by Don P. Bick
Chapter 17
The day was warm; a steady breeze blew from the north. The sails snapped as the ship changed heading, gradually working its way down the coastline toward the south. The four companions lounged on the middle deck, talking and sharing a midday snack. The conversation had turned to a discussion of a particular passage in the Oracle. That was how they had spent most of their days on the voyage, resting on the deck and discussing the Oracle. They were expecting to reach Mar-Du late that evening.
The voyage had been long but for the most part uneventful. The ship sailed within sight of the shoreline for most of the trip south to OceanBay, detouring only slightly around some rocks rising up from the shallow water. They stayed close to shore, in part to evade the huge fish, but also to have a better chance to get to shore safely in the event of a severe storm.
The huge fish seldom ventured into the shallow water near the shoreline. That was fine with Camran and the others. Gena hadn't seen one yet, although she had heard lots of stories. She indicated she wasn't all that interested in seeing one up close, either. The one Bran had almost caught was big enough for her, she said, causing Bran's face to turn redder than it already was.
Camran again marveled at the huge lotus flowers that once more dotted the horizon since re-entering the Sea of the Lotus. Only once did they see one of the large fish and he was far enough away not to cause any undue concern. Gena was napping and so missed out on this one too.
They spent two long days in OceanBay before sailing on toward Mar-Du in the south. They stayed on the ship while docked at OceanBay. Being confined this way made the days long and boring, but they felt it safer to remain on board and not venture into the city.
Their course was south to the village of Pacific. This was the settlement of those from the planet Earth. The trading vessel they were on was to stop first at the villages of Mar-Du and then Mert prior to reaching Pacific. The captain had agreed to take them to the mouth of a river after leaving Pacific, so they could travel by foot to the village of Pod, the Venetian settlement. The mouth of the river was a short distance out of the captain's way, however, he wouldn't hear of any other arrangement. He was taking the responsibility for their safety very seriously.
Bran was looking forward to reaching the village of Mar-Du. It was the primary settlement of the Martian people. He had lived there for a short time when he first arrived in this world. Not long enough to have become attached to the place and the way of life there, but long enough to have established some friends. He looked forward to seeing them that evening.
They were expecting to depart Mar-Du the middle of the following day. The captain needed to drop off some of the stone goods from RockView and pick up a small load of goods to be delivered to Pacific. Three or four hours work and a rest for his men and they would be ready to leave.
As the ship pulled into the small bay serving the settlement of Mar-Du, Camran couldn't help being amazed at the many different ways people lived in this world. He had seen so many varieties of dwellings during his travels and here now was another. This village looked like a scene out of the Middle Ages. At least as far as the buildings were concerned. The buildings were constructed out of large rock in the same manner ancient castles used to be. Granted, the construction was by far better in quality than in the ancient days on Earth, however, the effect was of a Middle Age village.
The Martians were large people and they built large spacious dwellings. Some of them stopped just short of being considered castles. Large wooden beams were used as support for the many storied buildings, with one particular place having a drawbridge resting across a small stream.
Bran led them on a tour of some of the more popular spots. The Martian people were friendly and with a request from Bran, supplied several armed guards to watch over the party as they walked around sightseeing and visiting.
They spent the night at an Inn near the inlet, close to the heart of the village. The rooms were huge in comparison to those they had stayed in so far. Druc liked the large stone construction. Discussing it with whoever would listen as they walked around that day. Gena was again grateful for the hot bath, while Twil got himself a large pitcher of beer and was content to settle in front of the fireplace in the room he shared with Camran.
Bran spent time with his friends and acquaintances that evening and late into the next morning.
When it was time to leave, Bran was able to solicit the aid of four men as security to accompany them during the rest of the trip to enlist the help of the other quest members. When that part of the journey was accomplished they would then be free to return home. Like most places they had visited so far, this town was another that they regretted having to leave so soon.
Their overall mood was brightened by the addition of the men to help guard them on their journey. The trip across the wide inlet went quickly and they were filled with renewed hope as they looked forward to seeing the village of Mert, home of the Mercurians. This was where Twil called home prior to meeting up with Camran. He hadn't realized until they had gotten to Mar-Du that he actually knew very little about either of his good friends and quest members. He learned a lot more in the one day at Mar-Du about Bran than he had altogether in the weeks they had so far spent in each other’s company. He hoped to learn as much about Twil when they reached his former village.
When they docked at Mert Camran was disappointed to see very little there. He had been expecting a thriving town along the waterfront like all the other places they had stopped at so far. There were several buildings and people working the docks, but Camran could see no houses or any evidence of a central community.
Under protection of the Martian guard unit they de-boarded the ship and followed Twil, who seemed to know exactly where he wanted to take them. He hadn't told them anything regarding Mert or his home, a secretive grin being the only answer to their questions. Curiously, they followed along behind him.
They walked approximately a half mile up river to the shore of a large lake. For as far as they could see across the lake there were poles sticking up through the water with cones on their tops. Twil led them to one of several small buildings near the water’s edge.
The double door entry was recessed about ten feet into the wooden building. Camran noticed there were no windows in this or any of the other buildings he could see from where they stood. Twil opened the door and walked inside. The rest of them followed, ducking in the low entryway. The Mercurians weren't tall people.
Inside the building they were presented with another mystery. There was nothing there but a wide ramp slanting downwards in the direction of the water. They followed Twil down the ramp. When they were two or three stories below ground level the ramp leveled off. There they were confronted with another set of double doors.
These doors led to a short corridor. The light in the corridor was dim, but as they moved a few yards farther ahead there was plenty of light. This section of the corridor was well lit because the ceiling was all glass. The light filtered through the crystal clear lake and into the corridor. They gasped in disbelief as it suddenly dawned on them that they were underwater, actually on the lake bottom. Twil gave them all a self satisfied nod and proceeded to lead them farther down the lighted hallway.
The lake must have been very deep for they took another ramp downward for quite some distance. When the floor again leveled out they came to an air pressure lock, designed mostly as a protection against leakage. Twil stated there were many such locks throughout the underwater system. Twil twisted the wooden wheel and opened the door. Once inside the room he again sealed it shut, then proceeded to turn the wheel on the other side of the room. When he opened the door the others simultaneously held their breath in utter amazement.
In front of them was a huge underwater dome. It was one of several major domes serving the city. People rushed to and fro going about their daily business. There were three levels of shops inside this particular dome. Twil said there were six other domes of equal size connect
ed on the lake bottom. These large domes, for the most part, were the business and market sections. The Mercurians make a variety of goods, among them were many exquisitely hand made miniature objects. Since they were obviously a very creative people, their art and sculpture works were highly prized among the other inhabitants of this world. In addition to the large domes there were many smaller ones, these were divided into living units.
Among the creative endeavors of the Mercurians, they would learn later, was their development of medicines and various drugs.
Although the light came filtered through the water, it was actually very bright and well illumined in the dome. Camran remembered how bright it seemed to him when he first arrived in this world. He must have gotten used to it for now he noticed how similar this underwater light was to the light on Earth. It was soft and comforting to his vision. Although it was all very different and beautiful, Camran wasn't sure he wanted to live under water for any length of time. He felt slightly claustrophobic knowing he was submerged. More baggage from Earth, he thought.
Only the top third of each of the domes was glass. The lower two-thirds was solid wall and this area was used to build out the interior walls. Twil explained these units were built on the lake shore opposite the side they had entered. The shells were completed, floated into position, then sank to the bottom. Each of the units was built in layers of leaves and a plaster mix that was waterproof. The leaves were layered and stretched over a wooden frame constructed in the shape of a dome. A rock dust mixture combined with the sap of one of the local trees made a tight waterproof and lightweight plaster. It was a process similar to making a cast for a broken bone.
Once the shell was completed, the non-breakable glass was fitted into place by cutting holes through the shell. Two layers of the thick glass were used, leaving an air space of about six inches between them. Each layer of this non-breakable glass was sufficient to hold back the lake water. If a leak occurred, the top layer would be replaced from the lake side by divers. The bottom would be replaced from the inside. Whenever a top unit was replaced, the bottom would also be replaced after the repairs were made to the top. In this way the water in the air space would be drained and the two panes cleaned and sealed on both sides. It was part of the regular maintenance routine of these people, no different than re-paving a street or repairing a leaking roof, thought Camran, as he listened to Twil discuss the construction of these units. His voice was filled with the pride that all his people must feel over such a unique accomplishment. They all listened intently.
Twil continued, saying, the units would be slowly lowered to the bottom of the lake by gradually filling tubes built into the sides of the structure with sand. Once these tubes dropped below water level the water would take over, filling the balance of the tubes. The water, however, would not be enough to completely sink the massive structure. Sand would continue to be funneled into the tubes until the unit sat on the bottom of the lake.
Once on the bottom divers would link the new structure with the others. The divers breathed air pumped through hoses into their sealed wooden helmets. The hand pumped air came from specially constructed pumps mounted to small barges floating above the divers on the lake surface.
When the connecting corridors were in place, ports were opened in the water lock entrances. The water would drain from the corridors into the lock and be pumped up a pipe attached to the side of one of the air vents, and back out into the lake.
Crews would enter the newly created space, reseal it all from the inside and build out the structure. Twil continued to explain that each section had several sets of water lock doors in the event of an emergency. All structures were constantly inspected and well maintained. Theoretically the sand tubes attached to the outside shell could be detached and the structure re-floated to the surface for major repairs. That has never yet been necessary, Twil said matter-of-factly, understandably proud of the durability and ingenuity of these structures.
They were shown to a section of living units where they could clean up and get some sleep. These units were as luxurious as any of them had yet seen in this land. There was no dirt to track in so the floors were covered in fine soft hand woven rugs. The walls were painted in light pastel colors, while the whole apartment was handsomely decorated with hand crafted items of various kinds. The filtered light coming in the windows overhead created a contrast of color and soft light tones that mellowed the senses. Camran was having second thoughts about whether or not he could stay here for very long. After he learned of the safety factors and the sturdy construction he became sold on underwater living, especially after entering one of the living units and seeing how pleasant it really was. He deposited his pack on the floor near the entry door, took the beer Twil held out to him, and walked to the nearest chair as though in a trance. He sat looking up at the large fish swimming above him, sipping on his beer. Yes, he thought, it can be very soothing living down here beneath the lake.
Two days later, as the ship pulled away from the dock, the foursome wished they could have stayed a while longer. That always seemed to be the case, Camran decided, as they headed toward their next stop, the town of Pacific, home of the people from planet Earth.
At Pacific, Camran felt as though he had just arrived somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Of course the trees were larger and the weather warmer, however, the people were friendly and consisted of a balanced array of differing nationalities. It was then that Camran realized how different Earth was compared to the other planets, at least in respect to its people. Earth had several different varieties of nationalities, whereas the other planetary communities he had already visited had only one. That was something he would have to give more thought to.
The buildings here were a pleasant mixture of stone, log and wood sided structures. Many of the inhabitants had plots of land they farmed, growing much of their own vegetables and fruit. It was like a typical community that one would find on Earth, familiar to him in many respects. The one thing he did not consider was how different many of the things in town and the way of life of his people would seem strange to his companions. He thought their way of living exciting and different, now it was their turn. Actually Camran thought the way of life here was very simple and unexciting. His companions, however, continually talked about how friendly and relaxed they felt around these people. They felt at home immediately, not at all like they were just visiting.
As they toured the town, Camran noticed more attempts at modernization than anywhere they had been so far. Running water, tools and wooden machines doing some of the mundane chores, were all very American, thought Camran. Even in this world, those people that were from America stood out like sore thumbs, with their heightened way of living. Here it apparently had affected the rest of the community for all were attempting to live in a more comfortable fashion. Leave it to the former Earth people to work very hard creating things to make their lives easier.
A messenger from the Neptunian ship told Camran that they had finished unloading and the new load had been brought aboard for the return trip. With their business done they would be leaving in the morning at first light.
The next morning they set sail for the river that would lead them to Pod, the Venetian settlement. They were not able to sail all the way to the mouth of the river due to the swampy shallow condition of the water at the point where the river emptied into the inlet. They would have to debark and walk around the swampy shallows and pick up the river a little farther inland.
There was a dock they could use but the Venetians themselves seldom used it. They lived primarily through their own efforts, raising their own food and making most of what they used. They didn't trade much with the other people of this land. They were not antisocial, they just minded their own business and didn't bother anyone, preferring to beautify the area in which they lived. It was said the Venetians were very content with their way of life. Many envied that confident attitude toward living, which perhaps was the greatest asset of the Venetian pe
ople. They were a very self sufficient group.
A few people were at the docks as they unloaded and prepared to walk to Pod. One of them offered the use of a small boat to take them the rest of the way. They gladly agreed, and were grateful for the boatman's skillful guidance through the tangled swamp. Although they would have liked to walk and stretch their legs, they knew there would be plenty of walking in the days ahead.
They left the small boat at a small wooden dock surrounded by beautiful flowers. The end of the dock opened onto a wide well cared for path that snaked its way through the woods. They walked the short distance left to Pod.
The first thing Camran noticed was the bright colors up ahead through the trees. As they drew nearer to Pod, he stared in absolute wonder at the unparalleled beauty that confronted them. Everywhere they looked gorgeous brightly colored flowers and trees were growing. Small ponds and lakes dotted the gardens and countryside. Neatly manicured lawns flowed along the stone walkways. Benches were set along the paths overlooking a garden waterfall or one of the many small lakes. Everywhere they walked they were surrounded by flowers. It was a paradise, if ever there was one, agreed all the members.
The tree homes were impressive. They weren't simple small structures, either. They were lead to a wooden lift that appeared to serve several homes in the same tree. Looking up, Camran thought this was his type of living. He loved the beauty of everything here.
It turned out the lift served only one home and the guest quarters of the High One, as she was called by the Venetian people. Even though Camran had visited some very nice places to live, this he preferred above everything he had seen thus far. The homes were sturdy and the views were unsurpassed.
The people here were friendly, as well as beautiful. Camran couldn't distinguish the difference between the physical features of the Venetians and those from Earth, except as a group he rated the Venetians a more radiant and beautiful people overall. The word radiant was all Camran could think of to describe them. They seemed to somehow glow with beauty, to radiate life. He felt a deep kinship with these people; a bond that reached deep within his soul.
They all retired to their rooms for a rest prior to dinner and meeting the High One. Camran felt secure and at peace in this quaint and beautiful place. He slept like he had never yet slept in this new world.
At dinner time a porter summoned them to the main house. A fork between two tree limbs was spanned by a suspension bridge. They crossed over to the main quarters and were surprised to find a garden surrounding the house.
Dirt had been brought up from the ground and layered over thick planking. The planking had been waterproofed and treated. A drainage system had been installed beneath the dirt. The gardens extended around both sides and the back of the tree house and consisted mainly of flowers. There were some vegetable plants and a few small ornamental trees as well. Camran was amazed at all this beauty cultivated above the ground.
Among the flowers and small patches of grass were wooden decks served by walkways. The gardens covered at least an acre of area, Camran guessed. It was so impressive he just stood there and gawked, not noticing the woman who approached.
"Do you like the gardens?" asked the woman, extending her hand. "I'm Ve-Tah," she said smiling.
"Very much so," replied Camran, taking the woman's hand. It must have taken quite a while to do all this."
The High One's handshake was firm and friendly. She gestured to the others to join her on the deck nearby, the tables were already set and waiting for her guests. They talked for a few minutes while they were waiting for the two women the High One mentioned were due to arrive.
In a short while the maid entered the back yard with two women at her side. They were introduced to Camran and the others as Ve-Nah and Ve-Kim. Both were beautiful women, thought Camran, Ve-Kim perhaps a little more so than Ve-Nah. They each took chairs to the right of the High One. Neither of the two women smiled. They obviously felt uncomfortable being placed on the spot like this.
The High One asked both ladies if they had arrived at a decision. Both said they had decided to leave it up to the High One, that neither of them particularly wanted to go on the quest. But both agreed that if chosen to go, would willingly do so and perform to the best of their ability.
The High One turned to Camran for a decision. First he told them what they were up against, the dangers and potential rewards. Next he asked them each if they had any special talents that would be beneficial to the group on this quest for the bridge. Neither thought they had anything special to contribute. How was he to choose?
Dinner was served. Camran remained quiet throughout dinner while he watched and contemplated the two women. Because of their reluctance to go, he was unsure how to base the decision fairly. After dinner he asked them both if they knew how to use any type of weapon. Ve-Nah shook her head no. Ve-Kim admitted she had some practice with a crossbow, clarifying the statement with the fact that she wasn't very good with it.
With nothing else to go on, Camran chose Ve-Kim to join them. Her face showed no disappointment. Apparently she had resigned herself to the fact she may very well be chosen. Ve-Nah on the other hand closed her eyes in an obvious display of relief.
Once that was decided the High One dismissed Ve-Nah, who left after saying goodbye to Ve-Kim, the other members of the quest and the High One. After a short period the High One excused herself saying she was tired and that they were welcome to sit and visit where they were for as long as they wished. She said her goodbyes, adding her wishes for good luck to them all.
Camran and the others took the opportunity to explain more in detail the object of the quest to Ve-Kim. She quickly understood the importance of the mission. She also told them her reasons for being reluctant to participate in the venture; her reservations centered on her new found male relationship. But the relationship was not proceeding well and perhaps her being chosen to leave was the best thing for both of them. She also restated her vow to all of them to do her best to help them succeed on the quest for the bridge. They all felt assured that despite her reluctance in the beginning she would be a trusted and valuable member of the group. She had nothing important she needed to tend to before she could leave. They also told her there was one more member they were to pick up in Nemaris, a Uranian.
It was agreed they would leave first thing in the morning. No sense wasting any more time than necessary. They gave her instructions on what to bring. Gena asked if she could accompany her to her home and help her pack. Ve-Kim gratefully accepted. The others got up and headed for bed while two of the Martian guards escorted the women to the tree Ve-Kim lived in, planning to stand guard at the base during the night. They would be relieved by the other two Martian Guards midway through the night, allowing all of them to get some sleep before setting out in the morning.