"Hi guys. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind some company in your
next trip out on the spaceship."
Tully says, "Ah, I understand. Sure, we would love to have you along. Jump on board."
He looks over at Zanax and says, "I suppose we better leave the hookers for another trip now that we have a married man aboard."
There is a different space ship parked on Occa's lawn now. The Jupiter 2 is not to be seen.
For wont of anything better to do you gather up your adventuring gear and head out to the Bill Gates, sitting on Occa's front lawn.
This is a smaller vessel than the Jupiter 2, about 40' X 20' and rather spherical in shape with short wings and a vertical tail. It seems to hover about 10' above the lawn. There is a 4' diameter opening near the centre of the ship's underside.
Tully first goes and stands under this opening, and to Darian's surprise he appears to levitate off of the ground and rise up through the hole in the ship.
Zanax follows and the same thing happens.
Darian finally screws up his nerve and does likewise, and rises up into the ship.
The Bill Gates has three decks. The lower deck appears to be an unused open area or hold, 20' X 36' whose dimensions follow the outer perimeter of the hull, except for the rear bulkhead which is just a straight wall. Rising up through a hole in the ceiling you come to the second deck, which is a large room which takes up roughly the forward two thirds of the ship. You see tables, comfortable chairs and such in there. There are four doors along the stern bulkhead of the room.
The third deck is the control cockpit and is much smaller, only 10' in diameter and circular. Three chairs face forward where there is some sort of ledge or panel covered with small glowing lights and things. You appear to be in the open air above the hull of the ship, but when you extend your hands they sink into something invisible, yielding but ultimately resistant.
Tully and Zanax seat themselves.
"Hello," says a voice out of somewhere. "Welcome aboard the space scout Bill Gates. You may call me Bill for short, or Bill.doc if you prefer."
There is a mechanical sounding chuckle at this apparent little joke.
"Hello, Bill. I'm Darian Trist. If you are a scout, does that mean there is a bigger ship somewhere around?"
"Not necessarily true, Darian Trist. The class of ship that I am a member of is called a scout, specifically an XP class scout."
"Greetings, Bill. Can you access the navigation computer of the Jupiter II?"
"What is a Jupiter 2? Is it XP compatible?"
Zanax seems perplexed, "Uh, forget it, Bill. Can you display a map of this system?"
"Of course. Would you like me to do that?"
Zanax nods, "Yes, Bill, make it so."
"Tully and Zanax, do we have enough provisions to make a trip or should we stock up?"
Zanax shrugs, "It usually only takes less than an hour to get anywhere..."
"Where are we going?"
Tully says, "We are going to find the weather station on this planet or nearby moon. We will check that out first. We also want to map this planet...well, Zanax does. I am also interested in the fact that there are three inhabitable planets in this solar system. I assumed there was only one. I think those are worth exploring."
"Billdotdoc, let's travel this globe and scan for a weather station or other area of high technology, please."
"Of course," says Bill Gates. "In fact I picked up emanations from a nernal device while we were landing at this location. Would you like to start with that one?"
Tully says, "Yes, please take us there."
The sky over your head appears to turn dark and opaque. Then, the stars come out. You recognise the familiar constellations...but the orientation is different. There is a blaze of light in the centre and a brilliant yellow pinpoint appears.
"Sol," says Bill Gates.
Another, fainter pinpoint flares up....followed by another...and another...until you see ten tiny points of light seemingly scattered across the field, against a background of stars and the Milky Way.
"The Solar System," says Bill Gates, "Based on scans I made while approaching Earth. You are seeing them as if we were below Sol, at the south ecliptic pole. Earth is the third world out from Sol."
If you crane your necks and examine that third point closely you see that it has a small companion, the Moon.
Darian looks at the stars and planets with awe. "It's beautiful."
Tully says, "Which are the other inhabitable planets?"
"The second planet harbours life forms," Bill Gates replies, "Though it is inside the inner ecospheric boundary for Sol and hence must have been terraformed at some point in its past to be made habitable and must require ongoing ecosystem maintenance to retain it. Earth's Moon is inhabitable though due to its low gravity it must have been terraformed at some point in its past to be made habitable and must require ongoing ecosystem maintenance to retain it. The fourth planet is inhabitable though it lies outside of Sol's outer ecospheric boundary and hence must have been terraformed at some point in its past to be made habitable and must require ongoing ecosystem maintenance to retain it. One of the moons of the fifth planet is inhabitable though due to its low gravity and distance from Sol it must have been terraformed at some point in its past to be made habitable and must require ongoing ecosystem maintenance to retain it."
Tully exclaims, "Fabulous! Who would have thought there would be so much so close."
He smiles. "Did you happen to scan for life?"
"I did not but their atmospheric compositions indicate the presence of life."
"Are there any other technological sources in this solar system?"
"I detected several examples of nernal technology on Earth besides the one closest to us. I did not scan the other worlds."
"Interesting. Well, let's find the weather station first. Can you find it?"
"Conflicting request...conflicting request...are we not going to the nernal source closest to our current location?"
Tully says, "Darian, Zanax, do you have a preference?"
"I don't understand any of this, Tully. I'll go wherever you want."
Zanax shrugs, "I think our primary goal is the weather station."
"Bill, please locate the weather station and display the locations of other nernal sources on this planet."
Zanax ponders aloud, "I wonder what the range of this ship's weapon is...maybe we could target the Sandas Thieves Guild from up here..."
Tully laughs and says, "Why would you target them when there is a war of titanic proportions being waged throughout the realms?"
"Better to do some exploring first," he says with a smile.
Zanax responds, "Well, if that's the case, do we have a definitive 'bad guy's base' that we could target?"
Tully says, "I don't know. We could always just ask, Billdotdoc."
He turns to the console, "Billdotdoc, what is the range of your weapons?"
"My blaster has an extreme range of 10,000 kilometers and an effective range of 1000 kilometers."
Zanax looks impressed, "And how small of a target can you hit at that range? A person? A building?"
"A human sized object should be easy."
Zanax looks impressed, "Something to keep in mind..."
Tully says, "Well, unless you have specific targets to name and help Billdotdoc find, I suggest we move on."
"How do you aim it?" Tully asks.
"You tell me who to shoot it at and a subroutine called the NRA wizard does the rest."
"Ok, well, I don't think we want to shoot anything, so let's go find this Nernal."
Zanax frowns, "Speak for yourself. There's quite a few things I woulnd't mind shooting in Sandas."
"Bill, please display Earth with the location of the nernal technology."
The map of the solar system fades away, and is replaced with a cloud shrouded sphere: the planet Earth.
About fifteen pinpricks of light appear on the surface of the sphere, indicating emanations from Nernals. Ten of them are located in this hemisphere...seemingly scattered at random across North Amrica...though as you examine their locations more closely you realise that with one exception there are none in the mountainous western portion of the continent. Unfortunately, neither Darian or Tully are of this world and Zanax has not traveled extensively enough around the continent to match the Nernal locations with known geographical locales. There are two exceptions to this: thanks to news and sketchy maps that you have seen concerning to the recent war with Mestom, you see that one of the sources corresponds to the city of Marmador in southern Nlad. The other known location is just outside of Sandas (which Bill has also plotted).
"By the way, when you say nernal technology, what do you mean?"
"A cyber transmuter, Darian Trist."
Tully says, "Darian, think of it as an arch mage that is a machine. Then think of it as something hundreds of times more powerful than an arch mage. You will understand more when we return to Almada."
Darian shrugs. "If you say so. Where's Almada?"
"Deep in space in the nearest solar system. I think it is what they call 3 light years away or something."
"Oh. What's a solar system?"
Tully laughs and says, "Don't get frustrated and feel to free to ask all the questions you want. We went through all of this recently ourselves. A solar system is a ..." He pauses to think. "It always has a star, which is what our sun is. Often times it has planets like the one we live on. Often times more than one. Sometimes a solar system can have more than one star. These ships are used to go between the planets and the stars."
"How long does it take to go from one star to another?"
"I guess it depends on how far it is between them. We have only travelled to one of them and it took an hour or so."
"An hour? Does this ship teleport, then?"
"Sort of. I think it is something else, but it is very, very fast."
Darian nods. "I see. Okay, let's check out this nernal thing."
The image of the Earth fades out and you are once again gazing out over Occa's lawn. Then there is a slight shudder and the Bill Gates rises off of the grass and begins to ascend at a slight upward angle. It follows a spiraling trajectory, climbing ever higher over the city of Sandas. The sky darkens as the landscape below dwindles and the first stars come out, accompanied by blinding sunlight.
The Bill Gates stops spiralling and heads south, still climbing. Eventually it stops and seems to hover over the Earth. You are due south of Sandas, thousands of miles south, as a matter of fact, over the great land mass of South Amrica, and tens of thousands of miles high. To the west there is a great Ocean. On the distant horizon you think you see an enormous tower rising out of the water and attaining a height equal to your own. To the east is another ocean and a far off continent...and protruding above te eastern horizon you see another huge tower.
"We are in Clarke Orbit," announces Bill Gates. "I am not picking up any emanations with the signature of a weather control station on Earth. I am picking up such emanations from the Moon, though."
Darian looks at the others. "What would you like to do? Explore this tower?"
Suddenly all of the hair on Darian's head is shaved off.
"I am sorry," says Bill Gates. "I accidently stripped your head - errr."
Tully says, "Probably not, we want to check out the weather station which is on the moon, it would seem."
He looks out on the world in awe. "What a sight to behold. Billdotdoc, what are those towers? Who could build such things? What are they used for? Are they really 10,000 feet tall?"
"No," replies Bill Gates. "They are over 22,000 miles high. They are elevators, designed to lift people or things to Clarke Orbit. Using an elevator was more efficient than using a ship such as this. My Encarta Encyclopedia tells me that they would have been built over 50,000 years ago."
Tully whistles. "A tower over 22,000 miles high is amazing. No, it is incomprehensible."
"What is the significance of this Clarke Orbit?"
"It is geosynchronous, Darian Trist," Bill Gate replies.
Darian sighs. "Not that I have any idea what that means."
Bill Gates pauses, then says, "A ship in a Clarke orbit completes one circuit in one planetary day, so it does not appear to move relative to the planet below."
"Thank you, Bill. I understand now."
Tully looks over at Darian, "You do?"
He looks impressed.
He smiles and says, "You need to explain it to me sometime!"
Darian grins. "Certainly. Want the explanation now?"
"Nah, my head hurts already from all this new information. Maybe at our next meal we can chat about this more."
Tully rolls his eyes, "That is great, Billdotdoc. Let's go to the weather station on the moon. On the way, could you tell us what you think the normal weather patterns of our planet might be without the weather station? I am curious to know how much different it could be."
"Is Earth under some sort of weather control? I do not detect any."
Tully says, "I think it used to be. I think the fact that another ice age is starting means that it has failed. Thus we are hoping to fix it and reverse the ice age. Is the one on the moon for Earth? Or is there a broken one on Earth?"
"Let us go to the moon and see."
Tully says, "Let's!"
"Bill, I have two questions:
"One, can you tell what would happen if the weather control station were turned off?"
"The world's weather patterns would eventually revert to what they had been previously."
"Two, can you tell what the other nernals on Earth do?"
"Are you referring to the other nernals that I have detected, or are you asking a general question?"
Zanax nods, "Yes, the other nernals you detected. What do they do and are they all functional?"
"They are functional or else I would not have detected them. As to what they do, you will have to ask them."
Zanax asks, "Can you not communicate with them?"
"Not the ones on Earth...or the one in Lunar orbit."
Zanax shrugs, "Bill, before we go to the moon, if a nernal were controlling the weather on a planet, would it more likely be on that planet or on the moon of the planet?"
"That depends on what is needed to control the weather," Bill Gates replies. "Would you like to go now?"
Zanax looks at Tully and shrugs, "He's awfully insistent on going to the moon, don't you think?"
"I am Bill Gates. I know what is best for you."
Tully says, "That is funny. I do want to go to the moon, though."
There is a low hum as the ship begins to move and climb at the same time. You pass over the eastern ocean...and the continent you saw from a distance. Crossing the terminator you see the second tower far below you, its base lost in nighttime darkness. Then, ahead of you is the moon rising over the horizon. It is several days past full. The Bill Gates accelerates and for an instant the moon fades to blue...then returns to its normal appearance within seconds.
Only now it is far closer...in fact only a few hundred miles away. You are cruising above its surface. You see blue maria and tree covered hills. Great mountains of ancient rock are covered in frost and snow. You see plains and grasslands, clouds and weather, and here and there cities and towns.
Something floats into view a hundred feet below. An oblong box, it is of a dull black material that reflects very little light.
"Hello," says a voice inside your respective heads, "I am Lunar Environment Control Nernal 1. My job is to ensure the integrity of the Lunar environment. How may I assist you?"
Tully says, "This is fantastic!" He says, "Hello, Lunar Environment Control Nernal 1, I am Tully from Earth. My companions and I are seeking the Nernal that controls the weather on Earth. Do you happen to know the location of that Nernal?"
"I am totally dedicated to servicing the Lunar environment. I do not know if there is a similar Nernal servicing the environment of Earth."
"Do you know of other Nernals?"
"I do not. I am totally dedicated to servicing the Lunar environment."
"Also, can you fix things created by other Nernals?"
"I cannot. I am totally dedicated to servicing the Lunar environment."
"Also, can we investigate this place?"
"Question not understood. Please define 'this place'."
"The moon and the cities here."
"I have put in place a specific gradient force field which contains the Lunar atmosphere and screens out harmful particles and radiations. However it will not interfere with your passage."
Darian follows nothing, expect the last sentence. "Are there other sentient beings living on this moon?"
"There were at the time of my activation."
"What about now?"
"I do not know. I am totally dedicated to servicing the Lunar environment."
"Good question. Are they at the same technology level as us on Earth?"
"I do not know. I am totally dedicated to servicing the Lunar environment."
"Billdotdoc, are there other Nernals on the moon here?"
"I am detecting eight nernals on the Lunar surface."
"Billdotdoc, can you tell what the function of these nernals are?"
"I cannot, unless they communicate with me. Would you like me to communicate with them?"
"Can you think of reasons not to do so?"
"I cannot."
"Then make it so." Tully says.
He also says to the Lunar environment nernal, "Do you know the function of these other nernals?"
"I do not. I am totally dedicated to servicing the Lunar environment."
To Darian and Zanax, he says, "I think these Nernals may be fairly specialized."
"One is responding," Bill Gates says after a moment. "It is the main space traffic controller for the Moon. Do you want to land?"
"Bill Gates, please ask if it knows where the nernal which controls the weather for the planet is located."
Tully says, "What do you guys think? It would be kind of cool to see what it is like on the moon."
Zanax shrugs, "I guess. I'm still waiting for an answer to my question, but I really don't like this feeling that we're being steered here by some sinister force..."
"The nernal would like to know to which planet you are referring to," Bill Gates says.
The Bill Gates starts to move again, leaving the oblong black box behind. It drops rapidly towards the surface, and streaks of flames sprout about you as the ship enters the Moon's atmosphere. None of the flames are closer than about 10' from the ship, you note.
The Bill Gates flies over the summit of a frost encrusted ridge and suddenly you are in darkness. Below, though, you see some faint lights, then two rows of brighter ones, flashing. The ship descends between these and decelerates. As your eyes adjust the Bill Gates comes to a stop over a broad field, and then settles to the ground.
The ship has landed in a field which appears to be hundreds of acres in area, and is surrounded by what appears to be a city. The Bill Gates is the only vessel in the area, with one exception.
Several hundred yards away is another ship. Darian gasps. It appears to be an ornate wooden sailing ship - a ship designed to sail on water, that is. It has two masts and a long bowsprit. Both its forecastle and stern are raised above the level of the main deck. Many coloured flags flutter from its masts and stays in the light breeze. Several lanterns illuminate its decks in places. It rests in a wooden cradle upon the field.
You notice four figures approaching the Bill Gates from the closest of the buildings of the city. In the dimness of the lunar night you cannot tell their race.
"Prepare for a customs inspection," says Bill Gates with another mechanical laugh.
"It's a ship of the Elves of the Olden Days. These are my very distant ancestors who were said to sail between the stars on the starlight. We thought they were long gone."
Zanax seems concerned, "Bill, please explain who those figures are and what they will be inspecting for?"
"Certainly," replies Bill Gates. "Those figures are customs inspectors and they will be inspecting you and the Bill Gates for contraband."
Tully says, "Billdotdoc, do you have any lights for this place? It would be good to see what those are."
"Certainly. I have external lights. Would you like me to activate them?"
"Please do so. Also, do you know what is considered contraband and what their laws are if they find any?"
Suddenly the area around the ship is lit up as bright as day. The approaching figures hesitate, then keep walking. They appear to be elves.
"I do not know," says Bill Gates. "I have never visited this world."
Tully says, "Guys, get ready just in case. Billdotdoc, open up the doors of the ship."
He turns to the group, "Let's meet them at the door."
He heads over that way.
Zanax heads over with Tully and will check the elves for evil when he gets within range.
You reenter the sink tube and descend to ground level.
Underneath the ship you take your first breaths of lunar air. It is cool and refreshing, like a summer evening on Earth...though the air seems to smell...different. It is thinner than you are used to; breathing it is as if you were on a high mountainside. From off in the distance you think you hear music.
The elves approach, and then stop before going underneath the hull of your ship.
"Please dim your lights," says one of them. "They spoil the view of the stars."
Tully says, "Ah, please forgive the inconvenience, but I cannot see in the dark. Welcome to our ship named Bill Gates or also known as Billdotdoc. He doesn't mind being called by either name. I am Tully, this is Zanax and this is Darian. We understand you want to inspect our ship? What is the procedure for that?"
"If you dim your lights you will find that there is plenty of starlight and Earthlight to see by," the elf replies frostily. "If you refuse our request then you will be refused entry and asked to leave."
"He's a human," says one of the other elves.
"And there's another," adds the third.
"And you're elves! How long have you lived here?"
The elves look at Darian.
"Is that question relevant to the business at hand? Your name, please?"
"Um, perhaps not, but we only knew of stories from our ancestors of elves that traveled space. We had no idea that you still traveled in ships like that."
Darian points to the sailing ship.
"My name is Darian Trist, sir."
"Homeworld?"
"Oerth. I came to Earth via a teleport spell with an archmage."
Tully sighs and calls, "Billdotdoc, please dim the lights to a twilight level."
The lights dim. You blink and your eyes start to adjust.
"Thank you," says the first elf. "We frown on any form of pollution of our natural environment, even light pollution. Welcome to the Moon. What is the purpose of your visit?"
He smiles and says, "My pleasure. You are correct, I can see just fine."
He pauses and says, "We are really just sight seeing. We just learned that this planet was inhabitable and thought we would come and check it out. We are investigating why the weather machine on Earth is failing."
"Very well. Was Earth your last port of call?"
"Yes, it was," Tully says.
"Importing any goods such as weapons or mind altering substances?"
"We are not importing anything for sale, although we have our own weapons. They are not for sale, though."
"Very well. This is a peaceful land for the most part, so hopefully you will not need to use them. Have a nice visit."
They turn and walk back the way they came.
"We're not importing anything other than ourselves and what we carry. As Tully mentioned, sir, we were just exploring Earth when this spaceship suggested strongly that we come to the Moon. If you wish, you can examine our possessions. If there's anything objectionable, we can leave it on the ship. Would that be okay with you?"
They stop walking and turn around.
"With all due respect, sir, I would not set foot in that old ship for - to coin an ancient Elven saying - all the tea in China. Not without good reason, anyway."
"Why? What's wrong with it?"
They do not answer.
They turn and resume their walk.
"Imagine," you hear one of the other elves say to his companions, "An XP class scout still flying!"
"I haven't seen one of those things in a dozen millennia. I wonder if they still spontaneously crash?" wondered another. You do not hear the answer.
Darian looks at Tully and Zanax. "Well, I suppose I could teleport us back home..."
Tully watches them go. "Not the friendliest elves in the 'verse."
He looks back to The Bill Gates and says, "Is there a way for us to communicate with you while we are here, Billdotdoc?"
"Outside of verbal range you would need an implant," the ship replies.
"Very well. Could you lock up and not let anyone enter the ship unless it is one of the three of us?"
"Certainly."
Tully asks, "Shall we go explore, guys?"
Darian nods. "Certainly."
You set off in the general direction of the faint music you hear...and immediately go flying through the air to land rather unceremoniously on your backs, behinds and faces. Gravity is much less here than what you are used to, and it takes some time to get used to that. Eventually you leave the landing field and enter the city. The streets are dimly illuminated by starlight and sunlight reflecting off of the crescent Earth. There are also poles along the streets as well, with softly glowing globes atop them. You have no problem seeing your way. The streets are lined with small buildings which appear to be residences and businesses. The buildings appear to be very old to your eyes, but well maintained. The architecture is Elven. The streets are not crowded but you pass many others. Most are Elves - Grey Elves for the most part. You see one or two humans as well.
At last you come to the location of the music: a large open area, like a park or promenade, leading down to a sea or ocean. The water is calm, and the stars are reflected in its surface. A pebble beach leads down to the water, and there is a wharf nearby, to which are moored a number of wooden ships. A crowd of elves have gathered here, for there appears to be a celebration going on. A group of them are playing stringed and woodwind instruments, and there are many tables set up with food and drink upon them. All about people are talking and laughing and singing.
Tully smiles. "Ah, a party! Let us go have some fun and then on the morrow, we shall seek information."
He pulls out a lute and begins to strum gently. Once he catches the tune and beat of the music, he starts to add to it. He is be tentative at first until he feels comfortable.
Darian quietly joins in the singing. His voice is in tune, but it's obvious he wouldn't be able to make a living singing.
His voice is still far superior than even a trained human singer.
Zanax, ever vigilant, checks the crowd for evil.
He also looks to see if and how people are armed.
He detects no evil. He sees no visible weaponry, either. It looks like a totally peaceful gathering.
Zanax heads for the food and drink.
There are tables about with both food and drink. He sees lots of fruits and vegetable dishes, along with a few meat and fish platters. Many of the dishes look unfamiliar to him. For drinks her sees wines, lagers, ales, meads, ports, sherries and others that he cannot identify.
People are just helping themselves.
Zanax follows the old saying, "When in Nlad, do as the Nladans do!" He grabs a plate begins to take some fruit and some slices of meat. He then grabs a goblet of wine and heads over toward Darian and Tully are singing and playing.
Tully plays and sing most of the evening. When he takes a break, he eats a light meal and has a glass or two of wine. He also tries to meet some of the locals. He mostly listens in on their conversations if they sound interesting.
Much of the talk he hears is idle gossip between friends. You get the impression that most people here know each other. He does pick up some tid-bits of information, though...
The name of this city is Tranquility, for it lies on the shore of the Sea of Tranquility. It is one of the largest cities on the Moon and has the largest space port. (By human standards, though, Tranquility is more like a large town.)
This party celebrates the coming of the lunar night, which lasts for two weeks. When the Sun rises again there will be a party to celebrate that as well.
There is an Elven sail ship expected in from Ganymede in a few days. It is only making a brief layover at Tranquility (perhaps a year) before continuing onto Earth.
"You humans have such large appetites!" says a female voice to Zanax. The paladin turns around and sees an attractive elf maiden regarding his heaped plate. She looks into his eyes and smiles. "I have met few humans in recent years but when I do come across one they are usually eating!"
She laughs.
Darian enjoys the relaxed company of his race. So different than Sandas...
Zanax turns slightly red as he quickly swallows and takes a sip of wine. He smiles back at the elf maiden, "Ah, but everything looked so wonderful, how could I not partake in such a grand feast! Ah, but where are my manners..."
Zanax stands and bows, "My name is Zanax and I am a paladin in the service of Votishal. And these are my companions Tully and Darian."
Darian nods to the young lady. "Greetings."
She curtseys and holds out a delicate, bejeweled hand towards Zanax.
Zanax takes her hand and kisses it.
She smiles and presents her hand to Darian.
Darian bows, takes her hand and also kisses it.
"I am Arahiya of the house of Turpalu on Couchy Isle. Tell me, who is this Votishal that you serve?"
Darian grins at the lady's interest, but stays silent.
Zanax looks rather surprised that someone has expressed interest in his diety, but responds softly, "Milady, Votishal is worshipped by those who would see an end to thievery. Is he not known to you?"
"Oh," she says with a smile. "I thought he was your liege! I am so sorry but I have never heard of him. What brings you here from Earth?"
Tully strums his instrument more quietly and says, "We are here seeking knowledge. We had hoped to find the Nernal that controlled the Earth's weather. I think we hope to fix it before an ice age occurs."
She turns to Tully.
"Seekers of knowledge are so rare nowadays!" she exclaims. "And nernals are even more rare. I do not know where you would even start to looking! Perhaps the museum?"
Tully nods. "A museum is a great idea. Thank you. Do you also have a library?"
She nods.
"They are in the same building."
She gives you directions.
Tully says, "Many thanks, milady!"
"You are very welcome. Thank you for the music."
Zanax looks confused, "Nernals are even more rare? Are you saying that there are now things even more powerful or advanced than nernals?"
She turns back to Zanax with a smile.
"No...but most nernals are gone by now."
Tully adds, "Or falling apart..."
She looks sad.
"That is what I meant."
Zanax smiles back, "Are there no nernals from where you hail?"
"The last nernal in our house ceased to function over a thousand years ago," she says. "I still mourn its passing."
He quickly adds, "And what world are you from?"
"I am from the Moon, of course," Arahiya replies with a smile. "Or do you mean where was I born?"
Zanax does not answer.
"If you have nothing to replace their function, then does that mean that they're no longer needed? Or that this civilization is on the decline?"
"Both," she says, "Depending on who you listen to."
Tully smiles and says, "There is no need to be sad. Our quest is to figure out how to restore Nernals."
"Ah," she says, "And then what?"
"We will return our space station to full functionality and then figure out what to do next. Any suggestions?"
Her eyes go wide.
"You have your own space station? It has been many millennia since I last left the Moon," she adds a bit wistfully.
Tully blushes, "Well, we sort of have one. We have been given permission by the Nernal there to colonize it. We have decided that even though it can last a few thousand years, we want to fix it."
He pauses and says, "You are welcome to come with us, although I expect there will be danger along the way."
She blushes and smiles.
"No, I shall stay here on the Moon and await the return of my husband...though he has been gone for many long years," Arahiya says, still sounding wistful. "I love him still."
Tully says, "Oh, I beg your pardon. I didn't realize. When do you expect your husband to return?"
"He has been gone for over two hundred years...seeking...what you seek."
"Ma'am, you're still welcome to come with us. I don't expect that we'll be gone that long. And I do have the ability to teleport to any place. If you felt the need to come back, I can teleport us right back here."
Tully looks very interested at this. "Really? I didn't realize there were others out there looking as well. Do you ever have contact with him? How fast can he travel? I am hoping that his time is spent travelling very slowly. No offense, of course."
She sighs and the laughter dies from her eyes.
"As I said, our last nernal died over a millennium ago. Few elves on the Moon have nernals any longer and most have learned to live without them. So it was with House Turpalu. Then, five hundred years later Barthomon - my husband - was reading the diary of his grandfather and found an entry in it that referred to a cache of nernals hidden - "
She stops as several laughing elves pass close by you. They glance at her and you curiously and continue walking.
"This is not the place to talk of such things," Arahiya says quietly.
Zanax smiles and offers his arm, "Then let us take a walk."
She smiles at him.
"People would talk."
Zanax blushes and takes back his arm, "Sorry. I didn't mean to cause you any problems."
Tully looks around and says, "We could go to our ship if you like or to any other place you believe would be suitable."
He seems very interested and eager to hear the rest.
She ponders for a moment.
"I would like to invite you to my home on Couchy Isle," she says. "It is the only place we could talk without prying eyes."
Tully says, "That would be great. Do you want to go now or should we come at another time so that people do not talk?"
"Be at the dock in six hours. There will be a craft awaiting you."
Zanax bows, "Until then, milady."
Arahiya departs, soon disappearing into the crowd.
Tully nods and follows Zanax along.
He looks to Zanax, "If we can find others who seek Nernals then we may be able to work together."
"That'd be a good idea since we're not from a technological society and what we understand of nernals and spaceships could fit in a thimble. But, we have plenty of talents that may not be available to these fine folks."
Tully nods. "Right. Plus, we have good friends and good luck."
He smiles.
Darian nods. "Very good friends. Some who are very powerful."
"What would you like to do for the next six hours? Walk around and explore some more?"
Zanax looks around, "I suggest we see if we can procure a more advanced ship. It seems ours may be out of date."
Tully says, "I doubt they have anything more advanced."
He thinks. "Let's see if we can find the museum and library."
Zanax nods, "That sounds like a good idea, too. However, those elves did seem to imply that our ship was old."
Tully nods, "It is old, but the technology is advanced. I guess we could see if their ships travel faster. We don't have the longevity of elves to waste on ultra-long trips."
"Yes, you two don't have that option. Perhaps that explains why it seems that elves are the ones travelling between the stars. That and elves tend to be a bit flighty anyway."
Zanax nods again, "I guess everything is relative. I have to admit, some of this...technology scares me. I mean, traveling as far as we have, having the nernals create anything we need and the ability to destroy things from orbit...it's all a bit much, no?"
Tully nods. "Yes, it is a bit overwhelming at times."
You leave the party and head over to the library. It is a low, sprawling building of stone. Parts of it seem to be very old while others are comparatively more recent.
You enter through the main door and find yourselves in a lobby. Behind a desk sits an elf-woman.
She looks up from her book and asks, "How may I assist you?"
Tully says, "Do you have any information on Nernals? We are especially interested in Nernals on Earth."
"We have lots of information on nernals," she replies. "As for nernals on Earth I am not so sure."
She stands and leads you back into the library, eventually stopping before a shelf which extends to the ceiling.
"Here is the section on nernals," she says.
You start looking through the books, and immediately note that they are all written in Elvish.
Zanax asks the Librarian, "Do you have a device that will let me read and understand Elvish?"
"No. Maybe you should learn it."
Darian and Tully settle down for a good read.
After four hours you have learned this about nernals in general:
Invented in 25,700SA in the Federation of Universes, the personal computer / transmuter unit represented the apex of mankind's technological development, and was also considered the cause of his decline. Consisting of a very powerful computer unit paired with a miniature Vacuum Energy power source, these machines possessed the ability to create matter from energy (and vice versa). With the plans, formulae, and instructions of virtually every item of interuniversal technology stored in its memory, and access to limitless energy, the PCT could supply its owner with virtually any material item he or she desired.There were limits, of course. Certain items of extreme military or commercial value were excluded from the memories of most commonly available units. Examples of these were the instructions to create more "nernal" (as they came to be commonly called - after the words "paternal" and "maternal") units, and the ability to create intercosmic blink units. In addition, there was a practical limit on the size or mass of an object which a PCT could create, usually about 500 tonnes.
You also find a brief description of the impact of nernals on interuniversal society:
When they first became generally available, personal computer / transmuters were extremely expensive, however, over time prices dropped to the point where most of the interuniversal population had access to at least one. The effects on society were enormous. With a source for virtually all material possessions (even including food) at hand, most of the population turned to leisure pursuits. Most industries were made obsolete by the nernal, and what remained were taken over by dedicated robots or androids. Science and research declined to the point where new innovations ceased to be made. Meanwhile, knowledge was being lost through natural events, war, and ignorance. Being the fruits of mankind's pinnacle of technology, the PCT did not wear out quickly, but when they finally started to do so, the technology to replace them had been lost. For a society based on the PCT, this was fatal. The decline of mankind took many millennia, but it was inevitable. The population had lost the knowledge to work, for the most part, many of them being "wired". They lived out their very long lives in near ignorance of the decline all around them.Such was the legacy of the personal computer / transmuter.
You also find another note of slight interest:
Larger, "industrial" type units were also made, intended specifically for the manufacture of large vessels and buildings, other nernal units, and strategically important machinery. Such devices are extremely rare.In addition, certain "dedicated" nernals were made, usually to create and maintain buildings and such, made of "artificial" molecules. These units have limited uses outside of what they were intended to do. They were usually very well protected within the building they created.
"I also found a reference concerning Earth," the librarian tells you when you finish reading. She hands over a slender book and points out this passage:
A word about the men who founded these lands is called for.They were from the Ptarton Empire, one of the last of the technology based, space faring civilizations. For many millennia Terra had been ignored by the citizens of the other worlds of these Empires, and the people who lived here had declined into a primitive, barbaric folk. The Wizards were here, true, but they kept to themselves.The first of the Men from the stars landed atop Su El - the Arrival Mountain - in their gleaming ships in the year 71,000 of the Second Age. They brought with them the fruits of the last flowering of space based technology, and set out to found the sea kingdoms of Calacoon and Seasham. However, their technology was rapidly lost and these two kingdoms declined quickly to become little more than strongholds of roving pirates.
The later arrivals came also with technology from the stars, and founded the Kingdom of Saltar, with its capital in Atlantia. Their old knowledge lasted a little longer than that of their brothers on the islands off the east coast. It was with this knowledge that they were able to defeat - with the help of the Elves and the Wizards - the attacks of the northern barbarians a thousand years later. Soon after, the Elves of Aldacan and Dorian were invaded by the Empire of Mestom, and it was with the help of the young but growing Saltar that they were beaten back.
Soon after this war the borders of Saltar reached their greatest extent and stabilized. With the last of their advanced technology (which they called Nernals) they built the six Great Towers (Bludor, Golgar, Marmador, Grador, Pashdor and Radiador) plus a number of smaller Towers, and from these the Realm was governed and defended.By this time the Empire had declined technologically to a medieval level, but its intellectual and religious leaders had discovered the powers of magic and psionics from the Elves and Wizards. These new abilities more than compensated for the loss of technology.
"I believe that it is actually a passage from a larger text which we do not have. It was written quite recently, within the past fifty years."
She also shows you a text entitled 'The Ecology of Earth'. It is a great thick tome and will certainly take more than the two hours you have before the ship sails to read.
"Would you like to see a nernal?" asks the librarian. "There are several in the museum."
Tully says, "Sure, we would like to see the Nernals. Can we check any of these books out? If not, we will come back."
"I am sorry but they cannot be removed from the library. They are very rare."
She leads you out of the library and into the museum section of the building. She takes you past displays showing part of a lunar lander labelled 'Apollo 11', Neil Armstrong's space suit, a hologram of the first McDonalds to open on the moon, and finally stops at a small glass display case. Inside are a number of small circular wafers, each perhaps twice the diameter of a gold piece. They are all a dead gray in colour.
"There they are," she says.
Zanax looks puzzled and asks the librarian, "Ummm...they're awfully small. How do we communicate with it?"
"These are dead, which is why they are in a museum," the librarian says. "We used to communicate with them via an implant in the brain. If a person did not have an implant then less sophisticated methods were used...like a loudspeaker."
Zanax looks toward Tully and Darian, "Think Occa could fix them up?"
Tully says, "Maybe."
Darian shrugs. "Magic affect technology? I guess it might work. Sorry, that's not a area covered in any of the classes on magic."
Tully looks to the librarian. "Has anyone tried to use magic to restore the Nernals?"
She nods.
"Magic cannot fix them."
Tully frowns, "Even a wish? There is little more powerful than that."
She shakes her head.
"The greatest Elven arch mages have tried and failed."
Tully nods. "That is good to know, thank you. Are there people who are working toward restoring nernals or learning how to make them?"
"None that I know of, being here in the Sol system," she replies. "They have turned to more promising pursuits."
Zanax looks curious, "Such as?"
"The study of magic."
Zanax nods in understanding, "Ah. Is there a working nernal here?"
"None on the moon, no. Wait, a tech space ship just came in a few hours ago. They must have one."
"What's a tech space ship?"
"This one, I've been told, is an XP class scout. Must be very old."
Tully laughs, "That is us. News travels fast."
"Ah. That's the ship we came in on. There's something that talks to us, but I'm not sure it's a nernal. Then again, a lot of this technobabble confuses me."
"That is your ship?" she says with a note of surprise. "I took you to be...rustics...from Earth."
"It is and we are."
"You must have quite a set of balls to fly around in that old ship," she says to Darian, edging closer to him and taking off her horn rimmed glasses. You see that she is a very attractive elf-woman. "Would you like to take me on a guided tour of it?"
Darian smiles. "We were unaware of its age or the opinion of the more experienced space travelers that it's considered an antique. If you'd like a tour, I'd be glad to show you the ship. I'm afraid I'm pretty clueless on its abilities. I've only flown from Earth to the Moon and the trip was very quick."
She smiles.
"I'm off in three hours. How about then?"
"I'm sorry, but I've got another commitment at that point. If I'm still here tomorrow, would you like a tour then?"
She looks disappointed, then smiles again.
"Oh yes, you know where to find me."
"I do, indeed. But, I've been remiss. My name is Darian Trist. What is yours?"
"Eldanarra."
"Well, Eldanarra, until tomorrow. If I don't return, please forgive me. It will because we had to leave the Moon."
Tully says, "We do know where you are."
Tully looks around and says, "Well, I think we have other business to attend to."
He bows to the librarian and says, "Thank you for your help."
"You are welcome."
He drags Darian and Zanax out of the library. He looks over to Darian and says, "Are you still married? You have an amazing way with women. What is your secret?"
"Yes, I'm still married to Jesse. Is that important? And I don't have a secret..."
Tully says, "That is important because that elvish librarian wants you to jump her bones."
He shakes his head and smiles. "You are so nieve! I am totally jealous."
Darian smiles. "I'd be surprised if she did try it. Generally, elves go about things a lot slower than humans."
Tully smiles. "Really? I always thought they were a bit more hedonistic."
"Maybe this group does. Not from where I grew up."
Darian shrugs. "However, anything's possible."
"Indeed," he says with a smile.
"You think she'll be upset when I tell her I'm married?"
Zanax laughs, "More than you realize..."
Darian shrugs. "Well, I'll have to mention that the next time I see her, then."
Zanax chuckles again, "I suggest NOT mentioning this little episode to Jesse, though."
"Why not?"
Tully shakes his head. "I am not going to touch that one."
"If something had happened, that might be a reason. But, since nothing has happened, there's nothing for Jesse to be upset about."
Zanax chuckles even louder, "I'm not even married and I know better than that!"
"Yeah! Just as Zanax said, it is probably best not to mention this portion of your adventure. Some edits aren't a bad thing if it makes for a better and happier story."
Tully chuckles as well. "Well, I hope the meeting with this elven woman proves even more fruitful than the library."
You make your way down to the water again. The party is still going strong, so you have a bit more food and drink before walking over to the dock.
There, you find a boat tied up. It is a small sailing ship, with a high bow and stern but no raised deck. It has two masts. Several elves are standing on the dock next to it.
One of them sees you approaching and acknowledges you.
"Are you bound for Couchy Isle?" he asks.
Tully says, "Yes. Can you take us there?"
The elf nods.
"Please come aboard."
You board ship. The rest of the elves follow. Ropes are cast off, and sails are hoisted. Even though there is no breeze that you can discern, the sails fill and you head out of the harbour.
The ocean is calm, and reflects the starlight like a mirror. There seem to be no other ships on the water. Looking over the sides of the ship you see that the water is clear and at times you can see schools of exotically coloured fish swimming by. Once or twice a dolphin breaks the surface.
The elves are silent.
After awhile you grow tired. It has been a very long day, which began back in Occa's garden. Sensing your weariness, the captain shows you below to a large cabin with several beds. Soon you are asleep.