She leaned over and breathed into his ear, “You know, for all of your bravery and intelligence, you can be incredibly thick at times.” And before he could respond, she turned his head and her lips pressed into his, her sweet tongue meeting his with tender urgency. It wasn’t long before their kisses grew in passion and after a few more moments, she murmured, “I have never been with a man, have never truly wanted a man… before now. I want you Janus Owens, with all my heart. I want you now.”
They both stood, turning into each other, joining into an ardent embrace, the water sloughing off their shoulders. Her soft lips pressed into his with increased urgency, and he felt her firm breasts pressing into his chest. The warm silk of her skin was a tender caress, as he drew her in closer. His heart began to beat faster as his desire became almost unbearable. With her arms now encircling his neck, in one fluid motion, he picked her up and stepped out of the pool. They were both oblivious to the swirling blasts of warm air, drying their damp skin and hair as he carried her over to the make-shift bed.
After laying her down gently, starting at her neck, his lips began a gentle journey, giving careful attention to her lovely breasts, meandering down her slightly rounded stomach and culminating in the sweet warmth between her firm thighs.
Her increasing cries of pleasure to his ministrations elicited a flush within his own flesh, the heat of their shared passion now barely constrained. When they could no longer deny themselves, they began to make love, the first of what would be many times that night. They began slowly at first with gentle, tentative explorations, discovering each other with mutual delight. Then later, with growing ardor, their love-making culminating in fiery releases, their cries of passion mingling, becoming one. Afterward, still in each other's arms, they drifted into the blissful, dreamless sleep of contented lovers.
CHAPTER 63
The weeks sped by, seemingly like days. Owens and Sharné’s love continued to flower, their contentment bolstering them against the new stresses of repairing Golstar’s decayed infrastructure and deep concerns regarding its people’s damaged psyches. Though their working days were long, their time together and growing intimacy eased their burden.
Hec made steady progress in resurrecting the physical underpinnings of Berralton and its sister planet, Dante. All the elements of the infrastructure that were previously functioning before the Controllers’ attacks were now restored and work was progressing on the restoration of the defense net. Other elements, long broken down from lack of proper maintenance, were just beginning to be replaced. Swarms of maintenance and construction robots were becoming quite commonplace among the populace.
After a few initial missteps, the bureaucratic machinery of the government was functioning smoothly once more. With the daily broadcasts from the office of the Grand Patriarch, much of the general populace was beginning to understand what was happening; their acceptance was another matter. It would take many years before any real conciliation would be achieved. Understanding their technical superiority was the result of the endowment of a long dead alien race rather than through their own achievement, was still somewhere in the future. Even so, the crimes committed by the ruling class were slowly coming to light. As a result, the police and military forces were being kept busy in dealing with sporadic demonstrations. Still, the daily updates on the reconstruction provided in the media were helping to ease some of the unrest.
The power of the founding families had been broken, and many were already on their way to a remote location where they would spend their days in exile under the watchful sensors of the Sentinels. As their crimes could not be forgiven, what limited capability for procreation they still possessed would be suppressed, and over time their lines would eventually end with this, the last generation.
Hec was successful in reprogramming the control sphere protocols and the first step in weaning the population from their mind-controlling influence had finally been taken. The directive for blind obedience to the government was the first to be eliminated. The artificial tranquilizing effects had also been reduced. As a result, contact with Confederated Planets became more important. The long-term psychological and social damage wrought by the mind control could not be repaired simply by gradually turning off the control orbs, and just as troubling was the quasi-religion of the Light of the Way. Using the orbs’ influence, it had been engrained in the minds and hearts of the populace for generations. The separation of church and government did not exist in Golstar; the Founder had seen to that. Owens was not entirely sure even the vast resources of Confederated Planets would be sufficient to cope with multitude and complexity of the ills inflicted upon Golstar’s population over the centuries. He fervently hoped something could be done.
In addition to repairing the minds and hearts of Golstar’s people, the sterility problem also needed attention. While future generations would no longer suffer from the orbs’ radiations and sound waves, the current populace needed to become fruitful once more if Golstar was to survive. Once weaned from their prolonged exposure to the orbs, the genetic damage would remain. The people would still require treatment. Owens had assured Sharné that genetic sciences were highly advanced in Confederated Planets and he had direct contacts with some very large corporations that would leap at the opportunity to help. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt that their prestige and reputations would benefit as well.
After a lot of discussion, it was decided Sharné would act as the first Golstar ambassador to Confederated Planets. Although a member of one of the founding families, her innocence and role in breaking the grip of the ruling families was broadcasted across the planets. Though not exactly achieving heroine status, she was generally looked upon favorably by the populace. As the last official act of the acting Grand Patriarch, Sharné would be formally appointed to the diplomatic position, hopefully with little resistance.
Owens’ own role in ending the autocratic rule of the founding families would be kept a close secret. The few people who knew of the Grand Patriarch’s plan, and of Owens, were limited to select members of the founding families and some military officers. They already were effectively isolated. Better the change was initiated seemingly from within, rather than by a member of an outside agency, particularly from an old enemy. Perhaps someday, long after Golstar’s society had been repaired, Owens’ role in Golstar’s history could be finally revealed.
● ● ●
The day of their departure from Golstar neared and Owens and Sharné were still considering their transportation needs. A message had already gone out to Confederated Planets weeks before, outlining the purpose of their upcoming mission.
“I do hesitate in taking one of the fleet battleships,” Sharné told Owens. “I do not think it wise to arrive in a machine built for war when peace, trade and aid are our true goals.”
Owens nodded, “That makes sense, but on the other hand, your smaller ships aren’t that impressive. They lack the distinction I think would be required for what’s going to be a historic diplomatic mission. Even if Hec spruces one up, the design is pretty old school and doesn’t measure up to Golstar’s past technological reputation. Come to think of it, when compared to Confederated Planets current class of military ships, neither do Golstar's battle wagons, if the Saber was any example.”
“I am afraid that it was. The story I gave you while we were back on the Holmes was a total fabrication. I am sorry to say the Light Saber was a typical example of the sad state of our battle fleet.”
He smiled at her, “I kind of figured that was the case.”
“You knew?”
“Yes, I did. I figured you were acting on someone’s orders and it certainly wasn’t my place to challenge a ranking member of Golstar’s government. Besides, it just whetted my curiosity, made the mystery more tantalizing. No hard feelings?”
“None taken, but I think it is I who should be asking you that question.”
“Speaking of questions, we’re still not any closer in deciding what ship we’re going
to take. We need to decide fairly soon. You have any ideas, Hec?”
*Only that you two need to take a break. You’ve been working almost non-stop for weeks,*
“Well, maybe we could use a short breather,” Owens began.
Then, as if a sudden thought had struck, Hec said, *Hey, I know what, a change of scenery will do you both some good.*
Owens and Sharné looked at each other in puzzlement, but before they could frame a response, they were instantly transported to an observation platform. The platform was dimly illuminated; there was only darkness beyond the guard rail. Owens strained to see beyond the shadows, remembering a similar scenario he had experienced with the Controller weeks before. The Trah-tang must have been very fond of these platforms, he thought wryly. At Hec’s request, they closed their eyes. Owens immediately began to fidget. “Come on Hec, when can we open our eyes?”
*Okay, okay, you can open them now.*
The area they were in was now fully illuminated. Owens and Sharné looked out on a large hanger-like enclosure. Owens was still amazed by the apparent lack of a single visible support. Looking upwards, he wondered what in the hell kept the gigantic roof from caving in? All of the Prime’s levels were similarly constructed. Before he could pose the question to Hec, Sharné nudged him and he redirected his gaze towards the ground. Neat rows of tan colored cylinders, lying on their sides, filled the expansive floor. There were hundreds of them. With no reference point, Owens couldn’t determine their size, but he had the impression that they were huge.
Sharné spoke first, “Um, an interesting display, but what exactly are they?”
*Watch,* Hec replied.
One of the nearest cylinders began to rise, slowly rotating to present its flank to them and then began to approach their platform. They could now see that its two ends were rounded into perfect domes. As it neared, Owens began to make out subtle variations in its coloring. What at first had appeared as a uniform color, was now quickly resolving into definite striations of browns and tans. It stopped about ten meters away from them. Owens had watched carefully as it had approached and estimated its length to be somewhere around two hundred and fifty meters and maybe forty meters in diameter.
In spite of its size, it was easy to recognize. “Okay Hec, what’s the big deal? I’ll grant you it’s the biggest one that I’ve ever seen, but it’s still just a log.”
*Hah, you're wrong, Owens. It’s not just any log.*
Sharné nodded, “No. It is not just any log, and not from just any tree. I believe I know... It is from Selane, is it not, Hec?”
*You win the prize, Sharné.*
Owens looked rueful, “Now how did I miss that? Those huge conifers, right? But I seem to recall that Sharné told me they couldn’t be harvested.” He remembered the slippery texture of their bark, almost frictionless, like he couldn’t actually touch it. “So, this means the Trah-tang knew how to chop them down and mill them. No offense Hec, it’s interesting and all, but what’s the big deal about some unusual trees?”
*Well to begin with, the trees are more than just a little unusual. Their very existence defies what we might call the laws of nature. Only quantum physicists will fully comprehend their true composition. The Trah-tang were incredibly advanced in so many fields. It's a real shame Golstar ignored most of them. Anyway, without going into a long and boring scientific explanation, one that you probably wouldn’t understand...*
“Hey,” Owens said to Sharné. “I think we’ve just been insulted.”
“Hush, go on, Hec.”
*Well, let’s just say that the trees exist slightly out of phase with this dimensional plane. They actually manifest themselves in more than one dimension and as such... *
“They can’t be touched using conventional equipment, equipment from this single dimension.” Owens finished.
*Okay, you are smart after all. As I was saying, though they manifest in this dimension, to over-simplify, they are slightly out of phase with this reality… making them virtually indestructible. But the clever Trah-tang figured out how to breach multiple dimensions simultaneously, allowing them to harvest and successfully mill the trees. Even so, it takes the resources of an entire manufacturing level just to convert one tree. It takes over a year to fabricate the end product. What you see here the total inventory. There are over three hundred logs in this storage area.*
*They have all undergone the initial stage of their processing. The real fabrication takes place in another area on this level. To date, there are only about twenty that have undergone the complete transformation. The Trah-tang succumbed before they could complete the transformation of this existing stockpile.*
Sharné asked, “What could be so valuable that the Trah-tang would expend such resources?”
*Ah, you’re getting closer to the surprise I cooked up. I’m now going to transport you again so that you can see for yourself. You’re going to another facility on the other side of Berralton.*
As usual, without a sense of transition, they found themselves standing on yet another platform. They were facing a strange-looking gantry that was centered in a high-domed, cavernous building. Their surroundings were familiar. They were in a covered maintenance hangar of what had to be a spaceport. Owens’ eyes were drawn toward what rested in a nearby gantry’s cradle. He gaped openly at the sight. He said, “I don’t believe it,” and started to laugh.
Sharné looked at it in wonder. Her brow crinkled in concentration. “It is a starship… a starship constructed of wood?”
Mirthful tears were beginning to roll down Owens cheeks. “I don’t believe it,” he repeated.
*Ah, you recognize it, do you?*
Owens wiped his eyes with the back of his sleeve. Still chortling, he replied, “What a joke, the Great Confederated Planets was brought to its knees by a wooden ship!” He had immediately recognized its unusual shape. Here, at last, was the invulnerable, enigmatic ship that had delivered Golstar’s terse ultimatum centuries before.
*I will have to give credit to that past ruler of Golstar. It was a stroke of genius to use one of these ships. No conventional weapon could harm it and with its alien design, it appeared to be almost supernatural.*
Owen finally stopped laughing. “So,” he said, “I now know why conventional warships were used at the rendezvous instead advanced ships like this one.” Owens paused, still mesmerized by the concept of a wooden starship. He said, “When the Founder died, Golstar’s access to these ships was lost.”
*Yeah, think of the frustration that Golstar’s leaders must have experienced when they were denied the use of such wonderful ships. It must have galled them to no end.*
Owens asked, “Are there any battle-class ships similarly constructed?”
*No, the ships’ dimensions were limited by the usable mass of individual trees. The Trah-tang never saw a need for constructing a larger ship. Generally, they end up being around fifty percent larger than the Holmes. The fabrication facilities aren’t set up to construct anything larger than what you see here. They were designed for exploration rather than combat.*
Owens couldn’t tear his eyes away from the strangely beautiful starship. “Still, even at this size, they’re pretty damned impressive, given the unconventional design and the exotic material used to build them.”
*Another limitation for military application is the lack of weaponry. You see, in order for the Trah-tang ship to maintain its invulnerability, the hull must remain unbroken, in one contiguous piece. As a result, there are no apertures for weapons, not even an opening to accommodate a single hatch. It’s hard to call something a battleship if it has no weapons.*
Owens narrowed his eyes, now looking more closely at the ship’s design. The cylinder was slightly tapered at one end, likely the nose of the ship. Three large aerodynamic, blade-like spokes projected from its mid-point, supporting a flattened ring that encircled the hull. At the other end, two smaller, opposing blades projected. The blades and ring were all made of the same wood, the join
ts blended invisibly into the hull, making it look like it had been artfully carved from a single gigantic block. Its entire exterior was polished to a high gloss. It looked more like fanciful sculpture of a submarine rather than a functional starship.
Hec must have guessed what Owens had been thinking, *Beautiful, isn’t it? It represents an achievement in aesthetics as well as function.*
Owens continued to gaze at it. Finally, he asked, “You mentioned that the hull had to remain unbroken, in one piece. If that’s true, then how do you get in and out of the damned thing, or for that matter, how does it manage to move in space? There are no apertures for a subspace emitter or even a conventional reaction drive. I don’t see how…”
Hec interrupted, *Once again the Trah-tang’s elemental transport technology comes into play. Watch…*
As Owens and Sharné looked on, the ship was instantly transformed. The once-smooth surface of the ring was now covered by a myriad of familiar objects. Various sized sensor pods, antennas and housings for steering nozzles marred its once sleek surface. Dominating the clutter of the pods and thrusters was the unmistakable silvery, lozenge-shaped subspace emitter now firmly attached to the ring. Two large reaction drive pods were connected to the end of each wing at what was obviously the tail section. Still strange by conventional ship design, it now looked more like a space vehicle.
*The ship’s entry and exit are also provided by the transport system. You’re now observing it in only one of its configurations. It deploys various combinations of sensors, drives and instruments depending on the situation. What you saw before was its defensive posture, all of its propulsion and sensor arrays were tucked safely away, inside storage compartments within the ship. It can instantaneously extrude and activate the subspace emitter, and since it has a self-contained, picosecond flicker shield, you can escape into subspace, even in the middle of an explosion, if necessary. The ship itself doesn’t require shields, so a whole lot of internal space is gained from not needing the massive shield generators.*
Shadows of Golstar Page 73
