by K R Sanford
He was seeing and thinking at light speed. It startled him to discover he could come in and out of heightened awareness at will. “In this environment, yes,” he thought. “But what about when I am challenged or under stress? That would be the test of this enlightened doorway. We'll see.”
Ryan observed the outside activities on the viewer. At last, Elsinor and Lucia rushed to the gangway. They darted up the steps and vanished into the belly of the Eagle. Grantham walked over to Devin and the two Amedan leaders sauntered back to the gangway. They collected Clorissa and Hector.
Hector stood at top of the gangway. He made his final check of the landing pad. As he turned to join the others, luminous beads of gold outlined the hatch door seal. Hector stopped short. Out of the corner of his eye he watched the substance fade and disappear. His stomach felt hollow. He took a breath. He stepped inside the ship and watched for signs of free flux trapped inside. He secured the hatch for lift-off. He placed one foot in front of the other until he cleared his way back to the magnavator.
Marco sat in the bridge while the crew trailed out of the magnavator. Their festive mood was refreshing. Their faces held new perspectives. Their minds were eager.
“Mr. Majors,” said Marco. “If you would be so kind, come about and take us out slow.”
Ryan lifted the Eagle off the platform. They descended back down the long serpentine labyrinth. They traveled around and down through the curved passage. The scaly walls guided them over the oval chamber and between the four columns of the temple. The Eagle slipped out of the mouth of the Emperor's lair. They left transformed. They were now an ardent vessel for the journey that lay ahead.
“Position us above the Emperor's dome if you will, Commander,” said Marco.
“Negotiating, Captain,” replied Ryan.
“Impressive sight, Marco,” said Grantham. “This miniature galaxy is a working model for our journey,” continued Grantham. “Where is the Middle Corridor from here?”
Marco activated the voice interface on his chair and walked to the main viewer.
“The main arm in the spiral of our galaxy groups star systems midway between the Earth and Ameda,” said Marco.
As Marco gave his address, the viewer over-laid a diagram circling Earth. The viewer then connected a green line from Earth to Ameda. The line passed through the Middle Corridor. The ship's interface placed a small orange arrow where he spoke last.
“Yeoman, project a parallel course from the top of the temple through the circle in the main spiral. Then adjust to my coordinates.”
“Aye, aye, Captain,” said Clorissa. “Course locked in.”
“Activate systems to maximize whet-field displacement,” said Marco.
“Systems activated,” said Ryan.
The whet-plate sizzled and the red grid projected beyond the ship. The red net expanded in the distance. The Eagle followed at light speed. They left the Lord Legion's temple with its random surges in silence.
“Sensor readings, Yeoman?” requested Marco.
“Nothing yet, Sir,” said Clorissa.
Marco nodded. “Star drive is back to normal, for the moment,” he said.
Devin shifted in his chair. He looked over at the occupants on the bridge. He signaled the ladies with a click of his fingers. He reached forward and replaced the pieces of the game in the game box. He folded up the cloth. He laid it alongside the items in the box and closed the lid.
“Thank you, Captain, for your hospitality,” he said. He pulled himself from his seat and walked to the magnavator. As Queen Elsinor and Lady Lucia followed, Elsinor paused and said, “Yes, you're very kind. We will have to do this again.”
Marco rose to his feet. “Of course you all need time to yourselves, that is understandable,” he said in his politest tone. “Call me when you are ready and we will talk. I would like to have your ideas on installing the cloaking device onboard the Eagle.”
Devin reached out a hand to Marco and Marco took hold. “Good journey,” said Devin.
“Yes,” joined Elsinor. “Good journey, by all means, Captain Miller.”
Lady Lucia did not speak. She smiled and stepped into the magnavator. Hector was standing nearby. He pushed a sensor inside the magnavator and the door hissed shut.
As Marco turned, he noticed Devin left his game box. He walked to life support and picked it up. He ran his hand over the fine polished wood. He studied the rune markings and mystic symbols inlayed on the surface. He got reminded of Mondell the clockmaker and the cabinets and clocks. He sat in his chair and set the box on his lap.
The fine craftsmanship and hidden hinges were features of festination for Marco. He opened and closed the box several times. He tried to figure out how it worked. He studied the compartments. He pulled the contents out item by item until he was holding all the pieces in his hands. He held the four tokens; the wheel on a wheel, the game cloth and the stack of cards. At that moment, he looked up. Grantham, Clorissa and Ryan were staring at him and the box with curiosity.
“I’m sorry, Marco,” said Grantham. “I got impressed with your process of analyzing Devin's game box. I was seeing a story unfold.”
Clorissa turned and sat at the nav-com. She stared into the instruments and made herself busy.
Ryan stood. “You guys have fun,” he said. “I'm going to get some rest. It's been a long day.”
“Pleasant dreams,” said Marco.
Grantham bid Ryan a good evening as he disappeared into the magnavator.
Marco put the game pieces on his console. He leaned back and waited for Grantham to elaborate.
“I got impressed,” continued Grantham. He placed his hand on his chest and made a slight bow. “As I say, by the way you were handling the box. It looked as though you were very much taken with the workmanship?”
“Well, yes,” replied Marco. “It is fit for a King.” He motioned to the seat at life support. “Please, Grantham, have a seat. I would like to hear your impressions.”
Grantham ambled over to Hector's chair and sat down. “Thank you,” he said.
Marco studied Grantham’s face. His skin was bronze and textured smooth like the body of an eel. Grantham possessed no eyelids. Transparent shades folded over his eyes in bright lights and strong winds. At present his eye shades drooped with fatigue. Around his eyes the bands of muscles drew narrow and wide. They pulled at his face, which animated his expression as he spoke.
“As I say,” said Grantham, then stopped.
Marco held up an index finger and returned Grantham a stern look. He turned to Clorissa. “Clorissa,” he said. As Clorissa turned, he persisted. “Take a break. Go take some time for yourself.”
“I'm coming on a sequence in my station,” she replied.
“That’s okay, let it go for now,” said Marco. “Take some recreation time or whatever you like to do. I want to talk to Grantham.”
“Oh, of course,” she replied. “Call me if you need me.”
“As always,” said Marco. “That's a good lady.”
Clorissa lifted herself off the nav-com and walked to the magnavator. She paused to smile at the two figures sitting at the helm. The door hissed and she was gone.
They sat gazing at each other on the empty bridge. The lights on the control stations adjusted to automatic. The viewer showed blackness in an endless chasm. Grantham realized the Captain had manipulated a private meeting. Seeing the King and Queen leave along with Hector made him feel more than curious. Then watching Ryan and now Clorissa away from the helm gave him a sense of vulnerability. He felt singled out, positioned like a game piece for Marco. Grantham's skin turned a shade of ash. He sat in his best regal posture and pointed to the game box on the console.
“The power of the King's game may very well give your people in the Middle Corridor the edge they need.”
Marco placed his fingers tips together.
Grantham took a breath. “Marco,” he said. “When you get around to saying what is on your mind, we can start having a conv
ersation.”
Marco set his hands back on his chair. “Let me ask you as delicate as I can,” he replied.
“Please, go on,” said Grantham.
“I have some concerns,” returned Marco.
Grantham leaned forward and replied, “Yes?”
“If you were to become ill or injured,” said Marco. “We are not equipped now with Marillian anatomy and physiology. The Eagle has an adequate infirmary. But, if you were to suffer something unknown to our medical library, we would not be able to help you. This ship alone
Grantham interjected. “Excuse me, Marco. It is interesting you should mention your ship being alone. Because when I saw you holding the objects of Devin's game, I was somewhat shocked.”
Marco cocked his head to one side confused.
Grantham ignored Marco's puzzled look and continued. “No, that's not quite the right word. I became aware you put together the four heads. You held the intelligence of the stars and the appointed time and direction of our mission.
When I saw this, as I say, I became aware. But now I have to say, I experienced a wave or more of a thunder erupting as it passed through my body, and I was not alone. Clorissa and Ryan acknowledged something happening as well. We all noted to each other as you were examining the pieces of the game.”
“Yes,” replied Marco. “When I put the pieces of the game back inside the box you were staring at me with your mouths open. But back to this thunder
“A kind of thunder, Marco, yes,” replied Grantham.
Marco gave a searching nod. “The Emperor said something about seeing the sons of thunder. Then I will know.”
“I don't know about that, Marco,” replied Grantham. “But I do know the Emperor is passionate about his riddles. Did he give you a riddle?”
“Not in simple words,” said Marco. “I mean, it was obscure, a sketch of something.”
Grantham raised his chin. “That's a compliment,” he said. “He's saying you don't have to get led by the hand every step of the way. A little instruction and you've got it.”
Marco smiled. He replied, “I hope your right. Now, Governor, you might not have concern for your own health, but I do. As I've already said, I would like to be as delicate about this as I can. The fact is, you could be a host to a virus, or a bacteria. You could threaten the health of this ship and not know it.”
“You've made your point delicate. I appreciate that, thank you,” said Grantham. “Of course, you are right. Would it be acceptable if I went to your infirmary and updated your computers?”
“That's an excellent idea,” replied Marco. “Only be mindful of the medical technician. It's a robot and not so delicate.”
“I see,” said Grantham. “I'll go to your infirmary at once and get this concern dealt with.”
“That will be fine,” replied Marco, “Except there is one more thing.”
“Yes, Captain?”
Again, Marco tapped the tips of his fingers against each other. He looked up at the Marillian governor and spoke. “What are your intentions with my navigations officer?”
Grantham's coal-black eyes went to the ceiling. He ran his hand across his jaw.
Marco shook his head. “Are you planning on starting a new race of beings?”
Grantham stared into the Captain. In a tone of authority he said, “That has not been a topic of discussion. I am fond of Clorissa's company, Captain. Yet, when I give it some thought, there are provocative possibilities. She does offer a subterranean such as me the outlook and perspective of a new age.
To have a solid link in the future of this universe will be vital to the survival of my race. Our people are already planning to come out on the surface and join with other travelers in space.
I assure you, Captain, the Marillian race wants to survive in this new universe and we will survive. But we will not accept these corporate criminals who have made attacks on Ameda.
You see, Captain, I also have concerns. What happened between you and Dr. Stokes was completely incongruent in our society.”
“We humans, Governor,” replied Marco, “have a saying: 'It takes two to tango'.”
“I assume you mean; it only takes two for battle,” said Grantham.
“Yes, that's right, for battle,” replied Marco. “Your civilization will get tested soon. You will need a great deal of help.”
“Likewise, Captain,” said Grantham. “I heard someone mention the Middle Corridor. I heard the minerals in the mines need working. The Vallians aren't the only ones who dig tunnels. I know my fellow Marillians. We are a people committed to expanding our interests for the future.
Marco froze. He let Grantham's suggestion settle in his mind. He weighted his intention. “You may want to see the intelligence records. I will instruct Hector to show them to you. That way your people will know what they’re up against.”
“That would be good,” replied Grantham. “I look forward to seeing all you have.”
Marco raised an eyebrow then touched a sensor on his chair. A moment later, Hector's voice returned on his console.
“Go ahead, Marco. I'm here with Devin. The ladies are here too. We’re in the V.I.P. suite.”
Marco replied. “I need you to bring Grantham the current intelligence on the Middle Corridor.” “He wants to see what you have on the companies making the consignments. He'll be going to the infirmary right now. You can collect him there if you have time.”
“All right,” replied Hector. “I’ll take care of it. The Queen wants to know if you will be joining us later for a drink.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” said Marco. “I’ll have to call you back.”
“Please do, she says,” replied Hector. “You're already missed.”
Marco smiled. “Tell the Queen I'll see her later, Captain out.”
He released his chair and motioned to Grantham. “You're all set, governor. Hector will see you in the infirmary.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Grantham. “You have an efficient ship.”
“Yes, Governor,” replied Marco. “Our company manages when it comes to business.”
Grantham stood to his feet and gave a slight bow. “It has been an interesting discussion, Marco.”
“See you later.” Marco gave a polite nod. Grantham turned and disappeared in the magnavator.
Marco once again found himself alone on the bridge. He sat back satisfied with his point. He was in command of his ship in spite of the battle brooding inside him. He slipped his finger under the leather fold in the arm of his chair. He pressed the sensor. The miniature green light faded and the bridge went under red light. He stood to his feet. He stretched from side to side. He walked to the center of the main viewer.
“Sally on,” he said.
In an instant the lights on the systems console came to life. “Sally on, Captain, standing by.” The voice was omni-directional.
“Welcome home, Marco,” she continued. The soft female voice spoke clear and smooth. Her ethereal tone brushed against his ears like a femme fatale.
“It's good to be home,” replied Marco. “Secure the bridge.”
“Security code positive, all systems available, bridge secured,” replied Sally.
Marco pointed to the side of the viewer, “Bring up all systems.”
The main viewer blinked. A three-dimensional holograph of the Eagle projected from the screen. The color-coded holograph located the internal and external systems. “Complete, Captain,” said Sally.
“Thank you, Sally,” replied Marco. He pointed to the other side of the viewer.
“Activate whet-plate grid and project present course.”
Once again Sally complied. The red webbing lay over the opposite end of the viewer. A singular radiant blue light bolted from the underbelly of the ship cutting the red grid by half. As the blue beam raced through the black abyss, the gravimetric wave followed. The blue beam traveled through the dense astral wilderness like the steady eye of an eagle. The viewer erupted in a flash of ye
llow and nebulous gray. The instant the gray appeared it was gone. The blue beam plunged into the center of a swirling vortex. The blue beam was bending along the distorted path of an orifice.
Marco put his hands on his hips. “The wormhole,” he said.
“Affirmative, Captain,” replied Sally.
“How long before we exit the vortex?” Marco asked.
“Three-point-one six hours,” replied Sally.
“That long?”
“That is correct, Captain,” replied Sally. “Would you prefer increased speed?”
“What's our present velocity?” asked Marco.
“Our present velocity is at thirty-seven point one three K warp,” replied Sally.
“Take us up to eighty-five K spacetime warp, please,” said Marco, “And recalculate.”
“Complete,” replied Sally, “Vortex exit in forty-five point eight minutes.”
“Good,” said Marco. “Activate weapons bar on my console.”
“Activation complete,” replied Sally.
Marco walked to his chair and sat down. He breathed a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Sally, show me data on my daughter, Shanna.”
Sally’s voice reported. “Complying, Marco,” she said.
Marco rubbed his temples. Sally displayed the accounts of Shanna's life on Ameda. For the next forty-five minutes he discussed the archives with Sally. He commented on the data stream earlier in the week from the net.
The storage cube transferred the Boyer's messages on Shanna. Sally interacted with Marco's tone, body language and biofeedback. She came to the attack of Frank Bradley and the Interstellar Forces. She showed the massive dome dropped on the village of the Vallians.
Sally talked with Marco about the data on the Marillian civilization. They spoke of the Amedans, and the colonies in the Middle Corridor. They saw Hector's encrypted transmissions to a network he preferred not to know about.
Then, what seemed like only minutes since they entered the wormhole, Sally reported. “Main vortex breach will be in thirty seconds.”