In Search of the Alter Dom

by Jack Challis

  ‘Now return underground, Oga Koya,’ orders the Galla Quall. Bowing again, the two Oga Koyas lead the donkey away in silence into the bright sunshine. Reaching the sand, their bodies sink into it disappearing from view; only their thin wiry arms are visible leading the donkey away by its reins!

  Breathing a sigh of relief, Blodwyn regards the Galla Quall before her. A delicate light blue being covered by a fine dark blue robe that reached the ground hiding its legs: if it had any? Its head was massive with big dark liquid, gentle eyes that blinked often and gazed at Blodwyn kindly. Its body had a fluid look about it. Gill slits took the place of a mouth, nose and ears, two-digit frail looking tentacles sufficed as arms.

  The Ida Jaade was a different matter. A tall muscular reptilian covered in thick scales, a natural red feather crest rose from its head; deep sunken crimson eyes studied her. The reptilian humanoid was dressed in the manner of a Roman centurion and armed with a gladius sword and bow.

  ‘Do not be afraid,’ says the Galla Quall, ‘I am Sebus, and this is my Centurion Marcus, an Ida Jaade. You did not choose a favourable planet to escape on.’ ‘I am Blodwyn – I’m on a quest – in search of the Alter Dom, until I was captured by the Alliance. Thank you for saving me.’

  ‘Your thanks may be a little premature – my Ida Jaade are still fighting a losing battle.’

  ‘Do you think the Alter Dom is dead?’ questions Blodwyn – getting straight down to the point. ‘Impossible!’ the Galla Quall answers. Blodwyn’s heart leapt – here was an alien she could believe. She wanted to hug the alien before her – but he looked too delicate. ‘Why?’ Blodwyn asks.

  ‘We know that an Event Horizon,’ answers Sebus, ‘is made up of hydrogen, nitrogen, burning radiation, deadly gamma rays and black matter. We have reason to believe the Alter Dom is made of exactly the same components – he is a higher being.’

  ‘You mean like Ora Pellas?’ she asks. ‘No!’ answers the Galla Quall, ‘much higher. ‘The Alter Dom cannot be dead – at worst sadly, he could have left the Antares Cluster!’

  This matched what the Ora-Pellas had told her. ‘So the Alter Dom is not a God then,’ she confirms.

  ‘No,’ answers Sebus, ‘a God does not take commands – we know the Alter Dom answers to another even higher being!’

  ‘Have you seen it – is it the Dom Maximus?’ she asks.

  ‘We have never heard of the Dom Maximus, but saw something only vaguely once,’ answers Sebus, ‘and felt its terrible presence!’

  ‘What happened?’ Blodwyn asks.

  ‘Its close proximity, drained the power from the engines of our whole battle fleet, and left us and the Ida Jaade speechless and paralyzed with fear.’

  ‘What were you doing at the time?’ she asks.

  ‘We were trying to leave the Antares Cluster to explore Stellar space – which was forbidden!’ answers Sebus.

  ‘Why doesn’t it show itself clearly?’ she asks.

  ‘Maybe it is too terrifying for us to behold in its natural form,’ the Galla Quall replies.

  ‘God appeared on Earth once,’ replies Blodwyn, ‘he looks like a Terasil!’ ‘Then God must be a Grand Master Changeling,’ answers Sebus, ‘for what we saw was nothing like a Terasil.’

  ‘You mean God could look like a monster!’ she asks.

  The Galla Quall smiled. This made sense to Blodwyn. “Who are humans (Terasils), to believe they were made in God’s image? In reality, Gods real appearance could be terrifying; if God was a Changeling it would be simple to appear on Earth as a Terasil.”

  ‘Do the Galla Qualls have a religion?’ she asks.

  ‘No,’ answers Sebus, ‘our conscience is our religion. Every brain has many different areas, each one has a purpose – we have never found an area responsible for a conscience. A conscience does not evolve – it has no matter – no substance, but is created!’ We Galla Qualls simply believe that those who do not follow their conscience – will one day regret it!’

  ‘So there must be a God, whatever he looks like!’ says Blodwyn.

  ‘The universes are too immense, too complex, too organized to have been the result of an accident,’ Sebus answers. The magic formula e = mc sq, the catalyst to cause nuclear fusion creating all the infinite universes, was a deliberate act by some creature or being. Your Terasil genius Einstein discovered this formula – but who created it?’

  ‘Why would the being want to create infinite universes?’ she asks.

  ‘For its own amusement…. perhaps!’ the Galla Quall answers.

  ‘Did the Malis Afar really evolve on Earth? And did they once save Terasils from extinction?’ Blodwyn asks.

  ‘Indirectly, yes!’ Sebus replies. ‘Like a gamekeeper protects his birds! The Malisaraptor evolved in Pangaea during the Cretaceous. By the end of the Cretaceous the Malisaraptors had killed all the dinosaurs in Pangaea, including Tyrannosaurus Rex – their deadly enemy.’

  ‘Did the Malis Afar build Atlantis?’ she asks.

  ‘No,’ replied the Galla Quall – ‘the Malisaraptors did!’

  ‘Atlantis was built by dinosaurs!’ says Blodwyn: shocked. ‘Why haven’t Terasils found the remains of Malisaraptors and the Malis Afar?’

  ‘Malisaraptor and the Malis Afar always buried their dead in secret places. Your race will find them eventually and discover that the Malisaraptors had large brains, carried weapons, and were ruled by powerful vain females who loved to decorate their bodies with beads and jewellery.’

  Still hungry for information: she asks. ‘What about the Na Idriss?’

  ‘They were a species of carnivorous scimitar tooth cats, that could stand upright – the Malis Afar domesticated them and used them like hunting dogs to hunt your ancestors – these cats evolved into the Na Idriss.’ Blodwyn now understood why the Na Idriss were so attuned to the emotions and the weakness of humans. ‘Do the Malis Afar and Na Idriss share human DNA?’ Blodwyn asks.

  ‘As much human DNA as the Neanderthals and chimpanzees! You see the science of the Advanced Races has far stripped those of Earth. The more advanced a race becomes the more difficult it becomes to breed! The Malis Afar will produce human hybrids!’ Sebus answers.

  ‘You must remember that your ancestors were the favourite prey species of all carnivores.’

  ‘What about the Sillian?’ she asks.

  ‘The Sillians were once a very wise and intelligent race till they destroyed their home planet – by pollution. The pollution mutated their bodies and their minds. You see Sillian’s cannot be reasoned with now – they have only two desires; solitude and feeding!’ Once it has killed, a Sillian retires deep underground, laying and hiding its eggs. It then spins a protective web and dreams its secret dreams of the past, and is content for many years.’

  ‘Will Earth be invaded?’ she asks.

  ‘Yes,’ answers Sebus, ‘Earth is open to invasion now.’

  ‘What can Earth do?’

  ‘Nothing!’ the Galla Quall answers, ‘it’s too late! Unfortunately Terasils have spent all their energy fighting and killing each other, instead of conquering space – or discovering Tellium – the first step in space travel.’

  ‘Can’t the Qualls save Earth?’ she pleads. ‘We have to protect the Andromeda Galaxy and Quilla Prime – many other life forms depends on us. We are only a few in number. Our Ida Jaade number only three hundred – it would be impossible. It’s a shame – we admire Earth’s culture. Our codes are in Latin and Greek, we follow Ptolemy’s constellations, and the findings of Hipparchus. You Terasils are the most advanced species in literature, music and the arts.’ Blodwyn felt a little prouder to be a Terasil.

  ‘Has a Terasil ever seen you?’ Blodwyn asks. ‘Occasionally,’ answers the Galla Quall Sebus. ‘They always reacted violently – Terasils are not yet ready to meet other life forms – they are still too nervous!’

  Blodwyn noticed the Galla Quall was becoming distressed; his face was now dripping liquid; as if melting in the scorching heat. She quickly took out her
large bottle of water and slowly poured it over the alien’s large head. He recovered almost immediately. ‘Thank you,’ says the Galla Quall, ‘the heat of Goya Perilus is dangerous to my species.’

  Blodwyn trusted this delicate alien – there was an honesty about the Galla Quall. ‘I have some important information to tell you,’ announces Blodwyn. ‘The Malis Afar and Na Idriss war fleets are massing somewhere in the Vega Triangle under cloak. They are waiting for a signal from an advanced party, led by Karak a Cold-blood, who plans to enter Quilla Prime through False Arcadia and poison the lakes in which your species live.’

  ‘Ah, that is why they need our frigate,’ says Sebus. ‘I must contact our battle fleet who are in Alpha Centuri sector and warn them. But I have no way of doing so – the gravitational pull of Goya Perilus inhibits long range signals.’

  ‘We can capture the Na Idriss frigate and escape,’ Blodwyn suggests. ‘I know the activation code – you can then contact your Battle fleet.’

  Another Ida Jaade appears; his red crest standing erect. ‘Creator, we must move – the battle is lost.’ ‘We must protect the Creator,’ says Marcus the Centurion. Both Ida Jaade warriors un-sling their Tellium bows and fit arrows. Blodwyn wondered why the Ida Jaade called the Galla Quall “Creator?” when the Cold-blood says the Ida Jaade were egg-layers.

  High above them, a single Na Idriss warrior with a laser rifle has spotted them. Climbing down he reports to the Malis Afar Karak, who is leaning against a rock admiring his Samurai sword.

  ‘Sir, a single Galla Quall and two Ida Jaade warriors are below, they have the female Terasil.’ Karak signals by flashing his blade to a party of Na Idriss warriors, who close in on the rocky alcove. ‘Kill the Ida Jaade warriors,’ orders Karak, ‘take the Galla Quall prisoner – do not harm the Terasil female.’

  The Na Idriss warrior climbs back to his position, and takes aim. He is spotted by Marcus the Ida Jaade, who quickly sends an arrow into his chest. The Na Idriss falls and ends up by Karak’s feet; he gives the dead warrior a kick. ‘Fool!’ says the Cold-blood. The Malis Afar then leaps over the steep rocks, sword in hand, with amazing agility. ‘Surrender!’ Karak shouts down. ‘You are surrounded.’ Both Ida Jaade warriors fire arrows in rapid succession at the Malis Afar above them. The Tellium arrows make a shrill whistle as they assended with lightning speed towards the Cold-blood. But the Malis Afar deflects the arrows with great skill using his sword. ‘Surrender!’ Karak shouts again. ‘I have captured your frigate – all the Ida Jaade are dead.’

  ‘Escape, Creator,’ advises Marcus the Ida Jaade, ‘we will stay.’

  ‘No, discard your weapons, we have no choice…. I am fading in the heat.’

  ‘The creator is dying!’ shouts up the Centurion, ‘we will surrender if you give your word to place the Creator in the re-hydration chamber in our frigate.’ ‘You have my word,’ answers Karak. Blodwyn poured the remaining water over the Galla Quall’s head. The two Ida Jaade reluctantly throw down their weapons. Seeing this from above, Karak the Malis Afar amazingly leaps down into the alcove – a forty-foot drop!

  He covers the two Ida Jaade warriors with his sword while the Na Idriss surround the alcove. Blodwyn wonders if the Malis Afar Karak suspects her attempted escape.

  This called for an excellent performance called “extreme gratitude” or “maiden in distress – rescued.” The only prop she needed was a tear; it would be a strain on her blood pressure of course in the heat: but worth it. Blodwyn drained the bottle, to top up her liquid levels. This tear shouldn’t fall wasted and unseen onto the floor. The head had to be slightly tilted back so the tear would slowly run down a red cheek and tragically drop in full view of all for – maximum effect!

  ‘Karak!’ Blodwyn exclaims, in her most grateful voice. ‘Thank you for saving my life – you arrived just in time!’ There was a slight embarrassing pause while Blodwyn got pressure up. The Galla Quall and the Ida Jaade gave her a quizzical look. “Was this because of her sudden U turn or because of her shameless luvvie play-acting?” Blodwyn wondered. Feeling slightly self-conscious; she gave the Galla Quall a sly wink, hoping he understood her motives for this blatant turn around in loyalty!

  Blodwyn was red in the face – about to burst, when a small tear appeared and slowly rolled down her inflamed cheek. However it was enough to fool Karak, who placed a hand on her shoulders.

  ‘Aaah…. the emotions of a Terasil can be so touching – even to my cold-heart. You are safe now,’ the Cold-blood says reassuringly. The Malis Afar then took Lt Jibba out of earshot and whispered. ‘Place the Galla Quall in the re-hydration chamber but do not turn it on – kill the two Ida Jaade!’

  Several of the Na Idriss warriors sniffed Blodwyn. ‘Even my Na Idriss are pleased to see you,’ says the Malis Afar Karak; with a thin cold smile.

  Many miles away the two Lings and the Namesian are in a cave tending the badly wounded Mayling Boodi. ‘We must leave Goya Perilus,’ communicates the giant hornet-like Narrisa. ‘I know a satellite planet where there is nectar for thee and meat for me. The Mayling needs to return to chrysalis – I also need to cocoon to regenerate my body.’

  ‘I will tend both cocoon and chrysalis,’ replies the Sisling, ‘but then – the Mayling and I must leave you – to do our Queen’s bidding!’

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  An Alien Banquet

  ‘Have you ever kissed a weasel – you imbecile?’

  Asks the fairy Queen; with a mischievous smile.

  ‘No my liege,’ answers Bulrus Khan; the brutish Hob

  With toothed gob, ‘I would rather run a Lingly mile.’

  Blodwyn was soon back in her quarters aboard the Na Idriss battleship having a bath. She was glad she had met the Galla Quall and hoped he would be all right. What the Galla Quall had told her matched what the Ora-Pellas had said; but was this all powerful creature the Dom Maximus good or bad – or both?

  She thought of the Sillian on board and hoped it would not escape. How horrible to be wrapped in a web and bitten, then, watch as your own body turns black before being dragged underground!

  However, Blodwyn had her own immediate problems posing as Grunwalde Angharad Queen of the Lings, at the coming banquet. Some of the alien diplomats had seen Grunwalde Angharad. Would they see through her charade? If they did the Cold-blood would no longer have a use for her: the feline Na Idriss were waiting!

  Then a comforting thought entered her mind. The old Queen they had met was gone, she was impersonating the New Queen – they had never seen her before. All that mattered was a good performance; all Queens of the Lings behaved the same. They were rude, vain and childish. She would put on an act of the finest kind. Blodwyn had deliberately not eaten all day; she was now starving and as Bryn Jones the local wino would say, “I could eat a scabby horse between two rotten blankets.” She would make a pig of herself at the banquet – and be full of wind just like Grunwalde!

  Blodwyn then began practicing belching and giggles – this was going to be fun! She went through some of Grunwalde’s childish sayings, and rude behaviour. “You are casting your shadow on my freckles,” “I give you fair warning,” “I’ll gob on you and lampoon your ear flaps,” and “Have you ever kissed a weasel?” She began to act like royalty immediately; just to get into character. She looked through the box of expensive rings provided, and placed several on her pink painted toes.

  Choosing the most elegant dress of green, blue and yellow and a pair of matching shoes; all she needed now was to braid a few strands of her hair: make her skin as pale as pale moonlight, paint her cherry pie lips the brightest red and put on false eyelashes.

  Blodwyn laughed when she looked into a mirror; she looked like a tart from Cardiff – her mother would go ape – and murder her!

  She was ready when Karak knocked on the door. He was dressed in a smart formal dress uniform and for once, did not have his Samurai sword. Blodwyn noticed he wore a metal band around his head. “Some kind of ornament,” she thought: the Cold-blood looked
worried. ‘The Glin-Adare, a powerful race from the third quadrant, has belatedly decided to send a diplomat to the banquet. The Glin-Adare has a computer for a brain – and will want every detail,’ says the Cold-blood, ‘it could prove awkward.’

  ‘You mean a robot?’ Blodwyn asks.

  ‘The Glin-Adare are a race of androids created by a mad drunken, Irish genius – their diplomat will be most persistent with his questions.’

  ‘Will he see through my playacting?’ asks Blodwyn, concerned.

  ‘Yes,’ answers Karak, ‘they are well versed with all the races of Earth. In fact their inventor came from a part of Earth you call Ireland.’

  ‘How can Terasils be classed as low primitives,’ Blodwyn asks smugly, ‘if they can produce genius?’

  ‘Earth produces many geniuses – but they are usually ignored, declared insane, or burnt at the stake – that’s the attitude of low primitives.’ Blodwyn remembered that Glin and Adare were two towns in Limerick. Her father was born in Glin on the banks of the Shannon – they might even know each others families. If she could only get a message to the mad Irish genius; maybe he could help her. ‘Is there anything I can do?’ Blodwyn asks.

  ‘No, I have already taken precautions,’ answers the Cold-blood. ‘The electrical brain circuit of the Glin-Adare cannot tolerate alcohol – unlike their mad Irish inventor – who seems to thrive on the substance! I have taken the precaution of spiking the androids’ lube oil – their only sustenance, with strong alcohol – let’s hope he drinks it – it will short-circuit his electronics.’

  ‘Can I check to see if the android has drunk the spiked lube?’ she asks.

  ‘No,’ answers the Malis Afar, ‘we will listen at his door – they become very vocal when drunk, just like their inventor, and sing strange wild songs!’ The pair make their way to the banqueting hall.