Meltdown Ophilion - Book One

21_REALITY II

They settled into the plush seats on the Cholan deck – they had claimed a set of six reclining armchairs which they swiveled to face each other. Confidence in their current plan was low, but there were no attractive alternatives. They advanced by dead reckoning. They would later describe it as a matter of emotional investment and the mystical power of Destiny. There was no plausible way they could back down and give up the chase; as if a curse had been placed on them the moment they opened the sphere in the cave. Jenna would have been cursed much earlier.

Yet, there was a kind of inner peace with this decision. They all accepted that there were other factors in the equation; other forces. That was a consolation – these other factors outside of their control that they were not responsible for. At least they would be able to blame something else when it all fell apart. They could find a way to live with it. At least they would have done something of note in their otherwise inconsequential existences. At some point in the future, they would be able to sit back and laugh at their youthful impetuosity. It was a fair enough exchange.

Their transport began pulling out of the dock. This was nothing like the farm-zone port they had left from four days earlier. This was traveling in style, even though they were forced to remain on the inferior 'Cholan deck' of the ship.

They ascended to a sky lane and picked up speed, heading south-east. The sight was spectacular! A million lights glittered around them in the dark. Unending strings of transports crisscrossed in the night sky. The towers that rose above them looked like contestants in a beauty pageant.

"It really is amazing," Jenna commented, gazing at the spectacular scene before her. "I've never seen a com-zone from this angle before." She watched transports hurtle by at close range, above and below them. "It's remarkable there aren't collisions though."

"It hardly ever happens," Orion said, "all the skyways are com-linked and monitored so it's almost impossible to crash even if you want to," he chuckled knowingly.

"Almost," Fel said grinning.

Since there was nothing they could do to further their mission at the moment, they put aside their impossible quest and talked and laughed and eventually reclined and slept as the huge transport cruised halfway around the planet towards the com-zone of Portos-Caas.

***

Jenna woke as the first light of Hanthran was visible in the east. She took in the pristine beauty of the free-zone in the pre-dawn light – something she had missed in the last two calah. She knew that it was pointless to try to unravel the potential implications of their decision, so she relied on tradition: she made a prayer.

Togan, she addressed the Great Spirit as she watched the landscape slip by, I acknowledge the blessings you have bestowed on me and on this world. I am grateful for my home... she felt a pang of regret that she was not with her family now. She hadn't realized how much she would miss them. ... and my community. Her learning center came to mind – her friends would be getting ready for a sunrise meditation session on this day. I pledge to honor the Code to the best of my ability and seek for harmony and peace.

It was a mantra she repeated at the start of every day and it felt very good on this day. It was a ritual that helped to keep her world in balance.

She then sent out a telepathic message to the agents – in case they were listening. She focused her mind and projected. In case anyone is listening, I need some help. She waited. The last thing I want to do is endanger the mission and make things worse. She took a breath. It would be good if you could contact me. I hope you haven't lost track of me. I'm on my way to Portos-Caas with Orion, Celli and Fel. We have an idea of how to get the summons point, but, honestly I don't think it will work and I'm not sure how going into the asteroid belt will help.