08-08-2014, 04:13 AM
"Michael," he replied, taking Connor's hand.
The American took him to a little place called Zobrotya's Bistro tucked away in a snug corner. The other patrons were few and respected quiet conversation, keeping to themselves.
Connor led him to a table and it's strategic positioning was not lost on him. Even with the blazing power of the Gods, a mere mortal could still put a bullet through his head at any moment.
Michael listened without speaking as Connor's tale unravelled before him. Most he had gathered from what he had said before, but hearing the blunt reality was sobering by how little he reacted. Connor was as melancholy as any parent would be, and Michael was barely moved.
It was not that he didn't care. He wouldn't even be here if that were the case. It wasn't the power-induced calm either. Outside of the bubble his emotions barely stirred. He had come to expect stories like this - and far worse.
That fact caused him more unease than Connor's story and the unease was rife with irony. The way things were going, the Atharim would be the ones who created the monsters they despised and they would get no sympathy from him.
The troubling thought was abruptly cut from his mind when Connor produced a jump drive.
"Here. These are their targets, their 'reborn gods.' It's evidence of it all."
Michael stared for a moment before taking the drive. His first thought was satisfaction, but his mind explored the danger and opportunity.
How would they react to the breach? Acting sluggishly could put lives in danger if the Atharim decided to take swift action to stop their targets from being snatched away.
Or they could fade away into obscurity if he acted too fast. A knife was far more dangerous in the dark than the one you saw coming.
Two breakthroughs in as many days. It was almost impossible to believe. In fact, one could have said it was too good to be true. Although he believed both Aria and Connor, he could not afford to trust too lightly.
The more he thought about it the potential disasters revealed themselves and hung like a weight around his neck, all before he had even seen the data. It would have been kinder to have destroyed the list before he had ever heard of it but Michael would have it no other way. It was a challenge worth accepting.
Eventually, he gathered himself and returned his attention to Connor. Much of what he wanted to say and explain to the man was pushed aside by immediate necessity. "This information is invaluable,"
he struggled to find words amidst the churning of his mind expanding upon possibilities and actions. "And what do you want from this? I cannot give you any assurances. If you know about them, then they likely know about you. If they ever find out, your life in in danger."
He paused, getting nowhere. "I am grateful for this information, truly, but it is a dangerous gift, and it could spark something that may be worse."
The American took him to a little place called Zobrotya's Bistro tucked away in a snug corner. The other patrons were few and respected quiet conversation, keeping to themselves.
Connor led him to a table and it's strategic positioning was not lost on him. Even with the blazing power of the Gods, a mere mortal could still put a bullet through his head at any moment.
Michael listened without speaking as Connor's tale unravelled before him. Most he had gathered from what he had said before, but hearing the blunt reality was sobering by how little he reacted. Connor was as melancholy as any parent would be, and Michael was barely moved.
It was not that he didn't care. He wouldn't even be here if that were the case. It wasn't the power-induced calm either. Outside of the bubble his emotions barely stirred. He had come to expect stories like this - and far worse.
That fact caused him more unease than Connor's story and the unease was rife with irony. The way things were going, the Atharim would be the ones who created the monsters they despised and they would get no sympathy from him.
The troubling thought was abruptly cut from his mind when Connor produced a jump drive.
"Here. These are their targets, their 'reborn gods.' It's evidence of it all."
Michael stared for a moment before taking the drive. His first thought was satisfaction, but his mind explored the danger and opportunity.
How would they react to the breach? Acting sluggishly could put lives in danger if the Atharim decided to take swift action to stop their targets from being snatched away.
Or they could fade away into obscurity if he acted too fast. A knife was far more dangerous in the dark than the one you saw coming.
Two breakthroughs in as many days. It was almost impossible to believe. In fact, one could have said it was too good to be true. Although he believed both Aria and Connor, he could not afford to trust too lightly.
The more he thought about it the potential disasters revealed themselves and hung like a weight around his neck, all before he had even seen the data. It would have been kinder to have destroyed the list before he had ever heard of it but Michael would have it no other way. It was a challenge worth accepting.
Eventually, he gathered himself and returned his attention to Connor. Much of what he wanted to say and explain to the man was pushed aside by immediate necessity. "This information is invaluable,"
he struggled to find words amidst the churning of his mind expanding upon possibilities and actions. "And what do you want from this? I cannot give you any assurances. If you know about them, then they likely know about you. If they ever find out, your life in in danger."
He paused, getting nowhere. "I am grateful for this information, truly, but it is a dangerous gift, and it could spark something that may be worse."
"She saw a flaring halo around his head, radiant in gold and blue. It shouted of glory and power to come"
"No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it."