“Maybe,” said Dren. “It all depends upon the type of teleport your mysterious ‘the One’ used on us. What do you think, Nick?”
“Oh,” said Nickelo, “I normally don’t bother Rick with theoretical details unless there’s a need. He tells me it makes his head hurt.”
You’re a butt, Nick, Richard thought privately.
Nonsense, replied Nickelo. I’m a computer. I don’t even have a body much less a butt.
“You two are talking again,” said Dren. “I thought you said you wouldn’t do that anymore.”
“Sorry,” Nickelo apologized. “I was just explaining computer anatomy to my wizard scout. He’s always so curious, never stops asking questions.”
Dren giggled.
“But as to your question, Dren,” said Nickelo, “I don’t know. I assume you’re thinking ‘the One’ might have access to a time differential as well as a teleport device. The probability of that is less than six percent based upon information in the battle helmet’s databanks.”
“What are you talking about?” Richard said.
“I told you my mother specialized in teleportation relays and inter-dimensional monitors,” said Dren. “In fact, I have memories of her working on a secret project to merge a time accelerator with a long-range teleport device. As you may know, Rick, time is like water. It is constantly flowing, just like a river. But like a river, time has bends and eddies. It can even loop back on itself in some instances. A time accelerator takes advantage of those loops by basically moving from one part of the river to the next. It’s sort of like getting out of the river at one point and walking overland to get to back into the river at another point where it looped.”
“What in the world are you talking about?” Richard said.
“She’s talking about time travel, Rick,” said Nickelo. “Dren’s saying it’s possible we were sent to a different flow of time in the magical plane than the one we left in the physical plane. If a time accelerator was successfully merged with a teleport device, I calculate a twenty-two percent chance ‘the One’ could have teleported us to an earlier time in the magical plane than our current time in the physical plane. But even if the technology was feasible, the energy requirements would be enormous. It would take the resources of an entire planet to support such a system.”
“Undoubtedly,” said Dren. “But it’s more than feasible. My mother’s team did it. I told you there was one other planet besides Veturna with a known R12 planetary-core energy generator.”
“So you did,” said Nickelo so softly even Richard barely heard him.
“Enough of all that you two,” Richard said. “Brachia’s starting to wander away. We need to keep moving. You two can talk theories to your hearts’ content tonight after we make camp.
“Whatever,” said Nickelo.
With a laugh, Dren added, “Yeah. Whatever, Rick.”
* * *
By midafternoon, the trees around them were getting noticeably smaller. As Richard was trying to find a way across a stream that wouldn’t require the kids to get wet, Brachia gave a shout.
“What is it?” said Dren.
“I’ve found something,” said Brachia. “It looks like a village of some kind.”
Richard turned back to look at Brachia. He was wearing a set of special goggles which allowed him to observe what was around him while also allowing him to see through the drone’s video equipment. He held a small controller with various levers and dials in his hands.
“I found it, didn’t I, Nick?” Brachia said with a big smile on his face.
“Yes, you did, Brachia,” said Nickelo. “Let’s see if we can get the drone closer for a better look.”
“What did you guys find?” Richard asked.
“The forest thins out in about three kilometers,” said Nickelo, “and the land turns into large grasslands. There is a dirt road of sorts about a kilometer past where the trees end. Brachia spotted what might be a village or small town in the distance. We’re sending the drone in that direction. We’re going to have to take it up to a higher altitude so the locals don’t get spooked, but we should still be able to gather enough information to be useful.”
“Can we get to the village before nightfall?” Richard asked. “If it seems safe, maybe I can get out of this blasted battle suit for a little while.”
“I wish I had a battle suit,” said Brachia.
“A bed would be nice,” added Dren.
“We’d be hard pressed to make it tonight, Rick,” said Nickelo. “Even if it seems safe, I would advise waiting until morning or early afternoon before arriving unannounced. We can use the drone to monitor the village during the night for anything suspicious. You can put up your camp at the edge of the woods if you like.”
“Agreed,” said Richard. “What do you think, kids? Are you game for another night of camping?”
“If it’s less exciting than it was two nights ago, we are,” said Dren. “But, you have to let Brachia and I help set things up and cook. You did everything the last two times. We told you we didn’t mind working. Our parents always told us we should pull our own weight.”
“Okay,” Richard said. “I promise to let you help this time.”
They continued to walk along the path Nickelo marked on the battle helmet’s heads-up display. Just before they got to the edge of the wood line, Nickelo had them stop and make camp. True to their word, the children pulled their share of the load when it came time to erect the tents and shower. After a quick supper, Richard talked Nickelo into relenting a little on security and allowing him to remove his battle suit for a quick shower. With the drone flying cover overhead, Richard let the hot water relax his tired muscles. But all things come to an end, and so within fifteen minutes, Richard was back in his battle suit.
After the children went to bed, Richard and Nickelo made plans for the morning. Without information, their planning session was a little lacking in clear choices.
Why do you think ‘the One’ sent us here, Nick? Richard said.
I really have no idea, said Nickelo. But I have to agree with Brachia. I think we are in a controlled situation. ‘The One’ has established some variables, and now he’s waiting to see what happens.
He doesn’t control us, Nick, Richard said. We have freewill. We can choose to do or not do something.
I know that, Rick, said Nickelo. Of course, ‘the One’ can influence our decisions by placing us in certain situations. I believe the children are here for a purpose, but I also believe they are with you to help control your actions. Because you’re concerned for the children’s welfare, you haven’t rebelled on this mission like you did on the last one.
Yeah, well, the children are the only reason I’m going along with the mission, Richard admitted. Otherwise, I’d probably be heading south just to irritate the Mr. High and Mighty ‘the One’.
I have no doubt you would, said Nickelo. You don’t like authority figures.
Correction, Richard said. I don’t like unauthorized authority figures.
I won’t argue the point, said Nickelo. What are you going to do tomorrow? What’s your plan?
My plan, Richard said, is to go into town and just listen to what is happening around these parts. Our only directions from ‘the One’ are to ‘help the children help her’ and to ‘find what they need’. That’s not a lot to go on in my opinion. I assume the children ‘the One’ mentioned is Brachia and Dren, but I’m not sure whether we’re supposed to find something they need or something someone else needs.
I concur with you on the children, agreed Nickelo, but I have no idea what you are supposed to find. Plus, you only have thirty days to accomplish your mission. We have a lot to think about.
Well, you think about it, Nick, Richard said as he stretched out on top of his sleeping bag. I’m going to sleep. Don’t get too bored.
I won’t, Rick, said Nickelo with a snicker. I’ll amuse myself by counting all the things you’ve done wrong since I’ve known you.
&n
bsp; You do that, Richard said. Then he closed his eyes and went to sleep.
Chapter 12 – The Village
____________________________________
When they woke up the next morning, Richard was in no hurry to depart. The children were up bright and early, and they insisted on cooking breakfast. So while the children were busy cooking, Richard strung up a military-style jungle hammock between two nearby trees. It was more comfortable than leaning against a tree, and Richard had used it often enough when he’d been in marine recon. So while Richard loafed in his hammock, Dren and Brachia stayed busy making breakfast and tearing down the campsite. Every so often, one of the children would run over and ask for some ingredient they needed to complete whatever masterpiece they were cooking. Whenever they asked, Richard dutifully summoned the item out of his dimensional pack and went back to his daydreaming.
I could get used to this, Richard said. Maybe kids aren’t so bad after all.
Ha, said Nickelo. You’re got two genius children on your hands with the full knowledge acquired by their adult parents. I wouldn’t change your opinion on all children based upon these two. They’re exceptions.
Yeah, I know, Richard said. Still, they’re not so bad. I still didn’t get all that gobbledygook Dren and you were talking about yesterday. You know, I mean that time stuff. Were you guys saying we can go back to whatever time ‘the One’, bless his little butthole heart, wants to send us?
No, Rick, said Nickelo. If Dren is right, and there’s a sixty-four percent probability she is, then ‘the One’ could teleport you to a previous time in the magical plane. He could not do so in the physical plane.
I don’t think that makes any sense, Richard said. I think if you could go back in time in one dimension, you could go back in another. That would make more sense.
Well, said Nickelo, I guess it’s unfortunate the Creator didn’t discuss things with you first before he set the laws of the universe. That’s a pity.
Not funny, Richard said. After a moment, he added, Do you think ‘the One’ could send us into the future?
No, said Nickelo, I don’t think you can go to things that haven’t occurred yet. But then, I’m only a computer, so how would I know?
Beats me, Richard said. Let me ask you one more question then we’ll change the subject. Sometimes my head really does start hurting when a subject gets too complex.
That’s because you really did injure your brain last year, Rick, said Nickelo seriously. Straining your brain tends to put stress on your injury. Do you need something for pain?
Heck no, Richard said, it doesn’t hurt that much. Besides, you know I don’t like to take drugs.
I know, said Nickelo. So what is your question?
My question is, Richard said, what possible purpose could ‘the One’ have for sending me back in time in the magical plane or magical dimension or magical whatever this place is?
I don’t know the purpose, admitted Nickelo. I’ll need additional information before I can even make a wild-butt guess. As for whether we are in a magical plane or a magical dimension, both are correct. Think of a plane as a level in a multi-level house. Each level of the house contains rooms. You can think of those rooms as dimensions. Now imagine our home back on the physical plane is a room on the second floor of the house. That room is our dimension. As I’m sure you can figure out, there is a room on the floor below and above our room. For arguments sake, let’s say the floor above is the spiritual plane, and the floor below is the magical plane. The rooms, or what we are calling dimensions, on the first and third floors are our sister dimensions. I believe we are in our sister dimension in the magical plane.
Well, Richard said more confused than ever, how does time fit into your little theory?
Are you sure you want me to try and explain it? Nickelo said. There’s an eighty-eight percent probability it will make your head hurt.
On second thought, Richard said, no. Forget it. Some things are best left a mystery.
Spoken like a true scientist, said Nickelo.
We are what we are, Richard said. He was done thinking for the day.
“Are you ready to eat, Rick?” said Dren.
The children were standing next to the table beaming with pride. Three plates with utensils were laid out along with a pan of what looked like hot, steaming, scrambled eggs. Richard rolled out of his hammock and moseyed over for a closer look. As he approached, the wind shifted, and he got a whiff of the cooked eggs and meat. His stomach growled in response. Although Richard had allowed Nickelo to nag him into continuing to wear the battle suit, he’d been adamant about not sealing the battle helmet to the suit. The battle suit only recycled nutrients when the suit was sealed, so Richard was definitely hungry. He sat down in the closest chair.
“Mmm,” Richard said as he piled a big spoonful of eggs onto his plate. “It smells delicious. Let’s see. We have powdered eggs and mystery meat with heavily pasteurized cheese mixed in. I don’t recognize those chopped up white and green things. The green stuff looks a little like chives.”
“They’re wild onions,” said Dren. “Brachia found some.”
Richard had started to take a bite, but he hastily put his fork back down.
“Whoa,” Richard said. “You want me to eat native plants? What if they’re poisonous?”
“Then we’ll all die together,” said Dren. “Besides, Brachia already ate some, and he’s fine.”
“I ate six,” said Brachia proudly. “See?”
The little boy leaned towards Richard and gave a big puff of air. Richard had no trouble detecting the distinct odor of raw onions.
Nick? Richard said.
I’ve run an analysis on them, said Nickelo. The onions are fine, but I’m glad I don’t have a nose. I hate to think what your breath is going to smell like.
“Ok, kids,” Richard said. “But from now on, don’t eat the local food stuff until either Nick or I run a scan on it. Okay? You have to promise.”
“I promise,” said Dren.
After a pause and a stern look from his sister, Brachia said, “I promise.”
“Fine,” Richard said. “Let’s eat.”
All three of them ate with gusto until the egg pan was completely empty. Once they were done, Richard cleaned up. The children started to help, but Richard nixed the idea. He told them they had cooked, so he would cleanup and get the rest of the camp packed. His only requirement was they had to brush their teeth while he did it. They made him promise to brush his teeth in return. Within fifteen minutes, they had started their trek towards the distant village.
“Did you learn anything useful last night from the drone, Nick?” said Dren.
“Not too much,” admitted Nickelo. “It’s definitely a village instead of a town. And, it currently has a large influx of people in it. There were also a lot of people straggling in on the road towards the village. I hesitated to take the drone down too low, so I couldn’t get specific details. The surveillance equipment is good, but I couldn’t see details inside the buildings. Some audio would have been nice as well.”
“I didn’t think about audio equipment,” said Dren. “We’ll add some later when we get a chance. It’s not a big deal.”
“Are the villagers human?” Richard said.
“They appear to be,” said Nickelo. “At least, they looked human from what I could tell. In other circumstances, I would advise bypassing the village and continuing on to our destination. But since we don’t have a destination yet, I think we are forced to go to the village to acquire at least some initial data.”
“Agreed,” Richard said.
Once the camp was all packed up, they started out at a brisk walk in the direction of the village. Richard’s main Power reserve was full. He was pretty confident he could handle whatever situation they encountered in the village.
When they were about two kilometers from the group of buildings, Dren said, “Rick, I know I’m just a child to you, but do you think we should go into the village
dressed the way we are? I’d think we’d just be asking for trouble. I doubt a battle suit or even our jumpsuits are standard wear around here.”
“Dren’s right, Rick,” said Nickelo. “I was just waiting to see if you would come up with the idea before I suggested it.”
“Sure you were, Nick,” Richard said as he rolled his eyes at the kids and gave a wink. “And, I’ve got some valuable swampland back on Velos I’d like to sell you. By the way, I thought computers couldn’t lie.”
“Whoever told you that?” said Nickelo.
“You did,” Richard said.
“Oh,” said Nickelo. “Hmm. Then I guess I must have been lying.”
Dren and Brachia laughed.
“Don’t encourage him, kids,” Richard said. “He already thinks he’s the Creator’s gift to comedy.”
“Alright,” said Nickelo, “you got me, Rick. The idea had slipped through a crack in my processors. But Dren has a valid point. I’d suggest you all slip a robe over your clothing. Rick, you will need a robe with a hood. I don’t want you to take your helmet off until we get a feel for the place. You’ll have to ditch the M12. Just cut slits in your robe so you can get to your phase rod and .44 AutoMag.”
“Roger,” Richard said.
Within moments, the children and Richard were wearing brownish-colored robes similar to the type monks had worn back on Earth during the medieval days. Richard had imagined the robes a little worn and tattered in an attempt to keep them from standing out from the locals. He had a feeling whoever ‘the One’ had made responsible for robes had been rushed to give them a ‘worn’ look. The worn effect left something to be desired, but Nickelo assured him it would probably be good enough.
About half a kilometer from the village outskirts, Nickelo guided them onto a heavily-rutted dirt road. A few people were nearby when Richard and the kids intercepted the road. As far as Richard could tell, they were definitely humans. And a sorry lot they were. The closest people were a group of twenty or so men, women, and children walking alongside two dilapidated carts drawn by a four-legged animal similar to an ox. Each cart was piled high with canvas bags along with various pieces of furniture. Everyone looked tired as if they had come a long way and still had a long way left to go. A couple of the men looked suspiciously at Richard and the children, but they said nothing. Neither of the men was armed, although they did carry walking sticks.
Wizard Cadet (Intergalactic Wizard Scout Chronicles Book 2) Page 15
