by K R Sanford
“We are working on that,” said Marco. “Although, I have to say, we have only been aware of your numbers since you came onboard. Not to worry, the Amedans are a species that can perform miracles.”
Cybil chuckled, “I know the Amedans, Marco. They are very capable, I agree.”
“Yes, that’s right,” replied Marco.” What did your people do for sport before the crises?”
“We had races and events like your Festival but with local spacecraft. The course would be around the planet or to a nearby moon and back again. Those games were for the Liometo themselves. Species like shape-shifters would spoil their rules I’m afraid. It’s not that we would cheat. It is not in our makeup to lose. Also, there is something else. How can you trust a competitor who can change invisible?”
“Point taken,” replied Marco. “This is something for Governor Grantham and King Devin. It is time we ask them to join us. Are you okay with talking about the needs of your people?”
“Yes,” said Cybil, “The sooner the better.”
“Fine,” said Marco. “Clorissa, will you be kind enough to ask Grantham and Devin to join us here on the bridge for a consultation?”
“It’s already done, Admiral,” Clorissa gave a quick turn of her head. “They are on their way.”
Marco pointed to the viewer. “The cluster of stars in the center of the viewer is the Corsi Star System.”
Cybil sat up proud. She looked at something in the viewer. “This system has an asteroid belt like your home solar system. What is the name?
“You mean; the name of Earth’s star system?” asked Marco.
Yes, the star system,” said Cybil, “of your home planet, where you were born.”
“Strange as it might seem, it’s called The Solar System. Here’s another one that might surprise you. Do you know what we call our Sun?”
Cybil raised her eyebrow ready for play, “The big bright light in the sky?”
Marco beamed with pride. “Almost,” he said, “The Sun. Can you believe that, ‘The Sun’. You would think they would come up with something better than, The Sun.”
“Yes,” said Cybil, “It makes a girl wonder what’s going on inside their silly heads.”
Marco, searching for a comeback, rocked his head from side to side like a Swami lost in the barren sands of the Sahara. “They might have been searching for Nirvana and didn’t think it all that important.”
“Yeah, that’s it," replied Cybil straight-faced. And here we are talking about them like they’re listening.”
Marco chuckled. “Have you tried the pate?” he said, pointing to the meat spread.
“It smells like alcohol,” she said.
“There is some brandy in the spread with vegetables and fish. I thought you might like that.”
“Oh, I would, but I don’t use alcohol.”
“No,” replied Marco. “The alcohol evaporated when it was cooked. This is the flavor from the brandy.”
“There’s not enough to make any difference. I’ll try it,” she replied.
She made herself a spread on a cracker and was enjoying the spread when the magnavator hissed open. Devin and Grantham stepped out.
“Fine day,” announced Devin.
Grantham threw back his thumb. He smiled, shook his head and said, “Devin has been keeping us in stitches all afternoon.”
“Where have you been?” asked Marco.
“The Royal Quarters in the spa,” replied Grantham. “What’s up?”
“You are, as I can see. Pampering yourselves in the King’s Quarters, I envy you Grantham. I’m glad to see you’re enjoying your stay,” said Marco.
“Oh, here it comes,” said Devin. “He’s going to put us to work, Governor.”
“Yup,” said Grantham. “It was all too good to be true?”
“It was true alright,” said Devin a bit tipsy.
“Marco didn’t smile. He held Devin’s gaze then paused. “Okay,” he said turning to Grantham. “The reason I called you two is for our quests. Gentlemen, the Liometo need housing during Festival. Then finally, they need permanent homes on Ameda.”
Grantham stepped forward. “We need to plan on making arrangements for their cities, well organized cities. The cities will need adequate services. And, before they touch land, they will need stores with food, medical supplies, transportation, communications, and all the basics.”
“Yes, the entire integration into the Milky Way network,” replied Marco.
“This is an open-ended request," said Devin. And, we don't know the intent of their parent civilization.”
“That’s right,” replied Marco. “Only, it’s safe to say, this is the concern of the Emperor and his team. He is on his way to deal with them now.”
“Yes, we were talking about that when the ships disengaged the tether,” said Grantham. “Was there something else you would like to talk about before we go back to our rest period?”
“Yes,” said Marco with a smug look. “Your rest period is canceled. You are hereby ordered to introduce the Liometo to a working knowledge of Festival. You will both do so until every man, woman, child, and shape-shifter are off this convoy and en route to Ameda. You look a bit pale, Governor. Would you like to take a seat? I’m going to ask you to talk with Cybil. Then, I will call Lao. He will complete the details with the Corsi High Council. Meaning, we don’t have time for over-extended rest periods.”
Grantham quipped, “It’s a small matter, Admiral. Where would you like us to sit?”
Marco’s face light up, “Take my seat, right here next to the food cart. I know you will like what they made for us today.”
Marco returned to his command chair. Grantham and Devin sat across from Cybil looking over the food. Devin gave Grantham a blank stare then turned to Cybil.
“What can we help you with, Cybil?” he asked.
“I would like our people to network with the locals in Shrine lake Village. We can pay our way with these.” Cybil set two clear crystal spheres on the table.
“Oh yes,” said Devin. “I have heard about these, power cells used as currency. They will get you anywhere; including, on the list of the most wanted in this galaxy. ”
Cybil put the power crystals back in her waist belt. “Not a subtle hint,” she said.
“No,” replied Devin. “And, I would tell you to find a safe place to store those trinkets during Festival.”
“Any suggestions?” she asked.
Devin considered then replied, “The City under the Mountains. That is where the Emperor and the Amedan High Council have their home base.”
“We are entering orbit around Ameda,” said Ryan turning from the viewer.
“Maintain standard orbit, Ryan,” said Marco. “Hold our altitude at thirty thousand miles.”
“Aye, aye, Sir,” said Ryan.
“Something else,” continued Marco. “Contact my daughter and Pawdell. Have them meet us at my shuttle in thirty.”
“Aye, aye, Sir, anything else?” asked Ryan.
Marco smiled, “Yes, grab your jackets. We are all taking a ride to the City under the Mountains. Hector,” continued Marco. “Ask security to escort Thule and Kavin to the flight deck. I want them on the Eagle II along with Mariah.”
“Good,” said Hector, “I was thinking of them. That will give them a taste of a type three culture.”
Marco raised an eyebrow. “They are a bit more advanced than that, but yes. It will be good and worth their time.”
“Worth their time,” repeated Hector, “I’ll pass that along.”
“Thank you, Mister Blackstone,” replied Marco. “After that we better get going. I don’t want to be late to our own party.”
The magnavator doors hissed shut. Ryan switched the bridge to full auto. The lights on the control panel flickered like a pinball machine at full throttle. The helm went under green light. The viewer came to life with bold letters that read: SALLY ON.
Chapter 5
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CITY UNDER THE MOUNTAINS
Well, I’m standing next to a mountain;
Chop it down with the edge of my hand.
Pick up all the pieces, make an island,
Might even raise a little sand
‘Cause I’m a voodoo chile, Lord knows I’m a voodoo chile
I didn’t mean to take up all your sweet time
Give it back to you the rest of your days
I won’t see you in this world,
See you in the next one.
Don’t be late, don’t be late
‘Cause I’m a voodoo chile, Lord knows I’m a voodoo chile
Voodoo Child
Jimi Hendrix – recorded in 1968
Cover by – Stevie Ray Vaughan
The Eagle II streaked from the belly of the flagship. She held an attitude of forty–five degrees. Their trajectory: the southern edge of the Shrine Mountain Range. They were heading to the shallows off Emerald Sea. The shuttle banked like a fighter. They were picking up spray off the surface of the water. Like a vale, a wake shot into the air a hundred feet. The spray glistened against the sunlight. It was playing the aurora borealis above the deep green waters.
“Lao is not the only one who can make water drift sideways,” said Marco spying a feature in the distance cliff.
Grantham’s low guttural voice gave a chuckle. “Lao’s not going to like the challenge.”
Marco turned to Grantham and declared, “Good, I guess he’ll have to do one better,” adding a head wobble.
“Hmm,” grunted Grantham raising an eyebrow. “He might. It’s been a full year. And Festival is getting started on time with or without the King. That’s you, Devin.”
“Yes, I know," said Devin brushing off the speck on his shoulder. "I’m looking forward to it. I have a feeling Festival is going to outdo itself without my help.”
“In more ways than one, for that, I’m certain,” said Marco banking the shuttle away from shore. “Check the entrance, Ryan, something’s different.”
“Trees,” said Ryan.
“Trees?” balked Marco.
“Yup, trees,” replied Ryan.
“Well, imagine that,” said Marco.
“No,” replied Ryan, “You don’t have to imagine that. They’re real.”
“Alright, well, they look damn tall,” insisted Marco.
“Oh, and they are,” said Ryan.
Marco gazed out. He returned Ryan a questioning raise of his eyebrow. “What’s going on here; has the entrance changed?”
Ryan, checking the calibrations on the viewer shook his head. “No, the entrance is the same. It is open for use. It looks smaller next to those trees.”
“Alright,” said Marco, “Stand by for breach.”
Marco put the Eagle II into another bank. The shuttle shimmied over the surface of the sea. He brought the nose in line with the entrance then rolled back on the throttle. The shuttle slowed.
Shrine Mountain loomed high above the entrance. In the distance the entrance looked like a dot. The tall trees on either side fixed the entrance against the hillside. The visual of the tall trees and the dot floated like an island above the rolling surf and the white sands. Marco looked at the viewer.
“I see why they put the trees alongside the entrance. It makes it easier to spot a landing point. I mean, I can see what I’m doing.”
“With the naked eye,” said Ryan. “And they look good.”
“They do look good,” replied Marco somewhat giddy. “I would say those trees are three times the height of the entrance. That’s what I would say. What’s the viewer say?”
“The viewer says,” replied Ryan with a playful grin. “The one on the right is three hundred thirty-five feet tall. And the one on the left is three hundred thirty-seven feet tall,” replied Ryan turning back to Marco.
Marco was speechless. He shook his head in disbelief. He put his hands on the controls and guided the shuttle above the breaking surf. He held their position for a short moment to feel the pounding surf beneath the hull. He raised the tiny ship and hovered at the base of the tall trees. A walking path led to a door along the side of the entrance.
“Look there,” pointed Marco, “An access door. Governor, this might be for your people. Did you know about this?”
“They have been talking about this for years,” said Grantham. “It looks like they finally made it happen. The door is most likely for storage, spare lights and food for the trees.”
“Until the trees get settled?” inquired Marco.
“Yes,” replied Grantham. “But also, I was thinking of the bare area off to the side. It looks like they are going to transplant more trees for the tall ones.”
“It will be like a nature park,” replied Marco.
“We have been talking about this for years,” said Grantham. He waved his hand up and down the coastline. “The fishing is abundant here. When the sun is high our fisherman can us this place for shelter. Now they can use the shade of the tall trees. It is pleasant enough. One can have lunch, watch their boats or lounge around on shore if they want.”
“Sounds like fun, Grantham," said Marco. We better not say anything to Vito. He might build a floating casino out there in the center of things.”
Grantham’s eyes calculated.
Marco responded. “Don’t get too excited, Grantham. I’m sure the Amedans will be talking about this for years too.”
“It’s a good idea," replied Grantham. "And the word is out. The Corsi Star System is sustainable, and open for business. Your investments are a safe bet here. It’s the home of the great Emperor Lord Legion. No one is going to chop this mountain down with the edge of their hand.”
Marco flinched. He was seeing strength in Grantham he had not seen before. He gave him a respectful nod. Marco realized Amedan’s top leader was looking him in the face. He turned to Devin. Devin raised a knowing eyebrow and smirked. Marco tipped his head.
“All ahead slow,” he said. “Lets’ bring the Governor home with respect.”
“Always,” said Ryan.
“But before we do that,” said Marco, "Does anyone know the name of these trees?” Grantham turned in his seat. “They are redwoods.”
“Yes, I know that. I used to see many of these trees in the Muir Woods north of my home. They are something.”
“These are the Sequoia semperviren,” said Devin. “They are the tallest redwoods.”
“How do you know about this?” asked Marco.
“We have been talking about this for many years. I know this because they come from Woodland Forest. They grow where you lived those many years with Balrug,” replied Devin.
Marco directed Ryan with a motion of his hand and the shuttle moved toward the mouth of the entrance. As they entered the mountain, five blue lights lit the passage in front of them.
“Are we arrested?” asked Chris.
“No,” said Grantham. “We need to wait until they scan our shuttle.”
The blue lights dipped, one light dipped more than the others.
“Here we go,” said Grantham. “Sit tight, they will tell us what to do.”
A Marillian guardsman stepped in front of the lights. His bronze skin glistened in the glare. His scaly lips, lidless eyes and flat nose told of his reptilian lineage. His body was like a man. His feet were webbed with five claws. He was as tall as Grantham, about seven feet. He wore a blue tunic that hung below his hips. A shiny black leather vest was around his chest. His waste belt held a weapon, a communicator and sealed leather pouches round about.
He stepped in front of the lights then turned.
He faced the lights. He raised his right hand and extended his index finger over his head. The lights did a snappy roundabout and stopped facing the inside of the tunnel. One of the five blue lights remained as it was, listing over on its side. The guardsman marched to his blue light. It lifted as the others. It too made a snappy turn around then drifted back in formation.
Bright red lights came on and the five white lights lit the tunnel up ahead. The column formed a delta wedge and moved forward.
“Okay, Admiral,” said Grantham. “We follow, keeping three shuttle lengths away. The two outside speeders will droop behind us to cover our stern.”
Marco turned to Grantham, “So this is how you get around the planet when you’re on official business?”
Grantham gave a low guttural chuckle. “My dear Marco, this escort is for you and Devin. It’s not every day the King comes home from a yearlong mission. And, it’s not every day we escort an Admiral.”
“Until now,” said Marco in disbelief. “Come on, Governor, you can’t be serious.”
“You might be in for a shock," said Grantham. "Our people think being Admiral of the Middle Corridor is a great achievement. Your authority stretches to Sag A Star, at the center of our galaxy.”
“That’s a quarter of the Milky Way,” said Marco.
“It’s more than that,” said Grantham. “Your authority goes beyond the Black-hole. It's beyond spacetime. Your authority is fluid throughout the multiverse."
“The one we came in through,” said Marco. He activated the guidance, locking onto the speeder in front. “I hope they don’t expect me to jump galaxies while I’m Admiral.”
“Me either,” said Grantham. We don’t have the physical bodies to make that jump. You need the Emperor’s body.”
“The type four body.” said Marco. “I figured as much.”
“But you are a type two,” replied Grantham. “Your mind recognizes your value in the universe.”
“And beyond?” said Marco with a boyish grin.
Grantham chuckled. His low guttural laughter went on longer than expected. The crew took notice.”
“Are you alright?” asked Clorissa.
Grantham laughed again. His laugh was uncontrollable. He went on with a monotone laugh. Finally, with a deep breath he stopped. He straightened himself, turned to Clorissa and replied, “Release of tension.”
“Okay,” she retorted shaking her head. “Some people get all the fun,” she smiled. “I’m happy to be back too,” she continued then began to weep.
