by Paul Anlee
All around, grew well-tended trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers. The delicate trill of birds merged with babbling water close by. There was no sign of a building anywhere unless one counted the vine-laden trellises and arbors off to one side. He could hear the soft sounds of people talking and laughing, off in that direction.
“Where will we meet the Council? Is there transportation to the city nearby?” he asked.
“This is the nearest Amphi of the Coordina,” Crissea responded. “We will meet over there.” She pointed in the direction of the arbors and set off in that direction.
The Brother turned a confused face to the Angel, who patiently answered him with more questions.
“Why meet under cover from the elements if you control them? Or if the weather is of no consequence to your comfort?” He motioned for Stralasi to walk beside him into the clearing ahead.
They left the lightly treed area and entered a plaza filled with a small crowd of people and their accompanying Familiars.
Raised planters, large boulders, and fountains enjoyed the shade of flowering trees. It looked randomly but beautifully arranged, as far as Stralasi could determine.
People sat in small groups on whatever surfaces were convenient. They wore a variety of light robes and short pants suited to a pleasant summer afternoon. Familiars extended manipulators, carrying drinks and small plates of food, toward their human associates.
The overall effect was more like a garden party than a meeting of the governing authorities of a massive civilization like the ringworld of Eso-la.
When Stralasi caught a glimpse of Darak’s face, he saw no hint of emotion, save contentment.
As they entered the plaza, faces turned to watch them. As if one entity, people ceased their conversations and rose to face Darak and the monk. They bowed deeply, Familiars included, and sat down again, resuming their conversations.
Stralasi wasn’t sure whether he felt more like an esteemed guest of honor or one of those Head Brothers who sometimes showed up uninvited at local parties. Both Darak and Crissea appeared satisfied that all the necessary protocols had been met.
“Would you like something to eat or drink while we wait?” their hostess asked Darak. “I can’t recall whether Angels enjoy food or juices. Our selection here is excellent.”
“While I have no need for either, I am capable of enjoying both,” replied the Angel. “And it has been some hours since our last meal. I’m certain Brother Stralasi would like something.”
At that moment, the soft breeze shifted direction, wafting the delicious odors of warm food their way.
Stralasi’s mouth watered, and his stomach gurgled embarrassingly.
Crissea graciously pretended not to notice and guided him toward a buffet where a wide variety of meats, breads, vegetables, and fruits were beautifully displayed.
Three people and their Familiars artfully arranged Stralasi’s choices on a small plate, and poured him a glass of plum-colored wine. Darak chose some slices of fruit that looked like variants on familiar Standard strains. The trio moved off to some secluded seating near a fountain.
Stralasi shoved the delightful tidbits into his mouth as fast as he dared, restrained only by his desire not to appear uncivilized before the lovely Crissea. He noticed her delicate sampling of the fruit dishes. She helpfully pointed out which sauces were best paired with which meat dishes.
The sparkling laughter with which she greeted Stralasi’s appreciative groans over the superb flavors embodied in each morsel only heightened her charm.
The Good Brothers of the Alumit, being among the most favored of Alum, were generally expected to marry and have children at some time in their lives.
Stralasi hadn’t intentionally set out to avoid marriage. During his extensive travels in service to Alum, he had met many delightful and eligible women. Each time, he’d move on to the next assignment before working up the courage to overcome his shyness.
Stralasi surprised himself by thinking about how nice it might be to settle in a place like this with a woman like Crissea. Alas, it was out of his control. There was little he could do but follow Darak wherever his travels took him.
He was savoring a final spectacular bite from the buffet when a dull roar sounded from one side of the terrace. A vessel landed alongside the vehicles parked near the terraced area.
Darak and Crissea stood, and Stralasi set down his plate to join them.
“Perfect timing. This is the last contingent of the Coordina we were expecting,” Crissea said. “We have a quorum now.”
The ship powered down, a door slid open, and a platform descended. Stralasi stole a look at Darak, and a slightly more surreptitious one at Crissea. They shared the appearance of eager expectation, their full attention fixed on the ramp.
Stralasi caught movement out of the corner of his eye and looked back in time to see the travelers emerge.
Aelu! His eyes sought somewhere to hide. He reached out a hand to pull Crissea with him. Her face was serene, even joyful. What is this? He opened his lips to tell her to flee.
Crissea turned to him and her smile grew broader.
He scanned the faces of those assembled. He saw nothing but open acceptance, as if the aliens were old friends. He looked back at the Aelu. They didn’t appear to be hostile, though he wasn’t sure he could tell. He closed his eyes for a second and reconsidered. Could these be the Coordina members we’re waiting for?
Stralasi had never seen real Aelu, not in person. Actually, no one he knew had ever seen real, live Aelu. No one besides Alum and some of his inner circle had any first-hand knowledge of that alien race. Yet, the Aelu continued to be cast as the default evil opponent in video entertainments throughout the Realm, which was odd, now that he thought about it.
Stralasi knew the Aelu—through history lessons, inSense games, and entertainment—to be brilliant, ruthless, and utterly evil. With equal parts trepidation and foreboding, he watched the ten figures gracefully make their way down the ramp. His horror grew with each step of the peculiarly smooth, three-legged gait that held their ellipsoid bodies steady.
“They’re…They’re…Aelu,” he announced to Crissea and Darak as if they hadn’t seen or realized.
“At last!” Darak laughed and strode forward to greet the aliens.
“But how are they here?”
“Because the Savior, the one you know as Darak, brought them to us and charged us with their welfare,” Crissea answered.
“He saved Aelu?” Stralasi couldn’t believe it. How could an Angel, even a rebellious one, save any members of such a powerful enemy of the Realm?
“Yes, he brought as many as he could. Sadly, few made it here alive, barely enough to rebuild the species. It took considerable time and great care.”
Stralasi saw the guilt in her eyes and was confused. Before he could inquire, she whispered, “Excuse me,” and moved forward to greet the Aelu with Darak.
The rest of the Coordina pressed closer to watch the historic moment. They jostled for position, transfixed by a sight they’d never dared hope to see.
Stralasi’s head spun as he watched Darak and Crissea approach the Aelu.
The Aelu assembled in a diamond-shape formation at the bottom of the ramp and bowed deeply to the group as a whole. They emitted a loud musical tinkle, reminiscent of the harmonic but scattered notes of wind chimes.
Their tripod legs collapsed at three central joints, and their bodies sank to within a few centimeters of the ground. Their upper manipulators folded into a complex spiral design above their bodies.
Stralasi’s fear was temporarily overridden by his fascination.
Darak rose to his full height, extended his right hand, and placed it tenderly on what equated to the shoulder area of the lead Aelu. He bent down and enfolded the being in his shimmering wings.
The two remained that way for long seconds, and then Darak was gone. In his place stood an opalescent green-blue Aelu that Stralasi recognized from the movies as a Leader type
.
For a second, it—Darak?—was the only Aelu not bowed low, but it soon joined its brothers in a folded crouch and accepted the gentle touches of upper tripod appendages from the others.
The Angel returned to the form that Stralasi was only now beginning to get used to. When Darak stood, the Aelu stood with it. They surrounded him, gently caressing his arms and wings with their manipulators, and he radiated joy.
The rest of the Coordina rushed forward to share in the glow of his delight. Everyone got a turn to clasp hands with Darak, brush against his wings, or receive a hand to their shoulder. A particularly ancient looking man spoke with Darak for well over a minute, after which the Angel gently wrapped him in his wings and the two hugged.
The Good Brother was moved by this display, though he didn’t understand what it signified. When Crissea returned to his side, he asked for her help.
“Rudolfo’s great-great-grandfather, Artero, was one of the Original Ten who conspired with Darak Legsu in the Liberation. He visited his esteemed ancestor in Eterna only a few weeks ago, and they relived those days. How gratifying it will feel for him to relay his conversation with the Fallen Commander to the ancient one.”
Stralasi nodded before it dawned on him. “Wait. This Rebellion happened over twenty million years ago, didn’t it? How could this Rudolfo possibly have visited with anyone alive then?”
Crissea smiled kindly, in a way that Stralasi found moderately condescending. “Oh, that’s right,” she realized. “The Realm doesn’t have Familiars. Well, Artero Belongia’s biological body died ages ago. His Familiar housed his concepta and persona for a few million years before being uploaded into Eterna. He is still among our most respected Council advisors when we can find something interesting enough to pull him away from his hobbies and adventures.”
“If he died, his soul is no longer with us and has certainly passed on to the next world,” objected Stralasi. “Clearly, nothing of his soul could remain in this world.”
Crissea cocked her head in a way that Stralasi found both charming and disconcerting. “What is this ‘soul’ you mention?”
Darak had returned behind the two without their notice, and jumped in before Stralasi could expound further. “Alum’s people believe that our ideas, memories, and beliefs, all the thoughts that make us individuals, reside in a non-physical essence that is somehow connected to the body. They believe that when one dies, the soul is set free to go on to an eternal existence in a non-physical paradise called Heaven or, in some cases, to bear eternal torture and suffering in a place called Hell. Pursuant to judgment by Alum, of course.”
Crissea stared first at the Angel, then at Stralasi. Her mouth hung—rather uncharacteristically—wide open.
Darak’s eyes twinkled. He couldn’t contain his escaping grin. Crissea burst into relieved laughter. The laughter erupted in great waves from the Angel as well. Brother Stralasi glowered.
As she dried her eyes, Crissea apologized. “I’m sorry, Ontro. That can’t be what you really think? It’s just too…preposterous.”
Stralasi crossed his arms indignantly. “I am a Senior Brother in the Alumit. I have studied the Scripture my entire life. What Darak has said—minus his disrespectful tone—is the essence of Alum’s teachings. Those who contravene the Faith will be judged harshly by the Living God.”
“Oh, I am sorry. I’ve made you angry. I just…. There’s no evidence. It’s not rational.” The more Crissea attempted her unapologetic apology, the more stubbornly Stralasi set his glare.
“My friends, I’m afraid this is a clash of cultural perspectives that won’t be resolved here and now,” Darak intervened. “I learned long ago that appealing to rational assessments of the available evidence is useless when trying to convert a person of Faith.” He glanced pointedly over his shoulder at his wings. “Though, I’m sure even Alum Himself never would have imagined hearing those words from the lips of an Angel of the Lord, no matter how Fallen.”
Stralasi made a conscious effort to relax. “It is true I have seen many things in my travels with you, Lord Angel, things that might make weaker men question their Faith. And I have learned that all is not exactly as I once thought it was. But if you would ask me to condemn my Eternal Soul to Damnation by forsaking what I know in my heart to be true, I cannot do that. So you are right; there is no amount of evidence or rational thought that can shake the foundations of my Belief in such a way.” He thrust his chin defiantly forward.
Darak raised his hands in mock surrender. “No, I would not ask such a thing of you, my dear Brother Stralasi. I picked you as my traveling companion precisely for the strength of your Faith. It is clear that even Alum would not question your Belief. That is why I hope you will join the proceedings as one of the Judges. I believe you are ready for that now.”
Stralasi and Crissea were equally surprised and confused. “Judges?” they asked simultaneously.
“Yes, Judges. If I may address the meeting of the Coordina, I will outline my request in greater detail.”
“Most certainly.” Crissea bowed, hoping he wouldn’t notice her embarrassment, “The meeting has been underway for some time.”
“I wondered if it might be,” Darak nodded. “I thought it impolite to monitor your private channels or I would have known. Very well, let’s attend to business.” He directed Stralasi and Crissea to sit by the fountain. He remained standing, facing the two of them.
“Three hundred of the Coordina Executive are here in attendance,” Crissea announced for Stralasi’s benefit. “Thousands upon thousands of Coordina groups distributed around Eso-La are connected to this meeting through me. I will channel our responses and questions as needed. Darak Legsu, please proceed.”
Darak acknowledged the invitation, then turned inward to address the entire ringworld Coordina.
“Greetings friends. Thank you for your warm welcome. It has been too long since I visited. I am pleased with the developments you have made since I first assisted your ancestors in that distant age. It is good to see how you have come together from many peoples into one, and from so many tiny colonies into one shining ringworld, the beautiful Eso-La.
“I’d hoped your worlds would survive at least a while after throwing off the shackles of Alum’s Realm, but I could not have imagined that you would flourish the way you have. I am delighted to see your growth and vitality.
“For whatever reason, it seems Alum has decided to ignore your presence here. Though He’s had ample time to send a Wing or even an entire Flock of Angels to avenge the Rebellion of your ancestors, He has not done so.
“Are you free of Him forever? Does He think you’ve long since perished, or that you’re insignificant? Has He chosen to let you live in peace? I can tell you, none of these is true.
“Alum has simply moved on to a new Plan. A greater Plan. His Divine Plan. He’s no longer content with ruling the small part of the universe we call the Realm. He’s no longer content with the prospect of encountering other civilizations and other powers that may equal or exceed His own. He’s decided to bring about the Age of Heaven, as he calls it.
“What is Alum’s ‘Age of Heaven’? How could Alum’s Realm be any more perfect?
“In ancient days, before Alum was the Living God, we had stories of a place free from any suffering, free from labor or strife. It was a place where everyone could live forever, and where our only work was to praise God throughout our days. A place free from threats, free of uncertainty, where God’s Will was the only Law and God’s Love was the only Force. We called this place Heaven.
“This is Alum’s dream, to recreate our universe, to reflect His idea of Heaven. To do so, He will first have to collapse our universe, the only physical universe we know, destroying us all, every last creature, every planet, every star. He will return everything to a condensed, primordial state, and recreate all matter according to His new laws. He will remake nature in His vision of this Heaven.
“I have been beyond the universe to the realm of th
e Chaos, a place where the laws of nature have not yet taken hold. I have seen the end of the expansion of our universe into the Chaos, an expansion that has been rolling outward since the first real matter condensed out of the virtual froth of the Chaos many billions of years ago.
“To achieve this, Alum constructed a device He calls the Deplosion Array. Once he activated it, our universe, the universe of real matter, stopped expanding and The Chaos started seeping back into the universe, ripping apart matter along its edge.
“The destruction will be slow at first, then rapidly accelerate until the edge of the universe is retreating faster than the speed of light. In less than ten million years, the universe will be returned to the Chaos and Alum will begin the re-Creation.”
Through both his lattice connection and physical surroundings, Stralasi heard a rising murmur coming from the Coordina members gathered in the adjoining courtyards.
Crissea’s brow furrowed in concentration, and she raised her voice to be heard over the sound. “I would ask Counsellors to refrain from transmitting anything except clearly phrased questions, please.”
“Darak Legsu, how can we hope to withstand or oppose Alum’s Will in this?” she asked. “You know that we have refrained from further exploring the basis of reality. We vowed ages ago that such technology would remain unexplored. We chose to develop whatever we could within the Laws of Nature. Even if we were to commence intensive research today, we’d have no hope of stopping Alum in time.”
“I will deal with Alum,” said Darak and, in an instant, vanished. In his stead, stood the man Stralasi had first mistaken for a Shard.
The shock from the Coordina was audible, palpable. Stralasi would have sworn a physical tremor had been transmitted the full circumference of Eso-La through the radio waves connecting the Coordinas.
Darak, the man, continued, “Alum is not alone in understanding the origin of the Laws of Nature, nor is He the only one capable of manipulating them. I am not here to ask you to stand with me in opposition. I am here to ask you to share your wisdom in choosing the right way forward.”