Legion's Riddle Trilogy Box Set

by K R Sanford

  They walked in silence behind Marco. At length, Chris spoke again. “So who lives in the penthouse?”

  “Ryan lives up there,” said Marco.

  “But, I never see him walking this direction.”

  “He has a private magnavator.”

  “That’s interesting,” replied Chris. “He lives like a wealthy man.”

  “He is. That’s why he’s secretary/treasurer of the corporation. He made a lot of credits investing while Marco and I were in prison. Actually, I was in prison and Marco was under house arrest for five years with his assets frozen.”

  “I heard about that, yeah,” she said. “They couldn’t get to Ryan.”

  “No, he was a legal employee and exempt from charges.”

  “They didn’t see him as a threat to their territory.”

  “No,” he said then fell silent looking at the goings on down the corridor.

  Finally, they stopped at a tall blue door on deck three. Kavin touched the sensor tile, and the door slid open. He walked in. Vito stood in front of the door and nodded to someone inside. He entered the room and was eyeballed by the command group.

  Balrug, and his apprentice, Jimmy the Whip were sitting at a small table with Lao and Thule. Cybil was sitting in a plush chair looking out the door to the balcony. All eyes were on the Admiral. Chris and Hector seated themselves at a small table next to the door. The room was quiet. A feeling of tension was in the air as if news was about to break.

  “This is weird,” said Chris. “The blue door says this room is a public room, but the room is only big enough for a small meeting.”

  “Yeah,” said Hector somewhat detached from Chris’s question. “It’s for playing cards or table games. It was to be a stateroom. This is a starship, and the space gets limited unless you're looking outside.”

  Chris gave Hector a dead-pan face. “If you say something about relativity, I will throw up.”

  “That’s a good one,” said Hector. “But for now, I want to ask Thule something. What happened to your army? And, where’s your scientists, educators and leaders?”

  “Right, for what I see,” said Thule. “We have over two point three million workers and a hand full of rouge leaders. Is this another one of Legion’s riddles?”

  Hector raised his eyebrows and sat up in his chair. He took a breath then turned to Thule. “Where is your leisure class, Thule?”

  “Yes, the absence of our top echelon; we miss them too,” continued Thule. “Funny, how we got this far without them is a complete mystery. They disappeared in the Eye of the Cat.”

  “Come again?”

  Kavin cleared his throat. I should be the one to answer your inquiry, Hector.” Thule nodded in agreement. Kavin continued; “At the center of every galaxy is a transition portal. We call this portal, the Eye of the Cat. There is more to this than meets the eye. Most of our cats have transitioned to a network of active galaxies. These people you rescued are the remnant of a service class, fine people every one.”

  “I’m sure, and I can speak for all our people when I say: We are happy to be of service. This universe has plenty of opportunities for your people.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” Kavin’s face softened.

  Marco looked in wonder watching his facial features change. His body posture morphed into a man twenty years younger.

  Thule’s hand went to his mouth; his eyes began to water in tears of joy.

  Hector turned to Balrug and Jimmy to probe a reaction. Balrug cocked his head to one side with an approving grin. Lao floated head height next to Jimmy in a cool blue. Energy bolts pulsed around his core like background music at a trading port.

  “They found their answer and evolved into an intergalactic civilization,” offered Lao. “They completed their task by entering the Black-hole. This is bold for any civilization. But, there is something else. We have made tests. And it is clear your universe is intact. It is your galaxy. In fact, your galaxy is in perpetual decay. You cannot go back. The decay is rapid and returning to a chaotic state. With the black hole expelled, the galaxy, as you knew, will be a dead zone.”

  "So, the Elite and the Black-hole are now; what in this universe? Are they gone forever?" Thule looked around for an answer from anyone.

  Their eyes turned to Lao.

  “If, I may,” Lao’s voice was polite, even comforting. “Black-holes are never a part of this universe. They are an entity mass unto themselves, unto their own spacetime.”

  Vito cleared his throat, “A little more explanation for the uninitiated, if you please, dear Lao.”

  “Yes, I know, Mister Vito.” Lao’s color changed to a soft violet. “This is one of my favorite subjects; so I want to be clear about how a black hole phenomenon performs.”

  The command group rallied around Lao’s admission of liking anything. Curious what he might say next, they gave their full attention.

  “The key is not to think of a Black-hole as a gravity force that attracts objects based on mass. Rather, think of a Black-hole as a curvature of spacetime. The gravitational mass of the phenomenon is independent. Regardless of mass, the core becomes trapped in the Black-hole because of the space-time curve. The area around the core is separate from the universe. Light does not escape because spacetime curves. Spacetime direction also curves. Therefore, light is hidden beyond the curve and not observable. This is a complexity. This is no longer a three-dimensional phenomenon.”

  Kavin raised his hand. Lao slowed his bolts around his core. He angled the matrix of the spin toward Kavin then waited.

  Kavin cleared his throat. “What of neutrinos reacting around a Black-hole. I thought they only react with themselves."

  “Neutrinos become active at the accretion disk. If something, including neutrinos enters the horizon they fall into the Black-hole.

  The accretion disk is outside of the event horizon. Neutrinos produced in the accretion disk can go on their way with showers of their kind. They will be free to record events and seed those events throughout the galaxy at the speed of light. Those produced inside the event horizon will stay inside the event horizon. They will also be free to act in their same function through the Black-hole destiny.

  You mean like going back through time?

  This is possible, yes, along with assembling executive ports that Legion talks about. One of these executive ports is something you have already experienced. And, one reason he has developed the cosmic bridge through which you became rescued.

  Hector chimed. “So now, our Milky Way Galaxy will be like Grand Central Station. Migrations from the multiverse will need food, shelter and the basics for life. They do not present us with a cottage industry do they, Vito?”

  “No, Hector.” said Vito. “This is a paradigm shift for our future.”

  Marco’s communicator buzzed. “Go ahead, Ryan.”

  “Admiral, we are at the rendezvous point and taking the lead in the tether.”

  “Very well, Captain, carry on: Admiral, out.”

  Chapter 2

  ________________________________________

  HYDRA

  Knowing their Minds is the Key to the Throne.

  BRAVEHEART – 1995

  Marco took command. “I need to ask the representatives of the Liometo to secure their people in the port tower. They are not to wonder around the ship until we are completely free of the wormhole. Is that understood?”

  Thule, Mariah, Kavin and Cybil acknowledged with a simple, “Yes.”

  Marco turned and headed out the door. He was gone before any discussion could continue. Hector was at his side entering the magnavator. Both men separated, making room for the Black Panther springing inside the car. Marco touched the wall sensor. They descended to the main deck.

  The door hissed. Marco’s team walked onto the bridge. He spoke, “Any word from the Emperor?”

  Ryan turned, “Not yet, are you expecting something?”

  I want to do something a little different. Bring our tether up to flank sp
eed. I want the ships at plus light when we enter the wormhole.”

  “It’s about time,” said Ryan.

  “Is that a pun?” asked Marco.

  Ryan sniggered. I wondered when someone was going to try that.”

  Marco grinned. “We have one hundred fifty thousand ships in pack formation. At plus light, I venture our ride is going to be the smoothest in history.”

  “In that case, we should get this train up to speed immediately. If you want to reach that velocity we should start now.”

  “I agree,” said Marco. “Run another scan. I don’t want to get hit with one of those energy bolts and disrupt the tether.”

  “I’ll change my statement,” said Ryan, “Initiating final scan.”

  “That’s right, Ryan, make it happen.” Marco turned to Hector. “What?”

  “You guys are like a couple of kids with a new toy,” said Hector.

  “Yeah, so?” retorted Marco.

  “I don’t know.” Hector shook his head. “I was thinking it is getting like Legion’s fun house around here.”

  Marco pointed his finger at Hector smiling, “And that, is a very good sign.”

  “Well, okay,” Hector’s face lit up amused at seeing the helm in good spirits.

  “What’s that?” said Marco.

  “I was thinking,” answered Hector. “It’s good to see the helm in good spirits.”

  “Did you check the oxygen level?” asked Marco.

  “Running full systems check now.” said Ryan.

  “Check our guests’ requirements and make corrections, Ryan.” Marco turned to Hector. “Hector, double check with your girlfriend in Environmental Services. Then give me a report on the different factions in Liometo society. I want to know what leadership structures they have and where they are in the convoy.”

  “I will send that work to General Stiller over on the Mastodon.” said Hector.

  "Yes, good," said Marco. "That will keep them in the loop."

  The Eagle approached what looked like a city of starships. The Milky Way stretched far in the distance owning to its name with the haze of dense stars and asteroids. As they held their speed to take lead position, a visual of the wormhole was on the main viewer.

  “Tractors are holding both the Mastodon and the Royal Neptune. They can push to plus light if needed.”

  “Acknowledged,” said Marco. “Ask them to standby.”

  “It’s already done,” said Ryan.

  “Very good,” replied Marco. “Let’s get this train running. What do you say, people?”

  Clorissa signaled the ship’s network. Grantham locked into Navigations. Ryan engaged forward drive. Cybil changed back to human form. She seated herself next to Hector at the game table.

  “I need your help again with your people,” said Hector. “It’s about the structure of the different factions of your people.”

  Without blinking or hesitation Cybil replied, “There are five families.”

  “Five?” questioned Hector.

  “Yes,” purred Cybil, “If you count the, Klyntar.”

  “The Klyntar?” asked Hector. “Where are they from?”

  “I am Klyntar,” said Cybil. “We are extraterrestrial. We are symbiotes, from exactly where, I cannot say.”

  “Alright: how about we circle back around to that. What are the other four families?”

  “Raptors: Mariah is this. These are the people who can project future events.”

  “You mean like; predict the future? Did they predict the end of their galaxy?”

  Cybil raised a perfect pencil line eyebrow. “Yes and no: Yes, they can put information together like our galaxy falling. But no, they cannot predict what our rescuers might look like. They have workable imaginings that’s all. They can’t always bring what they imagine into a practical form. That means they can’t make it real.”

  “I understand," said Hector. "They are visionary and a bit lofty.”

  “Lofty,” considered Cybil. "I don't know. They are the most fun group to be around once you get to know them. They are a lively spontaneous group.”

  “Interesting,” said Hector. “Would you say, they live for the now?”

  “Oh, they all are that. This is a very stable civilization. They have an instinct for the basic needs of their families. Thule is head of the executive group and Kavin is an educator and the medical help group. And the last group, you can’t miss them. They are the ones who work and say nothing. They are like machines, cyborgs.”

  “Yes. They were the first to pick up supplies,” said Hector.

  “That’s them, pragmatic like a machine. And, they work together like a machine, one unified machine.”

  Hector was nodding in agreement, “I’m told you’re an interstellar civilization.”

  “They are now," said Cybil, "And very comfortable in space. Who declared us interstellar?”

  “The Amedans,” said Hector.

  “Of course," she replied. "The type III civilization would know all about their competition.”

  “You think you’re people are on the same level as the Amedans?”

  “Yes,” said Cybil. “They achieve interstellar status. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating the resolve of these people or you will soon be working for them.”

  “Point taken, that’s all for now. May I call on you again?”

  “Always, Hector," she replied. "I expect I will need a favor from you one day.”

  Hector straightened, “A favor?” he said eyeing Cybil. “Within reason; we’ll have to see about that.”

  Cybil’s neck stretched long. Questioning she said. “How do we go about gaining your confidence?”

  Hector blinked.

  Cybil smiled, “A game at Vito’s casino once we are through the wormhole.”

  Hector nodded, “That can happen.” He stood and shook her hand, “Until later,” he added with a tilt of his head.

  Cybil returned a subtle smile.

  Hector returned to his weapons station and signed out. He whispered something to Ryan and left the helm.

  Marco looked to Ryan. Ryan made a circle round with his finger.

  Marco raised his chin. He understood ‘ON HIS ROUNDS’ then sat back watching the eye of the wormhole draw closer and closer.

  “We’re good here,” replied Ryan in the manner of routine.

  Marco sniggered. “We are business as usual and a regular routine.”

  “There is no planet,” said Ryan, “Unless Legion is planning a type three civilization for this sector. They bring their planet with them.”

  Marco raised his eyebrow. “You mean like one piece at a time through the wormhole?”

  “We are doing it now as if this is a routine," said Ryan.

  “Most of the things we do are routine for safety. So that would be our ordinary routine.”

  “I don’t think I like the way you phrased that, Admiral,” retorted Ryan.

  “What’s the matter with it?” Marco, playing the straight man acted as if he appeared in a comic routine.

  “It’s the feeling I’m getting," said Ryan. "Like were being watched.”

  “Now, that was random,” said Marco.

  “Very out of the ordinary,” said Ryan. “Wouldn’t you agree?”

  “I would. But now, this is special,” said Marco.

  “Special is it?” questioned Ryan.

  “Very special,” said Marco distracted.

  A moment of silence passed, then another. The helm took on a meditative ease. Each expanded their own form of existential consciousness in the presence moment. The feeling was like a cat waiting at the ready for the slightest change of sight and sound. The sensors danced about the helm. The extra sensory instruments flickered at frequencies in the tether.

  “In that case," replied Ryan. I’m going to need to have some reassurances considering the special change in routine.

  “I’m sorry,” said Marco. “I’ve already given my reassurances to my ship,”

&nbs
p; “What am I supposed to say to that?”

  “Well, I don’t know. It’s not my problem. Is it?”

  “No it’s not. And, since I am the hired help, I don't need to come up with a snappy answer.”

  “You would think, but you’re not going to get off that easy.” said Marco wagging his head back and forth like a Hindu Swami.

  “Yes, and we have come full circle, haven’t we?”

  “Round like a circle in a spiral,” said Marco.

  “Or a spring,” quipped Ryan.

  “Or a coil from a spring,” answered Marco.

  “Like we are not already going in circles?” replied Ryan.

  “Not at all,” said Marco. “We are moving like a spiral, climbing as an incline on the surface of spacetime. We are sliding on our whet-field to plus light.”

  “The proverbial slippery slope of change from a different state to another,” said Ryan.

  “That was entangled,” said Marco. "I like it."

  “Excuse me boys,” said Clorissa.

  Both men turned. Clorissa was pointing her thumb at the magnavator behind her naked back.

  “Hector left a message that the atrium looks like a zoo with animals lurking and big cats in the trees.”

  “I expected as much," said Marco. There’s nothing we can do about that right now. Tell Hector the Liometo are to stay in the starboard tower. That includes the atrium. If he wants Chris, he’ll have to tell security to hand her over.”

  “Aye, aye, Admiral, I'll tell him,” replied Clorissa turning back to her station.

  Marco continued with a smile of satisfaction. He desired the chance to question Ryan. He took a breath to gain his composure. “So, the weak force supplies the matrix for the whet-field, and the flux fortifies the continuum. The sustained dilation maintains plus light. Our ship scales from this wormhole down to the quantum level because of the weak force. Do I have that right?”

  “You almost got it,” replied Ryan. “Except to say, we scale with the whet-field by way of the transmissional appliance. The electrons interlock because of the isolated magnetic field. This is what makes strong force flux realign to the highest gravitational plane. Energy anomalies would self-organize to one of the ships if we lagged too long. You already tested that twice. The faster the better: We want to show a plush ride for two point eight million passengers and crew.”