Condition Evolution 4 by Kevin Sinclair (parable of the sower read online .txt) 📗

how you have come so far, it clearly gives you great strength.”

“Well, I don't know about harmony, more Ember takes the piss out of me, but makes sure I’m not doing anything really stupid, and I’m grateful,” I chuckled, while Ember shrugged her agreement.

“I sense there is more to it. But, as for your question, Ember, I hope to provide you with training. Much of what we focus on now are holistic, peaceful techniques that will hopefully enhance both your life and chances of survival. It will depend on how far you have developed. I really have no idea what a hindered one is capable of achieving.”

“What do you mean?” Ember asked.

“We do not know if the Fystr’s suppression of your planets would have led to a physical devolution of your minds. You may not be capable of our more advanced skills. May I request permission to delve inside your minds to assess you?”

“Uhm… sure?” I began to say, before Ember spoke abruptly over the top of me.

“I don’t think we're quite there in our relationship yet, Jezai. Perhaps one day though, depending on how all this plays out.”

“Very wise and I can understand your reticence. It was perhaps a little forward of me given the current circumstances,” he said with a small smile.

“On the other hand, we’re happy to answer all your questions and tell you everything we know,” Ember replied.

“A good compromise. Let us go and take refreshments in the tearooms down the way. You can tell me more about all of your current abilities,” Jezai suggested, beckoning us to follow him.

We walked down the tree-lined, soil-packed street past a number of buildings until Jezai came to a stop in front of a quaint open-fronted building filled with wooden tables and chairs. There were other Apochros chatting amiably. We made our way to a table that sat us all comfortably.

“What would you like to drink? I highly recommend the Falutilongg. You will find it to be both refreshing and energizing, it is my favorite.” He beamed.

“Cool, one Fartooti long for me, please,” I said. Ember smirked in my direction, then also agreed to the drink.

Maybe five minutes later, someone arrived at our table with a floating tray holding three steaming, red-hued drinks in transparent mugs. I raised a questioning eyebrow at Jezai. “Just to clarify, did you order with your mind?”

“Of course!” he replied, as the tray descended to the table.

I was impressed by the casual, everyday use of his powers. It made me realize how little I used my own and I resolved that instant to start using them in more mundane ways. I noticed Jezai lifted his mug up to his nose using his hands, taking a deep inhalation. “Ah, beautiful as always. Thank you, Sana,” he said to the server, who offered a bow of his head, before leaving us alone once more. My mind was still on use of power. If he wasn’t risking drinking tea with telekinesis after thousands of years of practice, I sure as shit wasn't trying that one either. See, already learning!

I lifted the mug and took a deep inhalation. I can honestly say I’d never experienced a smell quite like it. Especially from a cup of bloody tea. A powerful waft of apples and spices and hints of other scents that I couldn't put my finger on seemed to fill my brain, causing a gentle tingling sensation. “Holy guacamole, Jezai, what the fuck is this made from? It smells amazing.”

“It really does,” Ember agreed, while also taking deep breaths.

“It is a combination of leaves and dried fruit we grow here. Currently Accre’s finest export. Now please, enjoy.”

We savored the tea for a few moments in companionable silence, before Jezai spoke again. “So, on the subject of your abilities, to begin with, I would like to know what transcendence level you are both currently at, if you are able to access your Cerebral Interface.”

“I’ve no clue, but give us a minute,” Ember said, as we both quickly delved into our Mindscapes, while maintaining a presence in our Normal-State.

Ember began to recite her stats first:

“Name: Ember Davison

Age: 26 GY

Transcendence Level: 115

Strength: 82/1000

Agility: 111/1000

Speed: 101/1000

Intelligence: 49/1000

Constitution: 176/1000

Wisdom: 65/1000

Mental Resilience: 221/1000

Mental Clarity: 78%

Potential: 83%

“Oooh, there is some improvement!” declared Ember. “How about you, Shaun?”

I’d already looked through them, and I’d improved too. “Uhm, you're not gonna like this, Ember.” I winced.

“I’m fairly sure that as long as you’ve gained in some way, I’ll like it. I honestly don’t care if you’re at a higher level than me. It all increases our overall chances of success.”

“Okay, you asked for it.” I winced, before reciting the display.

“Name: Shaun Sutherland

Age: 30 GY

Transcendence Level: 118

Strength: 220/1000

Agility: 75/1000

Speed: 108/1000

Intelligence: 61/1000

Constitution: 221/1000

Wisdom: 21/1000

Mental Resilience: 122/1000

Mental Clarity: 76%

Poten…”

“Is it still the same as mine?” Ember butted in over me. “It has to be. It’s the only stat that never moves.” She laughed lamely.

I was off kilter from her interruption, but then a small part of my mind clicked into action. Don’t tell the stranger my Potential. It was most likely because of Ogun’s reaction after I’d broken the news to him. I still had to speak to him about that. I desperately wanted more information out of him now, that much was for damn sure. Bringing my mind back on track, I responded to Ember. “Uh, yeah. I’m still the same as before,” while casting an eye over to Jezai. It didn't look like we’d fooled him, but he didn't say anything, just a small flicker of curiosity crossed his face.

“That is interesting. So how long have you been transcended for?” was his only response.

“Not really sure,” Ember said, echoing my thoughts. “We’ve both aged a year, but our ages converted into galactic years when we transcended. So yeah, no clue!”

I laughed as he turned his gaze on me. I shrugged. “You know what they say, time flies when you're being hunted throughout the galaxy in constant fear for your life.”

“Who are they?” Jezai asked, seeming genuinely intrigued.

“Well… nobody, it