The Star Agency (The Star Agency Chronicles)

by R. E. Weber

  Theo stared at the name, wondering whether he was about to make a complete fool of himself. Then he took a deep breath and selected it. Moments later, he heard a familiar voice.

  ‘Hello Theo, how are you this evening?’

  ‘Erm, I’m well thanks. I’m sorry to bother you, perhaps we should talk tomorrow. I’m quite tired anyway, I’m…’

  ‘Theo, you may speak. How may I help you?’

  ‘I was just thinking,’ said Theo, ‘I mean, I know this sounds weird, but, well, what am I doing here?’

  ‘In what sense do you mean, Theo?’

  ‘What I mean is, there are four people here on Polisium, humans I mean.’

  ‘Actually there are five humans here now, Theo. Another recruit, Cristos Dyonysius, has recently arrived.’

  ‘Oh, alright then, five humans. No what I mean is, how come I’ve been picked, you know, to represent Earth?’

  ‘I believe that you already know the answer to that question, Theo.’

  ‘No, what I mean is, you know, Lara, Ruby and Weng – they’re all much cleverer than me. Why did you pick me?’

  ‘Theo, you followed the trail of clues to find your way here. You did this yourself. This required intelligence and imagination. The very fact you are here means you deserve to be amongst the recruits.’

  ‘Actually, I had help. Jules,’ said Theo.

  ‘Jules is a friend I assume?’

  ‘Yeh, a mate.’

  ‘Theo, you recognised the invitation for what it was. Most people wouldn’t have. You knew it was leading somewhere. You knew it was worth following to its conclusion.’

  ‘Yeh, but the others managed it too. Weng, Ruby and Lara, they’re all here. They had the same test.’

  ‘They all had comparable tests,’ corrected First Mentor.

  ‘Yeh, OK. But I mean, I’ve talked to them and listened to them. They’re really intelligent. I’m just, well, not. Look at Ruby. She speaks better English than me and it’s not even her first language. She speaks Affinity Common like she’s been here all her life. Then there’s Weng and Lara. They’re both ahead of me in their studies.’

  ‘Each person responds according to their own unique gifts. Ruby’s gift, amongst other things, is languages.’

  ‘So what’s mine then? What am I good at?’

  ‘Theo, I have been mentoring sentient beings for a long time.’

  ‘How long?’

  ‘A very long time,’ replied First Mentor slowly. ‘In that time, I don’t think I have ever seen anybody understand and configure their companion quicker than you.’

  ‘But Companions are a doddle. They’re not that different to computers back home – on Earth I mean.’

  ‘Theo, can I ask you a question?’ said First Mentor.

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘Define intelligence for me.’

  ‘Intelligence?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Well it’s, you know, when you pick things up quickly. When you remember things, when you can solve problems.’

  ‘Correct. It is all these things and much more besides. Can you explain to me why none of those things apply to you?’

  ‘Well look at Ruby. Look how quickly she learnt Affinity Common. But I’m struggling. It’s difficult. All that syntax does my head in.’

  ‘Can you give me an example of something you have worked out or reasoned quickly?’

  Theo thought for a moment. ‘I can’t think of anything,’ he said finally.

  ‘Then let me remind you that you were the first person to arrive on Polisium. You were the first to follow the trail of clues to their conclusion. All the invitations were issued at around the same time.’

  ‘Were they?’

  ‘Yes. You were the first, Theo. There is no question of this. Then you managed to switch on the Companion without instruction.’

  ‘So? That wasn’t exactly difficult.’

  ‘If I told you that only six per cent of beings activated their companion without first being instructed to do so, would that surprise you?’

  ‘Six per cent, is that all?’

  ‘That is all, Theo.’

  ‘Can I ask you another question?’

  ‘Yeh, go on.’

  ‘What was the artefact that you saw when you first arrived on Polisium? It was tethered to the top of the central tower of the Tomb of Fire.’

  ‘What, that Space Elevator thing? Yeh Governor Tallus asked…’

  ‘Correct, Theo,’ interrupted First Mentor. ‘The Cabled Orbital Ascender. Who told you what this artefact was?’

  Theo thought for a moment. ‘Nobody I guess.’

  ‘Correct. Now, can I ask you another question?’

  ‘Yeh, OK.’

  ‘What is it about another person that makes them seem intelligent to you?’

  ‘The way they seem to come up with the answer to questions quickly – you know, quicker than you.’

  ‘Do you recall when you first had your Companion installed, how you switched it on so quickly?

  ‘Erm, well yes, but...’

  ‘How do you think this was perceived by Ruby for example?’

  ‘Erm, I guess, I mean, she probably thought I was quite clever I suppose.’

  ‘Correct, Theo. Would it surprise you to know that I have had a similar conversation with one of the other recruits?’

  ‘Yeh, actually it would. Who?’

  ‘I am afraid that I cannot divulge the details of any private conversations.’

  ‘Oh OK, so it’s not just me then?’

  ‘Theo, it is natural for you to feel disorientated at the moment. You have left your home, family and friends behind. Everything that you know is behind you. Everything ahead of you is unknown. It is natural to question what is happening to you; indeed I would be more concerned had you not felt a little like this. You asked me earlier what your gift was. Your most powerful gift is your imagination. Your mind can take a leap beyond what you can see to understand that which is beyond your experience. You also seem to have an innate understanding of how to use Affinity technology.’

  ‘Technology is easy,’ said Theo. ‘It’s people I have a problem with. Ruby’s not speaking to me. I’ve tried talking, but I think I’ve upset her.’

  ‘I can see that you value her friendship. How do you believe you’ve upset her?’ said First Mentor.

  ‘Well I was, you know, talking to her. I….’

  Theo paused for a moment as he remembered the conversation that had caused Ruby to stop talking to him. What would First Mentor make of his sick jokes? Dare he even say? But then he was going mad in his room alone, with his thoughts whirring around inside his head. Suddenly, he just blurted it out.

  ‘I… I… well, I said, you know, when we were talking about that attack on Ch’Dath. When you said it might have been Paranoemenos, I said to Ruby, he’s no Angel. I thought it was funny, clever, you know because his name means Angel back on Earth and we’ve got this saying. But it wasn’t funny, I know that now.’

  ‘I do not recall the conversation,’ said First Mentor. ‘However, I am certain that Ruby realised that you were merely being flippant; that you were not in any way dismissing the attack as unimportant or humorous.’

  ‘Then why isn’t she talking to me?’

  ‘Theo, are you aware of the circumstances surrounding the death of Ruby’s family?’

  ‘Er, no. We’ve never discussed it. I always thought she’d tell me when she was good and ready. I never asked.’

  ‘Then perhaps you should ask her now.’

  ‘What now, right now?’ said Theo.

  ‘Yes,’ said First Mentor. ‘She is awake.’

  ‘What, are you watching her?’

  ‘Not as such. But I am monitoring her companion, which constantly feeds her vital signs to me. She is wide-awake, Theo. I have a feeling that she may be more responsive to you now.’

  ‘She’ll probably just ignore me.’

  ‘Of course she might. But then she might not. I cannot
predict for certain how she will respond. But neither can you.’

  ‘Yeh, I suppose I could give her a try.’

  ‘Going back to our previous conversation, Theo, I do hope you now understand why you are here.’

  ‘Yeh, I think I’m beginning to see.’

  ‘Good. There is one last thing before we close this conversation.’

  ‘What’s that?’

  ‘May your brightest star shine, though the darkest of storms, to the end of all things.’

  ‘Erm… what? I mean, sorry, I don’t understand.’

  ‘It is a traditional Polisian blessing. It is meant to bestow the gift of life long friendship upon those to whom it is said.’

  ‘A Polisian blessing? That is a surprise. They don’t exactly strike me as the sentimental types.’

  ‘The Polisians may pride themselves on their emotional detachment, however they are not without emotion. They simply believe that emotion is an open doorway to their soul and should only be shared in private with those closest to them. They believe that open displays of emotion or sentimentality weaken them. Then they become talner han.’

  ‘Talner han? What does that mean?’

  ‘Its literal translation is without skin, however, in human terms, the feeling is analogous to being naked or exposed.’

  ‘Naked?’

  ‘Essentially, yes.’

  ‘Right, well I suppose there’s some logic in that somewhere.’

  ‘Indeed. Now, if you have no further questions, then I will wish you a good night and look forward to seeing you tomorrow.’

  ‘OK, yeh. I think that’s it.’

  ‘Goodnight then, Theo.’

  ‘Goodnight, First Mentor. And thanks,’ said Theo before closing the conversation.

  He sat back down on his bed, took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He had to admit that he felt a little better. But he was also nervous because of what he had to do next. He had to speak to Ruby. And he had to do it now.

  He started his companion and opened a conversation with Ruby. A few seconds later, he heard a familiar voice.

  ‘Theo,’ said Ruby sleepily, pretending that he’d just woken her. ‘Do you know what time it is?’

  ‘Yes I do. But I bet you were awake, weren’t you?’

  ‘What, spying on me now, are you?’

  ‘Rubes, I just wanted to say something. I’m sorry, really sorry for what I said.’

  Ruby paused for a few seconds.

  ‘I know you are,’ she said finally. ‘I’m sorry too. I’m mule headed.’

  ‘Erm, what does that mean?’ said Theo.

  ‘I’m stubborn. I don’t listen.’

  ‘Oh I think you mean pig headed,’ said Theo trying not to laugh.

  ‘Hey don’t push it. You’re lucky I’m so forgiving.’

  ‘I’m lucky full stop. Lucky to have you as a mate.’

  ‘What I said Theo, the way I reacted. It was wrong.’

  ‘What was it I said that upset you?’

  Ruby paused for a moment.

  ‘Do you remember the news from about seven years ago?’

  ‘Barely,’ said Theo. ‘What happened?’

  ‘You must have heard about it. The… the Tsu…’ Ruby choked as she tried to finish the sentence, but Theo took the words out of her mouth.

  ‘…Tsunami. Of course. That Earthquake and that massive wave. All those people who died.’

  ‘Do you remember where it was?’

  ‘Yeh, Thailand I think. All round there.’

  ‘Anywhere else?’

  ‘I don’t know. I think the waves hit lots of countries.’

  ‘Including?’

  Theo thought for a moment. Then it hit him hard and he felt stupid for not realising it before.

  ‘Sri Lanka,’ said Theo, his voice now shaky.

  ‘Sri Lanka,’ said Ruby, now crying uncontrollably. ‘My family were swept away before my eyes. They…’ She was now sobbing so much that she couldn’t even finish her sentence.

  ‘I’m so sorry, I had no idea.’

  Ruby paused for a few seconds to compose herself. ‘Well you wouldn’t, would you? I’ve never told anybody.’

  Theo thought for a moment. All those people. Thousands dead. Hundreds of Thousands. And Ruby’s family were amongst them. Gone forever, like his own grandfather. It was awful. Nature could be so cruel. Then he realised. The attack on Ch’Dath and all the creatures that had been killed. It had taken Ruby right back to that terrible day years before. How many of those H’th’hka had lost members of their families? Their parents? Suddenly, Theo felt sick.

  ‘I’m sorry mate, I’m so sorry. I understand now. I’m such an idiot.’

  ‘You’re far from it,’ said Ruby. ‘You’re my best friend in the whole universe.’

  ‘Please can we not fall out like this again,’ said Theo. ‘I don’t think I could stand it.’

  ‘I promise,’ said Ruby, ‘I promise.’

  Chapter 13 – Time off for bad behaviour

  It had taken more than a month of living on Polisium Prime before Theo had finally begun to feel that his sleep pattern had properly adjusted itself to the longer days of the Affinity. And waking to feel refreshed and alert every morning had finally allowed him to appreciate and even enjoy many of his mentor led sessions, with only Affinity Common still being a struggle. Naturally, Ruby had done her best to help him with the language, and some parts had finally begun to fall into place. But he still struggled with some of the more difficult syntax of the past, present and future tenses. As always, Ruby was way ahead of the whole group and not only was she considered fluent in the language, even by First Mentor’s high standards, but she’d even begun to start having conversations with complete strangers, just for practice; something which Theo wouldn’t have even dared try. The responses she’d received had however been mixed. As the Orientator had taught them in their Species Protocol lessons, the only rule when communicating with other species was that there was no rule. Polite conversation with some species was considered strictly taboo, whereas with others it was positively rude to walk past them in a corridor without exchanging some sort of pleasantry each and every time you came into contact with them, even if it happened twenty times a day. It was, in Orientator’s own words, difficult and unpredictable. Still, Ruby had been brave enough to try, and for that Theo could only admire her.

  But gradually, as the recruits had begun to adjust to life on Polisium Prime, so the workload had steadily increased until it had become what Theo could only describe as punishing. First Mentor had been at pains to remind them all that they were cramming into a matter of months, what would normally take ten years on Earth to learn. But the wise words of a creature made of pure energy, who hadn’t – at least as far as any of them knew – experienced anything like the physical exhaustion they were going through now, hadn’t really helped. Everybody’s temper, including Theo’s, had become somewhat frayed of late. The lessons took up most of their time during the day, and in their so-called spare-time they were required to do a huge amount of self-study. In each ten-day period they were only given one free day to relax. However, as everybody could now see, the heavy workload was beginning to take its toll – a fact that had not gone unnoticed by First Mentor. Therefore it had been decided that all the recruits were to have at least four continuous days off, with no lessons and no personal study whatsoever. Theo had jokingly referred to it as Time off for bad behaviour.

  And on his final day off, Theo awoke late – exactly as he had done on each of his days off – and he had to admit that it was wonderful. There were no bleeping alarms telling him that he had to rush over to the Sensorium, and no private language lessons with an increasingly irritable Ruby; indeed there was nothing to get up for at all.

  He sat on the edge of his bed, stretched his lazy arms upwards, and let out a long, slow yawn. Then, as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, he suddenly remembered what was happening later that day: a mysterious night out with Ruby. On t
heir first day off, while chatting, he’d been discussing with Ruby what they both missed most about Earth. Theo hadn’t been entirely honest enough to say that it was Jules in case he’d hurt Ruby’s feelings, so instead he’d decided to tell her, not entirely untruthfully, that he missed food. Of course, the Polisians had done their best to replicate the food they were used to, but somehow, despite knowing the exact molecular make up of their favourite meals and understanding every technical aspect of human cooking methods, the food somehow just didn’t taste quite right. Whether it was because he knew that it hadn’t been made on Earth, or whether it was because the Polisians just didn’t understand – or perhaps didn’t care about – the complexities of the human sense of taste, Theo wasn’t sure. But the fact was, it somehow just tasted wrong.

  Then, when he’d met Ruby several hours later, she had excitedly told him that she’d arranged something for the evening of their final day off, and that he had to be ready on time and smartly dressed. She hadn’t told him exactly what was happening – only that they were going out somewhere for the evening and that it was a surprise. Now the last day had arrived, and soon he would find out exactly what the surprise would be.

  But if Theo was entirely honest with himself, he wasn’t really sure what he thought about the evening ahead. He’d felt fine at first, even excited, when Ruby had told him. But when Weng had started teasing him, suggesting that he was going on a date with Ruby, he’d begun to feel uneasy. Yet he knew he couldn’t pull out because that would offend her. So instead, he’d decided that, despite the way he felt, he was going to let the evening go ahead and try to enjoy it. Theo had always felt comfortable in the company of girls and had never seen any reason why he couldn’t be just friends with them. He’d always found the clumsy attempts at romance by his former classmates, towards the girls at school, laughable, and he’d decided then that romance was not for him. And nothing that had happened since had changed his mind. His granddad had always told him that there would be plenty of time for girls when he was older. And judging by what he’d experienced so far, it seemed to make perfect sense.