Anbersar
Antu caressed her husband’s cheek as he slept. The effects of the Anbersar was still coursing through his veins.
“Why was I not told of this before my selection?” Antu snapped at the head councilwoman.
“It was a risk we had to take,” she replied, walking to her newly appointed king and rested a reassuring hand on Antu’s shoulder. “It was decided during the Sar of silence”
“We promised ourselves, everyone, who knew of her work…” Antu shook with rage. “What did you do to us?”
“Both sides decided it was necessary.” The councilwoman said. “We needed a focal point, a figure to look up to…”
“You needed a god, and you just made one.” she snapped. “We know how this turns out.”
“Yes, we do… that’s why the council will not be a part of it. We will be the safeguard should things… go sideways.”
“So you will be in power then, and An and I are just your puppet kings?” Antu instinctively reached for her sidearm. She was ready to execute everyone in the room.
“That wouldn’t matter, Antu.” She said with a sneer. “You can’t hurt us, or order our deaths.”
An attendant entered, holding a tray with a cup and pitcher.
“You and your family will need to replenish yourselves, so get well acquainted with its taste.”
Antu threw the pitcher at the councilwoman. It soared harmlessly inches from her head and shattered against the stone wall, spilling out the golden nectar inside.
She didn’t flinch but gave her a wry smile.
“Your highness.” She said with a bow and left her alone.
Antu turned to her husband. Sweat poured from his brow. She knelt down and wiped it away. This was the first time she had been alone with him, with any man.
The Northern Alliance refused to allow their women into battle and used them as breeding machines to fill the war schools. The Southern Federation valued your rights above all else, and never placed restrictions on jobs, even military assignments...
That’s why she took up arms, to end the war. She refused to find a husband and raise children while people were dying over a war no one could even remember how it started. She could feel the weariness of her entire people.
Now, she sits next to a husband, chosen by fate, and she is the ruler of her people. As much as she didn’t want to attribute such archaic ideas, having it been this man who was chosen surely must mean something.
An let out a moan and flung his covers off. His body was not handling the changes Anbersar was doing to him. She felt guilty about being part of his suffering. She continued to wipe him down, his sweat-soaked through the sheets.
A cool damp cloth pressed against the heaving barrel chest of her new husband. She traced the scars and wounds. He was covered in them. In battle, he would lead his people into the fray, he never flinched when wounded and always pressed forward with focused precision.
Her finger moved over his chest. A round concave injury the size of her hand was over his heart.
This was hers.
She remembered, in one of the old city ruins, he was moving supplies. They needed the medicine since the last orbital bombing took out their hospitals. The battle was at a stalemate, and the two of them had expended their ammunition. Her commander gave her a new weapon, a single shot weapon for such an occasion. She was pinned down, her power armor was draining power, while he was on top of her. This was the first time she had ever been this close to him… and his eyes weren’t filled with rage or hate, just… sadness. The small gemstone embedded as ornamentation in the center of her armor erupted, launching him backwards and into a wall. She ran to finish the job, grabbing a rusted piece of metal from the crumbling ruins and limped over to her assaulter. His armor was caved in, his shoulder was skewered with metallic debris, and he was pinned to the wall. She dragged her makeshift spear up to him. He struggled to free himself, deep blue blood pouring out of his wounds. They locked eyes, he didn’t have a hint of fear, or anger. He just looked disappointed. She didn’t want to feel pity for a man who killed her comrades. Who was complacent with all the strikes against them. She tried to hoist the spear up to dispatch him, but her armor’s batteries quit on her. Her weapon was unwieldable, and she was barely able to move with it on. Swearing to herself she abandoned her armor and retreated to the convoy, leaving him to die.
“So, are you thinking about finishing the job?” An moaned. She didn’t realize her hand was resting on the wound she gave him. She shook her head no and kissed it. “For once,” she said, wiping away a tear. “I’m thankful I spared you.” “I think I remember it differently, wife.” He said with a smile. “Didn’t your armor lose power?” “I could have found a rock or something.” she said coyley and held his cheek. “How are you feeling?” “Feels like I was hit with ten of those… whatever you did to me.” he said. “Sonic disruption.” she said with a sigh. “It’s small, and one use only. It was experimental, but not something we decided to use for normal fights.” “You could have won if you didn’t.” He said, sitting up. “I need a drink.” Antu swore to herself. The doors to their chambers opened, and an attendant arrived with a tray and goblet. “How?” An looked confused. Antu pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose. She’s just now realizing to the… extent the Anbersar changed her husband. And what her old commander, the councilwoman, had done. “I didn’t even call out or shout to someone. Do they have listening devices in the room?” “No.” Antu said. “I will explain everything in detail.” She gave him the cup filled with Anbersar, he looked at it distrustingly. She smiled, took a sip, and kissed it to his lips. When she parted, she was about to give him more… his body needed it to finish the process, but he took the goblet away and pulled her to him. The attendant left them alone.
“Thank you for meeting with us, my lord.” The Councilwoman said. After King An was feeling better, the newlyweds were taken to their official delegation chambers. They had set up tiered half circle desks for the council that sat behind the two main thrones for An and Antu. “It’s time to start building your kingdom.” “Councilwoman,” An replied. “My wife, Antu, has informed me of something I’ve suspected since the Lottery was announced. My ascendancy is a lie, orchestrated by the twelve of you.” “Of course it is.” she said exasperated. “Well, for the most part.” “Care to explain?” An asked with a growl. The councilwoman let out a sigh. “We put stronger restrictions on the lottery, based on service records, psychological profile, lineage, genetic compatibility, and thousands of other variables.” she explained. “We had to provide a narrative to the people that everyone had a chance, or it would cause more strife.” “In the end, we selected people from the varying levels of the lottery, and secretly tested to see who is more liked among the populus.” she continued. “Your story about the rivalry with Antu is inspirational on both sides.” “We didn’t orchestrate everything. The final 12 candidates were all qualified to lead. The fact that Antu made it as far as she did was not something we forced. She had all the qualifications and met the same standards as everyone else.” she explained. “We are trying to create a new world from the ashes of lies and deceit. We may do things differently, but we’ve done what we promised and let fate decide the king. The fact that you chose her to be a spouse was something we’d hoped for, but did not expect.” Antu’s husband looked down at his clenched fists. She wished to know what was in his head. Is she lying? Antu’s eyes locked onto her husband. Was his voice in her head? I… don’t think so, my love. She thought back. He nodded and turned to the councilwoman. “Fine, I am satisfied with that,” he said. “Now, explain in full detail Anbersar, and what you did to me and my wife.”
“I’ve done it, I’ve solved the problems with the cohesion. The fruits are viable, and we can alter their properties to bestow many traits on those who eat them! The distribution method is brilliant, since it alters the biochemistry of the microbial ecosystem in the digestive tract, they will distribute the genetic changes into the bloodstream.” A strange woman was explaining some complicated figures and math equations. She was somewhat dishevelled, and the recording of her lecture was in what looked to be a primitive laboratory from before the wars. “The fruit takes a long time to incorporate the various traits I’ve discovered in our genetic structure. Maybe if we were to break it down first? Make juice or wine from it? One downside I’ve discovered is you need to constantly replenish yourself. I’m working on a faster way to grow them… but I need more time to research this." “Who knows, maybe if I can get this into a wine, I can finally go on that trip.” She said with a chuckle. “The trajectory of Nibiru’s circuit around our Heaven is so different from the other Gods. I think it may have come here from outside the Hammered Belt that borders the empty skys between heavens.” “Some of our most brilliant minds have made vessels that can go past the Hammered Belt. I hope to follow the path of old Nibiru before she arrived in our Heaven and chose it as her home. And, see what other Heavens she may have visited before settling here!" The woman seemed distracted by something and cut the feed. Only one word was left on the screen. Tiamat. “She was a brilliant scientist before the wars.” The councilwoman said. “We have most of her logs and research. She was from the southern federation before we broke in two.” “Her research has been too advanced for us for several Sars.” Antu continued. “We’ve agreed to lock it away. Too many things she did… were abominations.” “Growing people?” An asked. It was something he remembered when they released all scientific research and weapons information to both sides. “We’ve… dabbled in what she calls cloning, but they have no song in their souls,” she said. “They are organic machines, nothing more.” “Anbersar?” He asked. “We’ve recently been able to complete Tiamat’s work and have developed a solution to end the war and killing,” she said flatly. “We created God.” Antu felt her husband’s anger flood in her. One of the attendants passed out, the pressure of her husband subsided. “What happened to him?!” An shouted and stood. “He will be fine. He was unable to handle being in the presence of your anger,” she said with a smile. “As we planned.” “Monster…” Antu whispered. “What would you have us do? Oh king!?” she said. “We connected all of the Igigi songs to you! Your voice will be heard by us all! No one shall be able to raise up arms against you, or your lineage.” “How?!” Ah shouted. “What you are saying makes no sense!” “The food they eat, the water they drink, it all has Anbersar.” She said with a wicked smile. “Let me clarify, it’s the other side of Anbersar. WE have woven your essences together, Annunaki and Igigi are one, with Annunaki to lead us. None shall go against your orders.” “Think of it like a communicator,” Antu explained. “All of Nibiru can hear you, and should you choose, you may even hear their thoughts and see into their hearts. If you tell them to do something, they must do it. None… can defy our orders.” “Then,” An said. “Take your life.” The councilwoman grinned. “The counsel is immune.” Antu continued. She heard a snap. An has broken the arm to his throne. His face wore pure rage. She wanted to reach out and calm him, but she felt just as slighted by the council members. The chamber doors burst open and a squad of armed guards entered the room. “What’s going on!” the council demanded as they were gathered up. “It seems all of Nibiru can hear my thoughts when I call out.” He said. “Well done.” “My love,” Antu said, resting her hand on his forearm. It was covered in sweat. The Anbersar needed more time to finish the changes. He raised a hand to silence her. She obliged, but made a note to discuss court decorum with him in the future. She’ll let it go… this time. “Since you twelve people decided the fate of our people,” he said. “Then, I shall decide your fate.” “You can’t kill us.” The councilwoman snapped. “You can’t order them to kill us. You can’t imprison us, the Anbersar forbids it!” “Take them to the medical chambers.” He said. “You will keep your role, Ensure my rule is just and fair.” “But, if this is the course you decided,” he said, “then allowing your offspring the same roles as you twelve only invites more division.” “What are you talking about?” The counsel woman snapped. She struggled against the bindings lashed around her wrists behind her back. “I decree, the council be sterilized,” he ordered. Everyone fell silent. An stood from his throne, a massive frame slowly approached the restrained council. His anger could be felt through the room. “Your machinations are just as devious and twisted as the generals and commanders you are trying to replace.” He said. “This was your choice, the choice of the people who you lied to.” “You wish to be apart from the rest of us, then you shall die childless,” he said. “Your blood is not Annunaki, nor is it Igigi. You are now an abomination, and shall only be of use till your song ends and your bodies return to the ground.” “YOU CAN’T DO THIS TO US!” the councilwoman screamed and struggled against her restraints as she and her co-members were dragged out of their chambers. “You wished for a god,” Antu said from her throne with a shrug. “What did you expect to happen when you angered him?” “Antu!” She pleaded, “We were friends! I was your commander! You have just as much say in this as he does! You’re going to let a Northerner do this to us!?” “All I see is a coward,” Antu said coldly. With a wave of her hand, she sent her intentions to take them away to the medical chambers. Her husband looked back at her with a quizzical look. You’re not the only one who can do that. She thought to him.
The humbled council took their seats around King An. “Now that we’ve resolved this issue,” he said. “You will announce your… celibacy to the people.” “Explain to them the council is temporary, in order to ensure the kingship be established. No one shall replace a seat when one of your lives comes to an end.” “It is a pity,” Antu said, “that you decided to travel this path.” The neutered council took their seats and King An addressed his people. Various recording and broadcasting devices sent his words all across the world. “My dear friends and comrades.” He started. “I speak to you not as An, King and Living God, but as a nameless warrior from the old war.” “I look back at the old ways,” He said. “The north and south, brother against brother. I hope our people will never see a day where one Annunaki or Igigi would take the life of another. Let us all ” “With my ascendancy, we are no longer divided, and to commemorate that, I propose we build a new capital city.” He said. “We shall name it Agag, and it will be located at the center of our planet to mark the unity of our people.” “The old Northern Alliance will repurpose the War Schools to teach agriculture and various skills to the next generation. Attendance will be voluntary and open to all.” “Gender restrictions are removed for all job categories as well,” An said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, and we need everyone in top form. I will need advisors to assist me in rebuilding, a specialist in all fields of study. Weapons of war shall be locked away. I will not be ignorant to its uses, but those tools shall never be turned upon each other..." Antu looked at her husband as he spoke into the recording devices. He spoke calmly, with compassion, and a sense of relief. There was no form or sense of regally from him. Just a humble soldier, no longer given an enemy to fight. Now he is tasked with something few people would be able to carry the burden for, saving their people. All Annunaki and Igigi put their faith in him to save them. An continued to discuss his plans for the future, and almost absentmindedly reached out his hand. She intertwined her fingers with his and moved closer next to him. She let him feel her reassurance and confidence, holding him up as his thoughts wavered with doubt. An will hold up their people, and she will hold up him.
She remembered, in one of the old city ruins, he was moving supplies. They needed the medicine since the last orbital bombing took out their hospitals. The battle was at a stalemate, and the two of them had expended their ammunition. Her commander gave her a new weapon, a single shot weapon for such an occasion. She was pinned down, her power armor was draining power, while he was on top of her. This was the first time she had ever been this close to him… and his eyes weren’t filled with rage or hate, just… sadness. The small gemstone embedded as ornamentation in the center of her armor erupted, launching him backwards and into a wall. She ran to finish the job, grabbing a rusted piece of metal from the crumbling ruins and limped over to her assaulter. His armor was caved in, his shoulder was skewered with metallic debris, and he was pinned to the wall. She dragged her makeshift spear up to him. He struggled to free himself, deep blue blood pouring out of his wounds. They locked eyes, he didn’t have a hint of fear, or anger. He just looked disappointed. She didn’t want to feel pity for a man who killed her comrades. Who was complacent with all the strikes against them. She tried to hoist the spear up to dispatch him, but her armor’s batteries quit on her. Her weapon was unwieldable, and she was barely able to move with it on. Swearing to herself she abandoned her armor and retreated to the convoy, leaving him to die.
“So, are you thinking about finishing the job?” An moaned. She didn’t realize her hand was resting on the wound she gave him. She shook her head no and kissed it. “For once,” she said, wiping away a tear. “I’m thankful I spared you.” “I think I remember it differently, wife.” He said with a smile. “Didn’t your armor lose power?” “I could have found a rock or something.” she said coyley and held his cheek. “How are you feeling?” “Feels like I was hit with ten of those… whatever you did to me.” he said. “Sonic disruption.” she said with a sigh. “It’s small, and one use only. It was experimental, but not something we decided to use for normal fights.” “You could have won if you didn’t.” He said, sitting up. “I need a drink.” Antu swore to herself. The doors to their chambers opened, and an attendant arrived with a tray and goblet. “How?” An looked confused. Antu pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose. She’s just now realizing to the… extent the Anbersar changed her husband. And what her old commander, the councilwoman, had done. “I didn’t even call out or shout to someone. Do they have listening devices in the room?” “No.” Antu said. “I will explain everything in detail.” She gave him the cup filled with Anbersar, he looked at it distrustingly. She smiled, took a sip, and kissed it to his lips. When she parted, she was about to give him more… his body needed it to finish the process, but he took the goblet away and pulled her to him. The attendant left them alone.
“Thank you for meeting with us, my lord.” The Councilwoman said. After King An was feeling better, the newlyweds were taken to their official delegation chambers. They had set up tiered half circle desks for the council that sat behind the two main thrones for An and Antu. “It’s time to start building your kingdom.” “Councilwoman,” An replied. “My wife, Antu, has informed me of something I’ve suspected since the Lottery was announced. My ascendancy is a lie, orchestrated by the twelve of you.” “Of course it is.” she said exasperated. “Well, for the most part.” “Care to explain?” An asked with a growl. The councilwoman let out a sigh. “We put stronger restrictions on the lottery, based on service records, psychological profile, lineage, genetic compatibility, and thousands of other variables.” she explained. “We had to provide a narrative to the people that everyone had a chance, or it would cause more strife.” “In the end, we selected people from the varying levels of the lottery, and secretly tested to see who is more liked among the populus.” she continued. “Your story about the rivalry with Antu is inspirational on both sides.” “We didn’t orchestrate everything. The final 12 candidates were all qualified to lead. The fact that Antu made it as far as she did was not something we forced. She had all the qualifications and met the same standards as everyone else.” she explained. “We are trying to create a new world from the ashes of lies and deceit. We may do things differently, but we’ve done what we promised and let fate decide the king. The fact that you chose her to be a spouse was something we’d hoped for, but did not expect.” Antu’s husband looked down at his clenched fists. She wished to know what was in his head. Is she lying? Antu’s eyes locked onto her husband. Was his voice in her head? I… don’t think so, my love. She thought back. He nodded and turned to the councilwoman. “Fine, I am satisfied with that,” he said. “Now, explain in full detail Anbersar, and what you did to me and my wife.”
“I’ve done it, I’ve solved the problems with the cohesion. The fruits are viable, and we can alter their properties to bestow many traits on those who eat them! The distribution method is brilliant, since it alters the biochemistry of the microbial ecosystem in the digestive tract, they will distribute the genetic changes into the bloodstream.” A strange woman was explaining some complicated figures and math equations. She was somewhat dishevelled, and the recording of her lecture was in what looked to be a primitive laboratory from before the wars. “The fruit takes a long time to incorporate the various traits I’ve discovered in our genetic structure. Maybe if we were to break it down first? Make juice or wine from it? One downside I’ve discovered is you need to constantly replenish yourself. I’m working on a faster way to grow them… but I need more time to research this." “Who knows, maybe if I can get this into a wine, I can finally go on that trip.” She said with a chuckle. “The trajectory of Nibiru’s circuit around our Heaven is so different from the other Gods. I think it may have come here from outside the Hammered Belt that borders the empty skys between heavens.” “Some of our most brilliant minds have made vessels that can go past the Hammered Belt. I hope to follow the path of old Nibiru before she arrived in our Heaven and chose it as her home. And, see what other Heavens she may have visited before settling here!" The woman seemed distracted by something and cut the feed. Only one word was left on the screen. Tiamat. “She was a brilliant scientist before the wars.” The councilwoman said. “We have most of her logs and research. She was from the southern federation before we broke in two.” “Her research has been too advanced for us for several Sars.” Antu continued. “We’ve agreed to lock it away. Too many things she did… were abominations.” “Growing people?” An asked. It was something he remembered when they released all scientific research and weapons information to both sides. “We’ve… dabbled in what she calls cloning, but they have no song in their souls,” she said. “They are organic machines, nothing more.” “Anbersar?” He asked. “We’ve recently been able to complete Tiamat’s work and have developed a solution to end the war and killing,” she said flatly. “We created God.” Antu felt her husband’s anger flood in her. One of the attendants passed out, the pressure of her husband subsided. “What happened to him?!” An shouted and stood. “He will be fine. He was unable to handle being in the presence of your anger,” she said with a smile. “As we planned.” “Monster…” Antu whispered. “What would you have us do? Oh king!?” she said. “We connected all of the Igigi songs to you! Your voice will be heard by us all! No one shall be able to raise up arms against you, or your lineage.” “How?!” Ah shouted. “What you are saying makes no sense!” “The food they eat, the water they drink, it all has Anbersar.” She said with a wicked smile. “Let me clarify, it’s the other side of Anbersar. WE have woven your essences together, Annunaki and Igigi are one, with Annunaki to lead us. None shall go against your orders.” “Think of it like a communicator,” Antu explained. “All of Nibiru can hear you, and should you choose, you may even hear their thoughts and see into their hearts. If you tell them to do something, they must do it. None… can defy our orders.” “Then,” An said. “Take your life.” The councilwoman grinned. “The counsel is immune.” Antu continued. She heard a snap. An has broken the arm to his throne. His face wore pure rage. She wanted to reach out and calm him, but she felt just as slighted by the council members. The chamber doors burst open and a squad of armed guards entered the room. “What’s going on!” the council demanded as they were gathered up. “It seems all of Nibiru can hear my thoughts when I call out.” He said. “Well done.” “My love,” Antu said, resting her hand on his forearm. It was covered in sweat. The Anbersar needed more time to finish the changes. He raised a hand to silence her. She obliged, but made a note to discuss court decorum with him in the future. She’ll let it go… this time. “Since you twelve people decided the fate of our people,” he said. “Then, I shall decide your fate.” “You can’t kill us.” The councilwoman snapped. “You can’t order them to kill us. You can’t imprison us, the Anbersar forbids it!” “Take them to the medical chambers.” He said. “You will keep your role, Ensure my rule is just and fair.” “But, if this is the course you decided,” he said, “then allowing your offspring the same roles as you twelve only invites more division.” “What are you talking about?” The counsel woman snapped. She struggled against the bindings lashed around her wrists behind her back. “I decree, the council be sterilized,” he ordered. Everyone fell silent. An stood from his throne, a massive frame slowly approached the restrained council. His anger could be felt through the room. “Your machinations are just as devious and twisted as the generals and commanders you are trying to replace.” He said. “This was your choice, the choice of the people who you lied to.” “You wish to be apart from the rest of us, then you shall die childless,” he said. “Your blood is not Annunaki, nor is it Igigi. You are now an abomination, and shall only be of use till your song ends and your bodies return to the ground.” “YOU CAN’T DO THIS TO US!” the councilwoman screamed and struggled against her restraints as she and her co-members were dragged out of their chambers. “You wished for a god,” Antu said from her throne with a shrug. “What did you expect to happen when you angered him?” “Antu!” She pleaded, “We were friends! I was your commander! You have just as much say in this as he does! You’re going to let a Northerner do this to us!?” “All I see is a coward,” Antu said coldly. With a wave of her hand, she sent her intentions to take them away to the medical chambers. Her husband looked back at her with a quizzical look. You’re not the only one who can do that. She thought to him.
The humbled council took their seats around King An. “Now that we’ve resolved this issue,” he said. “You will announce your… celibacy to the people.” “Explain to them the council is temporary, in order to ensure the kingship be established. No one shall replace a seat when one of your lives comes to an end.” “It is a pity,” Antu said, “that you decided to travel this path.” The neutered council took their seats and King An addressed his people. Various recording and broadcasting devices sent his words all across the world. “My dear friends and comrades.” He started. “I speak to you not as An, King and Living God, but as a nameless warrior from the old war.” “I look back at the old ways,” He said. “The north and south, brother against brother. I hope our people will never see a day where one Annunaki or Igigi would take the life of another. Let us all ” “With my ascendancy, we are no longer divided, and to commemorate that, I propose we build a new capital city.” He said. “We shall name it Agag, and it will be located at the center of our planet to mark the unity of our people.” “The old Northern Alliance will repurpose the War Schools to teach agriculture and various skills to the next generation. Attendance will be voluntary and open to all.” “Gender restrictions are removed for all job categories as well,” An said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, and we need everyone in top form. I will need advisors to assist me in rebuilding, a specialist in all fields of study. Weapons of war shall be locked away. I will not be ignorant to its uses, but those tools shall never be turned upon each other..." Antu looked at her husband as he spoke into the recording devices. He spoke calmly, with compassion, and a sense of relief. There was no form or sense of regally from him. Just a humble soldier, no longer given an enemy to fight. Now he is tasked with something few people would be able to carry the burden for, saving their people. All Annunaki and Igigi put their faith in him to save them. An continued to discuss his plans for the future, and almost absentmindedly reached out his hand. She intertwined her fingers with his and moved closer next to him. She let him feel her reassurance and confidence, holding him up as his thoughts wavered with doubt. An will hold up their people, and she will hold up him.
at first, I was going to use "Ambrosia" The nectar of the gods. This really matches well with the distribution system most of the old legends talk about when giving people special powers or gifts, they would consume food or drink. I couldn't really find a good word combination in Sumerian, but I settled on AnBerSar - An (god) Ber (Holy light) Sar(Long year). I'm open to corrections on the translation and its use.
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