The Book of Ominiue: Starborn (43 page)

‘Some cancers do not cause pain,’ the doctor informed. ‘Follow me, I have a machine that can look at you in far greater detail than the one used in your palace, and I’m pretty sure you’ll appreciate this one.’ They were then taken into another room, with a very large bed and circular machine. The king was made to change his clothes; he was given the largest size in patient clothing, which only just fitted him. He received an injection before he lay down upon the white bed. The medibot stayed in the room with the king and instructed him while the doctor and Níurthan walked into the control room. The doctor talked to the king while he inspected the three dimensional image growing before him. The monk stepped over to the projection and examined it with great interest, his eyes danced behind his metal mask as he marvelled at the complex image of his king’s internal structure.

***

Kíe’arathorne, Shayne and an android allocated to the scholar as his personal communicator made their way to the university allotment by a military ground vehicle. They loaded the car and their driver activated the engine with the
I-tag
implanted in his hand, which brought the engine to life. Most vehicles were machine-run and no driver was required, but the military had exceptions, organic driven machines were not often used in public but most of the other transporters were in use and the colony’s high demand had them helping the civilians until normal stability was achieved. On the way to the university the journeyman was given an earpiece, he had trouble placing it over his ear, it was moulded for human use and the different curve of the lionman ear meant that he was constantly adjusting it. Eventually he took it out and only put it back on when they were in the company of other Earthmen. Ten minutes later they were parked at the entrance of the new university; it stood on the borders of the town where three modest buildings were constructed and plenty of room for more in the future.

‘Is that it?’ the lionman said, his voice ringing with disappointment.

‘We’ve only been here two weeks. Give us time journeyman and we will give you a
university
to rival your own.’ Kíe’arathorne stepped out and grabbed his belongings, walking on with a thoughtful smile printed upon his face. Shayne took him through the buildings, showing him classrooms and a large lecture room. Back in the Wayel-Éaa settlement Shayne had spent time in some of the smaller rooms, but this was the very first time he had seen the new construction, and was also the first time he walked the lecture halls. Kíe’arathorne marvelled at their largest room; slanting down a little like the Grand Council Hall in the palace, with ample seating and foldable desk space.

‘Will we be in this room?’ Kíe’arathorne turned to Shayne, a glint of hope in his eyes.

‘If we get many to teach, yes, if not then it will probably not be used for its intended purpose until more of our kind come. At this point in a colony the university grounds are almost purely research and cataloguing. The other stuff tends to come later.’ Just then the university Vice-Chancellor came into the room. The reception had called her and she instantly set out to find them.

‘Starborn Shayne,’ Shayne’s physics successor Professor Emilie Rabolin greeted. She was a friendly personality, with the relaxed and impersonal nature that many in the science world had, though her attitude completely changed when she was immersed within her work. She had taken over Captain Arnahell’s position as his main teacher and had given him a research project, though he spent so much time with the military since landing they had not achieved much and on top of that his journey with the natives disrupted the little time he was given.

‘I see Kíe has returned to us,’ she smiled as the lionman placed the communicator earpiece back into his ear, frowning at the awkward thing.

‘His name is Kíe’arathorne now,’ Shayne corrected. ‘Their people are given names when they’ve earned them. It’s considered an insult to call them simply by their old name.’

‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ her smile faded as she looked across at the lionman.

‘There is no need for an apology,’ the journeyman bowed slightly to the woman. ‘No offence can be taken when one does not know they are offending.’ He then smiled at her, reassuring that he was not upset.

‘So, is one of the locals taking up our course?’ she looked across to Shayne.

‘Yes he is. He also seeks extracurricular.’ Her eyebrows rose when he said that. ‘He wants to learn some physics.’ She let out a single laugh as she looked admirably up at the lionman’s green eyes.

‘Well, it’s a tough ask,’ she commented. ‘Very few make it, but there’s no harm in attempting it. There’s also the problem that the course won’t be
officially
opened until after the
Gate-link
, unless there is a high interest.’

‘There could be,’ Shayne added. ‘They seem to have a basic grasp already, though from what I can see they follow the ancient Greek thought experiment process with no actual experimentation to compliment it.’

‘If they’re a physics-based society but only use the
thought experiment
philosophy it may account for their stunted growth,’ she mused. ‘Shall we determine how much they know?’ She gestured the seats around her and they unfolded them and sat down to talk, with the robot standing to the side converting the conversation silently into their earpieces. The lionman’s knowledge was complexing to say the least. Kíe’arathorne had not taught Shayne any of their written characters, though he did pick up on some here and there, he was not entirely sure if they were correct but he recognised them. The journeyman wrote on a computer book screen; with his pen he created figures and images and he described them. After a while both the Earthmen followed him along with only the occasional misunderstanding.

‘But this here is bordering on the basic principles of Quantum Mechanics!’ she looked up at the smiling lionish face with surprise. ‘I just don’t understand how you can know this but have absolutely no scenario you can possibly witness to derive it. Can one
thought experiment
Quantum?’ she asked herself as she began to contemplate the possibility.

Kíe’arathorne conceded, ‘It is possible that we have lost or forgotten some things. It was a long time since the magic weavers walked the lands.’ She sat back and thought for a moment; looking long at the scattered and seemingly disjointed equations and ideas before her.

‘Do you think we’re magicians?’ she finally asked the lionman.

‘No,’ Kíe’arathorne simply and honestly said. ‘The masters of science could do things no other could.’

‘But we do stuff all the time that your people cannot comprehend!’

‘That is incorrect. The Star Ta’Orians build things and those things in turn do what we cannot comprehend. You do not do it yourself, you do not change the temperature of the room, or make light, or push one aside, or jump in time with nothing but your mind and your wizards staff. You require other things to do it for you.’

‘Ignoring the time jumping, which is rubbish outside of quantum fluctuation,’ the physicist said. ‘What’s the staff for?’

‘We are not completely sure, but we believe it was to store energy.’ The lionman said. ‘We have the remains of some of the old spell casters staffs’ in our artefacts rooms within the Teaching Halls.’

‘And why did they need staffs? Why not just blast with their minds?’ she asked as she tapped the side of her head.

‘The energy used to perform their deeds was too great for the body to hold. One who casts a spell with their body would burn and freeze. A Shingah staff is made from many things: all so that the Wizards grasp would not burn their hands. That is what we believe.’

‘They bring energy to them? How?’ the physicist asked which caused Kíe’arathorne to laugh.

‘If I knew that then I would be a student of the law myself,’ he reasoned with a grin.

‘We can’t cast spells,’ Emilie said and continued with her brutal and innocent honesty, ‘and I doubt your people did either. It’s probably mixed in half-truths, history usually is, even our modern history!’ she stated, knowing how corrupted facts could become when expressed at the end of someone’s opinion.

‘Us teaching you this field of science won’t turn you into a magician, but we can fill in the gaps that seem to be present and expand greatly upon your people’s knowledge and understanding.’ Kíe’arathorne paused while he tried to understand the meaning.

‘I do not expect to become one,’ he replied. ‘The Fa’Orian did not become wizards. I do not think we could, but it does not stop my curiosity. I want to learn.’ The physicists appeared very happy and content with this, smiling and nodding slightly.

‘Well I guess we could sacrifice time providing you with an undergraduate’s education. Colonial Forrester can help you with that.’

‘That is what I want,’ the lionman looked fondly across at Shayne. Afterwards Shayne took the journeyman to the university lodgings, built for their new guests. Each room was a standard twin share with a study area. There was also a common dining room and recreation area on the lower floors. Kíe’arathorne choose a room fitted with a larger bed, built for the lionmen students.

‘Where do you sleep, Afra’hama?’ Kíe’arathorne asked.

‘With the soldiers. I am in a tent at the moment, but I will have quarters to myself, as all high ranked officers do, but not much bigger than this here.’

‘Can I visit you?’

‘Not yet. Military areas are restricted. Visiting will not be available until construction is complete.’

‘Then you will have to visit me,’ the young lionman pushed.

‘I will, to teach you.’

‘And I to teach you!’ Kíe’arathorne returned. ‘What do I do about our horses?’

‘Ulossa has been taken back to Bohaníde. Your horse will have to wait until it can be housed and fed.’

‘I will miss her,’ he sighed, ‘but if she would be unhappy on the rocky bare ground then we must wait until the grass grows.’ He looked up at Shayne, imagining the transformation of the desert into a paradise flowing through his mind.

‘When that time comes, we can get your horse back and ride together, you and I and explore the Corha-Rhí.’

‘I doubt we will have time.’

‘I will make sure we have time!’ Kíe’arathorne let his charming smile spread across his face, one that Shayne had come to recognise as cunning. Shayne left the journeyman to settle in his new home, making his way back to other duties. Later in the day as he and the Starborns patrolled he saw the transporter leave, with the UeVarda and his guard returning to their home.

Chapter
12

Tournament

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
 

                                                                                   - George Orwell

As the days slipped passed the Earthmen found that more than a month had passed by. The settlement had returned to a typical routine. The region adopted its name of New Switzerland as a running joke from the Wayel-Éaa colony. The city itself still remained unnamed with people typically calling it: settlement, colony and landing, though Thorns Basin was still being thrown around despite it not being a basin. Trade between other nations commenced with their ox-drawn trains tracking across the brand new road.

With trade came experimental farms to grow and test local food. The rocky and bare earth meant it would be at least a year before they could graze livestock. The scientists eagerly set about their tasks; from agriculture to zoology; all pursuing their work with great vigour. Many ventured out to the new world under their hosts’ supervision. Fancying themselves as adventurers and explorers they would trek and fly out to study the flora and fauna. Slowly a catalogue was developed with more scientists moving further and further out: to find new regions and species, to learn other customs and find new treasures to document, and as the Earthmen’ specialists ventured outwards the natives ventured in.

Hopeful ambassadors flocked in with their letters of recommendation. Some were rejected after they failed to comply with what the Earthmen expected: being too old or unfit to learn what was required, and having pets which were strictly forbidden for space travel reasons. Some nations sent more candidates than agreed upon in the hope they would receive better representation; despite the Earthmen clearly indicating that no one nation was to send more than four applicants. The administration was forced to choose which candidates from the over-represented countries could stay, while those rejected were forced to return to their homes disappointed. It was a difficult and unpleasant task that should never have occurred in the first place.

The ambassadorship classes did not start officially until two weeks after Kíe’arathorne’s arrival. He spent most of that on language lessons with Hanniver and Shayne and practicing his bow craft, which he had neglected over the past few months due to the Earthmen’s arrival. When he was with the Brigadier they would also talk about music; he taught Kíe’arathorne how to play the piano, while the journeyman in return taught him to play native songs on his eight stringed guitar. Hanniver marvelled at how similar it was to the Earthmen version and found a classical guitar to compare, which evolved into a semi science interest between different stringed instrument designs.

Kíe’arathorne also began his classes as a teacher, which was part of his arrangement for ambassador training. Two classes were set up for him, one to teach the common language; both spoken and written and the other class was to teach native law. Kíe’arathorne loved to teach and thrived in the role. He also organised religion teachings, where he taught about their faith: dragons, lions and wizards and often entertained in the university public rooms where people would come and listen to him. The other native students who moved in also brought with them their various instruments. As they settled in they joined in the music gatherings which eventually evolved into a formal music styled teaching program at the end of each week, as was their custom. The weekly event also attracted some Earthmen musicians who performed with them. Over all their presences created a much happier colony and their integration was almost seamless.

Outside the normal routine Shayne and the journeyman had private lessons together. Sometimes they met in Shayne’s new apartment and other times, when they did not want to be overheard, they walked the border of the township. Kíe’arathorne was picking up on more and more English and used it every chance he had. The journeyman was also teaching Shayne to write in the common language and on their walks he taught him to speak the sacred Kadalian language. When the scholar was proficient enough in English they began their physics lessons. He was extremely quick with practicals such as Newton’s laws and had a decent mind for mathematics, but there was a lot to teach him and he did not hold the perfect memory that Shayne did. One-on-one tutorage made it a faster process than a group. So long as he could picture it in his mind he could master it rather quickly.

The beginning of official classes brought with it an excitement in the new town. Most of the natives were very pleasant people, selected for their intelligence and their charisma. They mingled happily with the Earthmen, especially the human natives who treated them as long lost cousins. Any apprehension faded as the days passed and they formed their friendships and their rivalries. If agendas were played between the students, they were well hidden. Kíe’arathorne was amongst the youngest, yet he held more experience than many of the others due to his time with the colonists. There was a certain amount of reverence towards him; as the one who found the Afra’hama and guided the sky Ta’Orians from the forest, but there was also jealousy and rivalry. Many believed that he would be selected regardless, due to his achievements and connections already established.

Most of the students were trained as scholars, wearing the blue robes of the teachers. They ranked from fully qualified journeymen, with the exception of Kíe’arathorne, to experienced masters who wore their golden clasps and insignia upon their long robed shrouds. The others that were not of the academic ranks were vouched for in other areas. These people came from the more distant places, where they had no official Teaching Halls. Most selected from these realms worked for current ambassadors or other areas where their character was desired.

There were not many lionmen present, much to the Earthmen’s disappointment. Most were not willing or interested in the offer and remained behind. The few who did take up the offer were like Kíe’arathorne in that they held an unusual sense of adventure for their species. There were no Nakádanese Lionmen at all. They treated the Earthmen as any other people who were not within their small local sphere, they delegated their ambassadorship to both the humans from Isradia as their nearest neighbours, and the Bohanese Lionmen as their closest kin.

All of the students underwent a basic medical. The hospital’s first wing was constructed a week earlier and while word for the seriously sick was sent throughout Dífrun, the students were all treated. The hospital also sought knowledge of viruses and diseases, opening their research labs ready to study and create cures. The mass production of antibiotics was underway and they organised trips to improve the basic state of health. The road to immunisation was a long one and they always told the recipients that they would require time to help with some of the issues. As the sick came in and were treated a database of lionmen and native human genetics were being compiled; recording data and differences. This held a lot of interest; to know the aliens from the inside, to track their origin and understand their existence, but not only that, every world which has humans present are definable by small differences in DNA, and its theorised that if humans did once rule the stars, or some kind of alien creator made them, then they could possibly map the changes in DNA back to a point of origin. It is a long bet, there is too much confusion and mystery as to how the universe is littered with the same genetic structure, from the same primordial history with some species sharing the same DNA yet mingled amongst them species distantly related but independently evolved. On top of humans they finally had the lionmen, the first “other” intelligence, and curiosity was widespread as to where these aliens stand. The leaders of the colony gave them time to make some level of assessment before they all came together in an unofficial and off the record meeting.

‘What do we know about the Lion-people?’ Canoth Eastman came and sat with the dean of Medicine as others entered the office, taking their seats.

‘Well,’ the man deliberately paused. He maintained his usual professional manner with the only signs of curiosity being the twinkle in his eyes, ‘they’re closely related to us with 23 paired chromosomes; normal lions have 19, but they also have strong lion genetics that dominates some of the more human-ish genes. It’s a rather odd mesh of code with more than just lion within them, it’s a bit like a jigsaw puzzle, but made up of five different puzzles, very odd.’

Professor Juskin, the head of alien anthropology studies leaned forward, ‘Did they co-evolve from a Lion ancestor as we did with an ape ancestor?’

‘No,’ the doctor shook his head. ‘I don’t think so. Their DNA is a spliced artist board of several creatures; as if bits were taken from both the lion and the human and bam, a lionman.’

‘They’re engineered?’ Canoth looked across at the Doctor in disbelief.

The Doctor sighed, ‘I don’t know, possibly. It certainly looks that way, but the gene pool is too small to speculate.’

‘They’re able to interbreed,’ Hanniver added. ‘Their forefather; Tain, had a human wife as well as Lion wives. They believe the hybrid children of Tain ventured over the mountains and founded Bohaníde.’

‘That’s always a possibility,’ the doctor agreed. ‘The genetics are certainly compatible.’

‘You mean those lionmen from Nakáda are pure lionmen?’ someone else asked. Hanniver shrugged and the first anthropologist came back to the conversation.

‘Highly unlikely, if they can interbreed than I’d imagine the entire gene pool was contaminated. If they’d spread out like humans have I might’ve believed there were isolated communities, but I don’t think so.’

‘Humans aren’t allowed to live in Nakáda,’ Hanniver answered. ‘Not even their closest allies, it’s been like that for thousands of years.’

‘Genetic purity,’ Juskin mused.

‘Are the eastern lionmen allowed?’ Williams was curious.

‘No idea,’ Hanniver admitted. ‘I was only told about humans.’

‘What’s the chance of getting the sick ones from Nakáda here?’ the dean asked.

‘Buckley’s if you ask me,’ Hanniver replied his eyes turning to the general. ‘You saw what they were like at the meeting.’

‘It’s a shame, maybe one day,’ the doctor looked disappointed.

‘It’s all we can ask for.’

‘We’ll never cure common viruses if they insist on separation.’

‘You think virus’ can jump species?’ The general’s grey eyes lingered on the dean.

‘The genetics are close enough to. When I say we’re close I mean these guys are more closely related to us then a chimpanzee: closer than a dog to a wolf.’

‘I guess this means no real aliens,’ the anthropologist sighed.

‘Still an interesting study, the implications are far greater than anything we’ve considered, and on top of that we have the dune lizards!’

‘I can’t help but wonder. One must ask; if they’re engineered then who engineered them?’

They went on to discuss the possible biology of the indigenous populations. After a few minutes of enduring biochemistry jargon, the three star-rank officers took their leave and made their way back to the base. They spoke amongst themselves until they reached the guardhouse where a soldier greeted them with a salute and handed a golden letter to the general. 

Hendingson took the letter; his face suspiciously glanced at the private. He went to open it but at seeing the alien language printed in formal black characters he curled his face up and sighed, ‘Where’s a droid when you need one?’

They made their way through the administration building to his office, his personal assistant android already alert and waiting. It was a nicely spaced room; the inside held only the very basics of a military installation, the lack of any personalisation a reflection of their circumstances, but there was one luxury; a landscape painting behind his desk by a well-known Mars artist. He handed the letter to his assistant droid while he and the other two soldiers sat down. The android opened read the formal letter that invited Shayne, the officers and all the members of the initial expedition party to the tournament.

‘The seventh
byemyth
? When is that?’ Danto Williams scowled.

‘Thursday’ Hanniver replied before the robot, pleased that his native education was paying off. ‘Tomorrow,’ he corrected when he realised the date.

‘Tomorrow?’ Hendingson choked.

‘They did tell us,’ Hanniver retorted. ‘Several times.’

‘Brigadier,’ Danto softly replied. ‘We were hoping to accidentally forget.’

‘Because you despise the Starborn is not justification for “conveniently forgetting,” especially when that forgetfulness concerns the planet’s emperor!’

‘I treat the Starborn for what he is, none of this pandering experiment rubbish.’

‘And what you think he is, is not what he
really
is, isn’t it!?’

‘No, you’re right!’ Williams snapped with anger in his voice, the two accents sounding through the room. ‘He
is
dangerous! He’ll kill someone one day and I’ll blame you!’ He shoved his finger into the Brigadier’s chest, both men now standing and ready to pound the other flat.