Nuile the Paracosmic Tulpa

Without a word to Veverka I took the chute back to the Medical Bay, where I strapped myself into my seat and turned on my communicator.My computer's screen revealed several discoid objects surrounding the Unreachable Star. These appeared to be roughly the right size for a single Agori to fit comfortably inside. Beyond them, I spotted a much larger ship, similar to those which had invaded Spherus Magna, but slightly smaller in size.Seren and Klimaat were arguing, the former trying to convince the latter not to attack the Etran ships."If you shoot first, we won't have any chance of solving this whole matter peacefully!""We're supposed to spy on the Etran, not negotiate with them!""No, our mission was to find out as much about the Etran as possible. We can do that easier if we speak with them rather than attack them.""You certainly sound sensible, traveler."I jumped at the sound of the new voice. It was deep and scratchy, yet there was a hollowness to it."So who are you, and what business have you here?" asked the Etran voice."My name is Seren," replied he. "I am from Spherus Magna. I was sent here to investigate a recent attack on our planet."There was a pause. "Spherus Magna...was that planet created by the Great Beings?"The words took me by surprise. If the Etran knew of the Great Beings, how was it that the Great Beings knew nothing of the Etran?"That is correct," Seren replied slowly."Are you a Glu-tor-een?"With some amusement, the captain corrected, "Glatorian.""The Emperor will wish to speak with you,” said the Etran. “Prepare to be taken into this starship.”“Wait a second,” Seren responded, “I’d rather we pilot our ship down to the planet ourselves.”“That is not your choice, Spherus Magnian.”A bright light shot from the Etran starship, coming straight for us. Nagaan fired up the engines, but it was too fast. The beam hit us. At first, nothing seemed to happen. But then, with a sharp lurch, the starship began dragging us toward it, in spite of Nagaan’s resistance.Klimaat cried, “We’ll see about that, Etran scum!” I watched as the Thornax Cannons shot beams of light at our enemies. The discoid vehicles swerved to avoid them, but some were hit: most of these went spiraling out of control, others exploded.“Your recalcitrance is futile,” the Etran voice said in its flat tones.Another beam of light burst from the Etran starship. In a moment it hit, and then everything went dark.At first, I had no idea what had happened. Am I dead? I wondered. But, no, I couldn’t be. I still felt my chair, and the desk before me. I just couldn’t see.Had I gone blind? But if I had, why couldn’t I hear the engines, or lasers? Had I gone deaf and blind?My momentary panic was dispelled when a voice met my ears, coming over the Communicators. It was Seren, asking, “Is everyone okay?”Well, if I was not deaf, then I was probably not blind. And if I was not deaf or blind, the only answer could be that the ship’s power had been drained. Or, at the very least, shut down somehow.“Oh, I'm just dandy, Seren! I’m only stuck inside a giant ball in the middle of outer space, with evil beings from another planet dragging me to my doom. Why wouldn’t I be okay?”Shortly after Klimaat finished, Nagaan began. “How dare those Etran capture me like a filthy animal! Who do they think they are?” She fumed on to the point that I wondered if Skrall had to breath.When her tirade subsided, Veverka answered. “I, for one, am fine.”“Yeah, I guess I’m okay, too.” I put in. “But what are we going to do?”Seren sighed. “There's only one thing we can do: wait.”"I was afraid of that," I muttered.Unstrapping myself from my seat, I rose. And I mean that more literally than you would think.No power to the Unreachable Star meant no gravity. No gravity meant a little momentum went a long way.I stretched out my arms, and as soon as they touched ceiling I pushed myself gently back to the floor."This is freaky!" Klimaat exclaimed. "I'm flying!""It is an odd sensation," Seren agreed.I launched myself back into the air, twirling and twisting as I went. It was fun! I was literally bouncing off the walls!I kicked against the ceiling, pushed off the walls, propelled myself off the floor, doing loops, cartwheels, spins and anything else I could think of. Immature, perhaps--but so much fun!"Having fun, Reise?" laughed a voice below me.I glanced down. A light glared out of the darkness, blinding me temporary. As my eyes adjusted, I recognized the physical appearance of the person to which I knew the voice belonged: Veverka, sensibly armed with a handlight."I--er--I was just--" I stuttered.Veverka giggled. "It's okay, I was doing the same thing down below."Distracted, I forgot to control my collision via my arms--so I rammed headlong into the ceiling."Ouch!""How graceful!""That hurt, you know," I replied."Oh, you should be more careful, doctor! If you're wounded, who's going to take care of the rest of us?"I rolled my eyes. "So how did you get up here, anyway? The chutes aren't working, are they""I took a Kaxium," she replied sarcastically. "I flew, what did you think?""But wouldn't the platform have been in your way?""Oh, well that's a more sensible question. No, it runs on a magnetic track, so no power means no magnet, and it just falls-or floats," Veverka explained."That's interesting. It sounds like a very useful technology.""Yes...I've often thought about how pragmatic the Great Beings' technologies would be to us, back on Spherus Magna.""They would have their advantages, wouldn't they?" I agreed. "Why, if I had had all this medical equ--gwah!"My response was interrupted as, all of a sudden, gravity returned. I plummeted to the floor, landing with a loud--and very painful--thud."Reise!" Veverka gasped. "Are you okay?""Yeah, and that's--ouch--why I'm lying here--ow--in anguish." I tried to sit up, only to fall back down with a wince and a grunt."Oh! Did you break anything?" she breathed anxiously."Only my dignity," I muttered."What happened this time?" Klimaat's irritated voice echoed through the ship."Is everyone okay?" This was Seren."Oh, Reise isn't!" Veverka called."No, I'm fine!" I added quickly. "I just fell.""Are you sure?" Seren checked."Who's the doctor here?""Is anybody else hurt?"Klimaat said, "Unless you count falling headfirst into the floor, no."Seren sighed. "Is it serious?""Nah, I didn't fall far."Meanwhile, Veverka was fretting over me. "Are you sure you're alright? Do you need me to help? You're the doctor! Tell me what to do for you!""I'm only bruised, Veverka, not dying." I chuckled and went on, "Just help me up."She lifted me to a sitting position and asked, "Do you have anything for the pain?""Well, yes, actually, I do," I orated. "It's in my jetpack compartment." I reached for my pack, grimacing as my muscles protested sorely.Veverka offered, "Let me. What's it look like?""A long white stick with a silver handle."She retrieved the object and handed it to me."It's a simple device," I explained as I switched it on. "I'll spare you the details, but basically it evaporates minor aches."The white part of the stick glowed blue as I swept it over my body, absorbing the pain."Better?""Much." I nodded cheerfully. "Thanks."I shone my own handlight around the room as we got to our feet. I wanted to be sure that nothing had been damaged. Everything seemed okay."What happened, anyway?" I wondered aloud."We probably entered into their--the Etran's--ship. They have a gravitational system as well, it seems."I nodded. "Ah, that makes sense."There was a pause. Then Veverka asked, "So what do you think will happen now?"I frowned. "I...I don't know. I guess they'll take us to their capital, and to their emperor. But what then? Can we make peace with them? Are we already at peace with them? Will they capture us? Will we have to fight our way out? Can we fight our way out?" I sighed and shrugged my shoulders."Instead of an answer, I get even more questions," Veverka soughed.I concurred. "There are a lot of questions. It's the basis of our whole mission. Questions, unsolved mysteries, knowledge. And if knowledge is power, we're pretty weak."Seren interrupted our conversation as he ordered suddenly, "Come to the bridge, everyone. We can wait here together until we've landed. Klimaat, let's see if we can force open that door."That should be easy enough. The door to the Defense room runs on a magnet track too," Veverka explained as we made our way to Chute A. "It will slide loosely back and forth without power. The air lock runs on such a track also, but it has a special fastening that can only be undone electronically. The door cannot open without power.""So...we're trapped?" said I.She frowned. "You could put it that way, but it's better than the alternative."Yes, the alternative: the vacuum of space, that would force open the doors and suck all the air out--and us with it."Yes, much better," I agreed.We circled to Chute A, which stood near the center of the room, across from Chute D. I shined my light into the space and canted in. There wasn't much distance between our current floor and the next, but the walls were entirely smooth."It won't be an easy climb, but we can do it," I said. Smiling, I gestured Veverka in. "Well, females first."She gave me a sarcastic "thanks" before stepping into the chute. Employing enough pressure against the sides of the tube, she caused enough friction to hold herself, and slowly ascended in this manner. When she was nearly halfway up I followed.Veverka reached the ledge of Deck 3 and hauled herself easily up. "That was fun!" she declared.She got her handlight out of her pack again and shone it down at me."Gah! I can't see!" I exclaimed, shielding my eyes from the light."Oh--sorry!" She pointed her light elsewhere.I "humph"ed and pulled myself a little higher. Soon I grasped the ledge and pulled myself up. Panting, I flopped on my stomach."Wasn't it fun?" Veverka asked, pulling me to my feet."Oh, lots," I heaved."Is Nagaan here yet?"Veverka was answered by a quiet squeaking noise as Nagaan slid slowly down Chute B. Presently, she appeared. As she landed on the floor, I noticed her wince."You hurt your leg? Here, let me take care of that," I offered, extracting the so-called Pain Imbiber from my jetpack.She hid her discomfort as she strode across the room, glaring at me. "No, I don't need your help.""Please, it's a simple--""Come near me with that prod, Agori, and you'll regret it!" she spat.Klimaat snorted and kneeled beside me. "Here, help somebody who wants it. My head is still sore."I swept the stick over his head and he smiled in relief."Wow, not bad. Thanks."I opened my mouth to reply when the ship gave a sudden lurch--I stumbled into Klimaat, knocking him sideways into a box of controls."Ouch!" Klimaat moaned. "Watch where you're going! What kind of doctor are you, anyway? Curing me only to hurt me again. Humph!"As I switched on the Pain Imbiber once more, I asked, "What was that, anyway?""It's simple to understand," said Nagaan. "Well, not for you. But I'll try to make it easier. We just entered the Etran planet's atmosphere, which means we are now effected by this planet's gravity.""So the jolt was caused by the sudden pull of gravity?" I confirmed. "Which means, we're here?"Nagaan sneered and clapped her hands mockingly. "Very good, Agori."There was a crackling noise, and the Etran's voice greeted us over the communicators."This is Commander Dynamo again," said the voice. "As you might have guessed, Spherus Magnians, we have entered the planet's atmosphere. Welcome to Slizer!"

Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

The silent stars shone down on the desert sands as a stiff breeze crossed the dunes, stirring clouds of sand. The wind blew from the north, bringing with it the chill of the White Quartz Mountains.A solitary itinerant traversed the desert, keeping the wind to his back as it playfully tossed the edges of his travelling cloak, trying to trip him up. He did his best to wrap himself in the thick cloth to shield himself from the cold wind, with limited success.The Jungle Glatorian shivered as he walked on. To distract himself from his miserable thoughts, he gazed up at the twinkling stars, the glowing moon. His only friends. His only companions on his long, quiet trips across the desert.But even they were not truly his friends. They kept him company, but only when the weather permitted it; they listened when he spoke, but they did not heed his words; without them, he would have had nothing, yet they were unfeeling and indifferent toward his existence. The crescent moon glared down upon him, curved into a frown.In truth, he was alone. All alone. He was an exile, a pariah, a loner. He had no friends, nor any enemies. He had various acquaintances, but no one who really knew him or cared about him, no one who would remember him or notice his absence.He was alone in the wild, harsh, cruel land of Bara Magna. It was for that reason that he chose to be a merchant. It was the only profession that suited him, an exile unsuited to live anywhere.He strolled on in silence, shivering in the cold. A sudden cloud drifted across the moon, darkening the landscape for a moment. The lack of light revealed to him a red glow, barely visible beyond the next dune.Could it be a fire? he wondered. Could it truly be a warm, welcoming, wonderful fire?The thought made the night seem even colder. The Glatorian's pace became more rapid, growing into a run. He ascended the dune in a few swift bounds. On the other side, nestled in a small valley, lay a large group of caravan travellers. Several campfires dotted the area, Agori and Glatorian alike gathered around in their warmth, singing and colloquizing. The heat of the many flames and bodies hit the Jungle Glatorian like a wave of warmth. Swiftly he picked his way downward."Stop! Who approaches?"The Jungle Glatorian paused. At the foot of the slope stood a Vulcanan Glatorian, one of several standing guard around the campsite. His words attracted the attention of several of his fellow travellers, who gazed curiously at the newcomer."Er--just a travelling merchant," said the Glatorian of Jungle, "seeking warmth and safety. Might I join you--just for the night?"The Fire Glatorian frowned. Grudgingly he answered, "I suppose. But you'll have to pay a fee."His tone made the Jungle Glatorian flinch. The latter could tell he was not welcome; he was never welcome. Nobody wanted him, an extraneous merchant, around."Actually, it's a nice night," he said. "The stars and moon are out. I'll keep walking."Perhaps realizing he had been too harsh, the guard said, "You are welcome to stay, of course--the fee is small."The Jungle Glatorian knew the invitation was born of guilt rathar than sincere kindness. "No--thank you. I'll keep walking." Alone.And so the exile did. He reascended the dune and set forth into the cold, dark, lonely desert, wrapping himself in his cloak for warmth. After the short exposure to the heat of the campfires, the chill night winds seemed more pitiless than ever.Shivering, he stumbled to an outcrop, where a stone overhang could provide shelter. The exsiccated remains of various creatures that had crawled under the rocks to die strewn the area, and the Glatorian gathered enough bones to start a fire, albeit a small one. But it was something.The exile looked up. He had seen movement in the distance, out of the corner of his eye; but there was nothing there now.Now you're seeing things, he scolded himself. Wait--there it was again--closer this time!A loud screech rent the night. Vorox!The Glatorian leapt to his feet and drew his sword and Thornax launcher. He could hear them, moving about among the sand and rocks, scenting the air, searching for prey. He did not bother to hide; the Vorox would surely scent him. They would smell his fear.The first appeared. With a shriek that echoed through the night a Vorox descended from the overhang, snarling at the Jungle Glatorian. Sword in hand he lunged just as the beast attacked; it dodged his blade and jabbed with its tail, but the exile dodged and took aim with his launcher. The Vorox poised to strike just as a Thornax latched onto its face. It snarled and hissed as it scratched at the fruit in an attempt to remove it, but before it got the chance, the Jungle Glatorian struck.The Vorox crumpled. One less of the beasts to worry about, the Glatorian thought. But where's the rest of his--His thought was cut off by a screech from behind him. He whirled around to see nine more Vorox, crying out in anguish and indignation at the sight of their deceased brother. Growling and sibilating they surged forward.The exile defended himself valiantly against the onslaught. His blade flashed as it lashed out at his attackers and parried the blows from their stingers. But he was hopelessly outnumbered. Ere long a swift blow to the leg from a Vorox stinger brought him to his knees, and in a moment they had him pinned to the ground. He had already received several blows, stings and gashes, and his head was throbbing. He was slipping into unconsciousness. Through bleary eyes and behind black spots he saw the Vorox poise their tails.He was alone. There was no one to save him. No one who would notice that he never returned from his journey across the desert. Alone. . . . He closed his eyes.

The exile's eyes fluttered open. His body ached, his head throbbed, the world around him shook, and his vision was brumous. All he could see were two vague shapes standing over him: one was an Agori, the other a Glatorian."Am I--dead?" he groaned."No," responded a voice. "But you came darn close. You must have been mad, wandering about the desert alone in the middle of the night!"Alone, the Glatorian echoed mentally. You've hit the nail on the head."I--I had a delivery I was anxious to make by tomorrow," he lied."And you were willing to risk your life for it?" said the voice contemptuously. The Jungle Glatorian's eyes were clearing, and he discerned the speaker as a Tajunan Agori. Into a bag that hung from his shoulders he repatriated bandages, jars containing various substances, and other materials that disclosed him as a medic.At that same moment, the Jungle Glatorian realized that it was not fever that caused the world to shake around him, but it was real movement; they were riding in a caravan."Well, you're safe now," he went on. "You were lucky though; if Tandar here hadn't shown up in time to scare away those Vorox. . . ." The Agori shook his head grimly."The real credit belongs to you, doc," responded the Fire Glatorian, addressing the Water Agori. The Jungle Glatorian looked Tandar up and down; he was the same Glatorian with whom he had confabulated when he had first approached the travellers. "We're lucky we had a medic in the caravan, otherwise--well, we did, and thank goodness. ""Well--I--thanks," the exile muttered awkwardly. "For--for saving me, I mean. Nobody's ever--well--thanks." He moved to sit up."Not so fast!" warned the medic, pushing him back down. "You need to rest.""But--I don't want to be an imposition--""A fool is what you're being," Tandar interposed. He continued: "You're hurt. The doc says you should be well enough to move about on your own by the time we arrive in Vulcanus tonight, but until then, you ride with the caravan. Free of charge, of course."The Jungle Glatorian smiled--the first real smile that had spread across his face in a long time."Thank you," said he. "It's an inadequate phrase, but--thank you."Tandar returned the smile. "Think nothing of it."And from then on, silence reigned. Occasionally one of them would make a remark about the weather or something thus trivial, and several times they engaged in short conversations concerning professional affairs, but for the most part they rode in quietude, musing, daydreaming, or simply dozing.At last, well after the sun had disappeared beyond the horizon, they reached Vulcanus and disembarked. The Jungle Glatorian bid vale to his new acquaintances, after first promising to join them on the caravan's journey to Tajun.A strange feeling welled up in his chest. It was a feeling entirely new to him; but it was a wonderful one.Alone, he strolled into Vulcanus. Alone, he thought, but . . . perhaps . . . not entirely.Even the moon, the exile observed with an atypically blithe sigh, seemed to be smiling now.

Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

A silver orb drifted through space, an insignificant speck in the vast universe. But at that moment, to the five passengers it carried, that was all that existed. Their home, the only shred of the omneity they had ever known, was now just a twinkling light in the darkness surrounding their transport.To me that planet which we had only recently left seemed as nothing but a distant memory. My house, my village, my ocean--all seemed so small and insignificant in comparison to the immensity that stretched away from me now in all directions. Hundreds of twinkling specks crowded into sight, hiding Spherus Magna in a whirl of apparent clones.It was painful just to think about it. My whole life was nothing. Unknown and worthless to many people of my own planet, apart from the unthinkable amounts of beings in other galaxies and planets.And I refused to even think about alternate dimensions. That's just taking a fraction already smaller than a trillionth and dividing it by thousands, maybe even millions.How I envied the Agori and Glatorian back home, who remained carefree, and oblivious to how inane their lives really were. I, however, was forever scarred by the knowledge.Knowledge may be power...but ignorance is bliss.Seren's voice broke through my thoughts. "Is everyone okay?""I stubbed my toe, but I think I'll survive," Klimaat replied satirically."If you're so eager to report, have you sighted any potentially threatening objects?" Seren asked."Not yet, but I'm crossing my fingers.""Klimaat! That's nothing to joke about!" Veverka scolded. "This is serious! The Great Beings are relying on us!""Keep your helmet on! Don't you have any sense of humor?" Klimaat rebutted."Veverka," Seren cut in, "How is the Unreachable Star holding up?""Excellently, captain," Veverka answered eagerly. "There was a small leak in the main engine pipe, but I'm not surprised. It's all patched up now.""Very good. Nagaan, are we on course?""Of course I am!" assibilated the Skrall's voice. "The Great Beings gave very specific instructions on the probable location of the Etran's planet, based on their trajectory, among other such things none of you would understand. It would take an cool dude to err with such clear directions."Klimaat interrupted with a derisive comment: "Then I guess we're in trouble.""Klimaat! There is no place for that on this mission, do you hear me? We must work together, regardless of what we think of one another." Seren reprimanded angrily. "Just look at me: I'm working with you, aren't I?""Now wait a second, O fearless leader! I--auugh!" The Glatorian's retort was interrupted with a cry of pain. "Ohhh....If she keeps this up, my brain will be reduced to mush!""Don't worry, it can't get much mushier than it already was," said Veverka deprecatingly."And what would you know about brains, Agori?" Klimaat taunted.An insult to my own species! I refused to take it sitting down. "I'd rather be an Agori than a mindless brute like you!""You're all mindless!" Nagaan jeered. "Foolish, petty squabblers!""It takes one to know one!""And you know better than any!""Silence!" Seren roared. His usual calm tone abandoned, he went on furiously, "All of you! Calm yourselves! We cannot fight amongst ourselves when our mission depends upon unity! We are a team, and friends or not the Great Beings are trusting us to complete the Stellar Quest! We cannot let them down by bickering with one another! Is that clear?"I sat down, mutely agreeing with every syllable. I scolded myself for joining the argument. I knew how much the expedition depended upon our collaboration, yet how could we all get along when we were so different? None of us had ever even met before! We were each from a different tribe, and we each had a unique personality. Some were harder to cooperate with than others. Could we ever put aside our differences and become a team?"Is that clear?" Seren repeated."Yes, sir," Veverka and I replied willingly."Yes, sir," Klimaat grumbled."Nagaan?""I agree with you," Nagaan admitted with a sigh. "If we cannot work together we cannot succeed, which makes me wonder all the more why the Great Beings allowed you pettish Glatorian and Agori to be chosen as part of the team, when a group of Sisters of the Skrall would get along much better."Klimaat began indignantly, "Now listen here, Skrall scum--"Seren cut him off crisply. "Bridle your tongue, Klimaat.""If that is all, I would like to get back to piloting the ship, and I would very much appreciate it if you refrained from further disturbing me.""As would I. I don't want to hear another word out of any of you unless it's important," Seren ordered.Followed by this statement, all speaking ceased. The only sound came from the jets, roaring quietly from the bottom of the ship as we flew through space.I got to my feet. Thanks to the ship's gravity system, my feet remained firmly on the floor as I began to pace around the room.With nothing to distract me, my worries returned: I fretted over the the division between our team members, which would be dangerous to our success; I nervously considered the endless repositories of knowledge I could not even imagine; and I pondered how trivial it all really was, compared to the grand vastness of the universe.My heart twisted painfully as I pined for home, where I knew waves gently lapped at the shores. The peaceful sound always soothed me. But at that moment, the only sound was the roar of engines and the ringing of silence, which gave me no comfort.There was also a high-pitched humming, which at first I did not recognize; I realized, however, that its key alternated, as if following a tune. Yet it still seemed to emanate from the Engine Room, which filled the deck below the Medical Bay.Curious, I walked over to Chute F, which would take me downward. Chute A, which stood close by, led to both the Bridge and the deck above, where our quarters were."Down," I ordered, and the chute descended.I found myself in the engine room, which I had rarely seen. Large turbines spun with a quiet whir, pipes gurgled, others emitted steam. It created a music of its own, which might possibly be soothing to certain people. As for me, it felt nothing like the calming rhythm of my Aqua Magna waves.I heard the hum again, which reminded me of my purpose. I turned my head to its source, and there stood Veverka, her back to me, swaying smoothly from side to side.I stood, listening to her peaceful humming. That was a melody comparable to my beloved waves. I allowed it to enrapture me, dispelling my troubled thoughts.I closed my eyes and hummed along, just as Veverka broke into a captivating ballad:

With one final high, prolonged note, Veverka's song ended.I was smiling contentedly. Her song had been just what I needed. "That was marvelous," I breathed.Veverka nearly hit the ceiling. "Reise!" she gasped. "You surprised me!""I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," I apologized."No, it's okay. I just didn't realize I had an audience, that's all." In reponse to my first statement, she said, "Thank you, I'm glad you liked it. But I'm sorry if I disturbed you.""Disturbed me? Not at all! Your song was--was beautiful! It was exactly what I needed to soothe my mind," I replied.She grinned sheepishly. "Thank you. My mother sang it to me when I was young. And now, whenever I feel troubled, I sing it to calm myself.""So you're worried, too?"Veverka nodded. She hesitated before speaking again. "Everything's so--so new. There's so much to learn! There's just so much out there! It's not easy to take in, is it?""No," I replied, "not easy at all."She sighed. "Thinking about it often keeps me awake at night.""Yes, me too. I'm sure it does to all of us.""Except Klimaat and Nagaan."I laughed. "Well...no, not Klimaat," I agreed. "But Nagaan's different. She's arrogant, but wise. I'm sure she feels the same as the rest of us, even if she would never admit it."Veverka nodded. "You're probably right." She paused thoughtfully. "But her arrogance worries me. Klimaat's, too. They're so full of themselves! It could be dangerous to the mission, don't you think?""Yes, I do," I admitted. "It's one of my biggest worries. But the Elemental Lords chose us, all of us--and the Great Beings approved. And how can we question their decisions?""You're probably right....""I'm sure I am. Besides, in time, we'll all learn to get along. You'll see.""I just hope we have enough time," said Veverka ominously.We stood there quiescently, pondering her words.A sudden beep made us jump. Someone was trying to contact Veverka, who had disabled her communicator.Veverka stepped to a table where her computer sat, and where she had left her communicator. She set it on open frequency and asked, "Yes?"It was Seren, urgently issuing orders. "To your stations, everyone! We've been spotted by an Etran spacecraft!"

Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Several months later...It was a surprise when at last the Great Beings announced that they had nothing further to teach us. So much time had passed, and we had all learned so much. Yet, that fateful night when the Element Lords had fetched those chosen to be members of the Stellar Quest team to their underground labyrinth seemed as if it had happened only the previous day, at least to me.Most of our training had been separate, and even when we were together we had little chance to talk with one another. The Great Beings kept us so busy that we had no time to socialize with one another. I could not help but wonder if it was so wise to send five complete strangers out into the infinite blackness beyond our skies together. But how could I question the Great Beings?My own training was fascinating. We were all shown the basics of the ship and our equipment, but after that we were instructed in our specific fields. In my case, that meant learning to use the vast arrays of medical devices which, on the mission, would be at my disposal. Furthermore I had to know the best way to deal with unknown diseases, which would be a probable factor in our mission.My teacher was a Great Being named Maharba. He told me that he was one of the best medical experts among the Great Beings, and had himself created most of the equipment I was to use. He was not very friendly, however. He was stern and crabby, always impatient with me. If I made any mistakes he became very irritated. He was obviously displeased that the Element Lord of Water had chosen an Agori. Yet all this only encouraged me to work and learn harder. By the end of my training, I would say I was much more advanced in the practice of medicine than any Agori or even Glatorian on Spherus Magna.And as I learned to tend the health and care of my crewmates, the others were trained in their fields. Nagaan learned everything there was to know about piloting and navigating, while Klimaat learned to operate, manage, and clean our weapons and other small gadgets. And as Veverka was taught the inner workings of our transport, Seren was educated in strategy, leadership, observation, and other such things that would be important to him as captain.But there was still so much we did not know, so much we had yet to learn. We knew everything we needed to know about the Unreachable Star, all our amazing equipment, yet the most important aspect of the mission was entirely unknown.Space. The stars. That infinite blackness that stretched above Spherus Magna when the sun did not hide it. And moreover, those strange beings, with their flat, round projectiles, powerful beams of light, and their gigantic vehicles. They were the most dangerous part of our mission, and that's only including what we did know--but all the unseen would be even more perilous.This, of course, was the purpose of our operation. We had to learn more, to discover what we did not know, and explain the unexplained. But it was still a terrifying prospect, and such thoughts, among so many others, often kept me awake at night.But my worries had to be pushed to the back of my mind during the day, for training took all my attention. I always enjoyed the relief, even if I knew it would only last a day.And at last, after our interminable tutelage--one morning when, like clockwork, we all awoke, and made our way to the Bridge to report to the Great Beings--Angonce greeted us over the communicator with an announcement:"Congratulations, Stellar Quest Team! You have trained long and hard, and at last you have all the necessary knowledge we can give you. We need not delay your mission any longer. As I speak, the Element Lords are making public the details of this project to their villages. It will put the Glatorian and Agori at ease, I am sure, to have our doings confirmed.""Confirmed?" Veverka echoed. "What do you mean by that?"Angonce laughed. "It seems a rumor has been spreading that the Element Lords are forming a secret army to attack the "Etran," as the villagers call them now.""Etran?" Klimaat grinned. "I should have thought of that one."If he had, I would not have been surprised. "Etran" meant "extra foreign" in Agori."How did the rumor get started?" I wondered aloud."It most likely started with Cynnia," Angonce replied."Cynnia?" Veverka looked surprised. "I never would have expected this from her.""I'm sure it was an accident," Seren said. "She probably just told a friend or two, who in turn told a few friends. From there, things could easily spread and evolve into a plan to attack the "Etran" with a secret army. You know how things like this swarm and distort.""Not that this discussion on the workings of gossip isn't fascinating," Nagaan interrupted snidely, "but I would like to know, when do we leave?"All eyes turned to the communicator. Angonce's voice answered, "Begin preparations immediately. If all goes well, you will be leaving tomorrow."

We awoke the next morning to find the Element Lords waiting on the Bridge."We have come to wish you our luck and farewells," Sand explained.We all stepped forward to meet the village leaders, except Nagaan, who hung back, glowering at Rock."I do wish you luck," said the latter. He spoke in an insincere and forced manner. "You have trained long and hard, and I--am--proud of you."The Element Lord of Water towered over me. His appearance was very intimidating, though he smiled kindly. "The Great Beings told me how well you did during your training. Congratulations.""Thank you, sir," I responded awkwardly."But remember," he warned, "your journey will be very dangerous. Illnesses and lesions will be a probable aspect, and it is up to you to keep your crewmates strong enough to complete your mission. Success depends as much upon you as the others--if not more so."No pressure,I thought satirically."But I have faith in you, Reise. I know you are meritorious of the task."If only I could share your confidence. But it meant a lot to me to hear him say it. Aloud, I replied, "Thank you, sir. Very much."Two drenching hands were placed on my shoulders. "Good luck."Water stepped back, leaving me dripping wet. As I shook the water from me shoulders, Ice spoke."It is time, Stellar Quest team. Your adventure is about to begin."Sand nodded in agreement. "The time has come. Begin launching procedures."The Element Lords bid us their final good-byes and good-lucks as they filed through the air lock, one by one. Soon, the Unreachable Star was empty, but for the five of us.We stood for a few moments, savoring the memory of our leaders' praise, and pondering the arrival of the start of our journey.It's here, I thought. Our expedition is about to begin. We're leaving everything. Our homes and friends, and our beloved planet.But think what you're gaining! Knowledge beyond that of any Agori, of any Glatorian. Knowledge, perhaps, beyond even that of the Great Beings! I reminded myself zestfully. Think of what you'll see! The stars and planets that lie beyond the clouds, far beyond the reach of wildest imagination. Beings and objects unknown to Spherus Magnians.After several minutes, I was shaken back to the present by Seren's voice."Right, then. Time for take-off!" he declared suddenly. "Everyone, to your posts."Seren sat down in his chair, which was quite a remarkable one. It had the abilty to rove around the room, controlled by a pad of buttons on the right arm. This allowed Seren to reach any button, lever, or so on, and thus he could oversee the operations of the whole ship from the comfort of a sitting position.Meanwhile, Nagaan entered Chute A, which led only to the cockpit at the very top of the ship. I had never seen it myself, and had occasionally wondered what it was like; but I knew that right before launch was not the time to find out. Besides, it was highly unlikely that my visit would be appreciated.So instead I took Chute C down to the Medical Bay, where I seated myself at my desk. Personally, I saw no reason I should be there. What purpose could I serve? Then again, what purpose could I serve elsewhere?Shrugging, I switched on the computer sitting on the table before me. Besides its many other uses, by that machine I could see from the top and bottom of the ship, as if sitting there myself. Maharba had explained that this was done via "cameras," though he had not told me what a "camera" was. I imagined it as some sort of giant eyeball.I set my communicator on open frequency, which would allow for us all to converse simultaenously. Thus, as I sat at my desk, my eyes and ears were all over the ship. What thaumaturgic inventors those Great Beings are!"Is everyone set?" asked Seren's voice.Veverka eagerly answered, "I'm prepping the engines now.""Standing by." This was Klimaat's voice."Awaiting orders, sir," said I."I'll be taking off in one minute," Nagaan hissed over the communicator. "You had all better be ready.""I believe that would be my decision, Nagaan," Seren returned smoothly."Make that thirty seconds.""Nagaan!""Ten....Nine...."Veverka let out a distressed cry. "Nagaan, the engines aren't ready!"Seren's voice was wavering angrily as he said forcefully, "Nagaan, you must wait until the ship is fully prepared!""Eight....""Nagaan--"I interjected. "Please, Nagaan! The Great Beings would not be pleased if you damaged the Unreachable Star by taking flight before she's ready."There was a pause. Finally, Nagaan said muttered, "Fine. But hurry up.""Woah," breathed Klimaat. "Reise can speak her language!"Muffled giggles showed that Veverka was striving to prevent Nagaan from hearing her amusement.This was followed by a lengthy silence. I entertained myself by toggling my computer screen between a view from the top of the ship to one from the bottom. Eventually I discovered that I could split the computer screen and watch both at the same time.I resigned to twiddling my thumbs, until at last Veverka declared, "The engines are ready!""About time," sibilated Nagaan impatiently."Commence countdown," Seren instructed. A hint of enthusiasm crept into his voice."Ten..." Nagaan began, "nine...eight...seven...." With every syllable, she made obvious her displeasure at being commanded by a "lesser being." But even she could not diguise her excitement.I was shaking with ardor. Just a few more moments...."Five...."A deep rumbling sounded from the engines, which were only a floor below me.I began to whisper along with Nagaan as she continued."Three...."This was it. We were about to leave!"Two....""One...."Our adventure was about to begin!"Ignition!"I could not help shouting it aloud, in chime with the rest of the crew.The engines roared. My computer screen revealed huge flames bursting from the base of the Unreachable Star, propelling us upward. The other half showed tunnel walls sliding past; slowly at first, then faster, and faster!Presently I saw below us the mouth of a dormant volcano--so that was where the tunnel emerged! Higher and higher we went, and the surface of Spherus Magna stretched before my eyes.And above, stars! Hundreds of dazzling lights twinkling in the night sky!My eyes transposed rapidly between the two half-screens. We burst through a cloud just as I spotted the waters of Aqua Magna.That's when it struck me the most. We had left Spherus Magna. We really had. This wasn't some dream, it was all reall. Too real. It was very daunting.And at the same instant, it was elating! Our journey, our adventure, our new lives had begun!We had embarked upon the Stellar Quest!

Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith