Project: Dreamer
Page 5
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Ten weeks passed like the twinkling of an eye. Ben grew stronger and smarter than he’d ever imagined possible. Under the tutelage of several experienced Anxeliss, he became an expert at using the Uxay, and had gained a deep understanding of Anxeliss culture and purpose. Classes in universal history opened his eyes to the intricate relationships between the worlds and the galaxies, and hours of grueling training in new forms of martial arts had sharpened him like a razor’s edge.
His former life was starting to feel like a childhood dream – distant and vague – even detached. He’d fallen even more in love with Olivia – or Zharaa, as he’d now gotten used to calling her, and seemed to have developed a strong mutual trust with Axo, who was like a father-figure to all the Anxeliss.
The day of his graduation had come. It wasn’t a ceremony, per se, more of a ritual. Ben would have his first unitime with Axo, and at that time he would learn what name he would be known by from this time forth. He prepared for his meeting by hiking to the top of nearby Mount Yixel. He sat atop the peak, looking down on the valley below, filled with the beautiful structures that made up the Anxeliss main city. Beyond the city lay several miles of open meadows, and then the great purple sea. A warm breeze buffeted his black hair as he watched the sun sparkle upon the distant water of the sea. This was one of the few times he’d been completely alone during his waking hours since arriving ten weeks ago. Zharaa had practically been his shadow, from the time he left his room each morning till the time he re-entered to go to bed. He enjoyed this moment of solitude, and felt at peace in the relative quiet of nature.
After a couple of hours, he came down from the mountain and made his way to the great hall, and into the office of Axo. Zharaa was already there waiting for him, discussing something with Axo as he arrived. When he walked in, they abruptly ended their conversation. Zharaa rose to leave.
“Alright Ben,” she said, squeezing his hand, “this is it. This is your First Unitime. When you’re finished, come see me in the garden where you arrived.”
“I’ll see you soon,” he said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Zharaa left, and Ben sat down opposite Axo. Axo placed his palm on the smooth surface of his desk, and the glass walls of the room tinted to a dark green hue. “For privacy,” he said.
“So, I’m not exactly sure how this works,” Ben said. “Zharaa and my trainers have prepared me somewhat, but I don’t really know what to do.”
“First, relax. Focus your thoughts on your Uxay. Feel the circle, in your mind, feel the circle reaching out to me. Now, pinpoint your earliest memory. Overlay it with your first memory of arriving here. Use the Uxay to squeeze the two together – the thoughts, the feelings, all the details of those memories. And then, send them to me.”
Ben did as he was instructed. His mental discipline was already heightened from his years working in the Program, but these last few weeks had given him clarity like never before. He found it surprisingly easy to do as he was told, and before he knew it, his mind was joined with Axo’s in a wave of sounds and images. The first thing he heard clearly in his mind was a name.
“Thaylu.”
Ben realized he was being spoken to, and responded by confirming what he understood.
“My name is Thaylu.”
“Yes. And for your First Unitime, you may ask me any one question.”
Ben paused, searching his own thoughts for whatever question was burning most deeply within him. He sent forth to Axo the first thing that came to the forefront.
“Why me?”
“A worthy question. Firstly, you were nominated by Zharaa. We observed you for a time. We approved the nomination. Zharaa sponsored you. We guided you here. You know the rest. Thaylu, during the observation phase, we saw that you were what we call Relssh. It translates roughly as one in many. And by many, we mean, many hundreds of billions. You have several special characteristics. One of those is a strong sense of duty. That characteristic will serve you, and all Anxeliss, very well. It is that simple.”
With that, the mental link was terminated, and Axo caused the walls to once again become clear. He stood and extended his hand to Ben. “I have seen your mind, and I am convinced of your learning, understanding, and loyalty. Welcome aboard, Thaylu,” he said with a smile.
“Thank you, Sir,” said Thaylu.
Axo removed Ben’s Uxay, and handed him another. “Here. This is the Uxay of a full Anxeliss. Go now.”
He left the glass office and passed through the great hall, making his way to the place where he’d arrived many weeks ago.
He found Zharaa in the garden, smelling one of the bright yellow flowers that grew in the bushes surrounding the lawn. She saw him approaching and extended her hand with a bright smile.
“My name is Zharaa,” she teased. “And yours?”
“I am Thaylu,” he said, taking her hand. “Very pleased to make your acquaintance.”