“Are those what I think they are?”
“Some of the strongest metals known to exist have been discovered on Enos Penticoras,” she replied. “Coupled to the weaker gravitational pull, our constructor technology is doing amazing things. Ten towers are being constructed by the Healers that accompanied the probe, all of them capable of replication. By the time the Out-World Faction arrives in orbit, the towers will be complete.”
Candor thought about that for a moment. He shivered with the knowledge that right now, nineteen-point-four-million lightyears away, ten empty towers were literally being grown from nothing.
“Deserted cities, alight with power, continue to expand, waiting like sentinels for their masters to arrive.”
“What was that?” Thalia asked. Candor’s voice was a whisper, his eyes fixed on the image of the alien towers.
“It’s nothing, Thalia. Do the Senedos Seiss know that construction has already begun? Do they know that the Out-World Faction is committed to Enos Penticoras?”
“They know what planet has been chosen. But no, my father has not told them of the ongoing construction. Why, do you think it’s important?”
To Candor, the answer was obvious. “Weren’t there protocols to be followed? Wasn’t all of the information supposed to be made public?”
“Candor, my husband,” she said. “My father felt that to inform the Senedos Seiss would provide them grounds to stop support for the initiative. He and others know that the only reason the Senedos supported the effort, was to placate the populace. Their true hope is that eventually all citizens will support going into the future, and remain here.
“You have to understand, the Senedos have been trying to talk them out of this since the beginning. But it’s going to happen, despite their wishes, and when it does our race will become two distinct species. There may be no such thing as the Senedos Seiss on Enos Penticoras, and certainly no governing body on Penticore Prime to which the Out-World Faction will answer.”
“What are you talking about, open revolt?”
Thalia smiled and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as her golden eyes regarded him. “No, my husband,” she replied, “it’s not a revolt. It is only a clear separation between the citizens of Penticore Prime, and those who will leave for Enos Penticoras. Penticorian’s will travel millions of years into the future. Unless a way is found to traverse the distances quickly, along with a conduit for breaching time itself, the Out-World Faction will be autonomous.”
Thalia made perfect sense. With the separation of their race, the Out-World Faction was free to choose a new governing council, or change their form of government altogether. Yet even though he couldn’t explain it, the thought made him sad. He could understand why the Senedos Seiss were trying to unify them. Penticorian’s valued family, and the bonds of friendship, as the cornerstone of their society. To willingly separate the two was a bitter pill to swallow. He nodded, and kissed her, his thoughts turning towards the future. Then a knot formed in the pit of his stomach as he realized that someday both he and Thalia would be forced to make a choice.
“Look,” said Thalia. “Let me show you the plans for the ships, and the launch cable.”
“Launch cable?”
Thalia manipulated the image, and this time the familiar Penticorian system appeared. A red dot flashed near the asteroid belt at the far end of the solar system, expanding until one of them was clearly visible. A detailed schematic showed that it was one-hundred miles across, and shaped like a giant potato with deep craters.
“It’s been named, Exodus,” she said. “It contains the materials needed to fabricate the ships. Modified probes are attached to the surface, and are slowly pushing the asteroid toward Penticore Prime. Once in orbit it will be mined, and then sent through the docking ring and into the Transport Radial for construction on the surface.”
“Fascinating,” he replied. “Although, the singularities won’t work if they are near one another. How does your father plan to get the ships into orbit? I’d have to guess that they’ll be too large to send up through the Docking Ring.”
“True, that’s where the launch cable comes into play.”
Thalia used the controls, and the asteroid vanished, replaced by a rendering of the fields of Hessock. In the center, far from the city of Tulacoss, was a thick silvery cable. Candor guessed that it was massive, given the backdrop of the city. The cable, roughly two-hundred feet in diameter, stretched up alongside the tower, and Candor could see where this was going. As around the cable was a gargantuan arm that extended for a half a mile in each direction. At the end of each protrusion was a large ring, and Candor knew that they were docking clamps of some kind.
“Let me see if I get this. All the ships will be identical. One ship will be placed in the ring on each side, and then through some magnetic force, like the magnetic rails on the towers, the ships will be lifted off the surface and shot into space.”
“Indeed,” replied Thalia. “The mass of the ships is too great for a direct ascent. Each cable is grooved so that the upward force is transferred into a spinning motion.”
“Like a corkscrew,” he replied.
“Like a what?”
Candor forgot, there were still things from his human dreams that he took with him as a Penticorian. “I’m sorry, that analogy is from my human memories.”
Thalia took his explanation in stride. And the truth was that she loved to hear his stories, and see how he weaved them into the fabric of his movies.
“When will you allow me to see into your mind, etts esstoné? I’ve heard you talk of the humans many times, and seen your depictions of them, but I want to see them as you do.”
Candor laughed, kissing her on the lips, while savoring the sweet aroma of her skin. “On our bonding night, etts imád, I promise.”
Thalia smiled seductively before kissing him, moving gracefully to nibble at his neck as her fingernails dug into his shoulders. It was at times like these that Candor felt perfectly at ease. While at the same time, the inferno of his desire for her was kindled anew.
“I can hardly wait,” she told him as they parted.
“Me too,” he agreed, “but now we’d better go back, and give your parents their invitation to dinner. And then, perhaps, you’ll favor me with your skilled attentions?”
Thalia ran her long delicate fingers down his chest, making him shiver with delight. She laughed, while her smile, and the sensuous way she bit her bottom lip, telegraphed her own desire for him. At last she kissed him deeply, and said. “Not to worry, tale-smith, I shall indeed.”
A few hours later, both families were seated for dinner. Zyphon was there, and Candor was grateful to his father for inviting him. Zyphon was like his brother, so it made sense that when meeting as a family, that his most trusted friend would be included.
“I would like to propose a toast; to Candor, and Thalia. May your days be long, and may you find love and happiness always. Long life,” Sador finished as he raised his glass.
Everyone around the table brought their glasses together and said. “To Candor and Thalia, long life, and love.”
“Here-here,” added Seiss Theniass, standing. “And may you have many children!”
“Here-here!” Everyone agreed as glasses clanged once again.
Candor felt himself blushing, his smile almost painful in its width. Thalia stood up next. And he sensed the strong emotions emanating from her as she raised her glass to Zyphon.
“To Sir Zyphon Olissar, I extend sincere thanks and gratitude. For without his intervention, my house would be in mourning for the loss of our beloved mother. You have given the house of Nassvhedt new life. We are forever in your debt.”
“To Sir Zyphon!” shouted those around the table.
The toasting went on, with shouts of joy that were mixed with bouts of laughter. And Candor had to fight back the urge to get all misty.
As soon as the toasting ended, and the conversations began, Jinx brought out
the evening meal. In truth, there was more talking and laughing, than eating. Candor was fine with that, because he loved them dearly, and he did his best to remember every detail of this night. He locked the memories in the vault of his mind, so that he could recall them whenever he felt the dismay of their eventual separation looming over him.
After everyone had the opportunity to satiate the need for food and drink, Sador stood up once again. And turning his gaze to Thalia’s father he said. “Seiss Theniass, I have asked you and your family, which is now a part of our family, to come here tonight, so that I may convey to you my intentions in the coming days.”
Theniass looked dubious, although he allowed himself to smile. “Please then, Seiss Sador, I am anxious to hear what you have to say.”
“It is true that we have not always agreed. In fact, it would be out of character for me not to admit that we have had our share of disagreements.”
“That is true, Seiss Sador,” replied Theniass.
“Yet now, I call you my brother. Our children are the ones who have brought us together. It is they who remind us that no matter the circumstances that lie between us, we are all Penticorian. It is for the survival of Penticore Prime that we share a common goal. To thrive, to savor life, and to ensure the continuation of our species. This is the reason we struggle, and it is the reason that we continue to love and care for one another.”
Theniass shed a tear, and then quickly wiped it away. “You speak the truth, Seiss Sador.”
“So tonight, in the presence of our combined families, I make you this pledge, my brother. I vow that from this day forward, until you are satisfied, that my services are at your disposal. I personally will train your engineers on the methods to construct and sustain the technology for the singularities. My voice will compliment your own in the hall of the Senedos Seiss. And together, we shall ensure that the Out-World Faction is safely conveyed to your new home, on Enos Penticoras.”
No one expected Sador to make such an offer. The shock on Theniass and Ghedron’s faces was enough to bring silence to the room. Theniass looked down, placed his head in his hands, and prayed. He thanked the Goddess for her love and mercy, and when he looked up, tears were rolling down his cheeks, only this time he didn’t try to hide them. Sador held out his arms as he walked from the end of the table to the middle, where Theniass met him. They embraced, and Candor saw the tears of joy coming from Janesska, and Kythonia. Ghedron was all choked-up as well, and Candor took his brother by the shoulder and then hugged him.
“You see, Ghedron, all things work out in their due time.”
“Bless you, Candor.” Ghedron replied. “Zyphon gave my family the chance at new life. And through you and my sister, now our faction will have that same opportunity. Eos bless you both, forever.”
Jinx entered the room, and seeing everyone in tears he stopped. He was unsure as to what the cause was, until Janesska laughed. A moment later, everyone was cheering and laughing, but Candor noticed that Jinx’s demeanor hadn’t changed.
“What is it, Jinx?” Candor asked.
“Please forgive my interruption. Seiss Demast Kashon is here. He says that he comes on official business, and he wishes to speak with Seiss Sador, Seiss Theniass, and Sir Zyphon.”
“Seiss Demast?” Candor replied.
“It must be important if the leading Senedos Seiss has come from the tower to see us,” said Sador. “Jinx, please escort him inside. If this concerns the three of us, then it is an important matter for our entire family.”
Theniass and Zyphon nodded in agreement. While Candor knew that the appearance of the powerful figure had something to do with the incarnation of Thalia’s Father. Candor admitted to himself that he was nervous. The part of him that remembered being a human recalled the one trait by which all humans defined themselves, that being a total mistrust of authority figures. Janesska left to retrieve a chair, while Kythonia and Thalia set another place at the table. A few moments later, the old Senedos Seiss arrived. In his right hand was the cane he used to support an increasingly weak hip, with discomfort that vexed him each morning. It was a well-known fact that Seiss Demast had used four of his five allotted rejuvenations. Zyphon saw it as a sign of hope for his cause, as the leading Senedos Seiss could become a candidate for incarnation.
“Seiss Demast,” said Janesska. “Welcome to the house of Shuveen. We would be honored if you would join us.”
“Shajin Janesska,” replied the old Senedos. “As always, your presence is a soothing balm to my soul. We of the Senedos Seiss still have a debt to pay, for your most helpful intervention in the Great Hall. I implore you to never allow me to forget it.”
“Then I shall not,” Janesska replied as she held out her hand. “Please, sit with us.”
Seiss Demast placed his cane at the side of the table. Then he braced his hands against the top, and then slowly sat down, groaning from the discomfort in his knees.
“Here you are, Seiss Demast.” She said as she offered him a drink. “This is Candor’s favorite, jenjiss.”
“I thank you, Shajin Janesska. It is a pleasure to see you again. I say, Sir Candor, you certainly do pick a strong drink.”
Candor laughed, as he regarded the most powerful citizen of their race. “It will certainly dull the pain of whatever ills you, Seiss Demast.”
The Senedos laughed as he took a sip. Which was quickly followed by a cough, as the alcohol hit him all at once. “Here-here,” he agreed between spasms.
“And to what do we owe this honor, Seiss Demast?” Sador asked.
“Forgive the interruption, my husband,” Janesska said. “I’m sure after his long trip that Seiss Demast would like something to eat.”
“Ah yes, I’m simply famished,” replied the old Seiss. “I’ve been in council all day, and have not yet had my evening meal. I must admit that something in the kitchen smells wonderful.”
Kythonia rose from the table, and along with Jinx, they prepared a plate for him. It contained long-grain noodles that were covered in a steaming kelp sauce, along with a breaded delicacy called tussay. Candor likened tussay to a human eggroll, with spiced meats, and a bevy of exotic herbs. In addition, they cut him a piece of fish called a yemptkin, a deep-sea fish that was highly prized, as it was difficult to catch. A beast that even newborn was over thirty feet long, and a little less than half that in girth.
“This is wonderful,” said the old Seiss. For a few moments the room was silent, with everyone focused on Seiss Demast. “Ah,” he said between the clatter of utensils. Followed by a, “How delightful, simply delightful.” Then to the astonishment of everyone at the table, he turned to Candor and said. “Sir Candor, I hear that you, and the honorable Lady Thalia, are to be bonded soon.”
“That is correct, Seiss Demast. We are to be bonded on the fifteenth day of Eos, in the month of Astruess.”
“Why, that is less than a month away. That is good news, good news indeed.” The old Seiss fumbled with a button on his tunic, while with his free hand he reached for his glass of jenjiss. His hand emerged from his robe holding a sheaf of folded papers.
“This is yours. Please, would you be so kind as to pass this down to Sir Candor.” He said as he handed the papers to Ghedron.
Candor was afraid to look, and Thalia peered over his shoulder as he carefully turned, and then unfolded them.
“It is a gift, to you and the Lady Thalia, in honor of your families, and all of your contributions to our race. It is from the Senedos Seiss, with our sincere thanks.”
Candor spoke the first few lines, and then his jaw dropped, as Thalia giggled with delight.
“What is it, little one?” Janesska asked.
Everyone leaned in around the table, the air of anticipation was thick when finally, Candor looked up and said. “It’s a procreation license from the Senedos Seiss. They have granted Thalia and me the honor to bear two children.”
Everyone erupted with shouts of joy and congratulations, along with thanks to Seiss Demast, a
nd the Senedos Seiss.
“What a marvelous gift,” said Janesska as she kissed both Candor and Thalia.
“True,” replied Demast. “The waiting period currently stands at one-hundred years for even a single young one. However, in this case, the honor of your houses is well measured, and highly valued. We need more Penticorians like those around this table, Sir Candor. We need honorable citizens with true vision, and the determination to ensure that our race flourishes. I am certain that the offspring of your combined lines will bring joy to all of Penticore Prime.”
Thalia was beaming as she embraced Candor. “I shall bear you a fine son, and a beautiful daughter, etts esstoné.”
Candor leaned back, the question already on his face before he asked her. “We can choose that ahead of time?”
Thalia nodded as her smile intensified. Candor rose from the table and bowed. “We are truly honored for this gift, Seiss Demast.”
“It is we that are honored, Sir Candor. Soon to be Seiss Candor, I might add. Besides, you both earned it. You completed the Chains of Ascension. Far too little of the young these days choose the path of honor and reverence for the Goddess. Yet you and Lady Thalia have displayed your desires willingly. You both set a fine example for others who wish to be bonded in the old ways. I only wish that all of my news this day was as pleasant.”
Everyone stopped, as the old Seiss regarded Theniass with eyes that had seen the passage of centuries. “Seiss Theniass, Seiss Sador, and Sir Zyphon, is there a place that we may speak in private?” Candor saw Theniass stiffen, and Sador knitted his fingers on top of the table.
“Seiss Demast, we are all family here,” Candor’s father said. “What you reveal can be disclosed to all in this room. The honor and discretion of this house is above reproach.”
Demast glanced around the room, took another sip of jenjiss, and then cleared his throat. “Very well,” he began. “I trust all of you. And Seiss Sador, I shall ask for discretion. For what I am about to disclose will not be made available to the citizenry at large, until the appointed time.
Penticore Prime Page 28