P'yxx - Syl'kie and Ellie Rose's 1st adventure

by Robert Iannone

  “Then why would you do it?”

  “It is part of our programming. Only biologics can change that.”

  *****

  Zani left the capsule first and did a quick first pass to insure there was no immediate danger. The girls watched on the computer monitor and saw nothing that troubled them.

  “Okay, my turn.”

  “Syl, be careful.”

  The younger girl squeezed her older sister’s hand. “I will,” and she turned to go.

  “Hey, wait a second.” Syl stopped and turned back to Ellie. “Since this is your first official flight as Flying Girl, I want to capture the moment. Computer, take an image of my sister.”

  “Image taken.”

  “Ellie . . . that’s one of the nicest thing you’ve ever done for me. Thank you.”

  The older girl felt a little embarrassed, so she teased, “I just did it in case you don’t make it back. Something to remember you by.”

  Syl giggled. “You’re such a whacko. See’ya” and she left.

  Ellie watched her sister leap skyward, then glanced at the monitor. Zani still hadn’t spotted anything to worry about as he flew a random pattern around the capsule. Time for her to get busy. She grabbed a few tools and set out to repair or replace the three outside sensors. When she was finished, she would use the replicator to create another communications device for the dragonetta.

  She stopped for a moment to consider how her sister had unexpectedly risen to the challenge of formulating a tactical plan. The wisp of jealousy that she had felt had completely dissipated. In its place was pride that Syl’kie had taken her first steps toward leadership . . . and relief that she, Ellie Rose, had a real partner in the adventures to come. It took a huge burden from her shoulders; one that she didn’t even know she had been carrying.

  *****

  “This way please,” and Z’spon pointed at a door that said, “Categorically No Access.”

  “What is this place?” asked P’yxx.

  “This is a control center and it is off-limits to all unless permission is granted by me. It will save us time in reaching the Archives.” He opened the door by directing a beam of light from his eyes to a pad of some sort embedded where a door handle would normally be.

  The room was bathed in an eerie red glow, casting dark shadows on all the equipment. She had no idea what any of it did – with one exception. On one wall was a numeric display that seemed to be counting down . . .

  “Z’spon, what is that?” and she pointed at a digital counter.

  “That is the time left before I am synced with all the other ALF Primes in this quadrant. It will occur midday, tomorrow. However, please do not confuse the numbers with days, hours, minutes and seconds.”

  “Then what do they represent?”

  “A day is the time it takes for a planet to rotate once on its axis. Each planet does it at a different rate. Dysmal does not rotate at all. A normal clock would not serve our purpose. However, this galaxy does rotate at a fixed rate. The display refers to that.”

  “Wow. That’s pretty clever.”

  The ALF did something unexpected. It smiled at P’yxx then said, “Incorrect. It is extraordinarily ingenious.”

  It took a heartbeat before P’yxx understood what her friend was saying – then she burst out laughing. “Very funny.”

  “I merely make a point. I do not defer to modesty – but to the truth. Does that offend you?’

  “No. Not in the least.” Her eyes twinkling, she added, “I didn’t know that you could smile.”

  “I simply mimic a biologic – there was no emotion behind that display.”

  “Liar” she teased.

  This time he gave her a wink.

  *****

  “If you would all gather round. Thank you.”

  The students and professor did as they were asked. Upon a display unit was a very large device (about eight feet long and a foot and a half in diameter) of unknown functionality . . .

  ALF four one seven waited for them to settle down, then continued. “This device is a Light Cannon, invented on Seti Alpha Two. It produces coherent light; that is to say light of a single wavelength. The resulting beam is very powerful. Sadly, the engineer who conceived of this was intent on creating a weapon that could destroy interstellar ships.” He waited as the students burst into excited babble. A weapon of that power was difficult to comprehend.

  “Does it work?” asked Oh’tezla. The idea of creating such destructive power excited him. No surprise there.

  “As it turned out, it needed enormous power to produce a lethal beam so it proved utterly impractical. After much time and great expense, the project was abandoned and given to the Infinite Requiem.”

  “Were you able to convert the technology into something useful?” asked one of the girls.

  “Indeed.” He pressed a button on the side of the display and a hidden compartment opened up. From it, he took . . .

  Whatever it was, it glowed blue on one end. The whole device could fit easily in your hand much like the hilt of a sword.

  “We repurposed the technology into this – a hand held cutting device. The beam, which I will demonstrate shortly, only extends about six feet. Though small, it can easily cut through virtually any material known to exist. The power requirements are readily satisfied with technology already in existence.”

  “Why have we not seen these in use?” asked the Professor.

  “That will become clear in a moment. First, let me show you how it performs as a cutting tool,” and he held the device at body’s length and pressed a switch.

  Again, the students burst into excited oohs and aahs. The robotic placed a very thick metal slab on the table and proceeded to slash a gash in it.

  When he turned off the device, everyone cheered.

  “Very impressive,” said the Professor. “But I will ask you again, why have we not seen these in use?”

  Instead of answering, ALF four one seven summoned another robotic and handed it the device. He, in turn, took out another one for himself. “Please step back,” he instructed his guests. Turning to his metallic companion, he simply nodded. With a whooshing sound, both devices came alive . . .

  For the next few minutes, the two robotics began what appeared to be a well-choreographed duel. Each time the light beams met, there was a loud buzzing sound – almost like a drill used at the dentist. Finally, Four One Seven turned off his device and his compatriot did the same. The kids roared their approval (yes, even the girls. It was quite a sight).

  Turning to the Professor, the ALF asked, “Does that answer your question?”

  “Yes, of course. The Requiem is prohibited from making weapons.”

  “Just so. As a tool, the Light Torch would be quite the commercial success. However, because it can be used as a Light Saber, we cannot release the technology.”

  “Does that happen often – technology kept secret because of its dual nature?”

  “Sadly, yes. Biologics are very creative when it comes to converting the mundane into something destructive. Now, if you will all follow me, there is a great deal more to see.”

  As they all filed out, Oh’tezla lingered for a moment. With no one looking, he ran back to the display and pressed the button that released the small device. Grabbing it, he stuffed it into the pocket of his overly large pants. As he turned to hurry and join the others, his path was blocked by Four One Seven.

  “Did you know, my good sir, that I can activate that device remotely?”

  The Big OH gawked at the robotic then looked down at his bulging pants pocket. Realizing that the device was aimed in the general vicinity of a body part near and dear to him, he yelped in horror. He hurriedly retrieved the weapon and gently replaced it on the display. “Just kidding,” he said lamely.

  “Indeed. I, for one, was quite amused.”

  *****

  They entered the Archives, walking past hundreds of displays. P’yxx had no idea what any of it was – but it certai
nly looked impressive. They finally reached their destination.

  “Here we are.”

  The girl looked at the machine Z’spon was gesturing at . . .

  It was about the size of a small computer tablet. There was no cover to it so all the internal parts – gears, clocks, and a myriad of unidentifiable gizmos - were clearly visible.

  “What is it?”

  Z’spon ignored her question but shocked her with one of his own. “Do you possess telekinetic power?”

  “What?”

  “As you surmised, I did wish to discuss something with you. The Ganymede was a mere second or two from doing great harm to your classmate. You stopped it.”

  “Did I?” Her father had warned her not to discuss her powers with others. He didn’t specifically mention mechanical men so maybe she had a little leeway. But first, she needed to understand why Z’spon was so interested.

  “I detected Theta Energy at the moment you screamed.”

  “I don’t know what that is.”

  “Up until today, it only existed in theory. It has been postulated that Theta Energy can move matter in ways that gravity could never do. The discussion gets very technical and I will not bore you with those details. Suffice it to say, you have proved both its existence and its properties.”

  “I can’t control it.” She hadn’t meant to be so honest – it just came out.

  “Understandable. It is in my power to offer you this. If you were to become a resident at the Infinite Requiem, I would devote as much resource as required to assist you in learning how to do so.”

  That didn’t sound inviting in the least. Becoming a human guinea pig had little appeal. “Thank you, but no.”

  “Your answer is illogical; however, it is also consistent with my understanding of biologics. Nevertheless, it is the nature of my programming to seek solutions and I had to inquire.”

  “I understand.” Wanting to change the subject, she asked, “So, why did we stop here. What is this machine?”

  “It was designed to be powered by Theta Energy should it be proven to exist. Until today, that solution appeared to be a null set. Since you are the only known source, I would like you to have it.”

  “Really? What would I do with it?”

  “If and when you learn to harness your power, you can prove – or disprove –the theory behind this unit.”

  “But what is it supposed to do?”

  “It is a time machine.”

  Chapter 9 – Not So Ticky-Tacky Tech

  After more than two hours, Ellie had completed her chores. All three sensors were once again functional and she had replicated the communications crystal for Zani.

  “Syl, can you hear me?”

  “No,” came the smart-alecky reply.

  “Cute. I think you need to fly lower – your brain is oxygen deprived.”

  “Speaking about flying lower . . . what’s up?”

  Her sister laughed despite the lameness of the joke. “First, I would like to know what you learned (Ellie had told her sister not to bother her while she was working on the repairs unless it was urgent). And second, I need you to come back and fetch Zani. I want to install his communications crystal but I have no way of recalling him.”

  “Okay. I’m on the other side of the planet. It’ll take about ten minutes.”

  “Have you encountered any inhabitants?” She was both curious and worried for her sister.

  “I pretty much kept to the clouds so I wouldn’t be spotted (causing Ellie to silently nod her approval). I found one big city . . . very ticky-tacky techy. I took a chance and did a close fly-by but all I saw were mechanical things.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Robots that looked like people, some looked like animals, others looked just plain weird.”

  “We’ve got to put a camera on you. If I can’t be up there, I really would like to see what you see.”

  “That’s your department. Anyway, the only other thing I saw was a mile or two outside of the city. It looked like a giant donut ring. The center of it glowed and glimmered.”

  “Anyone – or anything – nearby?”

  “Nope.”

  “Okay. Get back as soon as you can. You hungry?”

  “Starving.”

  “I’ll have lunch ready for us.”

  “Okay, that’s great. But, Ellie – nothing green.”

  “Mom said you have to eat your vegetables.”

  “Mom ain’t here.”

  Ellie smiled. “I hear you.”

  *****

  “A time machine?”

  “That is what the inventor claimed. Without Theta Energy, there was no way to prove or disprove her theory.”

  “Are you telling me I can travel back and forth in time?”

  “Highly unlikely . . . but not completely out of the realm of possibility. I will give you all the technical literature on the device and the multiple theories behind it. I would suggest you find an individual with advanced degrees in mathematics, philosophy, statistics, and physics to review the material. However, let me simplify the general concept. Once again assuming her theories are correct, one possible outcome would be that when you travel forward in time, you will age accordingly and replace yourself in that time period.”

  P’yxx stared at the mechanical man with absolutely no comprehension. “What?”

  “Perhaps an example would be beneficial. You are thirteen years old, correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “Using this device, should you travel forward by ten years, you would be a thirteen-year-old girl but in your twenty-three-year-old body. In essence, while you are in the future, you would replace yourself. There would only be one you, not two. It is a most fascinating hypothesis.”

  “But what happens if I go too far forward – or back?”

  “The theory says you cannot go so far into the future that you would materialize beyond your own death. Conversely, you cannot go backwards before you were born. You can only move within your own personal timeline.”

  “Isn’t that dangerous? Couldn’t I change history or the future?”

  “I should note that the rules governing time travel and how it affects past or future events is pure speculation.”

  If the idea was scary before, that last part made it downright terrifying. “I don’t think I’m brave enough to try.”

  “I only ask that you prove or disprove the theory. An hour in either direction would more than suffice. If you agree, I will put your DNA on the permanent access list so you may transport here whenever you choose.”

  P’yxx took a deep breath then exhaled loudly. Any other Shazarette would have said “no” out of hand. But she was no longer a typical Shazarette. Becoming more assertive and adventurous was what she intended to do. “I’ll make a deal with you. Find out what kind of danger my parents might be in and I’ll try out the time machine if – and when – I learn to control my power.”

  “I already agreed to analyze the dangers your parents may face. The analysis is not yet complete.”

  Now she felt bad. “Sorry, sorry. I know you did. That was very rude of me.”

  “I do not feel emotion, P’yxx. I was not offended.”

  “Doesn’t change the fact that it was wrong. So, let me rephrase what I said. In return for the huge favor you are doing for me, I would be pleased to do this for you.”

  Z’spon stared at the girl for a second or two then gave her a small bow of the head. “May I tell you a secret?”

  “Of course. That’s what friends do.”

  “As you say.”

  She waited but he said nothing. “What’s the secret?” she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

  “You, my dear P’yxx, are the first and only biologic that I have met that I actually like.”

  She smiled. “That sounds like emotion to me.”

  “I am sure it is just a minor fault in my programming,” and he winked again.

  *****

  Syl
’kie returned and found the dragonetta flying its random patterns. They both landed and entered the capsule. “Smells good. What are we having?”

  “Hello to you, too.”

  “My analysis suggests your sister is serving toasted bread with two slices of cheese of different flavors, an earth vegetable called a tomato and a green . . .”

  “Hey, shut up.”

  “Ellie, I said nothing green.”

  “It’s just for decoration. You can’t even taste it.”

  “You’re just like Mom.”

  “You do realize that’s a compliment?”

  “Not all the time.”

  “Just eat before it gets cold.”

  The younger girl lifted one piece of bread and peered suspiciously at the green thing underneath. She shrugged, picked up the sandwich and took a bite. “Edible,” she reluctantly declared.

  “High praise indeed. So, tell me everything.”

  “Not much more than what I already told you. There’s just one city that looks like a giant science lab. Didn’t see any living people just the mechanical ones. And outside of town up in the hills was this giant donut shaped doohickey. That’s it.”

  “No animals or birds?”

  “None that I saw.”

  “Any ruins or abandoned buildings?”

  “Nope.”

  “Anything that looked like a farm?”

  “Except for that city, it’s pretty mountainous. And before you ask, no lakes, rivers or oceans.”

  “Were there any spaceships around the city?”

  “I didn’t see any.”

  Ellie went silent while her sister finished devouring her lunch. A few minutes later, she asked rhetorically, “Know what I think?”

  Assuming the question was asked to be answered, Zani replied, “That this is a scientific outpost doing research on potentially hazardous projects.”