by Greg Mutton
Petra closed the access ramp, energised the antigrav and the vessel lifted a few centimetres off the hangar floor. She turned the ship to face the hangar door and transmitted the code to open—the door slid down into the ground and she slowly moved out onto the apron. Together they worked quickly through the final pre-flight check list, then Petra asked, ‘Destination coordinates please?’ Her flight plan only covered to the outer marker, no further.
‘Should already be in the auto pilot,’ Aaron replied. Petra checked and brought up the destination in the Bubble.
‘Strange, there’s nothing there, just empty space,’ her voice edged with concern. ‘Not the sort of place I would expect, given what is going on.’
‘No, that’s exactly where they’d want us to go,’ Aaron replied.
‘Who?’ Petra queried, interrupting his next sentence.
‘The Eldorans; let’s get going, we don’t have much time.’ Clearly he had assumed the Captain’s role again.
At his command, Petra initiated the atmospheric drive and the craft leapt into the Sky. In five minutes they had transitioned into space and the main drive took over. Twenty minutes later, they reached the outer marker and Petra handed control over to the auto pilot; immediately it altered course and initiated the displacement drive. Now all they needed to do was sit back and wait. The journey timer indicated they would be at the meeting location in two hours and seventeen minutes.
Petra turned her chair towards Aaron. ‘OK, we are now on our way, what‘s going on?’
‘I really don’t know,’ he replied. ‘The Eldorans contacted Condor and demanded we meet them. They have never demanded anything before, so it must be important.’
Petra thought on this before she spoke. ‘You don’t think it has anything to do with the sub space explosion, do you?’
‘No, it couldn’t have. Why do you ask?’
‘Look, I know your opinion of Professor Fraslok, but hear me out. While I was at the academy I had the opportunity to attend some of his tutorials. One was on displacement theory and sub space; not how we use it, but our concept of it. He theorised that sub space and normal space are separate and that our idea… that we somehow displace normal space when we enter a worm hole… is incorrect. His idea is that our worm hole is actually in the separate place we call sub space and not part of normal space.’
She paused, gathered her thoughts, and took a deep breath. ‘He also theorised that sub space actually is the separator between different dimensions. So if that explosion was potentially damaging in our dimension, it follows that it could have the same effect on any other dimensions that intersect with sub space at that point.’
Aaron couldn’t help himself. ‘Total crap, Loonie Lennie is nuts.’
‘Is he?’ Petra was beginning to get angry at Aaron’s arrogant stance regarding the professor. ‘He was correct with the heat signature traceability… you thought that was impossible… and he has been right about a number of other things. Why couldn’t he be right in this?’
‘Because it would throw our entire universal theory out the window, the theory upon which all our existence is based, theory we used to develop space travel in the first place!’
‘Would it? We don’t know that for sure. As you said, it’s still a theory, and that theory was based on limited knowledge centuries ago. But what if the professor is right? Maybe we should ask your friends when we see them… they should know.’
Aaron studied her with new understanding. She was very intelligent, and this was one of her areas of expertise. Her incisiveness and ability to question existing ideas was both refreshing and challenging. Their discussion continued until it was interrupted by the sound of the reinsertion alarm.
Taking their seats as the auto pilot shut down the displacement drive and Junior transitioned back into normal space.
Aarons’ thoughts raced. If Petra is correct, we have just passed outside of our Universe. The thought was too big for him to comprehend but, at the same time, part of him felt that she was right. The ship kept moving, slowly, towards nothing — they could see nothing on their present course. Seven and a half minutes later they came to a full stop.
‘I don’t understand… where are they?’ Petra’s voice was tinged with confusion and concern. A full sensor and visual scans gave no indications of anything being near them.
Suddenly, Aaron noticed a slight change in the view screen. ‘They’re here,’ he muttered softly.
‘Where?’
‘Right there,’ Aaron pointed to a section of the view screen that was out of focus. Slowly the section that was out of focus changed; disappearing completely to be replaced by a huge ovoid shape. ‘There they are… that’s their ship.’ The shape slowly coalesced into a solid white form — no openings, no view ports — just a solid shape.
Then everything went black.
12
It felt like only a few seconds later that Aaron woke, and found he was naked and lying on a firm but pliant surface.
The lighting was subdued with a blue tint to it, and it was quiet. He detected movement to his right and as he lifted himself up off the surface, he saw an approaching figure.
‘Good to see you again, A-Bra-Ham,’ a familiar deep, sonorous voice said.
Aaron realised who the figure was. ‘It has been too long, Jok-Tar’.
Jok-Tar moved past him, and stood by another table, occupied by a still-unconscious Petra.
‘We took the liberty of completing a full scan of you both,’ he said absently. Aaron wasn’t concerned; he knew this was standard practice for anyone who was granted access to an Eldoran ship. ‘Your companion is a fine specimen of a human female. She is in excellent health and should bear you strong offspring.’ He made himself busy with a console that just appeared beside him. ‘She will need some enhancements, though.’
His words sounded final, but Aaron sought to clarify his intentions. ‘Why?’ he queried.
Aaron studied Jok-Tar intently. He was tall and well-muscled; his face was a study in elegance with deep, blue eyes, a broad regal nose and full lips. His hair was jet black and hung to his shoulders. His nakedness was only because his guests were naked, as Eldorans always appeared to take a form complimentary to their guests. Aaron suspected that this was not the true state of Eldoran physical form; his experiences with them had given him the idea that it was a less corporeal existence.
Petra started to stir before Jok-Tar could answer. She opened her eyes slowly, and visually scanned the form standing beside her bed, as if appraising what she saw, before speaking.
‘If I am dead, I have certainly gone to heaven,’ she smiled appreciatively towards Jok-Tar.
‘I… thank you,’ he replied hesitantly.
‘It is I who should thank you! I’m Petra Mannix.’ His presence was obviously pleasing Petra.
Aaron smiled — he had never seen an Eldoran embarrassed before. Jok-Tar turned toward Aaron, his empathic reaction to Petra’s interest becoming obvious.
‘I will leave you and your mate, A-Bra-Ham,’ he said as he took two steps and disappeared.
Petra rose and moved towards Aaron before she stumbled. Quickly he reached out to steady her. ‘Take your time… you’ve come a very long way in a very short time,’ he said with a smile.
‘What’s so funny?’ she asked.
‘Jok-Tar’s reaction to you… he was getting an erection… what were you thinking?’ he chuckled.
‘That is not at all amusing. I usually get that reaction from men, especially if I’m naked… present company included.’ She smiled a teasing sparkle in her eyes.
Aaron smiled back and said nothing.
‘Clothing, please,’ he commanded. Their clothes appeared on their beds and, as they dressed, Aaron began to explain.
‘Eldorans are somewhat more than Empaths, they are telepathic… and they try to compliment those who they appear before. I believe the physical form they assume is what they believe will put their guest most at ease. They are fastidio
us about health and wellbeing, that’s why they gave us a physical examination when they brought us to their ship. This isn’t the first time I have been on one but, usually our meetings are conducted in a neutral setting.
‘For the examination we needed to be naked, our clothing was certainly inspected just as thoroughly. Jok-Tar appeared naked because we were. The first time I met him he appeared as an incredibly beautiful woman, so he must have read your thoughts this time.’
‘Well, if that’s the case, let me go back to sleep — I really need to finish that dream!’ Petra teased. Jok-Tar reappeared at that precise moment, this time fully clothed.
‘A-Bra-Ham, we have much to discuss.’ He turned to Petra, ‘Man-Nix, we need to give you some enhancements, if you are to come with us.’ He paused and looked at Petra, ‘Do I have your permission?’ Petra looked at Aaron with questioning eyes.
‘Don’t worry,’ Aaron reassured her. ‘If you don’t want to do this, you don’t have to; but I have had several enhancements that have not harmed me in any way.’
‘Man-Nix, we would never do you any harm,’ said Jok-Tar. ‘These enhancements will allow you to accompany A-Bra-Ham as he travels with us.’ His tone was matter of fact and reassuring.
Petra looked at both of them. ‘OK, then what do I have to do?’ she asked.
Another Eldoran appeared and glided over to Petra. This one was in the guise of a woman — an older, motherly form. Her hair was slightly grey and she had kind, caring blue eyes. Her nose was long and her mouth generous.
‘Come with me, Man-Nix.’ She held her hand out and Petra took it; they both vanished. The room reconfigured from sterile examination to one with a comfortable lounge. A table bearing a selection of foods and coffee appeared beside Aaron.
‘I trust this is acceptable?’ Jok-Tar enquired. ‘Man-Nix will be back shortly so we can delay our conversation till then if you wish.’ Aaron nodded his agreement and reached for one of the rock cakes, his favourite sweet. It amazed him how a race that he had never seen eat or drink human food, could get these things so right. Aaron had just finished his cake when Petra reappeared. She walked across the room and sat beside him.
‘The enhancements have been carried out? I trust you did not experience any discomfort?’ Jok-Tar enquired from Petra.
‘Nothing… it seemed that I just went from that other room to here… I didn’t experience anything in between,’ she replied. ‘What was actually done?’
‘Most of the enhancements we give you are to help you access more of your capabilities; to give more active control of your brain. There is an old theory that humans only use a small part of their brain and while it is a gross exaggeration, there is still some truth in it. We have developed ways to allow us more conscious control of our brain… it helps with many things you will see and experience as we visit other realms. None of what we offer will ever harm you. Now, please have some refreshments,’ Jok-Tar gestured toward the table.
Petra loaded a small plate as Jok-Tar continued. ‘I apologise for the manner in which we requested this meeting, but time is of the essence. Your recent experience has had great and far reaching effects. There was a significant amount of damage to other realms. Many life forces were extinguished, violently… and that is something we haven’t experienced for many, many cycles.
‘There are others who live in the inner realms that have been affected adversely and wish to retaliate … that is why you are here. We must convince them not to take action; convince them that you can handle your own affairs. But understand this… none will tolerate any more attacks in sub space… the very survival of the universe may be at stake.’ Aaron had never heard this degree of conviction in the Eldoran’s voice before — things were getting very serious. Petra looked puzzled. Jok-Tar smiled at her. ‘I think I need to explain.’
‘Yes please. I lost you at “please, have some refreshments”.’ She replied.
Jok-Tar gave a small chuckle. ‘I remember when we started to explain our existence to A-Bra-Ham,’ he looked to Aaron. ‘Remember?’ Aaron nodded as Jok-Tar continued, ‘your traditional understanding of the structure of the universe is somewhat flawed; the concept is of a linear universe…to simplify your stellar theory.
‘In reality, it is a multi-layered structure with many layers or realms, each realm interwoven with all the others. There are areas where they converge and become almost one. These areas are the most sensitive to any disruptions and where you were attacked in sub space is one such place.
‘Between each layer is void… this you call sub space. Sub space is the …’ he was searching for an analogy that would help his explanation. A moment later he continued, ‘Yes; the mortar that holds the realms apart… and together… at the same time, just like a brick building of your past.’
Petra nodded her understanding as Jok-Tar continued. ‘And as with a brick building, damage the mortar and you damage the whole structure. That is what happened when that weapon was detonated in sub space.’
Petra chimed in and told Jok-Tar of Professor Fraslok’s theory.
‘A very astute fellow,’ he observed. ‘Sub space is indeed separate to normal space and it is the separator between the realms or, as he calls them, the dimensions. Unfortunately, we are now faced with a huge problem. Sub space has been breached from your realm. This caused horrific damage in some of the other realms,’ Jok-Tar said.
‘A meeting has been called in the tenth realm — the realm that suffered most. This meeting is under the Protocol of Intercession, meaning that all delegates are free and protected. Also, if any wrongdoing is discovered, the culprits are not harmed or detained. This is the only way we could get all to sit and discuss this matter, and also preserve your safety.’ He paused while his guests finished their refreshments.
‘There are, as far as we know, twelve realms, with yours being the twelfth. Eldora is in the fifth and all between there and the eleventh are inhabited. The realms are like different universes, with many galaxies each.
‘The most important thing is sub space… it separates each and supports each… but it is a fluid situation. There are many places where the realms converge; in those places it touches several realms simultaneously, and these areas are extremely vulnerable. When the breach occurred, we detected a substantial energy release at that point.
‘Some argue it was a deliberate act; that the placement and timing allowed the energy to propagate into other realms causing varying degrees of damage; some are calling it an act of war.
“There is an organisation that unites the inner realms, sort of like your Council of Seniors on Argos, or the Coalition Council. When the disaster happened, an urgent meeting was called and we were tasked with bringing representatives of the twelfth realm to a central location to answer to the delegates. This is most serious… we have never been called on to do this before.’ Aaron was about to speak but Jok-Tar waved him to silence.
‘My friend, there are some who want to invade your realm to pacify it; believe me, they have the ability. The only problem is we are the only ones who can successfully navigate the path through the eleventh realm. For any invasion to succeed Eldora would be required to assist and, if the council decides on this course of action, we are treaty bound to do so.
‘So far my sire, Eldrac-Tar, has been able to keep the peace but we cannot have another incident. You have been brought here to answer to the delegates and to negotiate a solution.’
‘You’re joking! I’m just a trader. I’m not a general… or a politician… why me?’ Aaron was now on his feet and pacing.
‘No, you are none of those,’ Jok-Tar agreed. ‘But you have proven to be an honest and truthful friend to us and I could not think of a better representative of your race, A-Bra-Ham. Time is short, we must have you on Reglaos in twenty of your hours and you have so much to learn.
‘We can give you the information, now that both of you have the necessary enhancements. Would you consent to a session in an education chamber? It will make the p
rocess much easier and more complete. I must impress, this is a critical stage for your race, indeed for all races in your realm, for either we succeed now or you will face certain domination.’
Petra and Aaron agreed and the old Eldoran woman returned. ‘Follow me, please,’ she said, leading them toward the far wall of the room. Once there it just seemed to disappear and they were now in a different chamber. There were two beds and the woman indicated they take one each.
Once they were comfortable, she commenced working with a small device. The lights dimmed and the ceiling started to shimmer, changing colours, faster and faster, until it all merged into one blur…
Just as quickly, the lights returned to normal and Aaron and Petra sat up. The old woman returned and asked how they felt.
‘I feel fine… I think,’ Petra replied. She looked around the room as if she was seeing it for the first time. ‘This seems the same, but I see…more. Yes… I can see more.’
‘Excellent!’ the old woman said. ‘Your training has been successful. You have been taught many things: cultural background on the main races you will be meeting; instructions on protocol; but most importantly, how to properly use the enhancements we have given you.’
‘How long were we here?’ Aaron asked.
The old female smiled. ‘Sixteen of your hours…there is a bathroom for your use to your left. Jok-Tar is waiting for you… please join him when you are ready.’ She didn’t move, just pointed toward the far wall, then turned and left through the opposite wall. The bathroom was welcome and after relieving themselves, they both walked toward the wall, the old Eldoran had indicated. As they reached it, the wall became transparent and they walked through and into another room. There, sitting at a round table was Jok-Tar, three other Eldorans and a smaller, insect-like creature.
‘Excellent, you seem to have mastered the enhancements well!’ Jok-Tar congratulated them. ‘Allow me to introduce you.’
One by one, Jok-Tar led Aaron and Petra to each new person. ‘A-Bra-Ham and Man-Nix be pleased to meet Eldrac-Tar, my sire and head of the Tar clan; Zal-Tar, my sibling; Mondrac, one of Eldora’s elders; and Tocmal of Reglaos.’
