Chapter 16

The final resting place of the regents was a tranquil and sacred space. Here, all regents since the close of the age of Endless Schism were entombed after taking their last breaths. Xivthar experienced a flutter of anxiety at being there, but reined it in before it could reveal itself through his skin color.

As he steered the craft to the shore, he extinguished the running lights. The cavern was lit by eternal flames, tended over a millennia by the monks who lived here. He docked the craft, then helped Dr. Cohen onto land.

She seemed to be taking in her surroundings, her eyes wide and drawing him in. The caves had been old when his world was still new, and their age was reflected in the formations encircling them. Towering stalagmites sprouted around them, as did stalactites that almost reached the cave floor, formed over eons by tiny drops of water.

The firelight reflected off their smooth surfaces, creating the illusion that the entire cave was aflame. The glow reached her eyes, which were wide with wonder.

"This is amazing. What is this place?" she asked, her voice a near whisper.

"The resting place of the regents." His tone was also quiet. Something about the place demanded reverence. "It's the tomb of all the past regents, and one day I'll join them here."

The thought caused a chill to dance down his spine. It was strange to wander around the place he'd spend his eternity while he was still among the living. It always made him nervous to visit here. Still he did, at least once a turn.

"Why did you bring me here? It's creepy."

At that moment a loud moan echoed through the cavern.

"What was that?" she asked, moving closer to him.

Her unconscious motion filled his chest with a strange heat. The need to protect his little Earthling female rose up within him. She seemed to trust him enough to protect her, which was a good feeling. He realized how much he wanted to be something to her – protector would work for now.

"Wind. There are thousands of small holes that run through the cave system. Some of them reach the surface." He stroked her hair gently. "There's nothing to be afraid of."

She peered up at him, her eyes frightened. "I wish I could believe you, but this place is spooky."

He led them to the Hall of Spirits, the moan getting louder as they approached. Sylvie buried her face in his arm, so he put his arm around her, letting off a small chuckle. She had reason to be a bit timid. He was half scared of the place, too.

Her nearness was exciting, her touch sending tingles running through his body. Still, it was a dangerous time to give in to his desire. Otherwise he'd pull her into his arms and—

"Welcome, Supreme One." The voice echoed through the entranceway to the Hall.

The professor started at his side, and he tightened his hold on her.

Pushing away his own budding anxiety, he concentrated on stilling his heart. He glanced back at his guards, noting that each of them were still light green. Serene. Placid.

Apparently this place was only eerie to him. Him and the dainty female, who was trembling at his side.

They entered the shadowy Hall of Spirits and approached the single fire that illuminated the chamber.

"Who... who spoke when we came in?" Her voice was shaky, her eyes darting back and forth into the gloom.

"The Spirits."

The professor cocked an eyebrow at him. "I'm a scientist. I don't believe in spirits."

X laughed. It echoed around the chamber and back at him, sounding more and more sinister.

Right, no laughing.

"As each regent is passing on to the other side, a small portion of the leader's brain pattern is stored in our database here. It is our means of preserving a little bit of their wisdom for future generations. Anyone may come here and ask a question of the regents."

She furrowed her brow.

"Only part of the pattern is stored? How are they capable of higher brain functions if they only have a portion of their minds? And the storage capacity required must be immeasurable."

"It's measurable, but very great." The professor missed very little. "Unfortunately, the patterns start to minimally degrade after a few centuries of being stored, a process that continues over time. So some of the regents are losing their grip on reality, I'm afraid."

"So why would anyone bother to ask them anything?"

"Because sometimes they're right. The spirits seem to have an uncanny knack for judging character. They almost always know when someone is lying."

"And that's why you've brought me here? To ask insane dead people if I can be trusted?"

When she put it like that... "Yes."