Beyond?

by Andur

  Well, it's out anyway, so I point at the Dwemer. “Their war. Dwem's northern border is one big nasty war zone, though I don't know whom they are fighting, yet. I found it out yesterday night.”

  The muscles of Adala's jaw start working and Helen's, Sola's and Stella's eyes fix on her. After a few seconds Adala decides that it's useless to hide the situation any longer. “Dwem is in a tight war against the northern barbarians. Two years ago they attacked us with new weapons and strategies, up until then they were nothing more than a bother.”

  I take a chair and pull it closer to Adala in order to sit down. “Weapons like the grenades?”

  Padma grumbles from under her blanket. “No, those are ours.” Adala glares at Padma. “Don't give away secrets!”

  I fold my fingers in front of me. “Adala, isn't this an interesting riddle? You almost get killed by a southern task force, armed with your own weapons and poison from the eastern planes. Yet you seem to be calling them your allies. The question arises... are they really your allies? What does it accomplish to kill you within our borders? And why did they take some bodies as proof?”

  Eliot's forehead gained more and more wrinkles while I was speaking. Then he groans. “They are trying to take down Dwem! And they have already succeeded!” Adala's eyes widen, even Padma looks up from her bed.

  He closes his eyes. “Don't you see it? All their actions aim at forcing Dwem's army to be stationed at Nict's borders. Now everything fits together. The southerners are working with the barbarians and the Black Magicians. The southerners told us that Nict is preparing a war to force us to deploy a part of our forces at their border. As long as we can't concentrate our troops, the barbarians have it easier to break through our defence. We provided the southerners with our technology in exchange for their supplies and their sparse intelligence. Their ships have been sailing past Nict and further to the North for years. Of course the knew about our war with the barbarians. Then they tried to kill the heir of the Gejene. Probably they planned to redirect the blame for it to us, but Azir crushed their network before they could get the plan in motion. The Black Magicians are surely in some kind of relationship with the southerners and the barbarians.

  The barbarians must be preparing a big assault on us. That's why they wanted more of our troops positioned at the border to Nict! Because we didn't report anything of concern to the Great Shaman, he decided to thin our troops at Nict's borders. Just a few days later we get attacked by southerners, who know exactly how our mansion looks like and how many of us there are. The only ones who have that information are the Gejene and the authorities in Dwem because we sent them detailed reports.”

  He balls his hands to fists. “They must have a mole inside our government who got them the information. I am sure that they took the bodies of Saana and Triz to prove that Nict silenced us in order to prepare their attack. Nict even started mobilizing and rebuilding their fleet! If they go with Saana's remains to the Great Shaman our government will freak out and redeploy the troops to Nict's borders, opening all doors for the barbarian offensive!”

  I scratch my cheek while thinking about what I just heard. “It makes some sense, in a crude way. Those fleeing assassins simply vanished when I followed them. It's a guess, but they could've used a portal to escape. Up until now only the black magicians seemed capable of that.”

  Adala's expression turns sour. “Then we are doomed. Even if we travel now from Nict's capital to Mono and take the fastest route to Dwem, the travel time takes at least two weeks. Our opponents had a portal and are probably already talking to the Great Shaman. They surely timed their attack on our mansion with the offensive to ensure that our troops are the furthest out of position. When we reach them it'll be too late to call our soldiers back.”

  Helen runs her fingers through her hair. “Are you really saying that in a few months I have to worry not only about the southern nations, but also a horde of conquering barbarians from the North? What's next? Will the Nomads join the fray too? Oh, that would be funny! I can't laugh!”

  53. ~Cold Calling.~

  “About the political and religious differences between the known countries:

  Dwem is ruled by the Great Shaman, he is the uppermost authority and his word is the law. To become the Great Shaman an individual has to prove his or her worthiness by reaching absolute mastery in shamanistic rituals and achieving the highest score during the national tests. The Great Shaman represents Dwem's smartest and most talented individual. Only the ten direct servants of the Great Shaman are allowed to contradict him.

  According to our highly intellectual society we don't believe in any gods or deities, though there is a very persistent sect which worships the saviour who ended the empire's rule over Dwem. They strongly believe that the saviour will return, should Nict's throne ever be claimed by a new emperor.”

  -The writings of Dwem.

  Free City States of Nict, Capital

  Azir

  I raise my finger. “Then all I have to do is to get you guys to Dwem? No problem, just tell me where your capital is.”

  The Dwemer turn and look at me like I am crazy, but I don't falter and grin at them.

  Stella runs over to my side and pulls at my cheek, then she hisses. “That's supposed to be a national secret!”

  Helen straightens herself and clears her throat. “No. I think it's okay to reveal one of our capabilities in this case. The new teleportation device won't be a secret forever. It is just a question of time until our neighbours find out.” She looks at me. “But can you get there in time?”

  Nodding with satisfaction, I gesture at the Dwemer. “Sure, once I know where to go I'll simply take one of the stepper discs and teleport there. Then anyone can go there as they like.”

  Stella's expression turns confused. “Stepper discs?”

  I cross my arms in front of my chest. “That's what I decided to call the teleportation discs. Great idea, isn't it? You step onto them and then you step somewhere else. Hence, stepper discs.”

  Sola walks over to Stella and hugs her. “I feel sorry you. He may be a good guy in some aspects... but in others he is utterly useless.” Stella immediately pushes Sola away. “He is just... trying to be smart!”

  My mouth falls open. “Why? That's unfair! It's a good name! Calling them teleportation discs is too obvious.”

  Adala interrupts our conversation with a hopeful expression. “You can teleport us to Dwem?”

  Sola nods and starts explaining the new technology.

  Concentrating on the mana net I notice that there seems to be a hotspot nearby, so I establish a connection with Ivy. The answer follows immediately and a chat window pops up in my field of vision.

  ~~ Secret Chat Room: Sleeping Corner ~~

  -Creator connected-

  Members present: Creator, Sexyspider, Ilikeme, Valeria

  -Creator pours a bucket of cold water over SexySpider-

  SexySpider: Yes, Creator?

  Creator: Bring two of the stepper discs and an accurate map of Dwem to my location.

  SexySpider: ...

  Creator: What!?

  SexySpider: They are teleportation discs... don't insist on that stupid name.

  Creator: Whatever, just bring them.

  SexySpider: You want the fragile me to carry two of those heavy things at once?

  Creator: Either you bring them, or I'll pull your plug! Use enhancement magic.

  SexySpider: I'll bring them, though heavy lifting isn't covered by my contract.

  Creator: Don't let me wait.

  -SexySpider disconnected-

  Members present: Creator, Ilikeme, Valeria

  Valeria: Bro? You are connected! Yay, you promised to teach me more about using the mana net.

  Creator: Sorry, I've a situation here. Maybe sometime else.

  Creator: And I told you that you shouldn't use your real name! Change it!

  Valeria: ... I have nothing to hide.

  Creator: Change it.

 
Ilikeme: Stoop! Don't disconnect! First send me those blueprints for the new connection hubs and those things you call routers.

  Valeria: Fine.

  Creator: Err. They are on my server. Search them yourself.

  -Supplier connected-

  Members present: Creator, Ilikeme, Valeria, Supplier

  Ilikeme: The last time I tried to get access it almost fried my brain!

  Creator: You boasted that you and your people are already very good at this.

  -Valeria changed name to AirelaV-

  Ilikeme: I admit defeat.

  Creator: I won't let you out of this so easily.

  Supplier: It's *96d/3zlqmBrainfreezE

  Ilikeme: YES! Full access!

  Creator: Hey! How do you know that!

  Supplier: I am living with you. It would be sad if I didn't.

  Creator: How!? All my projects on that server!

  Ilikeme: Don't worry, I won't loot your treasure chest.

  Supplier: Fine, you talk in your sleep. Satisfied? And stop staring at the wall. The Dwemer are getting anxious.

  -Supplier disconnected-

  Members present: Creator, Ilikeme, AirelaV

  -Creator disconnected-

  Members present: Ilikeme, AirelaV

  The window disappears and I return my attention to my surroundings. Fixing my eyes at Stella I glare at her accusingly. “I informed Ivy to bring us two stepper discs, then we can work on transporting our friends to Dwem.”

  Helen steps in. “One moment. Do you intend to simply teleport between them and drop the disc in front of their feet? Something like this has to be planned very carefully. What if they attack you on sight?”

  I tilt my head. “It's far more likely that they will be too shocked to do anything. How else do you want to handle it? It's not like I can take a personal army with me.”

  Helen drums with her fingertips onto her side. “One thing is for sure, we can't simply send them over, they need protection. They themselves said that there has to be an enemy agent in a high position of their government. Once they set their feet into Dwem they will become high priority targets. And you forget that if Eliot's theory is true, then Dwem is surely in a state of high alert.”

  I have to admit that she is right. Even if they don't shoot me on sight, the danger of our witnesses getting eliminated is high. “You are right, but approaching Dwem from outside is surely even more dangerous, or do you want to teleport an army into their city?”

  Adala gasps. “You can't do that! They'll expect an attack. If Nict's troops appear in their city it'll confirm the southerner's claims.”

  Stella nods. “An army or guards are out of the question. We have to show them that we aren't a threat. A gesture of good will is necessary. Sending a high representative of our government would show them that we aren't playing games.” She scratches her cheek. “I guess I am the only one who is expendable.”

  Sola shakes her head. “You can't go, you just-”

  I signal Sola to shut up, Stella just got over it. Remembering her now is the last thing she needs. “I understand, but I'll accompany you.”

  Helen shakes her head. “At least take the guards from in front of the door with you. I won't allow you to go completely undefended to a foreign country.”

  The door opens and Ivy enters the room, rolling the two stepper discs at her side. She is breathing heavily. “And... of course... I'll... come... too... you can't... go... without... this body... too... weak...” She falls to her knees and I grab the stepper discs just in time to keep them from falling onto her.

  Why is she at the end of her stamina? “Ivy, why are you out of breath? Just roll them. I didn't say you have to carry them.”

  “... fourth... floor... stairs!”

  Oh! I completely forgot about that. “Even so. You could have asked one of the guards for help. I am sure they wouldn't deny a fair maiden like you a helping hand.”

  She shakes her head. “Even... a servant... has pride.”

  “Just lie down on a bed and rest.” I tilt one stepper discs onto the ground and roll the other to an empty spot at the wall. “I have to connect them with each other and set a password.”

  The process of changing their configuration doesn't take long. I built them while expecting a lot of changes, so I installed a cover plate with an access terminal. It's very simple and works with command lines. There isn't a need for overly complicated controls because the discs are fully automatic. You just have to tell them with which other discs they are in a network with and which symbol you want to use. Then you set the password and you're done. Afterwards I repeat the process with the second stepper disc. Reattaching the cover plates is just a formality.

  I stretch after the hard work and return my attention to Ivy. “You didn't forget the map?”

  Ivy had followed my advice and laid down on one of the beds. She opens her eyes and starts rummaging through her pockets. “Strange, I am sure I've put it somewhere... Ah!” She has an enlightenment and slips her left hand between her twin mountains. After a second she pulls out a crinkly, folded map and throws it at my forehead, hitting me dead centre. “There you have it.”

  My expression drops while I bend down to collect the map. “What did I do to deserve such a servant.”

  Stella grumbles. “You deserved being hit! Your attention was at an inappropriate place!”

  I unfold the map and head over to the Dwemer. The girls are ogling Ivy with envy, while Eliot's expression is a strange mixture of greed and pain. “Padma, please show me where your capital is.”

  Padma places her finger on the map. “This mountain. From where did you get this map? It's awfully detailed.”

  I start gathering mana while I think about an appropriate answer. There is no need to reveal all my little gadgets! “I found it in the library. There are some real treasures there.” They would probably freak out if they learned that I am in the process of creating a fleet of automatic, flying artefacts to map the entire continent. Neither do they need to know that they carry a little more weight than just surveillance equipment.

  I started their construction after I became unable to ignore the threat by the Black Magicians. So I thought that I might want to use the drones as offensive weapons. They are able to overload their propulsion system, which is based on gravity magic. That results in fifty kilograms of metal breaking the sound barrier and turning into a highly dangerous projectile.

  Though the projectile is the target's least worry. Since the gravitational field expands while overloading the drive, you get also hit by a fifty metre wide sphere of about thirty times the planets gravitation. I doubt that there are many people who can survive such an event.

  The second offensive ability of the drone is a casting device for light spells. The drone usually uses it to gather solar energy towards its solar cells. If the device is abused properly, you get a nice little laser beam. It sounds more impressive than it is, but it's enough to burn someone's skin or set something aflame.

  I study the map while I am walking back to the disc which is leaning at the wall. Now I remember that I wanted to have a closer look at that mountain. It seemed to be made completely out of glass when my drone flew over it at a high altitude. I don't want anyone to learn about my spying devices, so I don't let them fly too low.

  My mana collection reaches its peak and I force the mana around me to create a magical circle under my feet. Teleporting is easier like this, but more time consuming. The first teleport should take me somewhere close to Dwem. From there I can reorient myself and teleport the final distance.

  After gesturing for everyone else to step back I activate the magical circle and for a brief moment my vision turns white. Upon entering reality again I find myself in a snowy, mountainous region.

  A quick glance tells me that I landed right on spot. The next mountain in front of me is Dwem. I take my time to gather mana and concentrate, I don't want to freeze my ass off while I am watching the scene. While I gather mana I enjoy
the view of the mountain of glass and wonder how it would look like to watch the setting sun through this gigantic prism. Dwem is sparkling like an icy diamond, fitting perfectly into the landscape. I have to show this to Stella.

  After a while I focus and teleport again, reappearing inside the mountain. Perfect! Looks like I landed right on spot inside a park. The grass is neatly cut and there are bushes and trees with trails and alleys between them. Further away are huge skyscrapers made out of something like green glass. The sunlight is broken while shining into the mountain and dyes everything in different colours.

  It's a really nice place, though it's a little too extravagant for me.

  Then I realize the silence. I am standing on a central square and there are quite a lot of people around me. All of them are staring at me and right in front of me is a little girl with her mouth gaping wide open. Her hand is angled towards her mouth, but empty. To her feet is a candied fruit on a stick.

  Oh... that's bad. We need good inter-cultural relationships with these people. Appearing here and destroying a little girl's candy isn't a good first impression. I hope that she doesn't start crying once the shock is over. Hmmm. I feel for something in my chest pocket. Ha! I knew it. Since my mother started feeding me chocolate as a child I've always had one or two bars with me. Valda always gave it to me after she force fed me with lizard liver. I've to admit that I am a little addicted to the stuff.

  I pull the paper packing off and shove the bar into the girl's mouth. “There you go, don't drop it like your fruit.” Then I tilt the stepper disc to the ground and step onto it, infusing my mana into it. “Around the world and back!” I raise one finger in a dramatic gesture, why not showing off a little?

  A moment later I find myself back in the room of the healing faculty. “Done! Please step onto this rune and speak 'Around the world and back!', while infusing your mana into the plate.”

  “How did it go? You didn't initiate a war, right?” Helen asks. “You found a nice quiet spot.”

  I shake my head. “No war. I landed in a park. The people there were all very calm and collected. They just looked at me.”