Kythonia feigned a gasp, laughing softly as she placed a hand over her mouth in an attempt at modesty. “Well, my husband,” she said. “I tell you truly that if you were to shower me with such praise, that my response would be the same.”
“Really?” replied Theniass with a cocked eyebrow. “Is that all that it took? And after all these centuries, I never would have guessed.”
Kythonia smiled, and at that moment Candor recognized where Thalia inherited her playful attitude.
“Indeed,” she confirmed.
“Well then, shall we continue this conversation in private?”
“And why should I want to entertain your affections in private?”
“Because,” replied Theniass. “You’ll not be able to hold your passions for me at bay once I begin to shower you with praise.”
Thalia harrumphed loudly. Then taking Candor by the hand, she dragged him along as they headed for the door. “Ever since your new bodies. I declare it to be an absolute scandal!”
Kythonia giggled and said. “Isn’t love for the young?”
“That’s right,” added Theniass, taking his wife by the hand and kissing it tenderly. “And are we not young again?”
Thalia and Candor were out the door and down the hall in an instant. At the end of the corridor was a large portal. Inside was a transport to the orbital observation platform, where Thalia’s family did their research for the Out-World Faction. Stepping onto the platform they began to ascend, while Thalia and Candor took the opportunity to share an embrace. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders as they kissed. And as always, Candor felt himself come alive under her ardent skills. Her lips were as smooth as silk, full and inviting, as they surrendered to the moment. And when their lips parted she continued to tease him playfully, nipping at his neck while her hands massaged his shoulders. In turn, Candor pulled Thalia closer to him, a move that elicited a seductive gaze that drove him crazy.
Candor kissed her neck, while she bit down on his, and with enough force to let him know how aroused she was. He was a prisoner of his passions, amazed at the intensity of his emotions, and the burning desire that he felt for her. Never in all his life did he recall being so utterly captivated by another, nor driven so insatiably mad for the cravings building inside him. For him, there remained not the slightest doubt that his love for her would ever diminish, even if they lived forever. And he frowned suddenly, as the dark question crossed his mind once again.
“What is it, Candor?” she asked, sensing his unease.
“Etts imád,” he replied. His voice was thick, even though his words were but a whisper. “A question occurred to me. I’m surprised that you haven’t brought it up before. And by that, I mean that you are highly intelligent, so I know that you’ve thought about it.”
“And what question would that be, etts esstoné?” Thalia replied with a smile, while running the fingers of one delicate hand through his hair.
“What happens to us when the time comes? What happens when my family travels to the future, and your family leaves Penticore Prime?”
Thalia took half a step back, and folded her hands in front of her. Although her smile remained, Candor could see the sadness in her eyes. “I have thought about it. I have thought about it a great deal, in fact. And if you intend to ask me to renounce you as my suitor, to spare us both the pain of an eventual separation, I will not grant it. In all ways but for the formal ceremony, I consider myself to be your wife. You are my husband, and I will not allow those bonds to be broken.”
“That’s not what I mean,” Candor replied. He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead, a gesture meant to dispel her concerns. Then he said to her, “I would rather pass into the realm of Eos, than to be parted from you. I love you with all that I am. What I seek is only to understand the question, and find a solution together.”
Thalia’s smile was neutral, and Candor knew that she was deep in thought. “I don’t have an answer to give you, etts esstoné. I know the time will come, and when it does, we must decide. I know the thought of being parted from either of our families is a source of great pain for me, even as your love gives me comfort.”
“I can tell you this, etts imád. My mother was stricken after the death of my sister. I am her only child, and I don’t think that she or my father could bear the thought of losing me.”
“So, you have made your decision, and mine?”
“No, of course not. I would not dishonor you in such a manner,” replied Candor. “This decision cannot be unilateral, it must be made by both of us. I’m just thinking out loud, and attempting to put it all into perspective. Like you, I consider us bonded, and I value your council.”
Thalia went deep into thought before she replied. “You make a compelling argument. My parents have Ghedron, while Sador and Janesska have only you.”
“I don’t want to think about our decision in those terms. Don’t you see, Thalia? I want to do what’s right for us. Of course, our families are important, but who knows, perhaps we’ll have children of our own. And when the day comes to make the choice, we may see things differently than we do now.”
Thalia’s smile returned, and she kissed him on the cheek. “So that is your answer then, that we do nothing?”
All Candor could do was shrug, while returning her affections. “I suppose so. Giving our life time to evolve may be the best course of action in the long run.”
The transport came to a halt, and even with no feeling of inertia, the sight of their sudden stop was enough to make him nauseous.
“You are very wise, my husband,” she said, while favoring him with another kiss.
“I don’t know about that. Do you suppose that we should ask our parents?”
“I see no reason why not.”
“My parents have asked if you and I would join them for dinner tonight.”
“And I will be honored, of course. But I think we shouldn’t wait. We should ask our parents while you and I share the same accord.”
Candor nodded in agreement as they stepped from the transport. Although he’d seen it before, each visit to the observation platform was both a humbling and sobering experience. The outside was shaped like a cylinder, capped by a dome at the top. Yet where Penticorian technology was concerned, the simplest forms always incorporated the extraordinary. For starters, the cylinder was a transparent structure, approximately six-hundred feet in circumference, and more than twice that in height. While the inside was divided into a series of laboratories, one stacked upon the other, and terminating at the dome. In the center of all this was a gargantuan telescope, which originated ten levels below the platform. When it was searching the stars for a habitable planet, the dome retracted, and the mountain of machinery extended into open space, while far below, scientists and astronomers monitored the results.
Since the advent of Healers, most of the technology that Penticorians relied upon was small, a collection of cell-sized machines, programmed to serve a specific function. Yet even though Healers were used, the sheer number of tasks being performed through the telescope required this imposing structure. This telescope was a key piece of technology for the Out-World Faction, essential to their search for a habitable planet. Because in addition to locating a world with an atmosphere, the telescope performed thousands of other tests. These tests contained everything from carbon dioxide detectors, through infrared spectrometry, distance calculations through red-shift, orbital stability, intense geologic scanning technology, and a host of other detailed information. Not to mention detecting other forms of life, and not just sentient life, but plankton, fish, plants, and trees.
All this information was critical, because getting only half of the picture could be fatal once they arrived to take possession of their new home. Once they departed the safety of Penticore Prime, they were on their own. Even returning would be a difficult, if not impossible task. For the In-World Faction would have traveled millions of years into the future, while leaving no trace of their existence be
hind. It was imperative that they get it right the first time. And to that end, each city constructed its own orbital observation platform, scanning the heavens until at last, they found a place to call home.
Candor and Thalia began their ascent to the uppermost level. At the top, past the ring of laboratories that were bustling with activity, they emerged beneath the dome. The base of the dome was covered with photonic displays, mingled with banks of sensitive tuning equipment. While in the center, the eye of the telescope peeked through the top of the dome. Yet what made this place one of the most spectacular sights in all Penticore Prime, was the view. Candor looked down at the docking ring, which was several miles below them. Illuminated transports whizzed by, while several hundred orbital vehicles swarmed the area with activity. While far beneath the ring, the towers curved towards the great sphere of Penticore Prime. Candor knew that it was an optical illusion, a trick of light and shadows, and originated at the transition point where the towers pierced the planet’s atmosphere. Yet that knowledge did not diminish the awe he felt while standing before this magnificent scene.
Even the dome was a marvel, unlike anything Candor remembered from his human dreams. There were no joists, latticework, or metal ribs, to take away from the splendid structure. In the perfectly transparent environment, they could look around without the slightest blemish or distortion, under a dome that was so clear and crisp that it appeared as if there was nothing between them, and the inhospitable vacuum of space.
“Dewass,” Thalia called out to her avatar.
A male figure appeared before them, a photonic image of startling detail. He was dressed in a long blue robe, unlike Candor’s avatar, Amron, who took great pleasure appearing nude, despite his best efforts to reform her.
Dewass folded his hands in front of him and bowed in respect. “Lady Thalia,” he said. “What is your command?”
“Candor and I would like to speak to my parents.”
The avatar frowned. Another Penticorian might have missed the faint gesture, but Candor caught it. He was continually amazed at the expressive nature of avatars. He often wondered if they were alive, at least in the sense of being self-aware. Again, he thought. Have they been able to evolve beyond their programming? Are they alive, or just a remarkable simulation?
“I apologize, Lady Thalia,” replied the avatar. “Your parents have instructed me that they are not to be disturbed, for any reason.”
Thalia knew what they were doing. It elicited a smile from her, even though the thought of her parents being intimate made her uncomfortable. She looked to Candor, who only shrugged.
“Well then, could you please contact my father?” Candor asked.
“Certainly,” replied Dewass.
A moment later, the seated image of his father replaced the avatar. “Ah, my son and daughter, how good to see you both. What can I do for you?”
“Father,” began Candor. “Is Mother with you?”
“No, she and Jinx are preparing for dinner. We have also invited Sir Zyphon, Ghedron, Seiss Theniass, and Shajin Kythonia, to join us tonight. I have an announcement to make that concerns all of us. I have not been able to reach your parents, Thalia. Are they well?”
Thalia cringed as she searched for a more formal response to Sador’s query. “They are well, Seiss Sador. When Candor and I departed, they indicated that they would like to spend some time alone together.”
Sador chuckled, knowing exactly what Thalia meant. “I see. Well, could you please pass along my invitation?”
Thalia bowed and replied, “Of course, etts Seiss.”
Sador nodded, warmed by Thalia’s reference to him as, “my father.”
“May I ask about this announcement?”
Sador smiled, and then took a sip from a drink that was perched on the arm of his chair. “Not to worry, my son. It is wonderful news, I can assure you. Yet now I would inquire as to why you both called?”
“I must apologize,” Candor began. “Did we disturb you?”
“Of course not, my son, I was only taking a moment to relax. Your presence is always welcome.”
Candor nodded and said. “Thalia and I were conversing on the way to the observation platform, when a discussion emerged. We would like to hear your thoughts about our future, when the time comes for The Exodus? After all, Thalia and I are on opposite sides of that situation, at least where our families are concerned.”
Sador took another sip of his drink, and then smiled. “You both show wisdom and prudence. They are qualities that will serve you both well in the decades ahead. My advice is that you do nothing.”
Candor and Thalia were shocked that Sador would come to the same conclusion they did.
“Really?” replied Candor.
“Of course, my son, you and Thalia must find your own way. There is still time before The Exodus. You cannot say what will happen now, or what form your own family will take. Give yourselves time to see where life leads you. And do not worry about your mother and I, we shall accept whatever you both decide. Although I know that your mother has a very strong opinion on the subject.” Sador chuckled, throwing in a knowing wink. Both Candor and Thalia knew that Lady Janesska wanted them to go with her into the future.
“I thank you for your wisdom, Father.”
“I am always here for you, my son. I am honored that you both would ask me for my opinion. I shall see you both tonight.”
Sador’s image vanished, and Thalia looked at Candor and said. “You see, etts esstoné, you are wise beyond your years.”
Candor smiled and embraced her, kissing her tenderly. “Only because I am in your beautiful presence, etts imád. It is you, that makes me who I am. Now, what is it that you wanted to show me?”
“Ah yes,” said Thalia. “Dewass, could you please show the probe data for Enos Penticoras.”
Candor heard about the planet, but had not seen the data. Enos Penticoras, or New Penticore, was the planet the Out-World Faction discovered. Even though the information from the orbital observation platforms agreed, Seiss Theniass insisted on sending a physical probe to confirm the data. That was eight-hundred years ago, long before Thalia was born, and just about the time that Candor Shuveen opened his eyes for the first time. And as Candor watched, a photonic screen appeared. On it was the image of an ocean, while beyond the calm waters, two suns gleamed in the skies above. One sun was red, while the other was white. Data appeared beside the image, indicating atmospheric conditions, solar luminosity, and a host of data that was too complex for Candor to understand.
“Is this image from the surface?”
“Yes, it is,” replied Thalia, her voice ebullient.
“You found a habitable planet in a binary star system?”
“Yes, we did. The atmosphere is primarily carbon dioxide, with traces of oxygen, nitrogen, helium, and other gasses. The atmospheric pressure mimics Penticore Prime during our early evolution.”
“Have you been able to determine where the planet is, in geologic terms?”
Thalia nodded. “The planet’s geology is moderate at its current stage. An ice age just ended some two-million years ago. So, by our calculations, there should not be any drastic changes for sixty-million years. What makes the planet special is that unlike Penticore Prime, the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a byproduct of organisms that use sunlight to process nutrients. Here on Penticore Prime, both we and the plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, but on Enos Penticoras, the ecosystem feeds and fuels the cycle of carbon dioxide.”
“What does this mean?” Candor pointed to a reading with a letter designation.
“That’s the gravity comparison,” she replied. “Enos Penticoras has half the gravitational pull of Penticore Prime. Below that, you can see that the planet is nearly twice the mass, and has a slower axial rotation.
“It’s bigger, the days and nights are longer, and the pull of gravity is less,” he replied.
“Future generations are likely to be born taller,” replied Thalia.
The scenery changed to a beautiful mountain range. The sky was red, indicating a high concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Yet what fascinated Candor, was the absence of anything green. The trees and plants were larger than any on Penticore Prime, a fact that he confirmed with Thalia. But more than size alone, it was the colors that captured his imagination. In image after image, massive plum colored vines wrapped around the thick white trunks of trees. While broad orange and red alien leaves, with fierce looking ridges, flowed to clear rivers which looked black, due to the volcanic nature of the silt. And then there was the fields, with vermillion and tawny colored grasses, mixed with enchanting tones of mulberry, and lilac.
“What will be the main source for food?”
Thalia touched a portion of the image, and it changed to a view of the ocean, a dark bluish-black expanse with rolling waves.
“The probe confirmed the presence of life in the oceans. There are sea-grasses, fish, and even some invertebrates. The ecosystem is perfectly suited for life that is dependent upon carbon dioxide. Growing and harvesting food should prove to be easy.”
“It looks so…wondrous.”
“Penticore Prime was much the same. Many believe that this is a return to our true heritage. They say that the Goddess has prepared Enos Penticoras for us.”
“A birthright, I don’t know about that. It certainly is exotic, and beautiful. For all I know, the place in time where the In-World Faction is going might look the same, minus the binary stars. I have to admit, everything you’ve shown me says that this place is perfect for our race.”
Thalia smiled and kissed him on the cheek. Then as her fingers manipulated the image, she said. “That’s why my father started construction on this.”
A moment later, Candor was struck with wonder. Before him was a misty landscape dotted by deeply carved mountains. While in the distance, rising over the horizon and dominating the landscape, were five towers. They extended skyward for miles. Each one was set at an angle, like the ribs of a fan, and with the distinct look of broken shards of volcanic glass.
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