Gregor's Search-The Filament Makers: Stories from the Filaments

by Saxon Andrew

  “We are perfect together, Gregor. Call me later.”

  Gregor nodded, ended the contact, and left the Dragon Fly.

  • • •

  The seasons were changing, and they were getting close to the allotted time given by the Arongin. Gregor heard over his link, “Gregor, Gamgel has sent the box.”

  Gregor jumped up and said loudly, “Elena, come with me. Mackle, you should come as well.” Gregor and Elena left the shuttle and sprinted to the Dragon Fly. They rushed inside and saw Gamgel on the monitor, “We’ve constructed a box and sent it to you on a gravity sled. It weighs more than twelve-thousand-pounds and you need to unfold it above the sled.”

  “What about the sword?”

  Gregor, Kaylee says it will be sent later.”

  “HOW MUCH LATER? WE’RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME?!”

  “She said to tell you perfection requires its own time.”

  “Oh, that’s just great! How are we going to get the sword in time? It should have come with this shipment. Elena, help me move the sled out of the ship.”

  They went to the receiving box in the rear of the bridge and saw a box sitting on top of a gravity sled. “Gregor, that thing is tiny.” Gregor nodded, as he stared at a metal box about two-feet-square. This was…ludicrous.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Gregor took the hand-control out of the slot on front of the gravity sled and pressed a button. The sled whined and began moving out of the receiving box. He turned it and moved it down the corridor and had to back up and try again multiple times. They finally arrived at the port, and Gregor raised the sled level with the open port. Elena shook her head, “Gregor, if that box was any bigger, it would not go through the port with the sled!”

  Gregor delicately moved the sled through the port and the sled whined loudly as it moved out. He quickly lowered it to ground level and the whining noise reduced. “Why didn’t Gamgel use a more powerful sled?”

  “It wouldn’t have made it out of the port!” Elena answered. Gregor moved the sled and said, “Computer, raise the Dragon Fly about ten-feet?”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t want this box out in the open. We’ll keep the ship over it to prevent it being detected tonight.”

  The ship rose, and Gregor immediately lowered the gravity sled to the ground. Mackle arrived and stared at the small box. “Now that is interesting. Are you planning to move some rodents?”

  “Cute!” Gregor replied. “You know the rodents on this planet are too large to fit in that box.”

  “So are we!” Mackle responded.

  Gregor looked at the cube on front of the box and removed it. He pushed it into a slot on the gravity sled and a hologram of Gamgel appeared, “Alright, I assume you’ve moved the sled out of the ship. Give yourself some room and point the controller at the box. Press the orange button at the bottom of the controller and step back.”

  The hologram disappeared, and Gregor pointed the hand-controller at the box and pressed the orange button. He jumped back as the box exploded into motion. Elena looked at him lying on the ground, “He told you to move back!”

  “Now you’re sounding like my computer.” Elena giggled and held out a hand to Gregor. She pulled him up and watched the metal box undergo gyrations, as it changed shapes at a speed difficult to follow. In a matter of minutes, a metal box was in front of them; it was an eight-foot-square-box.

  The hologram appeared again and Gamgel was smiling, “Good, you’ve unfolded the box. Now this is important, Gregor. The hand-controller operates everything. I recommend you send the food-processors through first and then start sending the Filament Maker survivors. We’ll be working on getting the food processors powered while they are being moved. When the box is full, press the green button and the contents will be teleported out. You open the box by pressing the red button. It will automatically close and you’ll have to open it after each teleport. Press the blue button if you need to hear this again.”

  “I’ve got it recorded, Gregor.”

  “Thank you, computer.” Gregor turned to Mackle, “You should start moving your food-processors now.”

  Mackle stared at Gregor and then pressed the medallion. The first food-processor was taken out of a shuttle and five-Filament Makers carried it toward the box. Gregor pressed the red button and the front of the box rose into the air. The Filament Makers carried the food processors into the back of the metal box and set it down. Gregor heard the box creak loudly and knew it had to weigh a lot. They were lean, but the Filament Makers had to be incredibly strong to lift that processor. Three-more-processors were moved into the box and there was no more room. Gregor looked at the box and said, “Everyone move back.” He pressed the green button and the raised metal side of the box lowered. They heard a hum, followed by silence. Gregor pressed the red button and the box opened again. Nothing was inside it.

  “How do we know this worked?” a Filament Maker asked.

  Gregor saw their hesitation and he said, “Mackle, do you have anything we can send with the next shipment?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “We’ll send an item through and ask Gamgel what it is.”

  Mackle took off his medallion and hung it on the front of the last processor in the next shipment. “I’ll get Gamgel to tell us what it is.”

  “That isn’t enough, Gregor.”

  Gregor turned to Mackle. “Have him send it back to me.”

  Gregor stared at Mackle and Toren said where everyone could hear, “Gregor, you’re asking Mackle to put his people’s safety at risk. He’s not asking anything you wouldn’t demand.”

  Gregor’s expression showed his anger at not being trusted but he said, “Computer, tell Gamgel we’re sending something through on the next shipment and to send it back to the Dragon Fly.”

  Gregor waited and finally heard, “Gregor, the sending box for the Dragon Fly is on Romania, not on Bellingham.”

  Gregor’s head went back, and he closed his eyes, “Why can’t anything be simple.”

  “I’m discussing it with Gamgel and he says he can get the sending box to Bellingham in twenty-hours.”

  “Tell him to get moving and we’ll stop what we’re doing until it arrives.”

  “Gregor, there is a scout on top of the hill and he is thinking that tomorrow is the last day before they attack again.”

  Gregor looked at Mackle, “Is this that important.”

  “I’m sorry, Gregor, it is.”

  “Then we need to send as many food processors as possible before tomorrow.”

  “We can’t send them all. If this doesn’t prove to be working, we’ll need some here to survive.”

  “Then how many can we send, Mackle?”

  “Half of them.”

  Gregor nodded, “So be it. Let’s get them in the box and we’ll go to our ships for the night.” Mackle nodded, and the procession of food processors continued. Gregor shouted, “Bring the ones from the furthest shuttles.” Mackle agreed, and Gregor saw it was taking too long. The final food processor was teleported out and Gregor looked at the sky. There were still six-hours of daylight remaining and he knew valuable time was being wasted. If it took twenty-hours for the sending unit to arrive, it would be in the middle of the afternoon before Mackle would have his proof. At the rate of teleporting the processors, there wouldn’t be enough time the next day. Elena looked at Gregor and he said, “Stay in the ship until that medallion arrives.” Elena nodded.

  • • •

  The next day arrived and Gregor stood at the sending box with hundreds of the Filament Makers. He watched as the sun moved overhead and then start its fall to the horizon. Suddenly, he heard Elena screaming, “I’VE GOT IT!! I’VE GOT IT!!” She rushed up to Mackle and handed him a chain.

  Gregor watched Mackle put the chain over his head and the medallion fell to his chest. Mackle touched it and smiled, “It’s my medallion.”

  Gregor yelled, “GET MOVING THE PROCESSORS!!!”

  The Filamen
t Makers sprinted away and soon the processors started arriving. They had thirty processors to move and he teleported them as quickly as possible. But time was wasted removing the remaining processors from the shuttles and, as the sun touched the horizon, he called a halt. They couldn’t risk the sending box being detected by the Greng’s probe. Warriors began arriving at the top of the hill at mid-afternoon and their numbers were increasing dramatically. Mackle looked at Gregor, “What are you going to do?”

  “Ship the last two-processors at daybreak and start moving your people immediately.”

  “What if they attack at daybreak?”

  “Elena will not be going with your people. We will try to hold them off as long as possible.”

  “I’m sorry for delaying our departure.”

  Gregor shrugged as he looked at the thousands of warriors lining the hill, “I don’t blame you. Teleportation is not something I’d believe possible, either.”

  Gregor saw Elena listening to him and he smiled, “Do you think this is worth fighting for?”

  “I do, Gregor.”

  “I hope you’re as good with your bow as I believe.”

  “There are a lot more of them than I have arrows, Gregor.”

  “Then, we’ll have to keep them away from the box with swords if necessary.”

  Elena chuckled, “Should be quite a fight.”

  Gregor smiled, “I imagine it will.” He turned to Mackle and handed him the controller, “You’ve seen how to operate the box. Cram your people and get them out of here. We’ll try to delay them as long as possible.”

  “Gregor, I’m…”

  “Forget it Mackle. It’s done, and we have to move on and do what we can.” Mackle nodded and walked off to the shuttles. Gregor looked up at the hill and saw the warriors starting campfires to cook their evening meals. The hill looked like it was on fire.

  • • •

  Gregor and Elena donned their armor the next morning before daybreak and Elena didn’t care about privacy. She dressed silently and took out another large quiver of arrows to match the first one. Gregor smiled, “How many do you have?”

  “About seven-hundred.”

  “My, my; you do come prepared. I’m contacting Kaylee and you can contact Angel and Sam afterwards.” Elena nodded, and Gregor went to his chair.

  “Do you want my assistance?”

  “Toren, you should stay with the ship and get it back to Bellingham, should we be unable to do it.”

  “But…”

  “The computer must have someone on board to operate the ship. Get the computer back to safety.”

  “Gregor, they can’t harm me. Please allow me to use our defenses.”

  “And if the Greng detect it, Computer, what do you think will happen?”

  “They’ll come and sterilize the planet.”

  “The people here are honorable and don’t deserve to die. Besides, I don’t want to live with the knowledge that I caused their destruction.” Gregor looked at his monitor and pressed a button. A moment later, Kaylee appeared, “Good morning, my love.”

  “Gregor, why do you and Elena have on your armor?”

  “Yesterday was the last day and the warriors have gathered at the top of the hill surrounding the shuttles. We are going to attempt to delay them as long as possible for the Filament Makers to escape.”

  “NO!! YOU CAN’T DO THIS!!”

  Gregor said in a soft voice, “Kaylee, I can’t do less.”

  “BUT…”

  “Kaylee, I’ve caused this situation and I’m responsible for their lives. Whatever happens, just know I love you so much. It’s during these moments that I can feel it the most.”

  “Gregor, please don’t do this.”

  “Kaylee, if I don’t get the Filament Makers off the planet or if I use the blasters, the Greng will kill everything on it. If you insist, I’ll not do it.”

  Kaylee stared at Gregor and lowered her eyes, “You know I can’t do that.”

  “I know you love me. Now Elena needs time to say…goodbye.”

  Kaylee nodded and said softly, “I will see you again.”

  “I know, my love.” Gregor ended the call and Elena contacted Sam and Angel. Gregor was surprised that they took it as well as they did. Well, maybe not. They were from Bellingham and knew that the Filament Makers means of making food was now on Bellingham. They knew the responsibility to protect them fell to her and Gregor.

  • • •

  They walked out of the Dragon Fly and saw all of the Filament Makers gathered around the sending box. There were still two food processors left to send but they were in front of the box with ten-Filament Makers on each of them. Gregor stopped in front of Mackle, and said, “Don’t waste time! Cram as many as possible into the box and send them!”

  Mackle nodded, “Gregor, I should have trusted you?”

  “Perhaps in the future, if I survive this, that won’t be an issue.” Mackle nodded.

  The horizon began to brighten, and Gregor said, “Get started now.” Mackle opened the box, as Gregor and Elena walked out toward the hill.

  They stopped a hundred yards from where the hill leveled out and Elena put the two-quivers between them, “You’re as good as I am, use what you need.”

  “I’m not as fast.”

  “You’re fast enough.” Gregor sat down, and Elena joined him. “Elena, I’ve really enjoyed having you on this trip. You’ve added so much to it.”

  “I’ve learned some valuable lessons from you…and your computer. I’ve enjoyed it as well.” They sat there in silence as the last of the morning stars began disappearing in the rapidly approaching daylight.

  • • •

  Nothing happened for an hour and Gregor saw the warriors on the hill staring at the Filament Makers entering the box. “Why are they waiting?”

  Gregor smiled, “They have to be confused by what they’re seeing. They enter the box, it closes, then opens, and more go in the box. It must seem like magic to them.”

  “UH-OH; HERE THEY COME!”

  Gregor looked up and saw the Arongin, his second, and fifty-warriors riding slowly down the hill. Gregor stood up, Elena joined him. The warriors arrived in front of Gregor and the huge leader said, “Your allotted time is over.” Gregor nodded in silence. The leader pointed to the box, “Is that removing them from my lands?”

  “It is.”

  “I notice that you aren’t asking for more time.”

  “I have failed in my promise to you in getting it done in the time you gave me. I don’t believe your customs allow for more time.”

  “So, are you and your companion going to fight us?”

  “I have no choice, Great Leader. These people are my responsibility now.”

  “I’m sorry but we have no option but to resume our…” Suddenly, the Arongin’s eyes flew wide open, along with every warrior in his troop. The leader backed his steed up three-quick steps and Gregor saw his fear. Gregor looked over his shoulder and saw a large scabbard floating across the clearing toward them. Gregor smiled and thought, “Thank the Creator for you Toren!” The scabbard arrived at Gregor and stopped. Gregor took the scabbard in both hands, turned around, and held it out to the Arongin, “I promised you a sword if you gave us the promised time. You have kept your promise and this sword belongs to you.” The Arongin stared at Gregor, before dismounting and walking up to Gregor and Elena. His Second joined him and Gregor pulled the sword slightly out of the scabbard. The huge warrior saw the gleaming blade and his shock was instant. On the blade next to the hilt, was an engraving of a shield with the five-pointed star on it matching the Arongin’s shield. Behind the shield were a crossed double-headed ax and spear. Directly above the shield and weapons was an identical image of the helmet the Arongin was wearing. He looked into Gregor’s eyes, as Gregor lowered his eyes and said, “Only the owner of the sword may pull it from the scabbard.”

  The huge warrior reached down and took the scabbard. He gripped the sword’s hilt and pulled it
. The sword’s blade reflected the sunlight and he held it up over his head. It was seven-feet-long and was beautiful. The warriors in the troop were stunned by the swords beauty and the second was shaking his head, “There’s no sword in existence like this!”

  The Arongin held the sword and swung it from side-to-side. His smile was huge, and he turned back to Gregor. “I am forbidden from giving more time.” He smiled and continued, “However, all the tribes’ leaders must see this gift before we attack.”

  Gregor smiled, “How long will that take, Great Leader?”

  The Arongin looked over at the box and saw twenty-Filament Makers rush into it. “At least until just before sunset.”

  Gregor smiled and said, “We believe our swords are sacred. I see this sword has chosen a good one to fight for.” The Arongin nodded, turned, and mounted his steed.

  He looked at Gregor and Elena, then smiled, “I think we are very much alike. It’s a shame you’re an intruder and must leave.” Gregor nodded and bowed his head. The troop rode up the hill with the Arongin holding the gleaming sword over his head.

  Elena shook her head, “Never underestimate the power of Bellingham Steel.”

  Gregor nodded. The sword insured the Arongin would never be defeated by a challenger. He was wise, and his rule would be a good one for his people. The last of the Filament Makers were gone before noon and Gregor and Elena folded up the box and moved it back in the Dragon Fly. “I’m surprise you didn’t take the quick trip home.”

  “Gregor, I’ve learned that I should keep my promises. I promised to complete this voyage with you and that’s what I intend to do. Kaylee and Angel can take care of the Filament Makers until we arrive. I suspect they will stay until we do show up.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “They want to thank us. They might have an urge to run initially; new beginnings are always like that. By the time we arrive, they should be settled in and choose to stay.”

  Gregor nodded, “Bellingham has a way of growing on you.” Gregor looked up, “Computer, have you contacted Kaylee and Angel and let them know everything turned out ok.”