»We confirmed this,« Ray-Tor stated. »It is, nevertheless, correctly reflected in our history. Our fleet would have never been defeated otherwise … not even by a Progonaut battle ship.«
»One of many riddles,« Herimos wondered. »This also goes for the time-space fold in which the Atlantika was contained.«
»It was not a prison,« Pi was sure. »I’m convinced that the ship was stowed away or parked.«
Vasina knit her eyebrows, »Parked?«
»Exactly, parked for later use,« Pi affirmed.
Hellas nodded at Pi.
»Very interesting. Your thoughts are logical, although, we haven’t been able to determine the reason and presence of the space-time fold. If it was artificially created then how was this done and more importantly who did it?«
»It had something to do with this gnome-like being,« Voit assumed. »Why is nobody talking about that horrible creature?«
Everybody in the room looked at each other or to the ground, avoiding eye contact with Voit. It was true, Voit Masgur had defeated the gnome, a fact the Progonauts avoided talking about.
›It’ll take time until they’ve resolved this part of their history. The mental slavery would be terrible for anyone to relive.‹ Arkroid thought.
»So far, we don’t know who this being was and where it came from,« Tranos said. »There’s not one shred of evidence or recording which could tell us how this gnome got aboard the ship. I can assure you, that we didn’t let it into the ship.« He paused looking to the other Progonauts in the room, lastly at Vasina. »The memories around the space battle in the terrestrial solar system are still fresh. It seems like yesterday.«
»The answers are hidden in time and space. It shows us how superior the enemy technology is,« Kuster~Laap said making the crystal glasses resonate.
»I got it!« Pi jumped from his seat. »The gnome arrived on the ship via your tachyon portal!«
Everybody stared at Pi.
Vasina squinted at him.
»What makes you think that?« she inquired.
Pi cleared his throat before he continued, »Well, we found the gnome inside the Atlantika’s portal room. Then we saw that an exchange of energy between the portal and the humanoid being took place. It was sitting before the tachyon energy portal, through which he later disappeared. The tachyon energy was flowing into and through the being continuously. That’s the way the gnome entered your ship, I’m absolutely certain.«
Vasina pointed her index finger at Hellas.
»Check our board computer. I want to know if it is true,« she commanded. »Tachyon transportation depends on a receiver and a transmission portal. If there was a transmitting address then it should still be in the computer.«
»What if the gnome didn’t need a specific transmission portal? Couldn’t it have waited in tachyon space for the Atlantika and then transferred through the backdoor so-to-speak?« Arkroid proposed.
»That’s not how it works,« Tranos countered. »Nobody can use a tachyon transportation channel without a verified connection. Your idea would turn tachyon portal principles up-side-down.«
›Hmm. He’s probably just as scientifically trained as Hellas. What other secrets are in him, I wonder,‹ Arkroid pondered.
Maya Ivanova coughed in her fist and looked at Tranos, batting her eyes and pouting her lips.
»Fact is that this gnome was on board your ship and nobody could do anything to stop this being or prevent its arrival. Voit Masgur ended the enslavement by sending it back where it came from.«
»What happens if you enter the transportation field without a confirmed receiving station?« Herimos said.
»In the nowhere, you become one with the tachyon wind, maybe, if you’re lucky, you end up as photon shower in the standard universe,« Hellas stated
»I think, I’m getting allergic to this transport medium,« Pi shuddered.
Ray-Tor burst into laughter. He took his crystal goblet and offered a toast to the people present.
»It seems as if Progonauts and my people will share this planet for quite some time. Maybe together we can shed some light on these remaining questions and solve the riddles,« he announced.
»The Techno-Ferry can help repair my ship’s propulsion system,« Hellas hoped.
Arkroid frowned.
»I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.«
»What? Vasina informed me that your ship possesses extra-ordinary abilities, such as matter-energy transformation and the like. I also heard that the ship can create and manufacture functional equipment, so, why is it not possible for the ship to design and build a functional tachyon drive for the Atlantika?« Hellas wondered.
The nearby Progonauts joined Hellas in staring at Arkroid. Arkroid shifted in his seat, looking over to Maya and Pi for support.
»You heard correctly, Hellas. The Creators gave the Techno-Ferry extra-ordinary abilities and because of this, they have also established boundaries,« Arkroid explained.
»What are these boundaries?« Herimos questioned.
»The Techno-Ferry adheres strictly to a codex which the Techno-Clerics call: Cosmic Morals. Nobody can make the ship circumvent or forget this moral codex,« Arkroid paused to scratch his head, »the ship is able to produce parts to repair itself; however, it cannot self-reproduce. It’s true that it already provided valuable devices and technology for our use, but it cannot produce modules which are essential parts of its structure.«
»That includes a tachyon drive,« Herimos assumed.
»Indeed it does, Herimos. It’s probably not a problem at all for Nautilus to construct and build a tachyon drive, nevertheless, it cannot act against its base programming.«
»It’s very easy to understand; the Techno-Clerics’ creators had enough foresight to understand which potential was hidden within their technology. Uncontrolled reproduction leads to errors which in turn can cause technological mutations,« Pi explained.
»In other words the ship doesn’t obey your orders or commands and that’s the whole truth,« Hellas replied, receiving a scolding look from Vasina.
»Excuse the doubting words of my commander, Toiber. He probably had expected too much.«
»I understand, Vasina,« Arkroid smiled. »Unfortunately that’s the way it is. As the ship’s commander, I have access to these types of information. Nautilus is not the solution to our problems this time. The ship cannot build you a new tachyon drive. I’m convinced, though, that Progonauts and Neo-Sapiens can do it, if they work together.«
»Then they should begin at once,« Kuster~Laap suggested strongly. »There’s not much time left. Delta-Trianguli is as much in danger as Earth.«
»We were always able to thwart of Languin attacks,« Ray-Tor said, pushing out his chest.
»I’m not referring to the aboriginal people of this world,« Kuster~Laap rebutted. »I’m talking about the Looters from the parasite galaxy. Their arrival will be an invasion of unprecedented proportions.«
Herimos grimaced.
»’scuse me, but I’m very skeptical. Even I cannot imagine this kind of threat.«
»Unfortunately, we’ve found enough evidence,« Pi countered. »The only difference is the time factor. We see it slightly different than Kuster~Laap.«
»That’s one of the reasons why we need to obtain more information and certainty,« Arkroid said. »I’ve decided that we won’t return to our solar system. Instead we’ll fly to the other side of the galaxy. I want to understand how real this threat is and what we can do about it.«
The room went silent for at least five minutes.
»I’m surprised. You haven’t mentioned anything like this. Needless to say that the expanse of our galaxy is overwhelming, not considering the millions of star masses. Do you know where to fly?«
Arkroid nodded.
»You’re correct, Maya. We need a target star or at least a sector. Kuster~Laap will provide the coordinates. We’ll return him to his people . I’ve discussed this mission already with Nautilus. If we take the tachyon
mid-track and fly through the galactic core region then the flight shouldn’t take too long.«
Kuster~Laap frowned. His ears were whirling wildly.
»I suggest again using the tachyon portal in your solar system, Arkroid. The portals are the fastest and most secure means of transportation to the other side of the galaxy.«
»It has been decided. I don’t want to lose the Techno-Ferry advantage,« Arkroid stated sternly.
»We Chiropters always used the Genorantan portals. It’s too dangerous to stray from this path. The galaxy is facing a great catastrophe. It is an incalculable risk to ignore these dangers and fly into an unknown, endangered sector.«
Pi jumped out of his seat, »You said it yourself, Kuster~Laap. Humanity and the Neo-Sapiens are in the sights of this unknown power. The Dark Brotherhood is threatening the entire galaxy. I’m about to lose my mind, just thinking about this unbelievable danger. I want to see this threat with my own eyes and understand it. Talking about it won’t help us. Hiding behind the Dimensional Shield won’t save us either, including all the other people in this galaxy.«
›He’s been carrying this load on his shoulder for quite some time.‹ Arkroid thought.
Pi slowed his breathing, »Toiber’s decision is correct. We need to find answers to all the open questions, which, you, either don’t want to answer or can’t answer, Kuster~Laap.«
Kuster~Laap closed and opened his mouth as if he was gasping for air.
»Ask yourself, Kuster~Laap, what would the Protectors have done in this case? Would they’ve unleashed a galaxy-wide war, which would’ve cost countless lives? Is this the solution the Galactic Brotherhood had in mind? The more I think of this Brotherhood plan the more it falls apart.«
Kuster~Laap stared at Maya for a moment, »You don’t understand the thoughts and plans of the Galactic Brotherhood. You don’t have the higher vision. Trust the long-term plan or your civilizations will be doomed.«
Arkroid shook his head.
»I see that differently. We’ll leave tomorrow. Either you come with us or you can wait for us here on Equinox until we come back. I promise, we’ll pick you up when we return.«
Kuster~Laap’s eyes turned to the ground, »The ZyClonians and I will come with you, otherwise, there will be no return for us.«
Kuster~Laap’s words, loomed in the air while the crew discussed trivial matters during a small meal a couple of minutes later.
We will do anything
Nautilus appeared small beside the Atlantika. The Techno-Ferry, however, was much superior to the Progonaut flag ship, even without any offensive weapon systems. The soul of the ship was a Techno-Cleric, the most amazing creation Arkroid had ever encountered. Like the Genorantans, the creators of the Techno-Clerics and the Techno-Ferry, belonged to the Galactic Brotherhood. Nobody knew how these beings looked and where they were. Even Kuster~Laap had never mentioned them, he only mentioned the Genorantans.
Toiber Arkroid, Lai Pi and Maya Ivanova met underneath the Nautilus’ hull and looked up at the ship. The hulls polished, silver exterior mirrored a skewed image of the surroundings.
Maya was carrying the feather light Paafnas on her shoulders. Wavelike movements expanded across the ship’s hull.
»We can consider ourselves lucky to have it,« Pi said.
»I’m also happy to work together with you,« Nautilus’s replicated, feminine voice proclaimed via the special comm-channel.
»Did you prepare for the flight, Nautilus?«
»Yes, Pi, the transcription of the Chiropter’s coordinates as well as the flight plan and interior changes to accommodate the extra passengers have been completed.«
»Extra passengers?«
»I just found out myself, Maya. There are two more passengers.«
»Vasina’s new body guard. Am I right, Toiber?«
Arkroid cleared his throat and nodded.
»He insisted. Otherwise, Vasina would remain here on Equinox with her people. Since this was not an option, I had no choice. We need to respect Progonaut traditions. Vasina won’t go anywhere without her shield bearer.«
»Herimos will join us,« Pi added. »If it is true what Kuster~Laap hinted at, then Herimos is a valuable addition to our team.«
»Sure, sure …,« Maya replied, staring with glazed eyes into the distance, frowning.
»What is it, Maya?«
»Herimos is okay, Toiber. I’m concerned about Kuster~Laap. I have the feeling that he knows more than he’s telling us.«
»I agree,« Paafnas said from Maya’s shoulders while licking his eyeballs with his long tongue. »I can try to replicate his neuronal network. Maybe we’ll find something out this way.«
»No, leave him be, he’s still our most important source of information and the ZyClonians did help us. Our suspicions are probably unfounded. The Chiropter and his ZyClonians are too different from us. Maybe we’ll learn how they tick on this mission,« Arkroid objected.
Vasina, Tranos, Voit Masgur and Herimos were walking up the ramp leading from the underground city. They joined the team.
»Where is Kuster~Laap and his companions?« Maya asked.
»The Chiropter seems a bit stubborn,« Voit Masgur alleged as he shrugged.
»He wants to delay,« Maya supposed, but her eyes darted to the city ramp.
Kuster~Laap and his body guards, accompanied by a group of Neo-Sapiens , were coming up the ramp toward the ship.
Arkroid watched the wave-like movements of the nanopods.
›It’s amazing how much they depend on these micro-machines,‹ Arkroid thought. ›If they can’t use their nanopods they probably become ill.‹
Kuster~Laap’s ears swiveled, listening to a thousand things at once, as he looked up to the opening in the hull.
Arkroid watched the Chiropter attentively.
»I’m looking forward to this flight,« Herimos said eagerly. »This is the first time I’ll be seeing my world from out of space.«
Arkroid nodded, smiling in Herimos’ direction before turning his attention to Vasina.
»Are you sure, you want to come with us and not stay with your people? This mission might be very dangerous. Kuster~Laap warned us.«
Vasina smiled then winked at Arkroid.
»We’ve walked this path together so far, why should that change? Hellas received strict orders. Even though the Atlantika’s tachyon drive is defect, it’s still the most powerful battle ship in the entire galaxy. My people will wait for us here on Equinox and protect the Neo-Sapiens.«
Ray-Tor, who stood beside Vasina and Tranos, beat his hand on his chest.
»We will do anything to help!«
»You can board the ship now,« Nautilus announced.
Additional gates opened from which bluish light engulfed each team member, pulling them softly into the ship.
You wanted it this way
Herimos’ seat had been adapted to his every, specific needs. Carefully touching the sensor pads, he tried the different options available to him. All other new team members had been taken care of. The seat designs perfectly fit well to the individual physiques.
Data and information were automatically translated into the native languages in written, symbolic and acoustic form. The seats were arranged in a circular pattern in command central’s center where direct eye contact to each crew member was possible. The illumination inside the ship was warm white with a light blue hue. The individual beings all relaxed into their seats.
Paafnas’ communication interface served the Pleunatan with symbols and long chains of colorful patterns, Vasina and Tranos found their work areas equipped with audio-visual terminals, displaying information in the main Progonaut language.
Arkroid was used to Nautilus’ abilities; he casually assumed his seat next to Lai Pi.
He opened the telepathy-like communication link with Nautilus who read Arkroid’s neuronal information while projecting its voice directly into Arkroid’s mind. Arkroid insisted, however, that he wanted to articulate himself on occ
asion, especially if the rest of the crew needed to be aware of what was going on.
Nautilus ascended quickly into Equinox’s outer atmosphere. As usual, the acceleration forces could not be felt. The ship’s inertia dampers were working flawlessly.
Arkroid listened to the voice in his head.
›Our destination is inside the Scutum-Crux spiral arm, located on the other side of the galaxy. We will fly through the Gould Belt and pass the Sagittarius A Black Hole in the center of the galaxy,‹ Nautilus explained.
Arkroid tightened his mouth and bit his lower lip thinking about flying that close to a massive Black Hole with its sphere of interferences.
›After a short acceleration phase, we will enter the middle tachyon trail where we do not have to worry about interferences by standard universal forces or astrophysical objects.‹
Nautilus read Arkroid’s mind. He stopped scratching his chin.
›Trust me, Toiber, I’ll get you to Scutum-Crux safely. I verified Kuster~Laap’s coordinates with my catalogues, they are correct. Relax and enjoy the journey.‹
Arkroid glanced at Pi who just nodded as he also had heard Nautilus’ voice.
»Scutum-Crux, a spiral arm of which we know nothing. It’s located inside a Milky Way sector we cannot observe from Earth, opposite the galactic core,« Pi said. »I’m eager to see it. By the way,« he looked at Herimos, »We have arrived in a high Equinox orbit, it’s a good time to take a look at your world.«
Herimos was watching his holographic displays. He was panting, eyes glued to the view.
»Our world is beautiful! «
»Equinox is very similar to Earth in many ways,« Maya explained. »The equatorial ice ring makes this planet special, though.«
Nautilus announced, »We will join the center tachyon trail in a moment.«
»We should not be detected by enemy tachyon sensors,« Herimos suggested. »I don’t believe that anyone would expect traffic on that path.«
NEBULAR Collection 5 - Panic in the Galaxy: Episodes 22 - 26 Page 2
