The Voyages Of The Seven (The Star Agency Chronicles Book 2)

by R. E. Weber

  ‘I’m sorry, I don’t understand. You want me to be your spiritual advisor but I don’t need to be a believer?’

  ‘Ruby, as you may have noted, many of my kind have taken to referring to you as Pa’til’ha.’

  ‘Yes, I know, the divine one.’

  ‘What you may not be aware of is that word of your presence has spread far and wide. There are millions of my kind who now believe that you are the blessed one who deigns to walk among us.’

  ‘Again, with the greatest respect, I’ve done nothing to encourage this. I’ve always denied it.’

  ‘Many of our texts tell us that the Pa’til’ha does not know of its own divinity.’

  ‘So you’re saying that I might be the divine one but I don’t know it? That’s rather convenient, isn’t it? I deny it and that convinces them even more.’

  ‘Ruby, I am not attempting to establish the literal truth of the matter. What I am saying is that many of my kind believe it and will continue to believe it regardless of what you may say.’

  ‘Do you believe it though?’

  ‘There are many aspects of our beliefs that do not tally with fact, however there is enough evidence to suggest that they have a kernel of truth to them. In reality, it does not concern me that every aspect of The Order may not be the literal truth. What matters most is that its teachings remain strong among our people.’

  Ruby stared back, speechless. The religious leader for the entire planet was saying that, in so many words, she did not believe every part of their religion – a planet-wide belief system that had unified their species.

  ‘So are you saying that if I leave, your religion will be weakened?’

  ‘Ruby, ever since the attack on our homeworld, our military has been gaining both power and influence; indeed, it was they who proposed the motion to succeed from the Affinity. If you leave, many will see this as the emissary of the Gods abandoning us. This will weaken us still further. The Order has kept the peace for over a thousand years. If you leave, we may lose the ability to influence our government completely. There are those who would like us to abandon our core beliefs, which they believe have made us vulnerable. They want to expand our military forces and extend our territory into the local star systems to form a great empire, just as we did in ancient times across the surface of our world. The military have already taken the first step on this path by exacting revenge on our perceived enemy. This is not the way of The Order. Revenge darkens the soul. Following this path could destroy my people and I cannot allow this to happen.’

  Ruby stared into the deep green eyes of the graceful creature squatting on the floor in front of her.

  ‘I’m sorry but this isn’t fair. You can’t lay the future of your world at my feet. It’s too much responsibility.’

  ‘The Universe is rarely fair, Ruby, however this is the situation we are facing. In our time of need, my people will expect me to bring you to my side to guide us through our troubles. Assigning this position to you will allow me to show them that this is being done. It will re-assure them.’

  ‘But I can’t stay. The Paltoor Council has recalled me. They won’t accept it. They…’

  ‘I have already discussed the matter with Paltoor Tan Shah. She has advised me that there is a precedent for your continued presence on our world. You would be deemed Paltoor Mantel-Tak, which means that you have been stationed on our world with a view to preparing us for inclusion into the Affinity.’

  ‘Inclusion? But you’ve just left the Affinity.’

  ‘If Paltoor Tan Shah can convince the council that we may one day re-join the Affinity, your presence here would be justified.’

  Ruby looked at the floor and sighed. Then she stared back at T’pan.

  ‘Why do I get the impression that the decision’s already been made for me?’

  ‘Despite everything you have been told, the decision remains your own. Nobody will force you to remain here against your will.’

  Ruby rubbed her temples vigorously in frustration. Then she closed her eyes in an attempt to focus her mind. Although she would be allowed to leave, she knew that she would never forgive herself if she did. It was of course emotional blackmail, but that didn’t hide the fact that it was the right thing to do.

  ‘There’ll be conditions, if I stay,’ said Ruby finally.

  ‘Ruby, I will not make promises that I…’

  ‘I said there’ll be conditions,’ said Ruby firmly, surprising herself at how forcefully she had spoken. ‘Firstly, I will be allowed free and unrestricted communication with the Affinity. Secondly, I’ll be allowed to use my companion freely, without monitoring. Thirdly, I will be allowed visitors from my own kind as and when I see fit. These conditions are non-negotiable.’

  T’pan blinked with her four green eyes simultaneously. Then she unfolded her legs, rose to her feet and stared down at Ruby. Suddenly, Ruby’s heart was pounding vigorously. Had she just offended the most revered being on the planet with her arrogance?

  ‘I will attend to these matters now,’ replied T’pan after a moment’s contemplation. ‘Thank you, Ruby. I am eternally grateful to you for your wisdom and selflessness.’

  ‘I hope I don’t regret this.’

  ‘That is not something I can guarantee, Ruby.’

  ‘Yes, I had a feeling that might be the case.’

  24 – Friends Re-united

  ‘Good morning, Theo,’ chimed First Mentor. ‘I trust that you are fully rested?’

  Theo rubbed his eyes and looked sleepily back at the swirling column of light in the Sensorium.

  ‘Yeah, I’m OK considering.’

  ‘Good. I did advise you that it was not necessary to conclude this matter so soon after your return. You have been granted five standard days leave following your mission, and Protah Haarrnn Toh is satisfied with your preliminary report.’

  ‘Yeah, I know, but I just wanted to get it all out of the way while it was still fresh in my mind.’

  ‘I understand and I appreciate you taking the time to review the report so promptly. All details, however small, can be significant. Can you please upload your modified report now?’

  Theo rolled his eyes and looked back at First Mentor.

  ‘Done.’

  ‘Thank you, Theo. I apologise that it was necessary to do this in person, so to speak. As I am sure you are aware, public communications channels are deemed insecure for Star Agency operational matters.’

  ‘Yeah, I know, although I’ve never understood why. Entangled modulation is supposed to be completely secure.’

  ‘Indeed it is to the best of our scientific knowledge. However, protocol insists on short-range secure transfer for such transmissions.’

  But instead of answering, Theo stared absent-mindedly at the glowing column of light.

  ‘Theo, you appear to be distracted. Is there something further you wish to discuss with me?’

  ‘No, not really.’

  ‘Are you certain? As I have often said, you may discuss anything that concerns you.’

  Theo felt something brush against the back of his leg and turned to see that a chair had appeared out of the floor. He sniffed and then smiled to himself. First Mentor knew him far too well for him to hide his feelings and had already anticipated a longer conversation.

  Theo sat down and rested his head in his hands. Then he looked back at First Mentor.

  ‘I failed with my mission.’

  ‘I am sorry, Theo, I do not understand. Your report indicates no such thing to me. The intelligence you gathered regarding enemy operations is thorough and extremely useful. I cannot see how you could have done more, given the circumstances.’

  ‘But it’s him, Mulha Ran or Paranoemenos or whatever he wants to call himself.’

  ‘You have further information not included in your report?’

  ‘No, it’s not that. It’s just…well, he’s still alive, isn’t he?’

  ‘According to your report, yes, it is likely that he remains alive. What is th
e point that you wish to make?’

  ‘I could’ve finished it – I could’ve finished him. I had a weapon in my hand and I could’ve killed him there and then. Either that or I could’ve left him trapped. He would never have escaped without me.’

  ‘As you are well aware, Theo, your remit was to gather intelligence only. You are not a trained assassin and nor do I anticipate a time when you will ever be. I…’

  ‘But he’s their leader. If he was dead, the Metah Dah would collapse. I could’ve finished this war for good, but I didn’t. I didn’t kill him because I was weak. I allowed myself to become emotionally compromised.’

  ‘Theo, I understand your concerns, however the removal of a single individual would not have ended this conflict. Indeed, had you killed Mulha Ran, he would have become even more powerful as a figurehead for their struggle. His death would have made the Metah Dah more resolute with their intentions to destroy the Affinity.’

  ‘I’m sorry, I don’t buy it. I saw him in action. He’s a natural leader. None of the rest of ‘em come close. He’s intelligent, resourceful and an amazing warrior. I’ve never seen a pilot as skilled as him. Yeah, OK, they might have made a martyr out of him if I’d killed him, but after that they would’ve fallen apart. None of the other He’tal are strong enough to take his place. He is the Metah Dah.’

  ‘Theo, rarely is a single individual so important. There are almost always others willing and able to replace such a person. Is there something else that concerns you?’

  ‘What concerns me is me. I’m not strong enough for this. You and I both know I should’ve killed him, but I didn’t – I couldn’t.’

  ‘Theo, you should not be angry that killing is not in your nature. The Star Agency fully understands and accepts this. You were on a reconnaissance mission. Had we expected you to terminate the enemy, we would have trained you for this, physically and psychologically.’

  ‘But you don’t understand, I…I…’ Theo dropped his head into his hands, closed his eyes and yelled in exasperation. Then as he opened his eyes and looked up, the lights in the room flickered briefly.

  ‘As I said, Theo, you may tell me anything that you wish. Anything.’

  ‘Yeah, but I don’t think you wanna hear this.’

  ‘Theo, may I remind you that anything we discuss will remain completely private, should you wish it, even from the Star Agency.’

  ‘So nobody’s gonna hear this if I don’t want them to?’

  ‘Correct.’

  Theo sighed.

  ‘The problem is that I…well, I liked him. There, I’ve said it. I know I shouldn’t, but I did. I should hate him… I wanted to hate him but I couldn’t. There was something about him. That’s why I couldn’t kill him and that’s why I didn’t leave him to die.’

  ‘Hate is a destructive emotion, which clouds judgement. That you did not hate Mulha Ran is good.’

  ‘Did you hear what I said? It wasn’t just that I didn’t hate him. I liked him.’

  ‘As did I, once.’

  ‘You?’

  ‘Many years ago, we were familiar. I found him a stimulating and challenging individual. That he chose the path he did is a source of great regret to me. I failed to understand the depth of his feelings. Had I been more detached from him as an individual, it is possible that I might have been able to prevent the destructive conflict that has plagued us for so many years. This matter troubles me still. Although I do not experience emotion in the same way as other species, I believe I understand your regrets. However, those regrets should not cloud your future. That you liked Mulha Ran is not wrong. Indeed, it is possible that your compassion may have changed his perceptions of the Affinity. He may begin to understand that mistrust and hatred no longer drives us as it once did.’

  ‘Yeah, well, it’s gonna be a tough one for me to get my head around.’

  ‘I understand. Should you wish for an extended leave of absence, please let me know. I believe I would be able to persuade Haarrnn Toh, without of course revealing the particulars of our discussion.’

  ‘Thanks, First Mentor.’

  ‘May I now make a recommendation?’

  ‘Yes, of course.’

  ‘I understand that since your return, you have not been in contact with any of your kind?’

  ‘Yeah, that’s right. I can’t face them right now. I know when they look at me, they’ll be thinking I’m a coward. I had the chance to strike a blow for the Affinity and I failed. Even if they’re too polite to say it, they’ll be thinking it.’

  ‘Only Larissa is fully aware of the situation you were placed in and she has been asked not to reveal the details of your encounter with Mulha Ran. The remainder of your kind are aware of your capture and subsequent escape, but little beyond that. Social interaction is very important for your species and you should not allow your reservations to prevent this.’

  ‘OK, I suppose I can’t put it off forever. I think they’re doing something later so I’ll catch up with them then.’

  ‘Good, I believe this would be beneficial to your psychological recovery.’

  Theo stared at the floor for a moment as he mulled First Mentor’s response.

  ‘There is something else I wanted to ask you, actually.’

  ‘Please, go ahead.’

  ‘If I were to have a relationship… a special relationship I mean, would that be a problem for the Star Agency?’

  ‘By special relationship, do you mean a romantic attachment?’

  ‘Yeah, I suppose I do.’

  ‘Yes, this would be permitted on the understanding that you reveal nothing of Star Agency operations to the individual.’

  ‘Oh, of course, that goes without saying.’

  ‘Since you practice concealment techniques, you already know that which you need to withhold such matters, without arising suspicion. All I would advise is that you continue to practice these techniques regularly.’

  ‘Thanks. Of course, it’s only hypothetical at the moment. After everything that’s happened, I don’t know if she still wants me.’

  ‘I am certain that recent events will not have deterred Larissa.’

  ‘You already know who it is?’

  ‘Of course, Theo. Even to a casual observer, it is clear that the two of you have grown close recently. Simple logic suggested that Larissa was the most likely candidate.’

  ‘OK, fair enough. I suppose it was rather obvious. So it’s OK then, if it happens?’

  ‘Yes, Theo. Larissa is an individual of good character. From your report, I see no evidence that you compromised your mission or revealed details of Star Agency operations to her. If such things matter to you, I approve of your relationship and I have no concerns.’

  ‘Thanks, Dad,’ said Theo finally breaking into a smile.

  ‘Indeed. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?’

  ‘Well there is one more thing before I go.’

  ‘Of course, please continue.’

  ‘If I end up in any more life-threatening situations, it’d be nice, just for once, if it didn’t involve falling from a great height. I think I’ve had my fill of falling to my death. Do you think you could arrange that with the powers that be?’

  ‘There are some who say that the Universe has a tendency to inflict what we fear the most upon us.’

  ‘Yeah, that sounds about right. Perhaps it’s my Lusok. Maybe it’s laughing at me instead of smiling.’

  ‘Indeed. Now, is there is anything else you wish to ask of me – anything that I might have control of, that is?’

  ‘Nope, I think that’s it.’

  ‘Good, in which case may your brightest star shine...’

  ‘And yours too,’ said Theo, before turning and leaving the Sensorium. As the doorway closed behind him, the lights flickered once more.

  *

  ‘Theo,’ said a voice from behind him, interrupting his train of thought. Tearing his gaze away from Polisium rolling gently by beneath the observation pod, Theo turned to see
Larissa standing in the doorway.

  ‘Hi, Lari. Thanks for coming.’

  Larissa walked nervously towards him and stopped just out of reach.

  ‘So what’s all this about? Your message sounded a bit, well…weird.’

  ‘Oh, I just wanted to, you know, see you. We haven’t spoken since we got back. I wanted to make sure you weren’t avoiding me.’

  ‘Avoiding you? Why would I be avoiding you? We haven’t fallen out without me knowing, have we?’

  ‘Oh no, of course not.’

  ‘Good. The only reason I haven’t been in touch was because I could see you had things on your mind. When we parted after we were rescued, you hardly said a word. You didn’t even say goodbye.’

  ‘Oh god, I’m sorry, I didn’t realise. It’s just that I’ve had a lot to get my head around.’

  ‘Yeah, I know. It doesn’t seem real now, being back here after everything we went through, does it?’

  ‘No, it doesn’t. It feels like I’m living in a dream.’

  ‘So why did you think I was avoiding you?’

  ‘Well, I thought you might have been…I mean, well…’

  ‘Theo, what are you trying to say exactly?’

  ‘I mean, when we were there, with him.’

  ‘What about it?’

  ‘I thought you might be angry with me – angry I didn’t do more.’

  ‘Like what? What more could you have done?’

  ‘Been, you know, braver – more of a man.’

  ‘How, Theo?’

  ‘I could have stopped him. I could have…I…’

  ‘Killed him, is that what you’re trying to say?’

  ‘Well, yeah.’

  ‘You think I’m angry because I’ve discovered you’re not a murderer?’

  ‘I should have stepped up, you know, taken control. But I didn’t. I was weak.’

  ‘Weak? Theo, what on earth are you talking about? You weren’t weak at all, you were…’

  ‘Lari, stop trying to make me feel better. I know you’re disappointed with me, I’m not stupid. I…’

  ‘Theo, are you actually gonna let me speak?’

  Theo took a deep breath and looked back into Larissa’s deep brown eyes. ‘Sorry, go on.’