Messinants

by S. H. Jucha

  “The aliens managed to repair the gate, but they were confounded by the bodies in some way,” Tacticnok mused. “Unable to decide what to do with them, they chose to leave them.”

  Jittak’s training engaged, and he overcame his reticence to communicate with the royal daughter. “Tacticnok, I would suggest fear was the reason. If I understood what you and the administrator are proposing, then I could imagine a young race, who might be shocked to discover beings unlike themselves. They would see the encumbrances and equipment on two types of bodies and could well imagine a fight.”

  “Excellent reasoning, Jittak,” Tacticnok said. “A young race. Does that not fit your thinking, Jaktook?”

  “It does, and Jittak’s thought of the aliens fearing the bodies makes sense,” Jaktook replied.

  “But why abandon something as impressive as a Messinant dome?” Tacticnok asked, gazing around at the civilians for answers.

  “What if this young race has managed to travel the stars in another manner, possibly by ship?” Kractik asked.

  “Wouldn’t that suppose they were a superior race?” Tacticnok queried.

  “For that question, I’ve no answer, Your … I mean … Tacticnok,” Kractik replied. “It was my thought to convey an idea as to how this young race might have arrived at Gasnar and why they might have had no experience with other sentient species. These bodies would have been their first indication that they weren’t alone in the universe.”

  “That would be frightening indeed,” Tacticnok agreed. “Well, come, before Jittak’s nerves are stretched too thin by our standing here and discussing aliens.” She spared a glance for Jittak and chuckled.

  As the Jatouche climbed off the platform, Tacticnok ordered. “Kractik, the console. Jittak, have your soldiers load our dead. Our linguist can accompany them on the return.”

  While the soldiers began gathering the bodies of their fallen and loading them on the platform, Tacticnok turned to Jakkock, the linguist. “Perhaps on the next trip you’ll have an opportunity to use your skills. For now, you’re accompanying these bodies to prevent a panic at the sight of them. By now, the dome supervisor will have erected a curtain around the gate two platform, which should limit exposure to the other gates’ passengers. Maintain calm and request the transport of the bodies in containers so they remain invisible to journeyers.”

  “Understood, Tacticnok,” Jakkock replied and climbed back onto the platform.

  Kractik was busy querying the console for recordings, which would have been compiled as soon as the gate was activated, when Jaktook tapped her shoulder and pointed to the platform. Kractik saw the linguist waiting beside the fallen Jatouche, and she nodded, setting the gate for transmission. She checked a final time to ensure no one was ascending or descending the platform. Receiving Jakkock’s nod, she activated the gate. With a rush of light, Jakkock and the Jatouche dead were gone.

  “Now the next group of bodies, Jittak,” Tacticnok said, while walking toward the edge of the dome. A soldier kept pace with her, his eyes constantly scanning for aliens that he feared would pop up from beneath the dome’s floor at any moment. He hoped Her Highness couldn’t hear the thunderous beating of his heart.

  “The Gasnarians?” Jittak asked, incredulous at the request.

  Tacticnok wanted to blurt, “Do you see any others?” However, she knew that the entire investigation was unorthodox, and she curbed her tongue.

  “It’s our theory that a young race has discovered the dome, inadvertently activated it, and fled, leaving these bodies behind,” Tacticnok explained. “It’s our duty to teach this race, to lead them, so that they will be valuable future partners. As the more advanced and superior species, we must demonstrate to these young ones a concern for all life. We can start to do that by removing every one of these bodies, ours and those who attacked us.”

  “As you wish, Tacticnok,” Jittak replied, only barely curtailing in time his initiation of a bow. He ordered his soldiers to grab the Gasnarian bodies and load them on the platform. With the linguist having already returned, he felt comfortable sending one soldier with the dead.

  “Recall Tacticnok’s words to Jakkock,” Jittak admonished the soldier. “See that you do the same when you return home.”

  Kractik waited for Jittak’s approval before she sent the soldier and the Gasnarian dead to Jatouche.

  Tacticnok was peering through the blue wall of energy that comprised the dome’s hemisphere. She felt someone step beside her and nudge her arm. Raised in the rarified environment of the royal residence, Tacticnok was surprised by the intimacy of the gesture. But, when she glanced aside, she saw Jaktook quietly offering her an instrument.

  A rush of embarrassment swept through Tacticnok. She had planned this momentous event to demonstrate to the Jatouche that a royal daughter could do more for their people than sit in their metal tower. Yet, she had arrived at Gasnar without a single device to aid her inspection. It told her much about Jaktook that he offered her his instrument out of sight of the others, and she gratefully took it.

  “Kractik, air quality?” Tacticnok queried.

  Quickly checking the console’s environment monitoring, Kractik replied, “Standard conditions for us, as would be expected, Tacticnok.”

  Tacticnok signaled her helmet’s release, and it slid above her face, over her head, and into its sleeve at the back of her neck. Automatically, her suit’s air functions were curtailed. Bringing Jaktook’s viewer to her eyes, Tacticnok scanned the rocky outcrops that surrounded this half of the dome.

  Finally, she despaired of discovering anything and handed the viewer back to Jaktook. “Perhaps, administrator, I’m not the best qualified to observe the dome’s exterior for indications of aliens. Tell me what you see,” Tacticnok said.

  Jaktook scanned beyond the dome. Unlike Tacticnok, who he saw had gazed at the cliff faces, he searched the cliff and cut outlines for anything that might stand out against the brightening horizon.

  “There, Tacticnok,” Jaktook said, handing the viewer back. He pointed with his arm, and Tacticnok leaned close to sight along it to where the administrator pointed. Her cheek touched his arm, and a small thrill shot through her at the unaccustomed touch of a male not of the family.

  Tacticnok played the viewer over the same area. It took her a while to find the device that rested on the cliff edge. She had expected to see something substantial, not the small pile of equipment she found. “What do you think those are?” Tacticnok asked.

  “Without examining the instruments closely, I could only hazard a guess, Tacticnok.”

  “I would welcome your thoughts, Jaktook.”

  “I believe the structure that projects upward is primitive equipment, designed to collect this star’s light to power the instrumentation. Do you see the device with the small round disk on its face?”

  “Yes,” Tacticnok replied, keeping the viewer to her eyes.

  “That would be early technology, which is designed to collect imagery. The aliens might have deserted the dome after activating it, but they put up a means of continuing to observe this place.”

  “Interesting,” Tacticnok said. “Do you think they know the function of the Messinant domes?”

  “Difficult to say, Tacticnok, what they thought. This might be their first dome. If so, how were they to know that there would be a second one, which was in quantum entanglement with this one? In the minds of early races, there is ample room for fear and wild imagination, without the knowledge that someday they might acquire.”

  “Tacticnok, I have the records we require,” Kractik announced.

  Tacticnok turned and caught Jittak’s hopeful expression. “Yes, Jittak, we’re leaving. Kractik, set the gate for transmission,” she ordered.

  Kractik programmed the platform for a delayed activation. She waited until everyone was in place, and then she tapped the console’s panel and hurried to join the others. The platform’s energy spiked, melded with that of the dome, and sent the Jatouche home.
<
br />   -7-

  Aliens

  When Rictook received word that the last of the investigating team had arrived at Na-Tikkook’s dome, he breathed a sigh of relief for the royal daughter’s safe return. He wasn’t the only one. The people were well aware of Her Highness’ intentions and worried, while she was gone.

  After arriving home, Tacticnok took the initiative to organize the review of the records collected by Kractik. She requested Jaktook, Kractik, and Jittak accompany her on the shuttle flight planetside.

  In the shuttle’s hold were the dead recovered from the Gasnar dome. The bodies would be examined by medical scientists, who would report on anything of value to the military.

  The day after landing, Tacticnok convened a meeting at the royal tower. It was held one floor below the royal chambers in a room dedicated to data reviews. Comfortable pallets and lounges ringed an array of monitors. Consoles provided techs an opportunity to display a host of different types of recorded information.

  Jaktook ordered a transport and collected Kractik and Jittak, who had never been to the royal tower. He tried to project an air of confidence to his comrades, although he didn’t feel it. Royal guards led the threesome from the transport level to the tech presentation room.

  On the entrance of Jaktook, Kractik, and Jittak, Tacticnok rose immediately to welcome them. She could see their nervous demeanors and sought to ease their concerns by making casual introductions with her father’s advisors. Unfortunately, the senior individuals, with their taciturn responses, didn’t help the situation.

  In order to disturb the advisors’ complacency, Tacticnok directed her team to various positions. “Kractik, you’ll control the replay of the Gasnar console data. The tech seated there will show you the controls. Jittak, please sit there.” Tacticnok pointed to a place between two of the senior advisors, who were forced to spread apart and make room for the military officer.

  “Jaktook, join me,” Tacticnok added, sitting on a raised pallet and patting the space beside her.

  While Kractik received instructions from the console tech, Tacticnok reviewed for the advisors what the team had found at the Gasnar gate.

  “You’re sure of your assessment of the monitoring equipment?” Master Scientist Tiknock asked.

  “I’m sure,” Jaktook replied. “As curator of the city center’s historical technology wing, Master Tiknock, you’re familiar with early optical devices. I’ve spent many hours perusing that fine display of ancient technology. At Gasnar, I observed examples of primitive instrumentation: an optical device, a solar power array, and a transmission tool.”

  Tiknock preened at the compliment and graciously nodded his acceptance of Jaktook’s assessment of his Gasnar observations.

  Well done, Jaktook, Tacticnok thought.

  Unbeknownst to anyone but Tacticnok, Rictook sat quietly in a nearby room reserved for his exclusive use. He was able to monitor the meeting room’s conversation and observe any data the participants watched. He chose to stay apart from the others in order to allow the individuals a free exchange of ideas without his royal presence intimidating the non-advisors.

  Another reason for Rictook’s isolation was that he was proud of his daughter, and he wanted her to have this moment. Although he was unsure of what next steps the Jatouche should take, he had no doubt that Tacticnok would provide an abundance of suggestions.

  “Ready, Your Highness,” Kractik called from the console.

  “Begin,” Tacticnok ordered.

  The meeting’s participants saw the imagery start with a brief flash of light before dust and debris occluded the visuals.

  “I’ve never seen this conducted on such an incredible scale,” Tiknock said, “But, I imagine, once the dome was energized, the sensors detected material on the floor and emergency procedures were initiated.”

  When Jittak, who was sitting beside the aging scientist frowned at him, Tiknock added, “After centuries of being open to celestial dust, the dome cleaned itself.”

  Jittak nodded his thanks. It was a note to Tiknock that those who made the trip to Gasnar, brave as they were, did not have the tremendous knowledge possessed by the advisors. But, rather than feel superior, he decided to instruct the young ones as best he could. No doubt there would be other expeditions to Gasnar, and he, for one, would certainly not be among them.

  “Bipedal and four limbs,” Master Strategist Roknick observed, when the dome cleared. “Cumbersome-looking suits,” he added.

  Tacticnok glanced at Jaktook and offered him a quick smile. The administrator had correctly offered the idea that the race, which activated the dome, might be young and technically inexperienced.

  “I don’t understand. What are these antics?” Jittak asked after the group watched the aliens test the dome’s screen with a tool, then spread out and search the console, the dome’s floor, and the space beyond.

  “These aren’t antics. They’re confused,” Jaktook explained. “They have no idea what they’ve initiated, and they’re now enclosed in a Messinant dome, with no concept of its operation.”

  “Kractik, move the imagery forward until you see a change in their methods,” Tacticnok ordered.

  The participants watched the imagery speed past. Time was compressed as the aliens tired of their search and lay down on the dome’s floor to rest. When their activity resumed, one of the aliens removed its helmet in panic. Shock was obvious on the faces of the other aliens, who rushed to that one’s side.

  “Why are the aliens frightened by removing their helmets?” Jittak asked.

  “Much of Jaktook’s conjectures have been most accurate,” Tiknock said, tipping his head to the administrator. “These aliens had no idea the Messinants supplied breathable air when the dome was cleaned. The one who removed the helmet had run the suit’s tanks empty. It removed its helmet, because it was suffocating. It expected to die.”

  Tiknock’s words stunned the group. For millenniums, the Jatouche led lives that were well-protected. The only dangers had come from the Gasnarian invasion, which was repelled, and the occasional incursion by the Colony through gate five. To the relief of every Jatouche, soldiers and technology had contained the Colony’s attempts to gain a foothold in the dome.

  “This is akin to watching dumb beasts struggle to escape a crevice in which they’ve fallen and can’t escape,” Master Pickcit commented. “If I didn’t know they would eventually free themselves, I’d stop watching.”

  “I’m most sorry for the angst these aliens felt, but does anyone else find this particular race as visually unappealing as I do?” Roknick asked.

  Tacticnok bristled at the comment. “And how do you think we would appear to them, Master Roknick?” she asked.

  “Perhaps, Master Roknick would prefer the company of the Colony,” Pickcit offered. He spoke his comment in jest, softening it with a light tone, but his steady stare said that he too found Roknick’s comment to be unwarranted.

  From that point in the imagery, Kractik hurried it forward again. The aliens removed their helmets, searched the dome again, and lay back down to rest. More time passed before one of them stirred, shook another awake, and that one hurried to the edge of the dome.

  “Why is that one waving its limbs and waggling its digits?” Jittak asked.

  “I would surmise that it’s some form of primitive communication to an individual outside the dome, who has discovered the missing comrades,” Tiknock offered.

  “If their comrades were nearby, why didn’t the aliens call for help? Doesn’t every race know how to communicate through the dome’s energy wall?” Roknick asked. “The Messinants left instructions in the console on how to construct the devices to do that.”

  “Master Roknick, I don’t believe you’ve been following the essence of our conversation,” Tacticnok said firmly. “It has been proposed by my team members that the alien race we’ve discovered is a young one, far less advanced than us. Furthermore, this might be their first evidence that they’re not alone in the galaxy
. They’re at a loss to understand what they’ve encountered.”

  Tacticnok deliberately left out the part that Jaktook was the one who had proposed the idea. She didn’t want the advisors focusing any resentment on the administrator. I will apologize to Jaktook later, she thought. It took her aback that she intended to offer her regrets to a nonroyal for an insignificant slight. But that’s what’s required, she admonished herself mentally.

  Kractik advanced through the imagery. By now, the participants were totally engrossed in trying to understand the aliens’ actions. They directed Kractik constantly. At times, she would reverse the imagery’s advance and move to a different perspective.

  In the other room, Rictook smiled at the intense discussion, and took a moment to acknowledge his decision to remain apart from the meeting.

  “Is that alien ill?” Jittak asked, when he witnessed one of them collapse.

  “Kractik, where are we on the timeline?” Tacticnok asked.

  “Using Gasnar time, Your Highness, the aliens are entering their planet’s third rotation of being trapped inside the dome,” Kractik replied.

  “Unless their suits recycle fluids as efficiently as ours, they would need a constant supply of water,” Roknick suggested.

  “And I’ve not seen them take any fluids,” Tacticnok noted.

  “None,” Pickcit agreed.

  “They’re becoming dehydrated. That’s why the one alien collapsed,” Tiknock reasoned.

  “It’s good to see the others care for the one who’s in trouble. It does speak to the compassion that they exhibit for one another,” Tacticnok said.

  “The fallen one might be their leader, and they would risk retribution if they didn’t care for that one,” Roknick countered.

  Kractik forwarded the imagery again until Tiknock interrupted her.

  “Aha, there,” Tiknock exclaimed, pointing at the display. “Kractik, if you would? I need a close view of the console.”