Champions of Atlanta

This story was completed in late 1997 shortly after the Gene Lords campaign. It answers many questions but the main one has always been, "Where do Shadow Wolf's powers come from?" Parts IV and V practically lifted from Jim Starlin's Dreadstar comic book series. Many other concepts borrowed from The Futurian's Graphic Novel, Marvel Comics, 1983.

A Future - Far, Far Away

"Grandfather!", the children exclaimed as he stepped out of the woods and onto the trail.

"Ciri," said Kol, the eldest of the children, "Go tell Aunt Mika and Uncle Bern that Grandfather is here."

"But, I want to walk with Grandfather," said Ciri with obvious disappointment.

Grandfather, smiling at the children laughing and squealing all around him, walked closer to Kol. "Hello, Kol. You have grown! When I last saw you, you were barely taking your first steps! And, now you're a man! Maj must be a proud father!"

As Kol both fidgeted in embarrassment and did his best to look humble, Grandfather looked at Ciri. "And, Ciri. You are just like your cousin Nyli said, a beautiful young woman! When you come of age you will have many suitors to choose from!"

Ciri's face brightened with a big smile as she also fidgeted in embarrassment. "Please let your Aunt and Uncle know I'm here and I'll tell you a special story," Grandfather said with a wink. Ciri dashed off towards the village.

Grandfather hugged each of the children, telling each of them he has a special story for each of them. With Kol, however, he greeted with a forearm clasp as one man would greet another. "I have a story for you, too, Kol. And, I think you'll like it, even if the telling of it takes a while."

As they walked to the village, Grandfather told them a story from long ago. It was a story filled with great heroism and, while many of the children had heard this story told by other elders, Grandfather's telling was always better.

When they arrived in the village, everyone welcomed Grandfather with open arms, smiles, and laughter. Even crusty old Grom, whom it was said was difficult to coax a genuine smile, was in the spirit of things and greeted Grandfather with a smile and a forearm clasp.

He was shown around the village and then the feasting began. After all, it was not often that Grandfather visited a village twice in such a short period of time. The feasting would go on late into the night and many stories would be told around the central hearth.

After a few hours, after most of the feast was eaten, Grandfather told a short story. Many of the adults had heard this one but none said anything as this one was for the children. It was the story about Princess Odra of the Eastern People and how she lost and then gained back her status and wealth in her tribe.

Afterwards, one of the children asked, "Grandfather, where did the People come from?"

"Where did the People come from," echoed Grandfather. With a wink he added, "Well, you know, that is a story in itself.".

"Once upon a time, long, long ago, far, far away..."

II.

They were the Old Ones. They were old even when their universe was young. They came into being near the beginning and were the last ones left at the end.

The end was not going to occur in a blazing point of light, heat and pressure as the universe contracted in on itself. No, theirs was the misfortune of space expanding forever. Soon, there would be nothing left except a few stray atoms every parsec or so. Not enough to build anything. Not enough to save themselves.

Many accepted their fate. After all, it was fitting that the first should also be the last. But, there were others who refused to accept fading out into the abyss.

A time and place were selected. Matter and energies were collected and moved to this place. Ideas were molded into theory and theory into practice. Many approaches were tried in order to save them. All were naught until the breakthrough.

It was thought that other universes may exist. And, if they exist, then a gateway could be made. And, if a gateway could be made, then they could pass from their dying universe into another one filled with the vigors of youth.

First, a way was found to locate other universes. Second, those universes that showed the greatest promise were identified. Third, scouts were selected to explore should a gateway be developed. It took many, many years but a gateway was finally made.

The scouts were sent to explore but few ever came back. Most who returned were badly injured or near death. There were protectors in these other universes and they were not pleased at the intrusions of a desperate race. The scouts were expelled in the harshest terms as a point to the Old Ones to desist in any further exploration, much less any migration.

Time was running out. Many of those who went out to gather matter and energy were not coming back. Those that did return, returned with ever dwindling supplies for the gateway.

Then a universe was found. It was very young and had no protectors. But, it was very different from their own. Energy was colder and darker beyond imagining. As matter expanded it actually began to glow and became warmer. They could not survive in this universe in their present form. They needed to transform themselves. A way was found but it was not known if they would survive the transformation.

Time ran out. They had in place a way to transform and send through the gate only a very few into this new universe. A lottery was held. Those who were chosen prepared themselves. Those who attempted to force their way into being chosen were swiftly annihilated.

Not all of the chosen were transformed and sent through the gate into the new universe. Some transformations failed. Some were transformed but were lost between universes. Some were stuck in the gate as the last spark of power was used up. The result was the same. They died.

But, what of those who were transformed and sent into the new universe? Did they survive? What did they become? Did they remember?

III.

For a timeless time Nieth flew, forgetting, remembering, forgetting. Yet, she would always return to this place, the incredibly cold and dense heart of a star. She didn't know why, but when she was here, she felt comforted and at peace. Sometimes she remembered why she could survive here when nothing else could, sometimes not.

Then one day the star spoke. "Nieth," it said. Shocked and terrified, she flew screaming away for many years. But, eventually and with some trepidation, she returned to the heart of the star.

"Nieth?" it asked.

"I'm here," she said.

"I missed you. Please, stay", it said.

"Ok", she said.

For many years those were the only words spoken between them. But, on another level they were in constant communication. Eventually, the barriers between them became blurred. In the fullness of time, they became one.

Time passed. Nieth watched as one of her adopted children, the sixth planet, started evolving intelligent life. She and the star decided they would nurture these seeds of sentience and help it grow until it could stand on its own.

They watched as the Dlee, their grandchildren, slowly went from hunter-gatherers to cities. Wooden sailing ships crossed the oceans and caravans crossed the continents. The first of the technological sciences was discovered and debated. There were wars, some of them terrible, but all looked well.

Then one day an Ix exploration starship arrived. Nieth and the star guardedly watched as it discovered the sixth planet and the Dlee. For a few months a station on the icy equator was set up to study the native life forms. During their time of study, the Ix went to great lengths to be as unobtrusive as possible. Nieth and the Star watched approvingly and allowed them to peacefully leave the system. It was the beginning of the end.

Slightly over one hundred years came and went. During this time the Ix homeworld fell to another star faring species called the Pakva. The Pakva were very different in that theirs was a race dedicated to conquest and genocide.

Some Ix escaped their homeworld but were ruthlessly pursued. They made their way to the fifth planet in the star's system where they began to build anew. Remnants of the once proud Ix defensive force arrived in system and set up an impressive defensive perimeter around the planet.

Nieth and the Star were very worried at this intrusion. They agreed Nieth would separate from the Star long enough to drive away any interlopers bent on ill intent towards the sixth planet and the Dlee. They tried to separate but could not. Perplexed, they realized they were so closely intertwined that any separation process would take years. Anxious and dismayed, they began the separation process.

It was during this time the Pakva arrived in system. They immediately found the Ix and bypassed the sixth planet. A terrible bombardment was launched at the fifth planet but the Ix held. Then the Ix started to gain the upper hand and the Pakva were slowly driven out beyond the orbit of the sixth planet.

Much of the fighting took place on and around the sixth planet. The Dlee suffered greatly during this time as the Pakva and Ix battled for control. In the end the Ix prevailed but could only watch in horror as the end came.

On the far side of the star, a great battle was fought. Realizing they were about to be driven out of the system, the Pakva took a gamble and committed most of their fleet to this action. They penetrated in system as far as the second planet and broadcast their ultimatum: surrender or the star would be destroyed. The Ix, faced with extinction in any event, elected to go down fighting.

A sun bomb was launched. It penetrated to the heart of the Star where it set off a chain reaction. Nieth and the Star writhed in pain as death approached. But, the star had learned much from Nieth. In it's death throes it found a way to save some of the Dlee. Then, it made a way for Nieth to survive in a far off future. Once those two things were done, it began trying to save itself. It found a way and was in the process of implementing it when it died.

But, the Pakva had miscalculated. The blast was far greater than they expected. In a frantic race across the solar system to escape hell they tried but failed. So died the Pakva, the Ix, and the sixth planet.

Eventually, the Pakva empire fell upon itself and was lost to history.

"But, what of Nieth, Grandfather?!" pleaded Ciri. "Did she die?"

"Ah, Ciri. The story of Nieth is part of the story of how the People came to be! Listen to the story of Nieth and how she met Wolf!"

IV.

Once again, I am aware...aware of the brightness...the emptiness. I reach out with hands that I no longer have and grasp at nothingness. I try to stand but soon remember that my feet are now but phantom memories. So, I float through the void...and I think. Which is a mistake, for the thinking soon makes me realize just how hopeless my situation is. For I don't know who I am. I don't know what I am. I scream out my horror, but there is no sound. The void goes on.

How long have I been like this? Hours? Days? Weeks? Forever? Damn this awareness! Why must I suffer its agonies?! Why must it always return to plague me!? The void can be very pleasant, as long as you're not bothered by awareness. I wish...wish it would...just go away. The void goes on............

A spark.

Once again, I am aware. But, this time it's different. Something jarred me back to awareness. Something touched me! The void...

A spark.

There it is again! What can it be? Whatever it is, it seems cool. It seems friendly...soothing...it seems as if it were created just for me. No longer is awareness my bane! To be aware is bliss! I am one with another! I am happy beyond words...beyond thoughts...beyond time! How long has this joy existed for me?! Has it been hours? Days? Weeks?... Forever?

A spark. A flash. A wonderful kaleidoscope of energy. Swirling. Brighter? Joyous! Wondrous! Becoming brighter?! Immense! Powerful! Brighter! Tickling. Burning? Burning!? Burning! Burning!!! The pain!

The brightness! What has happened? Once again, I am alone! How?! The awareness...it is worse than ever! Images forming. Memories returning. Vision clears. Am I dying? This place! So different! These imprisoned others, so much the same! I've never seen them before but...I know them. I know them! Defensor. Silver Blade. Others whose names I can't place but I know them! At last, and most importantly, I look into one of the transformational cells and see him. Steve, Stephen, Wolf 12, Shift 27, Wolfberg, Shadow Wolf.

He and the others fought a mighty foe and lost. They risked their lives so that others may live. One paid the ultimate price in death. These Gene Lords, I know their type. Their cycle in time will ultimately fail. I know.

The void calls.

Sadness. I turn away.

A spark!

I turn. Surprise! The shadows! The awareness! The wonder! He needs me. He needs me! The longing! There is time yet time is so precious. HE *IS* the OTHER! I must go to him! I move.

"Where am I? What am I doing here!? What is this place?" says a naked, 12 year old Steve Wolfberg crouched down on an infinite white plane.

"The emptiness!! The loneliness! It's unbearable! I don't know if I've been here for mere moments or years. Nothing changes because there is nothing. What have I done to deserve this?"

"Many things, my dear friend", says a shadowy-glowing, yet comforting, sphere which appears out of nowhere.

"Who are you?"

"A friend. Do you remember who you are?"

"Now that you mention it...no."

"You are a great hero and a doer of great deeds."

"But, I'm just a kid!"

"No, that is just your current self image. You have regressed. Allow me to show you the YOU that I know. Like many beings, you've had many roles and appearances. These are my favorites." Tendrils of energy coalesce from the ground next to the sphere. Three images, each of the same man, appear. One is dressed in full military regalia, another is the polished smooth look of a successful executive, the third is costumed in black with a black cape.

"These men are me? How can that be?" says a naked, 25 year old Wolf 12.

"You were injured during a battle with a mighty enemy."

"How bad is it?"

"Your physical condition is good. But, if nothing is done, your free will and mind will be gone."

"Did I...die?"

"No. I saved you. It wasn't easy. You were badly injured when you were captured. Their transformation of you has begun."

"I'm still not right, am I? I've no memory of who I am. Can you fix that?" says a 30 year old Stephen Wolfberg?

"Yes. But, do you really want me to?"

"Why wouldn't I want to know who I am?"

"Because it might be better to start off with a clean slate. You might be happier not remembering what has been. Why not forget the past and live only for what is to be?"

"Has it really been that terrible?"

"In some ways, yes."

Time passes.

"I'd never be happy not knowing...wondering. I'd never be sure of who I am without knowing who I was."

"Very well", says the shadowy sphere as it reaches out to him. Images, thoughts, feelings...they flicker across his mind. All the fears and feelings from the past forty years come rushing at him. Rushing around him. Rushing into and through him! Like a tornado! Like a hurricane! He screams an entire lifetime in that scream and collapses to his knees on a dark, shadowy plain.

"I remember", says Stephen. "I remember."

"It took nearly all my energies to keep that one small spark that was you aglow. It wasn't easy but I succeeded, and now you and I are nearly whole again."

"Why did you bother? I failed to saved lives!" Stephen says as he bangs his fist into the ground. "I...failed!" Tears come to his eyes.

The sphere transforms. She appears behind him and holds him close. "Because I love you."

Stephen, startled and shocked, turns and looks into the face of the most beautiful woman he's ever seen.

She says, "Are you truly so blind that you've never felt that spirit which is our union?"

"I...I...yes", he says.

Her hand comes up to his face, caressing it softly. He smiles. They kiss. Time passes on a shadowy world.

"What happens now?" Stephen asks.

"You go back."

"To where?"

"To reality."

"What about you?"

"I'll be with you."

"But, it won't be like this?"

"No."

"But, there will be dreams. They'll have to be enough", she says as she turns away in sadness.

"Why?"

"You can't remain here. You're needed back in the real world. They need you. Your world needs you. If you don't go back then the Gene Lords may take everything away. Already I can sense a change. Can you?"

"Yes. The barriers between us must be crumbling."

"You won't be the same."

"What have I lost?"

"You've gained more than you've lost. Thanks to the Gene Lords, we were able to turn their machinations against them. You've lost the ability to fly and the use of shadow telekinesis. However, you've regained the ability to teleport and you can teleport much farther than you could before. Also, you can project a force wall. You still have invisibility and desolidification. All these you can do with no effort. You are stronger."

"Yes. But, I...I just want to ask one thing before I go through. You've been inside me. You know my fears. Why me? Why not someone braver? I'm no hero!"

"Maybe not", she says as she embraces him and smiles, "But you'll just have to do."

They kiss a long passionate kiss then separate. He takes one long look back before entering the darkness.

VI.

His audience was on the edge of their proverbial seats, wanting more. Grandfather smiled. For years beyond count, he's told stories like these and others. Time, trial and error, and practice made him a master story teller.

"Elders, wives, and young ones," smiles Grandfather as he gently says, "what story would be a good one if I finished it in one night?"

A chorus of disappointed "Aww's" flooded the hearth. "Fear not!", Grandfather dramatically says, "Tomorrow night you shall know how the people came to be!"

Ciri breaks from her mother's embrace and rushes up to Grandfather. "Grandfather! I want to hear the rest of the story now!"

"Ah, Ciri," he said, "If I did that then when would I tell you the special story that I promised for you? Would you like to hear it now?"

Ciri jumps up and down with joy. "Mother! He's going to tell me a story!"

No one left as Grandfather kept his attention focused on Ciri and told the story of another woman named Ciri. This Ciri long ago sailed across a great sea in search of a place for her people to settle and escape a terrible drought. On the other side of the sea was a land of plenty. She barely returned. Her boat wrecked, she was washed up on the beach. When her people found her she was frail and weak. Once nursed back to health, the entire tribe sailed across the sea to this new land. These people later became all the tribes on this continent, including this Ciri's tribe.

It was now late. The sun would set in a few hours and the tribe would begin their daily activities at dawn. Grandfather picked Ciri up and returned her to her mother. Everyone bid each other good day and retired to their huts for some welcome sleep.

VII.

Even though it was a late night, nearly everyone was awake at first light. There was much to be done. The growing season was nearing its end. The crops needed to be harvested and processed. Winters were fairly mild at this latitude but it was not wise to take Shek, the spirit of winter, lightly. Shek seemed to have a habit of bringing the occasional harsh winter storm every five years or so.

They all worked, including Grandfather, to bring in the harvest. At mid-day they stopped for lunch. Grandfather found Kol under a Popau tree with many of the tribe's warriors. Kol was not yet a man but his manhood ceremony would be very soon, probably after the harvest. For this reason, the other warriors grudgingly tolerated his presence. Afterwards, he would have the right to travel, marry, and become a warrior.

"Kol!", said Grandfather, with a very serious look on his face. "I wish to speak to Kol", he said as he made eye contact with each of the warriors. He could read it in their eyes, the flash of disbelief and outrage! How dare he order us to leave! But, this was Grandfather, the most respected of all the Elders! There would be hell to pay if they did not heed his words.

The warriors departed but not before giving Kol a sympathetic look. Grandfather watched them go then turned his attention to Kol. Kol's skin was paler and, though he tried to hide it, was noticeably trembling. A sympathetic look from a warrior was not good, it meant something very bad was about to happen.

"Kol", said Grandfather sternly as he stood inches in front of Kol. Kol's eyes were locked straight ahead. "I have heard of your spying on Tok's village." Kol's eyes dropped for a moment. Menacingly, Grandfather continued, "There is enough bad blood between the two villages! Tok's warriors will kill at the slightest provocation! What were you thinking? Why did you do this?"

Kol stuttered, "I..I wanted father to be proud of me."

Grandfather exploded, "Proud?! Aside from this, your father is already proud of you! It is you who will succeed him! But only if you are not dead! You are risking a war with Tok's people!"

"Our warriors can handle Tok's warriors", blurted out Kol.

"Maybe so. But Tok is allied with Nup, Sal, and many other tribes. Tok's allies are also not far from his village. Your allies are farther away. By the time your allies could help it would be too late."

Grandfather stabbed his finger at Kol's chest and menacingly continued, "Imagine your warriors dead, your elders murdered, your women raped, the children carried off as slaves, and your village razed. Is this what you want?"

Kol blanched and his mouth fell open. Clearly the consequences of his actions did not occur to him. "No, Grandfather, no! I did not realize..."

"Now you know," said Grandfather as he stabbed his finger into Kol's chest for each of the three words then took a couple of steps back. "The question is, what will you do about it. Will you risk war, Kol? Will you risk destroying your own people? Or will you lead your people into a future?"

"The people will have a future", stated Kol. "But, Grandfather, what happens if the people are attacked? We cannot sit idly by. We must defend ourselves. What future is there if we won't defend ourselves?"

"Did I say you shouldn't defend yourselves? No. I only said that you risk your own people if you start a war. To protect yourselves, you must maintain the alliances your father has put in place and build others. Even building alliances with some of your hated enemies when necessary. Do you understand? Will you do these things?"

"Yes, Grandfather!"

"Good", said Maj as he stepped out from behind the tree. "You are now aware of a chieftain's primary responsibility. Anything or anyone who threatens the stability and happiness of our people will be dealt with. Does the Chieftain make himself clear to Kol on this?"

Kol stands straight and composed. "Yes, Chieftain Maj."

"Then go. I wish to speak to Grandfather alone." Kol respectfully bowed to each of them and hurried away.

"Forgive me Grandfather. But, when you asked if you could speak to Kol on this matter, I was angry. I still am angry. Kol is MY son. If any words need to be said to him, I need to say them."

"I understand your anger," said Grandfather, "and if matters were not so grave I would not have intervened. But, what if I told you I've seen a glorious future for you, Kol, and your people. And that future depended on me saying a father's words to him. Even at the risk of angering his father."

Maj thought for a moment. "I'd say it is a fair trade. But the future is me and my son."

"And it shall be that way", said Grandfather. "Tomorrow and tomorrow's tomorrow will be yours."

Maj offered his arm in a forearm clasp. "Thank you, Grandfather."

Grandfather accepted the forearm clasp. "It is I who thank you, Maj."

VIII.

There still remained much work to be done over several days to bring the harvest in and prepare for winter. Then the hunting parties would set out in search of game. Once these were completed, the tribe would settle in for a hopefully uneventful winter.

This particular day during the harvest the people stopped early. Everyone was anxious to hear the conclusion of Grandfather's story. Grandfather had traveled far and seen many things but this was the first time in memory where he told the story of the origin of the People in this way. That, coupled with the fact that he was visiting a village twice in ten years, was a momentous occasion.

Another feast was prepared and, as twighlight approached, they all gathered in the central hearth area. The feast was served and about an hour later Grandfather strode slowly and confidently into the center of the circle formed by the tribe. Dressed in his finest robes, he spread his hands wide. The people gasped as he slowly turned in a circle and then stopped to face Maj.

"Chieftain Maj!" Grandfather shouted. "Your people have prospered and done well! Truly you are blessed!" Murmurs of pleasure and approval arose from the surrounding people. "I bring you two gifts!", he said as he raised his head to the sky, "The past and a glimmer of the future!"

Grandfather stood silently still for many moments, his eyes seemly focused somewhere beyond. The crowd of people became restless and started to whisper. Just when the whispers became voices Grandfather knelt and kissed the earth. The voices were cut off as if by a knife.

"Know this," said Grandfather as he slowly stood. "The People are not of this Earth."

IX.

They found a suitable place. The outer arm of the galaxy was thinly populated with life. There were still many stars but they were away from the crushing core. Plenty of space between. There could be peace here.

The star was willing as it had been visited before. The three became one but they were careful. A way was found for them to quickly separate should the need arise. For years uncounted they stayed in this oneness. They were content.

But then one day a vessel passed through their system. They watched as it explored and gently went on its way. Old memories opened and a possible future was seen, debated, and ultimately decided upon.

Nieth separated to go out of system. Time would be her task. They gave her their blessing. They knew what they had to do. They spoke to their children and all agreed that the fifth was the best.

The fifth had life, it just needed a little nudging along. For one thing, it was too hot. Slowly, painstakingly, they moved the fifth a little closer to their cooling energies. For another, the life which existed on the fifth needed to be coaxed as well. In time, plants and animals covered the land. The seas teemed even more richly with life. All was made ready. It was good.

Nieth returned from a time and a place, far away. She was not alone. An Ix colony starship had been savagely slagged by the Pakva. There wasn't much left. All Ix on board were killed in the Pakva onslaught. But, in the central hold there were survivors...Dlee survivors. And, they weren't going to last long unless something was immediately done.

As gently as they could they brought the ship down to the surface. Most of them survived the impact in the ocean. A few died in the perilous swim to safety. Those who stood on the shore watched as their ship slowly sank into the ocean.

For many years they endured hardships until they learned to effectively gather food and build shelter. Many more lives were lost but for each life lost, many more Dlee were born as that is the way of things.

The hardships became fewer and far between as they learned more about their new home. They forgot about the brightness between the stars but they learned how to swim and fish. They forgot how to read but they learned how to hunt and farm. They learned to start over and forgot nothing of what they learned.

"You are Dlee!" shouted Grandfather. "You are Dlee", he said quietly. "As you rose elsewhere and elsewhen, you shall do so again, here. That is the story of the People. That is the story of the Dlee. And," he added sadly, "it is the last story I will tell you. I leave tomorrow morning."

Their voices cried out as they frantically wondered if they had offended Grandfather in some way. He smiled and told them that of all the People he was most proud of them and that they had a destiny written in the stars. In the end they accepted his words and were proud. For they knew again who they were and that their future would be good.

Grandfather slowly walked through the woods as if savoring the damp muskiness for the last time. He walked for many days until he reached the shores of a lake. On the other side of the lake were Sal's people but he would not be going there. There was another place and the yearning in his heart beat a rhythm of someone precious, Nieth.

The colors of autumn were everywhere and the air had a slight chill. For a moment he thought of another place and another time. Smiling and indulging in a whim, there was a flash of darkness and the old familiar cloak billowed around him once again.

Grandfather's visit was complete. He'd make the trip back in another thousand years or so but for now it was time to leave. It was time for Stephen Wolfberg to go home. Home to the heart of a star and the love of a beautiful woman and family.

He knew a lot of things now. He knew how the dying star of long ago created a gateway into another universe. He even knew how it meshed a part of itself into the genetic structure of a rapidly developing human embryo recently exposed to atomic radiation. There was more but, for now, that story would be left for future telling.

He felt Nieth's sweet, loving caress as the shadows billowed around and through him as he disappeared from view.