by Ma West
After a few gestures, she threw the pad off to the side, and as it fell, it transformed back into its buzzing form and flew off. The view screen now displayed yet another alien. This one was very reptilian yet with a mix of dinosaur, like a mixed-blood child. Three pillars were etched on the crown of its head. Sparely yet elaborately dressed, this alien was clearly of some importance.
The alien hissed with its tongue as it spoke. “Why, Great Mother, how regrettable it is that we must speak again. What have you come for this time? Or am I to assume that this is purely a political call?”
The Great Mother sounded aged, as the previous fire appeared to have been extinguished. “My dear emperor, I see you have continued to pursue your quest never to mature. This is a matter of immediate urgency, so I used a channel I knew you would respond to—your great monogamizer. You must call off your dogs and defend this planet. I believe this planet could be the garden home to our worship. You must defend it from the Wilde.”
The alien slid to his left and walked across a large, lavish dressing room. “My, how you have aged, time has not been your friend. You are slow now, Great Mother, well behind my wealth of knowledge gathered from the greatest of beings throughout the universe. But no, I have no intention of saving this planet. Your backwater religion has no place in reality. The loss of this planet and any of its relevance will never be noticed.”
A wave of frustration and anger poured out from the Great Mother as she spoke between grinding teeth. “My dear emperor, for your amazing wealth of knowledge, you lack vision. This isn’t some ruse, isn’t a game. This could be the planet of our messiah.”
A venomous response came back. “Messiah, I am my own messiah. There is no Lord. There is no Jesus. I am the ultimate power in this universe! Entire species bow down at my command. That is real, not this fantasy about some all-powerful being. I am well aware of this story, but it has no meaning in this universe, and I will make no effort to save it, nor its people. These pathetic creatures are barely worthy of salves. Your faith hasn’t served you very well yet, nor will it ever.”
With that, the view screen cut off, and the Great Mother spun around so Hashmore was unable to view her face. While the words were unintelligible, the emotion they carried came across clearly to him. After a moment, the Great Mother composed herself and returned to the conversation. “My apologies, if we’d had more time, this would have been conducted in private, but our time grows short, and our mandate grows ever larger. The emperor’s soldiers will not permit us to openly search for the cave. This poses a great challenge, one that I must meet, not only for our people now, but for our Lord, for yes, I do now believe that we worship the same God, for he is a universal God, a singular God, a God of good. There is one more all-important question you must answer. Are there only two kinds of humans?”
Chapter 39
An Angel’s Choice
For the immense power and magnificence of the room, it had felt very ancient until now, as the Great Mother was being swamped with an overwhelming amount of data. The full screen displayed a map with various objects moving at different speeds and in different directions, each one undertaking its own mission. How she kept track of it all was beyond Hashmore’s technical reach.
Despite the chaotic nature of what was happening, Hashmore was able to ascertain that she was delegating a lot. The use of the stones had given him a good feel for the Great Mother’s mood and strength, but it didn’t come across clearly enough to be verbalized. One advisor after another would pop up on the view screen and then be sent on their way as soon as the information or orders had been transmitted.
After a slew of attendants, advisors, and associates had been attended to, the screen finally came to a pause. Several minutes later, the activity came to a lull and the Great Mother turned back to Mr. Hashmore. She released a heavy sigh and then hopped back to her tea and perch.
A large octopus in a barrel filled half the screen, while an image of a woman filled the rest. The Great Mother looked at Hashmore and again asked the question, “Are there only two kinds of humans?” As she spoke, the image of the woman shifted and zoomed into an internal image of the woman’s uterus.
Hashmore gave only a stunned look in response, for he knew the women on display and it was not a proud relationship. The Great Mother paused before turning toward the alien on the screen. “Doctor, what more can you tell me about our mystery?”
“Great Mother, our previous scans can get us no new information. At present, there are too many genetic markers to indicate which type of human this child will be. Our last update from the medical ship was intercepted by the empire, and we no longer have her in our custody.
“These are trying times, and I have fallen behind. For as much as he postures, I know the emperor is fearful. Only would he take such a personal interest if the ramifications could be great. No, I’m afraid that the empire has chosen the hard route, leaving us with only difficult choices.”
The Great Mother took a long sip and stared into the distance. “I’m afraid that the empire has chosen to unleash one of its most powerful weapons, one that even our Dognosis friends cannot easily defeat. They simply call them warriors, but that label is misleading. The Xendorians are the most gifted species in the universe. They have speed, strength, and intelligence, so when I suggest that even they can be hunted, I want you to know that it is no warrior—it is the devil’s own brood that hunts them.”
Hashmore felt like he had been patient enough, and now it was time to lead the conversation. “Look, Great Mother, I am inclined to believe that being abducted by your species is the best of the options, but honestly, I don’t really know what the hell you are talking about. Our Lord Jesus came to save humanity. How could the other races even know of him? Not even every human knows and believes in him. I don’t know what you want from me or even what I’m supposed to be doing here. If you have come to evaluate whether we pose a threat to you, then the answer is no. We are trapped in a city in the dark, on a spaceship we don’t have any control over. I was hoping to get many of my questions answered, but all I have now are more questions and more confusion.”
The Great Mother clearly felt the emotional distress in Mr. Hashmore’s words despite the calmness in his voice. “Quite right you are, Mr. Hashmore. Let me see if I can’t simply and clarify for you.” Again she took a long sip. “This ship is on a mission to save the last of each species it encounters. Our mission is born out of the necessity caused by the devastation brought about by the Wilde, a race so powerful they destroy entire worlds. Your world is next on their list. While we are trying to save your race, another species known as the Huban Imperial Empire has come to claim your planet’s riches, of relics. The emperor might have played it cool, but he fears the power of the Lord more than even the Wilde. He will not, as he stated before, abandon this world entirely, but he will let it be destroyed. In order to satisfy himself that the home of the universe’s greatest hero will never pose a threat to him, he will first loot and plunder anything that might be useful, including the mother of our mystery child.”
Again she stopped for a long sip. “This leaves me in the position of having to choose. Do we fight a superior power in hopes of protecting some of the Lord’s treasures and people, or do we allow them to be taken by the nonbelievers and defend the last of their kind? Last and most tempting, we could attempt to rescue the mother and mystery child. Any way I choose, the cost will be devastating. Any mission we attempt is uncertain in outcome. If we flee, will there be repentance for our fear? I’m afraid I waited too long to retire, and now these trying times are mine.”
Hashmore felt his heart lighten with a reassurance of faith. “No, I think you are wrong, Great Mother.” He now sipped too. “The power of the Lord lies not in the treasure of his church, the hallowed ground he walks on, or even the miracles he brings into this universe. No, the power of the Lord lies in the story of his redeeming son. A story that lives on in its believers.”
The Great Mot
her fluttered as she chuckled. “How wonderful to meet such a believer, a man of true faith. Yes, you are right, we must protect life. I will order the Dognosis to assist in the defense of mankind. May God protect you and save your souls.”
The lights in the cavern grew brighter, the screen vanished, and Hashmore floated away in his chair. The chair hovered a few feet away, leaving him squirming in his seat and hoping not to fall. He watched the Great Mother open her wings and gracefully lift off and soar elegantly through the currents. There was a momentary pause before his chair tipped over and sent Hashmore free-falling through the cavern.
Dear Lord, my Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive our transgressions as we forgive those who have transgressed against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.1
Oh, Lord, save me, save me once again, SAVE ME, oh, Lord?
Again I come to you, ashamed of my lack of conviction and faith in your great plan. Oh, Lord, why have you chosen me? What am I to do? What will of yours am I to fulfill? Why, Lord, must you choose to speak so opaquely? Will you not lead me as I am to lead your people? To what end?
To what should I believe, concerning these alien creatures? Are they also your children? To what end am I supposed to support? Lord, I have never been more confused about my faith, about how I am to be. Why don’t you answer me, Lord? Why do you throw me off a ledge only to pull me back from the brink?
Why, oh, Lord, do you threaten my life over and over again? Save me, Lord, save me! Let me not die now. Save me again, my great master. Once again, will you not use your infinite power to protect me? Save me, who so diligently tried to follow you. Lord, use your power.
Lord, if your power is so mighty, why not destroy your enemies and be done with it? Why, oh, Lord, must you make your people struggle through this awful life? Why am I fearful of failing you? Will you not give me the strength? The heart? I am terrified both that I will die now and that I will live. Please, Lord, can there not be a third choice? I am scared, Lord. Will you please save me?
I have no strength to fight such fierce enemies, I have no courage to face these aliens, and I have no conviction to follow you. I have only you, Lord. Why can’t I feel that is enough?
Dear Lord, my Father, who art in heaven . . .
A giant breeze slowed his descent near the bottom of the mile-plus-long cavern. A second current spun him in a gentle circle, only slightly nauseating him as he once again entered a black hole at the bottom of cavern.
A burst of white light flashed across his vision as Hashmore half-heartedly welcomed God’s answer for his safety. Hashmore stayed in prayer as Mardoxx’s cold, hard grasp twisted him around, and together they reclaimed a less nauseating position. Waiting out the last of the bumps in the flight, Hashmore finally opened his eyes to find they were not alone. Several other Tilotins, some even carrying equipment, had joined in formation, each with a look of reverence on its face.
It was a very short flight to the nearest landing site, which he thought Mardoxx had referred to as Xeanna. The two landed, and within moments, dozens of aliens had formed a group surrounding Hashmore. This was more than just citizens welcoming a newcomer. They watched in amazement.
The group stared in silence, awaiting some unknown trigger to burst out in either excitement or anger. Hashmore stood back, not sure if they were expecting a speech or what, but he was feeling more uncomfortable.
At last, Mardoxx moved to the center and waved his arms in a gesture whose meaning was lost on Hashmore. Feeling the adrenaline from the crowd, Hashmore half expected an attack, but instead, Mardoxx came forward and bowed. Following suit, the rest of the crowd bowed too. Confusion set in even deeper, as he was now sure that they expected a speech or something from him.
He waited several long minutes, in hopes that Mardoxx would give him some clue, and then he finally walked up to Mardoxx and tapped him on his shoulder area. Mardoxx finally looked up and read Hashmore’s face. Then he rose and turned to face the crowd.
“My friends, my comrades, and my fellow believers, today we have yet further proof of our Lord’s greatness. The nonbelievers would say it’s a problem with the stones, a problem with transmission or even translation, but we know the truth. For eons, we have worshipped our Lord through his son, never being able to directly communicate with our Lord. Oh, how have we longed to speak with our creator? How many of us have perished in our quest to find the Lord and his true nature? How many treasures have we squandered in the hopes of finding our Lord? How many methods have we tried to communicate with our Lord? Now we have found an answer, an answer only the Lord could provide.
“This lowly creature, blessed without physical, mental, or any other significant advantages, has been given the greatest of all gifts. I believe that God has chosen the meekest of species to have the most powerful gift of all. Only a God of true compassion, true love, would bless these lowly creatures with this beautiful gift. Perhaps now, before we go into battle, we can savor this gift just once.”
Mardoxx turned back toward Hashmore and bowed. Confused beyond understanding, Hashmore looked stupidly at the crowd, totally unaware of what “gift” he had been granted.
Mardoxx, slow to read Hashmore’s body language, eventually got up. “Mr. Hashmore, you have been given a truly unique gift, and we would greatly appreciate it if you would share it with us before we face certain death. You have the power of the silenced, the power to speak beyond the stones. You have the power to speak to the Lord himself. Please, will you not lead us in a prayer, so that even if it’s just this once, we may have a personal blessing, not from the Lord’s son but from the Lord himself?”
Hashmore knew it was easy to believe when facing evil, but it was harder when he had to lead others who also believed. Exacting God’s vengeance on a demon was why he loved being a cop, but pastor was the last job he would ever apply for. This was now a new way to test his faith. It was a challenge he now had to decide if he could meet.
His heart thumped, his skin sweat, and his mouth dried to a point his words evaporated. The strange crowd of aliens grew bigger, with even stranger beings joining. Several drones and other creatures swarmed the air with buzzing and humming equipment. It was the most attention he had ever received. When one leads from their own authority, they lead from their own confidence, but where does one’s confidence come from when they lead with another’s authority?
Mardoxx finished his request and returned to his previous position, again kneeling. It was clear that “no” was an unacceptable answer under these circumstances, but Hashmore was damned if he knew what to do. A strong throat clearing from Mardoxx finally broke his lapse. Sputtering and stammering, Hashmore spoke the only thing that came to mind.
“Dear Lord, my Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive our transgressions as we forgive those who have transgressed against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”2 Hashmore p
aused, only now reading his audience. He was reassured and finished the Lord’s Prayer.
There was another awkward pause before Mardoxx rose to face the hub of the gathered. “Arkapeligians. We are blessed! Let us now go forth and execute God’s will.” The crowd erupted into loud cheers, and music burst forth as the crowd dispersed, singing in unison. Mardoxx turned and took flight, looping around and grabbing Hashmore. Mardoxx’s words and tone came across very clearly: “Our intelligence was wrong—you are not a politician.”
“What happens now?” Hashmore hoped his nervousness wasn’t transmitted as clearly as Mardoxx’s disappointment and anger.
Mardoxx waited nearly two full strokes of his wings before responding. “We will go to see Baronious, dog lord of the Dognosis.”
Hashmore hoped for more conversation, but the tension was lessening and Mardoxx was calming himself down. They quickly came to another entry port
into a new civilization center. The same arched entryway slowly curved with gravity so as to turn those passing along it onto a new axis, leading down into a cave that opened like a mouth. Unlike that last entry port, which was limited to personnel and small equipment, this opening was large enough for cargo craft to enter and exit at the same time.
Several small hovercraft joined in escort while a clear pathway formed as large dog-like aliens stopped all movement to clear the way for Mardoxx and him. Never before had he felt so empowered and yet so afraid. Time had become so meaningless during recent events. Hashmore felt a strong headache building in the back of his head. It hadn’t exploded yet, but when it did, history had taught him that it would be a doozy.
Mardoxx flew directly into the cavern and burst forth into a wondrous new landscape, bringing a miracle to Hashmore’s eyes and slightly terrifying his soul.
Chapter 40
You Are What “What You Eat” Eats
Seven great spires rose gallantly to the roof of the dome. Between them ran long stretches of cable, with cars flowing between the two. On the ground, a created river—dammed on both sides—held in familiar vegetation that grew between the dam walls and the slope up to the level of each side. A familiar creature flew along the banks, swooping down into the vegetation. Then, coming up alongside Mardoxx, and similar in physical appearance, were a flock of Tilotins. Yet Hashmore could tell something was different. Maybe it was the stones projecting Mardoxx’s feelings to him, or maybe it was the more instinctive way the other Tilotins were flying.
The longer the Tilotins stayed next to them, the more anxious Mardoxx acted. After realizing that their journey would take them some time, Hashmore broke the ice, hoping to distract his pilot from the emotions. “Not a friend of yours? Who lives here? Where are we going now? Who will I have to talk to next?” Hashmore made sure to wait between questions, but Mardoxx seemed to be in no mood to pander or humor.
