The Emperor Of The 7 Galaxies @page { margin-bottom: 5.000000pt; margin-top: 5.000000pt; } ----------------------------------- The Emperor Of The 7 Galaxies by Dave Gordon ----------------------------------- Science Fiction/Fantasy Mystic Moon Press www.mysticmoonpress.com Copyright © NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment. CONTENTS Dedication Emperor of the Seven Galaxies Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Epilogue About the Author * * * * The Emperor Of The 7 Galaxies By: Dave Gordon ISBN�"978-0-9801777-8-7 All rights reserved Copyright © Feb. 2008, Dave Gordon Cover Art Copyright © Feb. 2008, Magickal Media Mystic Moon Press, LLC Santa Fe, NM 87507 www.mysticmoonpress.com Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Mystic Moon Press, LLC Dedication To my wife and children with thanks for their continuing patience [Back to Table of Contents] Emperor of the Seven Galaxies Chapter 1 I awoke to the duty bell with a dream of Earth still fresh in my mind. I tried to hold on to the vision of lush green forests but the dull ceiling of my berth pushed its way into my consciousness. The memory of last night's revelries intruded upon the soft dream of birds and water. Ensign Howard had been too generous in offering up a bottle of Verdean Scurm, and we had been too gracious in accepting. I had no excuse to lie there any longer, as hangovers are almost non-existent after drinking Scurm. I threw back the rough wool blanket that covered my bunk. The coarse fabric made an audible rasp as it folded back on itself. I could never figure out why the standard bedding issued to crewmen was a wool blanket. Surely something more modern and comfortable could have been synthesized. They chose instead to stick with the traditional wool. The insignia �śEFI” was imprinted on the blanket. EFI stood for Earth Fleet Issue. Everything in my cabin had EFI emblazoned upon it. Everything in the entire ship, and the very ship itself, were all Earth Fleet Issue. My cabin was smallish but not cramped. There was a small brass plate above my door stamped with my name, Avron Tular. My rank of Shipman Second Class did not qualify me for a cabin with a view port so my view was somewhat dull. That was just something you got used to aboard ship. The only place where the lower ranks got a view of open space was on the recreation deck where there were many ports. Looking out at the emptiness of space did little to relieve the anxiety of being crammed into a large can with three-hundred other people. Looking out at the deep, black void punctuated by pin pricks of light was not uplifting at all. The hours spent off-duty could sometimes drag by. There were all sorts of diversion but after a couple of years they all seemed stale. So, the highlight of the day was going to work. That was not a good thing if your job was as meaningless as mine was. There are few things as useless as a human navigator. The situation had been slowly improving, however. I had recently been assigned to the bridge. It took a very long time to convince the sensing crew to try out my whiz-bang idea for a navigational improvement. It had actually worked. I was as surprised as anybody, but I tried not to show it. That little jewel got me assigned to the bridge. I hoped that in a few years I could get an assignment on a Carrier class ship. Almost everyone had a cabin with a view port and the accommodations were first class. Carriers were city-sized crafts built for long-duration cruises. They were built for comfort as it was assumed the ship would be on missions that lasted years. They had instead seen fit to send the Triton on this extended mission. The Triton was a Frigate class ship assigned to explore the Andromeda galaxy. It was unsuited for long voyages. Frigates usually protected shipping lanes or ports. Agility counted for more than comfort. Frigates were intended for missions lasting no more than a year. We had already been out more than two years. The explanation as to why the Triton was chosen for this mission was not shared with the crew. This ship was the first mission by Earth Fleet to another galaxy. That in itself was an exciting prospect. History was about to be made. Sometimes it was hard to maintain the excitement about making history. It seemed to require an awful lot of drudgery. The Triton was a newer craft with a form that differed from older Frigates. Older ships looked more streamlined. The Triton was much more rounded. The older ships looked cooler, sleeker. The new design maximized shield coverage, and the hull was actually stronger. The Triton looked like a flattened egg with antenna and lasers at both ends. The star drive technology that the Urians were kind enough to sell to Earth would run until we all died of old age. The ship seemed to vibrate with a constant thrum even though the engines were supposed to be absolutely silent. My bunk was four feet above the floor in order to maximize storage. I hopped off and landed with a heavy thud. I tensed expecting a headache but none came. It amazed me that the acrid, yellowish, foul-tasting Scurm could be consumed by the quart and not produce a hangover. I plucked my uniform off the back of the chair sitting in front of my communications panel. Getting dressed was a short affair since both the under clothes and the uniform were gray bodysuits. Opening the door of my cabin took some effort because of the pressure seal. My cabin was sealed in case the ship lost pressure. The air pressure in the crew cabins was slightly higher than that of the passageways. The pressure difference was supposed to keep any contamination that infected the ship out of the cabins. A disaster of that magnitude would probably destroy the ship so the measure seemed futile. It was perhaps for reassurance meant to promote restful sleep, which I rarely got. I grabbed the door handle with both hands and leaned back. A slight hissing preceded a soft whoosh as the door came free. I stepped over the raised threshold and hurried through the passageway. The designers of the ship had been preoccupied with structural features rather than style. The interior of the ship was uniformly predictable. Bulkhead, access panel, crew quarters; bulkhead, access panel, crew quarters. The pattern repeated over and over, only Engineering and Resource Recovery were different. Those two sections had stylish accents. The opulence of the officer's decks stood out in even greater contrast. They were quite nice. Down in the middle of the ship it was a monotonous repetition of doors and drab colors. Why they chose gray as the dominate color still escapes me. Was blue too expensive? I wondered why it was necessary for everything to be so mundane. Did they believe the men and women of the lower ranks to be so accustomed to a life devoid of beauty that the color red might lead to anarchy? Perhaps they believed that we simply did not require it. Whatever the reason, the stupefying monotony of our gray world rankled. I resented and loathed it rather than feeling comforted by it. I entered a lift that took me to the centerline of the ship. Another lift leading to the bridge moved through the middle of the ship. That was another difference between this ship and older versions. The bridge was in the center of the ship instead of near the surface. Emergency command and control was more protected in the center of the ship. I strode quickly to the bridge even though I was early. I hoped that showing enthusiasm would earn respect. It was certainly better than being late. I was a little disappointed the first time I entered the bridge of the ship. I was hoping for a sleek and gleaming tribute to the grand technology the ship represented. What I saw instead was a scene more representative of old Earth military ocean vessels. It was a square room with blockish control panels set against gray walls. The ceiling was a monotonous expanse of lumination panels that stood just seven feet above a dark gray carbon fiber floor. The captain's seat sat on a short platform in the middle of the room. It faced the Communications and Environmental stations. A small display screen hung on the wall facing the captain's seat. It could display the forward heading, starboard, port, and aft. The navigation station sat against the rear wall and consisted of nothing more than several display panels with a standard control module. Entire weeks passed with nothing of significance occurring on the bridge. I could tell something was awry as I entered the bridge. There were not any obvious clues, but the room was tense. I had the advantage of being able to sense those types of situations. My grandmother on my mother's side was Addian. The most intensely telepathic people in the galaxy populate Addia. My grandfather was born on Moon Base Three, and had enjoyed an 80-year marriage. I wondered what being married to a woman who knew his every thought must have been like. He and my grandmother communicated almost entirely on a psychic level and didn't talk aloud much. They had made quite an effort to raise my mother as an Earth child, but they could not change who they were. My mother was quite telepathic. Telepaths were universally regarded with suspicion. Nobody is comfortable believing that the creature sitting next to them knows their every thought, which they did. My family emigrated to Earth to escape the constant attention. I was born a lesser telepath, however it was still enough to visualize the swirling emotions that flew about the bridge. I walked to the navigation console as if nothing was amiss. Mayward, the Navigation Technician who had the shift before mine finished filling out the navigation log as I approached. I discerned that Commander Alworth's relationship with the beautiful Boriallen, Lieutenant Zhia!tu, may had come to an abrupt end. The Commander sat in the Captain's chair staring straight ahead. The Lieutenant stared at her Communications console as if it required every bit of her concentration. These things happen on long tours such as ours. People get together, break up, maybe get back together. It is a very small ship and a very large universe. People have to do something to pass the time. I believed the Commander could possibly had lost his mind for ending his relationship with Lieutenant Zhia!tu. Lieutenant Zhia!tu was the most beautiful creature in the galaxy. Exotic did not begin to describe her. Her eyes changed color depending on her mood. Light purple when calm. Fiery red when angry or excited. She was slight of build but immensely strong. She was the reigning champion of the on-going Tuburk Fiest tournament aboard ship. She had never been defeated during our entire cruise, and asked to stop competing in order to give the other players a chance. I had seen her compete a couple of times. Her feats of agility and strength were a wonder to behold. You would not have believed it unless you had seen it as I had. Imagine seeing her slender figure outlined in the arena lights as she balanced on one hand. Leaping ten feet into the air sending three opponents wheeling out of the ring. Allowing much larger players to tackle her only to brush them aside as one would an empty uniform. Her skin was like burnished bronze, dark and lustrous, lying smoothly across her exquisite features. Her hair shimmered as though made of polished brass. It grew faster than she could keep it cut, becoming a riot of curls hanging to her shoulders in six weeks. Her face was slightly elongated having a long but delicate nose. Her eyes were large in proportion to her face, their almond shape adding to her exotic appearance. She was the image of an ancient Egyptian lion goddess that had leapt from the walls of the pyramids only to somehow land among the base and mundane crew of the Triton. It was impossible to guess at her age. She could have been a youth or she could have been 200 years old. Someday I hoped to learn how to pronounce her name so I might speak to her. As it stood, the Lieutenant and I had never had occasion to speak to each other. She worked the shift before mine and she was an officer while I was not. Mayward finished the Navigation log. It read like a line from Peter Pan: second star on the right, straight on until morning. That is the problem with being a navigator in deep space, not much happens. We had not changed course for two months and were not likely to change again for another two months. Before that, we had traversed the distance between the Milky Way and the Andromeda system without a single course change for 19 months. Navigation is crucial, of course, but it is boring as hell. Mayward departed with a wave. We had been at this for over two years. Everything that needed to be said already had been. Lieutenant Commander Abbers, the commanding officer of my shift, walked up to Commander Alworth. She saluted to signify she was relieving him. I almost expected to see Saint Elmo's fire leap between Commander Alworth and Lieutenant Zhia!tu as he passed behind her. The tension was so thick he had to push through it to get by. Ensign BacTang fluttered through the door. She was from the planet FanterBeDan-Something-Something. I could not remember the name of the planet, it being about twelve syllables long. The inhabitants were small and humanoid, with behavior tremulous most of the time. When it was time for them to get down to business, it was as if their blood turned to ice water. Ensign BacTang was absolutely brilliant and good in a pinch, but a bit annoying the rest of the time. When the diminutive Ensign BacTang relieved Lieutenant Zhia!tu, she was waved off. Lieutenant Zhia!tu said she had started a diagnostic and would work a double shift. Lieutenant Commander Abbers cocked an eyebrow at the Lieutenant. It was not within the Lieutenant's purview to dictate her work shifts. Lieutenant Commander Abbers, being the astute observer she was, immediately perceived the situation. She said, �śThe Lieutenant is granted permission to conduct the diagnostic and work the double shift.” Lieutenant Zhia!tu stood and faced the Lieutenant Commander. She saluted smartly with an air that was at once apologetic, respectful, and strong. She acknowledged her misstep with no admission of wrongdoing. I watched in amazement as the drama came to a quiet end. I went about my business performing the numerous calculations and measurements to ensure we were still going straight. We would continue to go straight for a very long time even if we cut the engines and drifted. My part in the voyage seemed somewhat trifling. The Triton had every conceivable sensor so there was really no reason that bridge personnel could not roam around a bit. People took opportunities to walk off stiffness or just to relieve boredom. The stunning Lieutenant Zhia!tu decided to walk over and talk with me. I began to shiver as she turned and regarded me openly. She was unique among the crew in that her manner of thought was extremely focused. Her single-minded thoughts were pointed and direct. She had nothing else on her mind at all except me. I began to feel light headed as she walked my way. My pulse accelerated. I knew she could discern all these things, even from a distance, as her vision extended from the infra-red to the ultra-violet. I also knew that I would be revealed as a yammering idiot if I opened my mouth. She approached me from an oblique angle as a huntress might approach her prey. Her eyes were flashing wells of gold with rivulets of flame. I had seen her toss people like rag dolls when eyes were red. To say I was nervous would have been a gross understatement. She walked up to me and crouched as if she were sitting in a chair. She sat there somehow suspended in empty space at perfect ease. She said, �śI have read your file, you are of Addian descent.” The statement surprised me. She read my file? �śI am. My grandmother was from Addia.” �śThen perhaps you can enlighten me as to the events of the recent past concerning the Commander and myself,” she said. That was a tough one. I did not want to disappoint her but I had not caught much of actual information. I guessed a great deal, though. �śWhen I entered the room I felt a great deal of tension,” I said while I stared at my console. �śAfter that, I discovered the source of the tension to be you and the Commander. Both of you seemed intent on not acknowledging the other.” I sensed that she was at a loss as to the cause of the recent breakup. I searched the ship for the Commander. He was feeling sad but relieved. The Lieutenant was evidently too much for him. He felt threatened. He wanted a woman that he could care for, not one that could kick his ass. �śYou are a woman of extraordinary qualities,” I began. �śThere are none, male or female, that are your equal. Your immense beauty, strength, and intelligence are only to be dreamt of by others. It is my belief the Commander found he could not compete with you and so has decided to seek another of lesser worth.” The Lieutenant looked at me flatly for several seconds. �śYes,” she said. �śThat could likely be the case. Thank you Shipman Tular, you have eased my pain. I will not forget it.” She rose and walked back to her station. There was nothing outwardly provocative about her. Still, it was transfixing to watch her move with such confidence and grace. She could render everybody on the bridge unconscious if the situation required it. If someone were lucky enough to get a shot off at her, she could have dodged it. Can you imagine someone so fast they can dodge a laser? She was wild, fearless, and strong. I idolized her. She was everything that had vanished from Earth ages ago. She was everything I craved and never thought I would see. I worshiped her as the center of my universe. She was a goddess descended from the heavens. A dream made flesh. We spoke and she said she would not forget it. Neither would I. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter 2 Time passes slowly aboard a ship. One shift melts into another. Space travel is endless hours of tedium interspersed with moments of shear terror. There are moments of terror, to be sure, but for the most part the shifts come and go unmarked. Very little happened to break the tedium of our journey to the Andromeda system. We had a couple of micro-punctures, small holes cause by tiny asteroids. They can be very bad sometimes but these were benign. One went right through the ship, one side to the other, without hitting anything but bulkheads. If a person gets hit by a small one, they might not even know it but be bleeding internally. They can, of course, raise holy hell with an engine. Occasionally an alien ship might be detected far off in the distance. They are almost never within Communications range. The decision to communicate with them is not made lightly. You never know who you will run into. Evidently, everyone shares that sentiment because no one strikes up a conversation just to say, �śHello". Sometimes getting a call from an unknown ship can result in one of those moments of terror. Nothing of that sort occurred during the trip to Andromeda. The almost complete void between the two galaxies seemed to be just that. I was in my quarters getting ready for bed when the doorbell rang. Of all the ways a person at the door might be announced, the designers of the ship had settled on a doorbell that chimed, �śding-dong". �śJust a moment, please,” I called. I hopped into my sleep suit. Everyone was supposed to sleep in a fleet-issued sleep suit. The sleep suit supposedly offered some protection against cosmic rays if the shields should fail. I did not like sleeping in it. It did not fit very well since they assumed everyone was five foot eight inches tall, and had the same figure. It was gray, of course, and felt slightly itchy. It did not stretch at all since it was engineered to be of the utmost thickness for blocking high-energy particles. It felt like sleeping in a big asbestos oven mitt. Almost everyone preferred chancing death by irradiation to sleeping in the stupid thing. I kept it nearby in case I had to get up in the night. I smoothed my hair and opened the door. The beautifully powerful image of Lieutenant Zhia!tu greeted me. I staggered back a step, unable to collect my thoughts. I have come to repay your kindness. Will you join me for dinner in my cabin during third shift at three bells?” she asked. She stood patiently waiting for me to compose myself. Her face did not betray any disdain for my confused behavior. �śYes, I would love to, thank you,” I said, immediately regretted using the word �Ślove'. Love is the subject of chronic misunderstandings between Earthlings and almost everybody else. The endless variations of emotions and speech concerning love are too unique to be understood well by off-worlders. I suppose it's also the leading cause of misunderstandings on Earth as well. She said, �śI will see you at three bells then.” She turned on her heel and disappeared around the corner. I stood gaping in my doorway as people passed by. A few acknowledged me. I suddenly realized I was standing in the passageway in my nightclothes. Not exactly decorous behavior. I ducked back in and closed the door. Dinner with Lieutenant Zhia!tu. Now that should be interesting, I thought after regaining my wits. I really did not know much about her home planet, Borial. It was a large planet that had 1.8 Earth's gravity. The size and ferocity of the carnivores on the planet were legendary. The Boriallans were a stern and proud people. Their serious nature was reportedly uniform across the planet. There was no such thing as a Boriallen joke although the Lieutenant seemed amused when she utterly defeated a Tuburk Fiest opponent. I knew there was a high degree of eye, hair, and skin color variation between individuals. The men were only slightly larger and tended to be darker. Lieutenant Zhia!tu's strength and agility seemed representative of the race. They were largely a race who stuck close to home. Lieutenant Zhia!tu was one of only eight Boriallans serving in the fleet. They had not populated any planets or moons despite having several good candidates nearby. Still, they had developed a mature space program. They defended their space vigorously. The appearance of a Boriallen cruiser was the best news one could receive during a space battle. That was usually enough to scare away attackers. Earth Fleet vessels also fled. The Borriallens preferred hand-to-hand combat to fire fights. They would board an enemy vessel at first opportunity. The battle did not last long after that. They would strip the enemy ship of any offensive or defensive armament and send the survivors back home to relate the experience to other would-be raiders. It was a great preventative measure. Other than that, I was in the dark. I still could not pronounce her name. I crawled into my bunk and tried to sleep but it was very difficult to relax. I kept seeing Lieutenant Zhia!tu's face filling my doorway. I kept playing her voice over and over in my head. A resonant, full voice. Unexpected from someone of her slight build. She always spoke softly but was heard very well. I got ready for my shift after sleeping fitfully for a few hours. I was a little groggy but not in that bad of shape considering the lack of sleep. I decided a shower would help things. I headed for the bath. I passed the despised deck ten mess hall. I thought it was fitting the latrines should be located so close. One was in constant danger of becoming ill during meals. Becoming ill in the mess hall resulted in an official reprimand. I hurried past the dining hall to avoid the pungent aroma and turned the corner leading to the baths. The bath consisted of a large common room used by all sexes. The shower stalls lining both sides of the hall had two small rooms of dark gray carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is very strong and water resistant but very drab. I went to an open unit and disrobed. I put my clothes down on the fiber bench. I entered the shower unit and said, �śWarm.” Saying �Śhot’ would have taken a layer of skin off as there were beings aboard that could tolerate very hot water. The indicator ran down the time remaining. I never figured out why the showers were timed. The water was recycled and we had almost limitless power. I finished just before the water shut off. I dried off, dressed, and walked back to my quarters. I had no idea what I could talk about that would not bore the Lieutenant to tears. My shift went OK. Even though I had not slept well, I felt better than I usually did after drinking Scurm all night with Ensign Howard. Either Ensign Howard had devoted his entire personal items allotment to Scurm, or he had smuggled some aboard. We had been plundering his seemingly inexhaustible supply for over a year. Scurm is best described as only slightly better than nothing. Its only good quality is the intoxication it produces that immediately fades after consumption. One may be completely inebriated while holding a glass and completely sober after setting it down. It is certainly not drank for its flavor. The yellowish liquid is a little thicker than water and tastes as if it were made from crushed aspirin and vinegar. It is very powerful so a small glass of it will last a couple of hours. Drinking a large swallow of it produces no different effect than drinking a small sip. Transporting it is a delicate matter, as it was bottled in glass containers. Why they bottled it in glass was a mystery but if one questioned every odd thing aliens did, it would be a confusing existence. I went to my cabin at the end of my shift. The deliberations over what to wear took some time. I wanted to dress in a conservative manner but my wardrobe was somewhat limited. I did not have many clothes since I did not go out much. That is an old and oft used space traveler's joke. In the end I chose a jumpsuit of cotton that was slightly bluish. I chose it because it was a little baggy. I did not think showing off my unimpressive physique was called for. I sat on my bunk waiting for three bells. I walked through to the lift as three bells neared. Officers occupied the outer decks. They were larger than crewperson berths. The amount of space available for berths was very much greater at the outer part of the ship. I paced myself carefully. I wanted to arrive precisely on time. I stepped out from the lift taking a moment to appreciate the amenities of the outer decks. Carpet on the floor, art on the walls, I could have sworn the air was fresher. The walls were paneled with pastel fabric instead of bare gray metal as below. I listened to my own hushed footfalls in the quiet halls. I walked up to the door at three bells and raised my hand to knock. The door opened. Lieutenant Zhia!tu said, �śPlease come in". She did not acknowledge my raised fist salute so I dropped my hand. �śThank you,” I said. The size of her quarters was impressive. It was a lot of space for such a little person. Officer's quarters were not really all that different from the quarters down below except they were larger and had ports. Having a view can really make a difference on a long trip. That's why the recreation room was lined with ports. Lieutenant Zhia!tu's quarters were more than adequate. She had an actual bed in a bedroom, and a sitting room, as well as her own commode. There were landscape images depicting the lush forests of Borial hung about the room. A fine rug graced the carpeted floor. A brilliantly polished weapon hung on the wall opposite the door. It looked something like a very broad scimitar that had a long handle. The end of the handle had a metal ball the size of a small cannon ball attached. The thought of a Boriallan warrior holding such a weapon sent chills down my back. The cabin had several large ports. The view was stunning, but not any more so than the Lieutenant. She was wearing a pantsuit of sheer Boriallan silk. The fabric changed hue in response to cues that I could not even guess at. Her eyes were pale lilac with flecks of amethyst. She gestured to a chair near the largest port. �śWill you join me for glass of fro!ton?” she asked. She made click deep in her throat as she said the word. Throat accents made Boriallen a difficult language to master. I could not even begin to get it right. On her lips it sounded perfectly natural. I would have sounded as if I choked had I tried it. �śYes, thank you,” I replied. Her clothes were a swirling mist with hints of orange. Rust and ochre tones played across her legs as she poured a bit of the rich liquor into small glasses. She handed me the glass and our fingers touched. I'm sure my pulse rate increase was within her vision sensitivity. I had determined earlier that my goal for this encounter should be to complete it without looking like an idiot. I said �śThank you,” and took a small sip from the delicate glass. A small rivulet of liquid fire ran down my throat, into my stomach, and threatened to continue on through to the floor. I took several small breaths until my self-control came back. Lieutenant Zhia!tu took a drink apparently unfazed. She said, �śHow do you like it?” �śI like it very well,” I said, which was not a lie. �śIt is very bold.” �śYes,” she answered. �śI thought you might be interested in something of better quality than Scurm.” The slightest indication of a smile played across her face and her eyes turned purple. �śYes, thank you,” I said, embarrassed that the Lieutenant knew about my drinking habits. I took another drink. I thought I was going to pass out. It was several seconds before I could compose myself. �śThat is some liquor you have on Borial,” I said. One more drink and whole �Śnot look like an idiot’ plan was going to be in trouble. Lieutenant Zhia!tu drained her glass and said, �śIt is a favorite among my people. We find that it is often not to the liking of others. Each bottle is seven hundred years old. On the Feast of the Reliant we open the cave containing the supply from seven hundred years ago. We remove the old bottles from the cave, replacing them with the bottles from this year's brewing. Each drop represents the blood of the Boriallans who have lived and died during those seven hundred years. So, when you feel the fire, think of them, my ancestors who have fought and died to keep this peace.” Her eyes had changed to gold and her clothes were red. Even without the clues from her eyes, it was obvious she was filled with emotion. Although she was trying to keep her emotions hidden, she could not hide them from me. �śYou miss it but you cannot go back, why is that?” I asked. I hoped my impertinence would be forgiven. Her eyes were a mixture of indigo and amethyst. She said, �śPlease excuse me. I do not wish to be rude, but that is a matter better left to another time. Let us eat.” She rose and motioned me to the small round table in the sitting area. She brought several bowls of food to the table as her mood lightened. It was a simple meal. A salad, a small grain flavored with herbs, and of course the requisite protein cake. Everybody must consume at least one, but no more than two, protein cakes per day. I was glad to see the cake because otherwise I would have had to choke one down after this dinner. They were not entirely unpleasant to eat, but as they were designed to go with everything, they went with nothing very well. As we were eating, Lieutenant Zhia!tu said, �śWhen I spoke to you on the bridge you were very candid and frank. I appreciate your efforts. I would also like to thank you for the lavish compliments you paid to me, you were very kind.” �śNot at all,” I said. �śThe ship is full of people who admire you.” Lieutenant Zhia!tu was admired by many people but she was not necessarily liked by them all. �śPerhaps you might be able to help me with another small difficulty, Shipman Tular. I find some of my relationships aboard ship strained. I do not seem to be well equipped to understand human interactions. You have been very kind to me in small ways. I would be most grateful if you would be so kind as to tutor me in social skills.” I could not believe what I had just heard. I was to take God's crowning achievement and turn her into something fit for human society? It was like Pygmalion in reverse. Instead of bringing a gutter snipe up, I was going to drag an angel down. I wanted to tell her that they were beneath her, that they should worship her as a god. Instead, I told her, �śAny service I can render would be my pleasure.” She rose and began clearing the table. �śThen perhaps we can start now, would you mind?” she said somewhat hopefully. �śNo,” I said even though it was not the evening I had imagined. �śThen perhaps you can enlighten me about human men. There are no Boriallan men aboard so if I am to have any companionship it is to be with humans. Yet, each time I form a bond, it is broken by some misdeed on my part that I am not aware of. What is the cause?” I searched her memory. There had been several attempted �Śbondings', each one failing after a short time due to bruised egos on the men's part. Lieutenant Zhia!tu was an officer and so fraternized with officers. These were proud men who had gained their rank by exhibiting leadership qualities, strength, and determination. Having a girlfriend that could toss them around like a rag doll was not to their liking. I searched for some way to tell her these things that would not hurt her. Despite her placid exterior she was in pain and lonely. I began, �śYou meet and speak mostly to officers. I believe you should consider that the very qualities which have led them to become officers are the same qualities that lead them to feel threatened by you. They are trained to lead, but you need no leader. They are strong, but you are far stronger. There is nothing they can do that you cannot do better. The problem is not that you are not well equipped for them but rather the opposite. My suggestion would be to perhaps look for a companion in the lower ranks. Somebody who can accept you as their superior in every way.” She looked at me steadily but her clothes were changing color and her eyes were turning a deep red. She said, �śI had hoped that was your analysis, it was mine also.” She walked slowly to my side and stooped to nuzzle my neck as I shivered. She nipped my ear as she lifted me from the chair like a doll. She carried me effortlessly across the cabin and laid me on her bed. I sank into thick furs that were rich with the smell of her. She began to undress. I was transfixed by her gaze. Her blazing eyes were swimming with liquid fire. She began to vocalize a throaty snarl. It was a guttural, chilling sound. She sounded like a primordial huntress alive with the lust of the hunt. After she had disrobed she began pace back and forth beside the bed. Her body was sculpted muscle covered by taught, lustrous brown skin. Even her smallish breasts seemed somehow muscular. She was completely hairless accept for the wild flying cascade of brilliant hair that threatened to hide her face. She crouched as if readying herself. Suddenly she sprang to the ceiling, hung there somehow for a moment, and then dropped onto me. My last lucid memory is of having my clothes shredded from my body by a snarling demon with eyes of flame. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter 3 My relationship with Lieutenant Zhia!tu became stronger as the days passed. I began calling her by a shortened version of her first name, Tuya, after finally giving up on Boriallen throat accents. Her full first name, Tuya �Śal Ayan y h!dlay, translated more or less as �śswift rain over plains of scented flowers". Calling her Tuya would have been an insult coming from anybody else, as Boriallens did not shorten names. She allowed it without protest. She accepted my limitations just as I accepted she had none. She liked it when I read poetry to her, especially the verses I wrote myself. They were invariably terrible but she liked them anyway. Sometime she would perform feats of speed and agility to amuse me. She learned Earth-style hand magic in almost no time. She performed magic tricks to make me laugh. I laughed a lot because I existed in a state of joy. Tuya would occasionally allow herself a short laugh. She considered laughing a great indulgence. She did it because she knew I liked it. I would provoke her by issuing a challenging call when I felt brave. I could not imitate it well but it was close enough to get a rise out of her. Then we would engage in ritual combat which usually ended with her throwing me onto the bed, sometimes from across the room. She would bound to the bed snarling, baring her teeth in a fearsome display of primal intensity while pinning me firmly to the bed. I might say to her, �śOh, you are my nice little kitty cat. What a good kitty!” until the only thing she could think to do was attack me. I had a few more visits to the medical bay than before our liaison. The Medical Chief suggested that perhaps something less physical might be better. He had never seen my beautiful flaming goddess in her full glory. Her mighty feats in the Turburk ring were a simple diversion to her. The displays I thought so magnificent back then were a dim shadow of what she was capable. Her true form was awesomely explosive. Hair flying wildly, glowing red eyes, snarling and growling like a feral tigress gone berserk. That she did not seriously harm me was a testament to her abilities. She would throw me into the air and leap from wall to wall in a blur, all the while keeping me aloft. She pinned me to the ceiling on my back while somehow clinging there. She was astounding, terrifying, so utterly breathtaking that I would provoke her just to witness it. It was well worth a few scratches. Making up was even better. I dreamt of Earth less often after that. Or rather, I dreamt less of the Earth that used to exist hundreds of years ago. The Earth of my time was an aberration, a vile corruption of nature; that's why I left. No forests, no birds, no streams. Lots of cement, lots of traffic, lots of people. The whole planet would have baked from the effects of �śgreenhouse” pollutants if it weren't for the crude climate control. There were lush and beautiful planets in the galaxy that had escaped that fate, Borial among them. Earth had followed its own worst instincts into a stinking pit of industrial pollution. The cities were encased in protective shields. Atmosphere generators and radiation protection kept people alive. Anybody caught outside for long suffered burns and sores. I joined the Fleet to avoid living inside an enclosed city. Earth faced a dilemma common to many mature worlds. Space technology became available about the same time society could not afford to sustain it. The lure of inexhaustible resources kept space technology alive. Earth Fleet was formed as a joint international venture in technological discovery and planetary exploitation. Contact with other civilizations brought a wealth of beneficial technology. Earth Fleet became a growing concern with good support. Earth Fleet's first mission outside the solar system was in the year 2387. That mission made contact with an Urian settlement. The Urians were in pretty much the same state as Earth at the time. They were eager to trade. They provided assistive technology for language translation and gravity control. We provided DNA of the Earth genome for reference. We also made a deal to sell off some of the water from the rings of Saturn. Word of the galaxy's new trading partner grew and soon many missions were finding their way to Earth. Earth was wealthy in heavy elements. The mineral iron, which had been almost worthless on Earth, suddenly became a valuable resource. Earth was finding a measure of prosperity. Space is not free from hazards, however. Planetary raiders sometimes attacked with deadly results. Earth Fleet took on a military role. Defending the Earth and its remote stations and settlements became its primary mission. Coordinating the fleet required a military command and control hierarchy. I was born in the northern megalopolis of Alberta, Canada. My mother was a medical technician, my father an anonymous sperm donor. That's not unusual what with the decline in the number of males being born. Some say there will be no more men in a thousand years. I say if we keep it up, there will not be any men OR women in a few hundred. Mom raised me to age five and then I was sent to boarding school like the rest of the children. Very few children stayed home. Only the very poor or very rich kept their children at home. The boarding school allowed us to go home a few days a month. Those were fun days. Mom would cook and we would play. Then it would be back to the mines, cranking out tests and working in the laundry. Oh yes, we worked our little butts off. They knew what our capabilities and limitations were thanks to genetic testing. We were assigned tasks according to our skills. That was not a good thing for me. * * * * The young men nervously shuffled their feet. They felt out of place, exposed. Anxiety creased their spotless young faces. The gleaming, anti-septic room was painfully brighter than the caves they inhabited. They wore shapeless gray jumpsuits that hung about their shoulders and puddled at their feet. None knew why they were there. They knew each other as they all came from the industrial services unit of the same school. They were from the laundry, kitchen, housekeeping, environmental, and janitorial services sections. All the most mundane and tedious parts of a school renowned for the brilliance of its economic studies graduates. No dreams of glory or success filled the heads of the subdued young men. They knew their futures as surely as they knew tomorrow. Their fate had been cast when sperm met egg. Their mothers had condemned them. Their merciful mothers knew of their deficiencies at conception but still chose to carry them to birth. Most women aborted these children of a lesser god. The stain of being male meant a life of servitude. Men were in high demand because the gleaming city needed their labor. Their welfare was assured but their happiness was not. No gleam of youthful exuberance flashed in their dull eyes. Any playful nature had been carefully medicated from them in the name of industrial efficiency. There were no wild dreams of adventure or romance. There were no dreams at all. �śTo sleep, perchance to dream.” God forbid. Some might require a touch of testosterone to encourage a limited competitive spirit. Not enough to divert their attentions from their duties, just enough to allow the best to rise. After all, someone had to oversee the work. Intellectual capital was too valuable to spend on simple societal maintenance. A beautiful blond woman emerged from the lift across the room. The brilliant white jumpsuit she wore highlighted her tan skin and deep green eyes. She slowly walked towards the waiting group, a light smile playing across her exquisite features. She walked up to the group and struck a pose, perfect teeth and radiant blond hair gleaming in the bright light. �śWelcome to Technological Resources Services,” she said. Her full lips shaped the words perfectly. Her voice fell across them like glossy satin, smooth and light. Some faint feeling just out of reach beckoned them to her words. They yearned to hear her speak and again, to bless them with her rare and beautiful gift. Rare to them, perhaps. Her sort were abundant in the beautiful city under the protective dome. The dome protected the beautiful people from poisonous radiation and defined the prison that held the young men were captive. Mothers who were able to meet the price chose long legs and perfect figures at conception. The price of an immaculate conception was dear but very necessary. A successful child could only assure good care in old age. Society had no need of the aged but a well-cared for mother was the pride of the business class, a class dominated by women. Strong, wealthy women who demonstrated their superiority by providing for the comfort of their family. No such assurance awaited the young men who huddled in that brilliant hall. �śToday you shall experience one of the true marvels of our age,” the perfect goddess said. �śThe future that belongs to you is waiting behind these walls,” she said as she swept her lithe arm across the scene. �śToday is what you make it. It is yours for the taking. Do well and success will be yours. But you must focus on the job ahead,” she said with knitted brow and pursed lips. �śThis is the crossroad. The better you do here, the better you will do out there!” She struck another pose and thrust out her precious arm to point at the wall of diamond glass behind the group of boys. The boys turned as one to face the wall behind them. The white wall became transparent revealing the vast megalopolis below. A gasp of amazement escaped their lips as they beheld the sweeping vista of the glass city. The protective dome that shielded the life below reflected the image of the towering buildings under it. The young men stared in mute wonder at the glittering palaces of commerce rising into the air. Though they stood high above the ground, the buildings rose far above them. Most of the group had never been above the third floor of any building before. Theirs was a life underground. The messy business of catering to the privileged took place in darkened caverns. The roots of the city reached deep into the earth. The deep roots fed and sustained the city. The vital substance the city required was blood. The life blood that flowed underground was that of the young men who worked there. The city would no more raise them from below than it would rip the roots from the beautiful trees that flourished above. They were a commodity, an asset. Their numbers were determined by how many would be needed to take the garbage out. They were valued as a source of fresh linen. Now they stood upon the lofty heights of a world they might never see again. The boys stood in wonder of the beautiful glistening scene. All but one. One was filled with disgust. There was something wrong with it all. Something perverted and sick. The life below them was the life of a machine, a money machine that had no use of flesh and blood beyond producing profit. This was not life, this was death; a slow beautiful death among fields of concrete and flowers of steel. He was going to try his very hardest today, striving as though his life depended on it. He would not feed the polished monster he beheld in the window. He would escape. * * * * After twelve years of servitude, I was ready to get out from under the dome. An aptitude test showed that I would be a fine candidate for a dull, routine job with a high degree of mortal danger so off to space I went. Space flight is not nearly as dangerous as it had once been but when something unexpected happens you had better be able to deal with it fast. Things tend to go from zero to nuts in nothing flat. One little rock the size of a pea goes through the hull and into a control panel and there is suddenly crisis. If you are unlucky, the rock goes through you. That happened to an engineer during my first mission. He was off-shift in his bunk. A rock went right through his liver and he bled to death before anybody could even get to him. It still beats Earth, though. Earth sucks. Back in the old days there were governments run by people. They voted on things, they had laws. Then business became law. Big companies grew larger and larger until they had swallowed everything up. They had thousands of subsidiaries and hundreds of millions of employees. Sure, there were tiny little businesses in the neighborhoods. Some monolithic giant with no face and no conscience would gobble up anything successful. Governments ceased to exist for the people and existed only for business. They say Earth used to look blue from space. Now it is brown. When I read about the Earth that existed three hundred years ago, it made me sick. Forests, rivers, fresh air. You could stand outside in the full sun in a t-shirt. I preferred to be in space where a good day is one where you did not die rather than be on Earth. That was before my liaison with the Tuya. A good day was one that Tuya and I were together. She stood at her nightstand brushing her hair. I made a guttural growl in the back of my throat from across the room and crouched. She turned on me with her eyes flashing. I knew she could not let the affront pass. She tensed and lightly sprang across the room planting her foot in my chest. The blow knocked me into the air and took the wind out of me. I fell hard flat on my back, wheezing. She paced above me snarling softly. �śOh, my little kitty, she is so pretty. Would she like a bowl of warm milk?” I gasped. She pounced on me and we grappled in each other's arms until we were spent. Space was a wonderful place. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter 4 I was asleep in my bunk and Tuya was on-shift when I was tossed into the air by a ferocious jolt accompanied by a thundering boom. I landed on the floor hard not knowing what just happened. The ship began to yaw as I came to my senses. I threw on my clothes and raced through passageways that were crowded with people drunkenly lurching through the slanted halls. The ship took on a sickening fun-house aspect as the ship continued to roll onto its side. My heart raced with the knowledge that attitude control was off-line. Is life support going to go next? I thought to myself. The ship began to right itself just before it became impossible to walk. The people flooding the corridor relaxed a bit. I headed for the bridge. All personnel of the next shift reported to their stations in case of an emergency. That was to ensure adequate manning levels if there had been any casualties. The crew of the previous shift stood ready for further orders. I did not care about any of that, I was concerned for Tuya. I walked quickly to the lift hoping it was still working. A moment of fear passed when the door slid open. The lift made a painfully slow descent to centerline. I almost ran to the double-wide bulkhead labeled BRIDGE. The door slid open. The sight stunned me. The bridge was a mess. Everything not fastened down had been tossed into the air. Tuya was fine, she had probably reacted fast enough to avoid injury. Everybody else had suffered some degree of injury. Ensign Mayward at the Navigation console was bleeding from the head. Several people were lying on the deck not moving. Commander Alworth was trying to collect himself and having a difficult time of it. I believed he had a concussion. Lieutenant Commander Abbers ran through the door. She relieved Commander Alworth. He dropped from the Captain's chair and fell onto the deck. �śStatus!” Abbers shouted. �śEngineering. Engines on-line, power 80%,” the Engineer reported from the power unit section. Eighty percent was enough power for essential systems but not much more. �śEnvironmental,” said the graying man sitting next to Tuya. �śAtmosphere 70% and holding, gravity on-line, attitude control re-established and stable, life support 100%.” The Environmental officer, Lieutenant Mason, was incapable of being rattled. He reported as if it were his standard shift log entry. He had seen a lot of action before this assignment and a minor life-threatening emergency did not bother him. �śNavigation off-line,” Mayward managed to get out. He was close to unconsciousness. No good having him report to sick bay just to pass out midway. I relieved him with a wave and helped him lay down. Having navigation off-line is not a good thing, I started trying to find the problem. A medical team burst through the door and started to triage the wounded. I could sense that the people littering the floor were all alive. Nothing is quite as telepathically silent and eerie as a dead person. �śCommunications on-line,” Tuya said calmly. She and Mason would have been a good pair. I wondered again at my marvelous good fortune. �śMedical,” the ship's doctor reported over the intercom. �śSick bay on-line. No known fatalities, maybe a hundred injuries.” The fatalities would be reported later. �śRecreation. Lots of injuries, no fatalities to report. Yet,” the Rec. officer reported from main recreation room. There were probably a hundred people in there at any given time. A tense silence fell over the bridge while everyone tried to make sense of the situation. Tuya spoke without turning to face Lieutenant Commander Abbers. �śNo alien vessels within sensor range,” she said as if reporting today's lunch menu. An audile sigh of relief spread across the bridge. If we had sustained an attack of that magnitude, the next blow might have destroyed us. An alien ship nearby would have definitely qualified as �śa moment of shear terror". Tuya sat at her station looking mildly interested. I wondered if she ever got scared. I was shaking and sweating like death was standing next to me. I knew that if it had been, Tuya would have slapped it silly. I never felt safer than when I was with her despite the injuries that sometimes resulted. The status report was pretty good news considering the blow we had taken. The only real damage, aside the injuries, was the Navigation station and a few metric tons of atmosphere. It would take just a couple of days to replace the atmosphere, but the Navigation computer was strangely quiet. I could not get anything out of it. The unit had power but it would not respond to any commands. Lieutenant Commander Abbers turned to me and said, �śWell, Shipman Tular, any news for us?” It would have been a great time to be brilliant but I had nothing. �śNo sir,” I said while trying to think of something better. Since all the other stations rely on the same computer system, and there did not appear to be any local damage, the problem had to be between the computer in engineering and the sensor on the nose on the ship. I made a guess. �śThe symptoms indicate the problem may be the forward sensor array.” �śThank you, Shipman Tular,” Lieutenant Commander Abbers said. That bit of information was not very useful to her at that moment but she accepted it without comment. �śCan anyone tell me what the hell happened?” she asked allowing the slightest bit of exasperation to show. �śEnvironmental, where did the atmosphere loss happen?” Lieutenant Mason calmly ran through a series of screens. �śForward section one-zero,” he said. Forward section zero-zero would have been the most forward part of the ship. Section one-zero would be one hull plate back on the zero line, or keel, of the ship. Right where the navigational sensors are located. I had a feeling I was facing unemployment for a while. There was not much use for navigators without a navigation unit. Worse than that, getting back home could be a bit of a problem. �śLieutenant Zhia!tu, Shipman Tular, get out there and see what happened!” Lieutenant Commander Abbers snapped. There was no better pilot than Tuya. Her uncanny reflexes and instincts were unbeatable. Our flourishing relationship was common knowledge throughout the ship. Things of that nature were about the only interesting news there was. My ability to withstand her affections had broken the endurance record. It was clear that we were somehow compatible, although the idea was bewildering to those that knew her. Sending her and me to check out the trouble made good sense. We both stood up to leave. The bird-like Ensign BacTang hovering at Tuya's shoulder sat down at the Communications station and the Navigation console went unmanned. I was thrilled to get duty with Tuya, ordinarily we barely spoke to each other while on-shift. An extra-vehicular survey would be fun. Tuya and I rose through the ship to the pod hanger. Compared to the almost cramped feeling of the rest of the ship, the pod hanger was cavernous. It had its very own shield generator, an impressive bit of technology to service a single room. It also had its own gravity control that required a crew of two to operate. Gravity Control was a classically boring job since the technology was so stable. Losing gravity control in the pod hanger would be a very bad thing since some of the pods were quite large. Not the kind of thing one wants floating around the room. There were pods of different sizes for different tasks. One large craft, which required a flight crew of five and had room for fifty passengers and several smaller crafts each varying in capacity and size. Each pod sat in front of a decompression chamber that allowed the outside port to be opened without losing too much atmosphere. The pod deck was isolated from the rest of the ship as a precaution in case of some component failure. A failure on the pod deck could endanger the entire ship so it was run absolutely by-the-book. The deck officer assigned us the smallest vessel. It was useful for extra-vehicular work. It had fully articulated arms and a large view port that spanned the entire front of the craft. Tuya climbed into the pilot's seat. I ducked into the small cabin headfirst and then lowered myself into the comfortable seat using the door frame as a hand hold. Tuya gave me a stern look reminding me that the doors were a hands-off item. Just the presence of the oil from one's skin was enough to compromise the door seal. The Deck Master closed and sealed the doors. It was close quarters and I could hear our breathing. Tuya put the Communications bud in her ear and began the pre-launch sequence. She looked like an ancient magician making incantations as her hands flew across the panels. The pod jerked backwards and we were conveyed into the decompression chamber. There was a slight creaking as the bay door was opened and the pod reacted to zero pressure. I unconsciously held my breath hoping I had not wrecked the door seal. Tuya looked straight ahead saying, �śHolding your breath will not protect you from zero pressure.” The engines came to life with a gentle shudder. The small craft lifted slightly off the deck. Tuya hovered for a moment to get the feel of the craft before backing out the door into space. The stark beauty of space was breath-taking. I was one half inch of diamond glass away from the universe. I could practically touch it. Tuya was all business. She brought the craft out twenty meters and began to survey for damage. We headed slowly to the front of the ship. From the inside, the Triton is a cramped series of tunnels. From the outside, the ship is a behemoth. A diamond alloy blimp with only scattered view ports to mar its sleek skin. Traversing the distance from the pod deck to the bow took several minutes. �śI'm glad you are going slow, this is really amazing,” I said. Tuya replied, �śDo you ever read the manual? Fifty knots is standard cruising speed for extravehicular damage surveys.” I had read the manual. Twice. I got about ten pages into it both times before my mind went completely numb. The manual was comprised of hundreds of screens of content. The cause of the navigation unit trouble became apparent when we reached the nose of the ship. The Navigation sensors, the forward lasers, and the proximity sensor had been sheared away. What was left was a ragged scar made by a glancing blow from a large object that came from behind us at an angle. If it had hit us at any less acute angle, or any further amid ship, we would have been destroyed. As it was, the hull of the ship was creased but not badly ruptured. Tuya was transmitting imagery, I was trying to figure out how to fashion another Navigation array. Tuya turned the tiny ship for a full visual recon. She said, �śYou will have a lot of spare time to clean my quarters now that you have no duties.” �śMe!” I protested. �śYou're the one who goes berserk and tears the place up every time I make the slightest little sound.” �śSome day I will accidentally break your arm and then you will not think your little game is so funny,” she said looking at me slyly. �śOh, I am just a poor little Earth boy, please do not hurt me alien tigress,” I pleaded. She looked at me flatly and said, �śYou are the strangest Earthling I have ever met. That is why I love you.” She said it matter-of-factly, but the effect on me was profound. To think that this treasure of the stars loved me. This monument to strength and beauty that I adored. I was over whelmed with love. �śI love you too,” I said, my eyes welling with tears. �śThen you will forgive me if I get even for the endless taunting I endure for your amusement,” she said. She threw the craft into a series of violent barrel rolls followed by tight loops. She increased speed suddenly and then turned ninety degrees with a G force easily exceeding five. I struggled to fight off unconsciousness as she braked and accelerated several times. I was about to be violently ill when she stopped the craft. �śOh, the poor little Earth boy is sick. We'll get him home and put him to bed,” she said mocking my abject misery. I do not remember the rest of the flight but I was very glad to get my feet on the flight deck of the pod hanger. Tuya helped me to her room as my head continued to spin. I collapsed on the bed. Tuya woke me up a short time later. Tuya and I were to attend a meeting of senior officers. I was nervous. I had only met the Captain twice. He seemed okay, but the general rule for Shipmen was to avoid the notice of senior officers, it was always trouble. The meeting was set for first shift since that was when most of the officers were on duty. I had to get up three hours early to make the meeting. I went out to the Captain's deck and looked for the meeting room. I had been on the deck before but I had never stayed long. I found the 1AA passageway. I walked down it with apprehension. The appointments were definitely a cut above the rest of the ship. There were brass accents here and there. The bulkhead doors had chrome beading. It seemed like the ceiling was a few inches taller. I may have been crouching, I don't know. Suddenly I was standing in the entryway of the meeting room. A wood table sat in the middle of the room. I had never seen a wood table outside a museum before. Captain Sanders and Commander Alworth sat at the table. They looked up and the Commander beckoned to me. �śCaptain,” he said, �śthis is Shipman Tular, second shift navigator. He surveyed the ship with Lieutenant Zhia!tu.” I snapped a crisp salute. The Captain gave me an appraising look before returning the salute. He pointed to a chair in the middle of the table. �śNice to meet you, Shipman Tular. We'll get started when everyone arrives.” The Captain and the Commander settled into a comfortable discussion of fleet politics. I tried to look relaxed. Tuya walked in without a word, followed by Engineering Chief Falsington. Both saluted and sat after being acknowledged. �śLet's get started, shall we?” The Captain brought up an image of the front of the ship. It was imagery Tuya and I had taken. �śWell Shipman Tular, what is your assessment of the situation?” I hesitated a bit since the situation was plainly obvious but I supposed that was how things were done �Śup top', as the Captain's deck was called. �śThe navigation array, the mounting platforms, the interfaces, and the surrounding hull plates have been destroyed. Restoring navigation will require placing a new array.” �śThank you Shipman Tular. Chief Falsington, do you concur?” the Captain asked the scowling Chief. Chief Falsington had a great reputation for engineering competency and an even greater reputation for foul moods. �śYes Captain,” the Chief growled. �śIts going to take at least three weeks to put one together and another week to put it in place.” The Captain stared blankly at the Chief. That was clearly not the answer he had hoped for. Captains were not paid to have their ship sit dead in space for weeks on end. I tried to keep my mouth shut but something was trying to get out. I swallowed hard but the words got out. �śCaptain, perhaps we could try something else,” I said, cursing myself silently for my foolishness. The Captain cocked his head and turned my way. �śOh really, and what might that be, Shipman Tular?” Me and my big mouth, I thought, but I pushed on. �śIf we took a pod out and navigated with it, the ship's sensors could be used to follow. We could make almost full speed for the four weeks it would take to get the navigation array back on line.” The Captain sat straight faced. I could not tell what he was thinking. I had a fleeting thought that my suggestion might have been the stupidest thing he had ever heard. He said, �śWell done, Shipman Tular. A capitol plan. Commander, make the arrangements. Very good, very good indeed,” he said as he turned and walked out without dismissing us. Everyone was looking at me but this time I kept my mouth shut. The Commander said, �śWell, Shipman Tular, I think the pod duty is yours and Lieutenant Zhia!tu shall pilot. We'll make the changes to the duty roster. You will start tomorrow, first shift. That is all.” He rose and exited as the Chief, Tuya, and I looked at each other. The Chief rose. �śSon, I owe you one. If you had not come up with that, they would have been riding my butt the whole time. Good job.” As the Chief left, Tuya rose and said, �śA meteoric rise, from second shift to first shift, congratulations. Perhaps I can find a way to congratulate you properly during our four weeks together.” As good as that sounded, it reminded me that there would not be any medical help in the pod. I hoped she took it easy on me. Then again, I hoped not. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter 5 I hurried to the pod hanger arriving just as the first shift bell rang. Tuya was already there going over the pre-flight inspection with the Deck Master. The pod we were assigned was not the largest but was certainly roomy enough for a crew of two. I guessed they knew that anyone in close contact with Tuya for four weeks would need a little maneuvering room to survive. Tuya finished the inspection and walked around to the entry. �śYour chariot awaits,” she said with a low bow. I strode aboard like a sea captain taking command of a ship, hand on breast, head held high. She closed the door as I walked to the foredeck of the large pod. The ceiling was high enough to stand upright. There was enough room to take five full strides inside the living space. Cargo and equipment holds narrowed the available room, but it was still very large by pod duty standards. There was a full mess and separate sleeping quarters in the rear. It was not large enough to accommodate a full latrine, however. The latrine sat below deck in the somewhat narrow space between the engines and the piloting systems. One descended a short ladder to enter and closed the deck panel over their head to gain privacy. Tuya was the least modest creature in the universe, but I felt obliged to entomb myself while using the facilities. Tuya slipped into the pilot's seat and began the pre-launch incantation. It was impossible to discern what she was doing as her fingers flew across the controls. The pod slid into the compression chamber with a slight jerk. Tuya grasped the thruster throttle with her right hand and the ship began to lift from the deck. She took the craft out of the pod bay very slowly. The blackness of space overwhelmed my senses. The stars beat through with needles of light. Tuya executed a slow roll as she brought the craft about. I feared she might torment me with another thrill ride. She said, �śI just wanted to see how it flew, relax.” She took the craft out to five-hundred meters in front of the ship. �śPod Ivanovich ready for navigation,” she said. She looked at me with a raised eyebrow and I suddenly remembered my role in the deal. I started making frantic navigational computations hoping she would stall for time. I should have known better. �śAye aye, pod Ivonovich under way,” she said smiling slyly. She began accelerating slowly just as the first navigation readings were coming up. I thought she was going to push the ship off course but she was following my course directions as quick as I could make them. Each new course calculation was met with a corresponding speed increase. Sweat was beginning to dampen my uniform. The Navigation console finally locked in just as the pod came up to full speed. �śYou have a real mean streak, did anybody ever tell you that?” I asked. My heart was still pounding. If we had taken the ship off course it would have obviously been my fault. �śIf we had delayed, it would not have looked good for you. I went no faster than I knew you could go,” she said matter-of-factly. �śOh, well then, thank you for torturing me for my own good,” I replied sarcastically. �śYou are welcome, I look after you as well as I may,” she said either ignoring or not noticing the sarcasm. The days passed slowly with the shifts blending together. Tuya worked double and triple shifts. I worked as much as I could but I could not keep up with her. She was tireless in maintaining the ship, piloting, taking time for me, and keeping up her fitness routine. She had to train constantly to stay in as good of shape as she was. She had many different exercises. Her favorite routine consisted of a holographic ball that appeared to bounce off the surfaces of the ship as she batted it with her open hand. Occasionally she would kick it. Her hands moved so fast they were a blur of motion. She lifted weights of different shapes and sizes with her hands or feet. She would balance on one foot holding a very heavy weight at arms length while balancing a lighter weight on her foot and tossing a third weight in the air with her other hand. Sitting cross-legged on the deck, she would plant one hand between her legs and lift herself into a handstand as if it required no effort. At the end of these routines, I would applaud and tell her she was the most marvelous creature in the universe. She would kiss me lightly and say that it meant a lot to her that I believed that. We had been in the pod for over one week. The navigation was scheme was working very well. The restoration of the Triton's navigational system was taking longer than expected. The damage to the hull plates was more extensive than the initial reports had indicated. The Materials Recovery section was frantically extruding hull plating to repair the damage. The Triton had come closer to destruction than we had known. During one of Tuya's long shifts, she awakened me with a yell. I leapt up thinking there was an emergency. Tuya was sitting stiffly with her right hand on the Communications bud in her ear. �śListen” she said. She switched the channel to the internal speakers. The endless hiss of electromagnetic space radiation streamed forth. �śDo you hear it?” she asked. �śNo,” I said, �śall I here is normal background,” I answered. �śThere is a modulation, let me see if I can isolate it. Triton Communcations, Ivanovich pod,” she hailed the ship. �śPod Ivanovich, Triton Communications,” came the reply. �śMonitor modulation on channel,” Tuya said. She sent the data to the ship on the main channel. �śReceiving.” The Triton communication computer was far more sophisticated than what she had to work with in the pod. They would be able to produce an analysis far faster than she could. �śSignal coherent,” came the answer from the ship. That meant the signal was most likely from a civilization. If the Triton had been a whaler of the Earth's eighteenth century armadas, it would have been the equivalent of hearing the cry �śThar she blows” coming from the crow's nest. That was what we had traveled over two years to find. We searched space for civilizations to trade with. Sometimes our solicitations were met with a firm �Śno'. Sometimes the answer was �śHell no!” Consequently, these things required a bit of finesse. We might have been the first off-worlders the locals had ever met. That always delayed trade negotiations as the locals did the whole �śwe are not alone” bit. Sometimes there was a delicate political situation in that part of space and our arrival disrupted things. Most of the time though, the locals were glad to meet us and we got down to business immediately. �śPod Ivanovich, Triton Command,” the ship called, �śreturn to base. Meeting in Captain's Study one half hour.” �śWhat?” I said incredulous. �śMe too? Wow!” These meetings with the Captain were getting to be a regular thing. �śYes. I guess your idea must have impressed him,” said Tuya. �śPerhaps you can come up with another to solve our present dilemma.” I knew exactly what she was referring to. We did not have the Navigation array back up yet and taking the Triton into an inhabited region of space without it was bad business. �śI'm sure I'll be able to think of something,” I said, causing Tuya to raise an eyebrow. Tuya brought the pod into the bay. We did not have much time to spare. �śDo you know where the Captain's Study is?” I asked. �śYes.” �śYou get to go to all these things don't you?” I asked trying to get a rise out of her. �śYes.” �śAre you a regular guest in the Captain's Study?” I asked suggestively. �śI was at one time,” she said. Maybe she was just trying to shut me up or maybe it was true. I was not going to ask any more questions, though. We made our way out to the Captain's deck. Tuya took us to the library. The library was beautiful. There was wood and fabric in abundance. There were floor lamps with actual incandescent bulbs. They gave the room a subdued, warm ambiance. An oriental rug covered most of the deck, something I had never seen outside a book. There was a wood desk with wood chairs. Real paper books lined the walls. There was a red leather chair sitting in the corner under a reading light. It was the most opulent room I had ever seen. Tuya sat in one of the chairs on the side of the rectangular table and she motioned for me to sit beside her. As I was sitting down the Captain entered and we both got up. He waved us down and he took a seat at the head of the table. �śWell, how are the two pod rats getting along?” he asked. �ŚPod rat’ was a good-natured term for people who had extended duty in pods. It was derived from ancient times when rats would infest the lifeboats of sinking ships. �śWe are well,” Tuya answered in her typically brusque manner. I felt the light-hearted tone of the Captain's question deserved a bit more of an answer. �śWe are doing very well, the pod is quite roomy.” �śPerhaps we should give you a smaller pod, then,” the Captain said straight faced. I was taken aback but recovered quickly. I laughed and said �śMaybe so, it will be hard to go back to my cabin if we are out there too long.” The Captain chuckled and Tuya smiled. Commander Alworth walked in. He took a seat without saluting. The Commander and the Captain had a casual relationship having served together for so long, I supposed. The Captain said, �śWe have decided to take a pod to the source of the signal.” I tried not to look too surprised. I had expected a debriefing, not a tactical planning session. The idea that I was in a meeting that consisted only of the Captain, the Commander, Tuya, and myself was a shock. Only a few weeks ago I had been just another anonymous crewperson. I tried to replay the steps that led to the meeting, but I could not make the connections. The Captain said, �śOur chief navigator, Lieutenant Mayward, is still in sickbay with a concussion. I will be assigning the navigation mission to you, Shipman Tular. Now, since Shipman is not a rank suitable to missions of this sort, and since you have shown initiative and imagination; I am promoting you to rank of Ensign.” He stuck out his hand. I rose and shook his hand saying, �śThank you, sir!” �śYou will have a new cabin assignment when you return from the mission. Now about the mission,” he said. The crew would consist of the Captain, Tuya, myself, the trade representative from the Earth Trade Commission, a pilot, and a technical specialist whose role it was to assess alien technology. We would also be taking a security detail of four. It was those guy's job to get shot if things went badly. �śWhat about the Triton?” I asked. Tuya cocked an eyebrow at me. I knew she was questioning the wisdom of asking the Captain about his own ship. The Captain answered as if there were nothing out of line. �śThe pod will be making best speed. The Triton will be able to follow our navigation for a few days. We have no other navigation crew to man the in the pod Ivonovich. The Triton will remain in place until we return,” he said. �śWhat about Hansen?” I asked. He was the Navigation Tech that had the third shift. The Captain had a pained look. He hesitated briefly, cleared his throat. He said, �śShipman Hansen was killed in the collision. We suffered eight casualties. I am sorry to beak the news of the death of your shipmate this way.” Abel Hansen was young and eager. His thick Euro accent made him sound exotic. Everything he said sounded like a joke. With him gone and Mayward down, there was not a single person who could be relied upon in the pilot pod. �śWhat if we download our navigational data into a probe and send it the back to the ship. We could send one every few days. A small pod could retrieve the probes. The data could fed directly into the navigation system. If we took enough probes, we could get the Triton most of the way there,” I said. The Captain and the commander sat there for several seconds. I again feared that had I offered a laughable suggestion. The Commander finally said, �śI can not see a problem with that. We'll need to run it by the Chief,” referring to the Chief Engineer, �śbut it should work just fine.” �śEnsign, I believe you are bucking for Chief,” the Captain said chuckling. �śI think you are going to make it, too. OK, then, we'll get started in twenty four hours. Good job every one.” The Captain stood and looked at me. He paused for a moment as if searching for words. He said �śEnsign, you will bunk with Lieutenant Zhia!tu", and walked quickly out. I wondered at this breach of protocol. Only married couples, trios, and other related groups could share quarters. I gave Tuya a furtive glance. She seemed unfazed by the event. I wondered if the prospect of Tuya in a foul mood had anything to do with it. I knew from experience those could injurious. The Commander smiled at me and said �śIf you keep coming up with those pearls, he's going to expect one every meeting, you know.” The Commander exited. Tuya crawled up onto the table on all fours and started nuzzling my face. She cooed, �śWill you still love me when you are one of those powerful men you warned me about? What happened to my little Shipman, he's all grown up?” I was afraid someone would walk in and see us making out on the Captain's table. There was no stopping Tuya in anything so I just enjoyed the attention. Finally she pushed my chair over backwards, leapt over me, and scooped me up before I hit the ground. �śCome", she said, �śwe only have twenty four hours before we are on a small ship full of people.” She carried me most of the way down the first passageway before I could get her to put me down. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter 6 The Captain stood on the deck of the pod hanger assessing the crew that stood lined up in front of him. A pilot named Vincent, whom I had met before during a Scurm binge, stood to my right. Tuya stood to the left. An Earth Trade Commission (ETC) representative, who really did not look as though he belonged in space, stood impatiently at the end of the row. A young and eager technical specialist that was obviously looking forward to the mission stood on Tuya's left. He had been finding whatever assignments he could just to keep busy. Now, at last, he was going to do his real job which was trying to figure out how the alien technology we were about to encounter worked. Four grim security personnel stood at rigid attention, jaws set, steely eyes focused on a dangerous future. I imagined the security crew had to practice constantly in order to maintain the determined �śwe do not fear death” countenance through years of inactivity. The security squad had brought a nice assortment of armament. I was not certain what we would do with a Class 2 Multi-vector Higgs device. Maybe we would pulverize a moon to demonstrate our awesome stupidity. The Captain walked slowly down the row with his hands behind his back. I could not tell if he were actually somehow searching for some hidden flaw in each of us, or if this was some kind of ritual designed to let us know that he had our number. In that regard, it was working pretty well. When he reached the end of the line, he turned his back on us and slowly walked to the pod. After he had entered, Tuya strode up to the door and looked back at us with a look that said, �śWell, are you coming or not?” The security squad broke formation by stamping once in unison and marching single file into the pod. Vincent looked at me and rolled his eyes. We all piled into the pod. My plan to bring the Triton along worked well enough, but not as well as I had hoped. A few of the probes were not retrieved by the ship and had to be sent again. It was apparent the pod would outpace the Triton sooner than I had expected. The plan was still accounted as a successful innovation. That was something of a surprise to me. I did not consider the two ideas I had put forward as brilliant. Perhaps the command crew had been �Śout of the trenches’ for some time or maybe they were not used to improvising technical solutions. In the two meetings I had attended there seemed to be an atmosphere that, while not oppressive, was certainly subdued. They were not the kind of place where much brainstorming went on. The lower ranks knew well that the path to success in Earth Fleet was to keep your head down and mouth shut. My trouble was I had a big mouth. The radio source we were following was weak. That might mean it came from far away or that it was simply not a very strong signal. That sort of thing was Tuya's area. The job of Communications Officer had consisted of determining the source of signals and managing the communications system when Earth Fleet had first explored space. The job evolved into what was perhaps the most crucial role in trade missions. Contacts with alien races required a much more sophisticated Communications approach. Locating signals and establishing communications were the first, and most vital, precursors to trade. The first reaction by any race to the appearance of an alien ship was always a defensive posture. It was the Communications Officer's job to see that our intentions were understood. Misunderstandings could result in one of those moments of shear terror. This particular signal was a bit of a conundrum. The signal occupied a narrow band in the radio spectrum. That fact said something about the origin. A more advanced civilization would probably have constructed a device that transmitted on a wide spectrum. A signal such as this would be more indicative of an old-fashioned probe, but the source was not moving like a probe. The phrasing of the language seemed somewhat similar to those of our own universe. Oddly enough, and for reasons not then understood, the majority of languages in the Milky Way had fundamental similarities. Comparing Earth languages to any given alien language would turn up a basic language structure. The Urians taught us that trick. Other languages could be decoded very quickly once you had the languages of several planets under your belt. That was several hundred million light years behind us, though. There was a lot of doubt if that would hold true in another galaxy. Language is a very important precursor to trade. Our mission would be greatly extended if we had to build our own translation protocols. I was looking forward to a swift end to the mission. The pod was large but it still felt crowded. Tuya and I were assigned to one of the larger cabins but I would not have called it private. Shared latrines, marginal circulation, uneven climate control; the trip had all the amenities to be expected from a small ship loaded to the max. Still, with the Captain on-board everyone was ship-shape and spit-shined. That was good in my opinion. Better to keep an edge on. Tuya's presence also seemed to be a restraining factor. She was courteous, but not talkative. She had a reputation for being hard-nosed. It was not without merit. I was not immune from her attentions. She left our cabin one morning as I rushed to get out to my station. When I walked to my station she was standing beside my chair. �śYou are late for you shift, Ensign Tular", she announced in front of the entire crew. �śSee that it does not happen again.” Her eyes were beginning to glow red. �śYes sir!” I snapped a salute. I stood at attention as she coldly held me in her gaze. She returned my salute after several uncomfortable seconds. She finally returned to her chair at the Communications station. I took my seat as the rest of the crew went about their business. I was not concerned. I knew she had done that because she had to. She probably enjoyed it, though. She would probably kick my butt if she thought she needed to and she would have enjoyed that too. I had my ways of getting even, but it took a lot more room than we had there. The Captain stayed in his cabin most of the time. He and the ETC guy were pouring over trade agreements to prepare for the upcoming encounter. The agreements reached here could affect galactic relationships for a very long time. This mission was to be the Captain's crowning achievement, but the price of failure was just as profound. A bad outcome here would be committed to the annals of history more surely than a good. The old man did not show it except perhaps the lines of his face became more pronounced. He had a chiseled appearance from years of fieldwork on planets with worse problems than Earth. His proud, large nose seemed to recall countless sunburns and his hands were deeply creased. He was a man of average height who gave the appearance of being taller simply by dint of masterful bearing. His conversations were brief when he spoke to the crew. I felt sorry for him. I could feel the isolation and loneliness he had come to accept as part of the price of command. I decided to have a meal with him. The worst that could happen was a demotion. Having only been promoted recently anyway, I did not think I would miss it much. I approached him as he sat eating alone. �śMay I join you?” I asked, tray of food in hand. �śPlease do, Ensign!” he said. I could tell he was genuinely pleased to have some company. �śIt must be a somewhat lonesome job, being captain,” I said, �śPeople seems to keep their distance.” �śYes, that's true. On the other hand, the accommodations are better,” he said with straight face. I laughed. �śI suppose so, but I would be afraid of spilling something on the carpet or putting a dent in the table. I guess I'm better off with carbon fiber.” �śWe have a small staff on-board trained in the care of wood and wool objects, did you know that?” �śReally? No, but I do not get out there much. In fact I've only been on the Captain's deck a few times,” I said. The tray of food in front of me was beginning to loose its appeal so I ate faster. Noticing how I regarded the food, the Captain said, �śI think at least one food scientist should be required to accompany each long tour, don't you? Maybe then they would come up with something more appetizing.” He too was having trouble staring down his tray. �śI do not understand how something nutritionally ideal can be so awful,” I said. �śI mean, does it have to be gray? Can't it be blue or red?” Complaining about the food was a service-wide preoccupation. The Captain rose and said, �śThank you for the company. It makes bad food a little better.” He deposited his tray into the cleansing unit and went to his cabin. I finished my meal. When I turned to rise several people were staring at me. �śHe's a nice guy, you should get to know him,” I said to the group. That seemed to satisfy them. I went to the Navigation station and reconfirmed that we were still headed for the emissions source. I had not made a single course correction since laying in the initial coordinates, but it was my job to check, recheck, and double check our course. Tuya walked over and leaned down to whisper in my ear. She said, �śMy little Ensign is so brave,” and then she bit my ear hard. I stifled a cry as Tuya walked away. When I touched my ear, I found it was bleeding. I turned to look at Tuya and she looked back at me over her shoulder licking her lips. I vowed to torment the vicious little vampire to tears when I got the chance. A couple of the security squad members were smirking. I wondered if they had considered what they would do if Tuya decided to taste their blood. The shifts ran together, one after another. The signal improved as we got closer. The Triton eventually fell behind but it was several weeks closer than it would have been without my �Śplan'. The Captain began eating with several of the crew. Eventually we all began eating together except for the security squad. They kept to themselves. The ETC guy almost never came out of his cabin. I learned that the pilot's job was almost as boring as mine. His duties could be summed up as �Śdo not touch anything'. The Technical Specialist, Wyan, had absolutely nothing to do so we had a running poker game almost all the time. Tuya did not join us. She considered the game to be a childish exercise in probabilities. Tuya was kept busy trying to decipher the signal we were receiving. There had been some progress on that front. She was confident that the language would be coded by the time we reached the source. Once it was coded, it could be down-loaded into the interpretation devices for use at the first meeting. Tuya arose from her station a few days later to announced the codification of the alien language was complete. Everyone cheered and congratulated her. She managed a small smile. The language was first-person specific, which was great. First-person specific is the same as Earth's languages with the word �ŚI’ referring to one's self. A first-person non-specific, such as the telepathic language of Addia, is one where the word �ŚI’ might refer to any number of persons. A second-person specific is one where �ŚI’ always refers to the same person but someone other than the speaker. Second-person multi-specific was when a specific group is referred to as �ŚI'. It went on forever. The variations are quite complex, that's why a relatively simple structure such as first-person specific was good news. Even the ETC guy looked happy. The language came together slowly. Even after several weeks of collection we had amassed a relatively small amount of data. One night after our shifts as we lay in our bunk, Tuya said she believed she had deciphered the language. She said the message was a warning to avoid the planet that the beacon orbited. The message was from a signal beacon a race called the Ti'nettis had placed in orbit. Their experience on the planet near the beacon had evidently not been very good. The warning said the planet had no advanced technology but the inhabitants were very dangerous. Tuya was perplexed about what that meant. As was I. No technology but dangerous, what could that mean? Our technology was our badge, our flag. When meeting new races it was our shield and banner. If the inhabitants of the planet were able to fend off a space-going race such as the Ti'nettis with no technology, well, what did that mean? I did not think the information would stop the Captain, there was too much tied up in this little venture to pass it up. We could wander around Andromeda for another year and not find another trading partner. Tuya fell immediately to sleep as I lay there trying to imagine a dangerous non-technical race. I had not been in space that long but I knew what made one race more dangerous than another was their technology. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter 7 Tuya spoke softly to the Captain at the beginning of the next shift. The two of them retired to the Captain's cabin. They re-emerged after several minutes. Tuya resumed her post and the Captain knocked on the ETC guy's door. They had a hushed conversation after which they had a lengthy meeting behind closed doors. The rest of the crew had a good notion of what was being discussed. We tried to pay attention to our duties but the tension was mounting. The Captain came out of the ETC guy's cabin and said �śAll hands!” That meant to rise and face the officer speaking standing at attention without forming ranks. He waited for the rustling of uniforms and equipment to subside. After pausing several seconds, he said, �śLieutenant Zhia!tu has informed me that she has decoded the signal.” There was a slight rustling as the crew reacted to the news. The Captain continued, �śThe signal is a warning beacon placed in orbit by a race named the Ti'nettis. The beacon states the inhabitants of the planet have no technology but are very dangerous. The beacon further states that contact with the inhabitants of the planet is to be avoided. We have no further information on the race that left the beacon. I have decided to continue the mission. A tactical plan will be forthcoming. Until then I urge you to keep your mind on your duties. Dismissed.” With that, he turned on his heel and entered his cabin. Wyan was crestfallen, it did not sound like Technical Specialist's heaven. Vincent and I shrugged. The security guys started getting even more grim and humorless. They inventoried all the armament twice. They debated what they would choose to carry if the Captain gave them the choice. It was unlikely the Captain would choose to make the initial contact accompanied by an armed squad of black-clad killers. That sort of thing usually put the locals off a bit. We would probably land near a population center. Two or three of us would stroll up and say howdy. The security guys were really more for protecting the ship so we could beat a hasty retreat if necessary. We eventually came within sensor range. The planet was 4/5's Earth's mass, which was good because we would feel light on our feet. It was a bit on the dry side, no large bodies of water. There were many lakes towards both poles. The orbital rotation was perpendicular to the star so the climate was constant, no seasons. The star was 1.12 solar masses with some heavier elements in the core. That meant it was older than Earth's sun. The UV radiation level on the surface of the planet was below that of Earth so we could be outside without exposure suits. Showing up in full exposure suits was another thing that tended to put off the locals. We finally reached the beacon. It was located in a high orbit of the system's fourth planet. It appeared the fourth planet was our destination; there were population centers visible during the nine hour night. There were no settlements on the other planets of the system even though there were a couple of good candidates. There was nothing further to be learned from the beacon, it was a simple radio device encased in a carbon fiber ball. The Captain did not feel bringing it aboard and dissecting it was necessary. Wyan was disappointed, it was likely his last chance at something to do. We began our observations of the planet. The land masses showed signs of an active history ages ago. Great mountain ranges marched from pole to pole. The broad depressions that seemed to separate the mountain ranges looked like dried up oceans. It would take a full-on planetary survey to figure that out. I'm sure we would get to that later if we got the chance. There are some extremely valuable minerals scattered about the universe. Locating them was one of our primary goals. If we could locate any amount on this planet, it would be a very successful mission. There were approximately two billion inhabitants, very small by Earth standards. The population seemed quite dispersed. The cities were not large and there were smaller communities all over the planet. That argued in favor of a non-technological society. Large cities are required to drive the monstrous economic engine that industry and technology required. That engine announced itself with demonic heralds. Heaving mounds of filthy corruption writhe in competition for resources. A stinking, shrieking, cacophonous din arises from every quarter. The calamitous eruption of energy from such planet glows as if it were a small, degenerate sun. Not a sun blazing in the full glory of creation but a weak little buzz that announced to all that passed that here lives a people of such cleverness that they have forgotten everything of importance. There is nothing else that needed to be known about such a people. They will do anything, short of nothing, to sate their consuming hunger for wealth. Their greed and sinful lust hangs in the air about them as a stifling pall. Yet those were the very races we sought out. Those of our own race. The singular universal race of greed, the most common race in the universe. Now we were spreading this putrid religion to another galaxy. The moral ramifications of such an act seemed lost on everyone but me. Even Tuya believed that if a planet decided to descend into filth, they had the right. A part of me hoped this planet would reject our offer and remain clean. The planet below seemed pristine and peaceful. There were no large energy signals but there was evidence of great works. Much of the surface had at one time been lined with canals that led to the cities. The canals were very large and clearly visible from space. The atmosphere was intact. Ozone levels were appropriate, particulates were low, and hydrocarbons were almost non-existent. Weather phenomena seemed mild and predictable. All in all, it did not look like a very threatening place. The Captain gathered the crew after two days of observations. We would land in a depression behind a range of hills two miles away from a population center. This city was chosen because the lights stayed on later at night and the Captain believed that meant government and industry. The Captain, the ETC guy, Tuya, and I would leave at first light carrying only emergency transponders. I was not exactly sure how I fit into the whole thing but I was glad to go. I had never been on a first contact mission before, and a �Śdangerous’ one at that. Tuya poked me in the ribs after a fitful night of sleep. She arose and dressed. I hurried to keep up as I did not want another dressing down by the glorious tyrant. When the crew had assembled, the Captain ordered a steep descent with an abrupt landing, no vapor trail, no fireball. That sounded like a difficult trick to me but Vincent the pilot dropped the craft into the atmosphere and we were landing two-hundred ninety seconds later without so much as a dust cloud. The crew, on the other hand, was reeling from the effects of the multiple G-force descent. The pod required most of its available power for engines and shields to manage the landing. Crew environment amenities such as gravity and buffeting suppression (called dampening) were not in the cards. We shot towards the planet as if we meant to go through it. At the last second we rotated one-hundred eighty degrees and the engines were brought up to full until we reached zero forward speed. The craft was then rotated ninety degrees and lowered eighteen feet, touching down on its skids as softly as a baby is laid in its cradle. Tuya and the Captain looked fine. Vincent looked okay. The ETC guy, the Tech Spec., and I did not look okay. The security guys were keeping a stoic face with difficulty. The door to the pod was lowered and the Captain walked out onto the planet. He did it with such confidence. I, on the other hand, was not as anxious to poke my head out of the door. Tuya walked lightly out. The ETC guy and I looked at each other and we both stumbled down the short ramp. I was struck by an odd disorientation when my feet hit the soil. It felt weird to be standing on the surface. It did not move right. I had not been on terra firma for years. I swayed back and forth as I tried to get used to the odd sensation. The Captain surveyed the horizon and pointed to a gap in the hills off the port bow of the pod. �śI believe we are headed that direction. Shall we?” He strode off at a brisk pace with Tuya close behind. The ETC guy gave me a sympathetic look as we staggered off after them. There was no path to follow but the going was easy. The vegetation was generally Earth-like. There were several varieties of low growing brush, some tufts of grass, an occasional stunted tree, and some patches of what appeared to be plant colonies resembling Earth lichen. When approached, the lichen moved in a manner that suggested one should avoid it. It almost looked like it was tensing for a spring. Tuya noticed it first and warned us of its predatory look. It did not really look all that dangerous but when I got too close, a small clump literally jumped onto my shoe. It ate a two inch hole in my upper boot before I could dislodge it. Tuya gave me a flat look and said, �śI told you it was predatory, do not approach it again.” Less than an hour into the mission and I had already been attacked by a plant. I sharpened my senses and started paying more attention. A large creature was flying across the horizon in the distance. It was too far away to make out its shape. Small creatures resembling insects scurried about on the ground. Tuya turned back and said, �śAvoid the small black creatures, they too are predatory.” I began to appreciate the hazardous nature of missions such as these. After about a mile, we rounded the point of the hill and saw the city in the distance. The buildings were low, rounded structures no higher than thirty feet. Round windows dotted the structures in an apparently random placement. Three beings emerged from the city. We continued to walk towards them as they walked slowly towards us. They were a bit taller than we were, dressed in long robes and carried nothing in their hands. Their slightly elongated, fair-skinned faces were basically humanoid with just a hint of a nose and small ears. They all had sandy colored hair in a single braid that reached down to the back of their legs. They stopped when we were within five paces of each other. One of them raised a hand. We stopped and the Captain raised his hand. The Captain said, �śWe come from far away to learn your interest in trading with us.” The alien with the raised hand stepped forward. He spoke perfect English. He said in a resonant voice, �śWe know of your purpose. We have watched you for many days. You have brought men of violence with you. They, you must take back to your ship in space. You must return to your ship also. When you return we will speak again but do not bring the violent men.” He dropped his raised hand and pointed at Tuya and I. �śWe will allow these two to remain.” I was flabbergasted. I had a dozen questions whirling around my head. If Tuya and the Captain were at all concerned, they certainly did not show it. The Captain said, �śPlease allow me to discuss this with my crew.” The alien dropped his hand and bowed his head. The Captain took us away a few paces. �śI will not order you to stay. You are aware of the danger. It will be five weeks at least before we can get to the Triton and another three to get back. What say you?” I knew Tuya would not hesitate for an instant so I spoke up. �śI would love to eat something other than ship food, I'm in.” �śThat's the spirit, Ensign. If we survive this, you'll be Chief!” The Captain looked at Tuya and she gave him a nod. �śOkay then. Find out what you can but no negotiating,” he said. He walked back to face the aliens and said, �śWe agree. May my crewman accompany me back to the ship to retrieve some personal items.” I believed the Captain was referring to personal items such as mineral deposit analyzers, a long range communications device, personal logs, a language computer, and maybe a small personal firearm. The aliens were implacable but I definitely got the impression that they had read the Captain's intentions. The alien said, �śYour crewmen may not return to the ship unless they intend to depart. You must also take their emergency transponders as they will not be of any use once you leave.” The Captain hesitated momentarily. �śVery well,” he said putting his hand out to take the devices from us. �śOur ship shall return in approximately seventy-five days.” He and the ETC guy turned and walked off. I was still trying to figure out how long seventy-five eighteen-hour days were in Earth time as I watched them walk away. The aliens turned and began walking back to the city. Tuya turned and followed them. I gave a passing thought to staying outside the city but the attacking lichen made me change my mind. I followed them wondering if we would survive the night. As we walked slowly back to the city I probed ever so lightly trying to get a glimpse of the alien mind. The first impression I got was their awareness of my probing so I quit. Then I realized they were probing me so I opened my mind. I let them get the whole picture. No use trying to sugar-coat things, let them see who we were, warts and all. I began to get impressions of teeming masses of aliens joining the meet. I became disoriented and stumbled. Tuya turned and helped me up. The probing stopped but it had left me dazed. Tuya had a look of concern but I patted her hand and told her I was okay. She held on to me the rest of the way into the city. I expected a greeting of some kind as we passed through the outlying houses. These were smaller, one and two story dwellings spaced well apart. Some had gardens and others had fanciful rock and clay structures. A few aliens went about their business as if off-worlders were an every day occurrence. We continued to walk slowly towards the center of the city. The buildings grew larger as we approached the city's center. They retained the domed form but many were several stories tall with four small domes at the corners, four more on top of those. I made a mental note to begin a survey of the architecture as soon as possible. We entered a round plaza and climbed the steps of a large, single-story building. The walls appeared to be made of clay. Polished green stone framed the entrance. There was no door. The many round widows around the upper portion of the dome bathed the room in a muted, soft light. An intricate rug woven of fine material covered the stone floor. In the center of the room stood a low table made of a rose-colored stone set inside a circle of light blue stone flooring. Two aliens sat upon cushions at the table. They appeared to be quite old. Their braids were gray and were coiled in their laps. The three aliens leading us stopped and bowed. One of the two seated aliens looked up at Tuya and I and spoke in English. �śAvron Tular, you have come to our planet even though you were warned not to. You have decided to stay and face unknown dangers. Explain yourself.” I knew full well that this being probably knew everything that had been learned by the mind probing. There was no use in trying to put anything over by babbling about cultural exchanges. I said, �śI was tired of eating the food on my ship.” The alien threw his head back and roared in laughter. The other seated alien was trying not to laugh. The old alien finally regained control of himself and said, �śSpoken with wisdom, Avron. You are welcomed to Illistar. Please be seated.” I glanced at Tuya and reluctantly went to sit by the Illistari. The old alien gave Tuya an appraising look. �śAnd now for you Tuya �Śal Ayan y h!dlay Zhia!tu.” The old alien pronounced her name perfectly. �śYou must prove your worth.” One on the aliens that had accompanied us to the city began issuing a challenging call to Tuya. I knew she could not resist the challenge. I tried to rise but the old alien grabbed my arm with an iron grip. Soon Tuya's eyes were aflame. She began snarling and circling the alien. I hoped she did not hurt the creature too badly. The alien stood erect, calmly watching Tuya while challenging her to attack. She sprang at the alien. The alien made a light sideways movement and brushed her aside with a gently sweeping motion. Tuya flew across the room as if she had been hit hard. She let out a scream and jumped fifteen feet in the air. When she landed on the alien, he pushed her away with his palms. She landed on the floor hard. She rose and began a series of kicks and punches that would have destroyed any opponent on the Triton. The alien stood with legs slightly spread fending off the blows as if he were shadow boxing. Tuya's ever-more athletic moves did nothing to move the alien. She landed after another failed kick and stood panting. Her opponent placed his hands together in front of his chest and bowed low. Tuya did the same. Tuya and her opponent turned to face the old alien at the table. The old alien looked at Tuya and said, �śTuya �Śal Ayan y h!dlay Zhia!tu, you have fought bravely and with wisdom. You are welcomed to Illistar.” He motioned to the seat next to mine. Tuya calmly walked over and sat. She was still breathing hard. I wondered if her opponent had been the champion of the planet or if everyone could fight like that. I was glad I got to answer an easy question and Tuya had to duke it out with the alien. I had a feeling Tuya would have something to say about that later. We sat in silence for several minutes. Three trays of food were brought in. The old alien who had not spoken before said, �śThese three trays represent the three general types of food available on Illistar. Please sample them and we will make every effort to supply you with those you prefer.” That's one thing about space travel, you get used to alien food. Just because it looks weird, moves, smells odd, or is otherwise troubling does not mean it is not good. Tuya and I tried a bit of everything. All of it was some kind of fruit, vegetable, root, or nut. No meat. There were a couple of things I did not like. One of the nuts was insanely hot. Tuya loved those. There were several beverages. Two served hot, one served cold, and one that was definitely alcoholic. Tuya gave me a glance that seemed to say �Śdo not get drunk the first night here'. It was a great meal. The Illistaris did not speak much but there would be time for that later. Darkness fell and the table was cleared. The two aliens rose and we followed suit. �śYour quarters have been prepared", one of them said. A female entered and bade us to follow. She looked very similar to the men in terms of dress and hairstyle. She wore a robe of pale yellow with a red sash. Her face was slightly different having a more pronounced nose. All the Illistari had very dark, pupil-less eyes that contrasted greatly with their fine features. We walked through quiet streets. No one paid us any attention. The alien said her name was Stellant'I. She also spoke perfect English. Tuya could see I had a thousand questions but she silenced me with a gesture. We followed Stellant'I several blocks to a small abode. An oil lamp was burning; a light scent of perfume filled the air. There was a large bed positioned under a round window. The absence of a toilet led us to fear we might have a difficulty. We were reassured after Tuya spoke with the Stellant'I. Our needs would be met by a portable unit until they were satisfied no contamination to their sewer system would occur. Stellant'I took Tuya out and showed her our �Śouthouse'. There were clothes on the bed. Stellant'I asked us to wear the clothes provided instead of the clothes we had on because the synthetic materials might cause others some distress. There was a low table against the wall and a set of shelves on the other wall. She showed us a place in the floor covered by a flat rock. Steam issued from the vent when the rock was lifted. She said to use the vent for cooking and to replace the rock when not in use. She walked to the doorway and said, �śI will be seeing to your domestic needs during your stay. I will be back in the morning.” We thanked her and she made a small bow as she left. I began to speak to Tuya but she shushed me. She began examining the room for bugging devices. She lifted the table and looked under the top. She scoured the walls and then ducked outside to see if we were being watched. She announced we were free to speak when she came back in. I said, �śThey knew we were coming, they speak perfect English and Boriallen, they knew we had an armed detail, and they knew our names. I do not think they need to bug the place to know what we're saying.” Tuya gave me an exasperated look and said, �śRead the manual, it's standard procedure.” �śWhat happened back there? I never would have believed anyone could beat you.” �śHe had a wondrous technique. He did not so much beat me as he allowed me to beat myself. It was like fighting smoke or water. He hardly touched me, I have no marks or bruises. Yet, at the end, I was defeated. Most amazing. I must learn more about it.” She seemed unfazed by the events of the day where as my head was spinning. I wanted to talk more but Tuya disrobed and climbed into the bed. �śWell, I still think you are the most wonderful creature in the universe and I will take on any who disagree,” I said as I unbuttoned my uniform tunic. �śThen prepare to fight my little Ensign, for I believe it is you instead,” she replied and issued a challenging call. The sound sent waves of chills up my backbone as the blood rushed to my head. I fell upon her. We tussled about laughing and nipping at each other. Finally she pinned me under her. She said, �śYou have lost the challenge, prepare to suffer the consequences.” She collapsed upon me and we lost ourselves to the night. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter 8 The next day we awoke with the light and dressed in the garments provided. The material was light and silky but not sheer. It was not immediately apparent if it were animal hair or fiber. The material was woven with wide vertical stripes of yellow, cream, and tan. �śI wonder if they had these already or if they made them for us?” I said. Both Tuya and I had robes that fit perfectly. �śThese are freshly made, look closely at the inside of the seams. The material is not frayed, it has been cut but recently.” Tuya began examining the food. There were several varieties of vegetables and a couple of types of grain. A container of water sat near the steam vent. Tuya selected a grain and scooped two handfuls into a tightly woven basket. She poured a bit of water into the basket, opened the steam vent, and placed the basket over it. She searched for a lid and finding one, covered the basket. She went about systematically tasting all the seasonings and herbs, announcing those she recognized. �śSalt ... hot pepper ... savory herb ... sugar...” She selected a couple from the shelf and tossed a pinch of each into the cooking basket. She stirred the mixture with a stone paddle. A few minutes later she gingerly pulled the basket off the vent. She slid the stone cover back into place after tasting the dish. She stood and proudly presented the dish with a flourish, calling it �ŚIllistari Chef's Surprise'. When I raised my eyebrows at the bowl she gave me a look that said �Śyou will eat it and you will like it'. I took a small bowl from the shelf and scooped out some of the swollen grain. The grain had a light texture and wonderful nutty taste. �śWow, good job Tuya. This is great!” I could see she had doubts of my sincerity, but she also liked the dish very well. �śOh yes, this is a fine replacement for ship food,” she said. Stellant'I entered the door and said, �śI'm glad you found something you liked.” Tuya and I jerked around to look at her, startled by her sudden appearance. �śI apologize,” she said bowing, �śit is not our custom to announce our entry into a house.” I rose. �śDon't mind us,” I said cheerfully. �śWe're still getting used to the new surroundings. Would you care to try some of our breakfast?” �śYes, thank you. I am curious how strangers might prepare food that is so familiar to us.” She took the small bowl Tuya offered and tasted the grain. �śOh, very good!” she said. �śThis is Low Stal, you have prepared it much as we do. The grain next to it on the shelf is High Stal which is a heartier meal.” She identified all the foods and talked about their preparation. The diet was heavy on grain, low on protein, almost no fat. We discussed cooking wares and food preparation for several minutes. Their meals were quite simple. The use of spices was very subtle but they did have a few very hot dishes. Stellant'I rose and asked us to follow her to the Hall of the Elders. We cleaned our cooking utensils, stored the leftovers in an air-tight sack, and left for the hall. The streets and houses had a very uniform look. This one had a garden and that one had a sculpture but they did not differ greatly. We would have both been lost in the maze of interconnecting streets if Stellant'I had not been with us. �śYour people have a beautiful city, Stellant'I,” I said hoping to start a conversation. �śIts beauty is in its function, not its form,” she replied. �śThe very simple is the most beautiful to us. For a thing to be solely that thing and purely that thing, that is beauty. Consider that sculpture,” she said, pointing to an oval rock standing on end. �śWhat is its meaning?” Tuya cocked an eye at me anxious to hear my reply. I tried to get a hint by gently probing Stellant'I's mind but got nowhere. It was a plain boulder without carvings or any sign of embellishment. I thought back to Stellant'I's previous statement. �śThe rock is a perfect expression of itself, no marks, no alterations. It is perfectly itself,” I guessed. Stellant'I had a lightly bemused look with a hint of a smile. �śVery good Avron Tular, perhaps you will come to understand us yet.” She turned and continued walking slowly towards the middle of town. A few Illistari were leaving their houses, going this way and that. None paid us any attention. A few made light bows with their palms pressed together as they passed. I returned the bows, Tuya did not. All the Illistari we passed were dressed in very similar clothes. There were no signs of rank, no ornaments other than a colorful sash or scarf. Many were barefoot despite the slight chill. Others wore shoes of fabric or sandals that looked like Earth bamboo sandals. There were no carts, but it was still early. I thought perhaps they might be about later. What struck me was that no one was in a hurry. In fact, they all moved with a slow deliberation. There was not much diversity among the people we passed. They were dressed similarly, all looked pretty much the same, all walked with the same slow, open stride. There was not a whisper of a sound on the street. The loudest noise to be heard was the obvious scraping of our own feet along the gravel streets. We turned a corner and entered the plaza of the large dome we had entered the day before. This time I noticed more about the structure. The builders had made novel use of stone by integrating it into the clay brick structure in surprising ways. The green arched doorways had keystones that continued up the side of the dome and became part of a circular stone cap. Stone of a different shade of green ran down to the floor and radiated out into the flooring pattern. The floor was heated, probably with steam, and the stones were comfortably warm. The two old men again sat at the stone table. A clay vessel of about two gallons capacity sat on the table. The pot was reddish in color with rudimentary handles and no spout. We walked up to the table and one of them said, �śAvron Tular, what is the most important part of this jar?” I considered the question. The only parts on the jar were the simple handles, I did not think they were really the most important part. No part of the jar was anymore important than the rest. After reaching that conclusion, I began searching for an answer that was more to do with something not actually physically associated with the jar. �śThe space inside it,” I said. The two old Illistaris both smiled slightly. �śVery good,” one said. �śThe form of the jar provides benefit, for a jar is a beneficial thing. The usefulness comes from what is not there.” �śTuya �Śal Ayan y h!dlay Zhia!tu,” the other one said. �śWhat is stronger, the mighty tree or the slender reed?” I could sense a trick but before I could get Tuya's attention she replied, �śThe tree.” The Illistari spoke again, �śThat is incorrect. Stellant'I will demonstrate your error.” With that Stellant'I stepped forward and faced Tuya. She bowed low with her hands at her sides and assumed a crouching stance with her feet apart and hands at face level. Tuya recognized this was an invitation to spar. She adopted her formal sparing attitude. Her fingers were splayed, her hand chest high, elbows out, knees bent. She began to circle Stellant'I. Tuya sprang and Stellant'I stepped aside, brushing off the blow effortlessly. �śStop!” commanded one of the old Illistari. Tuya and Stellant'I faced each other, bowed, and then faced the speaker. �śTuya �Śal Ayan y h!dlay Zhia!tu, how did Stellant'I avoid your blow?” That was something I really wanted to know also. There was not a person on the Triton who would not have been rendered unconscious by it. Tuya considered the question, then answered, �śStellant'I is a more skilled fighter than I and has superior abilities.” �śWrong!” the old speaker pronounced. �śYou are the mighty tree, wrath and power. You come in the rush and rage of a mighty storm, but the mighty trees may be crushed by the storm while it is the slender reed that bends with the wind that prevails. You are the stone in the river that stands firm against all forces, but eventually the water will wear you away. So, Stellant'I prevails by yielding. Those who would conquer must yield. This you must learn in order to understand us, and to be queen.” Tuya's eyes went wide and she shot me a look. She regained her composure just as quickly. She pressed her palms together in front of her chest and bowing her head, said, �śYour words are wise, I shall consider them.” The other Illistari rose and said, �śI am Mehanan, counselor of the city Duhain. This,” he said gesturing to the other seated Illistari, �śis our esteemed Emperor. He has traveled many days to meet you in order to determine our course of action. You, Tuya �Śal Ayan y h!dlay Zhia!tu, were chosen in order to learn what you must know to rule wisely.” Tuya shot me another panicked look. �śYou, Avron Tular, were chosen because of a certain aptitude. You have done well so far and show promise for your race. We have decided that you shall be tutored in our ways. You, Tuya �Śal Ayan y h!dlay Zhia!tu, will learn internal and external arts. Avron will concentrate on internal arts and some practical matters of local custom. You will not be separated by night; however you will be taught different lessons and so will not be together by day.” The Emperor rose and spoke. �śI have hopes this work we begin today will bear fruit across the universe. Tuya �Śal Ayan y h!dlay Zhia!tu, I wish you success in your journey. Avron Tular, until we meet again.” He turned and walked calmly across the room and out the back door. I wondered if he were the ruler of the state or the whole planet. And, why did he say �Śuntil we meet again’ to me and not Tuya? What was that thing about Tuya being a queen? Mehanan said, �śI know you have much to speak of but time is short. We must begin immediately. Avron, you will go with Stellant'I, Tuya �Śal Ayan y h!dlay Zhia!tu, you will remain here.” Stellant'I gestured towards the front door. I looked at Tuya. She was a bit shaken but holding up well. I left with Stellant'I. I admired her form as she walked ahead. Very womanly, very strong in a quiet way. Her thoughts were not so much thoughts but more of a force, a river. I got the impression she was not thinking in the way a human might define it, but rather she experienced directly the things we thought about. The light breeze had warmed a bit. I tried to imagine not thinking about the breeze as it brushed my arm while still feeling it. I could only maintain that state for brief periods of time. Stellant'I turned back and said, �śYou are doing well, you will improve in time.” I was shocked by the remark. I could usually sense another psychic race immediately but the Illistari gave no such indication. The Illistari were curiously uniform in their thinking. Their thoughts seemed like water coursing this way and that undirected but still forming a river. We walked down a few blocks to a two-story building built like a pyramid of domes, two on the bottom and one on top. Stellant'I said, �śThis is the hall of letters. You will learn our language here.” The building was plainer than the grand hall in the city center. The support columns were unpolished and there were no stone arches. Floor tiles of muted colors formed an intricate design. The inlay seemed to represent symbols or perhaps writing. Stellant'I led me to a low table where a very old Illistari woman stood waiting. �śI am Cogent'R,” she said, �śplease be seated.” She turned and sat at the table, legs crossed on the floor. Even though her general appearance gave the impression of great age, her movements betrayed none of it. I looked at Stellant'I who bowed as she backed out of the room. Writing implements and several other tools where arrayed along side coarse paper. I sat at the table opposite Cogent'R. She picked up a rust-colored stone and began scraping it with a rasp while holding the stone over a bowl. When the bowl had a small quantity of powder, she added some water and stirred. She added a little more water until the consistency was that of thin putty. She picked up one of the writing implements and took it apart length-wise. The inside was hollowed out and tapered. She troweled some of the putty into the writing instrument using a broad knife. She handed me the pen and said, �śSqueeze the pen softly as you write. We will begin with a basic alphabet lesson. Time is short. We will need to move on before you have learned it but that is your fate.” She began drawing characters and naming them as she drew. The pens were remarkably efficient once I got the hang of it. When we filled a page with characters she would lay the sheaf in a shallow dish of water. She saw me looking curiously at the soaking pages. She explained, �śI will wash these clean and lay them in the sun to be used tomorrow.” �śAh", I said. People on Earth had thrown away so much paper that it was not in use any longer. I liked the idea of reusing the paper. We sat writing and speaking past lunch. I was aching badly and getting hungry. Cogent'R saw my pained expression. She said, �śPlease excuse my thoughtlessness. I have neglected your needs. Please rise.” I tried to stand but my left leg was asleep. I almost fell over but Stellant'I, who had come in unnoticed, grabbed my arm to steady me. �śOh!” I exclaimed with surprise, �śThank you. My leg is asleep.” The two of them looked at me clearly perplexed. �śOh. No. That's just a saying we use to describe the condition that results from staying in one position too long.” I took a tenuous step and my leg seemed better. �śThere, all better.” �śWe do not suffer from such conditions.” Cogent'R said. �śWe strive to attain stillness since stillness overcomes action. Many of us in the city have not moved for several days. You see, the universe runs by letting things take their own course; it cannot be improved by interfering. You should feel honored by Stellant'I's willingness to serve you, it is a great sacrifice for her to be in constant motion.” I thought about how different that was from our way. If you were not doing something, you were not being productive. Here, inactivity seemed to be viewed as productive. I was intrigued. On Earth everybody was very, very busy and the place was a disaster. Here, people spent days in contemplation and it was apparently a wonderful place. Stellant'I brought in a tray of dried fruit, nuts, seeds, flat bread, and water. I helped myself to the food, and asked Cogent'R, �śDo you have crime here? Do you have a law enforcement organization?” Cogent'R said, �śWe do not need to enforce the laws, they enforce themselves. There are some matters which must be considered by the wise, but life takes its natural course for the most part.” We continued eating and talking about Illistari government, or lack thereof, until Cogent'R announced it was time to exercise. She told me to sit in the doorway facing outwards in the most comfortable position I could find. She said, �śThis is the most important basic exercise. I want you to calm your mind and think of as little as possible. This will be difficult at first. Then I want you to concentrate on inhaling and exhaling. Breathe slowly and deeply.” She continued to make suggestions for a few minutes and then the rest of the afternoon was spent breathing. I found the experience relaxing but I thought it odd. Cogent'R said there was very little time, but we spent half the day breathing. Still, I sat there all afternoon without discomfort. When the day was wearing down Cogent'R softly announced it was time to stop for today. I bowed and followed Stellant'I out onto the street. I felt refreshed and alert. I could see many Illistaris sitting in their doorways in contemplation. Tuya was not there when we reached our abode. Stellant'I made her goodbyes saying she would meet me in the morning. I thought about the day, practiced breathing a bit, and that is when Tuya walked in the door. Her face was bleeding and her clothing was torn. I jumped to my feet and grabbed her by the shoulders to get a closer look at her injuries. �śWhat did they do to you?” I shouted. �śI am uninjured, my wounds are superficial, be at ease my little Ensign,” she said with a small smile. The word �Śensign’ did not seem right any more. I had only been there two days and already I did not feel like an ensign. �śHow did you get hurt?” I asked her as I pulled her over to the cushions. I sat her down and dabbed at her with a wet cloth. She endured my clumsy ministrations patiently. �śI spent the day in the company of a teacher who interspersed Illistari teachings with demonstrations of their application. Most educational. Their whole philosophy is different than Earth's or Borial's. We spent a good deal of time talking about what a good ruler needs to know and now I need to tell you why that pertains to me. I am the queen and rightful heir to the throne of Borial.” [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter 9 She sat there calmly as I tried to form a thought. I felt the universe turn about us until we faced an entirely foreign direction. Queen? Heir? �śYou mean, like, ruler of the planet?” �śI will be ruler of the planet upon my return, if I return,” she said. �śYou're going back to Borial?” �śI have not decided. If I do not return, there is a chance the planet may fall into civil war. Many powerful families will fight for my throne. The destruction will be terrible.” �śThen you must return,” I said, �śThe planet needs you.” She looked at me calmly, plainly, and then said, �śIf I return, I cannot take you with me.” Her words sent a jolt of fear through me. I felt my heart pierced and the room began to turn. �śCan not take me with you?” I said blinking back tears. �śWhy can't I go with you?” �śBecause a ruler is at once more than a person and less than a person. A ruler is a symbol for the people, the embodiment of the state, and so is more than a person. But a ruler is not free to follow their heart but must always put duty to the people first and so is less than a person. You cannot be my consort on Borial, it would not be accepted. So, you see the choice that lies before us. Love, or the destruction of my home.” I collapsed on the cushion beside her in shock. My head spun, my thoughts piled together in jumbled confusion. Tuya moved close and wrapped her arms around me. A sob escaped me, then another. I cried and she held my head, swaying back and forth purring. She did not cry. She would not indulge herself in the luxury of cleansing tears. She was steeling herself for a decision. As she held me in our lover's embrace, I knew without doubt what her decision would be. It was the only one it could be. I cried all the more for that terrible knowledge. �śLet us eat a little,” she said. She assembled a small dinner for us. I ate feebly without enjoying the meal. I was ashamed that I could not show the strength she did. I wanted to comfort her but I was too deeply wounded. My energies were absorbed in my needs, like that of a wounded animal, or a person who is gravely ill. The thoughts turn inward. The outside world recedes. I collapsed into bed and Tuya held me. I prayed for sleep to take me but when it did; I dreamt dark, troubled dreams waking in a sweat. Tuya and I spoke little that morning and when Sellant'I came, I followed her in a daze. As we entered the Hall of Letters, Cogent'R said �śYield and overcome, bend and be straight.” I looked up at her with bleary eyes. �śWhat?” I asked. �śStriving to posses is the first step towards loss,” she said. �śThat which is held must escape, that which is released will return. You must find the way and today I will show you.” She walked over to the table beckoning me to sit. I sat on the floor with some difficulty being stiff from the poor night's sleep. Cogent'R descended to the floor in a graceful, flowing motion. She drew a character that looked like a circle with the Roman numeral two inside it. �śThis the symbol of the universal life force. The symbol has no name, it simply is. The universe has no name, it simply is. This force is common to all places in the universe. All life flows from it. Look, it cannot be seen. Listen, it cannot be heard. Grasp, it cannot be held. These three are intangible. Therefore, they are joined as one. We shall study this today.” We spent the rest of the day discussing the ideas Cogent'R put forth and meditating on the universal life force. I had begun to feel better by the end of the day. I had accepted the basis of what Cogent'R said regarding wanting and desire. The situation was plain and unchangeable; all I could do was control how I felt about it. I might have to live without Tuya. I had to find a way to accept it. Stellant'I took me to a different building. As we stood in the doorway, Tuya and an Illistari engaged in a ritualized dual. Their fluid movements complimented each other. I had never seen Tuya look as relaxed and supple. She looked like a bird, sometimes fluttering high above the Illistari. Now swooping in, then flying away. They moved very fast but never touched each other. The Illistari flung a sweeping blow at Tuya. She leaped into the air executing a flip and landed on the alien's arm before falling to the ground on all fours and skittering away. They continued this way for several minutes until the Illistari backed away two steps and bowed Tuya bowed and said, �śYou have honored me, thank you.” The Illistari said, �śOver sharpen the blade, and the edge will soon blunt. Train only as much as you need to.” �śThank you, Master,” Tuya said. I was shocked. Tuya calling someone master? The Illistari Tuya had been sparring with turned and left. I noticed he was not sweating. Tuya's brilliant hair hung in strings down her back as she wiped the sweat from her face with her robe. �śMaster?” I asked. �śThat was the emperor's guard. He is the best fighter I have ever faced. Today we read passages from ancient texts and sparred. By the end of the day I was beginning to understand it. The soft overcomes the hard. The more you yield, the more you gain!” She was so enthused, I had never seen her so full of excitement. On the way back to our abode she spoke of the many teachings that day. How a wise ruler does not interfere with the lives of the people and how the universe is sacred. If you try to hold it, you will lose it, if you try to change it, you will wreck it. We sat up late talking about the teachings we had been exposed to that day. It was apparent to me that Tuya and I were being led down divergent paths. I was being grounded. She was flying. I learned letters. She learned how to rule. I wondered what the goal of my instruction was. Whatever lay in store for us, the Illistari had a plan in mind. The days passed by. Tuya and I became immersed in Illistari culture. They had a rich heritage of literature reaching far back in time. Although Cogent'R did not want to discuss it directly, they were a very old race. And, though the newer volumes had a more rustic appearance in type and binding, the older books were most certainly from a mass-production press. I came to be able to read the language in a few weeks, the spoken form being somewhat more difficult. Tuya did not suffer from any more bruises and cuts. She now spent her days at the feet of old Illistaris who instructed her in the art of wise governance. She was often pensive at night and I could see the weight of her choices bearing down upon her. I made no effort to sway her because I did not believe she had a choice, only the appearance of one. Stellant'I was my constant companion. We seldom spoke but having her near helped me stay focused on the task ahead. She was calm as still water. I looked to her when inner turmoil threatened to surface. One day we did not return to the Hall of Letters and went instead to the Grand Hall. We were once again faced by the Counselor and the Emperor. Tuya and I both made a low bow and held it until the Emperor spoke. He said �śI am informed you have made very satisfactory progress. It is time for you to travel to the capitol with me.” Tuya was taken aback. She said, �śYou honor us. When do we depart?” The Emperor said, �śWe leave at once. Your belongings will be brought along by Stellant'I, who has graciously accepted this charge.” I was relieved to hear Stellant'I was coming. I turned to thank her but she had already left. The Emperor began walking slowly out the door. I was reluctant to leave. The city had become a comfortable place. It had become a refuge from the future that was bearing down upon us. Tuya seemed to sense my unease. She gave me a sympathetic look before setting off with the Emperor. I did not want the future. I wanted to live in the simple house with my love and lead a simple life. I knew in my heart that I must relent. Being a stone in the river of time will only lead to sorrow. I could not fight the future. I yielded to it. I became the water instead of the stone. I felt myself flow past this place and time. I walked to Tuya's side. She smiled at me for it. We exited the rear of the hall. Perian Int'E, the Emperor's, guard stood waiting for us. When Tuya saw the guard she made a low bow and said, �śMaster.” The tall Illistari returned her courtesy. He walked down the steps that led to the long, straight road leading away from the city. We followed and were met by a group of three Illistaris. Tuya and I were each handed a pack, a water flask, and a staff. We began walking down the road that stretched before us. The road was made of fine, packed gravel. Short trees with hard, waxy leaves lined the road on both sides. There were no other travelers in sight. I looked back several time in hopes of seeing Stellant'I, but she never appeared. We walked into the mid-day before stopping. The Emperor stopped and sat in the middle of the road. He said, �śPlease, gather some nuts from the trees and sit by me.” The trees were brimming with fat nuts. They were sweet and easily shelled. I gathered a good quantity and walked to the Emperor. The other Illistaris lounged about paying no attention to the Emperor. Even his guard was wandering around brush looking at stones. The Emperor remarked, �śHe is quite the geologist, always in search of a new stone. I suspect he is re-finding many of the same stones from previous journeys.” The old man laughed to himself and continued. �śIt makes me wonder how many of the same stones you have found in your journeys?” �śIf they were all identical, it was because we only found what we were searching for, never more, never less,” I said, surprised at my own philosophical speech. �śWell said, Avron,” the Emperor replied. �śTo truly embark on a journey of discovery, expectations of rewards and outcomes must be forsaken. Seeking nothing, everything will be found.” Tuya turned to face the Emperor. She had been in deep thought. A question was on her lips. �śHow does one lead a people without imposing will? You teach that the soft will overcome the hard but to have power and use it, that is hard. Sometimes great force is demanded of a great power.” Her question was very telling. She was thinking of the day she would return home and impose her will upon the great houses of Borial. The Emperor gazed off into the distance and said, �śForce is followed by the loss of strength, this is not the way. The question is not how to hold but how to let go. Look around you. Do I command the trees? Do I rule the soil? Yet these are my precious realm. Goodness flows from the low to the high. Humility is the foundation of strength. Release your preconceptions. Strive to understand the now.” We sat for a long while. The Illistaris sat staring at whatever faced them. Tuya and I each grappled with the Emperor's words. I believed I understood the basic nature of their beliefs but putting them into practice, really living by them, that was another matter. At length the Emperor stood and stretched. The group rose and followed him down the road. He called me to walk beside him. He pointed out interesting spots along the way. �śHere I once observed a beetle and a spider meet in the road. I watched them for several minutes. They stared at each other for a time. I thought they might battle, that being the nature of both. They ran face to face. They recoiled at the touch, then stood apart. I was sure the next move would be an attack. But, they both turned away and continued on their path. It took two insects to show me true wisdom. It is not necessary to battle an adversary simply because you meet. Only a fool fights without good reason.” Farther along the path, he pointed to up to the mountains. �śThere stood the Rock of the Eternal, or so we called it. It was believed the pillar that stood there was created at the beginning and would last to the end. But, the soft patter of the rain brought it down. You can see the jumbled fragments of the great stone lying at the bottom of the hill. That is how we learned the only thing that will last to the end is the beginning. Only the great power that existed at the beginning will be here at the end.” �śTell me about this power,” I asked �śWe know nothing of it. We know it by its works. It is unknowable.” The Emperor walked with his eyes half closed. Suddenly he took two leaping steps and kicked a rock, his leg and robe flying in the air. The pebble went skittering down the center of the road. �śThere are not many rocks left on this road,” he said. �śI have kicked most of them to one end or the other.” He continued kicking the rock perfectly down the center of the road until the rock took an unexpected bad hop and flew off the road. �śAiee!” he shouted holding his head. The other Illistari did not pay any attention to him. �śThis is but one more thing I must let go, this rock.” �śIt was a fine rock,” I said. �śIndeed,” said Tuya with a funny smile. �śYes, but there is a universe of fine rocks. Another awaits our passing,” the Emperor said. �śLife is a series of treasured things that we must let go of,” he said. His grave, sorrowful look made me shiver. I tried to avoid its meaning but the obvious facts could not be denied. I ran for the next pebble I saw in the road and kicked it as hard as I could. The rock tumbled and bounced up the road and finally rolled off the side. I stood there defeated. �śYou will walk this road many times before you kick a rock well,” he said. The statement sounded like a prophecy. We stopped when the afternoon turned to early evening. We sat around a small stone hearth that was located a few steps off the road. The hearth showed evidence of many past fires. Two of our company walked to the base of the hill about a hundred yards away. They returned with two handfuls of an orange rock. They piled the rock into the hearth and the shorter of the two, Torval'T, produced a pouch. She scooped a small amount of gray powder out of the pouch and carefully poured it into the center of the hearth. The other, Jorma'Y, produced two metal rods. I realized I had seen no other metal in use to this point in our stay. He held one rod pointing down close over the hearth and struck it with the other. A burst of sparks flew to the hearth. The setting in the hearth erupted into brilliant flame. The fire quickly settled to a low flame that produced no smoke or odor. The third Illistari, Monel'A, took a disk from her pack. It was a little less than a foot in diameter, somewhat flexible, and gray in color. She gave the disk a sharp snap. It opened with a quiet �Śpop'. The disk had turned into a bowl. The bowl was perfectly rigid. She filled the bowl with water and set it upon the hearth. I eyed the bowl suspiciously. It was certainly not the product of the simple civilization I had seen so far. The Emperor did not pay any attention to my curiosity. He rummaged through his pack and produced a tuber the size and shape of a large sweet potato. �śAh. There we go,” he said as he plopped it into the water. He motioned for us to look in our packs. We all had something different. I started to throw my dried vegetables into the pot but he stopped me, holding his nose and making a face. Tuya produced a leafy wad and the Emperor smiled and nodded. The Emperor's guard threw in some herbs. Monel'A tossed in a handful of what appeared to be beans. After about an hour the concoction was giving off a wonderful aroma. The tuber had dissolved and had thickened the broth. We each had a small disk in our packs similar to the bowl on the hearth. The Emperor demonstrated the motion required to expand the disk. Holding the disk with two hands he twisted the rim slightly and then jerked his arms back and forth once. A small bowl popped out from the disk. It too was very stiff. The Emperor scooped some of the stew out of the bowl and began eating with a wooden spoon. The other Illistaris followed suit as Tuya and I tried to produce a bowl. We finally succeeded and served ourselves. There was enough for each of us to have a bowl full. Although the food was bubbling when we had scooped it out, the bowl was just slightly warm to hold. We sat eating happily as the stars came out. The remains of the stew in the large bowl had turned to a fine white ash. The bowl was cleaned by turning it upside down and gently tapping the rim. After the ash had been emptied, Monel'A again gave the bowl a sharp snap to contract it back into a disk. The Emperor laid his bowl on the glowing rocks until the remains of the stew had been burnt away. We all followed his example. In a few minutes all the bowls except Jorma'Y's were burned clean. It took some effort for me to collapse my bowl. Jorma'Y took his bowl and placed it upside down over the glowing stones. It began to glow until it gave off enough light to see by. We sat in silence for a time. The Emperor retrieved a small roll of fabric from his pack and unfurled it. When it had attained its full length he located a small metal disk at one corner and flexed it as if to break it in two. The strip of fabric began to expand. It grew into a marvelous sleeping bag, soft and warm. The bottom was somewhat more padded than the top. I had begun to house serious doubts about the Illistari's �ślack of technology". Their field equipment was far superior to anything in use by Earth Fleet. This was not the time to speak of it, though. I inflated by bed and marveled at how comfortable it was. I lay on my back staring at the stars above me. The stars of Andromeda seen as they were meant to be seen. Not in a starship navigational display but from the ground of a planet. I considered: lying as close to the ground as I could gave me the best view of the infinite. What a positively Illistari thought, I mused as I fell to sleep. [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter 10 We continued for several days. It had become evident that Stellant'I was not joining us. I was stiff from the long hours of walking. The old Emperor and the other Illistari showed no signs of discomfort. Tuya acted as if the journey were a commonplace occurrence. The days and nights took on a sameness, a dependable consistency. One foot after another, there was nothing for it but to walk. All the while the old Emperor talked and joked. He wanted to know about us, about our homes, our families. No detail was too small. My childhood, the rainbow falls of Borial, the deep mysterious oceans of Earth that were the last refuge of nature on that wasted world. During our breaks, Tuya and Perian Int'E sparred in the dirt. She stooped like a falcon, he dodged like a fox. He lashed out like lighting, she evaporated like rain. It was beautiful to watch them. At the end of one session Tuya walked back panting. She said, �śHow can I be your goddess now that you have seen the higher god?” The question stung. I grabbed her hands and pulled her around to face me. �śYou are all that I ever will desire. You are my beautiful goddess until the day we are pulled apart.” I pulled her towards me and she held me. I could feel her being torn from me the harder I held on. As she held her face against my chest she said, �śIf we are pulled apart, it will not be because I do not love you. The paths are many and the way is not clear. Now we are together as one. Let us not grieve the future while we have the present.” She slowly released me, as we got under way again. I grappled with the concept of releasing the future. I knew the future I wanted in my heart. It was not likely to be. The steps I took along the road we were walking were steps I chose freely yet they carried me towards an end that would likely break my heart. All I could do was choose the best among the steps presented. If that led to grief then it was of my own choosing. The realization that I was directing my own future brought me down the present. Each foot followed the other. The crunching of the gravel beneath our feet was the only certainty. The Emperor said, �śI chose where my feet go but not the path. That is a matter decided before we step foot upon the soil. We cannot know, or perhaps even change, the future, but we can choose our steps wisely.” The old Illistari ruled an empire by simply living in the present. The results were wonderful by all appearances. How different from our way, I thought. The endless planning seemed so often in vain. The megalithic corporations tried to choose the paths of others for their own purposes. It all seemed so doomed to failure. I wondered if there was any hope the Earth might one day become as serene as Illistar. I looked at the Emperor. He was smiling slyly. I wished I could understand the first thing about his thoughts. The stark and dramatic Illistari landscape alternately glowed in pinks and reds during the day; or sulked in blues and blacks at night. The trees became taller and upright as we traveled. There were thickets that suggested a forest ahead. The slope gradually increased and the plant life became thick. Odd leafy plants with long fronds reached out from under the trees. Small plants and flowers covered the ground. Small animals darted through the brush. I am not an early riser by nature but the Illistari seemed to have a psychic link that resulted in them all waking at the same time. A brutally early time. I never knew if the light meal we had for breakfasts was because of local tradition or because they could not see well enough to cook. At any rate, we would be walking down the road as the pale sun began to spread a thin light across the landscape. The sun of Illistar is different from any other place I had been. There was nothing quite like it. Even at mid-day, it is soft and gentle. I never got a sunburn. Believe me, two years on a spaceship is not a good way to prepare for long days in the sun. Tuya became darker as the days went by. Her hair grew at an alarming rate. You could practically watch it grow. She had Perian cut it for her several times. He was concerned that she might find his abilities lacking but it did not matter. In three days she would have a wild shining mane that would shame the greatest lioness. Water appeared in the oddest of places. A beautiful little spring or a turn in the road would reveal a perfect little spring. We walked up to a small pond. The water was perfectly clear. Small creatures swam back and forth as though studying us. �śDo not feed the Kricken your fingers,” the Emperor said. �śThey are small but ambitious. They will make a meal of you if you let them!” I watched the small fish-like creatures swim back and forth as I fought an urge to test them. My shoulders become heavier. I began to sag under the weight of the sun. My thoughts were fuzzy and confused. I reached for the water. A flash of pain in my upper arm stopped me. �śIf you had read the manual, you would know that disturbing the wildlife of a planet is not allowed,” Tuya said as she dug her fingers into my arm. I roused as if waking from a dream, the pain of her vice-like grip was an anchor that anchored me to reality. �śThank you, Tuya. I do not know what happened,” I said still confused. The Emperor turned back and said, �śThey are quite convincing, don't you think? If you listen long enough, you will wish to become one of them. Who knows? Maybe their numbers are made of the people who have succumbed to their song.” �śEnsigns are not on the menu tonight, let them look elsewhere,” Tuya said as she ushered me away from the water. Jorma'Y and Monel'A finished filling the water bags. �śWhy did not they attack you?” I asked. Jorma'Y replied, �śBecause we do not allow them to see us. We are one with the air and the water. They can not distinguish us from the dirt around us.” The Emperor grinned and peered out from under the brim of his straw hat. �śCan you tell me why that is?” he asked me. The thoughts of the Illistari flowed through the psychic landscape like water. Their individual thoughts blended and drifted through the trees on the wind. They did not simply breathe the air, they were the air. The soil they stood upon did not stop at the bottom of their feet, they were made of it. They were not beings who simply existed in a time and place. They were a time and place expressed as a being. �śBecause there is no difference,” I said. �śVery good!” the Emperor shouted and turned back to the road laughing. �śHow do you always know the answers to those questions?” Tuya asked, honestly amazed. �śI am an Illistari progeny,” I said smugly. �śDid you perhaps mean prodigy?” Tuya asked trying to suppress a laugh. �śYes, that too,” I said. Tuya allowed herself a small laugh and then we were off again. The Emperor veered off the path and headed towards the hills some distance away. The other Illistari followed as if this were a normal event. Tuya and I looked at each other and shrugged. We set off following behind the group. We approached a non-descript hill. As we rounded the point of the ridge, a broad amphitheater came into view. It looked to be immensely old but it was as sound as the day it was completed. The large semi-circular gallery had been carved from the living stone of the mountain. A shear rock face rose three-hundred feet above the structure. The floor of the stage was inlaid with stone of many colors. As I mounted the stage, I realized the pattern was the symbol of the universal life force. Our footsteps echoed off the canyon walls in sharp slaps. The Emperor continued across to the high tiers cut into the face of the mountain. Torval'T, Jorma'Y, and Monel'A remained in the center of the stage. The Emperor chose a seat and we sat next to him. He sat placidly staring out across the vista of the broad plain we had been crossing. An odd tingling sensation began spreading across the top of my head. The three Illistaris in front of us lowered their eyes and began to drone in what I can only describe as an �śunearthly” way. Their voices began to emanate from the tingling sensation in my head. I looked at Tuya. Either she was not hearing it or she was simply not reacting. Each singer seemed to be voicing at least two notes along with another psychic note. The effect was an all-enveloping cocoon of sound as the outer voices echoed off the steep walls and the inner voices swelled. They began to sing with a psychic line laid underneath. Something mysterious formed (can you see it?) born before time (can you hear it?) in the silence and the void (can you hold it?) alone and unchanging (as one). It does not strive, yet overcomes (it is like water) It does not speak, and yet is answered (flowing ever down) it does not ask, yet lacks nothing (to the lowest) it has no direction, yet its goal is reached (and so is high). They believed they knew, but they did not know (those who knew not arose) the hard and strong fell (while the soft grew strong) while the weak overcame (to follow the path) and by leaving, returned (to the virtue of the one) As the echoes fell from our ears, the swimming inner voices subsided. I was left stunned and amazed. I felt electrified. The song had lifted me to a state of high elation; I felt I might float away. As I gradually settled back into my body I saw Tuya was looking at me oddly. �śI'll tell you later,” I said. The Emperor stood and walked to the singers clapping his hands. �śWell done, well done!” he cried out. He turned back to us and said, �śIt is too bad we do not have more time, the whole song is quite moving. It takes a whole day to recite the entire saga, but we must be moving along.” He turned and began walking back down the path. I felt fastened to the seat. Tuya helped me up. �śWhat was the matter, you looked like you were completely unaware of the surroundings?” she asked. �śYou didn't hear the voices in your head?” �śNo,” she said, �śI only heard singing.” �śThere was another set of verses set underneath the spoken words sung telepathically. It was absolutely unbelievable.” I began regaining my strength. Soon we were hurrying to catch up with the Emperor. * * * * The singer's voices echoed in my thoughts as I laid under the stars that night. I searched for meaning in the lyrics. The Emperor seemed to imply the song was part of a story. Story of what? The phrase �śby leaving, returned to the virtue of the one” kept running through my mind. I was sure the performance was for the benefit of Tuya and myself. The song was very meaningful in some way, and I resolved to find out how. The haunting song echoed through my mind as I fell asleep. The next day the road rose steeply. We climbed several miles through sharp switch-backs. I almost ran into the Emperor when we crested the top. He was staring back the direction we had come from. I turned around and beheld a sweeping vista. The city of Duhain was visible in the distance. Small clouds dotted the sky pushing small shadows across the ground. The road ran from the city through a long valley between two corridors of rock. One could almost imagine the rock lining the valley to be walls constructed a very long time ago. The Emperor turned back to the road. It was then I first saw the capitol city. Amanya; standing in the distance was a gleaming city, dark and mysterious. Tall buildings built of polished stone crowded the sky. Domes of polished stones huddled around their feet. I could see two other roads with heavy foot traffic leading to the city. There were carts being pulled by large animals. The road became paved with a dark stone as we gained level ground. The path turned from gravel to stone and the perfectly laid stones were worn from heavy use. �śWas it you that wore out the road?” I asked the Emperor in jest. �śYes, Yes,” he replied chuckling. �śI have worn out several of them.” It took the rest of the day to approach the city. The Emperor choose to camp outside the city. We emptied the remains of our packs for a final feast. Having a little extra to eat was a joy. I thought back to my life on Earth and aboard the Triton. What would it have taken to make me happy there? This assignment was turning out to be very significant for both Tuya and I, and I couldn't help but wonder if everyone that came to Illistar had the same experience. That's when I remembered the buoy. Is that why the Illistari are so dangerous, I wondered? �śEmperor, I wish to ask you about the space buoy we encountered on our way here. Are you aware of it?” I asked carefully. �śYes, we are aware of it. We leave it because it suits us,” he said. �śYou leave it?” I asked somewhat surprised. �śYou mean you could remove it if you wanted?” The Emperor looked at me as if explaining a simple concept to a dull student. �śYes. If that was what we chose to do, then it would be done.” �śYou have space flight capability?” I asked. �śI did not say it would be done tomorrow,” the Emperor said with a grin. I thought the old man was playing with me, but no matter, I understood what he meant. If they really wanted to remove the buoy they would develop a technology to do it. �śWhy choose to remain non-technical?” I wondered aloud. �śYou may have a better question soon, then you may understand.” I fought back the irritation I felt at hearing another cryptic answer, but again realized he was certainly getting at something. Sounds came from the city after sundown, audible only because we had spent so many days in complete silence. I wondered what fate awaited us in the city, why we had been brought here. I had the impression there were empaths and psychics inside the city searching and probing. I felt them brush across my consciousness and continue on. These were not Illistari, or not like the Illistari I knew. I fell asleep reluctantly, holding Tuya and hoping for a good outcome. Instead of setting out at dawn, we arose later than usual. A delegation of uniformed Illistari men and women walked out to meet us while we were making tea. The Emperor barely acknowledged the group. The apparent leader stepped forward and bowed deeply, palms pressed together in front of his chest. �śYour return is anticipated with great joy,” he said still bowing. �śOh, Palinta'R, you raise me up too far. What if I should fall from those lofty heights? My old bones could not endure it. Sit, tell your company to join us in a cup of tea.” Palinta'R sat with us although he looked a little uncomfortable. The rest of the delegation sat some distance off. He accepted the tea from the Emperor as if he were being presented with a medal of high honor. The Emperor gathered a few spare cups and took them over to the group seated a few yards away. They took the cups and accepted the tea while never looking directly at the Emperor. They were obviously treating him with far more deference than he wished. At last we were ready to enter the city. Palinta'R led the group. Two others of his group followed just behind. The Emperor insisted Tuya and I accompany him. Perian Int'E followed the Emperor. Everyone else followed him. I realized this was a royal procession, which meant a crowd would perhaps meet us. I found the prospect exciting. The entrance to the city was through an arch of polished black stone that was thirty feet high and twenty feet wide. A crowd of bowing Illistari met us as we walked though the arch. We walked in silence except for the rustling of robes and scuffling of feet. Our progress slowed as the Emperor returned the many bows. This lasted for at least two miles. Eventually the crowd thinned. It was then I began seeing aliens. Some more humanoid, some less so. There were a few in environmental suits. They were also bowing to the Emperor as we walked. I looked at the Emperor with a question in my eyes. �śThis is not the question you will ask,” he said. Tuya and I were objects of intense interest among the aliens. The Illistari seemed to take it in stride. Groups of aliens would press forward trying to get a look at us. We entered a wide plaza of magnificent stone. Stone of deep blacks, blood reds, and olive green in rich shades paved the ground in intricate inlay. A monument stood in the center of the plaza. The Emperor walked up to it. Tuya and I stood in wonder. In front us stood a simple rock, somewhat reddish but not bright. It was roughly round and about twenty feet in diameter. �śDo you know what this is?” The Emperor asked. Tuya looked at me with one eyebrow cocked. The answer seemed obvious but Illistari philosophy could be tricky sometimes. I looked at the stone. I was reminded of the question Stellant'I had posed earlier in our stay. �śIt is a stone, more significant for what is not there than for what is.” �śVery good!” the Emperor said with a grin. �śThis is the uncarved stone. We strive to maintain the simplicity of the un-carved stone, for this is the true state of virtue.” The loosely gathered throng around us nodded their heads approvingly as we passed the monument. We walked on towards a large building several stories high. It was a somber, imposing structure built of dark stone. The architecture was a mix of domes, turrets, columns, and terraces with balustrades. It had wide black steps leading up to a carved stone door. Uniformed Illistari lined the steps. We topped the last step and paused in front of the huge double-doors. The Emperor stopped and said, �śWelcome to my house.” The ponderous doors swung open silently. We entered the palace and were met by the unanimous gaze of hundreds of aliens seated around the large chamber. The Emperor walked directly to a low table in the middle of the hall beckoning Tuya and I to his side. The Emperor raised a hand to quiet the crowd. He said, �śThese are my friends Tuya �Śal Ayan y h!dlay Zhia!tu, queen of the planet Borial in the Galaxy they call the Milky Way which we call Tel'as'Ti; and Avron Tular, ambassador of the planet Earth Trade Commission from that same galaxy.” I cringed when I heard my introduction. The assembly nodded their heads and tentacles approvingly while I tried to grasp the introduction. I thought the Illistari must have made some kind of misjudgment. But, they were the ones who choose Tuya and I. That was a bewildering prospect. Perhaps it had all been by design. The Emperor made ready to sit at the small table. He looked at Tuya and me and said, �śPlease make yourselves known. Perian will see to your needs.” The Emperor sat and Perian escorted us some ways away. A sea of unfamiliar engulfed us. Several tried to speak with us, some in Illistari, but neither Tuya nor I could understand them. Perian led us to a small group of disparate aliens. They regarded us openly for a moment and one of them said, �śWe have been studying your language. Do you understand?” His thick accent sounded vaguely like Earth Russian. Tuya said, �śWe understand you. How do you know our language?” The group of aliens looked at one another with inscrutable expressions. Another of the group said, �śThe Illistari gave us the information.” He also sounded Russian. This time Tuya and I exchanged glances. �śHow did the Illistari come by the information?” she asked. They all broke out in laughter. Some of it did not sound like laughing, but that was undoubtedly what it was. �śWhy dear,” a third said with a Russian accent, �śthe Illistari have ALL the information. You did not know?” Tuya and I stood staring at the group as their laughter subsided. �śI am Finerl,” said the alien who had spoken first. He was somewhat humanoid in appearance having a round face with leathery, wrinkled skin. His movements seemed slightly odd but all aliens seemed that way at first. �śI am from the planet SanSassi. These two,” he said pointing at the others, �śare from the planet Inickticktic, you probably could not pronounce their names. We are all here for the same reason you are. To conduct trade. The Illistari are the keepers of the ancient wisdom. They know where all the planets are, who lives on them, what they need, what they will trade, who to contact. In short, the Illistari control trade in this galaxy, and now it appears they will control trade between yours and ours.” I was too amazed to speak. The person I had just spent the last week with playing �Śkick the stone’ controlled trade in the Andromeda galaxy? I became disoriented. Tuya was having difficulty also. �śBut how.... ?” I could not finish the question. Finerl said, �śIt is not important how, it simply is. Learn well what they have to teach you. You will learn more as time passes. You must learn Illistari as soon as possible. I have been selected to act as your language teacher, Avron. Perian Int'E will instruct you he said pointing at Tuya. I could see the beginnings of anger growing in her eyes. The omission of her name in favor of a simple out-stretched finger was a serious affront. Finerl seemed to understand the situation. �śPlease excuse my terrible rudeness,” he said, �śI could not learn to pronounce your name. I am honored and gladdened to have in my charge our first delegation from, what did he say? Milky way? Odd name, but not as odd as you are likely to hear from others. Now,” he said as he pulled us away from the group, �śwhat did the Emperor say?” He wanted to know everything, all the details of the trip. All the conversation, what we ate, and particularly, what the Emperor said. After we had disclosed everything we could remember he stood back from us and said, �śYou spent ten days with the ruler of the galaxy and all you did was kick rocks and joke?” �śGalaxy!” I yipped, drawing some attention. I lowered my voice and said, �śI thought he was the ruler of this planet.” �śIndeed he is,” said Finerl, �śThis one and several million more.” This last was inconceivable. My head swam. Perian took me by the arm and Tuya moved up to the other side. �śPerhaps we should let our guests rest,” Perian said. He and Tuya practically carried me out of the hall. Perian took us down a long hall lined with wooden doors. We mounted a wide staircase that curved up to the second floor. We walked through a sumptuous hallway. Perian stopped and opened a wide door. �śThese are your quarters,” he said, pushing open a door. The room was truly palatial. A beautifully appointed sitting room opened to a bedroom. A broad bed covered in thick blankets of soft, smooth fabric sat under a large window in the expansive bedroom. The window looked out over the city. There were several rooms on each side of the main room. There were two toilets in separate bathrooms that had the look of something not just recently installed, but recently made. Tuya looked at Perian and said, �śMaster, we are not worthy of such accommodations. Perhaps something closer to the ground and less fine?” Perian bowed and said, �śThis is a Royal Suite. It is the Emperor's will that all royalty shall be housed in these suites.” �śAs the Emperor wishes,” Tuya said with a bow. Perian made his exit. Tuya went to a beautiful couch and plopped down on some pillows. �śThis is exactly why I did not want to be queen in the first place. Who can live like this?” she said. �śThis is the finest room I have ever been in,” I said. The walls were dazzling, the ceiling was traced in gold, beautiful stonework abounded. �śThis is how I grew up. Where is the reality? Is this how life is? Not for you, not for the peasant that plows the fields, not for the fisherman. I will abide here by the Emperor's will but I will not choose this life willingly!” She spat out the last words as if ridding herself of a bad taste. �śYet some choices makes themselves,” said the Emperor from the opened door. We both leapt up and made a bow. �śOh, please now, my friends,” he said pulling our hands down. �śI am the same old man you knew on the road, let us not become strangers only because of a certain place. It would pain me if you were to treat me as the court treats me. You, Tuya �Śal Ayan y h!dlay Zhia!tu, being the first ruler from the Milky Way, are regarded by our law as the ruler of the Milky Way for purposes of trade. Until such time as another is named, you shall be treated as my equal, ruler of a Galaxy.” �śBut I am no such thing, Master,” said Tuya, bowing again. �śI only seek to learn and become one with the earth and the sky.” �śAs I, child, as I,” he said grasping her hands, �śbut we are cast in a forge beyond our knowing. We can only do with what we have and are given. You and I were given a heavy load, but no more than the plowman or the fisherman. These things are playing out as they should. All will be revealed and resolved in the end. And now, Queen Zhia'tu, we must hold court. You, Avron, are to begin with Finerl, the old robber. When he learned new delegates were arriving he studied day and night to learn the language.” The Emperor and Tuya left just and Stellant'I walked in. She was dressed in the same manner as usual but the material was richer and imbued with gold-threaded designs. She had obviously been in the city some time. �śStellant'I!” I cried. �śI'm glad to see you.” She bowed and said, �śI am glad to see you also. Your journey was pleasant?” �śOh, very.” I said, �śbut how did you beat us here?” I asked. With a slight hesitation, she said �śWe came another way.” That sounded a little odd but I was not prepared to question it so I let it drop. �śWill you be staying here?” I asked. �śIf that is your wish. Otherwise I will stay elsewhere.” �śWell, if you want to stay elsewhere I'm sure we will be well cared for.” �śThis is your choice to make. I will not voice a preference.” She seemed to be uncommonly difficult. Having no clues to go on, I said, �śI would prefer it if you to stayed with us.” She smiled slightly. She said, �śI have taken the room down the hall.” With that, she turned and exited though an ornate door. I stood in the center of the opulent room feeling out of place. Great care had been taken to decorate the room in a manner that would make Tuya and I feel comfortable, but I longed to hear the crunch of gravel under my feet. I was beginning to feel trapped when there was a knock on the door. When I opened it, Finerl was standing there with a bottle in his hand. �śI have decided to begin our Illistari lessons with the word �Śschluge',” he said as he walked over to a table and set the bottle down. He produced two small glasses, pulled two chairs up to the table, opened the bottle, and poured a drink. He handed one to me and shouted, �śSchluge!” He drank the glass down. Without hesitation I yelled �śSchluge,” and drank. The next memory I have is one of Finerl picking me up off the floor. �śYes, yes. It is a fine drink. Schluge is the Illistari word for �Śremember'. It is a favorite toast. You cannot go wrong if asked to give a toast, but remember to shout it out. Said softly, it means sadness.” Finerl went about his business teaching me the language. He was very elusive and non-committal regarding questions about the Illistari. He said his charge was to teach language, not history. After several hours and two more toasts, he said, �śThe lessons are over for today, my friend. The Illistari say once you have drank with a man; he is your friend for life.” He reached for the door latch and looked over his shoulder. �śI am glad to have drank with you,” he said as he left. I sat alone in the room for two hours. I got bored so I went in search of Stellant'I's room. The door she had left by led to a long hall. There were rooms on either side of the hall that appeared to be service areas. Seeing them reminded me of my long years of servitude in the dank caverns under the domed city. I felt a wave of shame at the thought that I would be requiring servants. There was a single door at the end of the darkened hall. I knocked on the door softly. When Sellant'I opened the door, I asked, �śDo you know how long Tuya will be?” Stellant'I gave me a sad, strange look. �śPlease come in,” she said. Her room was well appointed, but not as luxurious as ours. She took me by the arm and pulled me over to a pillowed bench. We sat and she held my hands in hers. Her long delicate fingers felt cool and smooth. �śYour Tuya is now in a different world. Hers is a world of introductions, courtesies, favors; she is the supreme ruler of trillions of trillions by our law. She is your love, but she is their goddess. The goddess of trade. Fate has dealt you an evil hand, you two who would be simple lovers on a starship. You have become high, highest of the high. You transcend the boundaries of every-day existence. Being so high, how can you become low again and know simple pleasures? How can you touch the ground? Only by releasing everything. By giving it all up. Do you hear what I'm saying to you, Avron? You must give it up.” [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter 11 The days passed with unbroken regularity. Tuya and I would wake together, then Stellant'I would make us breakfast. A quick kiss and Tuya was off to the royal hall for a meeting, sparring, protocol discussions, a hundred things. I could not keep it straight. I spent my days in constant study with Finerl. Afterwards we would go in search of his friends. Stellant'I often came along. I met many, many delegates who were all quite eager to discuss the trading needs of the Milky Way. I was off limits, however, since the Illistari had not yet announced the nature of the relationship between our two galaxies. I came to realize that Tuya was downstairs negotiating the �Śnature of the relationship’ between the two galaxies. My flaming goddess that was mine alone only a short time ago now belonged to the stars. I worried for her but all indications were the Emperor was guiding her well. Tuya became more remote. She would sit on the beautiful couch by the window and stare out at the darkness. She sought answers in the night but those returned were not to her liking. She sagged under the weight of the heavy charge she had accepted. I had never seen my beautiful warrior tired before. She was never unkind but she was often deep in thought. No wonder she did not want to be queen, I thought. The Emperor would sometimes come and offer some advice. The advice was always philosophical rather than practical. �śIn meditation, go deep in the heart,” I heard him say to her but it was deep in her heart that the trouble laid. I sincerely wished that I could help her but it seemed Stellant'I was right. She was in a different world, one that I did not fit into. Not just my goddess any longer. Now she was the goddess of a world, a million worlds, a galaxy. All I could do was adore her as they did and offer what comfort I might. Meanwhile, I was being approached for �Śpre-consideration’ agreements by a great number of delegates. Many of the requests were better suited to other planets rather than Earth. A great number of them were dream-come-true arrangements that would make some merchants very rich. I was sure that would be of great interest to many on Earth, but I had little interest in wealth. The delegates pleaded with me to do the sensible thing and assent to an agreement in principle. I tried to explain that I had no authority in these matters. The delegates were satisfied that the Emperor had granted me the authority. Iron was of interest. Water ice also. I received proposals for scientific exchanges. I had several requests regarding our terra-forming technology. The technology had become quite advanced. Earth had become such a hostile place that it was easier to terra-form a moon than to build an Earth city. That was technology Earth would certainly be interested in trading. I had a proposal to exchange hydrocarbons in Earth's atmosphere for another planet's excess oxygen. I was in very high demand once I began to speak Illistari. I continued my studies into Illistari philosophy. I found it very useful during my dealings with other delegates. Most of the delegates were also students of Illistari philosophy. Business was conducted in the most peaceful and courteous manner. I found myself searching more and more for information explaining how Illistar had achieved its success. There were old books in abundance, mostly on philosophy, some on agriculture and forestry. Not much on history. Certainly nothing to explain how the Illistari �śhad all the information", as the Inickticktici had said on our first day in the capitol. One day I went for a walk. I asked the first Illistari I met for directions to the hall of letters. She directed me to a truly huge building with dozens of people studying texts. Cogent'R met me as I entered the hall. �śCogent'R!” I cried causing some people to look up from their work. �śI am so glad to meet you. What a happy chance.” �śChance?” she said. �śChance indeed, that you have come to my house after I taught you in Duhain.” �śYour house?” I asked. �śThis is your city, not Duhain?” �śAll the houses of letters in all cities everywhere are my houses, I am the minister of letters. When there are houses of letters in Milky Way, I will be minister of those, also.” �śPlease explain,” I said. �śThere are thousands of libraries on Earth, and thousands more on every planet in the galaxy, how can you be minister to all those?” �śFirstly,” Cogent'R said calmly, �śthose you call libraries are but dim shadows of a hall of letters. Secondly, and most importantly, because the Emperor wills it. Please follow me.” She led me through an elaborately carved stone door in the rear of the study. We passed through the door too quickly to get a good look at the carvings. I caught a glimpse of tortured figures climbing up to a peaceful scene at the top. We came to a wide staircase carved from the native stone. We began to descend through growing darkness. We were far underground when we stopped our descent. We walked though another less ornate door and down a hall. There was a plain but very stout door at the end of the hall. A faint light issued from wide sconces. Cogent'R turned and faced me. She said, �śYou have been a good student. I shall give you a gift. I shall give you a gift of knowledge.” She opened the door. Arrayed in front of me were long rows of shelves stretching as far as could be seen. The shelving ran right and left out of sight and descended countless floors below us. On the shelves were small glowing tubules, each fitted into a transparent structure which was roughly rectangular. An immense, glowing structure that throbbed as if alive filled the cavern. An army of Illistaris walked briskly up and down catwalks retrieving and replacing the tubules. The entire gigantic cavern was lit by a soft light coming directly from the stone walls. �śI present to you the galactic house of letters,” she said. The tiny world of my own beliefs and knowledge crumbled as I grappled with sight before me. It was beyond the abilities of Earth to build or even comprehend anything like it. The Illustari lived so simply. Yet, beneath their feet lie a wonder of achievement. I could not bring the two ideas together. �śWhat is it?” was all I could think to say. It was far more immense than any structure I had ever seen. The Triton could have fit into a corner of the cavern. �śIt is ... a �Ślibrary',” she said, �śbut there is more I wish you to see.” We exited the vast cavern and began walking the hallways and staircases. I walked down the stairway numbed by the sight of the library. We walked for a very long time. I had no idea how deep we descended. We stopped in front of a very large door. Cogent'R said, �śAnd now, I give you the gift of understanding.” Cogent'R threw open the door and the sight left me stunned. The vast cavern before me was filled with abandoned skyscrapers that rose up and disappeared into the darkness above. The city had been a great megalopolis. The decrepit scene testified to the ages that had come and gone. It looked much like an Earth city, crisp architecture rife with an air of efficiency. We walked down the center of a broad street. Many other broad streets intersected the wide avenue we walked. Hundreds of millions of people had lived in the underground city. We walked through neighborhoods of squarish residences. Through streets lined with shops. Lurid advertisements depicting luxurious goods hung in the windows. We walked through the awesome business district lined with mute giants of concrete and steel. Machines of indescribable function littered the deserted streets. Some were obviously ground conveyances. Some may have been crashed aircraft. Tall, dark buildings stained with time stood over us. The imposing ambiance was very Earth-like. Cogent'R took me though the dark and deserted streets unafraid. I could hear ghosts screaming from the unseen heights. I could see the bleak future of Earth written plainly across deserted skyline. The teeming hordes of ancient Illistari cried �ŚSave us!’ but there was no saving. There was only dying. We walked for some distance, our echoing footfalls meeting in the darkness. Water fell from some unseen source. The falling drops, perfect and clean, were shattered by the defiled city. Nothing clean or whole could exist in the wasted tomb. We entered an unadorned one-story building. She led me through a dim hall stained dark from neglect and into a large room littered with broken tables and chairs. I imagined serious-minded Illistaris engrossed in the business of ruination. They were intent upon on feeding the beast that was their city. A control panel stood glowing malignantly at the end of the room. Cogent'R walked up to the panel and tapped a series of commands. A large display came to life. The console began playing images and sounds. It was a series of news casts. It chronicled the birth, height, and eventual death of the civilization that had built the city. They too had been traders, builders, business-minded people and they too had driven the life out of the planet. The only place they could go was under the ground. We watched the display for hours. The news reports grew increasingly bad. Rampant disease, falling birth rates, rising crime. They had amassed a great deal of information from all over the galaxy, but they could not save their planet with it. An unexpected thing happened. As the giant underground cities died, the surface came back to life. A remnant of the once teeming masses struggled out of their caves and into the sunshine. They vowed never to make the same mistakes again. They eventually formulated the philosophy that guided them now. �śWhen did this happen?” I asked, sadly thinking of Earth and its fate. �śThree thousand of your years ago,” Cogent'R said as she shut the terminal down. �śAs our trading partners slowly returned to us, we found there was only one resource that mattered: information. We became purveyors of trade information. Eventually our blessing was required to conduct trade lest access to the information be lost. All of the delegates from all the planets in this galaxy conduct trade by our permission. If we deny trade to a planet, no one will trade with them. That was the fate of the Ti'nettis, the race that placed the buoy. That is a death sentence. So you see, our rule is strong, but our grip is soft. Earth may conduct trade here by our permission under the following conditions. Arms trading is forbidden. Animal or people trafficking is forbidden. Activities on Earth, which are detrimental to the environment or to the people's welfare are forbidden. In short, Earth must conduct itself in a peaceful, thoughtful manner. We will be glad to instruct your people in this.” �śI do not know if they will agree to it,” I said. The soulless economic monsters that ran freely across the planet were not accustomed to limits. �śWe have been at this for three thousand years, Avron. They will do as we say,” Cogent'R said with a smile. �śNow, let us depart this tomb.” �śWas the hall of letters the only technology you retained?” I asked as we walked. �śNo, we also maintained our medical sciences although there are now more skilled living among us. We are not opposed to technology; we are opposed to not living simply. Sometimes very complicated means are required to achieve that. We have kept all the knowledge of all the ages, but we do not carry it around on our backs.” �śI know this is an obtuse question,” I said, worried she might laugh out loud at it, �śbut how much information do you have?” Cogent'R did laugh. Not just the gentle laughs I had heard from all the other Illistari, but a real gut-splitter. It was a very odd sound. Cogent'R reeled over to a wall to support herself as she cackled and sputtered. �śOh, Avron. I know perfectly well why the Emperor favors you. I told him you were a good student.” Cogent'R collapsed on the floor motioning me over to sit by her. When she had regained her composure, she said, �śThe city below the ground, their libraries were vast. The love of information is in the Illistari blood, it seems. When we moved above ground, information and learning became our passion. Knowledge is the only thing a wise person seeks. We have all the information gathered by all the peoples we have ever encountered, including yours.” �śOurs? How?” I asked in surprise. �śHaving access to the information that we do, our means have become quite advanced. By the time you arrived, we knew who you were, why you came, and what you wanted. Chance brought you to us but as you neared we discovered you and your Tuya. It was a great fortune that two such worthy travelers were presented to us. When we learned that the very two people who could deliver Tel'as'Ti to us were arriving soon, we set about preparing for your arrival. We knew your language, your history, the conditions on Earth, the state of the Milky Way. In short we knew it all. And now we are finishing up gathering all the information from all the planets in the Milky Way. This will soon be very helpful to you. So you see Avron, your question is funny because not only is it a vast amount of data spanning several dimensions; it is all the information. From all places and all times. This dimension and others. We know it all Avron, all there is to know, all but one thing. Do you know what that is?” I did. The one. I realized my conversion to Illistari was complete. The one that was there at the beginning and the one that would be there at the end. As I sat there considering the one, the ceiling and walls seemed to fall away. The way before me was clear. All ways were clear. They were not good or bad, they just were. On the landscape were people and events. All the choices I had made and was going to make lay arrayed in front of me united as a single path. Slowly the minds of countless Illistari came into focus. A swirling river of minds connected by the virtue of the one flowed through me as I became a part of it. Cogent'R appeared before me. �śThat's right, Avron. You know the answer. Now it is time to seek the proper question.” [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter 12 Cogent'R and I climbed up out of the darkness and into the light of the Royal Hall. We walked over to a table where Tuya and the Emperor were having an intense discussion with a group of delegates. As we approached the table, the Emperor saw us and raised a hand. Everyone fell instantly silent. �śWell Avron!” he practically shouted out. �śHere, sit beside me. Now boy, tell me the truth. Do you prefer palace life or life on the road?” I surprised myself by blurting out, �śI would rather share a meal of nuts with you in the dirt than live in the palace!” There was an audible gasp from the crowd. I thought I had made a terrible mistake. The Emperor laughed in his gentle way and said, �śAs would I with you, and we shall again. For now though, we must abide complete luxury and comfort.” �śEverything in its time,” I said, making the Emperor smile. �śHave you thought of a better question?” the Emperor asked. �śHow do I attain understanding?” I asked in all earnestly. �śYour question is wise. Understanding comes but slowly. Those things you consider, consider well.” The Emperor turned back to the group began talking to them in hushed tones. I rose and turned. Cogent'R was gone, Stellant'I was standing in her place. �śIt is not considered proper protocol to leave the Emperor's table until dismissed.” The Emperor turned around and said over his shoulder, �śYou are dismissed.” I bowed deeply. The Emperor chuckled as he turned back to the discussion. Stellant'I said, �śYou take great liberties with the Emperor, it is fortunate he likes you. Otherwise you might find yourself on a Kosh farm, shoveling manure.” I could not tell if she was joking or not. She guided me out of the room and back to our suite. Late that night Tuya came in exhausted. �śThe Illistari are determined I am the Emperor of the Milky Way. They have decreed it, so it is real. The Illistari know everything about our galaxy. I am giving some access and denying it to others. I am making royal decrees. I have yet to set foot on my home to claim the throne yet I rule it and all the others in the Galaxy. We have not yet explored most of the galaxy but the Illistari already know everything about it. It is a challenge to maintain serenity.” �śSerenity may be dearly paid for,” I said, sitting down to hold her head against my chest. I gently rocked her back and forth singing an ancient nursery rhyme from Earth. �śHush little baby, haven't you heard. Papa's going to buy you a mocking bird. If that mocking bird won't sing, Papa's going to buy you a diamond ring.” She fell asleep with me humming. I held her for a long time as she lay in peaceful sleep. Was it the last she would ever have, I wondered? I undressed her for bed. She never woke up. I tucked her in and kissed her. I kissed her goodbye. My little bird was about to fly. Stellant'I entered our chamber as the sun made its appearance above the horizon. �śThey are here,” she said. Tuya and I looked at each other with plain realization. We dressed silently, Tuya in opulent royal robes and I in my common Illistari clothing. We looked at each other silently acknowledging the fate that was upon us. There was nothing left to say. We had come to that point that we had dreaded while knowing all the while it was what we had chosen. I called Stellant'I. I reached out to her with my mind hoping for strength. I was answered by the collective Illustari mind. I was buoyed by river of consciousness and melded with it. I flowed with time. I was water, not the stone. Stellant'I led us down the stairs and into the Royal Hall. The Captain, the ETC guy, and the Commander were standing in front of the Emperor. Palinta'R blocked the door as we entered. He announced to the crowd, �śTuya �Śal Ayan y h!dlay Zhia!tu, heir to the throne of Boriall, ruler of the Milky Way.” With that, the Captain and the Commander shot each other a glance. �śAnd, her consort, Avron Tula'R, president of the Milky Way Trade Commission!” With that, the Captain's jaw dropped. I gaped at Palita'R in stunned amazement. �śYou were promoted,” he said. Tuya and I strove for composure as we walked up to the small table. The Emperor turned to us and said, �śWe have already made introductions.” He motioned for us to sit as he sat down. Tuya and I immediately sat. The Captain was not pleased. I realized immediately that Tuya and I had breached military code by sitting in the presence of the Captain. The Emperor invited the Earth delegation to sit. The ETC guy was not comfortable as he was not well-built for sitting on the floor. �śI'm sure you must have many questions for each other so please speak freely,” the Emperor said. The Captain was visibly upset. �śWell, what do you two have to say for yourselves? Where are your uniforms? Explain the titles you were given,” he demanded. Tuya met the old man's ire with gentle softness. She spoke truthfully, candidly. She included everything right up to the Emperor declaring her ruler of the galaxy. She said she apologized for her lapses and she resigned her commission effective immediately. The Captain sat before us stone faced. I thought back to the time when his stern continence filed me with awe and respect. While I still respected the man, the awe was gone. There was now only one thing I was in awe of. �śAnd you, Ensign Tular? What do you have to say?” �śI have this to say: From now on, Earth will endeavor to rid itself of the filth it has been living in for so long. Earth will do this because if it does not, there will be no more trade with Earth. The Urians will abandon you. There will be no more missions from Earth to anywhere. Earth ships will no longer be welcomed by anyone. The Illistari can make this happen. Do you agree, Tuya?” Tuya shook her head. �śYou will conduct trade with Andromeda through me and I will decide which is proper and which is not. Tuya will represent the galaxy in matters of state. All these things you will do because the Emperor has willed it.” The Captain was silent for a short while and then spit out through clenched teeth, �śDo you seriously expect me to take that message back to Earth?” �śYes, for if you do not, Captain, then you will return with nothing from the Andromeda galaxy.” The Emperor nodded, the crowd of delegates lining the walls nodded, Tuya nodded. I could see the Captain's thoughts written clearly across his face. He had to return with a triumph. A glorious mission celebrated by promotion to Major. He thought of the immense wealth he would accumulate from his part in the venture. �śWe agree,” he said tight-lipped. The ETC guy and the Lieutenant Commander both looked at the Captain slack jawed. �śGood!” the Emperor said as he stood. We all hastily stood. �śNow that we are in agreement, please make yourselves known to the delegates. I'm sure they are anxious to speak with you.” The Emperor took Tuya by the arm and said, �śThese affairs are not matters for emperors. Let us eat.” They exited arm in arm as the delegates swarmed around us. �śEnsign, I could bring you up on charges!” The Captain said. His face was bloated and red. �śYes sir. But I believe you should consider this: The Illistari are the absolute doorway to this galaxy. If I resign from Earth fleet, you might be required to explain how you allowed the one person who controls that doorway to slip away. I did not choose this, it was thrown upon me. I can only do all that is in my power to act justly.” The Captain pondered the statement and then relaxed. �śYes, that is all we can do. Well, we cannot have an Ensign running the show. The highest rank I can promote you to is that equal to my own. I hereby award a field promotion to rank of Captain to Avron Tular. Congratulations,” he said and snapped a salute. I saluted back. The Captain and the bewildered Commander turned and left the hall. Promoted to Captain, I thought. Just a few weeks ago that would have elated me. Now, it was just a word. The lower I have sought to go, the higher I have risen. The ETC guy turned away from an eager group of delegates speaking English in thick Russian accents and said to me, �śPlease, we must attend to these questions!” �śOf course, sir. Please forgive me,” I said, �śwhat is your name?” [Back to Table of Contents] Chapter 13 All was complete. The agreements that had taken weeks to emerge were signed and filed. I had scrutinized each of them remembering the Emperor's words, �śwhat you consider, consider well". I had a lot of help from Cogent'R. She showed me how to use the information interface. The subtle neural interface reacted instantly to any questioning thought. The range of information was seemingly infinite. However, as the rules and laws for trade were well known, there were very few disputed points that required my attention. Ralph, the ETC guy, was not schooled in Illistari etiquette but he learned quickly. I denied Earth a shipment of an unstable toxic chemical. By using the interface, I discovered an alternate production method that eliminated the need for the chemical and saved twenty percent in energy costs. Ralph eagerly agreed to my representation of the Milky Way Trade Commission since there was no such commission yet. He and I made several binding agreements agreed to by the delegates, and more importantly, by the Illistari. Tuya began acting differently. She became quieter, serene. She had found serenity after making a difficult decision; a decision that she had resisted but one that had chosen her. One morning as the sun streamed in through the window onto our bed, she turned to me and said, �śI'm leaving you.” �śI know,” I replied. There was nothing more to say. All our choices had only appeared to be choices. The way ahead was clear. It was the only path left open to us. With each step along the way we had been drawn to this end, our feet choosing the path laid before us by some unknown master. The words of Stellant'I rang in my ears, �śYou have to let it go". The footmen were busily packing Tuya's things into royal trunks. Even though she arrived some few weeks ago with nothing, she now had need of several large trunks to hold documents, mementos from delegates, royal robes, and treaty documents. Tuya was returning to Borial as a queen, an entourage of Illistari with her. Many Illistari were also accompanying the Triton to Earth. The departure of the Earth ship had been delayed for some time while a propulsion deficiency was corrected. The Illistari had decided two years was overly long for a simple journey. They had installed technology that would get the Triton home in several months. The technology was given on the condition that it would be freely shared. The Emperor came to the door and announced, �śIt is time.” We formed a royal procession with the Emperor in front, Tuya on his arm. I followed the Emperor, Perian followed me and a large number followed us. The streets were again lined with Illistari paying their respects to the Emperor. The Emperor endured the adoration good-naturedly, waving and bowing to the crowd. We walked out the opposite side of the city from whence we had originally come. I pondered the transformation Tuya and I had experienced on the path that led through the city. We had been transformed as completely as a worm is made into a butterfly. Now we soared on winds that stemmed from the furthest reaches of the past into the unknown future. Although the winds may vary, the course is unchanging. It is not for us to fight it, virtue is found by living in it. United with the one, peace is certain no matter the events. A pod sat out on the high plain outlined against the blue sky. Our feet would not be diverted from the path that led to it even though Tuya and I both clearly knew what it meant. An honor guard lined the trail leading up to the hatch. As we approached, the Captain and the Commander stepped forward. The Emperor stopped and said, �śFor thousands of years I have stood upon these plains and bid farewell to friends. This farewell is heavy, for I will miss you, Tuya �Śal Ayan y h!dlay Zhia!tu. Captain, you have come through a great deal in a short time and done well for yourself. I hope Earth uses your talents well.” The Emperor stepped back and the Captain and Commander entered the pod. Tuya and I stood facing each other. �śYou are my beautiful flaming goddess and I will love you always,” I said. �śYou have given me your love freely and for that, I too shall love you always,” Tuya replied. With that, she entered the pod and the door closed. That was last I ever saw of my beautiful flaming goddess. As the pod rose into the sky, I turned to the Emperor and said, �śThousands of years? You look pretty good for an old guy.” The Emperor laughed and slapped me on the back. �śYes, we are a long-lived race. You shall be, too. You are one with the virtue of the infinite.” �śAh, a trick to raise me high so I might fall. But I'm on to you.” �śYou will wear out three roads to Duhain before you are on to me, child.” We bantered back and forth, laughing and kicking stones while the reverent crowds looked on. As we entered the Royal Hall the Emperor said. �śI believe a trip to Es'tar is in order. Will you join us if your body has not become too soft from lying about on soft beds?” I bowed and said, �śI am honored.” �śNot yet, but I believe you will be,” the Emperor said as he strode into the hall. I was immediately swallowed in a sea of delegates who wanted to know everything the Emperor had said. Stellant'I walked up and said, �śYou are required in the Hall of Ministers. You have been named Minister of Inter-Galactic Relations.” Titles held little meaning for me any longer. I accepted this new one calmly. The future would tell what it meant. �śThe Emperor said we would be journeying to Es'tar soon, the name is not familiar. Is it a long walk,” I asked Stellant'I. She looked at me oddly. �śEs'tar is a galaxy, Master.” Es'tar is a galaxy and I am Stellant'I's master? Understanding comes slowly, I thought. I entered the Hall of Ministers. A very old Illistari rose and said, �śMaster Tula'R, welcome. We have much to do before we travel to Es'tar. Let us begin.” [Back to Table of Contents] Epilogue The stars are thick and the arrangement unfamiliar. How many galaxies has it been, how long has it been? My flaming goddess of the past grew old and turned to dust long, long ago but she still burns in my memory. Her children many generations hence now rule the galaxy. I know them well. They have traveled to Illistar many times, as have all the other galactic rulers we brought to their thrones. Stellant'I and I lay together under the stars on a dirt road on a distant planet. Another of the roads I have cleared of pebbles during the last thousand years. The Emperor lies nearby snoring softly. He and I have traveled far and enjoyed many successes. Stellant'I has chosen to remain with me. She is a great comfort and inspiration. If Tuya was flame and fire, Stellant'I is cool water at rest. The Earth is a beautiful blue beacon now. The forests call out, the water runs fast and clear. The air is pure. The people are happy and healthy. I could not have asked for more for them. I have been there a few times, but Earth is an alien planet to me now. Earth wants to honor me as a hero. I am not a hero. There are few planets we can travel that afford us any peace. Illistar is one, the planet we are on now is another. Stellant'I says I have become highest of the high. Second only to the Emperor. I do not seek to be high, to be arrayed in rich robes accompanied by dozens of royal attendants. I strive to keep my feet in the dirt. When the court is arrayed in splendor, the fields are full of weeds. One can only succeed as Emperor by remaining low. And now the greatest test of all. The Emperor tells me he shall hand over rule of the seven galaxies to me when we return. I received the news with a heavy heart but the Emperor said, �śRemember the teachings, you will do fine.” The old man wants to go walking about Illistar as a peasant. I wish him luck but his face is quite well known so he may get more attention than he wants. At least he won't go hungry. There is only one path to follow. The steps are laid before me as if preordained. Every step along the way was somehow designed to bring me to this point, and now it is apparent that all my choices only appeared to be choices. I have sought nothing for myself but a simple life but simplicity is fleeting. Tomorrow we return to Illistar. When we arrive, I will be crowned in a ceremony fit for the Emperor of the Seven Galaxies. The festivities will extend across the planet and go on for days. When it is over and the last delegation has left the city, I shall go to a kosh farm and shovel manure. [Back to Table of Contents] About the Author Dave Gordon lives in rural Western Oregon on the edge of the great Pacific Northwest forests. Mr. Gordon has been a firefighter, a scientific researcher, a carpenter, and a network administrator. He is now a full-time writer enjoying the temperate climate of the rainy Willamette Valley. 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