The Ways Between Worlds: Peter Cooper

by Larry E. Clarke

  Within hours of passing the rocks we began to see our port of destination, Arthena, the white city. It's climbed from the salt’s edges to the rim of the natural bowl formed by the junction of the salt plain and the interior tableland of the Threatan homeland. The lip of the bowl overlooking the harbor was ringed with palatial homes, estates of wealthy families that, long ago, may have been members of the court. Columns of white stone, likely marble, rose among gardens laid out in geometrical patterns. From the high rim of the bowl the larger estates would catch the first rays of the sun and benefit from the on shore breezes each evening.

  Below them homes of ordinary citizens clung to the hillsides. Nearer the harbor was the city center, the market place and the public buildings which were its heart. These called to mind a trip my brother and I had taken years ago. In Athens we had seen the Acropolis and the ancient Agora (marketplace). Here too the white colors predominated but the architectural style was very different. Instead of the classical lines of the now empty Acropolis our eyes met Threaten buildings in daily use, buildings with an other-worldly curve to their stonework, with few straight lines and right angles. Though made of cut stone the heritage of these buildings seemed likely based in some far away world where a plastic material like concrete or adobe had been used. The buildings looked less like they had been constructed than. . .poured or molded into shape. Here and there were great domes. Most were rounded but some rose to points reminiscent of the onion domes of old Russian churches.

  In the harbor perhaps 50 vessels stood beside stone quays. Some were of the familiar design of the Threatan vessels I knew. Others were clearly captured vessels or vessels from foreign ports on this western edge of the Great Salt. Many were of designs I’d not seen before. Only two appeared to be powered by something other than sail or sinew. These were two small tugs or lighters which moved about the harbor beneath a cloud of dark gray smoke. The hissing and clicking the made as the shuttled from vessel to wharf to vessel suggested steam power. Members of the crew later confirmed this. They explained this marvel as an astronaut might explain a moon shuttle to 12th century peasant. I had no heart to show I was anything but awed by their technology.

  Although the scene was like other harbors in many ways there was no lapping of the waves against shore, dock, or hull. Also missing were the cries of circling gulls or the smells of the sea. There were smells, for where vessels unload there are always spills of food stuffs and other commodities. Flying creatures did circle above waiting to be the first to swoop down to a spill of edibles. Smaller than gulls, the creatures appeared like brightly colored bats, shining iridescent in the mid morning sun. They dipped and rose again calling to each other in clacking cries, audible dolphin sounds. As long as I have been here it seemed impossible for me not to compare each new creature to its closest earthly counterpart. Perhaps my understanding of them was aided by these association but such associations could be dangerous. To assume that a creature was harmless simply because it looked like a harmless counterpart on earth was not a good idea. I near lost a finger while reaching out to stroke a cute rabbit-like creature as we left the wharf and crossed through the market in route to our government accommodations. The local merchant saved my digit, shoving my hand away an instant before a whole row of needle sharp teeth could snap shut on it. She muttered something about ignorant sailors. . .I muttered my thanks.

  CHAPTER 32

  Alexia insisted that the crew of the Dumpling and the other ships who had survived the ordeal receive an equal share of the proceeds. Five days later each or us received documents showing our shares on deposit with the local banking houses. We had only to identify ourselves to withdraw part or all of the funds. I had no idea of the values of the local currency, the “Kean”, but our shipmates who did indicated that each of us had just received enough to live in immodest comfort for the rest of our lives. We had each already been given ample “walking around money”.

  Those Threatans with families had either been met by them at quay side or had hurried off to homes in more distant parts of the domain. The rest of us were at liberty to do as we pleased. After making arrangements to meet some of our Threatan shipmates for supper several of us decided to strike out and see the city. A few of the unattached Threatans (Lanthos, Axilla, Patos) insisted on showing us around. They joined Dhars, Lady Camille, Soltan, and some of our old mates from the Dumpling and the mines as we struck out on foot to see this glorious new city. We had such satisfaction with our wanderings that we agreed to meet and resume our explorations each morning so long as there were new places to explore. For now we just walked. Dhars, Lady Camille, Soltan, and our shipmates. The streets of Arthena were clean and well paved. We were advised by our Threatan hosts that a system or sewers flowed beneath them carrying wastewater to a site far from town where it was let onto the salt to dry. The dried upper layer was periodically removed, pulverized and spread on crops in the outlying areas to enrich the soil.

  As we left the administrative area of the city we entered an area of fashionable shops and restaurants. Here the citizens of Arthena could sample goods and foods from every province in the Threatan domain. The aromas drifting from the open windows and outdoor dining areas were tantalizing. My stomach, accustomed to the rough fare aboard ship, rumbled in an anticipation that was soon to be transformed to total satiation! We meandered along occasionally guided by the suggestions of our friends, but generally sampling whatever appealed to the eye or palate. Citizens dressed in white enjoyed the warmth of early fall. Some lounged in the afternoon shade of awnings and arbors or strolled from shop to shop, occasionally adding a purchase to the bags or baskets they carried. We wandered past shops displaying foods, wines, hardware, fine wood furniture inlaid with bits of colored stone and bone, clothing, furs, tooled leather goods, jewelry, cutlery, house wares, fine china and glass, musical instruments and even toys for the children. We turned at last onto a quiet residential street over arched by tree branches. Purple flowering vines laced among the branches adding a fragrance like no other. As directed by Lanthos, who seemed to know the city even better than the others, we turned in at an arched gateway. Before us lay a large courtyard with a circular drive and a fountain. Water spouted from the bronze mouths of frolicking water creatures which looked rather like river otters.

  “I hope the hospitality here will be considerably better than Thark Rhat provided”, Dhars joked. Before I could reply I felt a heavy spray of water on the back of my neck. I spun in time to see Lady Camille assume an “innocent” expression as she removed a neck tentacle from one of the water jets. I scooped up a double handful from the basin and flung it back in her direction. She dodged adroitly and poor Soltan took it full in the face.

  The day was quite warm and in truth the water felt pretty good, but we were expected inside. After a few moments of banter and splashing we dried our faces as best we could and continued toward the interior. In the reception area was a large desk of white marble. Behind it sat a mature woman whose copper hair was liberally streaked with gray. She seemed the very picture of bureaucratic propriety, but as we neared her face softened into a broad smile. The signs of our horse play evident to her. We had an unkempt look of refugees but she smiled nonetheless.

  “So these are the hero’s of Voquira” she said. “Your message arrived shortly after breakfast Lanthos. I have rooms for all our guests on the second floor. . . the public bathes are on the lower level and you will find a stable for your beast” . . she looked at Lady. . .in the rear”. Lady began the low rumble I knew to be suppressed laughter then spoke. “I’m sure I will be very comfortable there”.

  The receptionist near fell from her chair. “I was not. . .they didn’t . . .no one. . .they should have told me. . .Of course I will add accommodations with your friends at once.”

  Unable to contain herself, Lady began making the rapid puffing sounds Huh hoo hoo hoooooo which indicated she had heard something really funny. I jabbed an elbow against her ribs in hope she’d show a little
mercy for the woman’s understandable error. She composed herself and responded.

  “Actually dear lady I will be more comfortable in the stable area. The rooms are bigger, there is ample fresh air and I will not have to contend with the endless chatter of the other residents. With this she collected he things and plodded toward the rear of the building.

  For the next six days we were wined and dined. . . .hero’s of the hour. Our money was no good in the taverns and offbeat establishments of the port nor in the elegant restaurants of the elite. We were consistently the guests “of the house”. We drank for free and were given trophies and expensive mementos. Our names were inscribed in the Hall of Heroes. We were invited to the homes of all of the leading citizens. I suppose even a few babies were named after us! The festivities culminated with a banquet in the Great Hall of the Ancestors with endless speeches by government leaders all wishing to be seen and associated with the key commanders in the uprising against the Ixtet.

  I mostly examined the backs of my hands or the bas-reliefs, frescoes, and the statuary that adorned the enormous Romanesque hall. When I did listen I heard the roles Dhars and I had played being so thoroughly inflated I failed to connect the “supermen” of which they spoke with anyone I knew personally. . . especially myself.

  Voquira had long been a thorn in the Threatan side, obstructing the northern routes across the great salt. To have hostile rulers eliminated and elements friendly to the Threats installed in their place seemed little short of a miracle. . . a miracle much sweetened by Alexia’s return with the largest supply of spices, jewels, and other valuable trade goods ever exhibited in the Arthena markets. The Thretan’s had every reason to celebrate.

  Voquira had long been a thorn in the Threatan side, obstructing the northern routes across the great salt. To have hostile rulers eliminated and elements friendly to the Threats installed in their place seemed little short of a miracle. . . a miracle much sweetened by Alexia’s return with the largest supply of spices, jewels, and other valuable trade goods ever exhibited in the Arthena markets. The Thretan’s had every reason to celebrate.

  A special session of the Grand Council was held the next day. Representatives from the more distant regions had been given ample time to arrive in the capital. Those of us in the original party from Mon Ton would appeared before that Council to make our case for assistance in reaching site II.

  When I raised this idea initially with our hosts I was surprised that they not only knew the location of the second site but had periodically investigated it. They were well aware that their ancestors and those of all other non-indigenous beings had once come through the two sites. Although their studies of the site were ongoing they were not frequent. The last expedition had returned almost 20 years ago and a new expedition was being planned in a couple of years.

  As part of the presentation I also laid out a case to ending the raids on the Eastern shores. Instead I urged that they establish a trading relationship. Now that Voquira could serve as a reliable waypoint mutual trade would be much easier. I felt there was much to be gained by both parties by such peaceful trade. This, too, was something the hosts told us they had already been seriously considering, even before learning of Voquira's fall.

  Other members of the Dumpling’s crew had offered to act as intermediaries to help open trade negotiations. Those taken from eastern shores in past raids would also be given the chance to be repatriated. A good number had married Threatan residents and had their own homes and businesses here. They might prefer instead to join the trading parties. Their knowledge of the goods and trading practices in the East would serve them well in the negotiations for lucrative contracts. Verek approached Dhars and asked permission to return with them. He longed for family. We made copies of the expedition logs to send with him. I wrote several letters to the folks back in Monton and Dhars wrote at length to his wife and daughter. The season was still early Fall, but even if they had favorable winds it was unlikely he could not reach Oost before winter snows had closed the passes. His journey to Mon-Ton would be a long one. We were quay-side to wish him godspeed the morning he sailed. It appeared Dhars, Camille and I would be making the last legs of the journey alone.

  Dhars approached Llan al Sarani, a leading Threatan scientist, to ask what was known about transporter site two. “My dear governor Flonstrand”, he replied “The Thretatan Science Council has had a keen interest in both transport sites. You know that over 500 years ago our ancestors came to this planet via the Eastern site. Because of the distance involved and the great difficulty traveling in that area only one expedition has ever reached and returned from the site where Petar’s journeys began. That expedition was made about 11 years ago. My own son, his wife and our precious little granddaughter were lost on it.

  Dhars, Camille, and I stared at him without speaking for several long seconds and then all began at once to tell him about “Leta”. . . “J’Leeta of the copper hair who was at this moment very much alive, well, and happy in the loving home of Urs and Modran in the river town of Monton. On hearing the news the old scientist began to sob. Tears of grief flowed initially for the loss her parents, his son and daughter-in law. These were soon outnumbered by tears of joy as he realized that the little child who had been the light of his life was well and growing into a fine young woman. At his insistence we immediately accompanied him to his modest, but immaculately kept, home in a pleasant neighborhood not far from the Hall of the Ancestors. We spent the evening relaying over and over how we were acquainted with Leta and filling in every detail about her appearance, her manner, her interests, her favorite foods, etc. The conversation slowed only a little as their single servant called us all to a fine meal served in the cool of the evening on their patio. Insects or perhaps small humming bird-like creatures buzzed softly as we dined by the light of several lanterns strung through the garden. It was a most satisfying evening. . but not the end of the surprises which were in store of us.

  The next day we met again with Llan in his offices at the science center. He once again thanked us profusely for the miraculous news of his grand daughter. Eventually, we were able to return to the business at hand. He described for us how the Western site was better known to the Threatian science community. Though it is not reached easily, they had made several expeditions to it over the years. It had been well mapped and sketched. He told us: “On the last expedition we were even able to apply the recently re-devloped technique for capturing images on sensitized paper, the Lan DerVian process, LDV’s for short. The sketches and LDV’s are all available for your study in the archives of the Science center.”

  Our scientist friend, Llan, had already been old when the last expedition to the Western site returned almost 20 years ago. Nonetheless, he described in amazing detail the report the expedition had filed with the Science Council. The findings were that the site was well preserved but that none of the equipment was functioning. Although the equipment had evidently used considerable power no source for it could be identified and no detectable power was flowing through the thin cables connected to each piece of equipment.

  About a week later we saw Llan again as we began a round of hearings and meetings with the Grand Council and their science committee. The week began with an invitation for Dhars, Lady Camille and me to address the entire council. In morning and afternoon sessions Lady Camille and I detailed our arrival on Ulan or Pacham-Serele--or as the Threatans preferred “Pa’Am”--from our home planets. We described our explorations of the Eastern transporter site. Lady Camille provided some technical details relating to the site found on her home world. I added my accounts of stumbling into an apparatus I never knew existed while exploring the satellite of my home world.

  One of the more poignant passages was the Lady’s accounts of the problems of her home world brought on by crowding and over population. In her estimation, the planet was only a few years or perhaps just a few months away from social/ecological collapse. Her desire to return home to help her people was evid
ent in every word she spoke. I’d never see her speak so seriously

  On the second day we appeared before small committees of scientists and politicians to outline our requests for support. Three days after that the full committee voted to provide the full resources at the disposal of the government to assist us.

  A second major surprise arrived that evening in the form of a small boy who appeared at the door of my room with a message that a visitor was waiting for me in the reception area. I hurried on down, curious about who could be calling on me. Near the main entry I spotted a young man in his late twenties. As he approached I had a feeling of familiarity. . . I'd seen him or met him before, but where? He strode purposefully toward me, showing both hands, palms out at his side in the traditional greeting of the river people. “You must be Petar. I'm Ferst dan Roh. Adminsitrator Dhars Flonstrand Mercour tells me you know my parents Uhrs and Modran.”

  Well, knock me over. . . my surprise was complete. Of all the possible visitors I had imagined, meeting the lost son of those wonderful inneepers had not even been considered. My stay here was beginning to resemble one of those old melodramas akin to the Vicker of Wakefield. Every unlikely twist and turn or plot somehow was resolved in the end through happy happenstance!

  Ferst poured out the story of how he had left home, been captured in a pirating raid and been taken to Arthenia. He had since married a local woman and started a family on a farm some distance from the capitol. It was only by chance that a traveler returning to the village had mentioned that there were newly arrived citizens from the eastern ports. On hearing the news Ferst did what he had always done before. He kissed his wife and children good-by and traveled to the capitol to try to hear some news from Mon-Ton. He has arrived this very noon and had soon been directed to where we lodged. Lady and I were still out but he'd had quite a long talk with Dhars. Both missed their homes and family. Dhars described how Lady Camille, Leeta, and I had lived at the Cornered Vanu. He encouraged Frest to talk with us so we could share the details of our time with his parents. Lady Camille, Dhars, and I met often with Ferst so long as he was in the city. He was eager to wring from our memories every drop of news of his parents, friends, and hometown.