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Crystal Guardian

Arc 2: Restoration of Hope

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Chapter 16: Bridging the Gap

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Two months after the meeting President Mbuto gave a public address at parliament where he formally proposed the legislation that would amend the constitution and allow regional autonomy for Crystal Valley City.

The President made the case for the change, and then made the following closing remarks.

President Mbuto : " We are not advocating separate development, but recognising the Hybrids as a community. We the Government of the Republic of South Africa want to give them an opportunity to live without fear of discrimination, free to move and associate with who ever they choose. Therefore by affirming their community we seek to affirm their humanity. Madam speaker I have here a petition that includes the signatures of 150000 confirmed Hybrids supporting the idea of an autonomous region for Hybrids, and thankfully Crystal Valley Industries has offered to build the Crystal Valley City on their land. Crystal Valley Industries will invest billions of Rands of their own money because the owners of the company believe in peace, and this will guarantee that the cost to the state will be minimal. We have all been touched by the Hybrid Phenomenon, and there isn't a family that does not have at least one member who's been changed, so let us act to protect those we love from our own prejudices, let's act to give hope to those who see no light at the end of the tunnel. I ask that parliament speedily pass this act to avoid further conflict between brothers! I ask that parliament pass this legislation to secure peace! I ask that parliament pass this act to secure the future for all our children!"

A few days later the governing party used its two thirds majority in both houses of parliament to pass the legislation despite the opposition of other political organisations, and because this was no law but a Constitutional Amendment there was no requirement for public consultation. That meant that the changes would have immediate effect without the usual delays that sometimes accompanied changes of this nature.

The Constitutional Amendment gave regional autonomy to 46000 square kilometres of land centred around the Crystal Valley Farming and industrial complex. It suited the South African Government to have the land transferred to a regional autonomy because the land was mostly desert area and had very little commercial value. Since most of the land was owned by the South African Government they stood to benefit from the 35 billion Rands land deal.

The Council of Elders were happy to acquire the land in return for assured freedom and other tax benefits. The land would be held in a trust that would be controlled by the Crystal Valley City Council which would be elected by the citizens of Crystal Valley City. The Crystal Valley City would refund the Crystalorb Trust all their expenses at an interest rate equal to the annual inflation rate.

The Crystal Valley City Council would receive 50% of the Crystal Valley Industries tax for 10 years, and 80% of personal income tax in the area would also go to the City Council, but 50% of Value added tax (VAT) would go to the National government. The Council of Elders and the rest of the Crystalorb Leadership elected to forgo any further taxes such as property rates and land taxes.

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By the time the final agreement was signed the Crystalorb Leadership had already invested 57 billion Rands into the Crystal Valley City project, and 6000 Hybrids had already made their way to the Crystal Valley City and were actively helping with the construction of the town. As the numbers in the City grew the Crystalorb Leadership decided that it was time to hold elections for the first member of the 9 members of the City's Executive Council.

The City's Executive Council would consist of 9 members, and each member would be elected to a 9 year single term of office. There would be no consecutive terms, and that meant that there was a compulsory 9 year cooling off period before a former Executive Council member could be elected to another term. Each year one member would be elected to the City's Executive Council.

For the first eight years the City's Executive Council would function with additional members elected by the City Council for a single year term, and then the City Council would elect additional members annually until all the members of the City's Executive Council were elected directly by the public. The City Council would consist of members who represent City districts with the ultimate objective being that one member represents 0.5% of the City's population, giving 200 members of the City Council.

As refugees continued to pour into the Crystal Valley City project the Crystalorb Leadership trained them and put them to work in building the City. There was a hive of activity as the community was hard at work building towards a new tomorrow. The Crystalorb Leadership sought the understanding of the Hybrids in the limitations of the Crystalorb Trust to meet all the desires of the incoming refugees.

After the first member of the City's Executive Council was elected the additional members were chosen by the City Council, but because of the first members status he was chosen as City Executive Council Chairman by the City's Executive Council. As the Crystal Valley City population increased the City's Executive Council realised the need for an adequate and capable Police department.

Not all the citizens of Crystal Valley City were Hybrids, and some were immediate relatives of Hybrids. The population needed to be protected from rogue Hybrids, HOD interlopers and other destabilizing elements. The police would have to be highly capable, and that meant that the great majority of the city police would have to be Hybrids. Thata Molema the Chairman of the City's Executive Council approached the Crystalorb Leadership for assistance in the formation of the Police department.

Thata Molema wanted the Crystalorb Leadership to help in recruiting Hybrids with powerful abilities to be part of the Police force. Mr Molema was hoping that the Crystalorb Leadership would offer some of the Crystalorb defence forces as police in the interim, and that the Crystalorb Leadership would help with the training and equipping of the Crystal Valley City Police Department.

The Crystalorb Leadership was hesitant to involve their people in a prolonged deployment under the command of an external authority, but they understood that the reasons were valid, and so the Crystalorb Leadership held a joint meeting with the Crystal Valley City's Executive Council to discuss the matter further.

Thata Molema : " Thank you for seeing us on such short notice"

Gaurdius : " We are happy to lend any assistance possible"

Thata Molema : " I feel a little awkward coming here to ask for more things after you have already given so much to our people"

Isis : " We see Hybrids as part of our people too"

Thata Molema : " Nevertheless as a representative of the people of the Crystal Valley City I hope you'll help us in this regard. Time is of the essence, and every moment we delay the agents of chaos are gaining momentum"

Gaurdius : " We understand the urgency, but there are some concerns about whether the kind of assistance you are requesting violates the Crystalorb Charter"

Lumen : " You have to understand that the Crystalorb Charter is our supreme Law, it's like our Constitution, the Law of Crystalorb. The first statement of the Crystalorb Charter says; Freedom is the right of every Sapient Being! Nothing we do must violate that, and we must always try to affirm that freedom"

Thata Molema : " I don't understand what you mean?"

Gaurdius : " There is a reason we don't go around behaving like super powered heroes, and it has to do with the limitations on power. Just because one has the power to intervene does not mean that one should intervene!"

Jalen : " We have had many discussions on this matter, and we've resolved not to interfere with an individual's freedom of choice."

Lumen : " What that means is that people must be free to choose their own fate"

Lerata : " If a person chooses to jump from the roof of a very high building to their death we must not interfere with that"

Tshego : " Similarly; If another person makes a series of choices that eventually puts them in harms way we can't intervene, because to act to change the consequence of their free choice would be to interfere with their freedom, and thus would be a violation of the Crystalorb Charter."

Thata Molema : " But you acted to protect Hybrids by creating the Crystal Valley City, and you continue to rescue persecuted Hybrids from all over the world"

Hamun : " We act because the fate of these people has already been altered or interfered with by the HOD, and the sum of their choices can never be realised. Since the HOD and the Crystalans have the same origins we consider it our responsibility to attempt to correct the course of destiny, to restore fate!"

Thata Molema : " What you are saying is that you can't be the police? But can you be protectors? Crystal Valley City has over 209 elected representatives, and these representatives represent the hopes and aspirations of the Crystal Valley City people. Can you protect the elected representatives?"

Gaurdius : " Protecting the elected representatives would mean protecting the free choice of the people and by extension freedom. So yes we can do that!"

Lumen : " We can also provide Training and advanced equipment to your Police"

Thata Molema : " We also need your help in recruiting Hybrids with powerful abilities to the Crystal Valley City Police Department. It's been our experience that the more powerful Hybrids want to be part of something greater than themselves, and we think you can provide a collective they can respect"

Gaurdius : " We will help"

Thata Molema : " When will you send your protectors?"

Gaurdius : " We will immediately deploy 210 Crystal Armoured Vanguards to protect every elected official"

Thata Molema : " What about the HOD elements?"

Gaurdius : " Since the Crystal Valley City falls within our original defence structure we will continue to conduct patrols to seek out and prevent HOD activity in the area"

Lumen : " We have been in conflict with the HOD for a long time now, but we hope to someday end our seemingly endless conflict with the HOD.”

Thata Molema : " We have Identified several people with extraordinary abilities who would be perfect for the law enforcement purposes, but our attempts to recruit them have been rebuffed. The first on the list is Dan Kive from Ethiopia with abilities caused by exposure to refined magnesium after the Mutagenic recombinant RNA infected him. The second on the list is Chris McFarlane from Scotland who goes by the name Red Falcon, and he has abilities related to the Mutagenic recombinant RNA reaction to red magnetite. The others on the list are just as powerful and would be a great addition to our law enforcement capabilities"

Onala : " The Intrepid is currently above the Arctic Ocean, so we will send Nasan to rendezvous with the Intrepid and then make contact with this Chris McFarlane and try and recruit him to join our cause."

Thata Molema : " There are others like Ben Olden in the USA, James Black in Canada, John Valdez in Mexico, Kara Tanaka from Japan, Leng Tao from China, Raj Montra in India, Indira Sanu in southern India. The list goes on and on!"

Isis : " Don’t worry, we will find them all, and with luck they will all join the fight for peace!"

Cyris : " The call for Justice is hard to ignore, and in the presence of the energy of the Spirit Stone we can make the most compelling argument, and to that end we will bring them here to make our case for peace."

The Council of Elders ordered Nasan to travel to rendezvous with the Intrepid, and since Nasan was the commander of the Expeditionary Recognisance she was escorted by four Vanguards from her command.

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When Nasan arrived onboard the Intrepid she immediately requested to see the captain of the Intrepid to discuss her mission, but she also wanted to reconnect with her friend and former commander.

As Nasan walks into the captain's office she finds Esara focused on holographic images detailing a desert area, so Nasan stands at attention and salutes the captain of the Intrepid.

Nasan : " Recognisance Commander reporting Captain!"

Esara : " At ease Commander"

Nasan : " It's good to see you again Captain"

Esara : " Likewise Commander"

Nasan : " It's been a long time Esara! How's life in the sky?"

Esara : " You never think about it, but I do miss the ground"

Nasan : " How are the Kids?"

Esara : " They are adapting well. And yours?"

Nasan : " They're a bit of a handful, but also a blessing"

Esara : " Good! I've received the brief about your mission objectives. When I accepted command of the Intrepid it never occurred to me that I would be running a taxi service for Hybrids, but the work is growing on me. Just today we rescued a family from Iceland who were being blamed for the melting Ice on the mountains near their home town, and all this because they took a dip in the hot springs after receiving supposedly free vaccines from a local free clinic"

Nasan : " It must be hard to watch humanity turn on its own?"

Esara : " Yes!" after brief pause "But we have to withstand! I regret to inform you that the Intrepid's assistance to your mission will be limited. I can't offer you the protection escort you requested"

Nasan : " Why not?"

Esara : " There is a situation developing in Chad and the Council of Elders has ordered me to intervene, and since we are already short staffed I can't spare the people, but I will send Nalen with you to provide air support since you will have to touch down to make contact with this Chris McFarlane"

Nasan : " You are going to send your husband? The greatest Guardian ever! To protect me?"

Esara : " Hey! I thought I was your favourite Guardian"

Nasan : " There's no question that you are fantastic, but Nalen is just amazing!"

Esara : " He is that! But more than his fighting abilities is his ability to make a personal connection with Hybrids. Somehow they understand him and accept him as one of their own without question."

Nasan : " When can we depart?"

Esara : " Your Armours are being recharged, the process takes about 2 hours, and at current speed we should be near the British coast in 110 minutes"

Nasan : " What do you make of the developments that are occurring with the Crystal Valley City? I wonder if we've somehow opened the door for the HOD to just walk right in and take over."

Esara : " I wondered the same thing"

Nasan : " And?"

Esara : " Nalen and Ocyris remain unconcerned"

Nasan : " Why?"

Esara : " You know how meticulous they are! Nalen tells me that the new Crystal Armour is equipped with a new system that detects residual HOD energy. To put it simply the Crystal Armour can immediately locate anyone who has used the Manacle of Destiny and has not been in contact with Spirit Stone energy to purify their energy system. Nalen tells me that the Crystalorb Command Centre can find anyone who has had contact with HOD energy anywhere in the autonomous region"

As the two walked to the bridge to meet with Nalen they stopped over at the hanger where future baby ships would be based. The hanger facility was designed to allow the Crystal Armoured to rapidly depart the Intrepid in the event of an emergency or when large numbers of Crystal Armoured units were tasked on a major mission or operation. Located near the hanger was the mobile Crystal Armour recharged facility.

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When Esara and Nasan arrived on the Intrepid’s bridge they found Nalen in communication with Ocyris through the Crystalorb Command Centre. Nalen called Ocyris to discuss Ocyris's findings on the research concerning the Mutagenic recombinant RNA.

Nalen : " I've been looking at your report, and something doesn’t seem right"

Ocyris : " Hey? Our work is diligent and precise"

Nalen : " That's not what I'm talking about"

Ocyris : " Then what is it?"

Nalen : " It's the DNA analysis"

Ocyris : " What of it?"

Nalen : " I've been running a comparative analysis of the DNA sequence of the 600 samples and I'm turning up an anomaly"

Ocyris : " What sort of anomaly?"

Nalen : " The same genetic markers keep turning up in every sample, and this can only mean that the source of the DNA is a single individual"

Ocyris : " It makes sense that the HOD would select one individual to provide the sample which they then replicated"

Nalen : " And the mutagenic properties of the RNA seem far too natural."

Ocyris : " What are you saying?"

Nalen : " I did some work on cellular mutation, but the mutagenic properties of this recombinant RNA seems more naturally refined, it's not entirely viral, but more like stem cell regeneration"

Ocyris : " Are you saying what I think your saying? Are you trying to tell me that the Mutagenic recombinant RNA is no more than Hodian stem cells? That’s just not possible!"

Nalen : " Naole helped look at the DNA records of all the Hodians who made it to Crystalorb, and I have to conclude that it is unlikely that the individual who provided the sample is in the current generation of the HOD"

Ocyris : " How can you be sure?"

Nalen : " There is a particular sequence of genetic marker in the chromosome that I've only ever seen in one other DNA sample. Not even Lord Tsela and the others who's DNA sample we collected during Crystalorb's first meeting with the HOD"

Ocyris : " No! It can't be!"

Esara : " What is it?"

Nasan : " I don’t understand what they are talking about either"

Nalen : " The particular series of genetic markers in the chromosome I'm talking about is that contained in the DNA of Lesedi"

Nasan : " Are you saying that the HOD have Lesedi's DNA sample?"

Ocyris : " No he's talking about Ralefa"

Nalen : " The fact that the particular series of genetic markers in the chromosome of the so called Mutagenic recombinant RNA is Identical to the X chromosome in Lesedi's DNA points to the fact that the two people concerned had the same mother. This can only mean that the HOD must have somehow stored stem cells from Ralefa"

Ocyris : " And since stem cell research is a recent science the HOD must have frozen Ralefa's body. I new there had to be a more plausible explanation for HOD advancements in the Area of mutagenics."

Nalen : " The original Crystal infection that mutated and then transformed both Ralefa and Lesedi was largely unstable. It is this instability in the original mutation that the HOD have harnessed to produce the Mutagenic recombinant RNA."

Ocyris : " This means that they have a limited supply of these ‘stem cell extract’. Another positive point is that this means that world governments will not have the ability to replicate the Mutagenic recombinant RNA, and once their current stockpiles of the vaccines infected with Mutagenic recombinant RNA runs out they will have to look to the offspring’s of Hybrids for recruits for their super soldier projects."

Esara : " How much of the mutagenic vaccines were produced?"

Ocyris : " Our estimates put them at 150 million doses, but around 25 million were destroyed in Air raids, and 119 million doses were actually used, thus leaving some 6 million in the hands of governments around the world. The HOD offered 90% of the vaccines mainly in the form of influenza vaccines to the world's poor people. This was an act of sadistic genius on the part of the HOD, and by giving the poor physical power it gave them the power to act against the wealthier individuals in societies. The HOD clearly wanted to destabilize the world, but our intervention created a counterforce to their appeal to the Hybrids. Nevertheless our analysis indicates that nearly 700,000 Hybrids have been recruited into the ranks of the HOD as Enforcers. The promise of wealth and security is very appealing for people who were already struggling, and now find themselves persecuted by even the poor for being different. We expect that the Enforcers will exceed 10 million in ten years, and with numbers like that the HOD will finally have the power to take over the continent, or possibly the world! Unless Crystalorb finds a way to stop them?"

Nasan : " I now see why my mission is so important. Crystal Valley City is meant to be a counterforce to HOD appeal. The Crystal Valley City gives Hybrids more options than being a soldier in a secret army who's intensions one knows nothing about. By recruiting these people to be part of the Crystal Valley City authority we are giving birth to new hope for a more secure and peaceful future."

Esara : " Already Hybrids from all over Africa are making their way to Crystal Valley City, and since 35% of the vaccines ended up in Africa the potential for Continental Chaos is greatest in Africa. The HOD are counting on the weaknesses of African Republics to be a catalyst for whatever twisted plans they have for Africa and by extension the World."

Ocyris : " Nalen; I will immediately report your findings to the Council of Elders. End Com!"

Ocyris disengages the Joint Communications Channel with Intrepid.

Nasan : " It's almost time; I have to get ready."

Esara : " Be careful Nalen! There might be HOD personnel watching this Red Falcon"

Nalen : " Always!"

Nasan : " Let’s get going then!"

Nasan and her 4 escort Vanguards along with Nalen departed the Intrepid on route for the highlands of Scotland to make contact with the individual who goes by the alias Red Falcon. Nalen’s new Crystal Armour had a Clear Crystal on one of the hands, and this allowed him to become invisible while in Crystal Armour. All those with Clear Chest Crystal could in theory become invisible without Crystal Armour, but only a few advanced minds such as Ocyris, Anun, Inala, Aman and other senior leaders could manage such an ability.

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When the group arrived in Scotland Nasan ordered that they shadow Chris McFarlane until an opportunity to make contact arose. As Nasan observed Chris McFarlane for 30 minutes she notice that he walked around pretending to be just an ordinary man, and he lived amongst the population without them being aware of his extraordinary talents. To Nasan the pattern of Chris McFarlane’s behaviour correlated with that of comic book super powered heroes.

It's around 6:45 PM, and Chris McFarland was walking around in his backyard, Nasan decides that it was time to make contact.

Nasan : " Mr McFarlane! Can we have a word?"

Chris : " Who said that? Show yourself!"

Nasan : " As you wish!"

Nasan disengaged her invisibility field to reveal herself hovering 1 meter above the ground and 2 meters from Chris McFarlane.

Chris : " Ooh my God!"

Chris McFarlane then activated his ability and transformed himself to a red magnetite Metallic Skin, and thus becoming the Red Falcon.

Nasan : " There is no need to be alarmed Mr McFarlane! We mean you no harm"

Trying to overcome his shock Chris McFarlane composed himself enough to speak.

Chris : " What are you? What do you want from me?"

Nasan opened her helmet face cover to reveal her face in an attempt to put Chris at ease.

Nasan : " From the Council of Elders gathered in this time of crisis and confusion, Crystalorb here reaches out to humanity!"

Nasan partially disengages her Crystal Armour's glove to reveal her right hand, which she then extends to Chris and then awaits him to step forward and touch her hand.

Chris : " Who are you?" He spoke as he touched Nasan's hand "Where did you come from?"

Nasan : " Greetings Chris McFarlane!"

As Nasan spoke she released energy that forced the red magnetite to retreat and thus transforming Chris McFarlane’s skin from Metallic to normal.

Chris : " How?" clearly surprised "You drained my energy? How did you do that?"

Nasan : " I am Nasan Lesedi; Envoy of Crystalorb, Commander of the Expeditionary Recognisance, Guardian Third Class!" after a brief pause "Sent by the Council of Elders to protect the future!"

Chris : " The Legendary Crystal Guardian!"

Nasan : " So you've heard of us Mr McFarlane!"

Chris : " Please call me Chris! I've always thought that you were just a myth; an urban legend!"

Nasan : " Chris; I don't know what you've heard, but I have been sent here to deliver a message”

Chris : " What message? And who sent it?"

Nasan : " The Council of Elders want to speak to you Chris; they want you to come to Crystalorb for a meeting"

Chris : " What meeting? And what's Crystalorb?"

Nasan : " Crystalorb is our home. The meeting will be held in Crystalorb, and you and all the other Hybrids who have freely chosen to protect their world from the forces of destruction are invited"

Chris : " Like a hybrid hero meeting? Cool!"

Nasan : " What is you answer Chris McFarlane?"

Chris : " Of course I'll come!"

Nasan : " Then we must move quickly! There might be HOD forces watching us, and we can't afford a confrontation"

Chris : " So you know about the HOD?" thinking out loud "Of course you do, they are your mortal enemies, your antithesis, your opposite and counterforce!"

Nasan : " Our problems with the HOD are Ideological, not fundamental, and if they should change their Ideological position on the future of the world we will once again be one family."

Chris : " The HOD offered me wealth and power if I joined their cause, but I just could not stomach the whole world domination thing"

Nasan : " Yet they let you live?"

Chris : " They said the time will come when all Hybrids will have no choice but to stand together"

Nasan : " The HOD are not to be taken lightly, you are lucky they did not perceive you as a threat to their plans"

Chris : " By the way; how will we be travelling?"

Nasan : " By ship!"

Nasan then attached an energy field around Chris and activated her Crystal Armour's stealth and flight systems allowing both of them to fly. When they arrived onboard the Intrepid Chris was amazed at the technological capabilities of the Crystalans, and to Chris the Crystalans seemed to be operating at a level that seemed out of this world.

The Intrepid proceeded to collect other Hybrids from all over the world, and Chris McFarlane was instrumental in convincing them to come along and hear the Crystalorb Leadership's proposal. These series of events were about to change the world forever, and the Hybrids would be at the heart of the changes that were about to take place. Back at Crystalorb preparations for the meeting were underway, and the Crystal Valley City police were awaiting the arrival of the super powered Hybrids.

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