EHYEH-ASHER-EHYEH (I AM THAT I AM): An Elena Duran/Corazon Negro
Vi Moreau (vmoreau@directvinternet.com)
Sun, 22 Sep 2002 00:53:30 -0400
Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh (I am that I am) 14/34
Julio Cesar divad@prodigy.net.mx
Vi Moreau vmoreau@directvinternet.com
There was a moment of silence while everyone absorbed that announcement;
then Methos continued, "And no other Immortal will dare attack on Holy
Ground."
"Can we be sure of that?" Connor asked, still skeptical. Kane had attacked
him on Holy Ground, and Elena had told him how she and Zarach had been
rushed by several of Lilitu's Immortals while they were still inside the
chapel on her ranch.
Elena was apparently remembering the same incident, because she said,
amused, "I never agree with Connor, but this time he has a point. We can't
take the chance on bringing ruin and devastation to an entire area. Let's go
to the cabin at my estancia, in the middle of the pampa. Even if Lilitu's
minions can find us, the cabin itself is isolated and impossible to sneak up
to, yet has a secret passage into a nearby grove of trees that I planted
myself in case we need to get out fast."
"Once I'm in the Dream, querida-darling, I won't be 'getting out' anywhere,"
Corazon Negro said, planting a soft kiss on Elena's hand.
"And you know none of us will leave you, mi amor-my love," Elena quickly
answered, smiling at him and squeezing his hand in turn.
"I like the idea of a secret passage," Connor said, a little happier. "We
can use it to surprise our enemies. And even if Lilitu doesn't come herself,
I'm sure she'll send an Immortal or two-along with armed mortals." As soon
as the four of them were alone, he'd get more details from Elena on this
cabin of hers so they could plan their defense.
But the Aztec's next words shattered Connor's budding plans.
"However, I can't be inside the cabin. The ritual necessary for the Dream
requires a bonfire and much incense. It must be done outside."
"Outside?" Connor echoed unhappily. "How the hell are we supposed to protect
you, anybody, outside? We'll be sitting ducks!"
"There's a grove of trees nearby," Duncan mused, "but they aren't really
thick enough to provide much protection. Maybe we can sit in the trees, and
look down."
"They'll pick us off, Duncan. They'll use us for target practice," Connor
said.
"The barn," Elena said.
"Yes," Corazon Negro agreed. "It's big enough to contain the ritual. And
we'd have the protection of the walls."
"The barn might work," Duncan said, obviously thinking.
"Yeah. It might," Connor agreed. But he'd reserve judgment until they saw
the place. In any case, there wasn't much choice, was there?
"I don't want to let anyone in my estancia know we'll be there," Elena
added, thinking out loud. "The less they know the better, in case Lilitu's
'friends' do come looking. We can buy supplies in Tigre, where no one knows
me, then skirt south and around to the cabin. By the time any gaucho
discovers us, this whole thing will be over-I can't imagine more than a few
days, right?"
"It's the Endgame," Zarach stated grandly. Connor thought the ancient
Immortal looked sad. What kind of thoughts were going on in that head?
Connor wondered.
"Are you sure Argentina is a wise choice?" Methos asked. "Lilitu knows
you'll be with Corazon Negro; it's the first place she'll look for you."
"Once I enter the Dream she will be able to find me anyway," Corazon Negro
said. "Hopefully, I will be able to find her as well, but..." He shrugged.
"I suggest you get going, then," Aylon said. "You four to Argentina; the
rest of us to New York."
"And may God be with us all," Elena said somberly.
"Insha'allah-Allah's good will be done," Aylon said grinning. "Now, if we're
all agreed," he looked around at all the Immortals crowded into the living
room and got no argument, "shall we go keep the world from being destroyed?"
========
DEEP IN HELL
"And again I saw how they began to gore each other and to devour each other,
and the earth began to cry aloud.
And I raised mine eyes again to heaven, and I saw in the vision,
and behold there came forth from heaven beings who were like white men."
Book of Enoch 87: 1, 3
Apocrypha
As their chartered jet left Benito Juarez Airport, Zarach looked out his
window. "Don't even think about sleep tonight," he declared as soon as they
got in the air, towards New York. "I doubt if there will be much rest for
any of us before dawn."
They were sitting across from each other, and Methos, sprawled on his
luxurious seat with a beer bottle on the tray in front of him, brought his
eyes back from looking out at the night sky. Another long night-at this rate
Lilitu wouldn't have to fight them. She could just wait for them to collapse
from exhaustion right in front of her troops. It would be ironic to lose
one's head just because one was too tired to lift it, he thought.
Sitting beside Zarach, Myrddin looked up from his computer and said, "Just
like old times. The situation sounds pretty grim. Do we have anything
resembling a plan?"
"Yes," Methos answered grinning. "Find them, and kill them all."
"I don't know yet," admitted Zarach. "We are not dealing with the usual
battle between Immortals in the Game. Normally, Lilitu would have planned
this campaign with great care, working for many years to ensure that it ran
smoothly. In the old days, she used to send bands of spies and saboteurs
into the city disguised as good people. Working slowly and cautiously, these
'workers', mortals and Immortals, established themselves in the human
community, rising to positions of power among the unsuspecting ranks of
their prey. Thus they learned all the secrets necessary to guarantee the
success of a sneak attack. Nothing was left to chance. When the surprise
strike finally took place, these spies turned on their former comrades,
destroying them without mercy."
Heru-sa-aset stroked his cheek. "We all know this first hand, Zarach."
"Yes; we all do," Zarach continued. "Sometimes the strategy worked,
sometimes it didn't. Much depended on the strength of the Headless Children
she used, their loyalty, cunning, and discipline. In this case, however,
Lilitu has forfeited any such advantage by calling for an immediate surprise
attack. She hopes to catch her enemies unprepared and unaware. And it just
might work; the mortals may not suspect such a bold, cunning stroke.
However, considering the size and scope of the assault, the dangers are
many. For both sides."
Aylon frowned. "The human governments recently have become a hotbed of
intrigue and dissension. The mortals are not the unshakable rock they once
were. Lilitu is evidently hoping that internal bickering among the leaders
of the nations will hamper their efforts to marshal enough forces to combat
her. Not to mention the fact that as of now, they consider these
international emergencies as natural, not man-made, disasters. There's a lot
of talk about the end of the world as written in the Bible, etc. They don't
really know what they're dealing with; they don't know about Immortals; they
especially don't know about Lilitu!"
"Or about us," Zarach contributed.
Methos shrugged. "After all the terrorism of the twenty-first century,
everyone is suspicious and on alert. Plus, let's not make the mistake of
underestimating mortals. They're not stupid; they can see a pattern right in
front of their faces. And in defense of their loved ones, they can be
formidable fighters!" He raised his arms above his head and stretched
languidly. "You know? I'm beginning to feel I am being underpaid for this
work. After this episode is over, I'd like to renegotiate my contract within
the Ancient Gathering," he said smiling, and then drank from his beer.
Myrddin smiled across at the elusive member of their party. "No argument
from me, Methos. You are a rare treasure. You are worth your weight in
gold."
"Don't give him any ideas," Heru-sa-aset said, grinning. "He's already too
arrogant for his age." His smile left as he began to plot. "In the meantime,
I've already ordered my agents to acquire several of those special 'items'
developed by the Army. They could prove to be very useful. And there would
be some 'special' stuff in New York, along with a new military jet waiting
for us in my hangar at the La Guardia airport. I think you will find it .
intriguing."
"Oh, good!" Methos exclaimed, raising his beer bottle in a salute. "I love
your toys-especially the 'intriguing' ones," while at the same time Myrddin
asked, "A new jet?"
"Yes, very advanced. A prototype designed to find anything we look for-like
Lilitu's stronghold," Heru-sa-aset replied.
"Speaking of your contacts, Prince," Zarach said looking at the Egyptian.
"What's the word from Washington?" Before leaving Elena, Corazon Negro and
the MacLeods, Heru-sa-aset had made a few calls.
"I've only been in touch with New York. The Governor there wisely agreed
with me," Heru-sa-aset answered, "that it is only fitting that he offer the
use of the National Guard, considering the scope of lawlessness in New York
City. The Governor also alerted the President, but the conference won't be
cancelled."
Zarach considered this for a long while. "So they are on alert? Good. But .
why not encourage the introduction of federal troops?" he asked finally.
"They would be more reliable."
"More disciplined, better equipped and higher in number," Heru-sa-aset
nodded, raising a finger. "But the American Army can only be used inside the
country in the case of an extreme emergency, and for defense only. It
protects the American President and his civilian government against a
military coup. The National Guard is the domestic branch of the military.
Also, the Army is more difficult to influence. Unless you have more
connections within the Pentagon than one might reasonably expect ...?"
Zarach shook his head almost imperceptibly, and Methos studied him while
appearing nonchalant. Zarach was somewhat recovered from Lilitu's attack
days ago, but he still retained some of the stunned look about him that had
accompanied his displacement, as if it were a struggle for him to remain
fully engaged with those around him.
"So you see," Heru-sa-aset continued, "The Governor is ready to deploy the
Guard. As Methos said, the last century they have trained more carefully
because of domestic terrorism activities. All that remains is for the mayor
in New York to accept the offer, if he has choice in the matter."
"The mayor or the Congressional oversight committee," Zarach said, still
seeming to pay only half attention. He gestured toward the phone. "Do it, my
friend."
Heru-sa-aset took the phone. "Secure line? Good." He punched in a number,
and did not have to wait long. "Good evening, Senator. Yes, it's me. Forgive
me for disturbing you at home ... Are you able to talk? Yes, Senator. I'm
acutely aware of what's happening around the world..."
As Heru-sa-aset spoke, Methos could see the fire slowly creeping back into
Zarach's eyes. The sight was at the same time heartening and alarming.
"If I remember correctly," Heru-sa-aset was saying into the phone, "your
friends on the oversight committee owe you several favors? And I believe the
Governor is already on the verge of declaring a state of emergency in the
city of New York, correct? Yes, yes. I believe you should encourage the
committee in that direction. Best for everyone, don't you think?"
Methos noticed that Heru-sa-aset was careful not to mention names.
"Yes, that's right," said the Egyptian Prince. "The Governor is going to
offer the National Guard. It's imperative that the oversight committee
accepts this offer. And perhaps you could put a call through to the mayor as
well-use your influence. Oh, and a citywide curfew is advisable also. How
long can we reasonably expect these measures to be authorized for?"
Heru-sa-aset listened, nodded. "Yes, I understand. I know you'll do your
best ... Yes, I've heard your name mentioned as a vice-presidential
candidate ... What do I think? I think your services are far too valuable in
the Senate. Goodnight, Senator." Heru-sa-aset hung up the phone.
"Twenty-four hours. The troops will go in. State of emergency, curfew. But
if something doesn't happen within a day-" he threw up his hands.
Aylon leaned back in his seat. "It's a day more than we had. We are alone in
this, my friends."
"In the common vernacular, gentlemen, we're screwed," Methos said.
"There must be a way, don't you think?" Myrddin prodded, looking at the Old
Man of the Mountain.
But Aylon did not respond at once. He was not the type to banter about
ideas, to work out details by thinking aloud or in conjunction with others.
He considered. He pondered. He weighed options. And when he was ready, he
would speak.
Methos looked at Zarach. It was the two-colored eyes, he decided, than made
his Immortal father seem tired. "We're fucked," Methos rephrased.
"The Governor will be willing to keep the National Guard in New York on
alert beyond the twenty-four hours, even if not actually deployed,"
Heru-sa-aset said. "I know the troops won't do our work for us. But they
will make it more difficult for the Headless Children to carry out their
plans."
Zarach nodded his agreement, but not enthusiastically. "Yes. The troops will
be extra obstacles for them, and for the most part, order will be restored.
The Governor will return authority to the mayor and the city council at the
end of the twenty-four hour time frame. There'd be too much public backlash
otherwise. The crisis will pass. The troops will go home."
"The 'crisis' as they see it will have passed," said Methos. "But our
'crisis' is just beginning," he stated, looking at the Egyptian Prince.
Heru-sa-aset did not argue the point, and Methos knew enough to bow to the
Prince's superior knowledge of the inner workings of American politics.
All sat in silence for several minutes. Aylon was the first to speak. "Once
martial law is no longer in effect in New York, Lilitu will have a free
hand."
Zarach nodded silently. "While the troops are still deployed, in that span
of time, we must find Lilitu and kill her," he stated firmly. "We will be in
New York, but must be ready to leave on a moment's notice, to strike at
Mother personally."
"Otherwise, there will be nothing to stop her," Myrddin commented softly.
Zarach stood. He paced down the length of the jet, then came back to look at
his comrades-in-arms. "Time is running against us. Already too many have
died, mortal and Immortal alike. Myrddin, we must find her stronghold, at
all costs. In fact, if we find her and decapitate her before the attack, we
might be able to prevent many deaths in New York."
"I'm working on it," Myrddin answered tapping the keys of his computer.
========
Island of Nod
Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean
March 29, 2013
Lilitu stormed through the remnants of the dissolving vision. All around
her, elaborate arcane forms streaked and ran like watercolors of gray tones.
The vivid images and incantations that had sustained the ritual fell about
her like a gentle rain to puddle at her feet. She rushed angrily through the
puddles, each footstep leading her instinctively toward more familiar
stomping grounds. The topography of the melting vision gave way to a
landscape of death.
Somewhere within her, hatred raised one sleepy eye, stretched and leaned
comfortably against her soul. She was far angrier than she was focused. Far
angrier, she repeated to herself, as if to steel her conviction. It would
not be long now. Already she could see the familiar outlines of New York
rising out of the misty rain inside her mind. That's where the attack would
be. Soon she would be triumphant. The Ancient Gathering, no doubt, would be
waiting for her.
If only they would not be waiting for her.
She could deal with just about anything else right now except for the looks
of bravado on their faces. There was a time-yes, she admitted, even
millennia did little to dim the vividness of the memory-when she had
welcomed that look on the faces of her kin. When she had courted it. Staying
out those few extra years just to see its momentary flicker on the others,
before the expression fused into the harsher lines of anger and indignation.
But that was a very long time ago, she reminded herself. Hundreds of
lifetimes ago. She had a new army now. A mass whose 'bravado' was-quite
rightly-feared even in the courts of the Immortals. She would be subject to
that bravado. No; she was their Goddess. She would be strong. She would be
aloof. She would be unassailable. She would be angry. She thought, I just
have to stay angry.
Lilitu closed her green eyes, ready to send part of her power toward the
Headless Children already in place in New York. Her eternal night, her inner
darkness, was about to fall onto the city.
"I am that I am!" she yelled, raising her arms toward the darkness.
========