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«We need Master Zolen», Draam said slowly in Galacton.
The attendants bowed in perfect unison, turned, and departed just as synchronously like reflections moving in a mirror.
The hall seemed to be made entirely of pale, frosted glass, from which a gentle, golden light emanated in every direction. It flowed from the floor, the ceiling, and the walls alike, filling the vast space with an almost tangible warmth.
Then, before their eyes, the faint outlines of chairs and a table began to rise slowly from the floor itself, as if the glass were drawing breath and shaping matter from air. Within moments, the newly formed furniture solidified into a smooth, translucent surface that gleamed softly under the ambient light.
The familiar attendants reappeared, carrying large rhomboid trays laden with exotic, multicolored fruits and, judging by their appearance, an assortment of delicacies. The arrangement was beautiful, inviting, and irresistibly appetizing.
Though hunger gnawed at them after their journey, the friends decided to wait for the master of the house. They did not have to wait long. In the far corner of the room, a column of flame suddenly flared to life, and from it stepped an Omerian in a gray hooded cloak. His skin was a warm bronze tone, and by his appearance, he seemed to be about John’s age.
«Yeah», said Draam with a wry grin, «Masters never fail to make a grand entrance. And usually right where the food is.»
The Master studied the four of them carefully, then stepped toward Draam, and they embraced like old friends.
«I hope you didn’t come here to play cards again, you old glutton!» Zolen said with a smile eyeing the humans with vivid curiosity.
«No, not unless you insist», Draam replied, turning to his companions. «Allow me to introduce Master Zolen – one of the eldest and wisest among the Star Masters.»
Zolen bowed slightly and gestured for them to sit.
«I suggest we let our stomachs join the conversation», he said with a twinkle in his eye. «And these, I presume, are the people from the Blue Planet you’ve recently begun to explore?»
Maarv and Draam exchanged a wary glance.
«Well then», Zolen went on with a sly half-smile, «tell me – what brings you here?»
«You’re uncannily perceptive», Maarv began tensely. «That’s precisely why we’re here. I don’t know how word of this reached you, but we urgently need you to arrange a meeting with your High Priestess.»
«And since you’re not only a wise master but also a devilishly shrewd old fox», Draam added, «I’ll return that relic I won from you last time – as a gesture of goodwill.»
«Well, that’s not a bad start», Zolen grinned again. «Though I was planning to win it back anyway. As for my so-called insight – nothing mystical about it. A few days ago, a pair of rather suspicious-looking mercenaries were poking around a tavern, asking very odd questions about scientists from Vriin who might have arrived with beings from some yet-unknown planet. They were even offering a handsome reward for any information.»
He paused for a moment, as if piecing his thoughts together, and continued, «When I first heard about it, I thought it was complete nonsense – that they’d simply had a bit too much to drink», he chuckled, resting his elbows on the table and studying his guests with sly amusement. «But now… now the picture finally fits together.»
«Hmm… We’ve run into quite a serious problem», said Draam gravely. «And whoever’s behind those mercenaries is directly connected to it. We’re running out of time – the fate of an entire race may depend on this.»
«Well then», Zolen replied, his expression turning thoughtful, «in that case, I’ll, of course, take you to the High Priestess. Besides, I suspect she’s already well aware of what’s happening. And I daresay she’ll be quite intrigued to meet the people from the Blue Planet.»
He rose from his seat, his cloak shifting with a soft rustle, and added with a faint, knowing smile, «Now then, if you’ll follow me.»
Chapter 12
They left the hall where they had just been sitting and followed Zolen down a softly glowing corridor. At last, they turned a corner and came to a massive stone door, its surface covered with carvings – intricate figures of strange beings and a celestial orb framed by several geometric shapes: a triangle, a square, and a circle.
«Something about this looks familiar», thought Kane, running his hand thoughtfully along the door’s cool, time-worn surface.
From the hidden folds of his gray cloak, Zolen produced an intricately crafted key of dark, silvery-blue metal – four-sided, engraved with delicate, winding patterns. He slipped it into a barely visible keyhole in the door – one that could scarcely be found unless one knew exactly where to look.
With a deliberate turn came a distinct click, followed by the soft grinding of internal gears. The massive door, built of four interlocking segments, slowly drew back into the corners, revealing a widening passageway.
«Very few guests are ever granted the sight that now awaits you», said Zolen. «Matters of this kind are handled only in the highest circles. Though our visit is born of grave necessity, I trust you’ll still find some pleasure in the journey ahead.»
They stepped through the doorway and descended a winding staircase that spiraled down for several dozen meters. At the bottom, a short corridor led them out onto a brightly lit terrace – and there they stopped, struck silent by sheer astonishment.
Before them unfolded a vast underground city, stretching downward and outward as far as the eye could see. Everywhere, lights gleamed in a thousand hues, while a warm golden glow emanated from the cavern’s vaulted ceiling, casting the illusion of a gentle planetary sun.
Countless transparent elevators glided swiftly in all directions, and waterfalls – some cascading downward, others impossibly flowing upward – brought a sense of motion and wonder to the already breathtaking landscape. Bridges and luminous tunnels intertwined, linking terraces, platforms, streets, and squares in a graceful lattice of light.
A majestic harmony reigned over it all, a serene balance that seemed to wrap the entire city in an invisible aura of joy and quiet bliss.
Zolen smiled, clearly pleased by the awe on his guests’ faces as they gazed at the underground marvel.
«This is one of the largest subterranean cities on our planet», he said, his voice tinged with quiet pride. “And there are many more like it, all connected to one another. Our civilization on Omera moved beneath the surface long ago, many millennia past, making the depths not only habitable, but, as you can see, remarkably comfortable for life.»
«I once heard a legend», said Maarv thoughtfully, “that the great ocean of your world suddenly vanished underground, and that those of your people who stayed behind followed it into the depths.»
«As you can see», replied Zolen with a faint smile, “it was no legend. That is precisely what happened. We reached the deep water layers and built our cities around them, ensuring a constant, self-sustaining source. Some of that water we also brought back to the surface to keep it as green and thriving as it once was. Few visitors ever glimpse what our world truly looks like», he added, lowering his voice slightly. «We do not seek to advertise it and we trust in your discretion.»
«This world could certainly use a few more good fairy tales», said John, his eyes gleaming with that familiar spark of mischief. «And if one more story is meant to remain just that, a story, then we’ll do everything we can to make it a good one, won’t we, my friends?»
«A curious way of looking at things», replied Zolen with an approving smile. «I see that Earthlings have grown far more thoughtful and changed a great deal since… well, that’s a tale for later.»
They stepped into one of the transparent lifts, and Zolen pressed a button marked with the symbol of a pyramid. The lift shot forward at great speed, carrying them toward their destination while the travelers continued to marvel at the wonders of the underground world gliding past them.
«We could have simply teleported there», said Zolen, glancing at them with a half-smile, «but I thought it might be far more interesting to see it with your own eyes. After all who knows when you’ll have the chance to visit us again?»
The city seemed nothing short of a marvel – every detail, every curve of its architecture was crafted with such precision and tenderness that even the Vriinians, who placed immense value on beauty and harmony, found much to admire. As for Kane and John, they simply couldn’t tear their eyes away from the panoramic view through the lift’s transparent walls.
At last, the cabin slowed and came to a halt before another tunnel, its entrance shaped like a golden triangle. Natural light poured down from a vast opening above, revealing a lush green meadow at its center and there, rising from the emerald grass, stood a colossal pyramid. To Kane and John, it unmistakably resembled the ancient structures built by the Mayans on Earth. «Only this one could have swallowed them all whole», Kane thought, awed and breathless.
The pyramid was made not only of stone but also of shimmering alloys, each surface blending into the next with a grace that spoke of both artistry and unfathomable age. Its walls were etched with strange inscriptions and adorned with images of fantastic creatures, their jeweled eyes gleaming with inner fire. None of the travelers could decipher the language, yet the sight itself – the harmony of form, light, and mystery was stunning in its beauty.
«We’re standing inside the crater of a volcano that went extinct several hundred thousand years ago», Zolen said quietly. «This majestic structure, the Temple of the Luminaries, was raised long before we began exploring the planet’s depths. One could speak of it endlessly. And by the way, from this place you can reach any point on the planet within seconds, for the Temple houses the central teleport linked as well to several of our orbital stations.»
Zolen led them inside the Temple. Upon entering, they found themselves in a small chamber.
«John», Kane said in a low voice, trying to ease the tension, «I think you absolutely must invite a couple of these Star Masters over and show them your bunker.»
«Well, why not», John replied. «Wouldn’t be half bad to have an underground apartment overlooking an underground lake and a park. Quite a handy bunch, really», he added with a grin. «Just imagine it – a whole dwarven kingdom, reimagined in sleek, modern style!»
«Who are dwarves?» Maarv asked, puzzled.
Kane eagerly launched into a lengthy explanation, recounting everything he had ever read about dwarves until Draam, finally exasperated, let out an audible sigh of vexation and snapped,
«Am I the only one here actually doing any work?!»
Maarv gave an apologetic smile and turned to the Earthmen. «Draam isn’t exactly a fan of confined spaces», he whispered. «Unless, of course, it’s a well-armed starship stocked with plenty of food supplies.»
At that moment, Zolen, who had been standing by the far wall, pressed several symbols in succession on a vast, gleaming panel that stretched in a horizontal band across the entire room, its surface covered with a mosaic of intricate signs. Instantly, in each of the four corners, soft violet light flared to life, shaping into triangular portals of shimmering energy.
«Please, follow me», Zolen said, and stepped into one of the portals.
The others followed, finding themselves in a rectangular chamber far larger than the previous one, with more than ten portals aligned neatly in a row. Turning toward his companions, Zolen continued his impromptu guided tour.
«The Temple’s generators produce such an immense amount of energy that it’s enough not only to sustain all the teleportation gates», he explained, «but also to maintain the planet’s energy shield. It serves not merely as protection against external threats, but also to preserve the planet’s ozone balance.»
At last, they stepped onto a platform within a vast hall adorned with great carved pilasters, their surfaces entwined with living greenery and blooming flowers. In the center lay a broad pool into which, from opposite sides, several waterfalls descended in radiant, multicolored cascades. The walls were covered with massive symbols wrought in the same intricate style, golden in hue, each rising three or four times the height of a human being.
Beyond the waterfalls stretched a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, revealing that they stood almost beneath the very dome of the pyramid. From there, fresh air flowed through the falling streams, filling the space with the fragrance of spring morning – crisp, cool, and life-giving.
Above the pool, upon a small elevation, stood something resembling a throne, richly and harmoniously adorned with gemstones of many colors, mostly pink and soft wine-red. Upon that throne, large enough to seat several people, sat the High Priestess of the Star Masters.
She wore a simple short tunic of purest white, which left her slender legs bare above delicate sandals, the garment bound at the waist by a golden belt with a blue clasp. Her silvery-ash hair was gathered into an intricate, exotic coiffure, half veiled by a translucent mantle. Her features were flawless, her face smooth and unlined, her beauty delicate and serene, yet her eyes shone with a depth of knowledge and wisdom, as though reflecting the burden of long-lived years. Behind the throne, at a respectful distance, stood the younger priestesses and attendants.
The air itself seemed to hum with quiet power, as if the walls remembered every word ever spoken beneath their golden dome.
Zolen approached the foot of the dais with quiet reverence, walking along a smooth stone path. Having introduced his guests, he made a slight gesture, inviting them to come closer. For a while, the High Priestess regarded all four of them in silence, her gaze calm yet piercing.
«Let the inhabitants of Vriin approach», she said at last, her clear, resonant voice echoing through the vast hall. «I am aware of your interference in the lives of the people of the Blue Planet», she continued, her tone steady but edged with curiosity. «And I can guess at the reasons that drive your kind to act against the decrees of the Galactic Council. Yet I would know what drives you, personally. Why do you aid the people of the Blue Planet, defying the will of certain powerful ones among your own, and risk your very lives?»
«Don’t look at me, Priestess», Draam replied with a crooked smile. Being the largest of the group, he inevitably drew every eye. «I said from the beginning this was pure madness…»
«Forgive me, O High Priestess», Maarv continued. «In truth, my friend is a wellspring of virtues – he merely takes great pains to conceal them. You see, for many years we have devoted ourselves to studying the people of the Blue Planet, and I believe there is much we can learn from them. In the course of our technical evolution, we have certainly advanced far, yet at the same time we might have forgotten something important. Their minds and their hearts are guided more by feeling than by logic. The more I studied them, the more clearly, I realized that we could become friends and trusted partners, giving the Earth people a chance to join the great galactic community. I believe they would hold an honorable place within it.»
«He is my friend», Draam said, catching the Priestess’s gaze and nodding toward Maarv. «At first, I simply couldn’t leave him to the mercy of madmen – there are everywhere. I’m no scholar, and I’ve never studied humans, but after getting to know our new companions», he gestured casually behind him, «I can say I’d follow them to the very edge of the Universe. And I’m certain they would do the same for me.»
The Priestess fell silent for a moment, reflecting on what she had just heard.
«Never noticed such eloquence in you before», Maarv murmured out of the corner of his mouth. «You might as well be delivering the grand, flowery speeches in the Vriin Senate.»
«In such brilliant captainly company, one can’t help but become wiser and better», Draam replied softly with matching irony.
«Let the inhabitants of the Blue Planet approach», the Priestess’s voice resounded once more through the hall.
«Many millennia ago, we visited your world», she said. «At that time, you stood upon a different stage of development. We tried to teach your peoples much, yet soon realized you were not ready for such knowledge, and so we left your world, hoping that one day we might speak as equals.
I can see that you have changed greatly over the passing millennia. You have learned the meaning of friendship and your new companions are living proof of that, which gladdens me beyond words. I believe you will one day find your rightful place among the nations of the Galaxy. But first, you must overcome the Genemode. Therefore, I ask that one of you step forward.»
John gave a gentle push to the stunned Kane.
«Go on, son – up you go», he said with a smile. «I’m far too old to climb the endless steps to the goddess of youth.»
Kane ascended toward the Priestess. Up close, she seemed even more graceful, and impossibly beautiful.
«Forgive me, High Priestess», said Kane. He could feel that she was reading his thoughts as though they lay open before her. «Perhaps, from your point of view, we have advanced far in some ways, but in others, we have remained the same. And I would like to believe», he added, blushing slightly and feeling awkward, «that what has stayed unchanged is not the worst part of us.»
«Most certainly not the worst», the High Priestess replied with a gentle smile. «Please, accept Our gift to the people of your beautiful Blue Planet», she said, extending toward him a thin tablet of dark metal. «It is a fragment of the Ticket – one that shall lead you into the greater world of the galactic community. From my heart, I wish you peace and prosperity. And if my gift does not deceive me, Kane, we shall meet again.»
Kane thanked the radiant High Priestess, certain that whatever fate might bring, he would forever carry the image of her wondrous face in his memory. Then, descending the steps, he returned to his friends, who waited below in quiet suspense to learn how the encounter had ended.
He handed the newly received tablet to Maarv, who reverently took it in both hands and lifted it closer to his eyes for a better look.
«So this is it – the fragment of the fateful Ticket, capable of deciding the destiny of entire civilizations,” Maarv murmured, his voice filled with awe. «To touch it is like touching the very fabric of the Universe’s history and the fates of the galactic nations themselves.» His gaze grew distant and unfocused, as though he were peering through the tablet into something far beyond.
«Hey, Maarv, wake up!» Kane called. “Hate to interrupt your flow of genius and reverence, my friend, but it looks like you’ve gone a bit too deep into the temple spirit.»
At last, Maarv blinked several times, returning from the depths of his contemplation.
Draam carefully took the tablet from Maarv, slipped it into his inner pocket, and, smiling wearily, patted Maarv on the shoulder, winking at Kane and John.
«Not a bad start, my friends! Let’s finally get back to the surface and call Arma – I could use a proper meal and some rest in familiar surroundings!»
One by one, they warmly thanked Zolen, who wished them good fortune and led them to the proper portal. Just before stepping through after his companions, Draam pulled a small cloth pouch from his side bag and handed it to Zolen.
«Almost forgot! I want this to find its way back to you, old friend. I’ve watched over it long enough», he said in farewell. Then, clasping Zolen’s hand firmly, he stepped into the shimmering gateway.
Soon the friends stepped out onto a vast observation platform at the very summit of the mountain, where a breathtaking view of the surroundings unfolded before them.
Though night had fallen, the ancient forest below was bathed in the mysterious glow of Omera’s twin moons, and in the crater below they could clearly see the gilded tip of the pyramid.
Maarv contacted Arma, gave her their coordinates, and asked her to pick them up.
«I know exactly where you are», Arma replied cheerfully. «Already on my way.»
«Keeping an eye on us, aren't you?» Kane said with a crooked grin. «Afraid we might get lost?»
Suddenly, from the direction of the staircase leading up to the platform, two large dark figures appeared. Kane, instinctively sensing danger, turned to face them, and the others followed, having felt that something was wrong as well.
Instead of a greeting, the strangers, dressed in heavy leather armor of the kind usually worn by mercenaries, immediately opened fire with massive beam pistols. Bright flashes from the shots illuminated the platform, and in that strobing light Kane saw the attackers’ coarse, bestial faces covered with dark fur, and their fierce green eyes burning with animal cruelty and merciless rage.
Maarv managed to activate the defense screen, which absorbed several blasts, while Draam, reaching for his weapon, hesitated, and one of the shots struck his chest, exploding against it and hurling him to the far wall, where he remained lying motionless.
Maarv seized the nearest enemy in the energy field of his shield, lifting the attacker above the ground, and, turning sharply, hurled him with all his might from the platform into the bottomless abyss. The force of the field dragged Maarv far toward the edge of the platform, and he almost fell after his foe, but at the last moment caught the parapet with both hands, hanging above the void.
John, who was nearby, rushed to his aid, grabbing his hands and preventing him from falling, but his strength was clearly not enough to pull the heavy Maarv back.
The second attacker, left alone with the unarmed Kane, let out a predatory growl and raised his weapon, but did not have time to shoot. Behind him, a bright light flashed, and the deep, vibrating sound of the Armaon’s engines hovering in the air made him turn. The next second, a heavy beam projectile struck, tearing him to pieces and scattering blue fragments across the platform, thoroughly splattering Kane, who stood nearby.
«Damn it, Arma!» yelled the stunned Kane, trying to wipe his face with his hands, for he could barely see anything. «I’m covered in this… in what even is this?!»
John’s cry for help quickly brought him back to his senses, and together they managed, with great effort, to haul Maarv back onto the platform.
Arma, who had already delivered Draam in a special capsule to the med bay, reported that he was alive – only slightly burned across the chest. The metal tablet in his inner pocket had protected him, and it too was undamaged. Draam, upon regaining consciousness, immediately asked about it instead of saying hello.
«Kane, nobody’s been hurting you, right?» Arma asked in the tone of a caring mother. «Come on, hurry home – I’ll wash you clean!»
«Come on, ladies’ man», John said, giving Kane an affectionate pat on the shoulder, then quickly pulled his hand back in disgust. «You could definitely use a good scrub. And the sooner, the better.»
«And that’s your thank you for me taking the main hit?» Kane protested. «It could’ve been you two getting… splashed by all that.»
Once everyone was aboard, Arma sealed the hatches tight, and the cruiser soared up through the clouds.
Chapter 13
The sun had barely risen, yet Tadek was already up. For the first time in a long while, he had slept astonishingly well. At first, he couldn’t quite grasp why, but a little later, as he brewed his coffee on the ancient stovetop, it suddenly dawned on him: for some reason, no one had made a racket through the night.
The usual noise, shouting, and strange movements at all hours had long been a constant in this dormitory ever since he’d been forced to hole up here, waking again and again to drunken quarrels, neighbors’ yelling, and their endless parade of shady-looking guests.
Tadek pulled back the faded striped curtain and opened the window, letting sunlight and crisp autumn air spill into the room. He ate his breakfast in silence, disturbed only by the chirping of street birds and the occasional hum of a car rushing past outside.