“Calm down, Lexan, calm down,” he told himself and breathed deeply. He closed his eyes and cleared his mind. At least tried to but ended up simply making himself into a nervous wreck. The boy opened his eyes, half expecting for Alary to be there. But she was nowhere in sight.
Something deep inside his mind told Lexan that Alary was already on her way to a vacation spot for Sun Surfing. She was going to stay at a floating hotel that orbited close to the main star of this system.
How could I possibly know that? The boy thought and once more an answer came as if he had known it the whole time, the computer's interface worked directly with his thought pattern and did not bother to say the answers out loud.
Another message from Alary told Lexan she had no idea who he was and how he knows her. His data, it seemed, was classified and beyond her reach. He, quickly, responded with a concentrated thought saying, “Someone you knew long ago.”
Lexan thought about calling Solan and asking him if he was still up for the Sun Surfing ordeal. He could not come up with another way to meet Alary. It was either Sun Surfing or he would have to wait for two weeks. Two weeks seemed too long, destiny awaited the boy. Greatness and glory too, perhaps. Lexan lost himself in a day-dream. He could picture seeing Alary, being with her forever, and then, he pictures Nangern by his side, an eternal friend. Bloo, jealous of Lexan's success, would throw herself at his feet but he would simply refuse. Jacque apologized for his out-burst at the dinner. Romul and Remu basking in the greatness of Lexan's shadows. The Aether saw himself returning back to Earth, picking up some of his old friends. He imagined power. He wanted more.
Sure, he was satisfied with his life. Up until now, he had a reasonable girlfriend that he loved. He shared a dorm with only one other boy whom, up until now, he considered a very good friend. Lexan could party it up with older classmates, well sometimes. He was in the world of Aetheri and wonders, in a world that no one, not even his own parents could imagine.
My parents, Lexan thought, they are gone. His one only downturn. But there were millions, billions, perhaps trillions of people worse off than he was in this galaxy. He stood tall and handsome, he was healthy and would live far longer than any of his Earth peers. Yet, still. In this world of wonder and miracles, he was not completely satisfied. The voice in his head repeated the destiny that hopefully awaited him. He would bring Nangern and Alary together, uniting the Nethers and Aetheri. Well, perhaps he would not be involved in such greatness but in the least, he would avert the use of the Children of Toria for political purposes.
Time to call Solan, Lexan thought.
“Yeah, what's up?” Solan's voice announced itself.
“Are you still going Sun Surfing?” Lexan asked, already walking back to his dorm to pack.
“Yeah, I'm leaving tomorrow. Why?”
“I thought I'd tag along.”
“Alright. Well, I have no plans for today so let's go pick out your surf. What do you say?”
“Works for me. I'll meet you at the Gardens,” said Lexan referring to the main Gardens at his Dormitory Cluster.
“In an hour?” Solan asked. Lexan agreed and the conversation ended.
Entertainment? Hardly a time for it, the boy thought awaiting his epic destiny to bring the galaxies together. That is my role, he thought, in all of this. I am the one who will unite Alary and Nangern and thus the two galaxies. The Main Personality Interface already rerouted Lexan's directions toward the dormitory.
“I just need to pack, then I'll go to the store with Solan,” Lexan mumbled and somewhere in his brain a task tree documented the plan.
Inside his dormitory, Lexan realized that he had absolutely nothing to pack. For the past few months, the Aether lived without many possessions. The only ones included school supplies such as books and weapons that he kept in his temporary closet space. None of the school supplies, though, could be taken off the planet. Books were useless and weapons forbidden.
Without taking anything at all, Lexan walked out of the room. He left a general message for Jacque to explain his absence. Lexan's roommate though would probably not care. After last night, I doubt he'll want to talk to me at all, the boy thought as he walked out the door which curiously enough, vibrated with energy so that the outside could be seen, however no one outside could see inside. The boy walked through as if nothing was there. He shook his head and walked to the Gardens.
Bloo, Nivua, and Jacque resembled another part of Lexan's life, a part that seemed to be a sort of play, a distraction from reality. The only normal part of his life. Well, somewhat normal. Lexan left a note for Bloo as well, that only she could access and only if she came into his dormitory and inquired about his whereabouts.
Minutes later, Lexan met up with Solan at the Gardens. The area had been completely trashed. Hundreds of containers, used to hold hallucinogenic substances no doubt, were scattered all over the area. Luckily, the nature of their chemical make-up would make the substances disintegrate within a day or two.
Solan brought his Sky Surf, the Hurricane, meant for regular cloud boarding, “Let's start.”
“I thought we were going to shop first. You know, so I could get my own Surf.” Lexan said, pointing away from the Gardens.”
Solan laughed, “You'll need a Phoenix surf board for the surfing the Stars, [Muray]. But first -”
“Wait, what did you just say?”
“I said, you'll need a Phoenix surf board. This is the Hurricane, I'll teach you how to surf in the air first,”
“No, no. What did you call me?”
“[Muray]?” Solan looked at Lexan puzzled.
“Why did you call me that?” Lexan looked at Solan just as puzzled.
“That's your name, isn't it?” Solan asked and laughed, “Or have I been calling you by the wrong name for the past few months? Now come on, let’s go.
“No, my name is Lexan, I've told you that. Where did you get [Muray] from?”
“Look man, whatever. I remember when I first talked to you, you said your name was [Muray].” Solan frowned and took his surf. He placed one hand on the middle of the board as it floated beside him.
“Well, it's Lexan,” the boy did not give it another thought and came over to the board.
Solan smiled, “First, you'll need to learn how to balance on the board. Stand up on it.”
Nervous, Lexan walked up to the board, trying to concentrate on the task. He placed his foot in the middle and shifted his weight. That's when the board turned and he fell completely over bumping his head harshly against the ground.
Solan laughed shortly and proceeded to show Lexan how to perform the task. He placed one foot at the center of the board, shifted his entire weight on it, and finally took his other foot off the ground. He placed his feet one behind the other. Solan smiled and moved his feet apart for better stability.
The boy shifted his weight a few times and the board sprang into action, “You use the foot in the back to control the speed, like so.” Solan's right foot moved around a few times, speeding and slowing the board, “Your front foot changes the direction.” the boy hovered and span in place a couple times, “And together, your footwork lets you control the whole board.” Solan proceeded to fly around the Garden until finally reaching a stopping point next to Lexan.
“You try,” he smiled.
Lexan put his foot on the board with more caution this time. The board swayed violently once more. Trying again, he simply jumped on the board. Seconds later though, he had to jump off because he could not hold his balance.
“It will take time. I've been surfing for years,” Solan grinned.
“So how am I going to Sun Surf then?” Lexan looked questioningly at his companion as he placed his feet on the board again only to end up splattered in mud next to the Garden's concrete walkways.
Solan extended his hand and helped the young Aether up. Lexan brushed the soil off his suit easily and tried to get up on the board again.
&nbs
p; “We have two weeks. We'll leave tomorrow. I'll teach you how to Surf in the simulation aboard the cruiser that eclipses the star. You can teach yourself too, actually. You should be able to take on your first solar mass ejection in a few days,” Solan winked and laughed at Lexan falling down again, “Okay, I think that's enough. Let's go get that board.”
Lexan smiled and left the Gardens with Solan. He wondered at how he could live so many separate lives at once. Everything about Alary was serious. The situation with Nangern honestly did not leave Lexan anything to do other than plan and hope for the best. It was his “destiny”, a life he had to live, a live that he had to fulfill.
On the other hand, there was Bloo, and Jacque, and Nivua. That life seemed to be overly complicated with dramatic twists and turns. A life full of passion, fun, and sadness. It was an exciting life.
Finally, he could live just like everyone else on this world. A simple life, like Solan, enjoying the little things and having fun. Living with no concern for the repercussions of one's actions in the world. Then, only then, he could forget about the war and such. No, it was one life. A single life with a dynamic set of layers leading to a solid core, him.
The two boys walked down toward the transport station and blasted off toward one of the higher situated Spheres. From there, they took an elevator, an invisible magnet-controlled lift, toward a landing platform. On top stood a small shop with Surf boards floating outside in the air. The owner greeted them, “Hello there. Looking for a new Board?”
“Yes, a Phoenix. We're going Sun Surfing this week,” Solan said and led Lexan over to the Sun Surf section. The Boards lined up with scaly black bottoms.
“Oh I see. You kids got the two weeks off, eh? Alright. The boards are ranked according to quality left to right, ya hear? The best ones are over here,” The tall skinny Shun with deep red skin walked over to a particularly stunning group of Surf boards. They had intricate designs, “These link up with your implants. No more hassle footwork. I enjoy the foot work, if you ask me, but you don't have to do it anymore. This board over here,” the man grasped one of the boards with his thin long fingers, “has auto-stabilizers and thrusters out of this world. Even the strongest of solar winds won't knock you off into the plasma. And the acceleration. Well, you can't even imagine it.”
Lexan thought about the prices and Joshua gently “reminded” him that he could only use up to five hundred credits, “How much are these?”
“This board, the best one is fifteen hundred. Yeah, I know. Sun Surfing is damn expensive,” the store owner started, “By the look on your face, I'd say you want something cheaper. Right over here is the seven hundred and below section.”
The boards did not look as impressive. The designs seem to pale in comparison, “But these, these beauties are old-school. You'll have to be careful with your footwork. And if one of the mass ejections grabs you,” the man made a disgusting sound, “You'll be in a whirlwind of fire.”
None of the boards seem to be priced much below five hundred. And those credits had to last Lexan for all the equipment, “How about the suits?”
“You mean the Sun Suits? These aren't as pricey. Look over here,” he brought Solan and Lexan to another section of the small shop, “I've only got five different suits for Sun Surfing. It sure is popular but most people buy them on the Cruise ships,” he laughed, “they don't even know how much they're over-paying, stupid bastards.
“Alright, look over here. I've got a cheap Sun Suit over here for hundred and ten, it's the basic suit, heat protection, self-preservation. The usual stuff, nothing fancy. It will last you, well, for a couple of these two week breaks if you don't rip it up or something.” The suits resembled regular scuba dive suits. They were completely black and meshed. The only part that differed was a round helmet. The skin of it seemed to reflect strangely.
“Here are the more expensive pieces. This one is one-fifty, and here is one for one-seventy. Both have integration with thought patterns. They link up with the boards and help you out.”
Lexan looked over at the Sky Surf equipment, Joshua informed him that the average Sky Surf board cost about two hundred credits, if that. The suits, well, one did not have to buy a special suit for Sky Surfing.
The boy took Solan aside and started a private converation, “I did not realize the surfs are so expensive.”
Solan looked at the boy sternly, “Ever wondered why I never have time to hang out?”
Lexan was taken aback, “Why?”
“Because I work. I work day and night. Ninety percent of the credits I receive go to my stay here.”
“What do you mean?”
“How else could I pay for my education?” Solan asked, his eyes cold, “I work every single day to pay for my education. With the spare money I save, I buy the Surf boards.”
Lexan did not reply.
“I'll lend you however much you need,” Solan started, “Just get it back to me as soon as you can.” The boy turned and left to go outside.
“How will I pay you back?” Lexan shouted, knowing well that only Solan could hear him.
“Get a job,” Solan walked into an opening at the end of the breezy platform and jumped down. Lexan watched him go and commanded Joshua to ask for a larger grant for Sun Surfing. Seconds later, it was approved and the boy used that money for the boards.
Withing minutes, the Aether bought the cheapest board as well as the cheapest suit available. It's necessary, he told himself. The skies outside stirred in anticipation of another storm.
Solan sent him a quick message, “Meet me at the port.” Lexan took the board and suit. With no other luggage to bear, other than a short sword he started carrying, he quickly made his way down the Spheres and into the port.
With Solan already there, carrying a couple bags, they boarded the cruise ship.
“Welcome to Star Cruise. The one and only Cruise company that allows its visitors to see the Stars right up front,” A sweet female voices echoed throughout the enormous Sphere. Half of the ceiling was cut out so that the Sphere stood only three-quarters way covered. Through the cutout, numerous bridges extended toward the stand-by ships.
The one that Solan and Lexan headed to resembled a sort of a fish. It had a large spherical front with tightly drawn tail. Numerous fins stabilized the sides and the top. Small circular windows protruded through the mass in the likeness of a star field in darkness.
“There you are, you got enough credits for the Cruise?” Solan's face darkened in half humor and half seriousness.
“Yeah, I have a full grant for it,” Lexan answered cheerfully, trying to ignore Solan's remarks. The place teemed with thousands of people that awaited their ship. Invisible speakers announced arrivals and departures to place all over the galaxy.
Solan nudged Lexan in hopes of brightening up the mood, “Man, look at all those hotties that are going to cruise with us.”
Lexan looked over and indeed saw many attractive females as well as males. He smiled to himself but then his look became grim as he realized that he had lost one of those “hotties” just two days earlier when he kissed Nivua. Or when she kissed him. What did she see in me? He frowned at the inexplicable question.
Solan took it as a sign, “Oh right, I forgot about you and Bloo. Well, at least you can mine for some rebound.” he laughed lightly. Lexan returned the laugh as a courtesy. He breathed in and exhaled, closing his eyes, the calm washed over him like a solemn wave. Aether training had its nice applications in real life.
The two boys left and walked up the high ramp that floated in mid-air. Below, Lexan saw the intricate network of Spheres and lines connecting them. They must have been at least a hundred kilometers up in the air. As they neared the small entrance at the side of the great Cruise Ship, a number of Sky Surfers flew out of nowhere and jumped the line. They directly Surfed from the surface.
Lexan came up and walked through the entrance, noticing that the system automatically took care of the
charges for the ride and his permissions. One thing struck Lexan as odd, every single name field which was directed to him stated the name [Muray]. Perplexed, the boy ran a verification, but still, the name came up as [Muray]. He even asked Joshua, “What is my name?” questioningly as to what the databases say, Joshua answered “[Muray]”, single name. No first, no last. Just [Muray].
Does this name mean anything? The boy thought, Joshua answered negatively. Solan led both of them to their expansive cabins that were akin to their dormitories save the single circular window with the diameter of half a man. Their journey began momentarily and the ship fired its main engines. With a loud roar, the fish-like vessel flew out of the atmosphere into space. The sweet lady announced that the trip will take two days. It was a Cruise Ship after all. The Ship had only two stops, one at a natural satellite of the School Planet, and another at the space station that encircled the whole of the star.
Solan motioned for “[Muray]” to follow him into the game parlor and practice Surfing in simulation.
V
Just one more hour, Lexan thought. Just one more hour and the Cruise Ship will dock with the orbital station by Eir, the enormous star in the mids of the Aether system. The last two days had been fun, the boy noted as he lay down on his bed. Solan taught him how to Surf well enough in the simulation so that he would be ready for the real thing.
The last hour seems to last longer than the whole trip, Lexan thought to himself. He felt strangely claustrophobic inside his cabin, alone. The world pressed down upon him. The boy put his hands in front of him and let the nano-constructed computer form in his palms as a pool of liquid. It swirled and Lexan gazed down upon the gentle yet beautiful face of Alary. The young girl radiated with calmness and sincerity, “An angel,” the boy whispered. A set of new conflicting feelings raged through the young Aether's mind. One seemed to pull him away from Alary, because she did not deserve to be endangered like this.
Aetheran Child Page 27