by Doug Farren
The airlock cycled open and slid into the wall. “I understand,” Captain Orflen replied. “I’ll let you know without delay if we find something.”
Tom took a step back and held up his hands, palms inward, fingers spread. The captain did the same. Fifteen minutes later, the Orion broke through the sparse cloud cover and landed next to the Krish in an unused field just outside the city of Namruit. Summer was coming to an end but the trees had not yet begun to turn. The temperature was pleasantly warm with a light breeze blowing in from the west.
Lashpa had arrived several hours earlier and was waiting for him at the end of the ramp.
“How was your trip?” she asked.
“Informative,” Tom replied. “And yours?”
“I didn’t have to worry about what I ate,” Lashpa said. “And I had a chance to do a lot of thinking. I believe I have an idea of where we should start.”
Their tricycles arrived, having been dropped to the ground by their respective ships and then driven to where the two peacekeepers were standing.
“Great, because I haven’t a clue.”
“We have an appointment to meet with the Voice of Gwon-Go,” Lashpa explained. “I think he might be able to shed some light on some of the mysteries of the Mowry.”
“The Voice of Gwon-Go?” Tom asked.
“The position used to be called the King of all Gwon-go, King of all Kings,” Lashpa explained. “But that was a title created by the Purists. After they left, the King of all Gwon-go was locked away and the Mowry kings formed an alliance and appointed a speaker who acts much like a planetary governor.”
“I see,” Tom said, climbing into his tricycle. “You lead, I’ll follow.”
Chapter 11
Gwon-Go: A planet orbiting a class-G star located 71 light-years from the Terran star-system. Gwon-Go is inhabited by a people known as the Mowry a society well into their own steam-age. Years ago, Purists discovered Gwon-Go and began using it as a base of operations while they built up the invasion fleet used in the failed attempt to take over the Terran government. Shortly after the planet was discovered by the Alliance, the Purists abandoned it, destroying their bases with nuclear weapons. The Alliance responded by evacuating the Mowry from the devastated areas and providing them with advanced medical care. The Alliance has had a presence on Gwon-Go ever since.
Unlike the King of all Gwon-Go, who was not much more than a puppet of the Purists, the Voice of Gwon-Go truly cared for the well-being of his people. He held office in a building staffed by those who were working to repair the damage the Purists had done to their world. Although the Alliance maintained a strong presence on Gwon-Go, they had made it clear to the inhabitants that they were there to help the Mowry and not to rule them. The Voice of Gwon-Go was one of the kings of the eight nations of the planet and had been chosen by the other kings to speak for them.
The king was seated behind an executive-style desk positioned sideways near a large window on the top floor of the five-story building. It was the tallest structure in the city and had been built by the Purists to function as their administration center. It was also the only building in the city with electricity. It was equipped with an elevator and powered by a small fusion reactor in the basement. Prior to the arrival of the Purists, the Mowry were just beginning to discover how to use electricity. Most of their industry was still powered by steam.
Even though the Purists had ruled Gwon-Go for many years, they had not helped the Mowry to advance. If any other race had discovered Gwon-Go, the Mowry would have been left alone and allowed to develop at their own pace until they achieved spaceflight. The Purists changed all that. Now that the damage was done, the Alliance Grand Council had decided to slowly introduce new technology to the Mowry while keeping a careful eye on how each new bit of knowledge was integrated into their culture. There were many, however, who opposed this policy. They firmly believed the Alliance should leave Gwon-Go and allow the Mowry to develop at their own pace.
The King got up from the desk and greeted his guests. “I am King Syan Hathuna, welcome to Gwon-Go,” he said, speaking in Galactic Standard with an odd accent. Looking at Tom, the King continued, “I’ve been told you helped in the evacuation after the cursed ones left. Truth?”
Tom wasn’t sure how the Mowry greeted each other so he withheld offering his hand. “It’s true.”
The King reached out and touched the side of Tom’s face. “On behalf of all Gwon-Go, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. This is Peacekeeper Lashpa,” Tom said.
King Syan began to raise his hand then stopped half-way to Lashpa’s face. “I’ve met other star people before but not one of your kind. You are most intimidating.”
“My race is called Rouldian,” Lashpa said, using her vocoder to translate her words into Standard.
Tom took a step closer to Lashpa and put a hand on her back at the base of her neck. “She might look intimidating, but Lashpa’s people are a pleasure to be around.”
Lashpa swung her neck around and gave Tom a look that simultaneously managed to convey her thanks as well as her concern that he might be overdoing it a bit. Turning back to King Syan, she said, “We come to you seeking information.”
King Syan dropped his arm. “Please sit,” he said. He looked at Lashpa, his large ears quivering slightly. “I think you might have to stand. Apologies.”
“It’s quite alright,” Lashpa replied.
Tom took a seat in front of the desk and Lashpa took up a position next to him.
King Syan walked around the desk and sat down. He picked up a large stack of papers and moved them to the side so he could have a clear view of his two guests. “Can I offer you drink or food?” he asked.
“Thank you,” Lashpa said. “I don’t need anything.”
“Nor do I,” Tom replied.
The King hesitated for a moment. Tom got the distinct impression that he was nervous. Placing his hands palm down on the desk, King Syan said, “You’re safe here. You can remove your armor to be more comfortable.”
“It’s not armor,” Tom said, smiling. “Our job requires that we be enhanced by machines. Most of this,” Tom tapped his arm, “can’t be removed. It’s a part of us.”
The ears on the top of the king’s head twitched. “Truth?”
“Truth,” Lashpa replied.
“We did not see such people when the cursed ones were here.”
“Cursed ones?” Tom asked. “No longer the pure ones?”
“They enslaved us, changed our ways, and killed thousands. They are far from pure. They act as those who have been cursed. You said you are in need of information, what is it you would like to know?”
“We’ve learned,” Lashpa began, “that to understand a people, one must understand their customs. We’d like to know more about you and your people. Some races have a difficult time talking about their customs with those who are not of their own kind. By speaking directly to you, the leader of your people, we hope to learn about your beliefs and customs in a way that will not cause offense.”
“We know the people of the Alliance to be friends of the Mowry,” King Syan replied. “You ask for knowledge to learn about us. This makes me happy. All questions will be answered and I will not be offended. But I ask that I be allowed to learn about you as well.”
“Agreed,” Lashpa said.
“I have no other duties for the remainder of the day. What is it you seek?”
“Can you tell us how you believe your people came to be?” Lashpa asked.
“A very good first question,” King Syan replied. “To understand best, a person should start at the beginning.” Leaning back in his chair, he closed his eyes and thought for a moment before saying, “We were created by the Star Gods many tens of thousands of seasons ago to serve them. They named this world Gwon-Go which, in their language, means property of the Gwon.”
“The Star Gods were called Gwon?” Tom asked.
“It’s the name of their people.”
/> “How did you serve these Star Gods?” Lashpa asked.
“We served in many ways,” King Syan replied. “We tended their crops, dug minerals out of the earth, cleaned their homes, built their buildings, anything they demanded of us. Disobedience was not tolerated. Punishment was swift and very cruel. But, if we served them well during our early years, those who pleased the gods would be allowed to live out their later years in a paradise. The work they demanded of us was very hard and many died before reaching the age when one would be allowed to be taken to the Mountain of the Gods.”
“Where are the Gwon now?” Tom asked as King Syan paused to take a sip from a glass of water.
“Centuries ago, war broke out among the gods. Those who created us were forced to leave. They promised to return.”
“An interesting story,” Tom said. “Do your beliefs say where these gods came from?”
“Of course!” King Syan replied smiling. “From the sky! That’s why they are called Star Gods. They ruled many stars. When the Purists first arrived, many believed they were the gods returning again. Some welcomed them, most did not.”
“Why not?” Tom asked.
“Because we are no longer servants.”
“Even if you’re granted access to paradise later in life?” Lashpa asked.
“We can make our own paradise,” King Syan said. “Now that we have met people from the stars, there are many who wonder if the gods were not gods but star people like you. We will never forget what the Purists did to us. It will never happen again.”
“You mentioned the Mountain of the Gods,” Tom said.
“There’s a very large mountain on the southern edge of Shima, one of our continents. It’s said that the gods ruled all of Gwon-Go from this mountain. Many believe the gateway to paradise is there.”
“Has anyone tried to verify this?” Lashpa asked.
“No,” the King replied, vigorously shaking his head.
“Why not?” Tom asked.
“It’s forbidden,” King Syan said, as if Tom had just asked why people breath. “Mowry have always been forbidden to climb the mountain. Those who tried were struck down by lightning. If they were caught before being struck down, they were sentenced to a horrible, lingering death. There are ancient myths of some trying to climb the mountain long after the gods left. Their power remained and all of them died. Today, nobody approaches the mountain.”
“Nobody?” Lashpa asked. “Aren’t you at all curious?”
“The cursed ones said they would go there and look,” he said. “Later, we asked and they would never say if they went.”
“Would you mind if we took a look?” Lashpa asked. “I promise we will tell you what we find.”
“You are not Mowry. You may go if you keep your promise to me.”
Lashpa looked at Tom. “We promise. Do you have a map to show us where this mountain is?”
“In the other room,” King Syan said, getting up from his chair. He led them through a door into a conference room. Hanging on the wall was a large, modern map of the entire planet. “The cursed ones left this behind. It’s one of the few things of theirs I’m grateful for.”
Pointing to a spot near the western edge of the large continent in the northern hemisphere, the King said, “You are here in the city of Namruit in the nation of Matey. Sliding his finger south, he crossed over a small ocean then stopped at the northern edge of a continent about half the size of Matey. “This land we call Shima.” He continued to slide his finger south until he came to a large mountain several hundred kilometers inland from the sea. “This is the Mountain of the Gods.”
Turning off her vocoder, Lashpa said, “Krish, tell Captain Orflen to locate the mountain King Syan is now pointing at. We want detailed scans of the entire mountain. He can use probes, but nobody is to approach.”
The King looked at Lashpa with an odd look on his face. Tom, of course, had no problem understanding what she had just said. “Lashpa is ordering one of our ships to take a very close look at the Mountain of the Gods.”
This seemed to satisfy the King. “Is there anything else you would like to know?” he asked.
Tom and Laspha had what they came for but it would have been very rude for them to leave without learning more about the Mowry. This was an opportunity for them to establish a solid rapport with the Voice of Gwon-Go.
“We would like to know about your people,” Lashpa said. “Please, tell us anything you like.”
The King’s face seemed to light up. “It would be an honor! I would feel better though if you allow me to have my staff bring food and drink. It’s unusual for guests not to accept.”
“Is that why you seemed so nervous when we first arrived?” Tom asked. “You offered us refreshment and we refused.”
King Syan slowly nodded his head. “Not accepting an offer of food and drink is an insult to the person making the offer even if you’ve just eaten or are not thirsty.”
“Please accept our apologies,” Lashpa said. “It’s small cultural differences like these that can cause strife between peoples without them realizing why.”
“Orion, can we eat Mowry food?” Tom said.
“Who is Orion?” King Syan asked.
“My ship,” Tom explained. “It listens to everything I say and it just told me that we can eat your food without harm.”
“I did not see you use a distance talker,” the King said. “When the cursed ones talked to their ships or people not in the same room, they always used a distance talker. Where is yours?”
Tom tapped the top of his metal skull. “It’s part of my permanent armor,” he said.
The King scratched the side of his face for a moment, then started walking. The peacekeepers followed him back into the office and waited as he walked over to the entrance. Opening it, he gave the person on the other side a short order then returned to his guests. While he was gone, Lashpa pointed out the fact that an intercom unit was sitting on the desk.
Switching to English, Tom said, “I guess he doesn’t know how to use it.”
Lashpa, speaking in Rouldian with her translator turned off, replied, “I’m sure he knows how to use it. Remember, they knew how to use radios while the Purists were here. You heard them yourself.”
“Very true. Maybe he didn’t want to use the intercom because it’s something the Purists built?”
“That would make more sense,” Lashpa replied.
“Food and drink will arrive shortly,” King Syan said, sitting down. “Now, where shall I start?”
Tom and Lashpa listened for the next several hours, asking a few questions of their own to clarify the information, as King Syan proudly told them about the Mowry. The food consisted of a large variety of items cut into small pieces. The meats were very tough and had a spicy flavor. After trying one, Tom switched to the fruits and vegetables. Lashpa seemed to enjoy the meat. Several carafes of both hot and room-temperature beverages were provided. Tom tried one with a light-red color and found it to be tangy and sweet.
The meeting ended well after the sun had set. They bid the king goodnight and thanked him for the information. The air outside was muggy and still. The lights from the administration building dominated the area. Everywhere else was dark. The sky was clear and the stars could easily be seen.
“The Mowry are a very interesting people,” Lashpa said as they walked to their tricycles.
“I agree. I really like King Syan. He reminds me of one of my closest friends while I was in college,” Tom said.
“He is a very likable person,” Lashpa replied.
“Do you think it was the Gwon that genetically modified the Mowry?” Tom asked.
“Based on what we’ve learned from King Syan, I am almost certain of it,” Lashpa replied. “A war between the gods indicates an interstellar conflict. I suspect we’ll find evidence of this on the Mountain of the Gods.”
“So far,” Tom replied, “The Churva’s scans haven’t found anything.”
“Perhaps th
e probes will find something when they’re launched in the morning.”
“I want to look at what the scans have revealed so far with my own eyes,” Tom said. “Care to join me?”
“I’ll let Krish do the looking for me,” Lashpa said. “I plan on getting some sleep. We’ll head to the mountain in the morning.”
“Agreed. See you then.”
Chapter 12
It was still dark outside when Lashpa woke up. “You have two messages from Tom,” the ship’s AI informed her as soon as she was awake enough to care.
“Show me,” she said, heading for the bathroom.
Obeying her command, the ship presented Tom’s recorded message as a transparent image that appeared to float in the air just in front of her.
“I told Krish to record this because I didn’t want to disturb your sleep,” Tom began. “Orbital scans found nothing of interest on or near the Mountain of the Gods. I looked at the pictures the Churva took from orbit and I might have found something. Take a look at this.”
The image of a mountaintop appeared, the picture obviously being taken from a great height. After a moment, the image was magnified until an area not far from the top came into view. The presentation then spun as if the camera had suddenly dropped much lower.
“The topography here does not appear to be natural,” Tom said. A red line running from the edge of the flat area to the cliff on the right appeared. “This line represents what the contour of the mountain should look like. As you can see, someone carved out a nice flat landing area. Based on the weathering I can see, it’s been there a long time. I’ve ordered the Churva to send a probe down to investigate. It can do topological scans in the dark. I’ll let you know if it finds anything. See you in the morning.”
“End of message one,” Krish said as the mountain vanished from her view.
“How large is that flat area?” Lashpa asked.
“Approximately 200 meters wide and 250 meters long.”
“Play the second message.”
“I thought you might like to see this first thing in the morning,” Tom’s smiling face said. “Data from the probe has confirmed that the flat area is not natural. It’s simply too flat to be otherwise. But what’s even more interesting is this.”