The Rise to Godhood

Areela felt both fear and excitement as she spotted Kailow walking hand in hand with an alien humanoid. They had come across a sentient alien species, and it was both terrifying and exciting to sense how her brother felt for the human female. As the woman got closer, Areela sensed that she had a Zetan heritage, yet she did not look Zetan. Her head circumference was smaller, and her skin had a strange beige colour, unheard of among the Zetans.

Gaia spotted Areela and spoke, “Hi. My name is Gaia, and I am looking for Zelinko Siblexom and Arish Kisherom.”

“Who are you, and why are you holding my brother’s hand?” Areela replied.

Gaia reflected on Areela’s question. Was she meant to interpret it as a philosophical question or a direct question? She decided to answer the latter.

“I am Gaia, and I am a human with Zetan DNA hidden in my genome. I am a clone of someone who will live 70,000 years from now. Holding your brother’s hand gives me comfort as I have been alone for several years.” Gaia revealed.

Areela gave Gaia a non-plussed look, and Kailow added in, “Areela, listen to me. Gaia is a friend. We found the Zeto Crystal. We need Zelinko and Arish to work together so we can save her species and ours.”

“Okay, I’ll find the others. Wait here.” Areela said and left the camp.

Gaia and Kailow got seated by the campfire, where a pot was shimmering with a vegetable stew. As the sun was setting behind the mountains that enclosed the valley, it tinted into Kailow’s eyes, and Gaia knew one thing. She could not resist the handsome Zetan much longer. She leaned in and kissed him gently, and he instantly returned her kisses with a heated lovemaking passion.

***

“Ahemmm… excuse me, both of you should get a room!”

Gaia and Kailow stopped kissing when Podixa teased them. Kailow looked at the former object of his desire. He felt glad that his passion for her had subsided, yet he felt awkward that she walked in on him.

Gaia was unaware of Kailow’s unrequited love for Podixa, so she replied, “Hi, I am Gaia. How do you and Kailow know each other?”

“I am a friend of his sister, Areela. You two are beautiful together. I am so glad that Kailow found someone. His solitude added a layer of complexity to the already strained relationships in our group.” Podixa replied.

“I am glad that I met Kailow as well. If I may ask, what problems are you facing?” Gaia asked.

Podixa sighed and looked away. Now that she needed to explain their conflict to the alien, she felt silly, and she wished that they had been able to resolve their disputes independently. But unfortunately, old grievances were often the most difficult to resolve.

“Zelinko belonged to the master caste that deported my husband and me to a desert planet for the crime of falling in love,” Podixa said.

“How can love be illegal on Zetani? I thought the Zetans were an intelligent species.” Gaia said.

“Love itself is not banned. However, conceiving outside of the Midsummer celebration is. We were young and couldn’t help ourselves. I am sure that you can understand our predicament.”

Gaia looked at Kailow, and she yearned for him. Being 200-year-old as a Zetan was like being eighteen as a human, and she was still merely seventeen. Inhibiting her carnal desire for a whole year would be very difficult, so she understood Podixa’s predicament.

“I understand. Was it Zelinko that ordered your deportation?” Gaia asked.

“No, it was Judge Jasper Javonom,” Podixa replied.

“Whom Zelinko killed when escaping Zetani. So, you should stop blaming my brother-in-law for what happened to you.” Kailow exclaimed.

“I guess you are right. We need to forgive to strive for a common goal,” Podixa said.

Gaia was about to reply when something caught her eyes. A beast-like toddler with claws and purple eyes were crawling toward her. The baby’s physical appearance was not disturbing, but the realisation that the True Maker had inhabited this body was.

“You never told me that there were others like me,” Gaia whispered to True Maker.

“I am telling you what you need to know. Other information can set you on a different path.” True Maker replied.

“I would prefer if you were upfront and forthcoming with me.” Gaia telepathed the True Maker.

“It’s the basic tenet of this galaxy that all living species have a free will. So, if I tell you about things that will happen, that eliminates your free will, and it will take you on the wrong path.” True Maker replied.

“Welcome to Zetani Nova. I am Zelinko Siblexom. I heard you had news about the Zeto Crystal.” Zelinko said, which broke Gaia’s connection to True Maker. Gaia looked at the Zetan male. He was older than Kailow, and he had an air of authority that the youngish object of her desire lacked.

“Yes, we found it. But you need to promise that you’ll help me save humanity if I show it to you.” Gaia said.

“You have my word. Yet I cannot speak for Arish Kisherom. You’ll need his technical know-how to build a sanctuary for your species.” Zelinko replied.

“I am willing to help. If we find a way to Zeto-charge the sapphires, I’ll bring my people here, and we’ll commit to helping humans on earth.” Arish interjected.

Gaia looked at the Zetan scientist who had joined the group. She could tell that the dynamics in the group weren’t ideal, yet she wanted to find out about the men’s real intentions.

“Zelinko and Arish, please come to me,” Gaia commanded while her eyes started to glow blue.

The Zetans hesitated. While they had seen the presence of True Maker when she possessed Thorax’s body, it was more awe-inspiring when a beautiful human female commanded them. At the height of her power, Gaia was as terrifying as she was alluring.

Eventually, the Zetans heeded Gaia’s command and approached her. She grabbed their arms and formed an emphatic bond with the two men. She sensed that they loathed each other, yet they would work together towards a common goal. Thus, they would do everything they could to fulfil their promise to save humanity.

“I’ll lead you to the Zeto Crystals. Let’s go tomorrow. It’s a long walk, and I would rather not walk in the dark.” Gaia said.

“We understand. Please dine with us, Herald of the True Maker, and we’ll follow you tomorrow.” Zelinko said.

“Thank you, Zelinko,” Gaia said and got seated next to Kailow.

As they served her grilled fish and vegetables, Gaia felt happy that she was part of a group. Finally, after years of solitude, she had the chance to achieve her goals and become part of something greater than herself.