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.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sKd0BAF2n 維尼
"Well done." Bethany said, glaring at Cristlyn.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡExF0tUq5su 維尼
"Hey, it's not my fault she's such a crybaby! I mean, come on! Everyone knows CICs can't use magic, right?"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSQTv0n8V9 維尼
"Is she gonna do it?" Alaina asked fearfully.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD5WU3r3Tx 維尼
"Do what?" Jocelyn asked, her projection finally settling.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLztvqvzuL 維尼
"Get mom."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡTA3JEZ2aPz 維尼
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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3Nqmb0i8d 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡPP8toRHW7d 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk8xjiHLe8 維尼
"I dunno." Alaina said, "Maybe we should cut the call."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyJE0TeAWP 維尼
Cristlyn closed her eyes, only to open them a moment later in panic. "I can't cut the connection."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYZJzB0WDC 維尼
"What?" Jocelyn appeared to try to disconnect as well, with the same level of success. "W-what's going on?"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡshxnVD5CBQ 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72iquWTqKa 維尼
"There there." Angela said, hugging Samantha. "You're sister's just grumpy, that's all."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡh72CUjURT6 維尼
"S-she said I could n-never be a w-w-wizard."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iB6UKAhsT 維尼
"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!"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqNvNuPi2a 維尼
Samantha wiped the tears from her simulated cheek, her blue eyes hopeful. "Really?'8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡW84QjMeiTW 維尼
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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHyRklaYMo 維尼
"'Kay. I love you, mommy." Samantha gave Angela another hug before vanishing, her intelligence presumably returning to her home facility.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeaC34snkj 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxgQ8jB6UR 維尼
"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.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIFwuMlVna 維尼
Putting her hands on her hips, Angela said, "Who started this?"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjW9AMeHOm 維尼
Cristlyn, Alaina, and Jocelyn immediately pointed to Bethany, who despite her expectation of such an outcome was still taken aback.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFhfU5tYA3 維尼
"I just made the call!" Bethany said, "Cristlyn's the one who said Sammy couldn't be a wizard."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53ETlDj3ho 維尼
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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡbACFZNYRJ5 維尼
"Hey!" Alaina and Jocelyn said. They exchanged glances in confusion until Cristlyn sighed and said, "Fine. Two daydreamers."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡKW5KpEFFXr 維尼
"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?"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoG8n231ws 維尼
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-"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSmnRoDori 維尼
"That's enough!" Angela said, her voice sharp.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2x8Rj4432 維尼
Silence fell over the chamber, broken only by the occasional whoosh of one of the rings circling the core.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbS2Jfg99u 維尼
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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Iktf8Htcr 維尼
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!"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0meM6CQ64 維尼
"Enough." Angela said, rubbing her forehead. "I know her chances aren't good-"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh8Oi84OU5 維尼
"Aren't existent, you mean."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sbsghzKEZ 維尼
"-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?"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc98XgYeS9 維尼
Sighing, Cristlyn said, "Fine. If it keeps her from screaming, whatever."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp7n3GNQ2h 維尼
"Cristlyn ..." Sighing, Angela waved her hand at the comm console.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡuggTG4oXgY 維尼
Bethany heard Cristlyn mutter, "Finally" before vanishing from the chamber.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡmySK5J1HyM 維尼
Seeing Angela's expression fall, Bethany said, "She's a little high-strung. Living in Wukice must be stressful."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡgG0gL5yKjc 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡFID5ZtWU79 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wgxgYvfof 維尼
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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnQZ9znDIO 維尼
"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-"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCknazpmjf 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SmnL47Qv8 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmgm73fVqo 維尼
Alaina gave Angela a peck on the cheek before vanishing.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjYHMp4i66 維尼
Angela let out a sigh, a concerned look on her face.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfh7JlS6va 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjyID7tMaU 維尼
"I know." Smiling again, Angela asked, "And how is your search for an Inheritor going?"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvrosHUJan 維尼
"Fine." Jocelyn said just a bit too quickly. "I mean, I'm reviewing possible candidates. It's an important decision."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXPKX7KaX1 維尼
"It is important." Angela said, "And Creator knows I want the best for you. Still, remember that you're not necessarily looking for perfection."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EChiLT4hx 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFTsk7XC3A 維尼
Jocelyn's face went red. Very red. "Um, right. Well, I guess I'd better be on my way. Goodbye mother."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzKNokmiOz 維尼
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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7fDErbfLl 維尼
"Sure." Bethany said. After Jocelyn vanished, she let out a sigh.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNzwOOPHNO 維尼
"What's wrong, sweetie?" Angela asked, a concerned look on her face. "Is everything all right?"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡvua0eJEJ7U 維尼
"Yeah, everything's going perfect." Bethany said. "Jimmy and Terra are expecting again."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfOhKUjMlf 維尼
"Twins?"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FObp6xvye 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡFruopXHtk0 維尼
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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmRRGSarcv 維尼
"Fine. I'm fine." Bethany said just a little too quickly.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1mno61rNB 維尼
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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnIHPhQqFf 維尼
Angela said nothing as Bethany continued, "I need ... something! Some project to give me purpose! I ..."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAJj8v6JGI 維尼
Bethany stopped. Angela was listening intently to her, not a trace of surprise on her face.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5JaR8W0Ua 維尼
"You ... you knew this would happen?"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xfN97kF4z 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCwn0NmmKi 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6x2WZMZaI 維尼
"Are you?"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OEGSjtvyo 維尼
"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 ... "8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QzNTkO9t3 維尼
"Yes?"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fByCMK8sg 維尼
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?"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgztrDviGA 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwYZ2DZKQn 維尼
"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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZSzluMTjx 維尼
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."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq54CXOLuQ 維尼
Bethany smiled and hugged Angela tightly. "Thanks, Mom."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVIymcxNwb 維尼
"It's nothing, sweetie."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKYcgNaQ4k 維尼
They sat there for a few long moments before the comm alert sounded. Angela glanced at the panel and frowned.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kbnLauzCX 維尼
"Mother?" Bethany asked, following Angela's gaze.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX5RxfyDeD 維尼
"I'd better take that." Angela said, slipping away from Bethany. "I hate to send you away, but-"8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXDoMo8pkU 維尼
"It's okay." Bethany said, rising to her feet. "I should probably get back anyway."8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zNWUh3hbd 維尼
They shared one final hug before Bethany transferred herself back to the Saybaro.8964 copyright protection613ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgKBFlxwqG 維尼
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