(With thanks to Arthur C. Clarke...) In less than half an hour, it seems to Zanax, he has traversed the Solar System, Jumped the 4.3 light year gap to the edge of the Alpha Centauri system, and is now on the final approach to the Amlada space station. However, when the scout flies into the landing bay, you see a strange ship parked there. It is a dark grey cylindrical-shaped ship with a tapered nose and four streamlined tail fins located near its stern.After a moment you recognise it to be the same ship that you pursued and were attacked by back at the end of April. Zanax tells Steve Jobs, "Contact Amalda2 and find out who's ship that is." "Also, are there any life forms on that ship now?" "Amalda says that they are Regulans," says Steve Jobs. "They are not hostile and want to apologise for dropping that mine in our path. There are several life forms on their vessel." Zanax nods and asks Steve Jobs, "What type of life forms to you sense on the vessel?" "They are not human. Because of the shielding it is difficult to discern more," the voice replies. Zanax attempts to use his Detect Evil on the other ship, it is within his range. It is not. Suddenly Zanax becomes aware of the fact that a grumpy-looking old man has suddenly appeared beside him. The grumpy looking old man sees that he is in some sort of cabin or room, decorated in grey and white. The person beside him is a young human male. Also here is a strange creature that resembles a raccoon, but with a prehensile tail. Through a large window at one end of the room he sees a large amphitheatre sort of a chamber. Several strange vessels are parked out there. The whole scene reminds him of the time that he was kidnapped by space aliens. Zanax puts his hand on his blaster and scans the newcomer for evil. Zanax looks at the ugly man and says, "Who are you and how did you get in here?" "How the hell would I know?" the old man snaps back. "I don't even know who I am!" Zanax relaxes a bit and asks, "Well, what can you tell me then?" "I'm Crotchety Oldfart," the old man says with asperity. "And who are you, and what is that," pointing to the creature with the prehensile tail, "and where the heck am I?" The creature seems to grin at the old man...then it presses a touch wheel in the centre of a table in the centre of the room. A pizza materializes out of thin air. "Oooohhh!" Crotchety is impressed. "You're kinda handy." Zanax sighs. "OK, my name is Zanax and this is Black-eye." "Steve Jobs, is there an atmosphere outside our ship?" "Yes there is," says a voice out of thin air. "Urk!!?" Crotchety jumps in surprise. "Who said that!?" "I am Steve Jobs," says the voice. "I am the space ship." "The What ship?" Crotchety looks at Zanax. "Where the heck are we?" Zanax ignores Crotchety for the moment, "Steve Jobs, confirm that the atmosphere outside is breathable for humans." "I can confirm that." Zanax turns to Crotchety. "Assuming we're both from the same planet, we're millions of miles away from Earth on a large metallic castle floating in the middle of nowhere." "Steve Jobs, locate Amalda2 and put it up on the screen." A beautiful woman appears on the screen. She is standing right outside of the Steve Jobs. Zanax indicates for Crotchety to follow him off the ship and to Amalda2's location. Crotchety trundles along after Zanax, looking wide-eyed at everything. A section of wall vanishes and you step outside of the X-class scout. Now that you are outside you see that the Regulan ship takes up most of the landing bay. Waiting by the doorway are Amalda2, plus another buxum babe. "Zanax," says the first woman, moving into his arms, "I'm so glad you're back. Where are the others?" "Hello," says the other woman, clad in a low cut gown, as she moves towards Crotchety. "I am Amalda6. Welcome to Alpha Centauri." Zanax hugs Amalda2 back, "It is good to see you again. The others are back "Who are the 'others'?" Crotchety asks suspiciously. The paladin ignores him. "Of course," she replies. "They are waiting to meet you." Zanax nods and indicates for Amalda2 to lead the way. Amalda2 leads Zanax and Crotchety around to the other side of the Regulan ship. There, three creatures wait to meet you. You are somewhat surprised to see that they are cats...bipedal, but cats nevertheless. "I am Captain James T. Cat of the Regulan Starship Enterprise," says one of them, stepping forward. "And this is my first officer, Mister Cat," he says, pointing to an impassive looking Siamese, "And Doctor Leo Cat, our chief medical officer," he adds with a nod to the third creature, an older, scruffy specimen with a squint. "Please accept my apologies for attacking you. We thought that you were an enemy ship from the Sirian star system." Zanax does his best to hide his surprise at the outward appearance of the Regulans. "Greetings, I am Zanax, paladin of Votishal, and this is Crotchety," pointing to the old man. "On behalf of myself and my companions that were on that ship, we accept your apologies. What is this enemy ship from the Sirian star system that you speak of and should we be worried?" "They are conniving dogs, those Sirians," says Captain Cat. "They travel in scavenging packs. Yes, you should beware of them. We have been at war with them for many years." Zanax resists chuckling. "Ah, I should have known. So tell me, what brings you to the Amalda Station?" Crotchety just stands there, mouth agape, trying to grok all the weirdness around him. "We are on a five year mission," says Captain Cat. "To seek out new life, new civilisations...to boldly go where no cat has gone before!" Zanax nods, "A worthy mission. By chance have you encountered mind flayers?" Captain Cat turns to his first officer. "Mister Cat?" "If they are also known as illithids, then yes," the lanky Siamese replies. "They threatened to...assimilate us. We managed to escape." Zanax nods sagaciously. "And have you managed to develop a device to thwart their powerful mental attacks?" "No," replies Mister Cat. Zanax looks crestfallen. "Do you know anyone who has developed one?" "Your race did, we believe," replies Mister Cat. Zanax perks up, "Really? Do you know where I could obtain one?" "We do not," replies the Siamese. "It is one of the things that we are searching for. Your race invented everything - including us - during your prime, so it is logical to assume that your ancestors had a way of dealing with the illithids." "What are your standard tactics when encountering one, then?" "We run away, dammit!" snaps Doctor Cat. "With our tails between our legs!" Captain Cat smiles. Zanax nods, "Wise decision. What do you know about the local and nearby systems? Have you found any artificial intelligence elsewhere? My friends and I would like to propose an alliance and perhaps aid each other in our missions. "We of Regulus would be honoured to become your allies," replies Captain Cat. "You are the first space-faring humans that we have encountered since we invented interstellar flight. All of the other humans that we have met have...devolved. What star system do you call home?" "We have been exploring and expanding steadily outwards from our home world in the star system of Regulus," adds Mister Cat. "Most of the star systems that we have visited show some indications of occupation by your ancestors. Most of them are ruins. In fact, this complex here is by far the most intact that we have yet visited." "Thank you," says a new voice, as a pretty little female cat comes walking over. She introduces herself to Zanax and Crotchety. "I am Ameowda1. Ameowdas 2 and 3 will be along momentarily." "Shore leave!" says Doctor Cat, his tail standing straight up. "What's a star system?" Crotchety wants to know. "It is a group of heavenly bodies, like planets, asteroids and comets, held by the gravity of one or more stars," says Amalda5. "We are in the star system of Alpha Centauri." Zanax, momentarily lost in thought, responds, "You know, it's a big glowing ball of light with planets, like where we live, circling it." Zanax looks at Captain Cat. "So, how long were you planning to stay aboard Amalda?" "Just for a few days," the cat replies. "There's a big universe out there waiting to be explored." Zanax nods, "Wonderful! What were you planning to do while on Amalda?" At this moment two more female cats appear. "Shore leave!" says Captain Cat. Zanax nods, "Well, enjoy yourselves, but just remember that there are hostiles aboard. One of the Amalda's should be able to warn you where they are located, though." "Indeed?" says Mister Cat. "Fascinating." They wander off. "What are we going to do?" Crotchety asks Zanax. "Shall I show you around..?" asks Amalda5, sliding her arm around Crotchety's waist. Zanax nods, "Yes, please do so, Amalda5." Zanax turns to Amalda2, "Can you show me the library so that I may do some research? I'd like to learn all I can about these Illthids." Crotchety nods. Zanax waves goodbye, "Enjoy yourself. You can contact me through Amalda5 if you run into problems. Just watch out for the vermin." Zanax and Crotchety part ways. A short time later Zanax finds himself back in the library that he first visited several months ago. "What do you want to learn about the illithids?" asks Amalda2. "Specifically, their mental attack ability and how to combat it." "They can mentally attack with what is known as a psionic blast, which can stun, confuse, or even kill a person. Psionic attacks are difficult for the non-psionic to combat. The military developed a psionic shield which largely negated its effects." "And do you have this psionic shield here or know where I can obtain one?" "We do not have the shield. They were kept at military installations." "Do you have information on how to build one?" "I do not." "Where is the nearest military installation with one of these shields?" "I do not know. You will have to go looking." Zanax signs and prays to Votishal for strength and guidance. He then asks Amalda2, "OK, tell me more about these implants the Lo and Tully received. What does it allow them to do that I cannot and is there any downside to having them?" "They are mainly for communication and control. You can communicate directly with computers like me, or with other people who are equipped. Also, it allows you to control things better...like your space ship." Zanax nods, "I see and there's no downside to having these implants? No one ever died or went crazy?" "Due to the implants? No," Amalda2 replies with a smile. Zanax nods, "OK, let's do it! Where do we go?" "Come with me," she replies, leading Zanax to the door. The hospital is a ten minute walk from the library. Once there Amalda2 leads Zanax into a small bare room, furnished only with a reclining energy chair. "Please be seated," she says. Zanax is seated. "Just relax," Amalda2 says. "You will feel a tickling sensation as the nanonetwork is installed. Are you ready?" Zanax shrugs, "As ready as ever." Zanax says a quick prayer to Votishal and then relaxes. She kisses his forehead. "Don't worry." Zanax feels a warm spot on his forehead where she kissed him...then a gentle tickling sensation radiating out from that point and through his scalp. Several minutes pass. "The network has been installed," Amalda2 says. "The next step is the Setup. When that happens, all of your sensory inputs will be taken over. Even if your eyes are open, you won't see anything. "Ready?" Zanax nods, "Make it so, Amalda2." Slowly the light fades...or seems to. A great silence descends. Gravity seems to relinquish its hold on you. You feel like you are floating in a featureless void, though not in complete darkness. A faint purply light comes at you from all directions. Then from a great distance a voice speaks out of the immense void that now seems to surround you. But it does not reach you through your ears: it sounds softly in the echoing labyrinths of your brain. Calibration starting. From time to time you will be asked questions - you can answer mentally, but it may help to vocalize. Do you understand? Zanax nods and then says audibly, "Yes. Who are you?" I am Amalda. Something starts to appear in the void - a grid of thin lines, like a huge sheet of graph paper. It extends up and down, right and left, to the limits of your vision. Numbers start to flicker across the grid, too fast for you to read. The grid vanishes, to be replaced by smooth sheets of colour filling your entire field of view. In a few seconds they flash from one end of the spectrum to the other. Then they fade away, to be replaced by a faint drumming sound, accelerated until it becomes the lowest of audible C's, then races up the musical scale until it disappears beyond the auditory range of a human. Next you are briefly assailed by scents and flavours, most of them pleasant but some quite the reverse. Then you become, so it seems, a puppet on a string. Some of your motions appear to be quite violent, but you are not sure if you are really moving at all. Then you fall into a dreamless sleep. Then you wake up. You have no idea how much time has elapsed. Amalda2 is there, and she is smiling. She speaks, but her lips do not move. Everything went fine. You will be monitored closely over the next few hours to make sure that there are no anomalies. Are you ready for the demo? Zanax tries to respond similarly without moving his lips, "Yes." Gentle, soothing music washes over you. It sounds like something from your own civilisation but you cannot identify it. There is a mist before your eyes...which parts as you walk towards it... Yes, you are walking! The illusion is utterly convincing: you can feel the impact of your feet on the ground and now that the music has stopped you can hear a gentle wind blowing through the great trees that have appeared to surround you. You are moving at a brisk pace - too fast for comfort, as if time were slightly accelerated so you could cover as much ground as possible. Yet you are not conscious of any effort; you feel as if you are a guest in someone else's body. The sensation is enhanced by the fact that you have no control over your movements. When you attempt to stop, or change direction, nothing happens. You are just along for the ride. The illusion is almost addictive. You reach the edge of the forest and look out across a wide river. Without hesitation you walk into it and feel no alarm as the water rises over your head. It seems strange that you can continue to breathe normally; what is more strange is that you can see perfectly in a medium where the unaided human eye cannot focus. A magnificent trout swims by, oblivious to you, and you can count every scale on it. Next a mermaid swims by and is gone. The river ends in a translucent wall; you step through it and find yourself on the face of a desert, under a blazing sun. Its heat burns you uncomfortably, and yet you are able to look directly into its noonday fury. You can even see, with unnatural clarity, an archipelago of sunspots near one limb. And there is the tenuous glory of the corona, usually quite invisible except during a total eclipse, reaching out like swan's wings on either side of the sun. Then, everything fades away to black. The haunting music returns and with it the blissful coolness of the room. You open your eyes. Are you ready to rejoin your companion? asks Amalda2. Zanax shakes his head and wordlessly asks, Please show me how to search for information. This is...amazing! Ask a question and it will be answered if we have the information. Zanax asks wordlessly, Show me all there is to know about illthids. A massive wave of information floods into Zanax's memory. It is disorienting at first: he feels like he has always known what is now there...but rationally he knows that that is not the case. Briefly, illithids have always been rare in this universe, though they are more common in others. Seldom do more than four of them appear together. They have a much more thick skin than a human's, and have a tougher constitution. They can move as fast as an average human. They are human sized. On average they are as intelligent as the most intelligent humans. They detest sunlight at levels that suit humans, which has led scholars to believe that they evolved on a world circling a red dwarf star. Their general disposition makes them seem cruel, dominating, bullying and preferring order, compared to the average human. Physically, they are approximately human-sized, though their skin is mauve coloured and slimy. They have a row of tentacles where a human's lower jaw would be. Their eyes are dead white, with no pupils. They have three fingers pr hand instead of five. The illithid is able to attack using a psionic blast to a range of 60'. Such an attack can kill an opponent. They can also levitate, mentally dominate an opponent, read surface thoughts, walk on water or other liquids and mentally transport themselves. Illithids first appeared at about the same time as the Mystiks, and it soon became apparent that they were servants or possibly allies of that race. As such, they are not natives of the Home Universe. They aided the Mystiks in their designs and helped them in their wars with the Wizards. When Humanity and its allies turned away from the technological way that the Mystiks espoused, the illithids became enemies of humans. It has been theorized that the Mystiks and Illithids were responsible in some way for humanity's technological downfall. There is a similar race to the illithids, as well, known as the Greater Illithids. Their relationship to their lesser kin is unclear. Further questions? asks Amalda. Zanax's head feels like it's going to explode with all the new found knowledge. "Show me the nearest 3 military bases that might have defenses against psionic blasts." "I do not have current information on that subject," replies Amalda2. "But I can give you historical information." Zanax nods, "Please do so and upload the coordinates to my ship." "It is done." Zanax then makes sure his blaster is fully loaded and heads toward his ship. You return to the Steve Jobs. "I have the coordinates," the ship says. "Shall we be off?" Zanax nods, "Yes, make it so. "Oh, see if you can get the layout of those military bases from Amalda before we leave." "Those plans are not available," Steve Jobs replies. Zanax sighs, "Well, it was worth a try. How long will it take us to the nearest of the 3 military bases?" "A few minutes." Zanax nods, "Engage!" Suddenly a plate of raw celery, baby carrots, broccoli spears and cauliflower with dip appears on the table in the middle of the room. Black-eye has a steak burger. The Steve Jobs rises off of the deck of the Amalda station, turns 180 degrees and then flies out into interplanetary space. As soon as it is clear of the space station it accelerates to a relativistic velocity...then slows down again. Before you now is another large space station, silhouetted against the stars of the Milky Way. Like Amalda, it is a maze of tubular passages connecting larger spheres and cylinders. It must be several miles in length. However, unlike Amalda, this one shows no lights, and the superstructure is pitted and scarred. Several of the cylinders have gaping holes in them, and you see that others have long, scorched streaks across them. The Steve Jobs closes, and then enters one of the spheres through an opening. Lights blaze forth from the X class scout, and you see that you have entered a flight deck. The place is deserted but for some odd bits of debris floating here and there...and you realise that there is no gravity outside. You also realise that you have been here before...at the end of April. This is the military space station in the Toliman system. Pesky computers...always taking your commands literally. Zanax rolls his eyes. "Computer, please scan for life signs." "Nothing above the microscopic level." Zanax has the ship head to the next military outpost. The Steve Jobs reverses out of the landing bay, raising a cloud of dust in the process. Once the ship is back in interplanetary space, it turns and accelerates out of the Alpha Centauri system.
home training. I'm sure they will be back in a few weeks. Right now, I'd like
to meet these Regulans. Can you take them to me?"
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day...
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