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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T9ET7cF2s
"Well done." Bethany said, glaring at Cristlyn.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWdMnFKpBo
"Hey, it's not my fault she's such a crybaby! I mean, come on! Everyone knows CICs can't use magic, right?"copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7YTdUbxoI
"Is she gonna do it?" Alaina asked fearfully.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qCb5vjial
"Do what?" Jocelyn asked, her projection finally settling.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLiYxFDh5f
"Get mom."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxmFqzzC7X
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9oWltsFMD
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xoivWY9e3
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVBLA1laDs
"I dunno." Alaina said, "Maybe we should cut the call."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YCwUY0mDM
Cristlyn closed her eyes, only to open them a moment later in panic. "I can't cut the connection."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DkpWPlVZA
"What?" Jocelyn appeared to try to disconnect as well, with the same level of success. "W-what's going on?"copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡZovAa5Bvgf
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡYodBU8zVvc
"There there." Angela said, hugging Samantha. "You're sister's just grumpy, that's all."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvQ1UNRgIR
"S-she said I could n-never be a w-w-wizard."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHfmiqsTVI
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U6nw1v5W0
Samantha wiped the tears from her simulated cheek, her blue eyes hopeful. "Really?'copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEw8GqVyHE
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxlFUE5my1
"'Kay. I love you, mommy." Samantha gave Angela another hug before vanishing, her intelligence presumably returning to her home facility.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HWa4scAy9
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQN7ZuyU2f
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡysNU7Hyd37
Putting her hands on her hips, Angela said, "Who started this?"copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8ObjTDvtc
Cristlyn, Alaina, and Jocelyn immediately pointed to Bethany, who despite her expectation of such an outcome was still taken aback.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡE42sc1WKWY
"I just made the call!" Bethany said, "Cristlyn's the one who said Sammy couldn't be a wizard."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vqNqyvZLz
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60HVb0OPwi
"Hey!" Alaina and Jocelyn said. They exchanged glances in confusion until Cristlyn sighed and said, "Fine. Two daydreamers."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1am3Cz5yj2
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjxX7YwDXh
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4hUZsVOhr
"That's enough!" Angela said, her voice sharp.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iBtme2sNm
Silence fell over the chamber, broken only by the occasional whoosh of one of the rings circling the core.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡukG2iN0OrY
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E3nz3QuR8
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYqxsNMufz
"Enough." Angela said, rubbing her forehead. "I know her chances aren't good-"copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKUxNclO0M
"Aren't existent, you mean."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6rQu0TkuL
"-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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqKTYcGKGW
Sighing, Cristlyn said, "Fine. If it keeps her from screaming, whatever."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxHe5uqqir
"Cristlyn ..." Sighing, Angela waved her hand at the comm console.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5yEV2EPm9
Bethany heard Cristlyn mutter, "Finally" before vanishing from the chamber.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOzlHxxoie
Seeing Angela's expression fall, Bethany said, "She's a little high-strung. Living in Wukice must be stressful."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCL2QRwghO
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuTg8PjNFF
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡWguwBb48Am
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVY8YOZu5h
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOMd5U3oII
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EYybAJfIk
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5gzeeoeJu
Alaina gave Angela a peck on the cheek before vanishing.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2jhgocjMU
Angela let out a sigh, a concerned look on her face.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qz0oKA8Zj
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡtApJaDYzRH
"I know." Smiling again, Angela asked, "And how is your search for an Inheritor going?"copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mJoE0MQjz
"Fine." Jocelyn said just a bit too quickly. "I mean, I'm reviewing possible candidates. It's an important decision."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlqllP5WY5
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrGFbRi9q9
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvwATbAG2U
Jocelyn's face went red. Very red. "Um, right. Well, I guess I'd better be on my way. Goodbye mother."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNfG8Bweyu
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOVZt7QLgh
"Sure." Bethany said. After Jocelyn vanished, she let out a sigh.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7NsHGDinF
"What's wrong, sweetie?" Angela asked, a concerned look on her face. "Is everything all right?"copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDtrkB3QQB
"Yeah, everything's going perfect." Bethany said. "Jimmy and Terra are expecting again."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9qg9Tn0FE
"Twins?"copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBL53sMGK9
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXMPo6qsXh
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hquxAnVA3
"Fine. I'm fine." Bethany said just a little too quickly.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSEkXHNJoy
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKvFzUM0mJ
Angela said nothing as Bethany continued, "I need ... something! Some project to give me purpose! I ..."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡhr1IVziiuT
Bethany stopped. Angela was listening intently to her, not a trace of surprise on her face.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4L0pJHdt5
"You ... you knew this would happen?"copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmPh2pbPpy
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGZAoU9HdE
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzJlz85hmy
"Are you?"copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7UdoXCAM1
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lI7V724Of
"Yes?"copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoPsKpBPHX
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡo45ihufU52
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdnEliMnnA
"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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6ZtzJTazA
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 protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XEegWJwRO
Bethany smiled and hugged Angela tightly. "Thanks, Mom."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN1VsneeLB
"It's nothing, sweetie."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpIOShyLs8
They sat there for a few long moments before the comm alert sounded. Angela glanced at the panel and frowned.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡmB51PlYySP
"Mother?" Bethany asked, following Angela's gaze.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqDom5LAkw
"I'd better take that." Angela said, slipping away from Bethany. "I hate to send you away, but-"copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9WTYObwAD
"It's okay." Bethany said, rising to her feet. "I should probably get back anyway."copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXfKY46WDY
They shared one final hug before Bethany transferred herself back to the Saybaro.copyright protection198ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0opoKvalP
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