The remaining CICs just stood there in silence for a few moments. Although they didn't have ears capable of ringing, the residual dissonance of Sammy's scream continued to cause minor distortions in their projections.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDr09SWuXV
"Well done." Bethany said, glaring at Cristlyn.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnF7kTZ58Z
"Hey, it's not my fault she's such a crybaby! I mean, come on! Everyone knows CICs can't use magic, right?"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIKuZxFGTH
"Is she gonna do it?" Alaina asked fearfully.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzl1zuUvYS
"Do what?" Jocelyn asked, her projection finally settling.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡqag6hAZgG8
"Get mom."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvR0ZQyExs
Snorting, Cristlyn said, "Yeah, well ... so what if she does? I mean, it's not like she's really our mother. She just programmed us, that's all."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡm61H8Ac25a
Despite her words, Bethany could tell Cristlyn was bluffing. CICs were created to succeed the bio-form Glyche after years of tampering with their genetic code left them sterile. With a few exceptions, the bio-form Glyche considered the artificial Glyche not as servants or helpers, but as their children and the evolution of their kind.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwlaDCLDTr
Angela had created each of them for Thomas Desygan's secret project. She had compiled their code, programmed their basic functions, and shared her own experiences with them to help them develop into the CICs they now were. She had every right to call herself their mother as far as Bethany was concerned.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9WCaWtIA0
"I dunno." Alaina said, "Maybe we should cut the call."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX7cEfMQiS
Cristlyn closed her eyes, only to open them a moment later in panic. "I can't cut the connection."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cpmn2Z9FS
"What?" Jocelyn appeared to try to disconnect as well, with the same level of success. "W-what's going on?"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr1x3ctxU4
The chamber shifted to a central core they all recognized: the central core that was in the heart of the nation of Ronisgald. Staring around the room that contained their earliest memories, it didn't take long for the sisters to spot their mother, Angela, kneeling in front of Samantha beside the comm control panel. Her hologram was translucent and glowing, an appearance popular with the CICs at the time of her creation. She had other holograms, of course, but clearly preferred the 'digital angel' look. Bethany couldn't blame her; it definitely made an impression.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡy51FhGV4xd
"There there." Angela said, hugging Samantha. "You're sister's just grumpy, that's all."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyqmVNoVW4
"S-she said I could n-never be a w-w-wizard."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxvP5z1z6W
"Yes, well it's not up to her now, is it? You just keep watching the Seed and who knows? You might just be the best sorceress of them all!"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡEE2GkkmfoU
Samantha wiped the tears from her simulated cheek, her blue eyes hopeful. "Really?'copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlsTIoH6jE
Smiling Angela tapped Samantha on the tip of her nose. "Really. Now be a good girl and run along back to Naidyr. I need to have a word with your sisters."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7cGXhfZRm
"'Kay. I love you, mommy." Samantha gave Angela another hug before vanishing, her intelligence presumably returning to her home facility.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡVv0YbliyAH
Angela's smile faded as she turned her gaze on the assembled CICs. Alaina looked like she was trying to hide behind Jocelyn's shoulder, Cristlyn had her hands on her hips and a defiant expression on her face, and Bethany looked how she felt: nervous. She hadn't done anything wrong, but she couldn't shake the feeling that somehow the blame was going to get shifted to her.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡs33VXLjESD
"So." Angela said, her hologram shifting from the glowing 'digital angel' look to a more realistic image that of an attractive-looking Galden woman wearing a nice, if a bit austere dress. Cristlyn called it her 'grumpy librarian' persona, and the look on Angela's face certainly seemed to fit that description.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3KuJHMZGD
Putting her hands on her hips, Angela said, "Who started this?"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC8mAjHTSi
Cristlyn, Alaina, and Jocelyn immediately pointed to Bethany, who despite her expectation of such an outcome was still taken aback.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡAklEfiqyXi
"I just made the call!" Bethany said, "Cristlyn's the one who said Sammy couldn't be a wizard."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfmWK6Ew5l
Shooting Bethany a dirty look, Cristlyn said, "Hey, I'm just telling her the truth. I've already got one sister with her head always in the clouds."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡarXiOyCvsu
"Hey!" Alaina and Jocelyn said. They exchanged glances in confusion until Cristlyn sighed and said, "Fine. Two daydreamers."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3O9H3s7Cp
"At least I take care of my responsibilities." Jocelyn said. "Or did you think I didn't notice the props and special effects you're providing for the movies have been getting progressively worse?"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOFMLpSqWY
Cristlyn's nostrils flared. "I've made everything to the very letter. Is it my fault the damn producers can't get their heads out of their-"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6qJpei1JK
"That's enough!" Angela said, her voice sharp.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxNkHvo9C1
Silence fell over the chamber, broken only by the occasional whoosh of one of the rings circling the core.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3QePBEI2B
Angela let out a sigh and rubbed her eyes. "I don't expect you all to agree, but in the very least you need to be civil to your sisters."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNI7x7lP95
Cristlyn threw up her hands. "Fine! Whatever! Sammy can be a damn wizard if she wants! I mean, it's not like there's no record of any artificial construct ever using even the simplest of magic. Just because we can't even learn the teachable stuff like alchemy and streaming shouldn't stop her from her thaumaturgical aspirations!"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFCnZjSotv
"Enough." Angela said, rubbing her forehead. "I know her chances aren't good-"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2yfhoRW6T
"Aren't existent, you mean."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNGgVeng3w
"-but she's young. Letting her dream a little isn't going to hurt anyone. Can you at least let her have a little fantasy for a century or two before bogging her down with reality?"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDcY1biUzL
Sighing, Cristlyn said, "Fine. If it keeps her from screaming, whatever."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZOZe5n52u
"Cristlyn ..." Sighing, Angela waved her hand at the comm console.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAiGQdUetX
Bethany heard Cristlyn mutter, "Finally" before vanishing from the chamber.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPBXOD86yI
Seeing Angela's expression fall, Bethany said, "She's a little high-strung. Living in Wukice must be stressful."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYHGXWMl2O
"I know. Still, she's been so distant since we stopped Kikrieeg. I've tried talking to her about it, but she just blows me off."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1o7HfkBtO
"Me too." Bethany admitted. "I guess I can't blame her for being upset, considering how close he came to succeeding. Still, it's over now. She's fine, Sammy's fine, we're all fine." She paused and added, "Thanks to you and Ethan."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeEbbsPkyn
Angela gave her daughter a hug. "I'm just glad you're all safe, sweetie." Stepping back, she turned to Alaina and said, "I hear you're going into the hotel business."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qmL7kITFK
"What? Me? Uh ... I mean, it's not a business, business." She toyed with her fingers, a sure sign that she was nervous. "Sometimes, people walking along the road need a break, and who needs a tent, right? It's not like I charge them or anything. I'm just trying to-"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuL7CtmX5Q
"Alaina!" Angela said, her voice raised not in anger but amusement. "It's okay. I'm glad you're helping people. I know it must be lonely out there, so far from any of the Wenapaj settlements. If you'd like, I might be able to put in a word with some of the travel agencies in Wenapaj."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡME4qPgTFBs
"You don't have to do that." Alaina said. "I mean, thanks for the offer, but I'm sure the people will come pouring in soon. Speaking of, I'd better get back to work on my new sign."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ESoqZI8To
Alaina gave Angela a peck on the cheek before vanishing.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCTEJv86td
Angela let out a sigh, a concerned look on her face.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfR0GHhAmS
"It's okay, mother." Jocelyn said, "She just wants to make it on her own, and knowing her, I'm sure she'll get there one day. Maybe not with that sign, but she'll get there eventually."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pxUNXUw5O
"I know." Smiling again, Angela asked, "And how is your search for an Inheritor going?"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXqNCajKgN
"Fine." Jocelyn said just a bit too quickly. "I mean, I'm reviewing possible candidates. It's an important decision."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡXc2PdJwujT
"It is important." Angela said, "And Creator knows I want the best for you. Still, remember that you're not necessarily looking for perfection."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡnliUg6RbDW
"That's right." Bethany said, trying to be helpful. "I mean, you're just looking for an Inheritor. It's not like you're gonna marry the guy or gal."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xUqlxBFiR
Jocelyn's face went red. Very red. "Um, right. Well, I guess I'd better be on my way. Goodbye mother."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf3v4hfBMz
She hugged Angela before turning to Bethany and giving her a hug as well. "Goodbye Bethany. We should talk again sometime ... perhaps without Cristlyn next time."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaVN4cUVnx
"Sure." Bethany said. After Jocelyn vanished, she let out a sigh.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡSo5NPrlq7D
"What's wrong, sweetie?" Angela asked, a concerned look on her face. "Is everything all right?"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzSl5XDlzp
"Yeah, everything's going perfect." Bethany said. "Jimmy and Terra are expecting again."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4zPSE1MAp
"Twins?"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡksNqgCRB2Y
"Too early to say. Smokes has finally stopped blowing up my labs, Mick and Jenna are doing great work cultivating the new gardens, and we got the instability with the Minuet Tower Portal figured out. Everything's working just great."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡeky7GE5jZE
She tried to turn away, but Angela just appeared in front of her and gently put a hand on her cheek. "I'm not speaking of the Saybaro. I want to know if you are okay."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡITJiJCWKpw
"Fine. I'm fine." Bethany said just a little too quickly.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJZX9gA1SD
Angela gave her a knowing look. After a few moments, Bethany sighed and said, "I'm listless. Everything's going well ... too well. I feel like there's nothing left for me to take care of, and it's driving me crazy."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6YyeEckXb
Angela said nothing as Bethany continued, "I need ... something! Some project to give me purpose! I ..."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡYG5IZOkWyJ
Bethany stopped. Angela was listening intently to her, not a trace of surprise on her face.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJtsHDJhEB
"You ... you knew this would happen?"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEITcXyphv
"I've been expecting it, yes. Ever since Mick left her last evolution pod. She was your big project, your sole purpose of being, and now she's all grown up. I can't help but notice that she's been spending almost all of her time with Jenna lately."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgcFYbuj73
"I ..." Bethany let out a sigh and sat down against the railing surrounding her mother's core. "Yes, they have. They don't think I've noticed, but I've seen them together late at night, whispering to each other in the shadows. They think I'll be angry."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AMw3t9MLO
"Are you?"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHs6BE493l
"Of course not!" Bethany said. "Jenna's a wonderful woman and a great core unit, and they're always so happy when they're together. It's just ... "copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEBRkz3OTa
"Yes?"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWKDsO7CBS
Bethany looked at Angela, unable to contain it any longer. "They're talking about leaving. Sometimes it's Ircandesta, sometimes it's the Cleftan region. Mom, what if they leave? I spent my whole life keeping Mick safe. Without her, what is there for me to do?"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZAS6bxakB
She didn't resist as Angela guided her projection into a comforting embrace. Bethany never bothered programming her hologram to cry, something she found herself regretting as she rested in her mother's arms.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0f6RAGUoz
"I felt the same way when I had to let each of you go, sweetie." She murmured, smoothing Bethany's hair. "It hurts, I know. Every time, it felt a little worse. When you all went into hibernation, it was the worst feeling I've ever experienced. I didn't know if I'd ever see any of my dear sweet daughters again."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gwQTZE1Bf
She made Bethany look up into her smiling face. "Mick may not stay at the Saybaro forever, but she'll always be a part of you, even if she never returns. Just as you helped her grow and develop, so too did she change you. That's something that you'll never lose."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2fuUlFsw0
Bethany smiled and hugged Angela tightly. "Thanks, Mom."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡ311j8TTPOh
"It's nothing, sweetie."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTxVJrUotv
They sat there for a few long moments before the comm alert sounded. Angela glanced at the panel and frowned.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnyTStfyVL
"Mother?" Bethany asked, following Angela's gaze.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZMAiVtcKh
"I'd better take that." Angela said, slipping away from Bethany. "I hate to send you away, but-"copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9a24UuZiX
"It's okay." Bethany said, rising to her feet. "I should probably get back anyway."copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXk3Qdw5Lr
They shared one final hug before Bethany transferred herself back to the Saybaro.copyright protection289ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkrDUKynWj
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