»Did you find anything yet?« Scorge asked via a separate audio channel.
Vasina knew that her words were relayed to the command central.
»Unfortunately, no, Scorge. There’s nothing so far that can be directly associated to my past. I’m impressed about the amount of data you’ve collected over the years. You’ve traveled far and wide, but you don’t seem to have had any contact with my people, our home sector or the galactic center. Why is that? There were, during my time, many cultures and people located in the galactic central region.«
»The galaxy is huge,« Scorge replied, »and full of life. It wasn’t necessary to go into the star jungle. What do the Humans call this galaxy … uh … Milky Way?«
Scorge gurgled typically as if he had made a joke. The term Milky Way seemed to amuse him. Even Vasina smiled when she heard it.
»Are you trying to tell me that you never went near the galactic center? Why not? Does the sector belong to a different Shwakan?«
»No, Shwakans do not have personal trading sectors or regions. I just haven’t been there yet, that’s all.«
Vasina didn’t miss the strange undertone in Scorge’s voice.
»What is it, Scorge? Did I say something wrong?«
Scorge seemed to ponder for a moment then said, »They say that there are still nomadic Shwakan tribes in that area. We do not have contact with our remote relatives and we don’t want to. They’re not like us. We have developed, but the nomads have remained Trox.«
Vasina was surprised.
»So there are still Trox clans out there? Even today, a million years after the Progonauts exiled them from the galactic center?«
Scorge seemed to regret having committed himself to this discussion, but Vasina wasn’t ready to let him change the subject.
»Do you have any real knowledge supporting your statements or is it all based on hearsay or superstition?«
Scorge seemed to struggle with his answer.
»A couple of years ago I visited a solar system in the Orion Sector whose main world had been pillaged, almost devastated. It looked like the work of the Trox. My remote predecessors were robbing and plundering hordes who left ruin throughout the galaxy. When I saw that world, I thought of them. Oh, they’re still around, although they don’t seem to have been too active lately. The vastness of the galaxy leaves a lot of room to hide.«
Vasina swallowed hard. She knew the danger the Trox posed only too well. She had led punitive expeditions against the Trox of her time, destroying their nomadic fleets. They were always fearsome opponents.
»Maybe that world was ransacked by pirates of some other race – or the inhabitants destroyed themselves. It happens, you know.«
Scorge couldn’t be swayed.
»I know what I’m talking about. The Trox are still out there, waiting for the right moment to re-emerge in full strength. The Progonauts may have exiled and decimated them in great numbers, but after your people were defeated, nobody was left to keep them in their places. They might have moved to the other side of the galaxy and are now slowly returning to the galactic center. That’s why we Shwakans avoid that area. We have absolutely no interest in showing those Trox the way to our home-world and to our females!«
Vasina gnawed on her lower lip, wondering. Scorge’s arguments were sensible; she couldn’t just dismiss them. The Trox might even be supported and controlled by the Dark Brotherhood. She shook her head. That was idle speculation, unpleasant as it may be.
»A million years is a long time,« Vasina whispered, »I’m not too worried about the Trox. They’re history, long extinct.«
»And yet, if I’m right and the Trox find their way to this sector … then may the nine-headed snake, creator of the universe, have mercy on us!« Scorge prophesied.
Techno-Ferry 269
Toiber Arkroid and Lai Pi looked around uncertainly. The ship’s entrance would hold only a single person at a time, as did the corridor behind it. It felt claustrophobic, more like an archaic submarine than a spaceship.
Li Pi had the impression that the entrance was formed exactly for them. They entered the ship through the entrance and proceeded into the corridor single file. A sudden noise made Lai Pi twitch and turn around, just in time to see the entrance close behind them. Walls formed around them as if constructed by ghosts, and sealed behind them as Toiber and Pi advanced into the ship. The walls and corridors seemed to merge seamlessly with the ship’s interior hull.
»Arkroid!« Lai Pi whispered in alarm, but Arkroid had taken the changes around them in his stride.
»Keep cool, Pi. I see it too. It looks as if the ship can deliberately build and shape the walls and corridors from energy and matter as we need them. Neat trick! You can open a door to another room anywhere you want one … fascinating!«
»Then the ship also created the atmosphere.«
»Looks like it!« Arkroid acknowledged. »Why waste good space for an airlock or a corridor? The ship adjusts the space accordingly and fills it with air … and Eureka … you can leave the ship.«
Lai Pi smiled thinly, not very impressed by Toiber’s Eureka, but he understood. He just had to look at this ship with different eyes. It must be over a thousand years advanced beyond the Union Fleet ships. Even the Yax K’uk’Mo’ appeared outdated next to it. Silently they kept walking until they reached the end of the short corridor. They halted, and then looked at each other questioningly.
»That’s the end of the corridor, eh!«
Arkroid touched the wall at the end of the corridor and felt a small current creeping through his arms, his throat and his scalp. He twitched and quickly pulled back his hands.
»What’s going on?« Lai Pi asked, worried.
»I don’t know,« Arkroid replied in astonishment.
»The wall felt like it was powered. There’s a slight flow of energy, strange but not painful, more of a soft sensation.«
Suddenly the wall disappeared and the two men were standing inside a small room. Two comfortable seats, formed to suit the Human physique, stood in the middle of the room. Unknown switches and other control elements and displays were distributed along the walls where specially designed consoles were mounted before the seats.
Lai Pi couldn’t believe his eyes.
»Matter to energy and energy to matter. They really know what they’re doing. Just don’t ask me how they do it.« He looked around and declared dryly, »Two seats, two visitors! Is this coincidence or what?«
Arkroid smiled.
»I don’t believe in coincidences. It’s more like the ship has adapted to us and equipped the rooms to order … just like that.«
»The ship? You trying to tell me that this ship is intelligent?«
Arkroid looked briefly but sternly at Pi.
»I wouldn’t be surprised. We have to adapt our thinking to new paradigms, Pi. The Techno-Clerics’ technology isn’t like anything we’ve seen so far.«
Not even thinking twice, Arkroid slouched in one of the seats and invited Lai Pi to do the same.
They had barely made themselves comfortable when a gong sounded and a soft, modulated voice announced, »Welcome aboard. I’ll start the initialization sequence.«
The two men looked at each other. Arkroid had expected something like that; even the voice addressing them in perfect English.
»What do you mean?« Arkroid asked mutedly into the room. He hoped he was being heard and understood.
»The ship’s functions will be adapted, calibrated and coded to your bionic aura. I can do the same for your partner, if you wish him to be your deputy.«
Arkroid didn’t exactly understand, but nodded in response.
»Yes, go ahead.«
Lai Pi’s face was a single question mark, but Arkroid made a quick, dismissive sweep of his hand.
Some of the indicators along the wall and on the console began flickering randomly. Small holo-displays appeared while Arkroid felt the seat adjust to his body motions.
»Initialization finished,« the voic
e announced. »You’re now in charge of this ship. Welcome onboard Techno-Ferry 269, Toiber Arkroid. The ship is all yours.«
Lai Pi took a deep breath.
»Thank you for the warm welcome. Who am I talking to; are you the ship’s computer?«
The answer followed promptly.
»All relevant data about your thought processes was transferred to me by the collective. I understand why you ask me this question. No, I don’t need a computer, because I am … a single independent unit. I am simply the ship and you are now part of my body, safe and secure.
Arkroid looked around amazed and asked, »Are you a Techno-Cleric?«
»I was designed and developed by the Creators, becoming a Techno-Ferry. In many ways I’m like the Techno-Clerics, but my body was mainly created to transport organic beings through any given medium. When the Creators still lived on Techno-Center, it was sometimes necessary for them to travel throughout the galaxy to visit friends or other people. Since the Creators were organic beings much like you, they needed the Techno-Ferries for transport. Once they had evolved and left Techno-Center they no longer needed us. I’m very happy to serve you as my new ship owner. I hope that you find my way of communicating with you pleasing and that you feel well inside me. If you need anything, just let me know. 40028 has provided the necessary data about you. We should get along well.«
Arkroid pulled up his right eyebrow.
»The communication works extremely well and is very suitable. I’m very impressed with your possibilities and the way you’re functioning. I would like to understand a little bit more about it. I’m afraid that we’re probably the first ones who can’t actively control or fly you. Is there a way we can learn this quickly?«
The ship’s reply to Arkroid’s question was surprising.
»It won’t be necessary for you to actively fly or pilot me. I was designed to perform independently. You’ll be in charge of this ship, but you needn’t worry about internal processes. All you need to do is tell me what you want or need done. Do you understand the difference?«
Lai Pi straightened in his seat. He struggled with his self-control, but had to ask his question anyway.
»Ooookay … but what happens if something goes wrong and we need to make repairs? How could we without specific knowledge of your systems?«
»I am perfectly capable of healing myself in such an improbable case. But rest assured this has never occurred within the last million years.«
Toiber Arkroid’s mouth became dry.
… within the last million years? he thought, overwhelmed.
»How does this … uh … passive piloting work? Do we give commands via these consoles or just speaking them aloud?«
»I have built the consoles just for you. You can use them to monitor the flight and request relevant data. Neuronal receptors will detect your thoughts and I can respond by changing course instantly. Your bionic aura is very strong, Toiber Arkroid. I can understand and execute your verbal instruction as well as your emotions and unconscious reflexes. However, I will execute most of the flight maneuvers without your input.«
»Reflexes?« Lai Pi asked in surprise. »What exactly do you mean by that?«
»I can respond to neuronal reactions from your consciousness, especially survival instincts, faster than it would take you to transfer the signals from your cerebellum to your cerebrum. This shortens the reaction time in dangerous situations immensely.«
»I’d like to test that, just to understand you better,« Arkroid decided. »Can we do that?«
Arkroid quickly made a chopping gesture at Lai Pi, who looked like he wanted to say something.
»Techno-Ferry 269 is always ready to serve you, Toiber Arkroid.«
»Can you establish a comm-link to the Yax K’uk’Mo’s command central?«
Before Arkroid had finished his sentence a holo-display appeared. It seemed as if the Techno-Ferry had received Arkroid’s wish faster than he could speak it aloud. Scorge was clearly visible in the halo, waving his tentacles around wildly.
»Arkroid, what is this supposed to mean? I was just instructed to open the hangar gates! What’s going on down there?« Scorge seemed agitated. »We’re currently flying at ten percent light, approaching the inner Epsilon Indi System!«
»The current speed of the Yax K’uk’Mo’ is irrelevant,« Techno-Ferry 269 butted in. »The commander has requested a test flight.«
»That’s right,« acknowledged Arkroid with a reassuring smile. »Don’t worry, Scorge. The Techno-Ferry is synchronized to my bionic aura.«
»Techno-Ferry?« Scorge asked, perplexed. »The ship has asked in your name for launch clearance?«
»Exactly,« Arkroid acknowledged. »I want to test the ship and then return to the Yax K’uk’Mo’.«
Scorge’s tentacles vibrated with excitement.
»Are you sure about this? It’s a totally advanced technology that you Humans can barely grasp, let alone control!«
Lai Pi couldn’t restrain a smirk as he answered, »It’s precisely because its so advanced that we can control it.«
»Well … suit yourselves,« Scorge replied. »The hangar will open in a couple of seconds.«
Scorge’s holo disappeared to be replaced by a larger one displaying the exterior of the Techno-Ferry, allowing Arkroid and Lai Pi to watch as the hangar gates opened to space.
Arkroid blinked as the hangar opening suddenly shot toward them giving way to the stars and space outside the ship. Lai Pi clutched the armrests reflexively, bracing for terrific acceleration forces. However, as with the Yax K’uk’Mo’, they felt nothing inside the Techno-Ferry.
»What a launch!« Lai Pi moaned. »I almost shit my pants!«
Arkroid grimaced.
»That was automatic. I didn’t give the launch command yet.«
»Unnecessary,« the Techno-Ferry replied. »You asked for a test flight. We are now flying parallel to the Yax K’uk’Mo’ as you wished.«
»Uh … as he wished?« Lai Pi asked wonderingly.
Arkroid blinked at Pi and tapped his right index finger against his temple.
»Neuronal interface, remember?«
He addressed the ship, »Are all your systems go and in the green?«
»You didn’t ask for updates so I didn’t feel it necessary, but since you seem to need assurance, everything works well. It seems to me that Humans are always asking unnecessary questions, especially regarding their personal safety. Not at all like the Creators.«
Arkroid cleared his throat.
»Well then, I’ll take that at face value. The long inactivity on Techno-Center didn’t adversely affect your systems, and you’re ready for action.«
»I am ready.«
»One more question,« Lai Pi interrupted. Before he could ask it, though, the Techno-Ferry answered.
»I use a gravity based propulsion system within the sub-lightspeed range. It’s like the Techno-Cleric’s system but much more effective. I can access far more energy for my stronger drives. The Yax K’uk’Mo’ is a larger ship, but far less efficient and much slower, not only in acceleration but also deceleration and maneuverability.«
»Do me a favor, please,« Arkroid interjected quickly, »I would like to be able to ask my questions before you answer them. Lai Pi, too. Neuronal interfacing may be more efficient, but we sometimes need to ask questions the old fashioned way.«
»I understand,« the Techno-Ferry acknowledged.
»Great! Now, about your faster-than-light abilities, what can we expect there?« Lai Pi asked quickly.
»I use a superior tachyon drive that utilizes the entire tachyon trail range available.«
»What do you mean?« Arkroid asked. »That you’re very fast?«
»I can achieve maximum perceivable speed within the tachyon medium. I’m perfectly suited for it. No further technological improvements are possible.«
»Nothing is perfect in this universe!« Lai Pi answered irritated. »There’s always room for improvements. I’ve learned that the hard way in
my profession.«
»Then your teachers didn’t know any better,« the Techno-Ferry replied amiably.
Lai Pi’s facial expression caused Arkroid to break out in loud laughter.
»Just explain it to us in simple terms,« Arkroid requested. »How much better is your propulsion system than Scorge’s? The pyramid ship brought us here, right? For us Humans that’s already a tremendous technological achievement.«
»That depends on your point of view. Humans are still at the threshold of space exploration in the pre-tachyon era. You do not yet have nor understand faster-than-light travel. The Creators were eons ahead of you, and they knew that tachyon travel is subject to certain real limits, limits they had to obey when they designed me.«
»That’s interesting,« Lai Pi noted. »What kind realities or laws, may I ask?«
»Most peoples in the galaxy do not realize that there is more than just one tachyon trail. The term itself is a false one. There are different levels of tachyon energy in the tachyon continuum; let’s call them tracks for simplicity. Imagine the atom model with its electron shells as an example. The higher an electron is charged, the further away it is located from the nucleus, where an electron can only occupy a certain shell. Changing its position from one shell to the other is dependent on its charge. Decreasing its potential brings it closer to the nucleus and vice versa. A similar state prevails in the tachyon trail. There are three potentials or levels. A tachyon can also acquire different potential levels and move to higher or lower shells or tracks. If you think of energy levels as speed ranges you’ll begin to understand.«
»So your tachyon drive is able to access all possible different tracks?« Lai Pi concluded enthusiastically.
»Exactly, Lai Pi. Most space-faring people utilize the lowest level. It’s sufficient to travel from star system to star system or over a few hundred light years. The required tachyon energy field required is relatively easy to establish and maintain, and it’s all most people want and need. No further technical developments are necessary. For the Techno-Clerics though, it is slow and insufficient; not suitable for intergalactic travel.«
NEBULAR Collection 2 - The Expedition: NEBULAR Episodes 6 - 11 Page 21