Zahn touched the metallic dome and found it to be surprisingly cold. “I never realized the galaxy was so wild. When looking at it through a telescope, everything can seem rather predictable. But you’re right. It’s not.”
“And the more you open your mind to new ways of thinking, the more logical everything becomes.”
Asha walked up behind them. “How do we know there was ever anyone in these ships at all?”
“We do not. All we have are theories,” Oonak said.
Out of the corner of his eye, Zahn thought he saw a huge bird by the path. It was hovering in midair, despite the fact that its wings weren’t moving at all.
Zahn approached slowly so he wouldn’t scare it off, but the closer he got, the closer the strange creature floated toward him. Soon, they were face to face, and he could scarcely believe his eyes. It reminded him vaguely of a wildcat, which, although they didn’t live on Ashraya, he had seen videos of when he was younger. Its head reminded him of a smaller version of a wildcat’s head, and dark brown fur with black spots covered its body.
But the similarity ended there. Its entire abdomen was bulbous and swollen, almost as if it had been forcibly inflated with a gas and had its entire body stretched from the internal pressure. On either side, it had short arms and webbed fin-like paws. Zahn watched as it propelled itself closer in a motion that reminded him of swimming.
It was only a hand’s width away from Zahn’s face now, and he was unsure of what to do. He looked deeply into its bronze eyes. Behind him, he could hear Asha and Oonak approach, but he found himself unable to avert his gaze. To his surprise, the creature zipped up to him, licked him on the cheek, and purred as it pressed its head into his hair.
“What a remarkable creature,” Oonak said.
It continued rubbing up against Zahn’s head and purring.
“I think it likes you, Zahn!” Asha laughed.
Zahn gently pushed the floating creature away from him and noticed that two more were approaching.
“Have either of you heard of anything like this before? Do you think they could be dangerous? It reminds me of a wildcat, except that it floats, obviously. Maybe we can call it a flycat…”
“I’ve never seen anything like it. Oonak, what about you?”
“I am familiar with such creatures, but not those from this planet. So far though, it appears to be nonviolent.”
“Well, could you tell it to leave me alone?” Zahn said as it nuzzled up against him once more.
“Try tapping it on its nose,” Asha said. “That might annoy it enough to make it go away.”
“Good idea,” Zahn said, and tried it.
The flycat shook its head from side to side and hissed at him. It tried nuzzling him again, and Zahn did it again. The flycat hissed in annoyance, turned around, and floated away.
“That worked,” Zahn said. “Thanks, Asha!”
“Anytime. Maybe it expected you to feed it? Makes me wonder what those things eat.”
When the first flycat reached the other two that were still approaching, it made some moaning sounds, and all three of them darted away into the thick of the jungle.
“I’m not sure I ever want to find out,” Zahn said. “C’mon, let’s follow this path and see where it leads. Whoever led us to this landing pad obviously wants us to follow it. Oh, and if either of you see any more flycats, could you please let me know?”
“Of course,” Asha said.
“If you wish,” Oonak said. “They seemed friendly to me.”
“A little too friendly for my taste.”
As they walked down the canopied path, there was an instant when Zahn thought he saw a person running deep within the forest beside them, but when he looked again he saw nothing.
Then Zahn realized the source of the occasional cooing sound that he had heard before. Whenever the breeze was fast enough, the huge trees made a cooing sound in the jungle canopy high above him. He guessed that some of the trees were over eighty meters tall, and he wondered if the trees were actively making the sound or if the air somehow naturally made that sound as it flowed through the strange green leaves that surrounded them.
When they reached the end of the path, it opened up into a large clearing. To their left, a pale sun was hanging over a dark grey beach bordering a massive body of water. They were either at the edge of an ocean or beside the largest lake Zahn had ever seen. Farther up the beach was a stone building atop a massive rocky outcrop that extended out of the beach at an odd angle. The building’s roof was a singular slab of pale white stone set at a shallow angle, and the entire structure looked ageless.
Zahn stared at the cold, foreign sun that was not his own.
“Where is everyone? They told us to land here. Shouldn’t they be waiting for us?”
“Ideally. However, it is possible they were delayed. Do you see the structure over there?” Oonak pointed to the stone building atop the outcrop.
“Yeah. Perhaps our welcoming party is inside.”
“Perhaps,” Oonak said. “In either case, it is the most logical place to explore.”
They headed across the sandy grey beach, and Zahn could still hear the faint cooing sound of the huge trees behind him. Combined with the sound of the waves, he found it soothing.
As they grew nearer, they saw a figure appear to rise up out of the rock itself and enter the stone structure atop the outcrop.
“Did you just see that?” Zahn said.
“The figure that appeared out of nowhere? Yes. You saw it, too, right?” Asha said.
“Yes,” Oonak said. “Perhaps it is the greeting we have been waiting for.”
Soon, they reached a path that led up the large outcrop to the structure that was perched atop it. When they reached the doorway, Zahn thought he saw an engraving on the door of a woman playing a flute. But before he could be sure, the door swiftly slid back, revealing a long hall. At the end of the hall was a large table in the middle of a room with a woman sitting at the far end, facing them.
The table was set with colorful jars of liquid, and quiet music was flowing out of the room in the form of smooth, rounded tones. But something curious was happening. As they walked down the hall, they heard strange noises coming from the walls themselves and bright lights occasionally moved over their bodies. Along the walls, there were also various doors, but Zahn found all of them to be locked.
When they entered the room, air jets embedded into the wall sprayed them, and they could now see that the woman’s face was exceedingly pale. She was completely bald, and golden cloth was wrapped around her body such that Zahn could only see her head and arms, which were also pale. Behind her was a large window that spanned the far wall, providing a wonderful view of the ocean below.
“I am Oonak of the Confederation, and these are my friends. Who are you?”
“Sit,” the woman said.
Her voice was soothing, yet strangely exotic. Along the walls on either side of the table, Zahn noticed that two children, who were also dressed in brightly colored robes, were somehow making music from huge golden bowls with nothing more than their bare hands. Beside them were round canisters that were embedded into the floor itself.
With some hesitation, all three of them sat down at the long, rectangular table. Oonak sat on one side while Asha sat next to Zahn on the other side. The woman waited until they were still and then continued.
“As a humble servant of Aarava, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our world. I am known as Vivienne. I keep harmony among the people. However, it may be most harmonious to your memories if you consider me as an emissary. I am the mouth and the ears of the Visionaries of Aarava.”
“So where are all the people? You’re the first person we’ve seen,” Zahn said.
“Zahn, please let me speak first before you ask further questions,” Oonak said.
“Oh,” Zahn said. “Sorry, Oon. Go ahead.”
“Your craft was directed to land in one of the quarantined areas for safety,” Vivienne
said. “Consequently, very few people are in this area. You will surely find more prowlers than people in this sector of Aarava.”
Asha’s gaze drifted over to one of the children who was still creating music. It appeared to be a small boy, and his eyes were closed as he played.
“Why have we been directed to land in a quarantined area? For who’s safety?” Oonak said.
“For the safety of all,” Vivienne answered. “However, the Hall of Detection has revealed that you are without violent intent, and we have confirmed that you possess the Confederation insignia, as you have claimed. We of the World of Resonance apologize if the hall caused you any distress, but we must be vigilant to preserve our coherence. Do you understand our meaning? We sincerely hope no offense was taken.”
“Yes, I understand. Indeed, in your place I might have taken similar precautions.”
“We are most pleased, and we are confident that our thoughts will resonate in even deeper ways with you in the future. On behalf of the Visionaries, I am pleased to announce that you may stay as long as you wish. It is always a pleasure to host those of a Confederation world. However, if you wish to leave the quarantined area, you must contact me first. Attempting to leave the quarantined area without permission could result in damage to yourself and your crew. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Oonak said. “We understand.”
“Excellent. You may record as much data as you desire, but please do not eat any of the land animals or any prowlers. You may also use the guest rooms as your own and eat any of the food contained within this guest house. Which reminds me, would you like some quarava nectar? Rest assured that there is no danger to you. The Hall of Detection also allows us to determine which foods you will be able to absorb.”
“I would be honored,” Oonak said.
“Furthermore, we are pleased to say that, despite the genetic differences between each of you, the food we have provided here will be suitable for all three of you. And you two? Would either of you like some?” Vivienne turned to them.
“Sure,” Asha and Zahn said at almost the same time.
Vivienne poured each of them a glass of thick purple liquid. It smelled sweet and tasted delicious.
“Which rooms may we use?” Oonak said.
“All of them, if you wish. All of the guest rooms have now been unlocked.”
As they continued to speak, Zahn leaned over to Asha.
“I guess we know what was behind those locked doors now,” he whispered.
“Yeah,” she whispered back, “but I can’t help but wonder why Oonak didn’t tell them why we’re really here.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, he told them we needed safe harbor, but didn’t we really come here for information?”
“That’s true. I’ll ask him later.”
“Don’t!” Asha said in a tone that was almost too loud to be a whisper. “I want to ask him. I’m good at reading people, Zahn, and I want to feel his reaction when the question is asked.”
“Okay,” Zahn whispered.
“Vivienne,” Oonak continued. “I have just one more question. Do you know anything about the galaxy’s ancient gate network? Anything at all?”
For a few seconds, Vivienne was motionless. If Zahn had just walked into the room at that moment, he might have thought she were a statue poised at the head of the table. But the illusion was shattered when Vivienne tilted her head to one side and then back again.
“We are unable to provide any information on a gate network,” she said and got up from the table.
Oonak narrowed his gaze.
“Why are you unable?” he said.
Vivienne hesitated. “I am not able to say.”
Asha and Zahn both turned to look at Vivienne when she said this. Her voice had become monotone, as if something was wrong, and for the first time Zahn noticed that Vivienne’s eyes were golden in a way that made him feel uneasy.
“Vivienne,” Oonak continued. “It is crucial that you tell me all that you know of the gate network. Lives are in the balance.”
“We are unable to provide information on the gate network.”
“Interesting. So you admit that the gate network exists?”
“I’m sorry. I cannot confirm or deny the existence of a gate network. Would you like some more nectar?”
Vivienne reached for a jar of the sweet smelling drink.
“Vivienne, I have information urgent to the safety of the galaxy. I must reach the Confederation Council as soon as possible. As your superiors may have already detected, my ship is without timespace capability, so the gates are my only means of accomplishing this mission. Even if Aarava may not be a member of the Confederation yet, we share a common goal. Unless we work together, the Vakragha Legion will continue to spread like a plague throughout our galaxy. Is that the future that the Visionaries of Aarava want? Would you rather face them alone?”
Vivienne’s eyes widened, and Asha froze in utter surprise. Even the music around them came to an abrupt stop. Few ever dared utter the true name of the Undying Vandals, and it seemed no one here was prepared to hear it.
“If you truly do keep harmony among the people,” Oonak continued. “You will tell me what you know. Please.”
A silence fell upon the room.
“You are persistent, and on the surface of this planet persistence is rare.”
“So, can you tell us anything?” Zahn said.
“No,” Vivienne said. “But, we have decided to tell you who may be able to help you, although we make no promises.”
“Who?” Asha said.
“You should inquire of Vayuna.”
“Who is Vayuna?” Oonak said.
“Vayuna is the Great Savant. She can tell you truths that resonate with the deepest reaches of your soul.” Vivienne paused. “But only to those who are truly worthy.”
“Then please, take us to her.”
Zahn smiled. Perhaps it would work out, after all.
“That is quite impossible. Sadly, Vayuna is not here.”
Zahn’s smile disappeared.
“Where is she, if we may ask?” Oonak said, his face still somehow radiating a calm confidence that impressed Zahn.
“She is in the Great South. She will return in two days. If you still wish to speak to her then, summon me with the console on the far wall, and I will take you to her.”
“Thank you, Vivienne, and please thank the Visionaries on my behalf, as well.”
“You already have, Oonak of the Confederation. They see and hear everything that I see and hear, and now, I must leave you. Please enjoy your day.”
Vivienne stood up, bowed, and walked toward the door.
“Wait!” Zahn said. “What are prowlers?”
Now nearly at the door, Vivienne turned around.
“Surely, you have seen them already. They wander the air, though they usually stay close to the ground. Although they may seem friendly, they can be quite dangerous. Exercise caution when they are near.”
“Oh, do you mean—”
“I must go now. Goodbye.”
As Vivienne disappeared down the long hallway, Zahn noticed that the two children that had been creating the music had also disappeared.
Asha stood up.
“Where are you going?” Zahn said.
“Well, if we’re going to be here for two days, I want to see our accommodations, and I’d like to find some good food.”
“Mind if I come along?”
“Not at all. What about you, Oonak?”
“Thanks Asha,” Oonak said. “But I shall use this opportunity to meditate in solitude. I am weary from piloting the ship through such intense encounters, and I require rebalancing.”
“Understandable. See you later!”
“Be safe and do not go beyond the beach. Remember, we are only staying here for as long as it takes to learn what we can about the gate network. No longer.”
Zahn walked toward the door. “We got it, Oon. No worrie
s.”
Yet if Zahn knew what was ahead, he would have worried a great deal.
CHAPTER 19
PRISON OR PARADISE
The first door that Asha tried swung open easily, revealing a spacious guest room containing a large circular bed, several containers along the wall, and a tall, white cylindrical device embedded in the far wall that reached from floor to ceiling. Ahead of them, a large window spanned most of the room, allowing in an abundance of light and a view of the beach below.
“What a strange place,” Zahn said. “Stunning, but strange.”
The ground beneath them rumbled for a moment.
“What was that?” Asha said.
Zahn walked up to the window and looked down.
“Hmm, maybe it was a small quake?”
Asha sat down at the edge of the round bed. “Strange bed.” She bounced up and down on it a little. “Do you have a room like this back on Avani?”
“No, not quite. Actually, I don’t even have a bed!”
“What? Even the outpost has bunks. Where do you sleep?”
“I sleep on a hammock. It’s better than a bed when you live in a warm climate.” His gaze drifted upward, toward the ocean.
“It must be magnificent where you live,” Asha said. “Open valleys, oceans… are there mountain peaks?”
“Yeah! Ones that stretch up to the clouds.” Zahn raised his hand above his head, and then sighed. “You know, I wish you could see the view from up on Zikhara Peak, up above the sapphire forests. On some nights, you can even see neighboring islands along the horizon. It’s incredible.”
“I’d love to see that.”
Asha looked into his eyes. She had a spark in her eyes now. He’d seen that look before, and he knew what it meant.
He looked away and reflected on his own feelings.
Back on Outpost 33, even her appearance had stunned him, but Zahn knew that appearances were fleeting. He knew that it took far more than that for him to be truly attracted to someone. Yet now their connection had gone deeper, and he had to admit that he was impressed by her mind and humbled by her presence.
Epic of Aravinda 1: The Truth Beyond the Sky Page 11