out of which a great light burned. And then the sun returned and the men were relieved to find that the airship remained upright. “What is that?” Jen asked, watching the mass of metal disappear. “A Star Engine,” Charon explained, “on its way to another world, as will you be soon enough.” “What are the other worlds like?” “Round and lumpy.” “Right... I see,” the blonde sighed. “You really don’t appreciate very much, do you? Oh... Min!” The brown haired ELF was curled up on the ground, shaking and sobbing fearfully. “It’s all right... it’s gone now.” “Class A3,” a human woman in a brown tunic, pants and knee high leather boots said, peering through a telescope. “Passenger liner. Course, we don’t often get many other types round here... This the new batch is it?” She said, collapsing the scope and handing it to one of the two similarly dressed men flanking her, then turning to look the dozen new ELFs up and down. “Queer looking bunch, ain’t they? I’ve never seen such a sorry looking group of fairies.” “Fairies?” Jen whispered quizzically to Charon. “Humans call us by many names,” he explained, “Most are related to some mythical beings from long ago.” “Right, you ‘orrible lot,” the woman spoke loudly while being handed a clipboard, “point your ears this way. My name is Fion, and I have the pleasure of informing you that the Mother Machines, in a gesture of the kind of love that they have, have randomly generated some names for me to give you.” “Um,” Jen tentatively raised a hand. “What?” Fion glared at her. “Uh... I already have a name...” “Really? And what might that be?” “Jen... Jen Starling. Oh... and this is Minerva.” “Hmph,” Fion stomped towards the ELF, then thrust her face forward so that their noses were almost touching. “You know what? I’ve always considered Starlings to be pests... therefore, your name suits you. Pen?” One of the men handed one to her and she wrote out two new labels, slapping them on the chests of the ELFs. “Now let’s see what we have for the rest of you... the two boys can be Anthelm and Decimus... Raisa Tempest is definitely you,” Fion slapped a label on Red. “Nissa... Faye... Aerie... Oh my, look at this one! ‘Hazle Nutt’! Er... that can be you. Oh, even better, ‘Marsha Mellow’...” Just a few moments and a little bit of sniggering later, the ELFs all had their names. “Right, so now that we all know who we are,” Fion stood at the front of them, “we can begin the next stage of today’s adventure, which is... wait for it... a full mental and examination!” The human woman beamed. The ELFs all looked at her, tilting their heads. “I knew you’d be excited. You still hanging around to watch all of this, Char?” “This one interests me,” The Black ELF nodded at Jen. The blonde didn’t know whether this was flattery or another insult. “Oh, why is that, I wonder?” Fion made a question mark on her face. “I know it can’t be love. Not with ELFs and especially not with you; although I suppose some affection isn’t impossible... you want to feel like a big brother, do you? You lucky girl,” Fion said, ruffling Jen’s hair. “A big brother who can demolish a house with his bare hands is a useful thing to have; wish I’d had one after my last five dates. Heh... but then that’s something you’ll never know about, will you?” “If... if you say so,” Jen said, not understanding why the human was talking to her so slowly. “Lucky girl indeed... Right! Everyone follow me,” Fion spun around on her heel tucking her clipboard under her arm. “Quiiick march!” The ELFs doddered instead, taking in the sights and sounds of the coliseum as they followed in a loose formation two or three wide, with Jen, Min and Charon just behind Fion. The two human men followed behind, making sure that none of them strayed. Jen wiggled her ears, trying to filter out and distinguish some of the individual conversations that were taking place: “It said on the Republic News sheet that all the children on Humuli just vanished without a trace...” “What are you talking about?” “That’s what it said... everyone in the colony under ten just disappeared overnight...” “They’re making it up. You can’t believe everything you read in the newssheets. Lot of sensationalist rubbish.” “Well, of course not, but... you never know what’s really out there, do you?” “Why would Aliens be interested in a bunch of kids?” “Who knows... they’re Aliens, right? Not like us. They think differently... like totally alien.” “Oh, enough of this. We’re here to buy an ELF. The Missers has been complaining for ages that she needs more help round the old home.” ...? “Nah... she’s not dead. She’s just sleeping look...” ... ?? “Hey... that blonde one’s cute.” “I suppose. Always preferred the brunettes myself.” “How much do you think they’ll ask for her?” “More than you could afford. Wait for them to start breeding fat ugly ones, then you’ll be in with a shot. Or you could try meeting a real human woman...” “Beh... I’ll stick with Kharites.” ... !? “Useless... completely bloody useless...” “Something wrong here, madam?” “Damn machines broke.” “Well, get your ELF to fix it.” “Fix it? She’s the one who bloody broke it!” “I-I’m sorry ma’am... truly I am... p-please don’t use the umbrella again...” “Bah! Just take the scrawny wretch back to the compound. She’s hopeless. And I’ll be demanding a refund!” ... !! “You okay, sweetie?” Fion asked. “Huh?” Jen turned around, startled. She felt afraid again, although this wasn’t the same as being afraid for her physical well being. Perhaps trepidation or foreboding were better words. Trent had said she would be happy once she was doing what she was made to do. But some of the things she heard being said, and the faces of some of the other ELFs... they didn’t seem happy. “I just don’t understand things yet,” she reasoned, “there’s a lot to take in and learn.” “Wondering what the future has in store?” Fion responded, looking more sympathetic. “Worried you might get a jerk for a master?” “Eh... I suppose.” “I won’t lie to you; there’s a very strong possibility. Lot of Humans I’m afraid, well... they don’t think ELFs really have feelings; they reckon any time it seems like you show emotion you’re just imitating something you’ve seen them do. Like you’re just brainless machines, or something. Me though, I’ve been around enough newborns that I know better. Like I said, I won’t lie; you’re going to see a lot that’s unpleasant, but... well, you seem like a bright one. You’ll figure everything out.” “I hope so...” Jen sighed, lowering her head to try and free herself from distractions. To a newborn that was impossible; everything new she had to look at. As there were leaving the floor of the coliseum, entering a tunnel, another group of ELFs was heading out. They were... angels. They all had feathery white wings on their backs. Jen turned her head, watching as one of them stepped outside and stretched and flapped a little, his wingspan twice the length of his body. “Can they fly?” She gasped. “No. Not here on Lepiterra anyway; the air is too thin. A Star Engine will be taking them all to Endro. It’s got low gravity but a nice thick, heavy atmosphere – perfect for flying. Well, I suppose it’s more sort of partway between flying and swimming... they’ll be having fun anyway. Rich people go there just to see them flitter between the clouds.” “I’d like to see that too...” “Well, if you get a rich master then you might. You be sure to make yourself very useful and your master will want to take you everywhere... being a House ELF does have perks, see?” “Yes... I see,” Jen started to smile again.
~*~ The newborn ELFs were led into a room and made to sit around a wooden table while several human in green robes went around them, poking and prodding with all kinds of sticks and asking them questions. “What do you look forward to in life?” One robed man asked. “Hmmm,” Raisa purred, “I would say crushing my enemies, breaking their legs so they can’t run away, and hearing their heads go pop.” “Right... and, um, who are your enemies?” “Whoever my Human masters point at and say to kill.” “And who are your masters?” “The Silver Republic.” “Excellent,” the man ticked off all the boxes on his clipboard. Meanwhile, Jen was facing a very different line of questioning. “What’s ten percent of thirty plus thirty percent of fifty?” “Eighteen,” she answered without pausing. “Good. What does ‘squamaceous’ mean?” “Um,” she paused that time, but only because another man was sticking a glass stick in her cheek, “scaly.” “Finally, what is the meaning of life?” “Er, I,” she paused for a long time on that one, until the man took the stick out. How could she know the answer to that? She’d only been told a bit about her life... that she was to help others, teach them, guide them... was that what he wanted? “I... I live to serve.” “Excellent. I’d say you’ve passed.” Jen breathed a long sigh of relief... although, she couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if she hadn’t passed. And then she thought about, “Minerva!” She looked around for the brown haired girl, and saw her sitting like the others, being prodded... but she wasn’t answering any questions. Just giggling pathetically as one of the men pointed a light at her. “It’s no good,” the man sighed sadly, “doesn’t look the education programme took to this one at all.” “She’ll have to be recycled then,” another man with a clipboard likewise sighed. “Pity.” “Wh-what do they mean, ‘recycled’?” Jen stood up quickly. “It’s nothing, sweetie,” Fion put her hands on Jen’s shoulders, trying gently to make her sit back down but the blonde ELF resisted. “Please... just don’t worry about it,” Fion implored, a little trace of desperation starting to creep into her voice as the green robed men started turning towards them. One with white hair, the most senior, nodded and so the two around Minerva lifted her up and started leading her towards the door. “Are they going to kill her?” “Kill her? W-who told you... I mean, where did you get that idea from?” Fion asked. Raisa grinned, leaning back and relaxing with her hands behind her head. Jen turned her head to Fion, looking hurt. “You said you wouldn’t lie to me,” she said shaking her head. The human woman froze, unable to respond at all. Min was still laughing and grinning as she was being led out, until she looked back on Jen and the lines on her face turned upside down, confused. “N-no... No!” The blonde yelled, pushing past Fion with ease. But, although surprised, the men were quick to respond tackling her and forcing her to the floor. “Been a while since we had one this lively,” one of the men said, putting his knee into her back while another held harms. Jen kept struggling, bucking and squirming. Minerva too started trying to struggle and force her way back to the blonde, and had to be dragged the rest of the way out. Although still trying to break free, Jen felt completely helpless as the brown haired girl disappeared. “I’m sorry, sweetie,” Fion got her wits back and knelt down to try to console the still wriggling blonde. “You see, her brain didn’t develop like it should have. It’s... it’s kinder this way, really. She couldn’t have led much of a life.” “You... y-you’re still lying,” Jen panted, her head flopping on the ground as she realised her struggle was futile and she had just exhausted herself. “I can see that’s not what you really think,” the blonde sobbed, “someone could have taken care of her... taught her.” “Maybe... I have thought... but, this is just the way things are.” “But... people can change how things are, can’t they?” “Sometimes. But, sometimes we just have to accept them. She won’t feel anything and think of it this way; material from her will be used to create another generation of ELFs. Her life won’t have been wasted. And she knew someone who was kind to her, so she was happy, right?” “I... I don’t know,” Jen sniffed, “I don’t understand anything... so confused...” “I know, sweetie, I know,” Fion nodded for the men to let the ELF up, “wish I could help you more, but you’ll just have to figure things out for yourself.” As Jen stood, wiping the stains under her eyes with her fingers, the green robed started to file the other ELFs out of the room; they were to be taken away and sorted. She thought that maybe Min was lucky; at least she’d never know what it was like to lead a life you had no control over. “Shame about your defective friend,” Raisa teased; she was the last to go. “I was so hoping they’d let me stab her...” Jen didn’t know what happened to her next; she thought she’d suppressed all her anger but it suddenly exploded as she leapt onto the red ELF pinning her on the ground. “You’re the one who’s defective!” She cried, punching Raisa in the face. “You’re the one that should be put down!” None of the Humans or ELFs did anything to stop her this time; Fion looked horrified, but the rest all seemed quite curious to see what the outcome of this fight would be. Even though the Humans all at least already knew. The blonde’s eyes kept getting wider, first just from the rage, but then confusion then panic as the red ELF just kept laughing. Jen started swinging faster and more desperately, grunting loudly with each blow... but Raisa still wouldn’t stop laughing. Why... why couldn’t she hurt her? Eventually Raisa reached up, grabbing the blonde’s shoulders and rolled backwards, throwing her across the room. Jen landed on her side, grimacing as she felt her body compress against the stones. She slowly and awkwardly pushed herself up, panting slightly as she turned round to face Raisa who was grinning wickedly. Gritting her teeth, Jen ran determinedly at the red ELF screaming out her rage. Raisa did nothing but wait until the last second, then she put her hand on the blonde’s head as she charged, pushing down while simultaneously kicking herself up, vaulting over the blonde. Jen, shocked, instinctively straightened and spun about, just in time for a roundhouse kick to connect with her jaw sending her spinning back to the floor. This time, she was out, and completely helpless as Raisa knelt over her, drawing back her fist for a blow that probably would have finished her for good. But then the red ELF got a shock. She felt a single hand on the back of her neck and then her body being lifted up into the air. A brick wall shuddered as she hit it and slid down. Shaking it off, she looked up... The Black ELF, Charon, now stood between her and her intended victim. She hissed angrily. He tilted his head and arched an eyebrow. For the audience, who were obviously keeping their distance, the battle got a lot more interesting. Raisa ran at him, swinging her fist. But fast though she was, no one perceived much of Charon’s movement at all. He seemed to take a single step forward and a little to the side while Raisa went past, gradually losing her momentum. Then her dark eyes went wide with surprise and pain, her hands clutching at her throat as she slumped to her knees and fell sideways, coughing and gagging desperately. “All right,” the senior green robed man said, “everyone get back to work. And take this one to the barracks at once. Can’t have her causing another fight when she comes around,” two more junior men picked up Raisa, hurrying her out of the room. “And as for her,” the senior man looked at Jen, whose eyelids were just blinking back into life, “she will need to be disciplined. Never in all my years has a single ELF caused so much commotion on her first day.” “We have been very lucky until now,” Fion sighed, “the trouble is we made them too human.” “They are like children in some ways,” the old man nodded, “but remember, Fion, our job here is not to pamper them. We have to make sure they grow up fast.” “That’s not quite right, is it?” The Human woman said, although it was more an observation than a question. The others had all left, leaving just her, the old man, Charon and the semi-conscious Jen on the floor. “What do you mean?” “We want them to stay like children, so that they go on accepting our authority without question. We just want to make them into more obedient children.” “It is good that you understand,” the old man said, his glare adding ‘you do understand, don’t you?’ “I trust I can leave this to you, then?” “Oh, I’ll give her a good telling off. Don’t worry.” “Good,” he turned about and marched away. Jen was awake. She couldn’t remember exactly what had happened, except... she’d obviously lost the fight. And lost quite badly; her arm still ached, as did her neck having been twisted by the force of the kick, and she could feel her jaw swelling. She started to curl up, shivering slightly as she felt so weak and helpless. “Hey, you’re awake aren’t you?” She saw Fion’s face appear above her. It was strangely warming. “You learnt your lesson? Don’t go picking fights. Especially not with people bigger and stronger than you,” Jen nodded, clearly having no basis on which she could disagree. “You got a nasty bruise there, but you’ll be glad to know that all ELFs heal very quickly. So, er... just don’t do it again, okay?” “Okay,” the ELF squeaked. “Well that’s my job done then. Char... can you take her to her Matriarch?” Fion asked as she stood up. The Black ELF nodded affirmatively. “Good... I’ll see you both again soon.” “Raisa is Enyon, like me,” Charon said after Fion had left. “She may not look very much different, but she has many times the strength and resilience you do.” “Someone could have told me sooner,” Jen sat up, trying to straighten her jaw. “Some things it is better to learn through experience.” “Why is she so unfriendly?” “We are made to fight. When our eggs hatch open we only know two things; to obey anyone with round ears, and how to kill. You are lucky she has not yet received any further training or we would not be discussing this.” “You’re not like her though...” “I have lived a long time and learnt far greater restraint, among other things, although I too constantly feel a burning desire to dismember.” “And I’m a Hestian... House ELF. All I do is look after people and things.” “Yours is a noble existence, at least. Giving your life in the service of others, instead of just taking lives.” “But I couldn’t look after Min... I was... I was too weak...” “But already you are showing your instinct. Caring is what you do.” “But why should I should I care for Humans when they so callously kill any of us they don’t think are useful?” “Because they made you that way. You are angry now, but soon you will start wanting to help others again. Besides, not all Humans are unsympathetic. Like us, they are all different, only more so. It is much harder for them to devote their lives to just one thing. And they have such short lives too.” “So... they need us?” “Far more than we have a need for them. It was not always so; they survived millennia without us, until The Ruin. But now, since we make their lives easier they are becoming more and more dependent on us.” “I do not understand what you are saying,” Jen frowned, “it sounds like ELFs and Humans would both be better off if they separated.” “Perhaps,” Charon gazed thoughtfully out a window, “but perhaps our fates are intertwined.” “I give up,” the blonde ELF felt exhausted and exasperated, “I don’t understand any of this, and I especially don’t understand you.” “Would it console you to know, Jen Starling, that I think you were right. It may take a long time but people, even ELFs, can change the way things are?” “You mean like stopping what happened to Minerva from happening to anyone else?” “Among other things.” “How?” Jen’s face quirked quizzically. Charon turned and faced her, the light from outside shining around his black shape. On his face was a wide grin. “I have a plan...”
|