by K R Sanford
“How are we doing for a safety margin?” asked Marco.
Ryan took a drink of water then spoke. “The Royal Neptune and the Mastodon can absorb displacement. Failure is eliminated by holding our distance in the center of the wormhole. This will give us a fifty percent safety margin in the case of energy loss in the tether.”
“Wow, I'm humbled,” added Marco.
“Don’t be. The Eagle is a flying city with renewable power, no shame there.”
Marco perplexed replied, “I’m a little vague on how the whet-field assembles with of our gravity. And, how the strong force transfers mass to the weak force."
Ryan nodded. “The whet-field flux takes advantage of the weak interaction to violate parity. And, simple redirecting of gravity in motion gives us our spacetime curve plus light. The weak force phase is the transmissional appliance for gravity to push mass in the tether.”
“I do envy your brain power, Captain Majors. It’s in times like these I feel like a mental midget next to you.”
“Yes, but you have very good teeth, Admiral.”
“You see, that’s true.” smiled Marco. "And, I'm not the least bit ashamed about that."
Cybil lifted an eyebrow, “Why are you so interested in Marco’s teeth? Don’t you have a girlfriend somewhere, Commander Captain Ryan?” Cybil hissed spinning herself out of her chair. “Come on, Marco, I need to use your bathroom.”
"Right,” he said pulling himself to his feet.
Marco held the magnavator door and called down the hallway. “We’ll be back."
Cybil stepped into the car. “I know Ryan isn’t lazy,” she said. “Only I sense emotional need from him."
Cybil's empathic gift was of great interest to Marco but it gave him pause. He studied her intently.
"It might do him some good if he were helping my people settle in,” she suggested.
“Settle in?” replied Marco.
Cybil replied. “Is preparing people for their new home a good task for someone with emotional needs?”
Marco, sensing emotional need from Cybil, cautiously replied. “Now I know what’s directing you, and I agree. You have to get word back to your people with someone like Ryan. I can ask him to go with you if you think your technicians can keep up with him.”
Cybil took a breath and smiled. “They would feel you have taken a real interest in their welfare.”
“Of course," said Marco. "I should have seen this earlier.”
“Not at all, Marco,” said Cybil. “You were conducting thought experiments on coupling this convoy for light speed. These people are also skilled in interstellar travel. They can be of help to you. And now, here is an opportunity to blend them into the work force. This is very good.”
Marco, straight faced, responded. “No.”
“Why not,” replied Cybil.
“It’s not that simple,” said Marco. “People in this galaxy are afraid for their jobs. It’s how it is. No. It’s not about your people or our people. The Liometo have to make a contribution to the future of the Milky Way Galaxy. Do you understand?”
“Umm hum,” she purred. “What does Ryan have to say about this?” she asked.
“The question is,” replied Marco. “What does Legion have to say about all this?”
“Or Vito," she replied, "He’s a smart man.”
“Yes he is. As a matter of fact, we have a lot of smart people on board. And, I have an idea.”
“Whatever it is," said Cybil, "I like that look in your eye.”
“It’s good,” he replied reaching for his communicator. “Devin, are you available? Come in, Your Majesty.”
“Yes, Marco," replied the baritone voice. "What can I do for you?”
“I need you on the bridge with The King’s Game. We need to sort out a problem.”
“I’m on my way," said Devin, "Over and out.”
“Thanks Devin; Miller out.” Marco turned to Cybil. “I’m going to ask Devin to run a table game. Do you like table games?”
“This is no ordinary table game, is it?” Cybil asked.
“I hope not." Marco scratched his head. "We have 2.3 million gods to make before we reach Ameda.”
Cybil smiled. “Well, in that case, I love table games.”
Marco tapped the sensor on the magnavator. They stepped onto the bridge.
Clorissa looked up from her station for a moment. She continued monitoring the wormhole.
Ryan was sending security data to the ships’ tether. His console lit up from the ships carrying the Liometo people.
“What are you doing over there,” asked Marco.
“I’m confirming the data on our guests," said Ryan, "The Liometo.”
“And how’s it going?” asked Marco.
Ryan shook his head. “The Royal Neptune has compiled data that will be studied for years. Their talents, abilities skills, aptitudes and gifts surpass the Elite from Earth.”
“Alright," said Marco. "You better lock up that information. We have a lot of work to do before we introduce these people to the galaxy. Let’s not forget, we are only caretakers of Legion’s new prize.”
Ryan nodded, “This study is now locked away in the archives.”
“Very good,” Marco gave a hand signal to Ryan. “Call, Hector to the bridge. We are going to play The King’s Game. Also, call Vito and ask him to join us. Have him bring Thule, Kavin and Mariah. Clorissa, ask the cafeteria to send up some food and refreshments for our guests.”
The magnavator hissed. King Devin and Queen Elsinor entered. Lady Lucia followed dressed in a shapely yellow pant suit. It was trimmed with fine silver lace. Her chestnut hair flowed down her back.
Cybil immediately sat up. She studied the royals. Every inflection on their face and hands was now in the eye of Cybil the Cat. She stood to her feet. She cleared her throat. Everyone turned.
Marco, seeing the group polarize, clapped his hands. He smiled. “Introductions,” he announced. Turning to Cybil he continued, “Cybil, is the reason we are here today. She is a symbiote to the Liometo people. She is being honored for her courage in leading her people from a collapsed galaxy. She has guided them into safe territory with the aid of our Great Emperor Legion.”
The magnavator door hissed. Vito stepped out with the Liometo lead team.
“If everyone will take a seat, please” said Marco wearing a pleasant smile. He showed them to their chairs around the game table.
The magnavator door opened. The cafeteria staff entered. They brought in the food carts and trays onto the bridge. Hector followed next with Chris Thacher close at hand. High Council Lao floated in behind. His outer core animating blue marble swirls.
Marco raised his chin. “Thule, Mariah, Kavin may I present, King Devin, Queen Elsinor and Lady Lucia of Shrine lake. They are all from the planet Ameda. Your Majesty, we can start the game when you are ready.”
Devin, seeing Marco’s diligence took a seat midway along the table. He shuffled a deck of cards. He fanned them out across the table then spoke. “Pick a card, everyone. Look at it and hold onto it. You will use it in a minute, you too, Cybil.”
After the cards were in their hands, he invited the Liometo leaders to sit in the seats. He stacked the remaining cards and set them to one side.
“What is this,” asked Kavin.
“This is an intuition game,” he replied. Devin, unfolded a heavy black cloth with markings and symbols. He spread the cloth on the table and placed game tokens in the center.
The symbols in the game cloth were embroidered in silver and gold. They lay side by side in square segments. They wound along the length of the cloth shaped in a figure eight. The game tokens in the center of the cloth were wooden. They were hand carved in the image of animals.
“This is, The King’s Game,” he said setting a new deck of cards in the center of the game cloth. He placed an upright wheel next to the cards. The wheel had the same markings round about as the segments in the figure eight. A pointer was added on the side of th
e wheel at three o’clock. “This wheel is, The Wheel of Fortune. If our guests will each pick a token, we will begin.”
As the four Liometo made their choice, Devin dropped a pair of playing dice next to the wheel. They landed on seven.
Vito smiled. He quipped, “You lose, Devin.” He stepped to the table to examine Devin’s Game.
“The highest number goes first,” replied Devin.
“Kavin, would you like to roll the dice and get things started,” said Devin.
Kavin reached over and picked up the dice. He gave them a role. “Ten.”
“Very good,” said Devin, “Cybil, your turn.”
Cybil rolled Six.
“Thule, you’re up,” said Devin.
Thule picked up the dice and blew on them for good luck. He tossed them like he was playing craps. “Eleven.”
Vito laughed, “Have you been to the casino, Thule?”
“I stopped by before we got our rooms. Very interesting place, Mister Vito, “And right next to the cafeteria.”
Vito raised his eyebrow and gave an approving nod.
“Yes, Mariah,” said Devin. The best is saved for last. It’s your turn.”
Mariah dropped the dice off the tips of her fingers. “Twelve.”
“Alright then,” replied Devin. “You rolled the highest number, Mariah. You roll again. Then you count the number you roll and set your token in that square. You start at the center where you find the gold crown. You may move your token in any direction; north, south, east or west. Remember, once you start you cannot move backwards. You must continue in that direction until the game has ended or when you have reached your goal.”
Mariah picked up the dice again and rolled. She rolled eight. With the eagle token in hand, she tapped out eight squares north then set it down, “Now what?” said Mariah.
“You pick a card,” replied Devin, “From the top of the deck. It was already shuffled.”
Mariah flipped over the top card, Stagnation, Eight of Cups. She studied the picture on the card. She saw flowers in a vase with wilting leaves. Ice and snow of winter framed a pool of muddy water. The card was a collage of broken vases, symbols of broken promises and unfulfilled dreams.
“This means, a time for emotional rest,” said Devin. “Remember, all life comes out of the swamp. So, be patient and know that new life is germinating.”
Mariah handed the card to Devin saying nothing. He slipped her card under the bottom of the deck.
Pointing at Kavin, Devin said, “Let’s give Kavin a turn.”
Kavin picked up the dice and tossed them across the cloth, a six and a four. “Interesting,” he said “Another ten.” He tapped out ten spaces from the center, moving south on the cloth. He set his token, the bull, on the square with the gold spoke wheel.
“The Wheel of Fortune,” said Devin. “Now you spin the wheel.”
Kavin spun the wheel with his finger. He studied the five legged stand holding the wheel. The wheel stopped at fourteen. “Did you invent this game, Devin?
“Parts of it,” he replied. “Fourteen is the archetype for the artist in you. The Artist symbolizes creativity. The Artist has the talents, abilities, skills, aptitudes and gifts to recombine old forms into a person, place or thing.”
Kavin cocked his head. “I’m not sure if I was lectured or tested. You have put a lot of thought into this game, Devin. Where did you get the idea for all these metaphors?
Devin paused. He smiled then took a breath. “The major and minor arcana go back before the time of the ancient Egyptians, from Earth. The face cards show your connection with the collective unconscious. This is the primordial reservoir of the universal mind of the traveler.”
“The wheel gets the player into the archetypes,” said Kavin”
“Yes, so do the cards with your questions.”
“Questions?” queried Kavin.
“People who play this game seek deeper answers to their life issues. They make inquiries in the form of questions. They might bring a problem, a puzzle, a dilemma or a question, like Mariah’s card of Stagnation. After what you all went through this makes sense. Being abandon by your Elite and left to die would feel like a great betrayal, I would think. This is your game. We are here to help you play the game and prepare you for your journey. Thule, you are next.”
The bridge was silent digesting what Devin said.
Vito reached out and gathered the dice then set them in front of Thule.
Thule looked at Vito in his black tuxedo and manicured hair then gave him a slight nod of recognition. He blew on the dice. Once more with an engaging smirk then rolled them over the game cloth. Thule picked up the lion token and tapped out six spaces. He picked up a card off the top of the deck. He turned it over and laid it on the table.
“Man of Worlds, Achiever,” said Devin. “With teamwork, will-power, and the spirit of a fighter, you will achieve your goals.”
“Thank you,” said Thule. “This was my thinking.”
“Yes,” replied Devin fishing for more. Thule remained tight lipped. “Okay,” continued Devin, “Cybil, your turn.”
Cybil threw the dice underhand. They rolled in a straight line, landing on eight. She went west eight squares then set the token of the man on the square. Reaching to the deck she flipped over ‘The Sage of Wands, The Seer.’
“You are a sage, Cybil, said Devin. “You have seen the light. Like the animals, you trust your instincts. You listen to what your senses have to say.”
Cybil, cool as a cat, gave Devin a knowing nod.
Devin smiled. “Here, we can come in as a group or ask for clarification.”
Mariah, questioned, “Ask for clarification? How do you that?”
“Think of your question, Mariah. Then, spin the wheel, roll the dice or pick a card. Or, do all three until you have more options for your journey. We want to understand the people you travel with. So, here is a chance to talk to one another about your fears and concerns.”
“What do we do if the Elites find us here in your galaxy?”
“Play the game,” said Devin. “Anyone here can join you. They can add perspective to your question.”
“I’ve got it,” said Mariah. She reached over and spun the wheel with the flat of her hand.
Vito took a step forward and picked up a card. “My question is: What would be the best direction in using my resources to secure a future for your people?” He set his card on the table, Child of Crystals, Learner. “I don’t follow this clarification, Devin.”
“I don’t either,” replied Devin. “Pick another card to explain the Child of Crystals.”
“You can do this,” asked Mariah.
“Yes,” said Devin. “Vito, would you care to choose another card?”
Vito reached over and cut the cards turning over deck. He showed the II, Princess. “I keep going?”
Devin replied with an emphatic, “Yes.”
Vito gave the cards a quick shuffle and cut the cards again, Man of Cups, Surfer.
“You feel exhilaration and excitement from riding emotional highs. You like challenges and danger. This is where you keep your emotions under control so you do not lose balance.”
“And the Princess card?” asked Vito.
Devin shrugged. “You adore the ladies more than you let on.”
“I’ll play on that question,” said Vito.
“I would, but you can also move on.”
Vito considered. He picked up the dice and tossed them across the game cloth. “Whose token do I use?”
“You are following the line of Mariah. You might use hers.”
Vito picked up the Eagle. He advanced her token eleven spaces. He turned over the top card, Ten of Crystals, Delusion.
“Anyone?” asked Vito.
“I know this one,” said Lady Lucia. “This is a mental checkup. Your mind creates illusions. But, delusions and hallucinations make you a farsighted visionary. Follow your farsighted dreams. See if your thinking is fanciful or fortune
-mongering. Since great ideas are too far out for most, take the risk.”
“Careful when talking to Lucia, she will change your life,” said Marco.
“I know,” replied Vito. “Lucia is a shrewd person.”
“Mariah,” inquired Lucia, “How would these Elite threaten you and your people in this galaxy?”
Mariah’s face stiffened. “These are advanced beings. They can use the center of galaxies to travel through trap-door curves.”
“Black-holes,” said Ryan. “She’s talking about traveling through the intergalactic grid, entanglement.”
“Yes, I know,” chimed Marco. “We have been talking about this since our guests came through the cosmic bridge. The Amedens and Legion’s people will need to see the data.”
“I can assure you, Admiral,” said Lao in a steady cool tone. “Legion already knows who and what anomalies are penetrating Sag A Star, including the wormhole colony. Then there are the one thousand-plus Black-holes surrounding Sag A Star. Starnet gives us probabilities by the minute. Protecting the Milky Way and its satellite galaxies is our prime directive.”
“And it’s our prime directive too,” said Marco.
Vito held up his hand then spoke. “The Riddle collectively controls interdimensional traffic.”
Ryan cleared his throat. “For our guests, the Riddle is the Emperor Legion and his Type Four team.”
“That’s right,” said Marco.
“What is everyone’s
And what is no one’s
And has the power to generate a universe?”
“Ryan, check our shield and give us a probability of occurrence.”
Ryan waved his hand over his viewer. “We are breaching the Amedan wormhole in thirty minutes. We are all clear. Our tether is stable. At this speed we have a shield mass of the planet Jupiter. Who said there wasn’t power in numbers?”
Lao brightened and his bolts flared. “I didn’t hear anyone mention the power of numbers. Ryan, one day you will have to show me the formula you are using to calculate the shield mass.”
“Oh. I would be happy too, High Council,” said Ryan. He held up his middle finger and said, “Here calculate this, Lao.”
