***Tirnanog, Jeng, The Ancient Grove***

***Mary***

“That doesn’t make sense,” Astra replied with a deep frown. “It would mean Gurney is at least a few hundred years old. Weren’t Earth’s genetic experiments started when they abandoned the colonies?”

Felix scowled at Astra and then looked at me accusingly. “Seriously? You haven’t even told these youngsters what this conflict is all about? Have you done nothing but sleep while you secluded yourself on your mountain, Mary?”

I tilted my head. “Don’t tell me what to do, Felix. There are few enough of us ancients left as it is and I and my people have done nothing but help you and yours. It also isn’t like I owe it to anyone to share my life’s story. Or anyone else’s for that matter. I fully intended to live out my retirement from political affairs until I learned what was happening out here.”

Felix frustratedly pressed his lips together but nodded. “Fine. I am hardly in a position to question you after helping us, but do you at least know what happened to Greta? She would have been a great help with interrogating some of our prisoners to find out what the Thich are up to. I can hardly believe she would have died to some lowly Forgotten assassin.”

Matriarch Vanya straightened at the mention of her predecessor.

“Of course!” I turned my attention to the girl and smiled. “I only heard bits and pieces of the story, but it’s obvious to me that the child killed her. It’s the only logical solution, knowing Greta’s character in combination with Thich’s and Vier’s cooperation.”

“What!?” Felix’s head snapped towards Vanya and he pulled a knife from his belt.

Before anyone could react and do something stupid, I whipped out one of my filaments and wrapped it around the blade before pulling the dagger into my waiting palm, leaving behind a cindering trail of ash.

“Hold, old idiot,” I ordered.

Felix narrowed his eyes at me. “You just said she killed Greta! She was one of us, Mary!”

“As was Zacharias. Times change, Felix. People you might’ve once called friends are now enemies a few centuries down the road.” I gestured towards Vanya, whose guards seemed equally stunned at the revelation as the rest of the table. “Why don’t you allow the girl to explain?”

Vanya fidgeted on her chair but regained her composure after Felix didn’t continue to threaten her.

“I had to kill Greta because she intended to cooperate with Thich.” She looked at Tianna, begging her to understand. “Greta intended to sell out the clans’ treaty by joining a secret alliance with Thich and Vier. I tried to change her opinion, but she didn’t want to see reason. Her only goal was to shatter the status quo. But given the political situation, the alliance would have meant certain war. It would have destroyed Hochberg and turned us into ground zero of a war between Aerie and whatever remained after Vier and Thich were done with Jeng. But Greta didn’t care. In her mind, she was taking the side of the victors.”

Tianna grabbed her Matriarch’s shoulder and slowly turned the chair until Vanya was facing her. “But what you did didn’t prevent the war. It was high treason.”

Vanya’s bodyguard stepped forward but the girl raised a hand to stop her. “Technically, I would argue Greta committed treason first. If we had followed Greta’s path, Hochberg would be a battlefield now. The Aerie fleet wouldn’t have passed us by. Not if it would have meant leaving an enemy at their back. I might have chosen a path with a less certain future, but I can’t see any scenario at this point in which Hochberg would be turned into the frontline of an all-out war. Look at Jeng. They held out till now, but their home is lost!”

The matriarch deflated in her chair. “I had to prevent total war for the good of our people. So I removed Greta from her position in the only way possible. No matter what you might think, Greta’s idea of teaming up three against two wouldn’t have ended in a decisive victory. Yes, Jeng would have been destroyed either way, but it is unrealistic to think they would have just disappeared off the map. Thousands would have died, hardening those who remained even more. Thich and Vier would have been bound up in an endless guerilla war against Jeng survivors. And while they might have sent us enough support to ultimately beat back Aerie’s fleets of airships, our people would have suffered for it. Not to mention the hubris of thinking Mount Aerie could be taken so easily. They are dug in within their caves at least as deep as our fortress city.”

The girl’s eyes hardened while she looked at Tianna. “Sadly, we will still have a war. But the only thing I care about is that it isn’t fought in our streets!”

Tianna stepped back, looking shocked and lost for words.

I chuckled, then laughed. “I actually like that one. Greta axed herself when she took that girl under her wing.”

Astra slowly raised her hand. “I am sorry, but I think we got a little off-topic. Not that Hochberg’s internal affairs are not of interest, but what has Gurney to do with this conflict and the ancients?”

I turned my attention to Astra. “For that, you first have to understand the timeline. Earth indeed abandoned the colonies to start their experimental research. But for the first few hundred years, little of actual value was achieved. It was the dark time during which the colonists barely managed to survive as little more than prey animals.

Felix continued the story. “Things got better when scientists created the first iteration of the recombination virus, but it was crude compared to what exists now. The success rate was too low to call it anything but an abomination. Though, it allowed the founding and rise of great Clans as we know them today. It was only some five hundred years ago that a genius bioengineer invented the nanotech capable of controlling a new iteration of the recombination virus. Controlling the virus via nanotech allowed him to prevent unwanted mutations, even if the process still wasn’t perfect.”

I grinned and raised a finger. “But Gurney Camacho was a genius beyond what was good for him – a savant even. A man of such intellect was dangerous to Earth’s rulers. And when he managed to create immortality through the starfish mutation… well… you can imagine. Everyone wanted a piece of him.”

There was nothing those with power would have stopped at to gain this secret.

Felix took over. “Gurney took his research and escaped through the wormhole to Tirnanog. He hid and it worked for a few decades. Nonetheless, he knew it was only a question of time. And so he handcrafted a loyal group of protectors. Twenty paired people with extraordinary abilities. A group you call the ancients – loyal to him and only him at the time. Though, the term ‘ancient’ has been muddled over the centuries. Others not part of our original group gained the title through luck, power and age.”

“But nothing lasts forever.” I raised a finger as I continued the story. “Earth eventually figured out his whereabouts and it kicked off the clan wars. The history you know about is still true. Earth had been expanding their hold over the colonies for decades in an attempt to regain total control. But finding out the key to immortality lay hidden on Tirnanog, it was the final spark of temptation for them.”

Felix shook his head. “We were loyal to Gurney, but he was a scientist through and through. As long as he could continue his work, he couldn’t have cared less about how many died around him. It took us years, but we finally realized that a war with Earth couldn’t be won. Not as long as they could send their people through the wormholes without giving us a chance to retaliate.”

He took a deep breath. “It cost us dearly, but we finally managed to bring Earth to the negotiating table. In turn for peace, we sold them Gurney’s research, though Earth’s elites ultimately couldn’t care less about returning such a dangerous man to their fold. They were happy with leaving him stranded here on Tirnanog once they had their immortality.”

“Nonetheless, those of Gurney’s guard who remained had their eyes opened to the man’s true nature,” Felix finished the story bitterly. “And worse, knowing the temptation, we couldn’t leave him to his own devices, or in the hands of anyone who might be tempted to use his abilities. We too had changed over the years, influenced by the societies we lived in and our experiences. We were no longer of one mind when it came to how things should be handled. Hence, we exiled him to the Old Camp. Out of the hands of any of the great Clans and without the resources to continue his research.”

“Then how many of the ancients remain?” Vanya asked. “I have seen you two break the Thich siege almost on your own. Can we expect Thich to field their own warriors of such skill? You handled Zacharias reasonably well, but what about others?”

Felix shook his head. “Zacharias isn’t a true fighter, though he can hold his own. His main power is his primary mutation which turns him into something of a planarian flatworm. Cut off a piece and it regrows into a whole new ‘Zach’. It’s like the bastard can clone himself with his memories intact. Though, there has to be a limit to it because I have never seen more than ten of him at once.”

I frowned. “I know of two who are living in the Mycelium, though it has been centuries since we talked. Greta is gone, and you know Zach who is working with Thich. There may be two on Vier’s side and one more in Thich’s territory, though whether she is with them is questionable. This makes eight ancients with Felix and me. As for the reason why only Zacharias led the attack on Jeng, the others might be trying to recruit the remaining ancients who haven’t picked a side.”

Juliana looked worried and said in a questioning tone. “This sounds… bad?”

I played with a lock of my hair as I considered it. “It’s bad if they agree, but not as bad as you might think. Gurney ensured our abilities would be beyond compare, but we are hardly invulnerable. Greta’s hubris ensured a kid could take her down.”

Felix glared at me. “The ‘hardly invulnerable’ might be questionable when it comes to you.”

One of the paladins pointed at the map. “All this is good to know, grandfather, but hardly of immediate importance right now. Could we concentrate on the real issue at hand and figure out whether there is a chance of securing Gurney?”

***Tirnanog, Mount Aerie***

***Astra***

“Come on, come on!” Thalia pulled me out of the wagon and gave the driver a thumbs up.

My head was still spinning from the meeting I listened to earlier this morning, and so I had allowed myself to be swept up in my friend’s antics.

Knowing he was no longer needed, the driver used the steering leashes to urge his molerats forward and drove down the central trade tunnel.

Meanwhile, Thalia shook me excitedly. “I have pulled some strings to get us this opportunity and I don't want to waste it. You have no idea how hard it is to get a personal appointment with decent craftsmen during times of war.”

“Is this one of these famous shopping trips I have heard about?” Iv asked while Thalia guided us towards the front of some business which was proudly showing off a sign portraying needles and scissors, drawn with luminescent paint. Beneath the pictograph, it claimed a family name even I recognized. ‘Brien’, the second strata’s elders who pretty much controlled all of Aerie’s manufacture-related businesses.

I let out an exasperated sigh. “Thalia, you know that I haven't bought a single piece of clothing in... forever. I just don't need... whatever it is you want to procure.”

“Don't think of this as a mere shopping trip!” Thalia shot back. “This is a social event for our clique! Besides, you already got your guy, so shut up! You should be the one rooting for Iv and me and give us tips! Didn't I give you helpful advice with Magnus?”

I grumbled, unwilling to admit Thalia's support had indeed positively influenced my decision-making.

“What was that?” Thalia used a finger to tilt her ear towards me. “I couldn't hear you?”

I sighed. There was no point in fighting a lost battle. “Of course, I am going to help where I can.”

Iv nodded.

“But seriously,” I babbled, unable to help myself. “I don't get what clothes have to do with the two of you being unable to get your men to nail you. Why don't you just rip off their pants and hop on for a ride? It worked perfectly fine with Magnus.”

“Oh, by the goddess!” Iv covered her ears. “I don't have to know this about my brother! I am beginning to think it was a bad idea to tag along.”

Thalia slapped Iv's hands down. “Don't be a prude! We are about to shop for the secret of eroding any man's sanity. There is no place for false shame and propriety.”

“What's that?” I asked. “The thing which can erode a man’s sanity?”

“Lingerie!” Thalia and Iv answered in unison as I was dragged into the tailor's shop where an employee stood ready to receive us. After Thalia gave her name, we were led to a private booth.

I frowned when we entered the room which was filled with wooden dolls presenting various underwear. Very risqué underwear.

Iv was immediately drawn towards something black and lacy while Thalia explained her wishes to a female attendant who had been already waiting for us.

As I looked around the room, I asked myself why all of this 'dressing up' was necessary. I mean, Thalia trying to get herself a partner was fine and all, but I really couldn’t see the point. If Thalia truly desired Mark I wouldn't be above holding him down for her.

Okay, maybe I wouldn't go that far. That would be rape, but maybe I could ask Magnus to find out what the problem was? After all, Mark was Magnus's friend. Getting some insider knowledge about what Mark liked was fair play.

Still, one had to ask the question.

“Are you sure just getting naked didn't work?” I asked. “Maybe Mark and Hector are... defective?”

The suggestion earned me exasperated looks from all the women in the room.

“What? It's a valid question!” If the mutation match was valid and the two people didn't hate each other, then what reason was there to wait? If Thalia and Iv had to go to actual lengths to seduce their partners, then wasn't there a deeper matchmaking problem which had to be addressed?

Thalia scoffed at me. “Excuse me, Astra, but your Magnus is a bit of a simpleton. As are you.” She looked towards Iv. “No offence to your brother. Being a simpleton can be a good thing! I wish Mark was a simpleton.”

Iv shrugged. “None taken. He kind of is a little 'caveman-ish'. There is no denying it.”

I crossed my arms in front of my chest. “Hey! Just because Magnus and I used rational thinking as the basis of our relationship doesn't mean we are stupid! We simply decided to build our future on a firm foundation.”

“Not stupid,” Thalia corrected. “I said simple. Just because you prefer a simple solution doesn't mean you are stupid. Which works perfectly for the two of you. Besides, I am doing much the same. When I tested my compatibility with Mark, I got back an 80% match! That's a very good result!”

Iv frowned. “There is a test for what? Why haven't I heard of it before?”

Thalia gestured in a so-so motion. “It's not a reliable test and admittedly very much experimental, given the limited medical resources we have access to. I am trying to use sperm cells and female eggs to judge beforehand whether two potential partners might end up fertile. My current approach is to statistically correlate a successful partnering process by looking at how many times successful fertilization occurs with a given sample size. With Mark's sperm and my egg cells, eight attempts worked perfectly fine and only two were unsuccessful.”

“How did you get his sperm and are not partnered yet?” I asked. “Is there a story I want to hear about?”

“How would you get the eggs?” Iv asked.

“I am trying to bond with Mark the right way to ensure a future relationship,” Thalia answered me and turned to address Iv. “With a needle of course.” She mimed the process. “Just one poke and it's done. I rarely miss.”

Iv paled. “No, thanks. I would rather try my luck. Too young for kids anyway.”

“Oh, don’t worry, you poor fool,” Thalia patted Iv’s back and turned to face the attendant whose expression was a bit stiff after listening to us. My friend explained what she needed to the attendant who listened patiently before suggesting various getups she thought would work for Thalia.

While Thalia and Iv talked to the attendant about their wishes, I went to one of the displays and picked out one of the tamer-looking panties. Until I realized it had a slit right where it mattered.

Why would a woman put on clothes which didn't serve their function? Rolling my eyes, I dropped the thing back down. Oh, I understood the point of sexy underwear perfectly fine, also the likely purpose of the slit. I wasn’t stupid, but I just didn't need all this stuff.

When I turned around, Iv and Thalia were right in the middle of trying on some underwear sets and the attendant was smiling at me.

“Can I help you?” she asked. “Seeing your hair, I would suggest something black. But with the scintillating red mixed in we could try a combination of red and black to shake things up.”

I pursed my lips and considered a diplomatic answer, but then decided against it. “Not really.”

“Come on,” Thalia said while putting on a bra barely capable of holding back those udders of hers. “At least try to play along.”

Ok, I freely admitted, I was sometimes jealous of her size. Mine weren't as magnificent, but unlike Thalia's, they didn't need support and held firm on their own. And Magnus always assured me they were perfect when he buried his face in them.

The attendant smiled while she sized me up. “How about it? With your hair, you could try one of our exotic pieces! We have one with shimmering red drake scales. If you would get out of your dress we could try some...”

I stretched my hands demonstratively above my head and rearranged my filaments.

First I drew most of them back to my spine and wove the excess into a flaring, multi-layered skirt which left my front open. A few filaments were enough to copy one of the more lascivious bikinis.

Thalia always chided me for preferring styles which covered my entire body. But the fact of the matter was, all those filaments had to go somewhere and anything else besides wide, multi-layered clothes ended up plain out of balance or looking weird if I tried to show some skin.

The colour wasn't something I could influence, but I could adjust the fit in a way which was simply impossible with normal clothing.

Looking down at myself, I made sure the filaments pulled and pushed my tits up and together just the right way to make them seem bigger. From experience, I knew exactly what turned Magnus into an absolute animal. Also, to give them that perfect little squeeze which made men wonder what might be hidden in between.

Then I added my own touch to the bikini by withdrawing some filaments to show more without revealing anything. Very much unlike those tasteless panties.

Deciding to draw just a little bit more inspiration from my surroundings, I also allowed for just a little bit of under-boob to show.

As for panties, I went for simple and skin-tight, but not indecently so while having them emphasize my hips.

I looked back up at the three women who had been ogling my demonstration and ran a hand through my hair, throwing it out behind me. “What do you think? Just so you know, if you want them to turn into mindless beasts with the single goal of ravishing you, you just have to do this.”

Winking, I blew a kiss at them and swung my hips to a little drumbeat I had in my head. With the other hand, I swung a few filaments behind me in an infinity symbol and flared my bio-luminescence to draw their eyes to the jiggly selling points of this performance.

The attendant looked like she was about to faint. “That's just... so unfair!”

Thalia shook her head. “You know... I hate you. I really do! Why can't you put on some actual clothes for once and suffer the same misery the rest of us womenfolk have to endure?”

Iv had the panties she had been holding balled up between her hands and glared at me. “No wonder my brother couldn't keep it in his pants! You are the devil, Astra.”

She pointed at the attendant. “You!”

The woman turned around. “Yes?”

Iv pointed at me. “I want something just like that!”

“Ahem...” The flustered woman looked between Iv and the bikini I had improvised just moments ago.

I narrowed my eyes. “Not that I ever need underwear, but isn't this stealing of intellectual property?”

Thalia nodded. “Maybe. But I don't care! I was the one who suggested you do the sexy dance in the first place, so want one too!”

“Aaah...” The attendant looked like she was in real trouble now.

I scratched my chin. “I don't know how I feel about you two running around in underwear which my partner likes.”