"JUMP WAS SUCCESSFUL. ENTERING ALPHA CENTAURI SYSTEM."
Gradually the view outside reverses itself. Violet stars become visible at the edge of the field of view and gradually take on their normal colours as the black void shrinks towards the centre of the view. The constellations reappear...but the arrangement of the stars is subtly different. Finally the star that had been in the centre of field comes back into view...only now you see it as a pair of full blown suns: one yellow-white, the other tinged with orange; while a third, much fainter red sun hangs off to one side.
"WHERE TO NOW, WILL ROBINSON?" asks the robot. "THE COMPUTER RECORDS SAY A DOZEN PLANETS AND 22 SPACE STATIONS ARE IN THIS SYSTEM...THOUGH SENSORS INDICATE THAT SEVERAL PLANETS AND STATIONS ARE MISSING."
Zanax looks at Tully, "Ummm...what does that mean?"
"THE COMPUTER RECORDS NEED UPDATING, DON WEST," replies the robot.
Zanax raises an eyebrow and in his best Spock voice says, "Robot, please speculate on cause of missing planets and stations."
Tully says, "Yes. How does a planet go missing?"
"THE COMPUTER RECORDS ARE THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD, DON WEST. THIS IS A TRIPLE STAR SYSTEM SO PLANETARY ORBITS ARE NOT THAT STABLE. THEY MAY HAVE BEEN EJECTED FROM THE SYSTEM OR FALLEN INTO ONE OF THE STARS. OR ELSE, SOMEONE BLEW THEM UP."
"Do you know who owns the space stations, robot? Are they active?"
"THE COMPUTER RECORDS DO NOT INDICATE WHO WERE THE OWNERS. BESIDES, THOSE ENTRIES ARE THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD. THE SHIPS SENSORS ARE DETECTING SEVERAL BEACONS FROM SPACE STATIONS."
He turns to Zanax and says, "Maybe we should contact them. What do you think?"
Zanax shrugs, not seeming to understand completely what is going on.
Tully says, "It helps if you think of these ships as regular sailing ships. Space stations are like ports but there can be ships there. There may be people, of course."
Zanax shrugs, "Depends on why you want to contact these people. I guess it can't hurt, though."
He turns to the robot, "If the space stations were hostile, could we outrun them and their ships?"
"INSUFFICIENT DATA TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION."
Zanax looks incredulously at Tully, "Ummm...if these space stations blew up planets, do you think we can outrun them?"
"I don't know."
Zanax looks concerned, "That's not the reassuring answer I was looking for..."
"I know. Whoever is in these stations, if they have moved worlds, they must have powerful magic indeed."
Zanax looks even more disturbed, "Moved worlds? Sounds like that would mean they're more powerful than people who could destroy worlds..."
"Robot, what would normally be done in this situation by the captain of this ship?"
"YOUR QUESTION DOES NOT COMPUTE. THERE ARE TOO MANY VARIABLES TO INTEGRATE."
"Ummm...Robot, which of the ummm...space stations around here show signs of life?"
Tully adds in, "And can you tell what kind of life they are?"
"THE JUPITER 2 DOES NOT HAVE LIFE DETECTING SENSORS, DON WEST. I AM PICKING UP RADIO NAVIGATION BEACONS."
"Can you communicate with them?"
"AFFIRMATIVE. WHAT DID YOU WANT TO SAY?"
"Uhm," He looks over at Zanax.
"TRANSMITTING," replies the robot.
"Well," He looks back over at the robot.
"TRANSMITTING."
Tully rolls his eyes when he realizes what he has done. "Please stop transmission and let me know if there is a response to my hesitant speech."
He looks over at Zanax and smiles, "Maybe they will send a cleric over to help us."
He shrugs and says, "Can you tell who owns these stations? What race they are?"
"THESE STATIONS WERE CONSTRUCTED ORIGINALLY BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE HOME UNIVERSE SOME 20,000 YEARS AGO. THE LAST REGISTERED OWNERS WERE THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SECOND PTARTON EMPIRE PLUS PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS AND CORPORATIONS SOME EIGHT THOUSAND YEARS AGO."
"Wow! That is amazing. I am surprised they are still around."
Zanax shrugs, "Well, why did we come out here? Did you want to contact them? Maybe we should check out an abandoned one first."
"Good idea. Let's do that."
He says, "Robot, can you take us to the nearest abandoned station that is in good enough shape that we could enter it?"
"I DO NOT KNOW WHICH STATIONS ARE ABANDONED. DO YOU MEAN A STATION THAT IS NOT BROADCASTING A BEACON?"
"Yes. However, what are the others broadcasting?"
"I AM PICKING UP NOTHING FROM THREE OF THEM. I AM PICKING UP A QUERY FROM THE ALPHA CENTAURI SPACE TRAFFIC CONTROL COMPUTER," the robot reports, "REQUESTING IDENTIFICATION, ORIGIN AND DESTINATION."
Tully looks over at Zanax. "I guess there are living people here."
Zanax shrugs, "Maybe it's like a Magic Mouth spell...pre-programmed?"
"Maybe..." says Tully.
He looks over at the robot, "What is the usual response, Robot?"
"THE SHIP'S NAME, ORIGIN SOL SYSTEM, DESTINATION ALPHA CENTAURI. I HAVE ALREADY REPLIED."
Looking concerned, Zanax says, "Robot, what will happen if we do not respond?"
"INSUFFICIENT DATA TO REPLY."
"Any response back from them?"
"AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO PROCEED," the robot replies, and swings to face Tully. "IT IS A COMPUTER THAT I AM COMMUNICATING WITH, WILL ROBINSON. IT IS NOT A LIVING BEING. IT REPORTS THAT NO ADVANCED INTELLIGENT LIFE ABIDES IN THIS STAR SYSTEM ANYMORE. I AM UPLOADING HISTORICAL DATA FROM ITS MEMORY BANKS. THIS STAR SYSTEM WAS ONCE CALLED TOLIMAN. THREE OF ITS WORLDS WERE TERRAFORMED OVER 75,000 YEARS AGO BUT ABANDONED SOME SEVEN THOUSAND YEARS AGO WHEN THE SECOND PTARTON EMPIRE COLLAPSED. THE WORLDS ARE NOW REVERTING TO THEIR ORIGINAL STATES. THE COMPUTER ADVISES THAT SOME OF THE SPACE STATIONS STILL RETAIN AN ATMOSPHERE BREATHABLE BY HUMANS BUT MOST DO NOT. THERE HAVE BEEN OCCASIONAL VISITORS TO TOLIMAN SINCE THE EMPIRE ABANDONED IT. THE MOST RECENT WAS AN ELVEN SAIL SHIP FROM EARTH IN 1364. IT VISITED THE PLANET TOLIMAN A3 AND THEN DEPARTED FOR ZETA HERCULIS, WHICH THE COMPUTER INFORMS ME HAS AN INHABITED WORLD. AT THE SAIL SHIP'S EXPECTED VELOCITY IT SHOULD BE ABOUT A LIGHT YEAR OUT FROM TOLIMAN AT THIS TIME.
"THE COMPUTER ALSO INFORMS ME THAT PRIOR TO THAT AN ORC RAIDER JUMPED INTO THE FRINGES OF THIS SYSTEM BUT DID NOT TARRY. THAT WAS IN 1359.
"THE CLOSEST SPACE STATION TO US NOW IS A FORMER RECREATIONAL CENTRE. THE COMPUTER REPORTS THAT IT IS IN POOR CONDITION AND WAS SACKED DURING THE ABANDONMENT OF TOLIMAN DURING THE COLLAPSE OF THE EMPIRE. IT LACKS AN ATMOSPHERE BUT THERE ARE SPACE SUITS ABOARD THE JUPITER 2 IF YOU WISH TO EXPLORE IT.
"WILL ROBINSON, I AM ACTIVATING RAM SCOOPS TO REFUEL THIS SHIP. WE USED 40% OF OUR DEUTERIUM FUEL IN THE JOURNEY FROM EARTH."
"That sounds good, robot, if we can get extra fuel that would be great. Are there any other devices or things we need to get while we are here?"
"NEGATIVE, WILL ROBINSON."
Tully says, "A question, robot, how long will it take us to travel a light year if we wanted to meet up with the elven ship?"
"IN OUR RELATIVISTIC TIME FRAME JUST A FEW MINUTES. IN A NON-RELATIVISTIC TIME FRAME A DAY WOULD PASS."
Zanax looks puzzled.
"Does the computer indicate if any of the stations were not sacked? Those might be more useful."
"ALL OF THE STATIONS WERE STRIPPED OR SACKED DURING THE FINAL EVACUATIONS."
Zanax grimaces, "Damn thieves!"
Tully says, "Well, it was an evacuation so they probably got what they could. They also probably left some things behind. Let's check one of the stations out that has a breathable atmosphere."
Zanax nods, "I'd be curious just to take a look at these...stations."
Tully turns to the robot, "Robot, do you have any weapons on board this ship?"
"AFFIRMATIVE. THERE ARE LASER GUNS AND RIFLES."
Zanax asks Tully, "Weapons? What more do you need than a trusty sword?"
Tully replies, "Not much more, but these weapons they have are good from a distance. I figure we can use something similar if they don't want to engage us in battle. Assuming there is anyone nearby."
Tully says, "Can you show us how to use them, Robot? Or explain it?"
"I CAN EXPLAIN THEM. THE REST IS UP TO YOU."
Zanax shrugs, "Sounds good to me. Robot, show us where these laser guns and rifles are."
The robot backs away from the controls and leads you over to the elevator. Down to the lower level you go, where the women are still sniffling. Leading you to a small room, he opens up a cabinet. There on a rack are a dozen rifles and a dozen pistols. They look similar to some of the technological items in the MAIN community chest.
Zanax raises an eyebrow and grabs three rifles out of rack; one for Robot, one for Tully and one for himself. "OK, what are these things called and where can we practice using these weapons without damaging the ship?"
The robot refuses a weapon.
"I AM ALREADY ARMED, THANK YOU DON WEST," it says. "THERE IS NOWHERE ON BOARD WHERE YOU CAN SAFELY FIRE THESE WEAPONS."
Zanax shrugs and returns the rifle to the rack. He says, "Robot, if we cannot safely fire these weapons here, please show us how to operate them."
Tully says, "Or at least explain how."
He points to the robots clawed hands.
He looks over at Zanax, "I think I have a good idea from what Occa had shown me a while back."
The robot quickly reviews the controls on the weapons. They are very straightforward and simple. The lasers are very similar to the hand blaster that Tully already carries. They even take the same charges.
When you are ready you return to the bridge.
With the robot guiding, Tully manipulates the controls, bringing the Jupiter 2 onto a new heading. The ship accelerates for a few moments, then slows down again.
Now in your view is one of the space stations. You have never seen the likes of it before. A vast tangle of interconnected tubes, girders, globes and cylinders, it stretches for tens of miles before you. Lights upon the various structures that comprise the station blink at apparently random intervals.
"THIS WAS THE CLOSEST STATION WITH A BREATHABLE ATMOSPHERE," explains the robot. "THE ALPHA CENTAURI COMPUTER STATES THAT THIS WAS A GENERAL COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CENTRE WHEN IT WAS LAST OCCUPIED. I HAVE LOCKED US ONTO A COURSE FOR THE MAIN LANDING AREA. SHALL WE PROCEED?"
The Jupiter 2 closes slowly upon the station.
Zanax looks over his equipment, "Locked and loaded!"
Tully watches and learns. He asks the robot how he will land, what to do so as to not hit the station with the ship, etc. If things look tricky, he will let the robot take control until he has a bit more experience.
The Jupiter 2 cruises slowly towards a large cylinder with an enormous opening in one end. As you pass through the opening there is a bit of a sparkle from outside, and then the darkness is lit by a myriad of lights, illuminating an enormous flat area. It is mostly barren, though you see what appear to be a half a dozen other ships parked along one side of the area.
In the middle of the chamber, the robot directs Tully to bring extend the legs and land the ship. This he does, though the Jupiter 2 comes down on two legs before settling on all three with a bit of a jolt.
Once docked, Tully says, "Robot, do you think you should stay here and guard the ship?"
"AFFIRMATIVE."
"If we go exploring, is there a way that we can find our way back here easily?"
"AFFIRMATIVE. JUST ASK DIRECTIONS. THE STATION CONTROLLER CAN GUIDE YOU."
"Also, does the computer provide a map of the station?"
"YOU WILL FIND WALL PANELS WITH MAPS ON THEM."
He looks over at Zanax and says, "Let's go!"
He and Zanax head onto the station.
The women are still upset as you pass them on your way outside.
You descend the stairs to the floor of the space port, then stop in surprise.
Standing before you is a beautiful human female, young, with long hair, clad in a form fitting one piece suit which extends from her boots to her neck.
"Good morning," she says, "And welcome to Amalda Station."
Zanax scans the young woman for evil as he replies, "Good morning, Miss. My name is Zanax. Who are you?"
He detects no evil.
"Hello, Zanax," she says with a smile, "You may call me Amalda1."
Zanax smiles back a bit puzzled, "Amalda1? Is it a coincidence that you and the station share the same name?"
"It is no coincidence. Me and the station are really the same entity."
"I see," Zanax replies, obviously not understanding it at all. "Perhaps you could show us where we could test our weapons without damaging this...ummm, station."
"Of course. There is a small firing range."
She turns and leads you towards a wall. As you approach a portion of it shimmers out of existence, revealing a passage beyond. You pass through the opening and enter the hallway. The wall behind you shimmers back.
Tully smiles and says, "Good morning. I am sorry but we were under the impression this place was abandoned."
"It is," she answers. "And has been for thousands of years."
Zanax looks even more puzzled, "If this place has been abandoned for thousands of years, then what are you doing here?"
Tully bows and says, "Well, why are you here Almada1? Are there more people here?"
"I am your guide," she replies, "And no, there are no people here."
Amalda1 smiles.
"I apologise for the confusion. I am a construct of the station. I am not living. I was created to welcome you here and to act as your guide. If you prefer I can be reshaped into something a little less...human...in appearance."
Zanax shakes his head, "Oh, no! Please, your current...ummm, form...is very attractive and pleasing."
She smiles again and moves a little closer to Zanax.
"Thank you. And what would you like to do during your visit?"
Zanax flushes as she approaches, "Ummm...explore this station of yours and learn how to use these weapons."
"We can do that," she says.
Tully says, "Indeed it is. There is only one way it could be better."
A near clueless Zanax asks, "Really? How?"
Tully rolls his eyes, "You are a paladin aren't you? Me...I like women more than my own holy avenger."
He chuckles.
"And that is..?"
Tully says, "Uhmm, well, you know...I mean, I am partial to green eyes."
"I see," she answers, and suddenly you notice that she has green eyes.
Zanax goes wide-eyed, "Really? You have a holy avenger? I had one...once."
Tully smacks his forehead and laughs. "No, my friend, I do not. I am sorry."
A crestfallen Zanax can only respond, "Oh."
But immediately cheers up and adds, "Well, maybe we'll find one here!"
Tully says, "We might indeed. Let's go look for it."
Tully asks, "Are there any other living creatures on this station besides us? Or is there anything that might be dangerous?"
Her smile lessens.
"There are living creatures here. Some have...moved in since the station was abandoned by the Empire. They may be dangerous if they are hungry."
Tully nods. "Ok, that is good to know. Are they a problem for the station? I mean, would you be better off if they weren't here? I don't suppose you know what they are, do you?"
"Various vermin," she replies. "Through all of recorded history there have always been creatures that have accompanied the various civilised races on their travels...living off of their bounty. On the station there are ants, beetles, puddings, a bulette or two, carrion crawlers and the like. I think the camprats are the worst," she concludes with a shiver. "I hate rats."
Zanax frowns, "And what have they survived on for the past thousand years or so?"
Tully says, "Probably each other."
"There are food supplies on the station."
Tully looks over and says, "Look green eyes, we are here to help. Consider us your exterminators. Show us where they are and we can practice using our weapons on them if you like, of course."
He looks over at Zanax and gives him a big smile.
Zanax nods, "I guess we should ensure this station is safe for any other travellers that might stop here."
Zanax then looks concerned. "Are you not afraid? How have you survived so long with these creatures aboard?"
"They do not bother me. I am not a living creature, remember?"
Zanax nods, "I guess, but why don't you get rid of them if they are a potential threat to those that might return?"
"You are welcome to try," she replies, "As they do consume valuable resources. As for our people returning, I do not think that is very likely."
Her smile fades a bit.
Zanax looks toward Amalda1, "Do you know where these vermin live? Can you show us?"
"They move around. I am sure we can find some."
Zanax nods, "And if we clear these vermin, would you be opposed to us possibly inhabiting this station? Or does someone else own this place?"
She pauses.
"You would want to...live here?" she asks with a bit of a catch in her throat.
Tully says, "It does seem nice so far. You are also very good company."
Zanax pauses, "Well, I'm not saying permanently. Is there a problem with that?"
"No," she says, collecting herself. "Not at all."
She resumes walking.
Zanax catches up to her and asks, "Can robots lie?"
"That depends on their programming."
Zanax shakes his head, "Let me re-phrase that. Can you lie?"
"Under certain conditions, yes."
Zanax sighs and says to Tully, "You can't trust anybody these days."
Turning back to Amalda1, he asks, "Were you lying earlier when you said there would be no problem with us living here?"
She smiles and looks at him. "No, I was not."
Tully says, "We could use this as our base of operations, Zanax. I bet Occa would love to have a room here. We could bring some people here as well. Repopulate it. Just imagine the possibilities!"
Zanax smiles, "That's what I was thinking, but I wanted to make sure there wasn't going to be a problem with the previous owners...or Amalda. Plus, considering the size of this station, it will take us a while to clear of vermin."
"Amalda1, do you or this station have the ability to combat creatures inside the station?"
"We can purge areas to remove creatures that might damage it. If they do not damage the station then we let them be."
"Strategically, what areas do you suggest we clear of vermin first?"
She shrugs.
Tully says, "Then we will try if it will help you. Why don't you show us the most likely path to the vermin?"
"Many types of creatures live in the park," Amalda1 says, turning down a side passage. "It is the most...natural...area of Amalda."
On the way, Tully asks, "So, have you ever thought about leaving the station?"
She looks at him curiously.
"How? I am the station!"
"Oh, but you are walking here with us. Can you not walk outside? I am assuming you are similar to robot, but am I wrong?"
She looks at Tully.
"Your robot is from a more recent era than I," she says, almost sounding a bit insulted, "Therefore he is much less advanced. I am able to travel for short distances outside of Amalda but must maintain a communication link with it."
Tully says, "My apologies, I meant no offense. I just assumed that a much more advanced being would have a means to move about. Is there nothing that can be built that would allow you to move about?"
She stops, and with a patient smile explains the facts of her life to Tully.
"I was created with a specific purpose in mind, namely to guide visitors around Amalda and make them feel welcome here. There is no need for me to travel far from this station."
She pauses.
"I am...a physical incarnation of the mind of the central computer. Do you understand?" she concludes with a smile. "I take it that you are from a less advanced culture than that which built Amalda. Such concepts can be...challenging."
Tully smiles and says, "You are correct. I am hoping you can teach us more. Is there a library here, we would both like to know as much as we can. Also, do you think we could use your station for upgrading and improving our ship and robot?"
"There is a library here. You are welcome to use it. As for upgrading your ship...well...it is primitive. If it can be upgraded then you would have to take it over to Mechanicsburg 2, which orbits Proxima. Amalda does not have the facilities."
Tully asks, "Is that station operational? Do you think they would be helpful?"
"It is dormant. You may be able to reactivate it."
Zanax suggests, "If it is, perhaps robot could take care of the upgrades while check out the station. Unless...Amalda1, are there any other ships similar to ours or more advanced on this station?"
"There are several scout ships in the landing dock where you arrived."
Zanax smiles at Tully, "Good to know there are options, just in case."
Zanax asks Amalda1, "Can you show us how to fly those ships? And do those ships have weapons?"
"The ships are unarmed," she replies, "And to learn to operate them you would have to be educated and have an interface surgically implanted."
"What is an interface? What is surgically implanted?" Tully asks curiously.
"It is a direct connection between your brain and the computer that controls the space craft. It is implanted into your left frontal lobe."
"Oh, is it good for anything else? Do people just do that so they can fly the ships?"
"It would allow you to interface with other computers," she replies.
Tully nods. "Oh, that is...good, I guess."
Zanax rubs his forehead, "That sounds painful. What can one do after, ummm...interfacing with other computers?"
"You would have instant access to the knowledge banks of the computers," Amalda1 says. "Such an implant has other...uses...as well."
Tully says, "That might be a good idea if we can be sure to get it back. Who knows what kind of vermin is over there...maybe none, who knows? Also, if we do that, I think we should make sure the women get off here just in case."
Zanax nods, "Amalda1, is there a safe place aboard the station that would be comfortable for some of our passengers to wait for us?"
"Yes, there is a hotel."
Zanax nods, "If that's like an inn, that should do."
Zanax looks at Tully, "What do you think?"
Tully says, "Maybe we should bring the women over first. They would probably be more comfortable if they could eat, take a bath and entertain themselves."
Tully turns and heads back to the ship and get the women. Tully says on the way, "Oh, there aren't any vermin in the hotel are there?"
"There may be," Amalda1 answers.
You return to the hangar...just in time to see the Jupiter 2 accelerating away from you...flying through the opening at the far end of the hangar and into space.
As you stand and gape the ship dwindles to a small speck in the distance...and is gone.
Now, you truly are...Lost In Space.
Tully says, "That is just great!"
He looks over at Almada1 and says, "Can you open up communications with the ship?"
"I am already in communication with the robot," she answers.
Tully says, "Robot, this is Will, can you come back to the station?"
Amalda1 answers, "He states that he is unable to do so at this time. The ranking human on the Jupiter 2 has ordered him to take her back to...Occa's?? house and so he is compelled to obey. He says that he will return as soon as he can...provided he has sufficient fuel."
Tully says, "Zanax, he called you something. What was it? Why don't you try to order him back...maybe you are higher rank than whoever he thinks those women are."
Zanax shrugs, "Robot, please return the Jupiter 2 to the space station."
Amalda1 pauses, then a strange look comes over her face.
"He says that your request does not compute," she says. "What does he mean by that?"
Zanax shrugs again, "I do not know. Please just tell Robot to bring the ship back here now."
Amalda1 pauses again.
"He says again, your order does not compute. He has been ordered by the ranking human on the Jupiter 2 to return her to Occa's mansion and he must obey her."
Zanax pauses and responds, "Tell him that his response does not compute. Ask him why an order by the ranking human on Jupiter 2 should overrule mine?"
She pauses.
"He says, 'because you are not on the Jupiter 2'."
Zanax sighs and tells Tully, "We need to make sure that Robot only takes orders from us..."
"Affirmative," Tully says.
He turns to Amalda1 and says, "Can you ask robot to please come back once the ranking woman is off the ship. Then notify you when he returns or when he runs out of fuel on his return?"
"He says, 'affirmative'."
Tully says, "Oh well, we tried. Let's explore."
He then turns to Amalda1 and says, "I don't suppose you could adjust his programming so that he thought of me as higher rank, could you?"
She shakes her head.
"I am sorry."
He shrugs. "Oh well, maybe he will be back. If not, we have your wonderful company and there is always a way to do things. It would be a shame not to repopulate this wonderful station, but if nothing else, we can help you out by clearing it out."
Zanax adds, "Well, we could use those other ships if Jupiter 2 doesn't make it back. Or maybe we can move the space station over Occa's mansion."
"Hmm, there is an idea."
Tully says, "Let's go find the vermin and have some fun. We will have to think of another way to fix this problem later."
Zanax nods, "Ready when you are."
The Jupiter 2 won't be back, so you head out in search of vermin.
"Maybe we should consider that implant thing for flying those other ships. We may have to go find a ship capable of getting us home at some point."
Zanax looks a bit uncomfortable at Tully's suggestion, "Perhaps we should wait before making such rash decisions."
Tully turns to Almada1 and asks, "Are there any problems with getting the implant?"
"None at all. It is perfectly safe."
"How long does it take, Almada One?"
"Just a few minutes."
"Just a few minutes and then I can be up and going again? Heck, next time we go by one of those places, let's do it."
You head back out into the long hallway, back the way you came. Coming to a turn, Amalda1 leads you down another long hallway that eventually ends at an enormous chamber which must be at least a mile long and a third of a mile wide. You are on a long balcony overlooking the floor of the chamber hundreds of feet below. It is a large park, filled with towering trees, open meadows, streams and a small lake. Birds fly through the air, ducks swim on the lake and you see what appear to cattle grazing in a meadow off in the distance.
"This is Amalda Park," says your escort. "It is the largest open area in the space station."
The balcony runs off to the left, and she leads you down it. To the right is the park, while the left wall is lined with what you suspect were many small shops; now all dark and deserted.
At last she stops before an imposing edifice of granite. A large door is in the middle and a brass sign is to one side. It reads -
'Park Lane Hotel'
The doors open as you approach, and Amalda1 leads you into the lobby. It is thickly carpeted and furnished in dark, heavy colours.
You approach the front desk, where you see a woman standing.
"Do you have a reservation?" she asks in cool voice, as she gives you both the once over. Going by her expression she is not too impressed with what she sees.
Zanax turns to Amalda1, "I thought you were going to show us where the vermin are hiding?"
"I thought you would like to settle in and freshen up, first," she says with a polite wrinkle of her nose.
You realise that it has already been a long day.
Tully says, "She is right Zanax, you are rank. I need a bath."
He looks over at Almda1, "Is there a good place to eat here?"
"The restaurant here is good," she answers. "There are also some good places farther up the lane."
Zanax looks puzzled, "Where does the food come from? I thought no one had been here for a long time."
"We have machines which can create food," Amalda1 replies, sounding as if she is trying to keep it simple for you.
Zanax nods, as if comprehending, "I see...just like a Create Food and Water spell. This technology is very much like magic...but different..."
"That's right, Zanax," she says with an indulgent smile.
Tully, deciding to go with the flow, says to the receptionist, "No, we were hoping we would get lucky and find an opening. Are there any openings here?"
"I am sorry. There are no rooms available without a reservation."
Tully says, "Ah, right."
He pulls a gold piece out of his pouch and slides it across the counter. "Could I make a reservation for say...oh, I don't know...how about now?"
He winks at Zanax and Almada1.
She looks at it.
"What is that?"
"Gold, my dear, it is solid gold."
"And what do you do with it?"
Tully says, "Uh, it is money. You know...to pay for our reservation. Can we have a reservation here?"
He looks over at Zanax and shrugs.
Zanax asks, "Amalda1, can you assist us with getting reservation here?"
Tully says, "Amalda1, what do you use for money here?"
"This," says Amalda1, pulling out a small rectangular flat piece of plastic. The upper side is coloured blue, and appears to have a map of some sort printed on it. Words in an ancient script on it say MBNA American Express. "I don't leave home without it."
She hands it to the receptionist, who takes it and puts it through some strange box with a slot in it. She hands it back to Amalda1.
A moment later a tall male in some sort of militaristic uniform approaches you.
"Do you have any luggage?" he asks.
Tully says, "Oh, no, I keep everything in my pouch of many pockets or portable hole."
He gives you a blank look.
"Which way to the rooms?"
"This way, please."
He turns and leads you to a row of doors in the opposite wall. One of the doors shimmers out of existence as you approach, and you enter a small room. The door reappears...then disappears again.
Stepping out, you find that you are in a large, tastefully furnished suite. The entire opposite wall is transparent, giving you a dramatic view of the park. there is a bar in a corner. Several doors open off the main room. The first one you look through is some sort of lavatory...though the appliances and fixtures are strange to your eyes. The other two are large bedrooms.
Tully smiles and says, "This is really nice."
"Did you want to freshen up before dinner?" asks Amalda1.
"If it isn't too much trouble, I wouldn't mind a bath." He will explore until he finds something that looks like a bathtub. "By the way, where is the chamber pot? I have got to go."
"That is it right there," she says, pointing to something of stainless steel with a row of flashing multicoloured lights on top of it. "Would you like me to help you use it?" she offers.
"Umm, what is that? Is that the bath or the chamber pot? I guess I do need to know how to use it because it doesn't look like anything that makes sense to me."
"That is the bath," she says, pointing to something that looks suspiciously like a bath. "You use the toilet like this."
She demonstrates.
Tully says, "Oh, I see you are fully...uhm, functional. Thanks for showing me."
He will use the bathroom and then take a bath.
Zanax, for his part, blushes and goes off to explore the rest of the room and the view of the park. He scans for monsters that might be wandering through the park.
From this height he can not see any nasties.
After about ten minutes, Tully comes out of the bathroom. "Your turn, Zanax."
He is wearing fresh clean clothing.
"I feel better."
Zanax shakes his head, "I'm fine for now. Let us get some food and then explore more of this place."
"Alright, let's do that." He turns to Almada1 and says, "Can you show us where the restaurant is located? Then we will go looking for the vermin that is infesting this place."
She leads you back out the way you came, and you are soon back in the lobby.
Amalda1 leads you across the chamber, through an archway, and into what can only be a bar. The place is deserted, except for what appears to be a balding, middle aged man behind the oak counter, polishing glasses.
Amalda1 orders you drinks, and you sit down in a corner booth. After a few moments another woman comes in and joins you, sitting next to Zanax. She is blonde, blue eyed, beautiful and dressed similar to Amalda1.
"This is Amalda2," your hostess says. "She's going to join us for dinner. I hope you don't mind."
Amalda2 smiles, her eyes lingering on the paladin.
Zanax smiles back at Amalda2 and stammers, "Ummm...pleased to meet you."
Tully says, "Please have a seat, Amalda2. My friend here is named Zanax and I am Tully. He is a bit shy, but warms up after you get to know him."
Zanax stammers, "Yes, the name is Zanax. Ummm...is it a coincidence that you and Amalda1 have similar names? Are you sisters?"
She joins you with a smile.
"In a way, yes," she smiles.
Tully says, "A few more sisters and we could have a real party!"
"That could be arranged," says Amalda1.
"Really?" Zanax asks, not able to take his eyes off Amalda2, "Just how many sisters do you have and what do they all look like you?"
"I have as many sisters as you would need," smiles Amalda1. "They can all look like me...or they can look different."
Zanax blushes, "Ummm...thanks, but I only need one."
Tully says, "You know, I could grow to like this place. I guess we could go hunting tomorrow. What do you think, Zanax? Feel up to a party?"
Zanax continues to stare at Amalda2, "Well, ummm...that sounds good, but perhaps we could continue to explore some safer areas while we party."
"We could go for a walk in the park," suggests Amalda2.
Zanax smiles, "That would be...acceptable."
The drinks are strong but easy to consume. After a few a waiter comes and escorts you into the restaurant. The place is luxuriously furnished...but you are the only patrons.
The waiter hands out menus.
"I would recommend the Steak Florentine," he says, as he fills your water glasses, "It is created according to an ancient programme...and then actually seared over real flames."
Tully tossed down the menu. "Sounds good to me. I will go for that."
You order dinner. The appetizer - a spicy soup with a flavour that you have never experienced before - is superb. The main course arrives, under an enormous silver platter cover. The waiter sets it down on your table and removes the cover with a flourish. However, instead of a delicious meal, he uncovers empty plates! Sitting atop them is some sort of animal...four legged with tiny, raccoon-like paws...larger than a cat...with short striped fur...a prehensile tail...short upright ears...and dark intelligent eyes.
"Burp," it says, then leaps off of the platter and lands atop Zanax's head, where it perches and seems to grin at you.
"Eek!" exclaims Amalda1, "A noor!"
"I am very sorry," says the waiter, "I will have another meal prepared."
He turns and heads back to the kitchen.
Zanax frowns and tries to pick the noor off his head by the scruff of its neck.
Tully says, "Don't hurt it...it looks intelligent."
Zanax replies, "I wasn't planning to. I just want it off my head..."
"Well, ok."
Tully plays a bit of soothing music in order to try to make sure it stays calm.
As Zanax removes it from his head it flicks out its tongue and licks Zanax's face.
Zanax smiles as he wipes his face off with his other hand and looks into the noor's face, "Well, it looks harmless enough."
He scratches the noor under the chin, "Do you have a name, little fellow?"
Tully watches on in amusement.
The creature seems to grin at Zanax.
Zanax smiles at the creature, "Well, it seems harmless enough."
He turns to Amalda1 and Amalda2, "Any objections if I keep him around a while?"
They shrug.
"Noors are generally harmless...if a bit annoying at times."
Zanax eyes the noor, "You heard them...if you get too annoying, you're history. Understand?"
The noor keeps grinning.
Zanax sighs and puts the noor on his shoulder while waiting for dinner to re-arrive.
Tully says, "You might want to place an order for your noor. What are you going to name, him or her, by the way?"
Zanax nods and motions to the waiter, "Please add one more order for our noor."
Zanax turns his head toward the noor, "So, what shall we call you?"
"His fur around his right eye is darker than around the left," says Amalda1, "Let's call him Black-eye."
Zanax nods and replies, "Sounds good to me." He then looks at Black-eye straight in the eyes, "So what do you think, Black-eye...is that a good name?"
Black-eye keeps grinning.
Tully says, "Black-eye. I like it."
Dinner arrives for a second time, with no surprises this time. The steaks are delicious...though to your discerning palates there is a subtle difference in the flavour compared to beef back on Earth.
After dinner, he says, "Shall we go for a walk in the park?"
Zanax nods and offers his arm to Amalda2, "Shall we?"
She takes it.
"That would be very nice," she says. Her breast rubs Zanax's arm as you walk out of the restaurant.
He is just starting to feel pleasantly distracted when the noor runs between his legs...sending him sprawling.
By the time he finds his feet again Black-eye is out the door and and out of sight.
You return to the elevator. This time, when the door reopens you find yourselves in the park level. A grove of dark trees is before you. A paved path leads into the park.
You follow the path...through the trees to an open meadow area, which you cross. The path then goes winding up a forested hillside as the illumination fades slowly. At last you come out onto a level area near the edge of a drop perhaps 50' above the lake you saw earlier. It is almost dark, and the lake is illuminated by a myriad of sparkling lights high overhead. Somewhere back in the woods you think you hear an owl hoot.
"This is a lovely private spot," says Amalda1, drawing Tully away from Zanax and Amalda2.
Zanax clears his throat, "Perhaps it is wiser if we stay together. One never knows what creatures may lurk around here."
"Oh, I'm sure you'll protect me," says Amalda2, looking up at Zanax, lips parted.
Tully says, "Uh, yeah....how about we just stay close. You yell if something comes up on you and I will do the same. If I notice that is..."
He goes off into the bushes with Almada1.
Zanax watches as Tully disappears into the bushes. He turns back to Amalda2,
"Ummm...so, what would you like to do now?"
She pulls his head down towards hers. As their lips are about to meet there is a noise from above, and suddenly something drops between them.
Zanax suddenly finds himself in a passionate lip lock with Black-eye.
Zanax grabs Black-eye by the scruff his neck and looks intently into the noor's eyes, "Do you mind?"
Black-eye licks Zanax's nose.
He then puts Black-eye down and shoos him away.
Turning back to Amalda2, he asks coyly, "Now, where were we?"
Amalda2 sighs.
"Perhaps we should go back," she says.
From over in the bushes you hear a loud rustling.
Zanax draws his sword takes a defensive posture between Amalda2 and the bushes.
"Stay behind me," he tells Amalda2.
The rustling gets louder.
Zanax asks, "Tully, is that you?"
There is no reply.
Zanax tells Amalda2, "Stay here."
Zanax approaches the bushes while scanning for evil.
He sees Tully and Amalda1 going at it. Tully seems to be quite skilled.
Zanax blushes and heads back to Amalda2. Taking her by the arm, he asks Amalda2, "Perhaps you should lead us to a place where we won't be disturbed by noors or noisy bushes."
"I don't know if such a place exists," she replies, leading him back the way you came.
Zanax shrugs, "Then let's go back to my room."
Zanax heads back to the hotel.
Zanax and Amalda2 walk back through the park. It is quite dark now, but all seems to be quiet and peaceful. You leave the park and cross the lane to where an open elevator awaits you. You enter, the door shimmers closed behind you, then dematerialises to reveal your hotel room.
However, you find that the suite has some new occupants...as there are five giant spiders setting up a residence in here now.
"Ugh!" exclaims Amalda2, "Vermin!"
Zanax grabs Amalda2 and backs out the door, "Perhaps we should find another room."
A spider dashes after you with the others following.
You face the first spider in the elevator doorway with Amalda2 behind you.
The spider lunges at you but you deflect its venomous pincers.
Zanax slashes at the spider with his frost brand. The paladin lands a quick hit but then fans. The spider, badly hurt, retreats but another leaps up to take its place. Zanax sinks his blade in this one and kills it.
A third spider attacks. The paladin draws first blood again as he dodges a death dealing bite. His next swing kills it.
Two spiders are dead, one is wounded and two healthy ones remain at the back of the suite, regarding Zanax and his deadly blade warily.
You retreat back into the elevator. The door materialises behind you...then vanishes again. You are looking out into the lobby of the hotel. All looks normal.
Zanax wants to head back to the park. The doors appear then disappear again, and there is the park before you.
You start to make your way back to where you left Tully and Amalda1. You have not gone too far before you hear sounds from ahead, and then your companions come down the path towards you.
Zanax notes that both Tully and Amalda1 are naked and carrying their equipment.
Zanax eyes the pair. "I wouldn't go back to the hotel to get dressed. It seems several spiders have taken up residence in our rooms."
Tully says, "Oh, is that it? Ok, let's get dressed then."
He gets dressed.
"What kind of spiders? These are some of the pests we were talking about getting rid of anyway." He looks over at the beauties and says, "I don't suppose you have anything to help us if we get poisoned by one of the spiders, do you?"
Zanax shrugs, "I'm no spider expert, but I know they're big and poisonous. I managed to kill two and wound one, there's two other healthy ones in the room. And no, I don't have anything to help if we're poisoned."
"We have a hospital," offers Amalda1.
"Ok, well, if one of us drops from a bite, then apply the hospital."
Tully looks over at Zanax and says, "Let's go get them...I am a bit frustrated right now."
Zanax nods and leads the way back to the hotel room with his Frost brand drawn. He whispers to Tully, "By the way, what's a hospital?"
He shrugs. "I think it may be a salve or ointment. Sounds like they may only have one dose, though."
However, when the door vanishes and you look into your suite, you see that the spider that Zanax wounded is dead now as well, and the two remaining healthy giant spiders are eating it.
As soon as they spot you, though, they leave their grisly meal and advance on you.
Zanax turns invisible and attacks the spider on his side of the room with his frost brand.
Tully attacks the other with his longsword.
A battle erupts, as Zanax suddenly reappears in front of the smaller giant spider and attacks with his blade...severely injuring a sofa. The spider tries to clamp its jaws about the paladin but Zanax steps aside. His next swing with the sword is more accurate, opening up the arachnid's carapace.
Tully, meanwhile, ducks under the other spider as it misses him and skewers its soft underside.
Zanax again leaps back as his foe attacks, then closes in and kills it with a well aimed swing.
The last spider, attacking Tully, turns about but misses the bard. Tully lands a glancing blow, then misses.
The spider, perhaps distracted by the arrival of Zanax to help, misses Tully yet again. The paladin lands two quick blows and the last spider dies.
All five spiders are now dead. Your suite is a shambles of broken furniture and spider guts. You are both unhurt but exhausted. It has been a very long day for you...having begun at Occa's mansion over four light years away.
"I think we should see if the front desk can get us another suite," suggests Amalda1.
Tully says, "I think that is a good idea."
Zanax wipes the spider gore off his blade on the bed sheets and then follows Tully and the Amaldas back into the elevator.
Soon you are ensconced in another, similarly furnished suite, which you check over and discover to be spider free.
You adjourn to your respective rooms and have a long sleep.