Solomon's Arrow

by J. Dalton Jennings

  “Wait a second!” Solomon cut in. “Are you saying that we’ve developed faster-than-light communications?”

  “Yes, Dr. Chavez.”

  “That’s amazing!”

  “Apparently,” she said, looking amused. “When the news returned that the probe had arrived safely, the next phase of the Portal Initiative began. The engineering nanobots mined nearby asteroids for the ore needed to manufacture the components necessary to build a portal for this solar system. Meanwhile, back in the Sol system, the human engineers constructed its twin.

  “With the economic problems of the era, it took over thirty years to build the Burnham Space Portal and Ark, used to transport a second group of colonists to Epsilon Eridani. It had been hundreds of years since the launch of Solomon’s Arrow, and the people of that era weren’t taking any chances. With conditions on Earth deteriorating, another mission was devised to ensure the survival of the human race.” Morvan Godley shook her head. “Earth’s population had grown to twenty-one billion people. Starvation was rampant. Fresh water was scarce. Millions of people were dying, yet the population grew unchecked. On a personal note, it still amazes me how they found the resources to fund the Portal Initiative.

  “In the year 2488, the long-awaited message was received telling Earth’s scientists that the Epsilon Eridani portal was complete. A lottery was held, similar to your own, to choose colonists for their Space Ark, but—” Morvan Godley paused, a pained look on her face, “just before the Ark was scheduled to launch, the Yellowstone caldera erupted. Thankfully, the smoke and ash took almost a week to engulf the globe. Naturally, the expedition was forced to scramble, pushing up its launch date. It managed to board three-quarters of the colonists before they were forced to cease operations and proceed as planned.”

  “What about the Lunar and Martian colonies?” Karen Albans asked.

  “Due to financial constraints, they ceased operations over a century earlier, and the colonists were returned to Earth,” Morvan Godley replied. “The ancestors of our people took the only available option and passed through the portal, after which they arrived here and began to build this city, all the while hoping that Solomon’s Arrow had survived the passage through deep space and would one day join us here on New Terra.” She looked around, studying the dejected faces of the landing party. “I’m sure this briefing has been a difficult one to process, so why don’t we call it a day. Rooms have been prepared for each of you. Tomorrow we will meet again for a lesson on New Terra’s short and decidedly boring history. Try to get some rest this afternoon, because tonight the chancellor has ordered her servants to prepare a celebratory dinner to welcome you to our world. If rest is not what you desire, feel free to explore the city. You will be provided with a list of foldway codes and a com-badge to prevent you from losing your way.”

  14

  Jeremy Fletcher had given his plain, one-room apartment little more than a cursory glance. For the past hour, his attention had been focused on the information he’d gathered on his Security Interlink Device.

  During the Prime Keeper’s extraordinary account of Earth’s devastation, he’d surreptitiously switched on his SID and began to record information. In the process, the device had hacked into the Prime Keeper’s console and downloaded a number of files, some of which were encrypted. He’d tried everything to break the codes, but it was proving impossible. He needed to return to the shuttlecraft and link up with the Arrow’s computer, if he ever hoped to open the files.

  Jeremy’s fingers flew over the touch-screen keyboard, requesting a meeting with the admiral. Though his message was coded, he supplied no details. Who knew what advances had been made in computer eavesdropping in the past three thousand years?

  The admiral’s reply came quickly, and included the code he required to access her foldway. He entered the seven digit number into the control panel and watched as the absolute darkness of the arch shimmered, then coalesced, revealing her apartment. Stepping through the foldway, his thoughts centered on the unnerving darkness of its standby mode. Despite what looked like black nothingness, he’d been told that it was possible to lean against the dark surface without falling into a never-ending void—though he had no desire to test that assertion.

  Entering the admiral’s large, well-furnished apartment, Jeremy hesitated before approaching his superior. She was standing across the room beside a table constructed from a purple-colored wood, facing Lieutenants Sullivant and Muldoon. The three of them looked his way as soon as he stepped through the foldway.

  “What do you have for us, Fletcher?” asked the admiral.

  “I’ve discovered something unusual, Admiral,” he stated, offering dutiful nods to his fellow security officers. “During the chancellor’s briefing, I downloaded some interesting files from her computer. It seems that—”

  “Who authorized this action, Ensign?” the admiral cut in, her voice taking on a hard edge.

  “Um, no one, sir,” Jeremy said, his pulse quickening. “I have a specially equipped SID that allows me access to any operating computer within fifteen feet of my position. I’m sorry, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to learn more about our hosts.”

  “That was quite the risk you took, Ensign,” the admiral grunted. “You might’ve been caught. However, I must commend you for your initiative. Proceed with your report.”

  After a moment of nervous hesitation, Jeremy told them about the encrypted files.

  “I’d like to accompany Dr. Singh back to the shuttlecraft when the inoculations are ready,” he added. “While there I’ll use the onboard computer to upload the files to the Arrow. I’m confident the ship’s computer can crack the encryption code.”

  The admiral pursed her lips, pondering his request. “Good thinking, Fletcher. Initiative like that might earn you a promotion one of these days.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Knowing the admiral wasn’t one to dole out compliments readily, Jeremy couldn’t keep the smile off his face.

  “Unless you have something else for us, Fletcher, you’re dismissed.”

  After saying his goodbyes, Jeremy approached the foldway, programmed in the code for his room, and stepped across the threshold, feeling elated.

  •

  Gloria Muldoon chuckled as she watched Fletcher disappear through the foldway. “The kid’s green, and eager as a puppy, but he knows his stuff.”

  The admiral nodded. “It helps that he has an IQ of 178 and good instincts. He’s also confirmed something I wanted to discuss with the both of you.

  “First off, I plan to give our hosts every opportunity to prove they can be trusted. However, I find the city’s social structure, and this talk about communing with God, somewhat discomforting. I can’t help but think we’re dealing with a bunch of religious zealots or nut jobs. But there might be something in the water or food supply that’s causing their hallucinations. I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

  Floyd Sullivant spoke first. “I’m no doctor, but from my observations, they appear sane.”

  “I agree,” added Gloria. “But until we’re certain, I would suggest humoring them, sir. Doing so may provide us with additional information.”

  “Yes, we know so little about them as it is.” the admiral mused. “We still have a couple of hours before our dinner with the chancellor. I’d like some reconnaissance work done. Explore the city, talk to some of its inhabitants, and look for anything out of the ordinary. Just be back with your report before dinner.”

  “Yes, sir,” said Floyd. “Muldoon, start with that park the Prime Keeper showed us. Pretend that you’re enjoying the scenery—perhaps someone will open up to you. I’ll start with a foldway near the city wall and work my way toward the inner city.” Adjusting the filter covering his nose and mouth, Floyd turned and walked over to the foldway. Gloria followed close behind.

  “I don’t like the two of you being on your own,” the admiral said as Gloria scanned her list of foldway codes. “Make sure you take a partner to watch your
back. The New Terrans have already split us up into individual apartments. We don’t need to add to our vulnerability. Besides, it’ll be more convincing to see two people out and about than one; less suspicious that way.”

  “Right,” Floyd said. “Muldoon, take Fletcher—the boy spends too much time hovering over a computer, he could use some fresh air. I’ll take Ogeto.”

  Gloria moaned. “Why can’t I have Ogeto? All Jeremy wants to talk about is old-style sci-fi movies and, God help me, progressive rock music from the 1970s.”

  Floyd was typing on his SID, letting Ogeto know where to meet him. “You won’t be out there discussing music and movies. Besides, it’s less suspicious if two people of the opposite sex are exploring the city.”

  Gloria chuckled. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed yet, but the sight of two women walking together is not such an unusual sight in this neck of the woods, my friend.”

  Floyd rolled his eyes. “Believe me, I’ve noticed. In fact, this arrangement is much more for my benefit than yours.”

  “How so?”

  Floyd slipped his SID in his jumpsuit pocket. “If what I suspect is true, the male inhabitants of New Terra are considered second-class citizens. In which case, it would appear suspicious for Jeremy and me to be seen together. Think back … was there any moment between entering the city and leaving the Basilica of Knowledge that you saw two men together? I know I didn’t.”

  Gloria thought about it then shook her head.

  “As for Jeremy, if he starts talking about sci-fi movies, counter it by talking about romantic comedies or—”

  “But I don’t like romantic comedies.”

  “—or something else, I don’t care.”

  The admiral cut in. “My sentiments exactly. If you don’t mind, I’d like the two of you to get started while I’m still young.”

  “Yes, sir,” they both said in unison.

  •

  NINETY MINUTES LATER

  Richard stepped out of the shower feeling rejuvenated, like he’d washed twelve months of grime from his brown, muscular body. Having genuine, running water cascading across his skin (instead of a sonic shower) made him feel clean and fresh rather than just dirt free.

  After toweling off, he donned an outfit that had been provided by their hosts. The clothes were loose and airy and made from a sleek fabric he was unable to identify. Perhaps it was a form of silk, he mused, produced from the web of a local insect or arachnid. It felt wonderful against his skin and fit perfectly. He would’ve chosen a different style, but it was better than wearing his military issue jumpsuit to dinner.

  With some time remaining before he was due to leave, Richard decided to relax for a while. “Computer, what are my entertainment choices?”

  A velvety female voice chimed in, “Please specify the category you wish to enjoy: Music, Movies, Sports, General Entertainment, News and—”

  “Music, please,” Richard said, not wanting to go through the entire list.

  “To access the music category, you must specify the genre, specific song, or groups.”

  The program was almost exactly like his old system back on Earth. “Computer, do you have any rock and roll from the twentieth century stored in your memory banks?”

  There was a short pause. “Yes, Commander.”

  “Well then, I’d like you to play a random thirty-minute selection of songs by The Beatles.”

  The next thing Richard heard was the opening chord of The Beatles classic, “A Hard Day’s Night.” The speaker system was extraordinary; it felt like being enclosed in a musical cocoon. Plopping down in the easy chair, Richard closed his eyes, and for the next half hour enjoyed the melodic styling of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

  Before he knew it, the final notes of “Something” were played, and the block of music came to an end. Richard couldn’t help but think of his wife. Erin had loved The Beatles with a passion that bordered on fanaticism—hearing their eclectic sound only served to remind him of how much he missed her.

  Knowing that he would turn morose if he continued to dwell on the past, Richard checked the time and, seeing that he still had five minutes before he needed to rejoin his shipmates, decided to play one more song: “Computer, play ‘Hey Ya!’ by Outkast.”

  The upbeat music and lyrics pushed away the dark cloud of depression that threatened to ruin his earlier good mood. As the song ended, he took a deep, cleansing breath and, with a renewed spirit, approached the room’s foldway. He entered the code, but had to wait a few seconds before the foldway shimmered to life. A swishing backside belonging to Gloria Muldoon was walking away from the foldway. The security officer must have arrived seconds earlier, which explained his foldway’s delay in activating.

  After realizing that others were probably waiting their turn to use their own foldway, Richard quickly stepped across the threshold and instantly traveled from his room to an antechamber connected to the banquet hall. He’d barely walked five feet when he heard someone else stepping though the foldway. He turned and saw Bram Waters enter the antechamber.

  •

  Glancing around, Bram noticed that he was the last of his group to arrive. They stood in a small yet ornate room: a chandelier hung from the ceiling; a light-pink, velvet divan sat atop a purple, wood-paneled floor; three portraits of blonde-haired women adorned pale-blue walls that held clear glass sconces with electric lights, mimicking candles.

  Standing motionless against the wall beside the foldway was a short, bald man with a button nose. He wore a sleeveless white tunic and held a tray filled with amber-colored drinks. Bram took a glass and offered his thanks. He received no response. The man’s smooth, flat face wore a vacant expression. The social hierarchy of New Terra was beginning to grate on Bram’s nerves. Opening his mind, he searched for any thought coming from the servant, but found nothing … the man was a blank slate.

  Taking a sip of the fragrant liqueur, Bram approached Floyd, his mind still on the servant. Despite his vow to never force his way into another person’s mind, his frustration got the better of him. There wasn’t a person on Earth who could resist his psychic probe if he so desired, but this wasn’t Earth. Instead of accessing the man’s thoughts, Bram walked into a mental brick wall. He pushed again, this time harder, trying to force a psychic opening, but was thwarted a second time. Undeterred, he focused his mind like a laser. With tremendous effort, he sensed consciousness … but consciousness hidden behind a barrier, a screen of sorts.

  “Are you all right?”

  Blinking with surprise, Bram suddenly realized he’d stopped in his tracks and was sporting an expression nearly as blank as the servant he’d been trying to read. Floyd was staring at him with a look of concern in his dark-blue eyes.

  “What? Uh … I’m fine, I just—” Bram paused, noticing that nearly everyone was gazing at him. He could sense their concern—only Solomon Chavez appeared apprehensive. Having gone so far as to push at the servant’s mind, Bram was on the verge of doing the same to Chavez. At the last moment he held back. Motioning with his head for Floyd to follow him, Bram approached the admiral. She noticed the look of concern on his face and held up her hand, cutting off whatever Dr. Singh was saying.

  “What is it, Mr. Waters?”

  Bram nodded an obligatory greeting to the doctor before facing Admiral Axelrod. “Ma’am, I was—” he saw the perturbed look on her face and corrected himself. “Sorry, sir … I hate to interrupt you, but we haven’t had a chance to talk since our arrival in New Terra, and I thought you should know: the planet’s atmosphere is not blocking me from reading these people’s minds. They’ve developed a powerful psychic shield. Unfortunately, I haven’t determined whether it’s mechanical or physical. Either way, they don’t seem to know that I’ve been trying to get inside their heads.”

  The admiral thought for a moment. “I wonder if I should bring it up with the chancellor,” she said. “About that other thing we talked about in my cabin …” Bram could tell she was unwilling to s
peak freely in front of Singh. “… the one that caused you great concern. Have you made any progress on that front?”

  She was obviously referring to the alien presence he’d felt in the forest. By the look in her eye, the admiral wanted him to play along and not divulge anything in front of Singh—but why? Why would she keep something this important from the rest of the crew, he wondered?

  “No, it’s still a mystery to me … however—”

  Whatever Bram intended to say next was put on hold when the double doors leading to the banquet hall swung open. A servant, who looked remarkably like the man serving drinks, stood to one side and held out his hand, motioning for the group to enter the hall.

  •

  This dinner is going reasonably well, Solomon thought. The air in the dining hall was being filtered, which meant their masks could be left back in their rooms. The conversation was civil, the food was better than expected, and the unfamiliar music was agreeable, which made for a pleasant evening. It also helped that the hall was full of beautiful women: what could possibly go wrong?

  He’d soon find out.

  The dining hall held twenty-two circular tables with ten guests each, most from the upper echelon of New Terran society. Solomon noted that Floyd and his crew sat a table away, while he and his remaining shipmates were seated at a table with Lorna Threman. To her right sat an older woman with white hair: Kateling Tarnal, former chancellor of New Terra and senior adviser to Lorna Threman. To the chancellor’s left sat a middle-aged, red-headed woman with a round face and a haughty air about her: Jemis Calverton, High Priestess of New Terra. Most of her night was spent studying the landing party, like an entomologist would examine a newly discovered class of insect.