The Sword of Justice

Space station Sword of Justice, above planet Myridia

Vesta is waiting in front of the large marble door, waiting impatiently; she could never stand for all the pomp and circumstance of her fellow gods.

Noriko asks, tapping her foot.

Vesta looks at herself: instead of her normal Earth clothes, she's wearing an orange himation that covers all of her body except the right arm and shoulder.

Vesta says with embarrassment.

The door opens, revealing a fully armored Athena; she's even carrying her spear and shield.

she complains, pointing the spear towards Noriko. She's wearing her usual attire: combat boots, jeans, black T-shirt with white Ø symbol, leather jacket of a horrible shade of green.

Vesta smirks.

Athena touches Noriko's shoulder with her spear, and the girl's clothes change instantaneously. She's now wearing a black pantsuit over a green shirt. The white Ø symbol is a medal on her chest.

Vesta starts to say.

Noriko interrupts her angrily.

<...like someone ready to meet the Goddess of Divine Law> Vesta concludes hastily.

Now that she has all the knowledge of mankind and she's met several gods, it takes a lot to leave Noriko speechless. However when she looks at Themis, sitting at her desk, her jaw drops.

Themis doesn't have eyes; there's only smooth skin where they're supposed to be. She wears a golden crown over her white hair. And she's twenty stories high.

is the shout of a woman who looks just like her but only as tall as a human being.

Both Athena and Vesta bow respectfully. Noriko does the same, whispering to Athena:

Themis then talks; due to her size, her voice resonates in the immense room they're in.

Athena says.

Noriko answers. Themis chides her raising her voice:

Vesta quickly adds, to prevent Dike from punishing Noriko for her insolence.

The immense room falls silence. There's no guarantee Themis will accept: this has never been attempted in recorded divine history, which goes back several million years.

she finally asks.

The goddess without eyes bows before her mother, walking away from her desk. She heads out of the room; she doesn't acknowledge Noriko. She does a curtsy for Athena, then turns towards Vesta and spits on the floor. Vesta doesn't seem to be particularly surprised by it.

Noriko asks.

Vesta answers timidly.

Null Tower, New York City

When Erika Rhys walks through the front door, she looks around in amazement. The holographic Ø that looms over the entrance, the sight of people discussing without emitting a single sound thanks to the Sound Nullifiers, the Nullbots guarding the elevators...it's even better than she'd imagined.

Max Black asks.

Kari Zel comments, finding the enthusiasm of the British woman a little over the top.

One of the Nullbots steps in front of Erika, blocking her access to the elevator.

it says with its deep mechanic voice. Like all the other models, the Nullbot resembles a human male covered head to toe by a black sheet of metal. Given the grave voice, the fact that it doesn't have a face, and the only note of color being the white Ø symbol on the chest, it's pretty imposing.

Max says, jumping in before Erika can have a heart attack.

the Nullbot reacts. The pause before the last word make the scene seem particularly creepy. After Max shows him his badge, the Nullbot takes a step to the side.

Max, Kari and Erika finally make it inside the elevator. When the doors close, the latter can finally allow herself to breathe again.

Max looks at Kari with an expression on his face meaning "can you believe this woman?"

Erika asks.

Max hesitates, elbowing Kari to get some kind of suggestion.

Kari shrugs.

Space station Sword of Justice

Just outside of the hall, the claimants are waiting for the next session. Athena and Vesta don't seem to mind the wait, but Noriko is constantly fidgeting with her uncomfortable shoes.

Athena explains; there's a touch of disdain for her step-brother in her voice.

Vesta asks Athena, who elaborates:

Noriko answers with a veiled threat, punctuated by her shining eyes.

Then a very heavy door opens slowly, and a familiar voice announces:

The girl approaching has nothing regal about her. Green hair, black lipstick, she wears a black jacket full of rips and holes, with rolled up sleeves to leave room to spiked metal bracelets. It's left open to show off the iron bra and panties, not to mention the green dragon tattoo. Chains binding her tights and high heeled metal boots complete her outfit.

She doesn't look much older than Noriko; more than a Greek goddess, she looks like a weird combination of punk, metal and goth fashion nightmares.

Athena greets her.

she asks, looking at Noriko.

she calls to the two forms of Hekate present, the Child and the Maiden. Despite exchanging some threatening looks, the three goddesses leave for the Themis hall without saying anything.

Noriko comments, still unsure of what just happened.

Athena explains.

Vesta asks.