Shamash looked towards Nergal to also see his reunited parents and most of the Pantheon. Before he recovered from the shock, Nergal's warriors had slapped restraining bands on Shamash's wrists to prevent him from disappearing.

'He has the Great Cracker on a detonator. We must get him to cancel the instruction before it destroys what is left of our planet.' Tory strode into the middle of the gathering of Gods to demand justice.

Well, Shamash. Nergal ordered him to act.

I am sorry, but I had my clone wipe that information from my memory, he advised in a vague, indifferent manner.

'I am going to tear you apart myself.' Tory took a swing at him, but Maelgwn and Dumuzi prevented an incident.

This is the woman who taught you how to love again?

Nergal questioned his sister, as he watched the two men struggle to restrain her. I pictured her differently, he confessed.

'Well, I am sorry, your worshipfulness,' Tory composed herself, 'but don't you think we should do something?'

Oh, besides rumble, you mean? Nergal queried. Yes, quite. I suggest we get Gibal onto it.

When the ship suddenly rocked and a great boom was heard, Tory feared that the Great Cracker had fired.

A single soldier entered the master control room, surprised to discover what had befallen there.

Yes what is it? Nergal insisted he speak up.

'My lord Nergal.' He bowed deeply, sounding a little hesitant to voice his news. 'My lord Shamash, we have just lost our primary weapon.'

Lost it, Shamash was furious. How?

'I am sorry, Lord,' the soldier advised, 'but it has been shot off.'

Tory and Maelgwn looked at each other, puzzled.

'Cadwaladr,' they resolved at once, releasing an almighty cry of victory as they launched themselves into each other's arms.

Nergal set the trial hearing for the following morning, Middle Eastern time. The Pantheon would hear everyone's grievances in the main chamber of the landing base there, once Nergal's forces had cleared the passageway. He asked that all the Chosen attend, and the banished Marduk, also.

Meanwhile, Cadwaladr got in touch with the United Nations and the US President, Hagar, who had been kept in the dark about the entire affair. The dogfight that had taken place just beyond the atmosphere of the planet had been witnessed firsthand by no one, as all satellites in the area had been destroyed. The demolished equipment was blamed on all the freak space anomalies that had occurred of late.

The Brunanburh Space Station had been the closest to the action, but when Shamash had invaded Mission Control at Farwell, those visual feeds had also been lost.

So, as all the alien aircraft were now cloaked, Doc explained the whole incident as an elaborate hacker fraud. Several individuals had besieged the main fusion station at Farwell. After playing havoc with the security codes, they managed to pass on their footage of the phony alien invasion to the media. Having come through all the right channels this footage would, to all appearances, have come from the Brunanburh's cameras.

Doc assured the United Nations that no such threat had ever really existed, and if any satellite or moon base data indicated differently, they could safely assume the aforementioned hackers had also screwed with their systems. Cadwaladr wasn't really surprised when the authorities bought his story. Why wouldn't they? A simple rational explanation sure beat the hell out of believing the world was under alien attack. Doc advised that his people had the culprits in custody, and a full confession would be forthcoming. With that, the affair was all but forgotten by mainstream Earth society.

The enormous audience chamber at the landing base in the Middle East was filled to the rafters both on the ground and at mezzanine level. As the Dragon and his kin were so intimately involved in the proceedings, they were assembled directly in front of the full Pantheon of Gods.

Tory spied an old acquaintance of hers standing amongst those Gods gathered before them. He was Shu Micah, the High Magi of the Orders of Passage, whom she had met in Atlantis. At that time, he had told her that they would meet again at the time of the Gathering, and he acknowledged Tory's presence with a polite nod.

Noah was feeling particularly honoured to be the only reporter present, and busied himself capturing the event on his motion CD camera.

The first item on the agenda was the pardon of the Lord Marduk in the Dumuzi affair. But when invited to resume his rightful place in the Pantheon, at Nergal's side, Marduk refrained.

Though it would be my greatest honour and joy to do so, Nergal, if my chosen concubine cannot be at my side, he motioned to Rose, who appeared rather tiny beside him, then, regrettably, I shall be forced to decline.

'Are you crazy?' Rose gasped, looking to her masked lover and shaking her head to urge him to retract the ultimatum.

But Marduk only looked back at Nergal, whose sister was having a quite word in his ear.

Yes, quite, Nergal nodded, looking back at his breathless audience. Considering how many children you two have obviously had, we have decided to make an exception to the law in your case. Putting this family through a separation would be hell. You shall wed immediately following these proceedings. Nergal smiled as the entire room cheered the ruling.

Marduk removed the helmet-like mask from his head, casting it aside to pick up his soon-to-be wife and kiss her. His long, dark hair and dark eyes were akin to the Dragon's clan, whom he had fathered.

Narnar was reinstated to the Pantheon, and Shamash was charged with Dumuzi's disappearance, Cadwallon's murder, Cadwaladr's misspent years, and a good part of the Earth's destruction. Utu-Shamash was therefore sentenced to his father's cold Otherworldly prison on the moon, until such time as Narnar and Dumuzi saw fit to release him. Inanna was absolved of her part in the affair, though she was to give up her place in the Pantheon in favour of her husband, Dumuzi. Inanna was more than grateful to accept this as her punishment, and promised to return the rest of the Lord Gibal's body parts to him.

As for Cadwaladr, Nergal decreed that for his crimes against humanity Cadwaladr would answer to his own kind and left Maelgwn to nominate his fate.

'I believe Cadwaladr has suffered enough for one lifetime,' Maelgwn advised. 'Due to the part he played in Shamash's downfall, I am willing to grant him a full pardon for his crimes. Provided, of course, that he strives to amend the damage he has done to the Earth and her occupants.'

Vanora and Cadwaladr were well pleased to hear this. Cadwaladr turned to Maelgwn and held out his hand to him. 'I have never in my life been grateful for anything, but I am most obliged for this.'

'Friends then,' Maelgwn suggested.

'Brothers,' Cadwaladr assured him.

Well then, Nergal announced, all is well that ends well.

'My Lord, I beg to differ.' Tory spoke up, for she had Taliesin in her mind urging her to do so.

All those speeches you've been serving me over the ages about how unjust the Gods have been? This might be a good time to get that off your chest, the Merlin advised.

'Tory?' Maelgwn objected quietly. 'We've done well.

Don't push it.'

'Done well?' Tory scoffed, 'I hardly think so.' She scaled some of the steps that led to the stage, to where she could address all the Chosen. 'What we've done is solved all the Nefilim's problems and disputes. All through history we've dug their mines, fought their wars, and suffered their wrath and superstitions. And now that they have finally sorted everything out, and can live happily ever after, we are left with an exhausted, dying planet, with air not fit to breathe, water too filthy to drink, and land not fit to produce or mine.'

There's always one in every crowd, Nergal commented to Horus beside him. And of course, it's the little prima donna who will not even bow before ME, supreme ruler of the heavens.

' I will bow before you, Sir, when I see your judgments are just, and worthy of respect.'

Maelgwn very much wanted to cut in at this point, knowing how powerful the being she addressed truly was. An evil entity like Shamash didn't cower before Nergal for no good reason. But Tory had a beef that she would voice no matter what anybody thought, including himself, so why fight the inevitable?

Ah, you almost make it sound like a challenge, Lamamu. Nergal smiled, thinking her very clever.

'If you find it challenging to be just, I suppose it is,'

she told him surely.

Nergal was amused by this woman's whole demeanor. She was forthright, witty and fearless - much like himself. Am I then to assume that you hold us to blame for your misguided ways and the degenerated state of your home planet?

'Well, as far as I know, Lord, apes are not prone to killing one another for enjoyment, or destroying their natural environment. The same could not be said of the Nefilim, however.'

Nergal considered this a justified statement. Monkey see, monkey do, you think? Well, you could be quite right.

Tory allowed the condescending remark to pass, only because he was agreeing with her.

But you all know better now, is that it? You think the human race would have done a much better job of it if we'd only left you alone? Goddess, I've heard this before.

Tory turned to the rest of the gathering to seek their opinion, which, of course, was unanimous.

Right then. I have the very thing to resolve this dispute once and for all. Nergal seemed rather pleased by the response and stood to announce his proposal. We have just discovered a small planet in a galaxy not too far from here that is very similar to this planet ten thousand years ago. We have already introduced various forms of flora and fauna, most of which you would be familiar with.

'Pardon me.' Tory had to cut to the chase. 'Are you offering us our own planet?'

Well, it would be on a trial basis, of say ... How long ago, in Gaia orbits, since we first got here? he questioned his associates.

'Four hundred and fifty thousand years ago, give or take a couple thousand years.' Noah spoke up as the Nefilim appeared unable to answer.

Then we shall give you as many orbits to prove your boast, Nergal decided. If, as you say, you make a better go of it without us, then we will talk ownership.

Tory didn't have to turn around to learn the rest of the room's thoughts on the matter. Their elation was deafening. Maelgwn grabbed hold of her, excited beyond belief about the deal she'd struck.

Nergal's warriors called the room back to attention and Nergal continued: You who are the Chosen of the great Enki, and his son, Marduk. I believe you have earned the right to make a new start. The rest of mankind will be left alone henceforth by the Nefilim, to make the most of this world they, at least in part, helped to create. Who knows, maybe the old Gaia will come good after all. Collect your things - size is no object - and return here at dusk for departure. The planet for which you are bound is Kila, which, literally, means 'Gaia's double'. This is the word and the will of the Pantheon of Twelve.

' So be it!' the room responded.

Tory bowed deeply to Nergal. 'Your decisions are just,' she told him.

It is a relief to hear you say so, Lamamu. Nergal was in good spirits. I thought you were going to start a rebellion there for a moment.

'As long as you stick to your end of the bargain, Lord,' she announced in a cheeky fashion, 'you need have no fear of that.'

Although Tory was excited about settling a new planet, she was also the keeper of the Tablet of Destinies, and was therefore bound to consider the fate of the world she would have to leave behind.

Ningal had said she would speak with Gaia's elementals, and urge them to return to this time to assist with the planet's re-growth. As Cadwaladr would be staying, Ningal instructed him in the art of fairy sight. If he played his cards right, he would have many willing helpers to aid him with the restoration of Gaia's natural beauty and health.

Vanora had elected to stay with Cadwaladr, to help repair the wrongs they'd both done the planet at one stage of history or another. Together, these two soul-minds had ultimately been responsible for the sinking of Atlantis and the near ruination of the Dragon's empire in the Dark Ages. Added to Cadwaladr's current crimes against humanity and nature, the pair certainly had much amending to do.

As head of the ICA, Cadwaladr's task was well within his means. The question was, could he be trusted to properly tend and protect the tarnished jewel left in his care? Did he possess the conviction and vision to transform the world's greed into awareness?

Alone in her cabin, Tory consulted the sacred divining tool on the matter. Her head was telling her to stay behind; but that was fear, fear of trusting Cadwaladr. Her heart was urging her to go, as it had been she who had struck the deal with Nergal, and she could hardly see to living up to her end of the bargain if she stayed here.

'But Gaia and her people must be protected too.'

Tory closed her eyes, and placed the eye of Ra against her forehead. 'Could Cadwaladr be the one?'

His first ten years with the ICA indicated that he was capable of coordinating world solutions and cooperation. But his last ten years as Cadwaladr, King of Gwynedd, exemplified the barbaric lengths the demigod could resort to if so inclined.

The small trinket against her forehead expanded and unfolded as it positioned itself before Tory, where she could view it's advice clearly.

In its central triangle she saw Gaia - the cause of her concern. In the triangle pertaining to the best outcome, Tory saw the people of the Earth emerging from their Biodomes into a vast, thriving wilderness outside. In the triangle that divulged the worst outcome she saw the same vision. Tears welled as she viewed the crowning triangle that foretold of what would happen if Cadwaladr was not entrusted with this charge; the planet seen here appeared a dry and wasted place.

'He will succeed.'

With her words, all four sections of the Tablet were suddenly filled with a glowing green presence that radiated light from its core.

Gaia's destiny and your own lie along a different path now, Lamamu.

The three voices of the Triple Goddess - the maiden, the warrioress and the wise woman - were comforting her. As a protector of humankind, realise that they are far more widespread in the universe than just this small pocket of civilisation. Take our Ark and present it to Cadwaladr, for it will allow you to guide and advise him from your new home on Kila. The Tablet of Destinies will enable you to follow Gaia's progress. This is the will of the Great Houses, Lamamu.

The glowing green presence burst forth from the tablet, bathing Tory in it's lustre as the loving, calming, empowering energy of the divine quickened her entire being and magnified her senses.

When the powerful life-force retreated, it left Tory revitalized and pulsating with awareness. She realised that Cadwaladr needed love, reassurance, acceptance and forgiveness the same as anyone. With the emotional void in his life filled, he would find the divine in himself, just as the rest of his kindred had.

Go in peace to your new life, knowing that you leave Gaia in the very best of hands. For, more so than anyone, Cadwaladr knows what must be done to solve Gaia's problems and who must be influenced to enable her to heal.

' I see the truth of it,' Tory conceded, her heart and her head at peace with each other. 'As you wish it, great mother, so shall it be.'

Fortunately, the home of Tory's kindred was fully mobile already; the Goddess would serve as a marvellous temporary home for them on Kila until they built more permanent dwellings. But theirs was not the only such vehicle to appear out of nowhere. Many other tribes had managed to keep similar observation craft a secret from earthly civilization.

Tory, Brian, Maelgwn and Rhun visited Myrddin's cave at Dinas Emrys to retrieve the remaining twelve wonders of Britain to take with them to their new home. Taliesin and Myrddin had made a gift of the thirteenth treasure, the Chariot, to Noah - their merlin-in-training. They also retrieved the Ark to present to Cadwaladr, as the Goddess had instructed.

Tory had half expected to see her parents at the cave, since their goodbye had been cut short by Shamash's devastating arrival. But the cavern of treasures was quiet and empty. Not even Tobias, Myrddin's owl friend, frequented the cave any longer. Once they had collected the twelve treasures and the Ark the cave was devoid of any evidence of the great Merlin's existence.

Alone in his office at the ICA complex in Biodome, London, Cadwaladr gazed out his window over the hustle and bustle of people going about their daily routine. For them, today was just another day in a week like any other. The affairs of interstellar importance that had transpired this fortnight past had been completely life transforming for him, and yet to the remaining population of the planet, it had been just another news story - a hoax to capture the imagination or ignore.

'Ah ... what's up, Doc?' Tory employed her very best Bugs Bunny impersonation to advise Cadwaladr of her presence. He projected the appearance of Doc today - blonde, blue-eyed, slick and businesslike.

He smiled, surprised by her visit, but he did not turn from his view to address her. 'Have you come to lecture me before your departure, Goddess?'

'Hardly. You've done well, Cadwaladr. I am here to reward you.'

He turned and saw an ornate golden treasure that must have materialised with Tory and wondered at its purpose.

'It's a gift,' she caught his mind, 'from the Goddess.'

Cadwaladr cocked an eye; perhaps it was some sort of entrapment device, or a spellcaster.

'It's the Ark ... it was in my father's safekeeping, and now it is in yours.'

The gesture completely overwhelmed Cadwaladr. It was a great honour to be entrusted with such a treasure.

'It has many functions,' Tory informed the dumbfounded recipient. 'It can enable you to speak and visit with us on Kila -'

'You don't trust me.' He assumed the worst reason for being granted such a treasure.

'On the contrary.' She held out her hand to him.

Cadwaladr had to smile at his own apprehension. 'I don't understand.'