“Where are we?” Annie inquired softly, her head throbbing, her sight returning to normal, and noticing how featureless the room they were now in was. She could make out shapes, some moving, but couldn’t quite focus on them.
It went dark, and then all of a sudden, we turn up here, in this strange room, at the exact moment that strange woman snapped her fingers…… Annie thought, as the mental fog started to fade.
Her sight had cleared up as well, because she could see the apparently unconscious forms of Ava, Davy, Sadie and the others she had said she was going to bring with her, lying prone yet securely bound on slightly tilted tables. While she was still bound, her restraints were obviously relaxed enough so that they were meant to keep her from moving about, instead of keeping her in place. She also noticed that her table had arranged itself into something that resembled a chair, so she could sit up.
“You people of Earth are so predictable. You and your ilk are the thirteenth strain we’ve found acceptable, and yet, despite the vast differences in each culture and temporal zone, you always ask the same questions. I wish the Courts would have chosen a more interesting strain for the long awaited thirteenth strain.” A voice sounded to her right, as a body slowly formed. It didn’t sound sarcastic or malicious, merely amused, as if trying to goad some attitude from her. It wasn’t going to get it, since she’d learnt to rein in her tongue early into her somewhat short-lived career.
The form that was slowly coalescing in front of her was…..strange. It wasn’t male, yet it obviously wasn’t female, and seemed to be both masculine and feminine at once. And power, pure unadulterated power exuded from the stark naked (yet also featureless) body.
Oh, its wearing a full body jumpsuit Annie realised, as the new body came into focus, and she noticed the small details which gave hints to the fact that it could be removed.
“Where are we? And who, or what, are you?”Annie asked, feeling confident, despite being shackled and in the presence of something else that was beyond what she understood.
This is starting to become a habit, Annie mused, as she thought went through all that had happened in the last 24 hours, while she waited for the figure to answer.
“Where: Adjustment Room Designation Æ, Embassy Earth-13, Constant. Once the other 4 members of the team are here, excluding present company, we’ll proceed to examine you, and see if your minds and bodies can handle exploring the Constant system.” The soft yet powerful voice explained, as it browsed a strange, translucent piece of paper.
“As to who, or what I am, that would be Spoilers, young one.” The being said, a smile similar to the one she often saw on Sadie’s face formed on its face.
“However, Anette, what does your name mean? And before you ask ‘why’, it is because, unlike in your world, names have both a meaning, and power here.” It paused, before adding, “And before you ask, I know your name because of the file I’m reading, from one of my subordinates.”
Seeing that she didn’t have much in the way of options, and holding back answers didn’t seem worth the effort.
“It depends on which language and culture you use. Anette can mean either ‘Favored by God’ in the Hebrew Language, or ‘Full of Grace’ in Norwegian; and Fenric is a reference to the Giant Wolf Fenris, who had the power to take on the gods. Since my family is of Scandinavian heritage, my name is more likely to have meaning in languages from those regions.” Annie stated, rather proud of her name.
While not a particularly religious person, Annie felt pride knowing she was named after a being that even the gods feared. And she never put much stock into what her first name meant anyway. She wasn’t exactly known for being graceful.
The sadistic smile quickly faded, replaced by a look of intrigue. The being began tapping away at the piece of paper, as if entering information into it.
“What about your friends here?” The being asked, gesturing first to the still form of Davena, as Annie’s table/chair swivelled to give her a better view
“From what I understand, Davena means ‘Beloved’, and Alvarita roughly means ‘Elf Pearl’.” Annie said, worrying about the hungry look in the beings strange eyes.
“Good. This one has great potential, and her name gives me an idea of what shape it will take.” The being said, moving on from Davena to Sadie, who seemed to be having rather strong dreams, since her body seemed to be the only one moving noticeably, yet still asleep.
“Haddyr means ‘Heather’, in reference to a flowered plant on Earth; and Sadi doesn’t really have a meaning, since it is the nickname of a character she likes which she appropriated for herself. I’m under the belief it means Sadist.” Annie explained, muttering the last part.
“The Witches will definitely welcome her. I’ve never seen an Earthborn so obviously not meant to be an Earthborn. I’ll have to notify them once this one is ready.” The being muttered, tapping away on the piece of translucent paper.
I don’t believe it. It’s kind of similar to the tablet computers we use, except its paper thin, and you can see right through it, Annie mused, surprised she hadn’t realised it sooner.
“Keep an eye on her. She also has great potential, but her psyche is brittle. She will need you before your journey is over.” The being said cryptically, before moving on to the still form of Calliope, its movements slow, more careful. Unlike with the others, where it had been quick and eager, the being was hesitating, trying its best to avoid direct contact with Calliope’s body.
“Calliope means ‘beautiful voice’, and Khourt is a variant of Court.” Annie stated, confused about the new behaviour the being was displaying.
“Ahhhh, finally, we come to the rotten apple of this promising bunch.” The being sneered, before asking, “What about her third name, the nickname?”
“Echo?” Annie asked, confused as to why it wanted to Calliope’s nickname, and none of the others. She saw it nod its head in affirmation.
“It‘s the name of a Nymph, who is cursed to repeat the last thing said to her.”
“The Voice of the Courts, in the same group as a Witch’s Daughter and an Æthling. I wonder if the other groups are this interesting……..” The being muttered as it entered more data into its wafer thin tablet.
“That’ll be enough for now. I’m putting you back under, before your friends wake up.” The being said, as it put Annie’s table/chair back into a prone position. Annie could hear dials being turned, and her lids started to become heavy.
She saw the being start to fade away.
“Before you go, what is your name?” Annie murmured, as sleep quickly overwhelmed her. Before she completely lost consciousness, she thought she heard the voice sound again, but she it would not register what it said.
“My name is Talanton. The Æther Court will be watching you, most assuredly…..” The voice whispered, as its body faded away.