King.”
The Adar’s features were similar to those of humans, though squarer, stronger, and his skin was not pale pink, but rather a greenish-gold color. His black hair was long and flowing, shot with two bright streaks of white that originated from each temple.
He indicated the small compy. “I am also returning your competent computerized companion, whom we rescued from the generation ship, Peary .”
“You brought one of the old compies back! That’s a nice surprise.” The Guard Captain gestured behind him as his men stepped aside to form a long, open corridor in their ranks. “This way, Adar Bali’nh. King Ben will receive you in his Throne Hall.”
Inside, the Whisper Palace was quite spectacular, the Throne Hall alone as cavernous as a warliner’s cargo hold. The old bearded King sat on a high dais approached by a long succession of stone steps; his throne was situated before a broad window that looked out upon Earth’s open skies. The clouds were turning golden with the setting of the sun, and Bali’nh wondered just how dark this city would get, but OX had assured him that humans kept the darkness at bay with artificial lights, just as any Ildiran splinter colony would.
Bali’nh stood at the base of the steps, looking up at the King. The Adar’s red cape hung from his squared shoulders. He addressed King Ben in the manner that OX had taught him. “Your Majesty, in all the history of our empire, as is told in the Saga of Seven Suns , Ildirans have encountered no other intelligent race—until now. This is a sign of great things, and our Mage-Imperator offers to share Ildiran knowledge and technology. We welcome humans as our friends and partners into the civilization of the Spiral Arm. We are impressed by your boldness in sending out your generation ships on what was surely a very risky quest.”
From his throne, King Ben cleared his throat, “Yes, they were quite brave, those pioneers. We thank you for rescuing them.”
Bali’nh nodded again. “In the years since we first encountered the Caillié , we have located all but one of your generation vessels and delivered them to suitable worlds for settlement.”
King Ben used a ringed hand to stroke his lower lip; he furrowed his brow as if deep in contemplation. “We owe you a great deal for all you have done for us, Adar Bali’nh.” He leaned forward, as if noticing OX for the first time. “And now this compy from the Peary —what a relic! He must have fascinating stories.”
OX took a half step forward. “Yes, your Majesty. Not only did I chronicle the voyage of the Peary , but I discovered a greater purpose when I began learning from the Ildirans. Over many centuries, their Solar Navy has mapped hundreds of habitable planets, but their empire has no interest in colonizing those planets. In other words, Sire, all those worlds are untouched and unclaimed.”
Bali’nh nodded. “There are many habitable worlds across the Spiral Arm. We do not lay claim to them. And the stardrive we offer will allow you to explore and settle new territories.”
The King glanced to one side, and Bali’nh caught a glimpse of a man in the shadows of an alcove. The King’s expression suddenly changed to one of worry. He said in a more uncertain voice, “We look forward to reconnecting with our lost children. The first generation ship you encountered, the Caillié —how is that colony doing? You delivered those people to a heavily forested planet, I believe?”
“The planet is called Theroc,” Bali’nh said. “The Caillié refugees have adapted to the great trees and appear to be thriving on their new world.”
OX spoke up, “Perhaps someday, a representative from Theroc will come to Earth, just as I have.”
King Ben smiled. “We can only hope.”
3
THARA WEN
The planet Theroc was a paradise: skyscraper-high trees with golden scaled bark and immense interlocking fronds, thick underbrush, beautiful flowers, countless varieties of delicious
The Adar’s features were similar to those of humans, though squarer, stronger, and his skin was not pale pink, but rather a greenish-gold color. His black hair was long and flowing, shot with two bright streaks of white that originated from each temple.
He indicated the small compy. “I am also returning your competent computerized companion, whom we rescued from the generation ship, Peary .”
“You brought one of the old compies back! That’s a nice surprise.” The Guard Captain gestured behind him as his men stepped aside to form a long, open corridor in their ranks. “This way, Adar Bali’nh. King Ben will receive you in his Throne Hall.”
Inside, the Whisper Palace was quite spectacular, the Throne Hall alone as cavernous as a warliner’s cargo hold. The old bearded King sat on a high dais approached by a long succession of stone steps; his throne was situated before a broad window that looked out upon Earth’s open skies. The clouds were turning golden with the setting of the sun, and Bali’nh wondered just how dark this city would get, but OX had assured him that humans kept the darkness at bay with artificial lights, just as any Ildiran splinter colony would.
Bali’nh stood at the base of the steps, looking up at the King. The Adar’s red cape hung from his squared shoulders. He addressed King Ben in the manner that OX had taught him. “Your Majesty, in all the history of our empire, as is told in the Saga of Seven Suns , Ildirans have encountered no other intelligent race—until now. This is a sign of great things, and our Mage-Imperator offers to share Ildiran knowledge and technology. We welcome humans as our friends and partners into the civilization of the Spiral Arm. We are impressed by your boldness in sending out your generation ships on what was surely a very risky quest.”
From his throne, King Ben cleared his throat, “Yes, they were quite brave, those pioneers. We thank you for rescuing them.”
Bali’nh nodded again. “In the years since we first encountered the Caillié , we have located all but one of your generation vessels and delivered them to suitable worlds for settlement.”
King Ben used a ringed hand to stroke his lower lip; he furrowed his brow as if deep in contemplation. “We owe you a great deal for all you have done for us, Adar Bali’nh.” He leaned forward, as if noticing OX for the first time. “And now this compy from the Peary —what a relic! He must have fascinating stories.”
OX took a half step forward. “Yes, your Majesty. Not only did I chronicle the voyage of the Peary , but I discovered a greater purpose when I began learning from the Ildirans. Over many centuries, their Solar Navy has mapped hundreds of habitable planets, but their empire has no interest in colonizing those planets. In other words, Sire, all those worlds are untouched and unclaimed.”
Bali’nh nodded. “There are many habitable worlds across the Spiral Arm. We do not lay claim to them. And the stardrive we offer will allow you to explore and settle new territories.”
The King glanced to one side, and Bali’nh caught a glimpse of a man in the shadows of an alcove. The King’s expression suddenly changed to one of worry. He said in a more uncertain voice, “We look forward to reconnecting with our lost children. The first generation ship you encountered, the Caillié —how is that colony doing? You delivered those people to a heavily forested planet, I believe?”
“The planet is called Theroc,” Bali’nh said. “The Caillié refugees have adapted to the great trees and appear to be thriving on their new world.”
OX spoke up, “Perhaps someday, a representative from Theroc will come to Earth, just as I have.”
King Ben smiled. “We can only hope.”
3
THARA WEN
The planet Theroc was a paradise: skyscraper-high trees with golden scaled bark and immense interlocking fronds, thick underbrush, beautiful flowers, countless varieties of delicious
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