She collapsed onto me. Xathan kissed her back and neck once more, and then gently withdrew. She seemed to want to keep me inside her. Our partner went to her private bathroom while we cuddled on the floor.
“Wonderful…” was all she could manage. I brushed hair from her eyes and kissed her gently. She sat up, giving me another lovely view of her breasts, and moved gently against me, pressing her clit down on my pubic bone. “I’m just finishing my orgasm”, she explained, eyes closed. My cock was finding new life almost immediately. “The final time I come, I need it to be complete, or I always want more.” She was moving more quickly, grinding on me, and giving my cock enough pressure and friction that it was fully hard in moments. She was riding a wave, getting where she wanted to go, and I was happy to ride along. She switched styles, using more of my cock to please the nerve-centres inside her, sliding up and down on my shaft. This could only have one result. As her final orgasm seized her, I shot another torrent of cum into her body, loving the spasms of her cunt muscles as we came together.
*****
I tried to be gracious as I took my leave. Xathan decided to stay and keep her company – I think I knew what that meant – so I thanked him for the cube, kissed Jasira again and made my way out. I could feel both pairs of eyes on me as I left. The door swished open and I stood in the carpeted hallway, breathing with relief and cradling the Cube, which was about the size of a Rubix cube back home. I needed Falik at once.
She was relaxing in our cabin, I was relieved to find. I explained quickly about the Captain’s wife, bringing the usual giggles from my girlfriend, and then produced the Cube. Our cabin had a reader machine, so we took a look at the file index. It was a dense collection of research data, page after page of field equations, quantum calculations, very little prose. What little there was, however, was revealing.
“Here,” noted Falik, “this abstract covers this big report”, she pointed to an icon in the screen, representing a report which would span to 3000 pages if printed. “Traversable Worm Hole Technology Studies Group” she read, “it’s a paper called ‘Chrono-voyage Potential in Stable Traversable Worm Hole CNG55165”.
We read in silence. For six hours, we sat and absorbed these files, the equations, and their meaning. When we were finished, Falik gave me a kiss on the cheek, smiled and went straight to find the Captain.
Chapter XXII: Of Strange Lands and People
The day before our arrival at Numkli was packed. Final lectures were given, preparing various delegates for their meetings. Everyone seemed to have a purpose, to be negotiating, buying or selling. Already, heated discussions over prices were bubbling away in the dining halls, fists thumping on tables as bargains were hammered out. One table were trading tonnes of spices, which reminded me of the old East India Company. Another had a revolutionary medical treatment which eased the transition from microgravity to the heavy 1.2G of Numkli. I stood just outside one of the lecture halls as the Captain’s secretary warned passengers about the increased weight of objects, the likelihood of inner-ear problems and such like.
After packing my gear, and spending an hour with the Red Cube to brush up on aspects of the Outer Rim dispute, I found a quiet hangar, deserted now as storage pods were being moved to the docking section, and looked out at the planet. Only the second one I’d seen from space, and neither of those were Earth! It looked so different to Takanli, bigger, but more spacious. The dominant colour was a light orange, nearly tan or sand-coloured, and there were small seas dotted around. 88% of the surface was land, I learned from the ship’s computer, and an aggressive program of water management was required to irrigate the arid soil. It was strange that we had journeyed a billion miles from the system’s star, but yet things here were too hot and dry. Apparently a runaway greenhouse effect caused by air pollution. Sounded eerily familiar. I tried to dismiss thoughts of Earth, but they seemed to fill every spare moment, as one would fantasise about a favourite lover, or sport, or hobby, I could only think about my home, my friends, living amid that global disaster.
As the time approached, I met up with Falik and waited with many others in the docking area. Several landing craft had already left, one of them carrying over a thousand tonnes of Frejudium. This ship was escorted to the surface by three military craft, gleaming and bristling with laser turrets. The slick, green glider I had encountered in Storage 14 was apparently going to be our ride down to the surface. It only seated three, but it was ready to go and Falik jumped at the chance.
“This is so much nicer a way to descend than in those big, clunky landers. I want to see the planet, not clouds of superheated plasma.” She paused, turned. “Who’s he?”
An Elderly man was climbing into the glider’s third seat. He strapped himself in and brought out a lectern, tapping animatedly.
“I have no idea. Seems like we have a travelling companion.” We both climbed in. The spacecraft was not unlike one of the long-winged reconnaissance planes from Earth. The wings could swing back into a position almost flush with the fuselage, as they were now, or to ninety degrees, for entry. Falik and I took the front two seats, ostensibly for the pilot and co-pilot, but we knew the craft would be under computer control. Falik engaged it in conversation while I introduced myself to our fellow passenger.
“Garlidan”, he said cheerfully. “Quantum Anthropology”. He extended his hand. “A real pleasure to meet you. Happy coincidence this, I was hoping to bump into you. Been meaning to have a chat.”
I cast a glance at Falik. Who was this guy? She completed her acquaintance with the glider’s computer and very soon I felt movement under the craft’s belly as restraining struts were removed and we began a slow rise, up into the centre of the giant docking bay, and then forwards and out into space.
Falik pushed a couple of buttons and then relaxed into her seat. “The ride will be about 90 minutes, as we’ll have to make several figure-of-eight manoeuvres in the upper atmosphere to lose speed.” She turned to our guest. “Professor Garlidan, my name is Falik, from the Takanli Biological Studied Institute..” She reached back to shake hands.
The craft tilted so that the bubble canopy allowed a view of the Daedalus. She wasn’t beautiful, but the engine section left one in no doubt that this ship covered distance for a living. Six huge bell-like thrusters extended from the rear, silent now, but I quickly called up a net video of our original departure from Takanli. The six began dormant, and then at the centre of each a point of light emerged, becoming a stream of particles as the spacecraft accelerated. By the time Daedalus left the screen, all six engines were sprouting cones of bright blue light, growing all the time. An amazing vessel.
“So, Professor, if I may ask, what exactly is a Quantum Anthropologist?” He smiled, probably very used to the question.
“Well, I am interested in the life forms of the galaxy, their history and interactions within the chaotic quantum framework.” Unsure as to if I was any clearer, I was about to ask more when he said, “And sometimes this involves bringing extra-terrestrial life forms to Takanli, or other places, for study”.
This sounded familiar. Before my mouth could open, he said, “Yes, that’s right. You are here on my orders. Without my instigation, the project to collect you from Earth and bring you here would never have begun”.
My head spun briefly. I was getting to the source, the initial decision. I was going to understand it all. Well, maybe.
“And…” I hesitated. “Are you aware of the impact of this decision on my life?” I wanted to know. Garlidan thought for a moment as our craft began its descent, before answering in a slow, even tone.
“Yes, we considered that. You see, we weighed up every variable we could find, and decided after a lengthy period of study that bringing you here would eventually be shown to have enhanced your life, not ruined it.” I looked at him steadily as he chose just the right words. “Your friends and family will probably all be long gone by the time you return, if you choose to. Your planet, as we have seen, has undergon
e dramatic changes. You will be quite out of place when you return, and even given the amazing experiences you’ve had, there’s no guarantee anyone will believe you.” He sighed slightly. “We have given you the heaviest of burdens.”
I nodded, thoughtful and feeling a little odd to have finally met this man. “But also the greatest of honours”, I felt the need to retort. “Look at my body now! And the places I have been, people I’m getting to know.” I thought of my burgeoning relationship with Falik. Then the Raptor. “Amazing people, who I would never have otherwise met.” Garlidan smiled and patted my shoulder.
“We knew you were a good choice. An open mind. So important.” I warmed at the praise. He was disarmingly easy to talk to, despite his enormous role in the way my life had changed, as if he was capable of an empathy and an understanding of my desires like none I’d ever seen.
“Look, as you can imagine, we have plenty to talk about, and I wouldn’t be so rude as to discuss these matters in front of Dr. Falik.” She nodded gracefully. “I wonder if we could meet, down there? I have some ideas I’d like to talk through with you.”
I brought out my lectern, still a little in awe of this extraordinary tool. “I’m due at a preparatory meeting for the debate pretty much right after landing, but there’s some time between the two. Do you know where it is taking place?”
“Indeed so. The ancient temples of Numkli Prime, the original civilization of the planet. I’ve been meaning to visit them for years.” He seemed genuinely excited. “There’s a hotel, just on the edge of the ruins. Let’s meet at the bar.”
The glider was making its second, broad turn through the upper atmosphere, causing the various gauges to read increases in temperature and atmospheric pressure as the craft warmed in the thickening air. Garlidan brought out his own lectern and began tapping again. Falik and I exchanged a glance and both thought it best to leave him be. I considered our meeting at the hotel. There was no way this could be some kind of trap? Falik seemed convinced, and I felt nothing but sincerity from this man. No-one from Takanli had ever tried to trick me. Could this be for real?
Our final approach was well underway when I returned from this reverie. The computer kept us perfectly on track, compensating for the vicious winds which whipped up frequent dust storms. On either side of the ship I could see small, brown-stone dwellings, parked vehicles and people working in the dusty farmland. There was a soft bump under my feet and the glider settled itself on the runway, taxiing to a stop amid several large hangar buildings.
Chapter XXIII: Question Time
We were escorted out by tall, armed guards and met a representative from the TV station, who was enthused at our presence. She bubbled along, describing the preparations for the show, the size of the audience and the importance of the event, but my mind was elsewhere. I wanted to know what Garlidan was up to, why our paths had crossed like that. I wanted to help Earth, to persuade the Council to send me back, somehow. I wanted to stay on Takanli and marry Falik. I wanted to solve this ancient dispute and bring peace. Ah, God.
The studio was enormous, housing an audience of seventy thousand, and sporting so many cameras and lights they had their own fusion power generator. As moderator of the debate, my job was to encourage the two sides to explain their positions, develop strategies which might result in compromise, and generally stop them from killing each other.
I reviewed what I knew about the dispute, and about the characteristics of each side. I was only really worried about the Jakalzzi delegation. The inhabitants of this distant, poorly-understood planet had a reputation for being simple-minded, a bit blunt, prone to violence. But also stubbornly patriotic, unwaveringly loyal to their home planet and its people, and passionate in their opinions of anyone who appeared to threaten their security or prosperity. In the cold, remote Outer Rim (they were twice the distance from their star as was Saturn, my lectern confided) economic development was hard to come by. As, apparently, was anything other than a rather narrow world-view.
The Raptors and their Elder husbands, on the other hand, shouldn’t pose as much trouble. With their negotiating prowess and level-headed views on these matters, the Raptors should keep their otherwise rowdy men-folk in check. All of this was theoretical during the rehearsal, anyway, with graduate students from the local university playing the part of the delegates. They looked young, a bit scared and packed with nervous anticipation. The real debate teams, I was told, were unprepared for anything other than a formalised, structured debate. Nothing ad hoc. They were playing hardball already.
*****
The rehearsal went well. Falik took copious notes on her lectern and watched with interest, this being my first outing as a responsible, adjusted member of Takanli’s society. Their project, their idea. And trillions of people would watch. How would I do?
I found her as soon as the dazzling lights dimmed and the rehearsal was declared over. “Well?”
She took my arm and led me backstage, past hoards of lighting technicians, camera people and celebrities, one of whom was throwing a hissy fit because of the lack of a certain drink in her dressing room. I ignored them and followed Falik to a quiet corner near a stairwell.
“You were fine. Don’t worry about it.” She was animated, clearly the bearer of news. “Listen, I’m hearing some rumours that you need to know about.” She glanced over her shoulder, made sure we were alone. “Leaders from both sides, not just the debate team, but the real negotiation team are in orbit right now.” I nodded, warily. “Both sides figured that the other would try to pull something… you know, work with you behind the scenes, influence you or something. They’re totally fucking paranoid.” I waited for the punchline.
“They’re on their way down here. The debate trio are being switched out, and the real leadership are coming.”
The pressure mounted. Neither the Jakalzzians, nor the Gaspirian Erosine Raptors, were leaving anything to chance, investing this debate with tremendous importance. Their own presence, I knew, would lend far more weight to any agreement which was made here; provided I could persuade them to reach such an accord. They could also, in their positions of power, destroy this burgeoning peace process, even begin a new war with the re-deployment of the Frejudium Cannon. I shuddered. Yet more lives seemed to depend on me. I wondered again, for the thousandth time, at the wisdom of the Council in sending such a novice so far on so difficult a mission.
The ramifications for the TV show were huge. Producers ran around in circles while extra security was arranged, extra audience seating was provided, and light-speed craft raced to place yet more booster stations so that the signal would reach pretty well the whole of the Orion Arm before petering out. I wondered if Earth might pick it up. Probably. Well, in forty years. If anyone was still alive to listen.
I left the chaotic studio and caught a hover-cab to the ruins of Numkli Prime. The sun was beginning to set, but I had a couple of hours until the debate and I was determined to find Garlidan. The hotel bar was empty but a brief search of the temple ruins led me to him. He was sitting on the steps of one of the huge ceremonial buildings, tapping at this lectern and enjoying the sunset.
“Professor?” I called up. He waved, packed up his lectern and jogged youthfully down the steps to greet me, hand extended.
“Ah, my boy. I’m so pleased you could get away. Is all going well with your TV appearance?” I explained the change in circumstances. He beamed. “But that’s tremendous! An opportunity, in front of so many people, to begin the peace process early. Get them talking. Start the ball rolling. So important…” he trailed off, talking more to himself, it seemed.
We headed out of the ruins as darkness fell and got ourselves seats at the hotel bar, a short walk away. He was silent during the walk, perhaps mulling things over, or trying to find the right words. He was an eccentric character, cheerful and bright but preoccupied with something so serious and profound that it clouded his otherwise sunny disposition.
We sat at the bar and ordered frui
t drinks which were mildly syrupy and tremendously refreshing. “Professor?” I prompted.
He cradled his drink and began. “You know already that I ordered that you be brought to Takanli. I know how enormous a change this has been, and again I offer you my thanks.” I nodded. “You know also that you are here to provide us with information which will lead to enhancements in our emotional systems. You must find us rather bland, lacking such basic hormonal responses as you’re very used to.” I began to disagree, but he pushed on.
“Carpash explained that we lack emotions. But he never explained why.” I leaned closer. “You see, we are an old civilization. The developments, industrialization and spacefaring, that your species went through in the last three centuries… well, we accomplished these over 300,000 years ago.” I stared at him, jaw ajar. “We have come across, and mastered, all of the challenges of steering a huge populace through many orders of magnitude more change than you can imagine. We have succeeded. Takanli, and the colonised planets of our system, are largely peaceful and prosperous. Our people are living out long, healthy, successful lives. But…” I waited. “But, the cost.”
He seemed to slump, deflated. A thumb and forefinger pinched his nose, eyes closed, as if dispelling some horrid image from the past. He shook his head slightly, drew deeply from his glass, and continued.
“The cost is measured by the extent to which we surrendered that sweetest part of the human experience. We gave it up. Like a snake shedding its skin, we shed the profoundest essence of our humanity.”
He was genuinely upset. I was certain he would burst into tears. What did he mean? How did they surrender anything, give up anything? They were just emotionally different from me, right?
Voyage Page 15