by Karl Morgan
“I’ve been in the city for three weeks,” he wheezed. “It takes a day or two to build lung capacity here. That’s why we sleep so well up here. Cold nights and thin air keeps you in bed. What do you think of our planet, Ambassador?”
“Every planet I’ve visited is a contradiction, Vee,” Darlene said. “The people work very hard in often terrible conditions to make a meager living. Through it all, they seem to be quite happy. The Ulu seem to have the worst possible circumstance. The pollution is terrible and the factories seem ancient and in desperate need of repair.”
“Well Darlene, we do what we can and what we know,” Vee replied. “The Ulu, Nan, Opa and Vol have been living this way and doing this for too many generations to count. If there is another way, we’ve forgotten about it. The sun comes up in the morning and we trudge off to do our jobs. When evening comes, we wander back home to spend a few hours with our families. You know, I think we Ulu have the best circumstance of all of the lower caste races. We have our mountains to escape from our lives. I suppose that makes us like the Nan.”
“How so, Vee?” Darlene asked.
“The Nan only have one world,” he said. “They work for many months on planets around the Society. A typical Nan is given two months a year to return to their planet. They go there like we come here, except we come every month and don’t have to travel long distances on overcrowded freighters to get here. After that short break, they climb back on rusted ships and return to work for another year. Many of them are separated from their spouses and children, not unlike here. At least we can communicate while we are separated.”
“But why don’t you try to do more and be more than underpaid factory workers?” she asked. “You met Mencius of the Kalidean Federation. The Kalideans have long ago outgrown their mining ancestors. Every race can do that too.”
“The Opa of the Kalidean Federation were lucky, just like the Pa on Earth 47,” Vee smiled. “They lost touch with the Society and had to create their own new reality. We never had that chance. They never let us go and never allowed us to be any different than we are. We have learned to make the best of the world and the lives we can. That is why the Opa pride themselves on their mining prowess using machines built on this planet. The Vol produce more food than any other race and want everyone to know that. Our factories are the most efficient in the Society, and none of the other races could survive without the goods we provide. Without the opportunity to be different, we accept what we have and learn to love and take pride in it.” He rose to his feet. “Let’s continue on to the temple now. I feel much better. When you see the temple and meet the priests, you will feel renewed as we all do.” They continued walking up the steps toward the temple.
Chapter 40
The final step ended on a broad stone patio two hundred feet square. In the center, a large fountain bubbled and splashed water into a shallow pool. A narrow band of thick grass separated the patio from dense groups of trees on two sides. Beyond the trees, the other peaks in the range loomed far away. On the fourth side, a tall brick wall formed the outer gate to the Mount Alila Temple. That wall was pierced by a single arch shaped entry way. The mountain continued to rise higher into the sky behind the temple. Just outside the entry, ten monks in brown robes formed a line. Each person approaching the entry was asked to remove their foot coverings, as only bare feet were allowed to pass through the gate. Dave removed his boots and socks and handed them to a monk, who gave him a small token and dropped an identical one into one of his boots. “Enter in peace, Brother and Sister,” the monk said. At the entry, a small stream of water flowed through a channel in the stone patio. Dave noticed each person stepped into the water with both feet for a moment, and then passed through the entry. Dave and Darlene held hands and stepped in the water, which was icy cold. They quickly stepped out on the other side.
Another monk came to them with a towel and wiped their feet. He then handed them leather thongs to wear inside the compound. “Reflect in peace, Brother and Sister,” the monk said as they passed by.
The interior courtyard was very large, and several gardens and at least five large temples could be seen from this vantage point. Serena Vanatee and Zina Arrak joined them and took Darlene’s arms. “Darlene, please let us show you the temple,” Serena said. “It is traditional for men and women to be separate inside the gardens and smaller temples. The areas to our right are for women and those to the left are for men.” Wendo and Antar joined them and stood on either side of Dave. “My grandfather and Zina’s husband will show Dave around. We will meet again in the main temple later.”
“It’s okay, Darlene,” Dave said as she was led away. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.” The two old men led Dave off to the men’s section of the temple. They walked through a meticulously groomed garden with many fresh blooms. The scent of the flowers was hypnotic. A few short wooden steps led up to the first temple, which was no more than twenty feet square. The back of the temple was open and Dave could see a number of men walking around a large garden with a reflecting pool in the middle. The next mountain stood high in the background. The other sides of the temple were lined with candle-filled niches. Both men picked up fresh candles. Wendo gave one to Dave. They lit the candles and placed them into empty niches. Wendo and Antar stared at the lights for a few moments and then led Dave out to the garden. To his left, the outside wall of the temple stood. On his right was a second, larger temple. Past the garden and reflecting pool was a structure like the temple but much smaller.
“Come on, Dave,” Antar said. “We’ve got to pick up the pace. The High Priest is waiting for us. Try to move quicker but act calm. We are supposed to be at peace in this holy place.” They tried to move fast and slow at the same time around the others examining the garden and pool. Several men sat on benches and seemed to be communing with nature. Small, brightly colored birds flew around the compound singing. Many would land on worshippers and sing to them. As they approached the smaller structure, Dave could tell there were four men sitting facing the opposite direction, looking toward the next mountain. One was wearing bright blue robes, while the others wore normal attire. Wendo and Antar led Dave around to the other side to meet the men.
Wendo said, “Of course you already know Mencius and Orlo Vance. This is Odo Pak, Elder of Nan and our beloved High Priest, Obu Neela. Gentlemen, may I present you to Admiral Dave Brewster of the Ulagong Galaxy.” Both men hugged Dave tightly and asked him to sit down.
“Dave, we have heard so much about you and your wonderful friends,” Odo said. “I am told you will be visiting my world next. We are honored. In light of this happy coincidence, I was hoping you could escort me home.”
“Of course, Elder,” Dave said. “The Nightsky is pretty full now, but we always have room for distinguished guests.”
“Thank you very much, but please call us Odo and Obu,” the Nan replied. “We are all just men after all, are we not?”
“Dave, I have told everyone about your act of generosity in giving us the Manila for slag dumping,” Orlo said. “That is an amazing gift.”
“Thank you, Orlo, but it was a gift from Mencius,” Dave replied. “It was his ship to give. I just had the kernel of the idea.”
The High Priest began to chuckle. “I’m so sorry, everyone. I know it is not priest-like to laugh about the plight of another, but I was just remembering what we were told about the Gallicean encounter with the Brotherhood. You and Mencius have very brave and powerful friends.”
“As Wendo told me earlier,” Dave said, “any of us would have done the same if we were in that situation. Fa-a-Di is a great friend and I would do anything for him.”
“That offer may be called soon, my son,” Obu said. “Those agents have been scared to death, but there are too many thousands more who may be out after all of our blood.”
“Why do you say that, Obu?” Dave asked.
“Orlo, could you please bring us some strong refreshments?” Obu said. “The rest of us need a few moments
alone.”
“Of course, Your Excellency,” he said and quickly hurried away.
“Orlo is a great patriot, Dave Brewster,” Antar said. “However, there are too many things that no one outside this circle can know. Wendo, it’s your plan, go ahead and tell us what comes next.”
The right side of the temple was a mirror-image of the men’s section, with a few exceptions. The gardens were lusher on this side and the reflecting pool was replaced by a line of fountains spraying water high into the air. Along the outside wall of the temple were twenty separate bathing chambers where women could bathe before heading to the larger temples. All Ulu women took a ritual dip in the water here when they first came to the temple each month. All Ulu were expected to bath in their residences before coming up the hill. Instead of the single small temple where Dave now sat with the others, theirs was an open grass lawn reaching out to the edge of the mountain where a short wall stopped them from falling over the cliff. Many small benches were placed to provide a perfect view of the mountains. The three women sat on one bench near the cliff’s edge.
“May I ask you two a question?” Darlene said. “If we have to bathe after we enter the temple, why do we wash our feet at the door? Is that just another ancient custom?”
“Actually, it is not,” Serena smiled. “That custom began shortly after the establishment of the Brotherhood. The priests learned that all agents have tattoos on their feet to show their allegiance to the group and to identify dead agents. Our temples are sacred places and it would be unthinkable to have agents checking on honest citizens while they commune with nature and pray. The monks at the gate are checking everyone’s feet for tattoos going in and coming out. It’s pretty clever, right?”
“Very clever, Serena. Thanks for letting me know,” Darlene smiled. “Why are we here and what are we waiting for?”
“Darlene, Dave is meeting with a closed group. You know that things are going to get very complicated now,” Zina said. “So many gears are now in motion that cannot be stopped.”
“I know,” Darlene said. “This may not end well for any of us. Do you think Wendo’s plan can succeed?”
“Of course, it can,” Zina said. “Antar and I have pledged our lives to this very moment. If we are very smart and extremely lucky, we will survive and the Society will progress.”
“But if things start going wrong, then none of us will leave Earth Prime again,” Serena interjected. “The actions of the Galliceans have put all of us in jeopardy. I still don’t understand why my grandfather sent them to Lagamar 7.”
“I disagree, Serena,” Darlene said. “I believe the Galliceans are the key to our success.”
“I agree with you, Darlene,” Zina said. “At the appropriate moment, the Kalideans, Nan, Zula, Boley and Galliceans will bring the High Council to justice. I can feel it in my old bones.”
“I don’t understand, Zina,” Serena said. “What’s going on?”
“Now is not the time or place for this,” she replied. “We don’t know who might be listening to us.”
Chapter 41
“Greetings, star cruiser,” said the voice over the speakers on the bridge of the Kong-Fa. “I am Apa Engu of Nan. May I know the purpose of your visit?” The view screen split and the horrified face of the Nan stared back at De-o-Nu’s beak.
“Don’t be afraid, little man. We come in peace. We are on a mission for Lords Balak and Arrak, Apa,” the Gallicean replied. “We need your approval to approach your oceans.”
“Ah, you are the Galliceans, correct?” Apa said, quite relieved.
“That is correct. I am Ambassador De-o-Nu of Greater Gallia. Do we have your permission?”
“Of course, sir,” Apa replied. “I’m sorry but we get very few visitors and I’ve never seen a non-human.”
“Don’t worry, son,” De-o-Nu said. “Perhaps after our mission, some of my crew can visit your world?”
“Of course, sir, it would be a pleasure. Welcome. Nan out,” Apa said as the screen went back to the full planet view. The bridge crew began to laugh out loud. Two of the crew fell out of their chairs and could not stop laughing.
“Captain, I thought the little human was going to jump out of his skin when he saw you,” the helmsman laughed.
“I know. My wife tells me I’ve very handsome, so I can’t imagine why,” De-o-Nu chuckled back. He reached into the glass tank and touched Ulook gently. “Do you know where on the planet you want to go?”
“I’m sorry, De-o-Nu. I was born on Lagamar Vol. However, we have many older Zula in the hold. Perhaps we can go swim with them,” she thought.
“Take the comm,” De-o-Nu shouted to the helmsman, “I’ve got to put on my swim trunks. And have two men take Ulook and place her gently in the hold with the others. And when I say gentle, I mean gentle! If anything happens to any Zula, I’ll eviscerate you all!” He stormed off the bridge.
The two crew members carried the glass case down to the hold, where they were too confused to continue. They were deathly afraid of hurting the poor creature, but would have to lift her out of the case to drop her into the hold. They squatted next to the tank and thought but couldn’t come up with an answer, and they knew the captain would be there soon. Each imagined the De-o-Nu’s Nak cutting through their skin and watching their entrails drop to the floor. As they sat there, Ulook swam next to them and touched them with her hand-like claws. “Don’t be afraid, you two,” she thought.
They looked around to see who was talking, but they were alone. Then they noticed the Zula touching them. “I don’t bite,” she thought, “and I’m not made of glass. One of you just pick me up and lower me into the water.”
Um-lu-Ka had just left the academy and was on his first mission. He thought about this quandary for a moment. He realized that De-o-Nu wouldn’t really kill his own troops and would likely take pity on him since he was just a young man. He cautiously reached into the pool and found places to put his hands. He pulled her slowly out of the water and held her in the air next to him. Her blue eyes seemed to smile at him. “Very good, Um-lu-Ka. Now just lower me into the tank.” He reached over and lowered her into the water. When her tail was touching, she said, “That’s good. Thank you so much for your gentleness, Um-lu-Ka. You can release me.” He let her go and she swam around with other Zula.
De-o-Nu marched into the room and pushed the others aside. He looked in the tank and saw Ulook gazing up at him. He turned to his men and said, “Very good work, soldiers. This will look good on your record, if we survive this trip.” He pointed to the other soldier and told him to get out, and he rapidly obeyed. “Um-lu-Ka, I’m going to put on this harness and attach a cable. I want you to secure the cable to the wall and to your body. If something goes wrong, you need to pull me out, got it?”
“Yes, Captain,” he replied and assisted De-o-Nu into position and gradually lowered him into the hold.
“That’s enough,” De-o-Nu said as he held the outer rim of the hatch. “I don’t want to go any lower than this. Go over to the screen and start scanning the oceans of Nan slowly. The Zula will touch me and hopefully tell me where they want to go.”
“Aye-aye, sir,” Um-lu-Ka replied. The oceans of Nan began to be displayed on the view screen.
“Argh! Oh my god!” De-o-Nu shouted.
“Should I pull you out sir?” the other replied.
“No, that’s okay,” De-o-Nu said. “There are hundreds of cold claws all over my body and I’m afraid to look down. My wife will be disappointed if they snip off the wrong parts.” Both Galliceans laughed. “Come to my ready room after this, son, and we can share a glass of whisky.”
“It would be an honor, Captain,” the young man beamed.
“Stop there!” De-o-Nu shouted. “A little north, now a little east. Good, now zoom in. Perfect, send those coordinates to the bridge and get me out of here.”
Several hours later, Nightsky began to approach Nan. Dave could see Kong-Fa in orbit high above the planet. De-o-Nu had contacte
d him after the Zula had been released. At least those creatures were safe for the time being. Nan was a large planet with a diameter of twelve thousand miles. Thirty percent of the surface was covered by three large oceans. There were few tall mountains, similar to Lagamar Vol, but most of the planet was covered by forests and jungles. Rain was common and the vegetation on most of the planet was very lush. Although there were fifty billion Nan in the galaxy, only six or seven billion lived on Nan permanently. The population consisted primarily of the young and the old. Anyone who could work would find better paying jobs on other planets and send extra money back here to their parents who generally cared for the smaller children.
The face of Apa Engu filled half the view screen. He said, “Greetings, star cruiser, may I know your business on Nan?”
“We are bringing a number of dignitaries, including Elder Odo Pak and Lords Balak and Arrak. I am Lauren London, acting captain of the Nightsky. May we have permission to orbit?” she said.
“Certainly Captain, it is an honor for your ship to bring our dear Elder back to us. I am transmitting coordinates now. Will you require shuttles, or do you have your own?” Apa said.
“We have enough shuttles, Apa. Thank you for the offer,” Lauren smiled. “Please let us know where we should deliver our dignitaries.”
“I am sending coordinates now for our landing station near the Elder’s residence,” he said. “They are expected in two hours. May I tell you that you are not so fearful looking as the crew of the other ship.”
Lauren smiled. “Yes, our Gallicean allies can take a little getting used to. Nightsky out.”
Chapter 42
The shuttle landed at the coordinates given. The Elder’s residence was on the outskirts of Nan City, which served as capital of the planet. Nan City was the only city on Nan with a large permanent population, consisting primarily of government workers. Half of those workers coordinated the travel of other Nan to their work planets and back. The city consisted of stone and wooden buildings along narrow roadways. The center was very compact as the Nan preferred to live close together and be able to walk to work.