by Jason Melzer
I signed with Talalh and Lady Kinsar before watching Kai, Quanik and Suntrah sign. Link was last to sign with his hand before the guard handed the tablet back. Judge Rodesh continued as Link took a seat next to me. “Thank you Link for your arbitration services, the court will process these before the end of the hour. Now I can validate the transfer of title for the reef world Hypartheon and close this case.” Rodesh submitted holographic files from her desk before continuing.
“On a personal note I would recognize that it was the forge kin who created the trade courts. Thank you Forge Kin for bringing Humanity into the trade nations. Mistakes have been made but the trade courts need your wisdom now more than ever.” Reaching down alongside her stand Rodesh picked up something and held it for us to see. The lantern showed three people and three robots with writing in some alien script. Clearing her throat Rodesh continued. “It is time to celebrate. Court is dismissed.”
In the quiet the ruling remained as I soon stood outside the courtroom with family. The family hug felt good but didn’t stop until I had a moment to embrace all of my alien friends. I was so swept up in the ruling that I hardly noticed the crowds as we reached the shuttle. Voush informed us of our travels as we boarded. “We will be taking you to your shuttle on the Pontu Emissary ship Dawn. Congratulations Sundance.” A door opened in the building wall and we left.
Flying away mom and dad talked with Talalh and our guides as I looked back to see Judge Rodesh. She was on the court house roof with her lantern as she started dancing with others playing music. Time passed with laughter and smiles before transferring shuttles on Dawn. It wasn’t long before we arrived home on Ember’s night side. Not going to the mansion instead we flew to the cauldron on the forge museum.
Landing we were greeted with music and guards carrying our lanterns. At the center of the building more camera drones appeared and we were ready.
Chapter 12
Bountiful
The city Lights were on as crowds filled balconies and building top parks. I peaked at the masses of onlookers as Link picked up a torch and handed it to me. Holding it Talalh spoke and his voice carried across speakers as the lights turned up around us. “I was informed on arrival that over two hundred thousand worlds will celebrate tonight. These worlds are spread across thirty galaxies with many peoples in attendance.”
Clearing his throat he turned back to me holding a flame in a bowl and continued. “Creation has been the sacred calling of the forge and it’s Kin for millions of years. From the time Doreshan was entombed in the lost empire to the rise of Terminus and the quantum world.” Talalh moved to the railing on the building side as I listened curiously. “These Kin now embody the bonds of our trade nations. Our communities are again alive and healthy.”
Talalh motioned for me as he continued to speak. “To mark this new chapter in our history and culture join us. Now is the time to darken our worlds and light our lanterns. Forge master Sundance will light the cauldron for her reign. I will give a prayer and we will release our lanterns into the sky.” The rooftop went dark and then the city lights followed. I lowered my torch to the flame in Talalh’s bowl and looked up to see the artificial suns of so many worlds go dim.
Lifting the torch from the bowl it blazed as the only light in the dark world around me. Link stepped out of the shadows motioning for my hand. Following him through the dark he led me to the base of the cauldron. Spying a slit that sloped its way up the cauldron I lowered the torch. Placing the flames on the gap, fire sprang up and rushed for the skies. Racing to the cauldron a mighty blaze roared to life above.
Returning the torch to Link small glowing lights appeared everywhere with pictures, words and messages. My mother handed me the lantern I had made before and dad lit its flame. I was with my family as the fire in our lanterns glowed different colors. Mine was green, my sister’s was pink and my parents were blue and red. Hundreds of colors were alive as Talalh spoke with his voice filling the darkness.
“Our father in heaven, we ask for your blessings on our new Forge Kin and trade. We thank you for the bravery, faith and righteousness that preserve’s us as mortals. And we ask that you bring us community as we seek peace and trade with friends and strangers. Amen.” As quiet returned the first lanterns flew. Lifting mine up it continued to rise among the many thousands that flowed. As lanterns moved music began to play and some of the lights turned on.
Surrounding us the festival of flame drew shouts of joy and excitement. Preti nudged my arm and pointed into the dark skies to lighting suns on the reef worlds above. For a moment in time our flames rose across the city as people began to dance. I started to learn to dance with a straight back trying to follow my sister. A few songs passed and I was tired but having the time of my life. The spent lanterns quietly fell from the skies and the city lights came back with party goers trading treats together.
Mom, Dad and Tolan approached me and my sister and we stopped dancing. Dad seemed happy speaking over the music. “Everything has been worked out at Earth. We are leaving for India and our extended family will be guests on Shoal. Please bring the Forge Simran. You can park it on Ocelia and we will reach India today.” I felt the key around my neck and thought back to India, my home in this big universe. Dad walked me into the museum and to the forges front door.
Giving dad a hug Grandpa’s voice carried from the forge. “I have already evacuated the rooftop and prepared the travel plans my young grandchild. We are ready to fly?” Looking past dad’s mustache he encouraged me. “I need you to take care of grandpa for me. But I will pick you up on Ocelia okay? You can even show everyone your wings before you build Bountiful.” Nodding to him I turned and placed my key in the box as the gentle voice of Terminus spoke.
“Confirm identity.” I was ready for the next trip as I spoke back to the robotic voice. “Forge master Sundance.” Grandpa’s voice replied as the doors opened for me. “I hope the festival was fun for my grandchild. I hear you are getting a world today.” Inside a robot was cleaning up the last of my blood from the floors. A feeling of belonging came over me as everything was familiar with the doors closing behind me. Walking down the hallway I placed my hand down on the access pad and grandpa’s voice came up.
“Please confirm your Kin name.” Looking at the pad I responded. “Sundance.” Looking past the open door I flew to the forges center while the map system turned on. Giving it orders the forge was ready like me. “Forge. Locate Earth and the reef world Ocelia.” The space maps showed two reef worlds next to Earth and one of them lit up like a light. I waited for a moment remembering my dream on Ocelia as I looked down to my homeland.
“Forge. Lay in a course and take us to Ocelia.” The holograms turned on showed me the outside of the forge as I rose through the rooftop exit. A few shuttles flew ahead of me as I followed them into space with another gathering of ships. Knowing they would follow I ignored them as I watched my new portal door open to Earth and the face of India. Arriving close to Ocelia news channels appeared on my holographic screens.
Watching the camera views from Earth the fleet of ships appeared in the reporters broadcasts. After a moment the footage focused on Terminus and I before showing people celebrating in the streets. Glad to return home I continued with orders. “Forge. Locate our landing zone on Ocelia and take us there.” Reporters talked about emergency meetings at the United Nations as I turned off the news feeds.
Reaching my destination I landed on the surface of Ocelia surrounded by war machines and soldiers. Feeling my ship touch down it was time to embrace my future and my past. Grandpa’s voice followed me as I walked to the outer door. “Fill yourself with grace and kindness my granddaughter. And Earth will never stop wanting to be more like you.” The door opened to a formidable army of guards and machines at attention. My family waited with them as I turned back with a firm voice. “Thank you for everything grandpa.”
As I left Tolan opened the portal door to Earth and we moved through to New Delhi. Large tents had been
put up with streamers and banners with all kinds of foods. Many of the foods were not from Earth as I saw aliens in the ocean of humanity around us. Vendors and creatures of different species enjoyed themselves as silks and other fine goods were traded for. The trade nation currencies of Kivy’s and Phi’s were being used depicting Former member of the forge kin.
At the edge of the tents music bands were playing as some of the traders were dancing with the people. Arriving at a larger tent with my family we took turns shaking the hand of India’s president. He was very kind and made sure to pose with us for pictures as I enjoyed smiling with everyone. Finally getting away from the spotlight I had to ask mom. “Can we go play mom? You can call us over the radio and we will come right back.”
Mom looked over me and my wings touching them for a moment. Smiling she answered. “Yes you kids can go play for a little while. Please just don’t do anything dangerous. You need to set good examples.” Hearing the beating of helicopters wings in the distance I touched Preti’s arm and ran calling out. “Tag. Your it.” Running out of the tent I jumped and flew up to see the helicopters approaching from a distance away.
Turning while rising in the air I watched Tolan fly out of the tent with Preti in hot pursuit. Getting some distance between me and the chase I quickly swooped around the helicopters taking a position on their side. In formation with them some of the crew waved to me while I flew with them. Hearing the fighter jets above the noise of the helicopters I wanted to fly more freely like them. Without thinking Tolan had tagged me and I shouted to him a question.
Pointing to the fighters I called out to him. “Hey Tolan, how fast can we go?” My close friend observed the fighters for a moment before answering. “We can go that fast. We just need to turn on the space suits for it.” Turning on the radio I called out to my sister. “Preti, we are going to turn on our space suits and fly high. Come and join us.” Rising up protected from the faster speeds I didn’t see the jet fighters as I found my sister and friend in formation.
When the jets came the ‘V’ formation grew with them on the edges. Circling New Delhi a few times it felt like freedom as our radios came alive. “Get back here kids. The ceremony will be starting in ten minutes and I want to make sure you look presentable.” My sister called over the radio. “You’re it next game.” Smiling and waving goodbye to the jets I allowed myself to slow and drop to the tents in New Delhi. Moments passed as I turned off the spacesuit and gently touched down with the others.
We found both our parents and guides in the news tent. Mom made all three of us sit while checking how we looked. Tolan’s mom also obsessed over his looks as we were being prepared for the meeting. Pulling out of her pocket a shiny gold rippled bangle mom put it on my wrist. Putting another on my sister’s Preti asked her. “Where did you get this mom?” She smiled at the question before reaching for yet another gift in her pocket.
“Your grandfather made these for when you would graduate college.” Turning to Sollea, mom offered her the last gift with a few words. “This gift is for your son.” Offering it to her the chain went through one end of a steel rod covered in gold and dark ripples. It was grandpa’s favorite necklace as it drew a smile while placing the chain around Tolan’s neck. Tolan had both the chisel shaped key and rod from grandpa making him family.
Carrying a tall object covered with white sheets Glitch and Link placed it next to the stage. Happy my guide joined us on the stage I noticed Glitch standing amidst a very full audience. Music became quieter outside as Political leaders arrived with Suntrah. I smiled for more Photographs on the stage before my people’s president went to the microphone.
“Please ladies and gentlemen of all nationalities and species. We have taken a few questions and given them to our Pontu representative Suntrah. This meeting will present a gift from the intergalactic trade courts. It will also inform us more about the reef world or trade hub that will be built tonight.”
The cameras were almost blinding while camera drones appeared as the speech continued. “After a few words we will be excusing our Forge Kin guests to build this world and then continue with questions from the press.” Suntrah stood up to the microphone on top of a box placed for her and started. “Thank you mister president. Today I have the great joy of representing the trade courts and Pontu. Today we take humanity off of the endangered species list and strike Earth from the intergalactic estuary list. Humanity’s time to bloom is now, so without any delay Glitch.”
My eye fell on our former guide standing next to the object covered in sheets. Pulling the cover off it looked like an obelisk. Similar to the one I made on Koleas. Suntrah Stepped away from the microphone before touching her own key to the object and words covering its side lit up. Returning to continue speaking Suntrah put on her key amidst the silence. “With the activation of this trade beacon Earth and its inhabitants are registered under the trade name humanity. Your trade rights are officially recognized by the courts.”
Suntrah reached for a glass of water next to her before taking a simple drink and continued. “Your rights will be managed through the coming trade hub. Understand this, on Bountiful your earthly money and position will mean nothing. Only your skills and character made from your choices will allow you access to the trade through Bountiful.” Clearing her throat for a moment Suntrah continued.
“Simran Singh known as Sundance among the Pontu owns and will be in charge of Bountiful. The nations of Earth will carry no authority with the trade courts. As a result Bountiful will be expected to assist in the development of humanity’s markets. Within one month everyone on Earth will be given a key. It will allow them access to the trade courts, education programs and medical programs. In a year’s time you will look back and fondly remember yesterday as if you were remembering your childhood.”
Suntrah turned to me motioning with her arm and sharing a few thoughts. “Our peoples are linked through bravery and custom. It was the Forge Kin who forged the trade courts many millions of years ago. Every Kin since has been jealously revered among all the trade nations. And so I am proud to say that Sundance has continued that tradition. It is time to build Bountiful, please forge the path Sundance.”
Touching Preti and Tolan’s hands I whispered to them. “Follow me.” Leading them off the stage Link and Glitch followed us through the portal door and rows of Pontu guards. Stepping through to the sight of the Forge and the giant war machines and rows of soldiers I could only see the black sphere. Walking towards it I reached it and turned back to Link. Reaching my hand forward Link looked at it for a second before joining his hand to mine in a proper hand shake.
The hand squeeze was not soft or tight but firm with one pump. At least Link’s voice was happy. “This is where we part ways my young friend. You have made me a legend among my kind. May your legacy blaze bright young Sundance.” Looking up to Links cold robotic eyes I knew the kindness in his circuits. “Legacy’s take friends Link; visit when you can.” Link nodded his head and I shook Glitch’s hand thanking him for his guidance before turning to face Terminus.
With my key the door opened and I felt a change in my spirit as if inside I was made whole. Not sure how to describe it grandpa’s holographic form stood next to the inner door. Beckoning us to join him I ran to him and gave him a hug. “Here are my beautiful granddaughters and handsome heir. I am here to negotiate your contracts. Terminus is offering each of you a time of two thousand years as active kin. But if you violate the laws against murder your term will end. Does each of you agree to these terms?”
Preti asked her question as I thought about the offer. “Does that mean we take turns being the Forge master for two thousand years?” Grandpa turned over and gave Preti a hug as he answered her. “No my precious one. Simran will let each of you use the forge when she is resting or too busy opening up trade. You will spend two thousand years together in the service of the forge.”
Tolan spoke up as I looked to the inner door again. “Make it three thousand years for us and we
will agree.” Turning back to Grandpa he went quiet for a moment as he closed his eyes contemplating. Finally snapping out of it he turned to shake Tolan’s hand with an answer. “Terminus agrees to three thousand years. But that is twice the average term. That is all you will get. If you agree than log into the forge and build Bountiful.”
Placing my palm and saying my name ‘Sundance’ the door opened for me. Flying into the center of the forge I waited for the others. Preti and Tolan followed joining me in the air. Confused by the deal I had a question as Tolan reached us. “How can we run the forge for three thousand years? People don’t live that long.” Tolan responded as if he forgot to explain. “Sorry. The nano-medicine keeps you healthy and young until you disable its programing, or die of unnatural causes.”
Curious I looked at Tolan with a question. “Wait. How old are you and your family Tolan?” He thought about it for a second before answering me. “Well I am thirteen years and my parents are both over five thousand years old. I don’t even know how old my great grandparents are.” Preti cut in. “People choose to age and die?” As Tolan replied I was still excited that I would be healthy and young for a very long time. “When someone lives a very full life it is not unusual for them to seek life beyond this flesh.”