by R. E. Weber
‘You felt their pain?’
‘Yes, but it was more than that. As I said, I can’t really explain it fully. At the time, I couldn’t put it together because my head was all over the place. But now I’m calmer, it’s all clicked into place. I know what I have to do.’
‘And what’s that?’
‘I have to go back. I need to help them. I’m not sure how, but I need to try.’
‘Are you saying you want to go back to your role? You want to be a paltoor again?’
‘Yes. Tan Shah said she’d keep it open for me if I took a leave of absence. Well, I’ve done that and I’m ready now. I think I can do a better job.’
‘So you’re leaving us?’
‘Yes, I am.’
Cristos sighed. ‘I’m gonna miss you, Rubes. I’ve only just started getting know you properly.’
‘Ditto.’
‘Are you going now, straight away?’
‘Yes I am. It’s been so amazing spending time with you all, and I’ll treasure it always. But I know what I have to do now and there isn’t much time. If they withdraw from the Affinity and I haven’t tried to help them, I’ll never forgive myself.’
‘If anybody can make a difference, you can. You’re an amazing woman, Ruby.’
Ruby grinned. ‘You know what? That’s the first time anybody’s ever called me that. I’ve always been a girl or little Rubes. You’re the first person to treat me like a grown up. I’m a woman at last. Thank you.’
She leant over and kissed Cristos on the cheek.
Cristos smiled back at her. ‘My pleasure,’ he said simply before rising to join the rest of the group.
11 – The Raltath Incident
Transmission type: Secure point to point
Security level: High secrecy
Priority: Alpha
Recipient: Operative Logan, Theopolis James
Subject: Analysis of Raltath Cascades incident
Incident time: 2997.13.41.23.12
Investigation depth: Tier 2
Report level: Summary
Description:
At the reported time, an orbiting sensor platform noted a thermal irregularity within an ice shelf, adjacent to the Raltath Cascades. The sudden temperature rise resulted in the opening of a fracture within the shelf, allowing the section supporting the viewing platform to become detached and fall away. A force-field generator installed directly beneath the platform, employed to stabilise and protect it from such damage, was non-functional at the time of the incident.
Analysis:
The thermal irregularity detected was not consistent with any known naturally-occurring phenomenon, suggesting the use of a technological device. However, the analysis team were unable to locate the remnants of any such device, suggesting that it was either removed or underwent a total matter to energy conversion, thereby removing any trace of its existence.
Archive sensor logs from the site revealed no evidence as to how the device might have been positioned or who might have authorised its use. Nor do they detail why the force-field generator had malfunctioned and not undergone automatic repair during the regular maintenance cycle.
Conclusion:
In summary, given the above facts, it is believed with a high degree of certainty that the reported incident was as a result of a targeted attack, the focus of which was the presence of a human individual.
Detailed report to follow.
As Theo read the cold, factual report, a feeling of unease began to well up inside him. Despite his insistence to his friends that it had been an accident, his worst fears had been confirmed. Although there was no direct evidence to back up the report’s conclusion, the implication was clear. Somebody had arranged for the ice shelf to collapse. And although the report had referred to a human individual rather than naming him, it had done nothing to disguise the fact that the attack had been aimed at him. Somebody had tried to kill him and make it look like an accident, with no concern for Ruby or anybody else.
Theo turned to look at Larissa, who was lying next to him on her fold out bed, fast asleep. Even though she was snoring loudly, with her mouth open, she still looked beautiful. Were they going to try to kill him again? And might the stunning girl lying next to him, for who he had developed strong feelings, get caught in the next attack? How was he going to keep this from her and pretend everything was OK? And more to the point, how was he going to protect her from another attack, let alone himself?
Theo stood up, turned away from Larissa and began to walk away. He had to leave her – it was the only way to keep her safe. After he had taken several paces forward, he stopped, dropped his head, stared at the ground and sighed. Every ounce of logic within him told him that he would be putting her in danger if he stayed with her. However, he couldn’t leave her like this. After Weng’s glowing recommendation, he had promised Larissa a trip to the Necrolon Singularity – the most amazing sight in the Universe, or so he had been told.
Theo turned to look at Larissa. For a moment, she stirred and turned towards him, causing his heart to jump into his mouth. But her eyes didn’t open. She was still in a deep sleep. He couldn’t abandon her now. Instead, he had to carry on as if nothing had happened, otherwise she would get suspicious, putting him in danger of blowing his cover. He needed time to come up with a convincing explanation for leaving her – one that wasn’t going to upset her, yet would keep her safe. He would continue to the singularity with her, as promised, then make his excuses and leave. It was the only way.
12 – The Deconstruction of the Heart
Keep your back straight, your eyes closed and just breathe. Breathe only through your nostrils and allow the action to become natural. Concentrate on breathing to the exclusion of everything else. Resist the temptation to follow any stray or random thoughts as they arrive. Repeat as many times as necessary until your mind settles on just breathing.
Distilled from a convoluted explanation of breathing meditation by First Mentor, Ruby had summarised the technique to herself and spoken the mantra before each meditation session. Upon her return to Polisium Prime two weeks earlier, Ruby had approached First Mentor to discuss how she might learn to control her overactive emotions, which had led to her being forced to take a leave of absence from her role. And although she had been recommended for a promotion by Paltoor Tan Shah, much to her surprise, it had been on the understanding that she learn to exercise some control over her emotional state.
First Mentor’s initial suggestion had been to install an anxiety suppressor into her companion – a suggestion that Ruby had considered seriously, but rejected, convinced that she could learn to control her emotions through force of will. Then First Mentor had offered her an alternative solution: a meditative plan that had proven helpful to many species. And to Ruby’s surprise, she had learnt that the techniques were, in essence, a lot like those used within the Buddhist belief system on Earth, in Sri Lanka where she had grown up. The Polisians also employed similar techniques to enable them to deal with their day to day life dispassionately – a series of techniques known as Nu Dalhi ne Coraz, which translated as The Deconstruction of the Heart. Such techniques had even formed the basis of the belief system for a fictional alien species from a popular science fiction television show from Earth – a species often misunderstood as being emotionless when they were in fact the exact opposite.
Now, with the mind calm, allow the subject of the emotional response to re-enter your mind. This time however, visualise yourself as separate from the emotion. Imagine the emotion as a sea of bubbling red hot lava, with you floating above it, separate yet able to sense its heat. Identify the emotion without allowing it to overtake your mind. Naming the emotion will allow you to select the correct course of action to rob it of its power.
It had taken Ruby many days of practice for the breathing meditation to begin to calm her mind, but once it had, the effect had been quite remarkable. Her mind now felt more tranquil than it had done for some time – a fact that had not gone
unnoticed by Tan Shah. Indeed, her mentor had been so impressed with Ruby’s progress that she had begun to accelerate her paltoor training program. And as Ruby had already discovered, Tan Shah was not an easy being to impress.
For anger, understand its disadvantages so that you understand its harmful nature. Look at its effects on your mind and body. What is it like being angry? Is your mind at peace and happy, or are you disturbed? Does it allow you to think clearly and make intelligent decisions, or does it make you irrational and confused? Anger is detrimental to your health, so do not indulge in it. Do not waste your time with such a destructive emotion.
Irrational anger had affected Ruby for a long time – as long as she could remember. But recently, another emotion had become even more apparent – an emotion that she was ashamed of but had been forced to admit to herself none the less.
For jealousy, understand its faults. It disturbs us and makes us feel unhappy. It can lead to hatred and resentment and for us to speak badly of others. It can destroy friendships and cause people to lose respect for us or even dislike us. It can lead to negativity and suffering. It hurts us and becomes an obstacle to attaining our goals. Do not allow it to darken your mind.
And it was this emotion alone that had made Ruby determined that she should never again allow her feelings to get the better of her.
Rubina Chaudhry, report for immediate duty at Paltoor Council headquarters.
Ruby opened her eyes and took a deep breath. Then she rubbed her face, unfolded her crossed legs and rose to her feet. She pulled on her paltoor robe and checked herself in the mirror. Quite presentable. Then she made her way towards a waiting transport pod, wondering why she had been recalled on her day off.
*
‘Hello, Ruby. Does the evening find you in acceptable wellbeing?’
‘Yes, I am well,’ replied Ruby formally.
‘Although it is not normal practice to recall you to Council headquarters on your leave day, I thought it prudent, in the light of recent developments, that we should speak as soon as possible. Though this is not an emergency situation in itself, it is only right that you should be given as much notice as possible to prepare for a change of circumstances.’
‘And may I ask what this change of circumstances is?’ replied Ruby, intrigued.
‘We have today received a formal request from the H’th’hka for a Paltoor Zanshal-Sec.’
Ruby knew that a Paltoor Zanshal-Sec was an ambassador assigned to a member species homeworld to negotiate with the Affinity on their behalf. It was, however, rare for the council to receive such requests as most species were content to deal directly with the Affinity council rather than have somebody, who was essentially a middle man, speaking for them.
‘Due to the nature of this request,’ continued Tan Shah, ‘it will not be possible to retain our present working relationship.’
‘I understand. When are you leaving?’
‘No, Ruby, you misunderstand me. It is you who will be taking up this assignment, not me.’
Ruby stared at Tan Shah, open-mouthed.
‘Me? I’m going to be a Paltoor Zanshal-Sec? But I’m not qualified, I’m…’
‘You were personally requested by the H’th’hka ruling council,’ interrupted Tan Shah, ‘and although your lack of experience is a concern to the Affinity council, I do feel that your natural aptitude, combined with your new-found mental control, should enable you to represent us satisfactorily. Despite your lack of discipline during the conference, it appears that you have earnt the respect and admiration of the H’th’hka. The Affinity council recognise this and are willing to allow the assignment on the understanding that I oversee your preparation and training.’
‘When do I leave?’
‘In two ch’ha.’
A sensation of panic gripped Ruby, causing her throat to tighten and sweat to bead on her forehead.
She was nowhere near ready for such an assignment, and two days wasn’t enough time to prepare. It was too much responsibility. What would she tell her friends? Would they be able to visit her or her them? Or would she be stuck on the H’th’hka homeworld, unable to leave? If she couldn’t leave, how would she cope without human contact? How would she manage without her friends? It was too much. It was…
Ruby opened her mouth to reply, but then paused, aware that her emotions were racing out of control.
Focus. Remain calm. Feel the heat of the bubbling lava, but do not let it overwhelm you.
Ruby took a deep breath before continuing.
‘Is the assignment compulsory?’ croaked Ruby, her mouth as dry as a bone.
‘We will not command you to accept this posting. However, we do risk endangering our relationship with the H’th’hka should you refuse. The ruling council have requested your presence personally and will not accept a different candidate.’
They wanted her, Rubina Chaudhry, personally. If she refused, she would offend them. She had to go. She didn’t have a choice.
‘I understand,’ said Ruby calmly.
‘Can you confirm that you are willing to accept the posting? We need to respond without delay.’
Ruby closed her eyes and took a series of slow, deep breaths, visualising the molten lava cooling and her heart rate slowing. Then she opened them and turned to Tan Shah.
‘I will of course accept. And I am honoured to be requested personally.’
‘I am gratified to hear this. Tomorrow, we will begin preparation for your assignment. This will consist of an accelerated programme of activities designed to prepare you for your new duties and life on the H’th’hka homeworld. Our schedule will commence here at 06.15.00 P.S.N. Once stationed on their homeworld, real-time communication will not be possible with Polisium. We will, however, be able to exchange information and experiences, whenever required, and I will endeavour to visit every ten standard days. A set of interactive agents will be uploaded to your companion so that you may continue with your paltoor training without me.’
‘Of course.’
‘Personal communication will be limited to a single package daily, to any given individual, except in exceptional circumstances. You will be entitled to return to Polisium once every fifty standard days or under the direct request of the Paltoor Council.’
‘I understand. How long is the assignment for?’
‘The initial assignment is for one standard year, after which time an extension will be negotiable.’
‘One year?’
‘Yes. Do you have any further questions?’
‘I don’t think so.’
‘In which case, you may take your leave of me. I will see you at 06.15.00 P.S.N tomorrow.’
Ruby dipped her head lightly in respect to Tan Shah. Then she turned and made her way back towards her transport pod.
The entire direction of her life had changed once more.
*
Plunging through the thick cloud layer, which covered much of the H’th’hka homeworld, the small transport vessel levelled out about a kilometre above the lush, green, tree-covered surface of the planet, and then banked to its right, adjusting its heading towards the planet’s largest city, Cal’te’shal. Although its original flight plan had been a direct vertical descent towards the city, Ruby had requested that the vessel fly over the landscape most directly affected by the asteroid impact, which had devastated their homeworld over a year before – a gesture she hoped would be approved of by the H’th’hka ruling council.
Although the planet’s infrastructure had been, for the most part, restored to its former capacity, a fine suspension of dust particles, blasted into the atmosphere by the initial impact, was still sometimes noticeable as a pink haze at sunrise or sunset. This had reduced the sunlight at the planet’s surface to about ninety-four percent of its former level, which had in turn resulted in a small surface temperature drop. The change, although not catastrophic, had affected the yield of the planet’s primary food crop, Pol, meaning supplementary food shipments were still required fr
om Affinity reserves, even though the regularity of the shipments had begun to drop.
The ship rose briefly to avoid a snow-capped mountain range, before dropping again, and suddenly the landscape changed. The lush green forest, which had been prevalent moments before, had been replaced by a grey-black scorched surface, littered as far as the eye could see with burnt tree trunks, stripped of their green leaves and flattened like matchsticks away from the point of impact several kilometres ahead.
Although Ruby had seen many images of the impact site, the view which met her eyes tore into her soul like nothing she had ever seen. She felt the breath sucked out of her lungs and a cold shiver race up her spine as the enormity of the disaster became visible to her. Breathing meditation would not subdue the emotional impact of what she was seeing and nor should it, she told herself. The pain was there for all to feel, and even Tan Shah, who was seated next to her, remained speechless as the grim spectacle unfolded.
A minute or so later, the scorched trees started thinning out, before disappearing completely, and then the land rose up towards the charred rim of an enormous crater. As the ship passed over the crater edge, the land dropped away revealing a blackened mass of volcanic rock – a lava flow that had been released from a magma chamber below the planet’s crust and filled the newly formed crater before solidifying. Seconds later, the ship drifted to a halt, and as Ruby looked straight down, the central point of the impact was clearly visible – a tiny peak of grey rock, poking out of the solidified ocean of lava. Looking down at the horrific sight, Ruby realised that the force of the impact had been beyond imagination, as if a piece of the sun had torn into the planet and incinerated everything in sight.
The ship hovered stationary for a moment, as Ruby had instructed, so that she could take in the view and record impact data on her companion. Then the vessel rose up and out of the giant crater and towards the huge city that would soon be her new home.
