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The local priest watched on with awe as the “God Box” began to speak for the first time in living memory. Flickering lights of green and gold announced the God’s awakening, before the box spoke. Religious fervor took hold of him and he sent his acolytes running to spread the word, Evil had entered the land and the God called his followers to arms. They would not, could not, refuse.

All across the planet, in each location where the voice transmission software could activate the old machinery, Billy sent out his call to arms. He was frustrated with the lack of response of over half of the system, but even half would serve his purposes. What he needed right now were shock troops, cannon fodder, whatever you might call them. They had to mobilise and arrive in time to make his point. His drones would add to the mystical effect, and the sound of his voice emitting from such inexplicable “creatures” would give credence to his tale.

Jax and his stupid morality would aid in Billy’s labour, as the massacre of these sub-humans would stick in his craw. Billy only needed this hesitation, this refusal to destroy his human shield and he would take Jax’s new fortress. Perhaps, there was still an option to win this hand before he had to resort to stronger methods. If not, then so be it.

As he managed his messages, reveling in the gullibility of the locals Billy picked up a message from space. Not the message he was hoping for, but one which might just play into his hands. Plans were to be changed after all, and there was nothing like chaos for enhancing the thrill ride.

After a moment’s thought he continued to transmit his message into deep space, ignoring the request for a reply. Let them come, and the chips fall where they would…

*

Queen Aleesha D’Abaye listened to the jabbering priest and smiled languidly. Being careful what you wished for was an old, but true, adage. Relief from boredom was a tenuous and generalized desire, but the universe had decided to shake up her world with a vengeance. The “God Box” speaking was an unexpected, and welcome, introduction to her tedious existence. Her war of expansion into the surrounding area was waning and as there were no enemies of interest left, and her troops were getting restless with the lack of fresh meat to kill. This at least would get the Generals out of her hair and if she played it right, the annoying priests as well. With a self- satisfied smile she motioned the chief priest to rise, and gave him her most enthusiastic and regal approbation.

The Generals were summoned and she gave them a rousing speech and carte blanche in the mobilization of her troops. This time she would stay at home. A pogrom carried out in the name of the God would help rid her of her local political enemies and fulfil her less savoury desires. There was always a silver lining to everything…you just had to find it.

*

“We are seeing a large and unusual amount of movements from the natives,” said Elana as she and Jax opened their morning meeting.

“Oh?” asked Jax, distracted by the silent figure of Jonti whose appearance still clashed with that of the others gathered in the room they had converted into his office.

“Yes,” she continued, tapping the table slightly to focus his attention, “and it seems that we have Billy to thank for this…”

“Billy?”

Now she had his interest and she nodded, reaching forward to activate an icon on the screen in front of him.

“This is the message we intercepted and which is being broadcast at broad beam for all who can listen.”

He held up his hand, forestalling her. “How can the natives hear it? They have no technology of this level…”

“The God Box…” hissed Jonti, “he has activated the God Box…”

The what?” asked Jax, swiveling in his seat to look at the newest convert to the Dark Falcons.

“In many of the villages, there is a box of lights, which belongs to the God, or at least that is what we are taught. We first heard the voice of the Evil One through it, and were sent to spy on the Dark Falcons. He must be doing the same to others.”

“And the people will listen to his voice and do what he wants?” asked Elana incredulously.

“Of course,” agreed Jonti, “they think the God has spoken.”

“Then,” said Jax with a sigh of exasperation, “we know where he is sending them. What we need is a plan, and quickly.”

Turning to Jonti he asked, “Are there others who do not follow this teaching, who we might appeal to?”

Jonti seemed to think for a moment, then nodded, “There are others…the Heretics…but I do not know whether you should talk to them.”

“Why?” asked Elana sharply.

“You fought them once, and destroyed their major leaders,” said Jonti, “they may not wish to speak with you again.”

“Fought them?” Jax seemed puzzled, “When?”

“Too many battles, and so little time,” replied Elana with a grin, “remember the medieval military pieces, the demons and monsters tag…?”

“There was nothing left of Emperor Julian’s forces,” replied Jax, his brow furrowing in puzzlement.

“True,” replied Elana, “but I was talking about the rebels. We never did find out how many there were…things got a little bit hectic if you remember rightly.”

“Getting there might be a little bit difficult right now,” mused Jax, “what’s your idea?”

“We have a few people at the keep still; the last of the recruits, a couple of our older warriors and a handful of techs. They should be able to do something.”

“And how will we communicate with them? Billy will be listening after all…”

“I think that we can waste a couple of the smaller spy drones. Fly them there and crash them with a message pod on board. That should work.”

“Okay,” said Jax, “get on with it whilst I listen to what our erstwhile friend and maniac Billy is saying about us.”

She grunted in reply and left to organize the message. She was trying to remember exactly who she had left at the keep and whether her confidence was misplaced.

Jax watched her leave and activated the icon. No doubt Billy’s message would be as entertaining as usual.