"But we are beginning to gain some information about the writers from scrolls in the intermediate levels of script. First," Annette said, "as were suspected, long ago the chambers and archives were established by some species that was not indigenous to the planet. It's almost as if a super race sojourned here for a period of time, and then left without leaving a trace except the archives, the city ruins, and some artifacts."
"The function of the city on the lakeshore is open to question. We have found nothing indicating a Torgai presence, and it certainly wasn't built by them. It's possible it was the home base of this race while they were here, but we find no evidence it was ever occupied or even used. We are beginning to think it existed primarily as a focus, something to impress the Torgai, and not meant to be occupied by anyone. Which could explain why the Torgai consider it taboo.”
Looking around the room, "don't ask where that alien presence came from, or where it went. It came, and just as suddenly left. While little is actually known of this alien race, we do feel that they acted to spark an advance of the Torgai from their earlier hunter and limited farming culture. They acted as teachers or benefactors, which may have been the whole reason they were here.”
“If this is true,” Annette added after the audience noise had subsided, “the aliens were a peaceful, benevolent race. Why they chose to raise the level of the Torgai, and why they chose to leave, we can't even guess. Clearly, however, about 2,000 years ago they did leave and by so doing left the Torgai to their own devices. The text indicates they departed the planet while the Torgai higher civilization was still intact and possibly at its peak. We also know that the level of civilization reached by the Torgai continued for a considerable period after the aliens left, and then fell into decline. For some reason they failed to advance without guidance, and weren't able to sustain the civilization they had achieved. Perhaps that’s why the visitors left; they gave up the job as a wasted effort. We feel the current cultural level of the Torgai is probably very close to what it was prior to arrival of the newcomers."
Takai was intrigued, "any information on when they arrived and how long they were here?"
Annette responded, "we can come pretty close. We think they arrived about 3,000 years ago, and stayed for no more than 1,000 years; which fits with the dating of the crater island construction. Since the blocks used in its construction are similar to obsidian we can make rough estimates based on the thickness of the hydration layer. Using that approach we come up with chamber construction slightly over 2,000 years ago, which is at the tail end of the period of alien presence; but, that in itself is telling. I believe they created the archives just before they left as a bequest to the Torgai for use in the event they were able to raise the level of their civilization by themselves.”
“But as we all know,” she added, “the Torgai failed. Which leaves us as the unintended inheritors.”
Takai sat silently for a moment, then, "which leads to the comparison; that's only a few thousand years after the early Earth civilizations arose, and the stellar map on the cone top apparently includes our sun and Earth. Did Earth have help also""
Annette looked thoughtfully at Takai, "we may never know."
Takai nodded, before continuing, "that's true, but it appears to me the thing of most importance now is not more detail on the Torgai, but finding out what happened to the aliens. Where did they come from and where did they go? Are they likely to return? And, if they do return, are they still benevolent?"
"You're right, of course," Annette responded, "but those are question we just don't have the answers to. Perhaps it will be disclosed when we interpret the later scrolls.”
“There is another thing of interest, however, and that's related to the Kraa. It appears the aliens actively protected the Kraa from annihilation by the Torgai. In fact, it appears they actively worked with both the Torgai and the Kraa on an equal basis for a number of years. That raises some interesting implications."
Takai commented, "it certainly does. Why would they work with or protect the Kraa?"
Annette said, "if you think it through, the answer may be rather obvious. As we know the Kraa are quite intelligent; in fact they have larger, more complex brains than the Torgai; or, in fact, than humans do. When the aliens first arrived which were viewed as having more potential, the Kraa or the Torgai? It’s not unthinkable that, left to their own devices, the Kraa could have developed into the dominant race on the planet. Perhaps the aliens appreciated this fact."
Tanya Moore interjected, "the way the Kraa have incorporated Torgai into their organization and developed new methods, just in the short time we've been here, bears that out."
Annette nodded, "the real implication may be that the aliens would not allow destruction of a species that had a potential to develop. If that's true, what are the implications to us and our future relations with the Kraa? Would these aliens intervene if sometime in the future we attempt annihilation of the Kraa as some have suggested?"
Takai asked, "how much have you found out about the aliens themselves? Any idea of what they looked like? Is the statue an actual representation?"
Annette responded, "we're beginning to get a pretty good picture. We believe the intermediate script is a history of alien involvement with Alpha 2, but we haven't reached the point of discovering much prior to their arrival or anything to hint at why they left or where they went. As to appearance, we believe the statue in the upper chamber is a representation, probably life-size. Some of the sketches in the documents bear that out. If true, they must have evolved from what we consider insects; at least the appearance is insect-like. In size they were considerably larger than the Torgai, which could account for the general size we saw in the city buildings in the crater. We would expect from the size and external carapace of these creatures, if we can extrapolate from the Earth fauna, that they possessed immense strength."
Mark Johnson just sat with his arms folded, shaking his head slowly, "shit", he said, "something like that out there gives me the willies."
Annette laughed, saying, "remember, this is the species we discussed earlier as a benevolent race that protected even species like the Kraa. Don't let appearances fool you. In spite of their ‘bizarre’ appearance, they must have been a peaceful race with a strong moral code."
Annette stopped for a drink of water from the glass on the lectern, and then continued, "our problem is we are limited in decoding the language. The time lapse for messages to and from Earth forces us to rely on our own limited computer resources plus what skills we have here. Sure, a vast amount of information was loaded in the onboard database before we left Earth, and our new graduates are proving a great help. But effective consultation with Earth isn't possible. The specialized computer and linguistic program we received from Earth is what has led to much of the success with the script we have achieved recently. What we can't get from the data base or the program is that 'leap of intuitive thought' which only the human mind can provide. And frankly, the best linguistics minds are on Earth, not here."
Mark asked sardonically, "now that you've told us how hard it is, when can you get the job done? You haven't said its impossible."
"No", Annette said, "it isn't impossible. Even now our progress has been pretty good, just being able to decipher what we have. But our approach is brute force using large amounts of computer time; which is where the new program and the specialized computer is a great help. How long for a meaningful decipherment of complete passages of the highest levels?" Shrugging her shoulders, "we can't really make a guess, it could be years unless someone makes that 'intuitive leap'."
The session continued for several hours, mainly question and answer and speculative discussions, with no special date set for the next session, only a promise to call a special session if there were any breakthroughs.
CHAPTER 16: The Aberi
(November 15, Year 34): Kevin opened the door to the conference room, holding it so Mona could pass through, and then entered. They were
the last to arrive, and most of the seats were taken. In the front row Mark Johnson sat next to Takai Maesaka. Scattered around the room were the other members of Mark's cabinet plus a number of high-ranking members of the scientific community.
As Kevin entered he noticed Sophie Gardner, who motioned for Kevin to join her with an "over here, Kevin," pointing at the empty seat which had apparently been saved for him.
Prime Minister Johnson turned to look around the room, and satisfied, arose to address the group. "I know this meeting is on short notice, but Annette briefed Takai and myself this morning, and I felt that what they have found can't be kept under wraps."
Glancing over at Kevin, "I hope the secrecy hasn't caused too many problems at home?"
Kevin merely smiled, waiting for Annette to take the lectern.
Annette surveyed the room before starting, "in our briefing seven months ago I described what little we knew of the past alien presence here, suggesting it could be years before we have enough to provide a complete picture. But, I was wrong. In the last 2 months the progress has been little less than astonishing. Our new students, and the new program and computer system provided from Earth, have been a great help. We have found the upper chamber wall tells the history of the aliens since they left their native world, arrived here, and left. And further, it also strongly indicates where they were headed from here. And last, the roof contains the key to deciphering the most complex of the archive documents, and there we are making rapid progress."
"As to the archives themselves, the mid and higher level scrolls deciphered to-date are mostly scientific in nature. They describe their technology and even manufacturing processes. As to the aliens themselves, the upper chamber contains astronomical tables, star positions and such. It took some time to correlate the information with our own star tables because of the lapse of time, but it does appear to describe the location of the alien's home world. There the result is rather startling. If we are correct the aliens were not a nearby neighbor, but had a homeworld located several thousand light years away, more that half way down toward the galactic core."
"We don't know what these aliens called themselves, but for convenience the workers have assigned them the name 'Aberi', so I will switch to using that term.”
“It appears," Annette continued, "that the Aberi left their home planet around 50,000 or more years ago or earlier, and are on a 'seeding' expedition; searching for promising species and attempting a jump-start by guiding them with development of written languages, limited technology, and political organization. There is some indication it may also include some limited genetic modification, but this appears to be very limited. Apparently they stay on a planet anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 years, depending on how promising the species looks, and then move on. Typical appears to be 3,000 to 4,000 years."
Annette added, "before Alpha 2 this particular ship had been to several other planets, working with one or more species on each." Annette looked around the hushed room, and after a long pause said, "it appears a planet they visited, and stayed on for some time in conjunction to their stay on Alpha 2, was Earth."
The room was buzzing with side conversations, and Annette waited before continuing. Someone from the back of the room called out, "any idea of where they were and how long?"
Annette nodded, "we pretty well know the time frame, but can only guess at a location. They were on Alpha 2 from about 3,000 BC to 200 BC Earth dates, roughly 2,800 years. We think they were on Earth from about 4,000 BC to 2,500 BC, only 1,500 years. The time on Earth was unusually short, while that on Alpha 2 was near the norm. We haven't been able to determine where on Earth they were, or in what numbers, but it’s fair to assume they may have been in contact with some of the Earth cultures that developed in that time frame, and may have been the catalyst. We may get an answer as we make more progress."
Then, "why they left Earth or Alpha 2, or why 2,800 years on Alpha 2 and only 1,500 years on Earth, we really don't know. They left, I suppose, because they felt they had accomplished their mission, or at least to the extent possible; either that or they gave up on a particular species. The length of time? Maybe they spent more time with the more promising species, we really don't know."
Adding with a quiet laugh, "maybe they just gave up on humans, although it would be nice to think that, since they spent such a short time on Earth, they felt that was all we needed. Remember their purpose wasn't to bring a high civilization to a species, but merely to jump start the promising ones and then allow them to follow their own evolutionary path. We also don't know exactly how they influenced the evolving species, although we know direct intervention was modest. And we don't know how widespread their operations were.
One thing of interest," Annette commented, "it appears customary with them to establish an archives similar to the one on Alpha 2 when they leave a planet, but not always. Which says somewhere on Earth, perhaps in the Middle East, Mesoamerica, or China, an archives may exist. Of course, if one existed, it may have been buried long ago.”
Annette paused for several seconds, looking around the room, before continuing, “however, what I have presented is only for background and not the primary reason for this emergency meeting. Mark wants to address that personally."
Mark Johnson took the lectern, thanking Annette for her presentation; then looking around the room for several moments before starting. "The reason for the special meeting wasn't only to present the findings Annette just went over, but one they came up with earlier this week. The people in this room are all in responsible positions, and I don't want what you hear about this next subject to leave the room. You are free to discuss what Annette covered with anyone you wish.”
“Earlier this week," Mark began, "Annette and her team decoded the location of another destination of the Aberi, one they continued to stay with after they left Alpha 2 and Earth." Mark looked around the room, and after a pause, added, "it was Beta 3."
There was a buzz of conversation in the room, which Mark allowed to continue for several seconds before continuing, "when she informed me I asked her to keep it quiet for now. She has sworn the people on her team to secrecy until we can think through the possible implications.”
“You may all recall Beta 3 was a possible candidate for our colonization, but was largely ruled out because of its general environmental characteristics and high gravity. It simply didn't fit human needs. But, that doesn't say it wasn't suitable for some non-human species. The work on Beta 3 started about 500 years after that on Alpha 2, about 2,500 BC, so it overlapped with their Alpha 2 presence for a considerable period, and, while we don't know when, or if, it ended, we do know they continued to stay there after they left Alpha 2. Since it started over 4,500 years ago Earth time, odds are the Aberi have left Beta 3 by now; but that leaves the question of the native species they left behind."
Mark paused, and again looked around the room, "we have no way to tell whether that species has developed to any significant level, but for some reason the Aberi felt it worth their time to spend a long time on Beta 3.”
Looking around the room, “I think the implications of this, and the reason for secrecy, are clear. Beta 3, while not in our solar system, is part of that of Alpha Centauri's secondary star; our next door neighbor, you might say. The fact we saw no sign of a civilization there with our probes proves nothing; because of the hostile nature of the planet it could very well have developed as a ‘sub-surface’ civilization. Instead of being the sole advanced race in this star system we may have company, and," he added, "they may very well be more advanced than we are, and, unfortunately, we're very far from home."
Mark looked around the room, "there is little we can do now since we presently lack the capability of even investigating Beta 3 except by monitoring transmissions. The Eretz Israel lacks the fuel for such a trip, and we would have to assess the possible reaction to any such visit. If there is a civilization on Beta 3, and they have reached an advanced technological level, it is quite possible they a
lready know we are here; and even if they don’t, sending the Israel would broadcast our presence. In either case they may take a visit by the Israel as hostile. That's why I've asked that this information be kept a secret for now; to avoid unduly panicking the people. I realize we can only keep it quiet for a short time, but hopefully we may know more in the future and can announce the findings in the proper light.”
“But in any case, we need a team put together to establish a plan. This includes whether we attempt to investigate Beta 3 or contact these aliens if they still exist, what capabilities they might have, but also how to respond if they prove hostile; including but not limited to a defensive plan. I've asked Takai, with Sophie's assistance, to establish a taskforce to address these issues."
Nodding to Sophie Gardner, "I expect you to appoint your best people and take whatever time from your normal duties necessary. I also expect everyone in this room to give their fullest cooperation. In addition, I have assigned Kevin full-time to assist Takai in establishing and implementing the plan."
"An item to note," Mark added, "the Israel has been in 'semi-mothballs' for many years with its use restricted to use of the small engines for orbital adjustment for the surveying activity. It may require some significant repair before it can undertake a mission of this scope, and I've asked Captain Meyer to come out of retirement and assist in preparing the Israel. We need the best leadership we have to oversee that preparation, and once that's been accomplished and we have produced sufficient fuel, we need an experienced crew to carry out the mission if it is deemed appropriate. Since this activity cannot be kept secret for long, we'll need a cover story. We suggest the guise of a mission to explore for mineral resources, which everyone knows are in short supply on Alpha 2, is appropriate."
"Second, a little while ago I ordered a pair of our receiving antennas reoriented to pick up signals from Beta 3."
Resurrection: Book II: Settlement Chronicals Page 18
