Mentar Station

Azjah had a busy summer scheduled, but two of the things she was most looking forward to were the trip with Rhaine to Mentar Station, and the sailing trip with Scarlet.

For this moment, she was preparing to go to Mentar Station. Azjah had heard so much about this place, but had never had the opportunity to actually go there.

Rhaine had said that they would be accepted and that she would join her for this trip, and that was sufficient reason for Azjah to make arrangements to head out on this long distance trip.

With everything packed, she had Dyson take her to Star?s End, where she?d filed the flight plan, and would meet Rhaine.

Azjah sat in front of the Star Dragon?s computer systems, while she waited, she pulled up the Rigelian records regarding Mentar Station. The files were short, and for the most part, incredibly uninformative. She?d learned more talking to Rhaine than she could glean from these files.

Rhaine had told her about Aquira Althos Gair, who is some sort of advisor. She appears to be around 30 years of age, but the way Rhaine had said it, she must be much older. And since she is the Advisor, Azjah hoped they would be introduced.

According to Rhaine, Aquira is not from Mentar Station, and doesn?t speak much about her past. Azjah remembered having met Keith and Elynne Althos, and that cemented her desire to meet with Aquira.

Rhaine had said there would be Dehtyars, but she couldn?t find much about them either.

Mentar 2 houses a University, that allegedly was first modified by Psilons on a moon of Mentar. On Mentar 3 and 4 are the industrial centers. Mentar 1 is reserved for agriculture. These things she learned from Rhaine and decided that the Wiki needed to be improved, and perhaps when they returned, she would update the files.

The gift she?d procured for her trip was now in the cargo hold. Rhaine had said such would be acceptable, and she hoped they would be seen in the appropriate light.

Dominik had agreed to fill in for Gabriel. Azjah knew Rhaine and Gabriel had traveled together in the past, but unfortunately, Gabriel wasn?t available. That caused a pang of regret that didn?t last as she heard Rhaine arrive.

Rhaine went into the vessel in a casual manner. Her soft, black cargo pants complimenting nicely with the camouflage colored, sleeveless t-shirt and military style boots. Her gem like eyes looked around her in that all-noticing quick glance that she had before she actually stepped into the bowels of the Star Dragon. She carried a small handbag that seemed to have very little space for much of anything really, but that was all she brought aboard.

Dominik materialized at Rhaine?s arrival and gave her a grave nod as Azjah glanced around out of the cockpit at the sound of footsteps on the decking. ?Rhaine! Welcome aboard!!?

She waved and beamed a smile, ?Thank you. The name you?ve given this lady suits her fine, she does remind me of a dragon.? Rhaine paused near the cockpit, ?So what?s the departure window??

Azjah gave her friend a smile, ?She has the teeth of a dragon, if you would like to see the defenses, or offenses.? Azjah gave her a mischievous wink. ?We depart at 07:20 for best approach to the first worm hole. Dominik will show you to your berth, and then if you wish to join me here, we?ll be away.?

Dominik stepped forward and motioned toward the left wing area.

Rhaine?s cyan hazed glance found Dominik as she said, ?Gladly, RhyDin is? tiring.?

?I understand completely,? Azjah commented as the two departed and she set about doing the final systems checks in preparation for departure. This was a trip she was very much looking forward to taking.

Rhaine returned very quickly, ?Omnia mea mecum porto,? she said as she entered the cockpit, ?Which doesn?t mean I get a huge luggage case,? she grinned.

Azjah laughed, her Latin was practically non-existent, ?What does it mean??

?That I carry all my stuff with me,? she said with a reciprocal laugh, ?For someone used to Mentar, it usually means that most of their belongings are in their mind though.? She glanced out the window, ?Do I get to see the start from here, or duck into a cubicle like a landlubber??

Azjah nodded, ?Interesting view, so things or articles are not very important to them?? She motioned to the right seat, ?Yes, actually you get the best view from here.?

Rhaine settled into the right seat with practiced ease, ?Most material things are fun, but not very important. Information and technology, that?s what they?re crazy about. At least most of them.?

Azjah pondered that a moment, and puzzled over her comment ?at least most of them.? Rhaine seldom said anything inane, and that addition had an important meaning. But precisely what was not clear. ?Hmm, well, I know you said that I could bring them a gift as my way of saying thank you for permitting my visit, but perhaps my choice is not such a good one.? The clearance from the tower was given and the anchors dropped away from the sleek chromium hull as the Star Dragon eased away from her docking site.

Rhaine gave her a surprised glance, ?Why? They are still human, in a way. Even despite their fascination with the Psilons.? She glanced out the hull as the Dragon began to move away from her berth, ?Perhaps they would interpret your gift differently from your norms though.?

Azjah smiled as she maneuvered the ship away from dock and toward launch. ?Well, I hope they enjoy fine chocolate truffles.? She?s had them sent from Rigel, the finest chocolatiers in Festungsmauer had hand made each truffle in some truly unique flavors and a multitude of chocolates, varying from nearly bitter dark to the smooth silk of white chocolate.

Rhaine chuckled, ?That would be a new and fascinating experience, I?m sure.?

Azjah glanced at her a moment, ?Well, I have brought quite an assortment because I am not certain how many we are talking about here, nor what their tastes may lean toward.? She puzzled why chocolate truffles should be a new experience.

Rhaine scanned the controls of the ship, ?Well, the only blood line that may be weird about those would be Dehtyars, they?re a bit arrogant. Althos are mostly very human, as well as Volin?s.?

Her voice held that warm tone that described her attitude toward those particular blood lines, and Azjah did not fail to take note. ?Well, the only other thing I could think of, and that I brought with me, was a book on the art and architecture of Rigel, signed by the authors, who?ve made themselves quite a reputation. It?s not a great deal, but you said something from my home would be of more interest to them.?

Rhaine nodded, ?Definitely. They?re kinda keeping away from the galaxy, can?t blame them though.?

Azjah had to agree on that point, ?No, things have gotten dicey in some areas,? and her mind slid toward Lacerta and the Cephean aggression there.

Mentar Station was a great distance, but intrepid star travelers have gone farther on less information, and that gave Azjah pause, why hadn?t more sought out the Station? ?Ah, but I have you in the navigator?s seat for this trip my friend; and I am very glad for it too.? She hoped this would be an enjoyable trip for Rhaine too, though she suspected Rhaine would have some business to conduct or she would not take the time to go. ?What would you like to do while we are there? Anything special??

Rhaine shrugged as they closed the distance to the worm hole, ?Depends on what you?d like to see. I?m not sure Dehtyars would invite you to their biolabs, but the annual bioaesthetics exhibition is open to the public, especially those with invitations from main blood lines. We?re a week from FalconFly?s, so you might like to see that too.?

Azjah chuckled, ?I am very curious about the bioaesthetics, I have my own implants, and FalconFly sounds fascinating, but what about you? This is your home, is it not?? Most everything about Mentar Station would fascinate Azjah given the highly technical world they embodied, but she didn?t want Rhaine to miss out on anything she wanted to do during their trip, which would undoubtedly be too short.

Rhaine pulled a comm. card from her pocket, ?I wonder who wins the melee this cycle.? She had a dreamy smile as she handed Azjah the adjusted coordinate set and the access codes of level one for the last three worm holes they would need to traverse. ?Mentar, it is my second home. The place where I was born as a scientist, not only a mage. It was a long time ago, under the Psilons, but still, it?s important to me.?

?That is precisely why I am wondering if there is something you would like to do or see while we are there.? She did not want Rhaine to feel obligated to forego her own wishes to chaperone her around the station.

?Anything. I would recommend to start with, the Four Moons. And then spend some time with Althos before the Annual Bioaesthetics Competition ? the ABC?s as they joke about it. It?s an ABC truth that Dehtyars used to win it every year, until recently.?

Azjah lifted a brow at her, ?Who has been winning recently??

?Oh, it?s between Althos-Gair and Dehtyars mostly.? She gave a slightly embarrassed smile, ?Aquira Althos-Gair was last year?s winner.?

That was a name Azjah recognized, ?Ah yes, you have told me a little about her, I trust we will meet??

?Definitely. She is the Advisor of Gair sub line, and such an important guest as you are, would hardly be unnoticed by the Advisor.? Rhaine assured her.

Azjah was somewhat surprised by Rhaine?s choice of words, she hadn?t thought she would be an important guest by any stretch of the imagination. ?I am looking forward to meeting her, Rhaine. Especially since I have had the pleasure of meeting Keith and Elynne Althos in the past.?

?Elynne is current Councilor for Althos. She?ll be hellishly busy, I?d bet. FalconFly?s and ABC?s are a time for many important decisions. If you wonder about these ranks, Rigelian Wikipedia does mention that Mentar is a type of democracy. The main ruling body is the Council of Bloodlines that must include one representative for each of them. Every Councilor has several Advisors, which form the internal Council of every line.?

Democracy was an odd thing in Azjah?s view, but then she?d been raised in a Feudal world with fealty demanded. ?Yes, I read that, and I am happy to hear Elynne has done well. How about Keith? Has he any interest in the politics or is he still roaming RhyDin??

?Oh, he hates politics. Almost as much as I do,? Rhaine chuckled as she placed the coordinates for the first wormhole leap into the computer. ?Elynne once said he is almost a Volin.?

Azjah chuckled as Rhaine evaded the question about Keith?s location, ?The Volin do not care for politics??

?They are engineers, and very straightforward, and many of them are hopeless romantics of spaceflight.? Rhaine liked straightforwardness from her acquaintances that Azjah knew, but she also knew subterfuge was nearly second nature.

Azjah glanced at the navigation systems, ?Ah, they would very much like our Carpathians from the sounds of it.?

?Might be. Volin-Vorlil are unbeaten kings of FalconFly?s and the best sentinels of Mentar space. When I mention a double name, its Bloodline name first, Sub-Line second. Actually triple names are a norm. Bloodline ? Sub-Line ? Family. That?s going to be useful for formal introductions. I?m not sure Carpathian?s are as crazy as Volin-Vorlill though. Gabriel and Lucien seemed to be rather balanced.?

Azjah nodded, she?d learned an important bit here about Mentar, then smiled at the reference to balance, ?The Hunters are, but the Gem Singers are a different breed altogether.?

Rhaine quirked a brow at that; ?Gem singers? I?m afraid I missed out on that piece of information.?

Azjah smiled, ?Yes, they are the artisans of the Carpathian people. Very romantically natured, not warriors at all.?

She gave a slight smile, ?There are very few Hunters among Mentari. Perhaps it would be their downfall someday.?

Azjah nodded, ?Perhaps, who knows. We?re coming up on the worm hole, once we?re in, would you care to see the ship?? They would have time, and Rhaine had never seen the Dragon. She felt the defenses would prove most interesting to her.

She nodded, ?It would be a pleasure. Speed and angle are in the navigation computer, so we can relax, wormholes are the least stressful part.?

Azjah chuckled, ?Once we?re in.?

Rhaine checked the readings on the navigator?s panel and made several corrections that she deemed necessary. Most were really very tiny, then she raised that cyan gaze, ?She reminds me of Mrrshan ships, in ergonomics at least.?

Azjah watched as she made the adjustments, remembering the fabulous Mrrshan wine and the very delicate glasses, ?She?s state of the art for Rigelian vessels,?

Rhaine nodded, ?Noticed. I?ve spent a little time on Rigel. Of course, I?ve never checked out the military ships.?

Azjah chuckled, ?We?re set up with more than private sector weaponry. But, that is my business, so I have license for such things.? It didn?t surprise her that Rhaine had traveled to Rigel at some point in her past.

?Naturally,? she smiled back, ?I think we?re five minutes from warping out. The angle is ideal already from what I see.?

Azjah glanced at the read outs, ?Perfect, then I can show you my pride and joy, for the Dragon is just that.?

Azjah's expression was colder than Rhaine had ever seen at the mention of a target already in mind. Definitely, that target of hers would have serious problems. Vampiress couldn't help being tempted to wriggle a few nice gadgets from Althos and Branlee and have them installed at Star Dragon. But that was a momentary thought. Giving a shotgun to a caveman was equally foolish, and she was quite aware that technologies of Mentar are not to be given to outsiders.

"The concussion missile launchers are pretty standard fare on ships this size, and I added the laser canon last year, I'm working on miniaturizing that further. I've got a team working on improving the vector targeting system as well. Smaller, lighter, easier to install and handle are the goals. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes not." Azjah continued.

"That's normal way in research and engineering. By Midnight, sometimes I do love the fact that we do not export weaponry" Rhaine nodded. Right. Wars in the outside world are devastating enough.

"We don't export weaponry to civilizations who haven't already developed their own. It's a rule my father created, and a rule I live by. Which is why who ever sold to the Cepheans will have a serious come up-ance if I catch them. If they have fire arms, I'll sell fire arms, but I won't sell phasers, and so forth" - there was a slight chuckle added to that. Responding with a smile, vampiress added another piece of information about Mentar.
"So you see the reasoning behind Mentari export trade policies?"
"Yes, but there are unscrupulous dealers who don't care who they sell to as long as they get paid."

Ha. Such things happened over a century ago. Telling this was unnecessary, but she remembered the records in the Central Databank. The issue was dealt with - cleanly and efficiently.

"Human nature," she sighed. "Unfortunately for humans."

Azjah glanced around the space. "Shielding here is significantly upgraded as well, partly to cover the contents, partly to protect it from attack."

"Dragon skin or dragon scales? I trust you're also using autorepair systems?" Rhaine snickered.

"Skin, it works better with the chromium overlay," she replied with a wink.

"She's a good child... becoming what her mother wants her to be," and wasn't there a hidden message... Rhaine had this bad habit of using double meanings. Touching the wall, she seemed to treat it like touching a true dragon.

"Most of the time. If you like, we can head into the engineering space, but the drive systems are impulse and Tachyon drive," Azjah seemed to keep her eyes open. Rhaine wondered, if she noticed the hidden message in her words. Tachyon drives - hmm, that was not very common for Rigelian small craft, however Mrrshans were almost crazy for them. Mrrshans... she chased away a memory.

"The newer drives are still too space consuming for a ship this size", Marchioness seemed to know how uncommon these drives were on small craft.

"It's not my priviledge - or headache - to discuss exporting policies of bloodlines I'm not even in league with... Though it's so tempting to see how some newer Branlee tricks would do here," Rhaine again threw in a hint.

"I am looking forward to seeing what they are willing to share," the fish hook seemed to work.

"Would take some of your skill in convincing others to work for you. One of primary rules... risk yourself, do not risk others," there was another hint dropped. It was a game, a game Rhaine loved.

Azjah suggested to sample the truffles, and resisting was not only unpleasant (hey, denying yourself a pleasure IS unpleasant), but unfit for the situation. Rhaine looked like a cat seeing a jar of cream.

Yes... and truffles were most delicious. Enough to make even an asmodean drown in euphoria.

Azjah lifted a brow at Rhaine, ?Manual?? She?d heard of such civilizations, those who had better mental abilities than any computer.

Rhaine nodded, ?Neural. A brain is better than a computer. It it?s a well developed mind in complete synchronization with the space craft. They have outgrown the fondness with artificial navigators. Of course, some of the worst routines are left for the computer, but decision making is all human.?

Azjah was truly impressed. ?Impressive. Yes, the brain has so much more potential than the artificial intelligences, at least so far.? As far as AI had come, it was still not the equivalent of the human brain in many respects.

Another ring tossed them across the asteroid belt, closer still to Mentar 2. The ?ring? around the planet turned out to be four moons with thousands of smaller satellites, glowing, alive, and surrounded by myriad small craft. The satellites appeared to be perfectly in tune. One could almost start looking for unseen threads binding them into the structure. One of these ?moons? was a huge Saturn-shaped thing, a coil around a spherical satellite. Larger spacecraft were ?landing? on the coil, which seemed to grow tentacles to take them in. ?Branlee will take us from here, you can power down the engines.?

Azjah was clearly shocked by the ?tentacles?. They reminded her of an amoeba pulling it?s dinner in, but she reached for the engine controls and throttled them down to idle.

The star port ring extended one of the transparent tentacles and ?absorbed? the Rigelian vessel and formed a dock around the Star Dragon. A puff outside the ship?s shielding showed that the dock was filled with air, and a ?diaphragm? on the far end opened into a tunnel. ?We?re there.? Rhaine smiled, ?There is no fixed number of docks, so living structure is most convenient. You might wish to dress comfortably to go out.?

Azjah shut down everything except auxiliary power, ?Comfortably?? She chuckled, ?Alright, I?ll meet you in about 10 minutes.? At the appointed time, Azjah stepped from her berth. Dominik would remain here until the sun dimmed enough for him to join them. ?Well, what is our first order of business?? Azjah was anxious to be out and about, with Rhaine to lead the way.

Rhaine took a look at Azjah, ?Well, we can take a walk to the core of Starport, and make sure we?re entered in the Central Databank. The visa procedures are simplified, so, any ID you have and be ready to say something aloud about the purpose of the visit. Tourism would look fine, as well as an invitation from Althos Bloodline.?

Azjah nodded as she patted a pocket in her jacket, ?ID secured, and I?m following your lead Rhaine. Let?s make sure we?re registered and free to go walk about.?

?Registration is needed to have access to null-port,? Rhaine told her before standing up and walking toward the exit. ?Gravity is pretty low around here, so be careful.? Azjah was used to low grav conditions, and smiled before telling Rhaine to ?lead on.?

The air was extremely pure, and slightly cool. It had some delicate scent to it, but it was very difficult to identify. Somewhat reminding Azjah of thunderstorms and pine trees, but not quite. The tunnel they entered had smooth walls and artificially roughened floors, which moved with the speed of a running human. It was enough to just stand on it.

Azjah was full of questions as they stepped onto the tunnel floor, ?Who do we need to see about access to the labs?? She paused at the unidentified scent in the air, savoring the delicate balance of aromas. On the exit side there was a small terminal with a touch pad and a dark glass surface. Rhaine stopped near it before responding, ?Blood line advisors, of course.? She took an id card from her pocket, then touched the glassy surface. Immediately a holographic image appeared over the terminal. It was an emblem looking like an asymmetric arrow and atom came up. Several lines under the emblem in the local writing and in common showed Name and blood line affinity. She glanced at Azjah, ?Your turn.? Then she smirked, ?Travel passports are so archaic.?

Azjah pulled her Rigelian ID chip and laid it atop the glass surface. The image of Azjah along with her titles and registration alpha numeric code registered. A voice from the terminal asked, ?Please state your preferred name for identification purposes, and the goal of your visit.? Azjah chuckled, ?Azjah Danaan, goal, tourism.? She glanced at Rhaine as the system responded, ?Welcome to the Four Moons Azjah Danaan. Your voice has been recorded within the Central Databank. Feel free to request open information from any of our terminals.?

Rhaine smiled slightly, ?Voices are unique you know.? She then advised Azjah that Dominik would need to leave a voice print as well if he chose to use the null-portals.

They started at the bottom level, and Rhaine invited any questions that Azjah might have. Azjah laughed, ?Be careful, I may turn into one non-stop interrogative.

Rhaine motioned for them to move into the larger corridor. It is huge, and there?s traffic around. The locals seem very different, with only two things in common, they are rather lean in build, and have deep tans.

Azjah had asked about information accessibility, and how many people lived in the Mentari system.

Rhaine commented that availability of information is one of the guaranteed rights on Mentar, and that blood line specific information has access levels. She paused to look up the census details. They discussed imports and exports while they walked. Rhaine said, ?Mentar hardly imports serious stuff. Though there are what they call ?foreign luxuries and fashions?. You might find them around Starport.? Rhaine retrieved the information on the census figures, ?2,125,678 - prime. 867,503 - Four Moons complex.? About then a group of teenagers rushed by, gliding along one of the sloped walls on something like glideboards. Rhaine turned back toward Azjah, ?Mentar grows slowly.?

Azjah hadn?t expected the complex to be that large. Ultimately they headed for the ?foreign luxuries? shop. Azjah wandered the store in curious enthrallment. Then a woman walked in with an unusual insignia that Rhaine identified as belonging to the Chilians. It was an interesting discussion that ensued.

As they progressed towards the atrium, the corridor turned into a wide square, with strange plants and flowers decorating the space, creating a gazebo-like place for a cafe. Rhaine recognized most of Dehtyar space hybrids, best for lower and artifical gravity. A dozen yards away from the cafe, the floor disappeared into an abyss about 300 meters in diameter. A stripe of moving walkway wound up around the abyss. Here and there sparkled information terminals, tiny communicator cabins. Very few people were using the winding walkway - most simply enjoyed the flight up and down.

"Is it possible to obtain recordings?" Azjah asked about the coming Chilian performance.
"Only if you ask them very nicely," vampiress shook her head negatively.
"So performances are not made available on recorded media here for any of the inhabitants?"

That was rather funny for Rhaine. Locals could enjoy an invitation to almost any major Chilian event. The artistic bloodline simply despised having replicas of their work. Recorded music or holograms of artwork - that was almost a blasphemy to a high-classed Chilian. But how could she explain these things to a foreigner?

Glancing at the yawning abyss and at the flora around, Azjah seemed completely enchanted. Meanwhile, a group of local teenagers sped up towards the entrance into the atrium. One of them launched his lean body into a complex airborne pirouette, another preferred simply diving in. It was a question of show-off. Well-used to this, Rhaine walked into a cafe.

"Chilians think that recording makes music less valuable. But of course they like to be asked for a recording. This flatters them a lot," she spoke, looking through the current selection.

"Perhaps if we meet Veia after the performance I can ask, and flatter her?"

"Sounds like an idea," chuckled vampiress. This was amusing actually. She turned to holographic waitress. "Now... two hybicrane ice-creams, no fudge, add assorted fruit on the side. Plus iced tea mrrshan-style." As Azjah watched the atrium, she seemed to get more and more curious.

"How is that controlled? That abyss.... And what is hybricrane ice cream? This is very much like the tale Alice in Wonderland Rhaine.... so much to see and all of it essentially unfamiliar"

"Which is more curious for you? Hybicrane is last year's fruit hybrid. Just try. And the atrium - well, there are four areas with very low gravity and an air cushion at the bottom, and four areas with opposite gravity vector," that was certainly a basic explanation, but who needs the technical details anyway? As the ice-cream arrived. pearly-pink, smelling like cranberry, mint and hybiscus, vampiress took a place with best view of the atrium.
"Just relax and enjoy. We'll jump the atrium for the null-port - I doubt you would like to waste time standing on the spiral escalator"

Two glasses of deep ruby drink with thin slices of lemon and ice cubes were brought, and two cups of fruit cubes decorated with whipped cream. Light and useful snack, and good to spend time adjusting to the concept of atriums. At least Azjah wasn't wearing her usual stiletto heels, which could be problematic for landing in the atrium.

A couple - a man and a woman - were flying down. woman's flowing garb making her resemble an exotic bird. The man was dressed more comfortably, but still with the wide sleeves of "poet's shirt" that didn't seem to be very common for locals. A teenager jumped into the atrium on a glideboard. Rhaine watched them, her face a calm smile, taking small spoons of ice-cream. It was her favored environment. A life in three dimensions, unlike that flat-walking humanity.

"Atriums are a part of our reality here. Feeling of flight is very good for most... when they get over prejudices about them being unsafe," she said quietly.

"Flying isn't a 'natural' thing for most humans, but it's something most of us dream about at one time or another. Here you've made it reality. Is this an Althos technology, or another blood line?"

"Branlee and Volin. And controlled by Keidain"

"Keidain? You've mentioned Branlee and Volin."
"Keidain are computer experts. One cannot make living people remain in charge of all this routine. Computers, AI, robotics, safety. There are very few people watching over this."

"Impressive. Are there many safety related issues?"

Ice-cream and fruit cubes, accompanied by iced tea, made almost anything around acceptable. "Everything has to be hundred and fifty percent safe. You risk yourself, you do not risk others. That is a rule. Ideal coordination of spaceport is impossible without Keidain"

Do not risk others. Mentari always valued human life - with their longevity, this was natural. Rhaine wondered, how would Azjah react to learning the usual Mentari lifespan. Holographic images of emblems of all seven Bloodlines floated in the atrium. Rhaine smiled, sipping ice tea. The tastes were so un-RhyDin-like... Every cycle there was something new, something added to the variety of life on Mentar. Would it end - the way so many worlds ended?

An aged woman walked into cafe, sat down, her legs seemingly been shaking, and ordered ice tea. She visibly felt out of place, her figure was nothing like the slim build of locals, and her face was a mix of fear and distaste.

"Excuse me, am I on the right level for Fomalhaut consulate?" she asked. Ah. A tourist. Of course heard rumors about Mentari medicine. Rhaine knew this kind well enough. Conservative colony of Fomalhaut enjoyed the benefits of wormhole travel, and trade with their unusual neighbors.

"Right. Three crossings from here," she finished tea and fruit cubes, and stood up. "Just take time to rest. They will be open for two more hours."

As they left, Rhaine explained about the Fomalhaut tourist. Reaching the atrium, she beckoned to follow, and easily flipped in the air, diving in. Over their heads was a huge transparent dome, filled with stars and tiny satellites, like blue-green gems in space. Same view was under them though - with the radiance of planet on the edge of view. Beautiful. But never defenseless. And free. At the bottom the atrium was divided into eight sectors, separated by translucent shimmering walkways, crossing the bottom like a hazed British flag.

And behind all this was Technology and Science. The landing ring with the "living metal" docks, the life support systems, air and water recyclers, solar and mu-batteries... Everything that could be a part of Mentari life. Everything they hardly thought about.

Azjah seemed wrapped up in the sheer newness of everything around them. As the air cushion took them softly, letting them slip towards the walkway, she laughed quietly.
"Oh to be young here Rhaine.."
"Young? What do you mean?" Rhaine seems genuinely surprised. Even though there were much more locals here than on the upper levels, the oldest appeared to be about 40 standard...
"The teen agers on my world would be in love with this for their games."
"Ah," Rhaine laughed. "We _remain_ young. Not teenagers, but young."

Young, flexible, and in love with living this life. Filling out the question list, Rhaine led Azjah towards the null-port

Rhaine chuckled, lifting her hands to use as air brakes to adjust her ?falling? speed. ?Does Rigel have artificial gravity??

Azjah shook her head, ?No, but Pyxis does.? She was still laughing; this was something she could do for hours on end and never tire of it.

?So, why not get the technology from them and develop the solution?? She sounded surprised.

Azjah followed Rhaine?s example of using her hands to adjust her speed and direction, ?After this, I shall have to do just that!? She suspected there would be several things she would seek to replicate if the technology was something she could not arrange to obtain due to the Mentari restrictions on export of technology. At least having seen some of this would provide a goal for development.

?Not everyone would like the atriums. We keep the old means of transportation for them,? Rhaine told her as their fall ended in a gust of wind that carried them toward the entry into Althos Headquarters.

Azjah grinned at Rhaine as they were deposited at the entry, ?Well, they can be stick in the muds then. I love it! It is so much like flying, only without the aircraft around you.? Azjah paused to look around them, this level was well lit and decorated with rather curious plants, more greenery with fancy leaf shapes and fewer flowers. In general, there were fewer plants here, but more metal and obsidian-like materials and style. There were several force field gateways that dissipated as soon as they walked by, and they were visible when activated as thin veils of silver and cyan sparks in the air. The floor appeared to be polished gabbro. The short walkway ended in a traditional Mentari ?crossing? with standard terminals. Three large glass, or glass like material entrances led to well lit places that resembled exhibition halls. One was dark, and appeared to be heavily protected with metal and force field shinies. There were two more ?corridors? stemming from this ?crossing?.

Azjah paused before one of the force fields, ?What powers the force fields Rhaine??

Rhaine quirked a brow at Azjah?s question; ?You wish an in-depth explanation, or just a generalized one??

?Generalized for now, I can get into details a little later.? Azjah gave her friend a wink, there would be a lot of detailed questions later without a doubt.

?The force fields of the compound are sem-autonomous, the main power source is a mu-generator, and secondary are hyperdense accumulators.? Rhaine?s attention focused on Azjah a moment, as though waiting to see if the implications of the technology registered.

Azjah glanced at the force field?s, ?strong security measures Rhaine.? The ability to use a mu generator impressed her.

Rhaine shrugged and walked into one of the stemming corridors. The side entrances led to smaller offices, some were open and some were not. The names of the places mainly dealt with coordination, such as ?Bioengineering Project ### Coordination? or ?Project ### Coordination.? She added then, ?Of course, some things are? not for the entire galaxy.?

That was an understatement. Azjah shivered at the idea of Cepheans getting their grubby hands on a mu generator.

?Very true Rhaine, and if I ask something that cannot be shared, I am not going to take offense.? Azjah certainly wanted to take several technologies back with her and they had only been there a short time. Rhaine nodded, agreeing that it was possible and Azjah smiled, ?If it happens, it happens.?

She glanced up, there were information screens here and there, about three meters from the floor, ?We?re right on time, unless there is an emergency I do not know of.? Rhaine sighed, ?I?m sorry that coordination compound doesn?t look as nice and shiny as the StarPort.? Finally they passed another force field set and ended up in a hall with low gravity and lots of doorways. In the center, there was a ?fountain? of colored water that totally disobeyed the gravity there was as the streams formed intricate knots. Rhaine walked on without paying much attention, but Azjah came to a halt.

?It is fascinating none the less Rhaine. The gabbro floors are stunning contrast to the walls and corridors. I am endlessly fascinated,? Azjah told her with genuine enthusiasm. She paused in front of the fountain, ?Amazing what can be done in low gravity with focusing beams.? She?d seen similar fountains on Serpens delta.

Rhaine opened a dark glass door, ?Yep. We do not forget technology in design.? Inside it was comfortable in the Mentari sense of the word. Several soft seats around a large round table which undoubtedly held a holographic interface built in. Elynne greeted them, waving from her desk and removing the tentacles that wound like a crown around her head, ?Finally found your way here Rhaine??

Rhaine beamed Elynne a smile, ?I am not supposed to spend all of my time here, or I would have my superiors asking stupid questions. Elynne, please meet Azjah Danaan, my friend from Rigel.?

Azjah stepped toward Elynne, ?Pleased to meet you Elynne.?

Azjah nodded, ?Yes, we did. My other curiosity would be genetics labs.?

?I would advise checking exhibition halls of the Bloodlines, these have quite a bunch of interesting things. And the genetic labs, well, talk to Aquira. I would say we?re almost equal with Dehtyars now, in complexity at least, if not in scale.? Elynne smiled.

Azjah sipped the fabulous coffee a moment, ?I am only worried that there will be so much more than I have time to properly see for an overview. It would take decades to study any one of them properly.?

Rhaine chuckled, ?So, just choose your field of interest. I will ask Keith if his Volin friends would allow you to see some of their experimental craft that they make for FalconFly?s.?

Elynne quirked a brow at Rhaine, ?Is Keith coming back from RhyDin finally? I?m already getting worried, brother seems to have a fascination with archaic ways of life.?

Rhaine nodded, ?Name me a date of FalconFly?s that he has ever missed.

Elynne put the cup down and stood up, ?true,? as she walked to her desk and placed her hand on something there, ?As a guest of Bloodline Althos, Azjah Danaan is authorized for full access to information based on known Rigelian technology plus five, and under supervision ? full unlimited information access. Elynne Althos-Althos.? This was spoken with an official tone that surprised Azjah. That was unprecedented access. Then Elynne turned and smiled, ?there, enjoy!?

Rhaine nodded at Elynne, ?thanks Lynnie, Plus five, that?s quite a lot.?

Azjah nodded her appreciation as well, ?I would love the opportunity to see the experimental craft, but I am especially looking forward to seeing them fly. If they are anything like those we saw today with the neural control and navigation.? She didn?t need to add that the liquid metal technology held her rapt attention as well.

Elynne smiled calmly, ?We can go to find you a place to rest in, and you can start planning your stay. I think most of our guest quarters should be unoccupied. If you prefer getting a taste of our lifestyle, try orbital ones. I know how curious one may get, don?t let Rhaine?s stone face fool you. She loves this place.?

Azjah gave her a merry laugh, ?I want to immerse myself in your world here Elynne, and Rhaine has been remarkably tolerant of my na?ve views.?

Rhaine laughed, ?Na?ve? You?ve seen what really na?ve is ? that Fomalhaut old woman who was seriously planning to go whining about the lack of traditional comforts.?

Azjah chuckled, ?Well, perhaps not anciently na?ve.? Then she glanced at Elynne, ?So you recommend the orbital quarters? I have one quick question if you both will indulge me, I have a companion with me, but he cannot tolerate sunlight, what do I need to do to get him safely here as well??

Elynne laughed softly, ?Another one of those?. Our reputation is ruining the StarPort. We?re getting more and more rich and dumb tourists from Fomalhaut.? Then Elynne leaned back into her chair, closing her eyes a moment, ?Which components of sunlight does he have problems with?? Azjah told her and she nodded, ?Eyesight, or allergy type?? Then she opened her eyes and looked at Rhaine, ?You?re lending her one of your creepy Temple warriors??

?Allergy type reactions.? Azjah chuckled at the question to Rhaine. ?Dominik is one of my own ?creepy? warriors. He hails from Auriga, and is a Carpathian magic user.?

Elynne nodded, ?Well, if you prefer to miss out on our wonderful space tan, simply ask Rhaine to configure light filters in your living quarters, and I will check with our Quaial subline, perhaps they can reconfigure a living metal armor for your Dominik. That is, if he agrees to wear a second skin non-stop??

Azjah nodded, ?I cannot speak for him, but we certainly can offer. Thank you. Perhaps I can avail myself of your space tan.? She loved the contrast of a good tan with her pale blond hair, and returning home with a good tan would be a nice fringe benefit.

Elynne finished her coffee and stood, ?I?m off for a warmup, sitting in the neural interface really makes me feel crippled. Would you like to follow?? She glanced at Azjah and Rhaine.

Rhaine shook her head, ?I?m going to the Gair subline labs. I?ve got a sweet surprise for Aquira.? She beamed a smile at Azjah though, ?It?s safe enough to be here even without me. We may be mutants over here, but not too violent.?

Azjah chuckled, ?Elynne, if you don?t mind my tagging along??

Elynne?s laugh was infectious, ?Not tagging along, but having fun.? Azjah finished her coffee and rose as well. ?Then I am all yours.?

Rhaine rose, ?If you will excuse me, I?ll catch up with you as soon as we get through the code.?

Azjah quirked a brow at Elynne, ?I seek to find a way to dislodge inertia.? Then she laughed softly, ?Elynne, I suspect there is a lot already known about me and in the databases by now.?

Elynne shrugged, ?Probably. Shuashai deal with most of the information coming from the outside world. As a Councilor, I have full access to their data.? She paused a moment, ?In your civilization, does being in charge of a large unit make you vulnerable? Like, what?s it called, blackmail? Assassins? Corrupt government officials??

Azjah was surprised by the query, ?Certainly being in possession and control of a large corporate entity makes anyone vulnerable to such unpleasant possibilities, but on my world, the penalties for such behavior have very strong repercussions. Are such things not a risk here? Do you not face such threats for being the Councilor??

The Mentari woman seemed genuinely puzzled, ?Over here, control positions are most troublesome, and hardly wanted. But who?d want them, really? What for? Material wealth? The gain is insignificant. Coordinators often stagnate in fields they mostly prefer, and this isn?t too pleasant either. It?s a duty without much gain on Mentar.? She sighed, ?Why would anyone want to kill me if they won?t get my position in any case? Coordinators aren?t given much choice. You fit, you take this annoying position.?

It was clear to Azjah that Elynne was not entirely thrilled with the responsibilities she had as the Coordinator, and Azjah wondered what she would prefer to do, but she smiled, ?Well, it is a little different in our world. There is still a need and a desire for accumulation of wealth and power, so perhaps that helps explain why people want our positions of power?? Then Azjah asked, ?When did you first know that you fit??

Elynne seemed taken back by the question, ?When I got the aptitude test results. Fitness for coordination note often means you may be drafted for five years of headache, when the time comes.? When Azjah asked her what point in her life the tests were administered, she smiled, ?There are three series of tests, at the age of two, at the age of eleven, and at the age of sixteen. The last one does it, if you have the coordination aptitude and it ha snot disappeared over teenage years, you may be drafted.? She then suggested that they change back into their other attire, ?We will take a walk around Gair exhibition, unless you wish another run?? As they exited the labyrinth, there was a group of eight Mentari ready to enter. They appeared to be nearly forty, and were discussing something near another terminal, and one of them was setting the 3d gym program. Every one of them had some kind of beam weapon, and they all had in common the slim build and spacer tan.

?I would love another run, but we could return to this another time, could we not?? The weapons had instantly garnered Azjah?s attention. We also use holographic rooms for weapons practice.?

Elynne nodded, ?Sure, any time. These are public commodities of Althos and Volin, available at any time.? Elynne glanced at the group as they went in with some kind of cheer, ?Well, the labyrinth isn?t holographic. They are in for a tag game, four on four I think.? When Azjah nodded, Elynne continued, ?Yep, it?s awfully simple to be honest. You tag someone, the tagged one can?t tag others for three or five seconds, and after the match you count points. And as to the labyrinths, they?re merely a morph technology, rather old one. When we want holograms, we put on neurointerfaces, less resources and more reality.?

?Fascinating,? Azjah whispered as she watched the teams vanish into the labyrinth. ?We use stun on our weapons when we shoot at one another. It makes for painful lessons, but not lethal.?

Elynne paused, ?In a labyrinth, with varied gravity, it cold be lethal. The main rule is ? do not risk others.? She made it sound as though that was some kind of tenet that they were taught from a very young age.

Azjah glanced at her, ?So if hurting others is such a main rule, who is responsible for keeping you safe from outsiders, who may not have such rules?? She knew of several warrior races that wouldn?t thing twice about attacking this kind of settlement.

Elynne laughed, ?Well, if a hostile outsider gets past the guard stations, and Volin?s, past the StarPort where aggression is noticed during the first entry and in the null-port, there are always hidden security systems, such as those who have outgrown their fascination with military, or fans of implants. ? She smiled openly, ?Shuashai-Darlok know their work. And if there is a massive assault, like what, a war? Oh, that would be very interesting.?

Azjah glanced at Elynne, ?Then the systems must have detected my implants?? Normally her bioengineered implants escaped detection.

Elynne shrugged, ?Naturally. You can?t pass the null-transport without having them detected, but the majority of people here are enjoying the benefits of implants in addition to genetic modification.?

Azjah nodded, such things were rapidly becoming a part of Rigelian life as well.

Elynne pointed at their cabins with the lockers, ?So, coming to Gair park?? They entered the cabins and the reverse process occurred, and soon Azjah was outside meeting Elynne once more. She nodded approvingly, ?We?ll take a walk if you don?t mind. After a rush I usually get a few hours to relax, so we can afford it.? She headed toward the exit with Azjah beside her.

Azjah chuckled, ?Rhaine warned me to dress comfortably, so I believe I?m ready to go.? As they walked, Azjah was full of questions, ?Do you think it would be possible to have my vessel evaluated in relation to a similar size and intentioned vessel? For comparison purposes? I am curious to know just how antiquated our systems are compared to yours.? It would be very interesting to see how her state of the art Star Dragon matched up with the Mentari personal craft. The onboard weapons arrays should provide at least a small surprise for them, and she had no doubt she?d learn a lot from the assessment.

?It?s exchanged freely. How can one pay for the air purified by Althos regenerators, or satellites coordinated by Keidain systems? But you have more authority credit, and gain access to more and more things you find need for. Hmm, consider authority credit our equivalent of currency. If that makes it easier for you.? She grinned and picked a leaf from a plant, nibbling on the edge, ?there aren?t too much of us. That?s why we can afford freedom.?

Azjah took that in and watched as she picked the leaf, following suit, nibbling it as well, ?Well, in our system, there would be user fees for the air, or some form of taxation to pay for such a thing.? Public services were usually paid for by the tax revenues.

Elynne gasped, ?You mean, if one can?t pay the user fee, he wouldn?t breathe??

Azjah?s brow rose fractionally, ?Well, we would find some way for that person to pay. There are always needs for servants, or staff, or?.? She didn?t continue as she watched Elynne?s features turn into something akin to utter shock.

She frowned a bit, ?Servants? Meaning personnel to work with people, social workers?? The concept was totally alien to her.

?Well, there are many forms of servant and staff. Our social system is not exactly egalitarian Elynne. Some people must work for others to pay off debts, or as punishment for some offense against our laws.? This discussion was not going quite the way Azjah had hoped.

She blinked again, ?Work as punishment? But what if the person assigned to work like that, doesn?t fully have the aptitudes and wish to work? The quality of the work would be substandard, won?t it??

Azjah took a deep breath, ?Sometimes it does not matter what that person desires Elynne. Failure to fulfil the penalties imposed by our judicial systems can result in worse penalties. If the work is substandard, there will be further penalties. Our people know this lesson as well as your people understand the concept of ?do no harm to others?.?

Elynne gave a sigh, ?It is one thing to know in theory that such civilizations may exist, another to be told that they do?.perhaps your world has too many people? Overpopulation may make those in charge neglect the value of human life and individuality. In your wold, how educated most people are??

?Perhaps that is true Elynne. My travels have introduced me to many other ways of life from the one I grew up in. Education is afforded to all. The level of education is determined by testing as children grow. We seek a ?best fit? based on skills and aptitudes.? The Educational system was a good one, but the feudal society had very strict mandates on who went to which schools.

Elynne gave her a puzzled look, ?But that?s the same as we do, though children here are motivated to learn as much as they can in the field that they choose. Some are practical minds, they become engineers and technicians. Some are artists, and the pass into the Chilians. Some are researchers, they choose the path for themselves.?

?Our systems are a little more toward the needed functions of our world. Those with good minds for science are encouraged into physics or engineering or biochemistry. Some are mathematicians and so forth, those with minds more suited to the arts are encouraged that directions, and those with good business acumen are encouraged to become merchants and shop owners and so forth.? Azjah hoped Elynne wouldn?t follow this line of discussion too much further.

?Needed? But all trades are needed, aren?t they? Who would be hurt by another dozen or hundred of talented and inspired people doing what they do best?? There was real confusion in her expression.

Azjah glanced around them, ?We try to keep things balanced, so that there are not too many people in one area and not enough in others.?

?So if some generation has an outbreak of technical talent, you make them do something not as suited for them, so that the world remains balanced??

Azjah gave a quick laugh, ?I cannot say that we have had that problem arise Elynne, but when we have for instance too many with no ambition to do more than is absolutely necessary, we have been known to put them into military service and send them to the far outposts.?

?No ambition?? That too seemed a completely foreign concept, ?What kind of military do you have that is served like a punishment??

?One that responds to the Kaiser?s demands to grow our boundaries and usually in a hostile take over Elynne.?

Elynne whistled softly, ?Interesting concept. How often is does your civilization expand??

Azjah paused, this was a slippery slope. ?The previous Kaiser was in a constant state of expansion. The current Kaiser is trying to consolidate those gains.?

Elynne pondered that, ?So the life of an entire world depends on one person? How is that person determined? It should be really a stressful duty.?

?The belief that the Kaiser is the chosen of our deity. Therefore, The Religion supports the Imperial Family, and the successor is determined by primogeniture. We have had some very good Kaisers, and our history has had some not so good ones.? She couldn?t bring herself to be blasphemous and call them bad, outright.

Elynne gave her a slight smile, ?How?. Interesting. So archaic, like in a fictional story. Doesn?t sound very rational though.?

Azjah nodded in agreement with her, ?We do follow a very ancient form of governance, that is true.? But it was also that form of government that allowed some of their finest advances to occur.

Elynne nodded, ?We are a young civilization Azjah, if I may use your first name?? When Azjah nodded her agreement, she continued, ?As to Mentar, we had a shining example to follow, and that has influenced us a lot. The first colonists have found the place abandoned by the Psilons, and they had full intention to take the place of that great race.

Aha, the opportunity to alter the path of this conversation! ?Yes, what can you tell me about the Psilons? They are practically a mythical race in our information systems.?

She shrugged, ?Ask Rhaine. My information is based on material items only.? When Azjah asked what it was precisely that the Councilors did, Elynne smiled, ?coordination. Councilor position is base don making decisions for others, and realizing the responsibility of this. Technicians and engineers report on their projects, which may reflect on the welfare of the Bloodline, and we determine the course. The blood line council, with all advisors of course, determines the export policies, an devery trade agreement requires full council meeting. Also we have to coordinate educational programs, and watch the testings. Full meeting of Councilors from all blood lines determines the trade for cross bloodline technologies, major constructions, transport networks and so on.?

Azjah glanced at her, ?Have there ever been ?bad? Councilors??

?It?s impossible. Being bad in this position means making a decision that ruins lives of others.? It sounded so simplistic the way she said it.

Azjah winces slightly, ?We?ve had bad Kaisers, and yes, they did ruin the lives of others.? When Elynne wanted to know if they had realized they were ruining lives, Azjah had to think about it, but she doubted they cared if they did realize it, ?I do not believe they did Elynne, and that?s the real tragedy of it.?

Elynne looked down while walking, no longer watching the surroundings, ?How? painfully irresponsible. I?m glad I do not live in your world.?

Azjah?s pale blue gaze studied Elynne a long minute, ?So am I.? She would not want Elynne to experience the unfair practices.

She glanced up then, ?You no longer live there? Rhaine told me you spend most of your time in a really archaic place, RhyDin, if I remember it right.?

Azjah chuckled, ?I have moved to RhyDin for the most part, but I do still have to return home now and then.?

Elynne nodded slowly, ?How bad is it, compared to RhyDin??

Azjah took a deep breath, how to explain that women have so very few rights on Rigel? ?Perhaps Elynne the best way to put it is that going home to Rigel makes me appreciate the archaic tendencies of RhyDin even more??

?What are the differences??

?RhyDin may be archaic but women have rights there Elynne. On Rigel, men are deemed more 'capable' and therefore have more rights. It is very difficult to explain, but women must defer to men on Rigel, and I find that very difficult thing to do.? She did not expect Elynne to understand it, she didn?t understand it, but it was the way of her home world.

Elynne led Azjah across the Gair exhibition, into yet another simplistic null-port. She wrote down a seven-symbol code, and handed the plastic card to Azjah. "Here, it's the apartment code. You can go there from any null-port of the Mentar space. Now, try to type in the code. I will go first"

As Azjah took the card, Elynne's left palm rested on dark glassy panel, and right hand typed in the code on transparent keyboard hologram that appears before her in the air. After this, Elynne walks into the door of null-cabin and disappeared. A hologram of Elynne came up over terminal.

"Come on. It's simple. Left hand on the touchpanel, it's old-fashioned identification. Touch the holo-keys with right. And enjoy"

So Azjah reached out her left hand, mimicing the actions she'd seen Elynne do to activate the holographic keyboard, then having memorized the sequence, keys in the code. The cabin door blinked a bit - it looked like the Althos null-cabins have some time limit. It was time to come in.

The exit side had no doors - the cabin simply disappeared, allowing another world to take its place. Before her was deep, deep space without anything visible between fragile human body and painfully cold infinity, and gravity was non-existant. Yet the air remained.

Mentari seemed slightly crazy over a strange kind of beauty they seemed to worship. The satellite turned slightly, and the formerly absolutely transparent (to the point of invisible) faceted dome took the slightest edge of solar corona. Almost immediately the flows of light spread, distorted, flooding the place. The waterfalls of light spread, intersected, broke into cascades. Soft blue shade entered the raging insanity of light - the only hint that a Mentari Moon came into view. And of course there was no gravity, at least in the point where Azjah was standing.


Weightlessness was something Azjah understood, and it took a second for her to realize that she hadn't been dumped into a death trap. She floated freely and slowly took in the new scenery with utter awe.

The turn was completed, and the cascades of light simply shivered softly - probably some craft was moving around? there was a quiet laughter behind Azjah's back. Elynne was leaning on the doorway post, watching her guest

"How absolutely incredible," Azjah spoke, trying not to make any aburpt moves.

"I'm glad you like it. It's pretty old, one of my teenage design ideas. Coming?" Elynne reached out with her hand, only a couple meters between her and Azjah.

"I can't wait to see what you've come up with as you've matured."

As she moved a bit, gravity vector appeared to pull her towards the landing and doorway. Actually, simply turning around and reaching was enough to get caught by the soft pull. Elynne was carefully waiting to help Azjah. "I'm mainly an implant designer now. When I have time out of control interface, that is," she said with a sad smile.

"How long ago did you design this?"

"Right before the final testing. It was counted as one of creative projects for the bloodline," Elynne wasn't too willing to give out the numbers. The doorway was one-way transparent wall that dissipated before them. Crossing it brings into a large space, a labyrinth of plants (assistance to air regenerators), translucent walkways winding in different directions (and absolutely neglecting any gravity or probably even common sense), and holograms. Elynne walked towards one of the walkways, which arches towards the "ceiling". The gravity vector there was strictly perpendicular to the walkway surface - probably same is for all other walkways.

"This place may work as a home for up to six families. There are larger orbital homes, of course. This one doesn't have a reproductive facility, and is only connected via null-portal," she continued on the tour.

"This is the guest housing?"

"Just two of apartments are the guest place. Others are occupied. We may be a major bloodline, but a whole satellite as a guest place - that doesn't sound rational, really."

"No, I suppose not," Azjah replied with a chuckle. "Will the others who live here mind my presence?"

On another walkway two children about 6 years of age were playing a kind of chase game using small glideboards. The boy dids a leap, turning in the air, and landing on another walkway. The girl attempted to repeat, but remains in the null-gravity between the walkways. The boy laughed, stopped and pulled the girl down towards the walkway. "See, you're still not making the long jumps. I'll show you" - he spoke very fast. The children seemed to be absorbed by the game. Elynne looked at them with a slight grin.
"They need a 3d-gym. One thing I should have taken into account," she said.
"Perhaps such an alteration would be a fine creative project for another young mind, with the challenge to make it fit with the existing satellite."
As the children rushed past them, they both wave to Elynne in a careless greeting, and disappeared turning around the plant. Elynne led Azjah towards one of doors. "Here. Safe and sound."

The room was large, with a "window" in the ceiling that showed the space view. There were five other doors. The floor was soft, as if it had a fluffy carpet on. Soft couches were grouped around a dark glass table. The walls had niches with something that resembled book and disc collections. Several vines found their place around the window.

"I hope this won't be a too small of a place for you. I have heard that in medieval worlds everyone seems to want a huge house. We keep as much place as we need. But not a stadium for everyone," Elynne spoke with a smile.

"It is glorious Elynne, and the feeling of space is more than suffiicent."

"Thank you. Let me show you around," Elynne touched the table edge, and immediately tiny bug-like robots appeared from somewhere hidden. "These are cleaners."

Mentari relied on robots to do the routine work. Elynne walked towards one of doors, which opened at her approach. "Kitchen synthesizers use null-transport to bring supplies from almost any Althos depot if something you wish isn't available right over here. I don't think they differ much from what you're probably used to - you can use traditional screen to check the menu items."

"It takes voice commands or do I need to key in?"

"It takes voice and neural interface commands as well." Elynne nodded. As an example, she spoke calmly and clearly. "Coffee and ice-cream, vanilla and chocolate flavors, two portions - into the living room." Something activated immediately in the synthesizer. Azjah laughed softly.

"Now I wish I had my surprise for you."
The look on Elynne's face reminded of a little girl hearing of a surprise - same sweet, radiant smile. "Wow... so nice of you!" She seemed sincerely happy.
"I have brought you a taste from my home, I hope you will enjoy it. But I have to get back to the Dragon, so I hope I will see you later on?"

"Sure you will. I'm not fully trapped in the control room ,"Elynne beamed a smile, as a floating tray with manipulators brought coffee and ice-cream. "Mmm. My weakness. Don't tell Keith. He always laughs at me for that - since we were kids"

"Not a word to him," Azjah laughed merrily. "You do not appear to be too old to enjoy ice cream Elynne."

"No one is ever too old to love it," Althos dropped on a couch, and nodded. "Have a seat. I know, we may be a bit crazy, and embarrassing for people from outer worlds. Okay... The other rooms are two bedrooms, a hygiene room, and what you may probably call a study," she sipped coffee. "The guest quarters have really traditional stuff."
"It's absolutely lovely Elynne, I shall be quite comfortable here, thank you for this recommendation."

"You are most welcome. I will talk to Volin's and see if Keith's young friend is back from patrol. Patrols are our guarantee of safety over here. They are a practice for pilots, a test of new craft, and the way to meet aggressor early"

"Do you think it might be possible for me to fly along as a passenger on one of the patrol flights? "

"Well, we'll have to ask the next patrol. Rey loves patrols, and he may try to show off."

As they exchanged laughs and impressions, Elynne remarked cheerfully. "Careful, you're getting too close to getting used to our ways of life. Your neighbors here are relatively young couples, not over eighty. They may visit you if you allow."
"Eighty?" Azjah seemed surprised. Elynne's eyes opened wide.
"Why, is that old? Oh... our years are shorter. Our eighty is standard fifty."

"Common years fifty is still not "young". Elynne, may I risk offending you and inquire your age in common?"

There was a slight shrug in response."Eighty-seven standard years. I'm from the fourth Generation, so I have about sixty more years ahead"

Azjah?s time so far on Mentar had been full of surprises. The complex was even more impressive than she?d expected, and she recognized the signs of information overload as Elynne took her to another null-port. The seven symbol code was written onto the plastic card and handed to her as Elynne informed her it was the code for access to the apartment that she would be using while they were here. Elynne entered the code and stepped into the null-port and vanished, leaving Azjah alone for the first time since their arrival.

Azjah stood there a moment, uncertain whether she was expected to follow, or wait where she was until Elynne?s image came up on the terminal telling her to come along. She arrived unexpectedly into what appeared to be nothing but space. The initial sensation was one of near terror as the cabin just vanished. Azjah?d spent enough time in space to know just what would happen to the frail human form in the vacuum of space, and for the briefest instant, she thought she had done something very wrong and just deposited herself in the wrong place, but at her shocked gasp, there was air, and the moment passed as she realized this was perfectly habitable.

In fact, she found herself in a nearly weightless, transparent dome, which once her heart stopped pounding inside her chest, was quite stunningly beautiful, especially when the satellite turned slightly and the faintest edge of solar corona lit the space in dazzling light. Cascading waterfalls of light spread across the dome and a soft blue shade entered into the vibrant dance of light. The weightlessness of her current location was disorienting because it had been so unexpected, but Azjah floated there several moments simply enjoying this new experience until she hear laughter behind her.

Elynne was leaning against a door way simply watching Azjah, ?I?m glad you like it, it?s pretty old, one of my teen age design ideas.? Then she smiled, ?Coming?? She reached a hand out toward Azjah and they left the area. Azjah clearly wondered if this was a teen age idea, what had Elynne come up with in her maturity? But Elynne had shifted focus and was more into designing implants and not spacial designs.

They entered another labyrinthine space through a one way transparent door and crossed into an area full of plants, translucent walk ways, and a complete disregard for any concept of gravity. Azjah loved it. This was pure design and grace unlike anything she had ever seen, and yet it felt so absolutely right. It was home to as many as six families, and they took a walkway that arched toward what seemed like ?the ceiling?, though up and down are completely relative. They used gravity vectors like many worlds used moving walkways. There were two apartments for guests here, and Azjah wondered how the regular inhabitants would take to having an outsider such as herself here for several days.

There were two small children playing some kind of chase game using small glide boards, and Azjah watched them a moment. Small children she had never been comfortable around, and she hoped there were not too many more here. They gave Elynne a careless wave and continued with their game.

The apartment was another surprise. The central room was large and had a view port in the ceiling that showed a large expanse of space above. Five other doors led out of the room, and they stepped inside. The floor was soft, almost like it had a fluffy carpet, and the couches were also soft. One thing she had learned was that the Mentari loved comfort. The apartment came with some sort of disk collection, and plants vining around the window. While Elynne was worried that the space would be too small, Azjah loved it. It was large enough to be ideally comfortable, and no servants to get under foot. It was a haven!

Elynne showed her how to call out some bug like robots for cleaning, and then the kitchen with food synthesizers, which were remarkably like ones she already knew. She had coffee and ice cream in two portions produced while they went to sit in the living room for a bit. Azjah truly wished that she had brought the chocolate with them from the Dragon. This would have been such a wonderful opportunity to share something back with Elynne. She seemed to so thoroughly enjoy the ice cream; it was almost as if she were a young child in her enjoyment.

They talked for some time, and Azjah asked if Elynne thought it might be possible to join one of the Mentari patrols as an observer/passenger. Elynne felt the patrols would be reasonably safe, but that they would have to check with those who were responsible however.

When Azjah asked if there was anything from Rigel that would be welcomed as an exchange, in terms of technology, or knowledge, Elynne thought that perhaps the Shuashai might better be able to answer that question. It only seemed a reasonable thing to share or exchange anything of curiosity from Rigel in exchange for everything she was learning here.

At last came the answers to how old Elynne was, and it was a shock for her to learn that the Mentari have found a way to age slowly until the end of their lives, when they burned out very suddenly. It also surprised her that many cultures come here seeking the same for themselves, which the Mentari had declined to share with outsiders. Elynne was 87 standard years of age, yet she did not look a day over 27. It was amazing.

Then they touched on a subject that troubled Azjah. No Mentari child was born un-enhanced. And safety was a controlled thing. She gave Azjah an overview of Mentari reproduction, and when she said that no child was conceived and carried as human biology intended, Azjah felt a pang of guilt. Elynne had no way of knowing that Azjah had attempted to follow biology for Klinton?s sake, and the result had been disastrous. Medieval indeed. She?d killed her daughter, there was no other way to view it.

It did surprise her that Rhaine had been a biological birth and not a laboratory birth. Elynne was confessing that she felt Rhaine had hailed from a very backward place indeed, then added that it was before the Psilon Exodus. That perked Azjah?s attention. She had labored under the idea that the Psilon?s had been long gone and that this Mentari experiment had been based on remnants of a society that no one knew or had experience with in the past. To find out that Rhaine actually knew the Psilons was a huge surprise for her. ?Rhaine predates the Psilon vanishing??

One rule for the Mentari was that they only recommend someone as a source of information if they are the best source, and Elynne had suggested that Azjah talk to Rhaine. Now she could see why. Rhaine had known a people that had simply vanished. Elynne began to explain a little more about the Psilons, telling her that the Dehtyar and the Gair had come through the nebula before the Psilons left, but she added that such notions were regarded as legend since there was nothing to verify that claim that anyone had as yet discovered. And, information that they were not absolutely certain of were not shared outside the research teams. It was the basis of their ?no risk? rule. Another one of the rules that Azjah struggled with accepting came to light.

?So, if you are uncertain, it remains until researched to a satisfactory level?? She couldn?t imagine sitting on information or speculation and prohibiting its access by the masses simply because it was not proven. How many inventions and ideas came to being because someone outside of research or academia came up with a novel approach to a problem?

Yes Elynne repeated that ?risk is making a decision with insufficient information, and availability of information is main here.? But they wouldn?t allow the legends to be revealed? It seemed so very contradictory to her. She added that if something was uncertain, it would remain in the research facility and would not go public. Azjah?s initial reaction was shock, and when she asked Elynne, ?You eliminate all risk?? Elynne smiled slightly, ?Saftey and movement. Experimenting, research, theory, search for knowledge are things we live for. But leisure, holiday, trade, these have to be safe.?

Azjah hated that answer. The Mentari Bloodline Council made the decisions on what was safe and allowed for all of the people. There was no freedom of choice to follow individual paths. To Azjah, it sounded very much like control over all research, and her thoughts rebelled strongly at that idea. ?Why is there such control over the research and the information Elynne??

Althos' bloodline technicians walked towards the Star Dragon, bloodline emblem marking sleeves of their uniforms. A floating platform carried something looking like a translucent cabin. Azjah needed to get back to Dominik and get him established with his authorizations to move around, so she ventured out the door to her apartment and backtracked to her initial entry with Rhaine. She found Althos' guys near the Star Dragon already, and nearly no limitations on moving around - at least the simple interfaces of Althos headquarters had location names as well as location codes and she would be able to move between major locations.

Seeing the workers near the Dragon, she paused, then proceeded onboard to retrieve Dominik, explaining to him the options before taking him off the ship. She would have to ask Rhaine what they were doing, but trusting her friend, she left the vessel in their hands to get Dominik's second skin that would allow him to move about in the daylight on Mentar Station. One of Althos' techs explained that Dominik would need to spend about 5-10 minutes in the cabin while the "second skin" would be tuned and applied. There was no need to move around. He also grinned, mentioning that such suits were used by Mentari in expeditions to less-than-friendly environments.

Dominik listened intently, his mage oriented mind acutely tuned to what he was hearing and trying to make sense of it. Azjah nodded and waited patiently for the alotted time to pass. Tech opened the cabin - inside it was just like a shower cabin, but seemed that spraying would be from every direction. He explained that Dominik may use it any time, it's all set - and the dock has several service rooms that may hide Dominik if he's embarrassed.

Dominik stepped inside, without a shy bone in his body and waited. If this worked, it would be a first for his kind.

A small screen inside the cabin had text appearing, asking Dominik to undress. at the same time, several rays touched him painlessly, as if taking a spectral reading. Removing the impeccably tailored shirt, trousers he read the text, which he was intriqued to note appeared in Common and Romanian. The next note told him to hold his breath for at least thirty seconds. He took a comfortable stand in the center of the space, he chuckled at the admonishment before simply ceasing all discernable metabolic functions. The air was filled with something like thick fog that stuck to his skin, forming a very thin silky layer. in 30 seconds the fog disappeared and layer spread over Dominik, even covering his eyes with ideally transparent protection. The text noted to stay inside for several more minutes for the protection to adjust.

Dominik was absolutely fascinated, blinking his eyes as the protection accomplished its adjustment even as he had to adjust to it. Finally the screen advised to stay careful and "do not vex aggressive alien life forms, visit ship's armory before venturing out".

He chuckled as he dressed once more and stepped from the cabin, "I believe we are prepared for venturing out to the armory Your Grace." Azjah gave him a surprised look, "Armory?" She approached one of the terminals to seek directions to the Armory.

Althos' techs were almost rolling with laughter. "These are used for expeditions on planets with alien life. The AI of cabin is non-existant, so of course you get standard recommendations," one of them explained. "Enjoy your stay" he grinned as the group departed.

"Ah, well, I'm certain there is a very good reason why they are with Althos." Azjah paused to study a flowering plant she'd never seen before, nothing even close as they neared Aquira's office. Rey stopped at the entrance.
"Perhaps. But they are more biologically-crazy than Dehtyars."

At the same time the entrance to Aquira's office opened, showing just soft mist pierced by multiple rays and gradients of light. Rigelian paused as the door opened, the soft mist definitely not what she had been expecting. "I see" but it was unclear to whom precisely she was speaking as she took a step closer to the mist.

Aquira came up towards her office that minute. She was walking, her moves didn't seem fast, but she still arrived rather quickly. "I'm sorry that I still kept you waiting." she spoke, her voice soft and even. Her tall, slim figure in pale ice-blue seemed ready to dissolve in the mist. "I was delayed by several matters too urgent to have them waiting - call it an emergency"
Rey grinned. "Not technical enough even to plan your own time?" he was half-serious.
"I am honored that you have given me the time at all, if another time would be better?" Azjah spoke.
"No-no-no. The subcell culture I've been working with, won't bother me in the nearest hours. That is something I ensured." Aquira seemed to be returning into real world from something seriously complicated. "Elynne and Rhaine told me about your visit, lady Azjah. So anything specific you would like to see?"
Rey whistled. "If you plan on getting her confused with all of that biochemical madness, I'm not a part of it". These two were obviously well-familiar, and tossing comments with ease of old friends.

Azjah smiled at Rey's tone, then Aquira. "There is so much I would love to see, but my first love is flying, and I very much hope to have an up close look at some of your Falconfly craft, my own world has a strong biotechnical industry, so of course I am very curious about your advances, that which you can share with me. And then there is the music and arts of Mentar that I would like to experience."

Aquira gave him a crooked grin "No, I plan on luring you and her into a deadly decomposer trap and having you two investigate the differences in aerobic and anaerobic reactions. Boo!" She turned to Azjah nexy. "Sounds like a good plan for a start"

"May I pass on the aerobic vs anaerobic studies?" Azjah chuckled.

"Sure. Rey's just not too fond of biotechnology. Volin's!" she smirked playfully. "But to be more serious - I can drop a booklet with virtual catalogue of our sub-line's curiosities to the terminal of your apartment. This way you can decide what would be more interesting for you. Right now we're quite busy with one modification that may solve a bunch of daily problems for the Station, so please forgive me for not giving a detailed tour personally. I would invite to plan them, one by one. Have you seen our park already?"

"That would be lovely, and appreciated," she shook her head "I would not like my visit to be disruptive to your business Aquira. And my hosts have been very engaging and enlightening," she reached in to a small valise that she had picked up when she'd gone for Dominik, "I have brought a small delight from my world, and I do hope that you enjoy fine chocolate." she shook her head to the park comment "No, we passed by it, and I paused to study a very unique bloom, but I have not had time to wander with any focus on the park just yet."

Aquira smiled. "Thank you. I do love chocolate, and I truly think we can start with a glide around the park and a.. what do they call it in other civilizations? five'o'clock? before Elynne tries to drag us into her web spinning political gaming. The Park is a visible display of what we can do to those living, though it's designed not to insult feelings of others."

For a moment Azjah took a step back to allow her to preceed them. "If I may introduce Dominik of Auriga?"
Aquira nodded at Dominik. "I'm glad to meet you, Dominik of Auriga. House of Althos-Gair welcomes you, and your authorization level shall be same as Azjah's. Enjoy your stay with us." Her voice was formally calm.
Dominik gave her an old world courtly bow. "Your hospitality is deeply appreciated, if Auriga can ever offer you the same, we would be honored."

Rey's look could be interpreted only as "arrrgh, these official tones". He beamed a smile though, and handed Azjah a comm card. "Well, you can always send me a signal - hope we meet in three hours near the Gair Park and you get to test the surfer. I'll check with my patrol commander while you see these jungle they call park"

"Thank you Rey, I will look forward to our next meeting. And testing out that surfer," Azjah took the card with a smile. She winked at Rey before turning once more to Aquira. "Please, lead the way." Aquira's steps were "floating" - she almost danced when not hurrying.

"So the biotechnical focus of the park is to demonstrate some of the advances you have accomplished with the plant life?"
"Plant and animal and fungal and bacterial. It's a stable biocenosis. It's a place for rest - some advances are better not demonstrated, as they are too ugly to fit into most concepts of beauty"
"Ah, so this is for the aesthetically pleasing accomplishments?" Azjah's step was not as light, nor floating as Aquira's, but she kept pace as they moved into the garden/park. The park was an enormous dome under the "sky" of Mentar Four Moons-1, delving deep into moon's surface and high above the ground. It had many levels, and the walkways were on the ground and in the air. Several floating platforms waited for them.
"Otherwise it would not be a park. It demonstrates our creation and modification, not destruction."

There seemed to be capital letters in these three terms though. Aquira nodded at one of platforms. "Relax, and enjoy the ride. We use these to achieve some quiet - there are no terminals in the park, and no one can get you. Life of Mentar is quite hectic usually"

Azjah's attention was on the vast array of unique creations, "Not destruction? So you maintain the parent species as well? There are few who know I'm here, but perhaps the quiet is well earned by yourself?"
"We have them remaining in the outside world, in their natural environments. And destruction is more than that... Mentar is a peaceful place, but some of the most dangerous weapons are a byproduct of our technologies. Usually an unwanted byproduct"
"Weapons are unfortunately a necessary part of living in a universe that contains violent species. It is sad, but a reality. Does your work not include contributions to the other bloodlines work?"

As Elynne departed, Rhaine bit her lip, ?This society is seriously insane over security issues. Though, they have good reasons for that.? She paused as though considering, ?A couple of centuries ago they had a major accident that vaporized an asteroid mine.?

Azjah pursed her lips as she regarded her friend, ?Something is troubling you a great deal Rhaine. Do you have time for such frivolity?? Perhaps this wasn?t such a good time to go through the atmospheric slalom, and Azjah was beginning to reconsider her teasing Elynne about doing this first. Something grave was at stake here, something Azjah didn?t fully understand yet.

Rhaine glanced Azjah?s direction, ?I would need it to distract myself from thinking.? She pointed toward a wide corridor, ?Let?s move, really. Unless you wish to wait for twenty-one hours. I guess its Rey?s idea??
?Let?s go!? Azjah flashed Rhaine a grin as she made for the wide corridor. She did not want to wait for another day/night cycle.

The corridor led to a huge hall, with something like lenses made of transparent material standing on ribbon-like runways. The lenses themselves were about three meters in diameter, and there was an opening on the top of each lens. Rhaine nodded at them, ?The principle is simple. You get in, and secure yourself with the life support systems. The lenses are theta-ice, anther fun thing Mentari do not sell to outsiders.?
Azjah gave her a quizzical look, ?Theta-ice?? It was something she had never heard of before that moment.

Rhaine smiled, and touched the surface of the nearest lens. ?What do you think about a spy coming down on a planet without showing at any spaceport? And this transport would turn into water??

Azjah canted her head a moment, ?Wickedly impressive.? It was more than that, it was outright scary to think that spies could land on a planet in a vessel that would simply turn into water and vanish, leaving no trace.
?It?s one of the old technologies. The Psilons invented it long before isolating from the outside world and hiding their home system within the nebula.? Rhaine?s words were so matter of fact, but the notion of such vessels still chilled Azjah. If the Cepheans were to get hold of this kind of technology? she did not even want to think about the damage they could do with it.

Azjah studied the theta-ice lenses closely, ?Very impressive indeed. It would be tremendously hard to track them down.?

Rhaine led Azjah to a lens. Inside it there were light gray, translucent belts, and a few displays. ?Would you like to try?? We?ll keep in contact with local communications networks in any case while we go down.?
Azjah would not miss an opportunity like this one! ?I?d love to give it a try!? Her pulse quickened at the thought of getting to try out the very technology that elicited such concern when Rhaine had told her its purpose.

Dominik however seemed less enthusiastic about climbing in. He walked up to a lens and studied it carefully without saying a word to either woman.

Rhaine nodded, ?At first the speed is high, and the ice melts, you have to see it, the plasma glow around you. Sometimes you do a flip out of the atmosphere and dive back in, it depends on start speed and angle. We?ll be using the easiest start now.? She grinned, ?Make sure you buckle up, and just look around.?

Azjah gave her a smile as she listened closely, ?Very good,? she said as she took in the lens and its elegant simplicity. Starting off simply was a good thing, Azjah had flown many kinds of craft before, but nothing remotely resembling this.

?There are seriously difficult routes, which use fully melting lenses. Those melt to form something like a maple seed, and spin crazily while going down. The usual lens melts at an altitude of about four miles and you get to fly using the wings that are now compressed inside the capsule, right behind your back when you buckle up.? Rhaine was carefully explaining that these lenses were going to at least survive the trip back to the ground, and that they would have control over the wings that would appear at some point during the descent.

Meanwhile they were now over the ocean already, and the dawn was brilliantly bright, filling the air with a warm glow. Rhaine seemed to be everywhere around ? she was well used to the wings, and seemed to be having a grand time playing with the craft. ?Mentari love the feel of risk. Since that accident I mentioned, everyday life got way too safe.?

Azjah wondered about that accident. It was something she would have to ask about another time. For the moment, she was absorbed in this experience as she said, ?I can see why Rhaine!?

Dominik however maintained an even flight path as Rhaine and Azjah cavorted and flew to the limits each was comfortable with. He held back, simply watching the two females ahead of him.

Rhaine?s wings went down, and then up again as she went toward the larger island with several tall mountains in the middle. One of the mountains seemed to be an ideal volcano cone, with brilliant white snow on top. Rhaine took that route around the mountains to slow down their speed as they prepared for the approach and landing.

Azjah and Dominik followed suit, Azjah peering with great interest at the snow capped volcanic cone below them, ?When was it last active Rhaine?? Her voice came across the comm. Link as they circled.
?I have no clue, when I was in the university it was dead for a good couple of centuries.? She replied.

Azjah studied it closely, ?Dead or dormant? Is the magma chamber still there? Usually these form from hot spots.? Many people mistake a quiescent volcano for a dead one, but the only way it was truly extinct was if the hot spot no longer kept a magma chamber below the cone.
?Dead? Rhaine told her, ?But it?s still beautiful.?

Azjah nodded silently in agreement, ?Yes, it is.? They circled the cone and Azjah noted that there was no rebuilding dome inside the crater, and that the erosional forces of the land were at work on the volcano?s slopes.
?Mentar is a very old planet, the tectonic activity is nearly zero,? Rhaine told her as her voice shifted into more of a lecturer?s tone that brought a soft chuckle from Azjah, ?The Arc Island is one of the favorite planet-side resorts in the system.? She continued then, ?Almost no volcanoes around here, and this one is an ideal shape, so artists of Chilian bloodline love the place for landscapes.?

Azjah could believe that after having met a Chilian, ?I can imagine,? she said as they circled once more. Rhaine was going in a downward spiral toward the coast where there were several buildings and a narrow, silvery river slowing into the ocean. Then Azjah glanced between the buildings and Rhaine, ?Does anyone live here full time??

?There is a Dehtyar marine biology lab not far from here, as far as I know,? Rhaine said.

?So we won?t be bothering anyone with our arrival?? Azjah chuckled, she didn?t want to intrude on someone?s home unannounced, though it was too late now even if they would be doing just that.

?Most Mentari prefer lots of living space, and frequent changes of locations. It?s the peculiarity of the local mentality ? live your life as if you?re living three or four at once.? She chuckled, ?We are not bothering anyone at all. They usually crave new impressions in any case,? she added almost as an afterthought.

Azjah blinked, ?Three or four at once?? Then she laughed. One life seemed quite busy enough to her.

Rhaine sighed, ?It?s a complex of mutations.?

Azjah laughed, ?I was simply considering how busy one life was.?

?Perhaps your life. For most people, daily life is routine. Mentari life is full of impressions, research, creativity. To keep their environment safe, they are safety freaks, for, you know, accidents happen.?

Azjah nodded as they approached the site. There it was again; that oblique reference to some great accident that Rhaine still skirted around without putting any details to. Azjah pondered that for several moments as they approached a black beach made of very tiny rounded pebbles. Rhaine explained how to set their legs free and how to basically stop near the ground without actually touching it. She then landed first to demonstrate the process, and the wings of her vessel instantly folded in behind her.

Azjah followed suit, landing slightly closer to the black pebbles than Rhaine had, but still making a good stick of the landing. Dominik came in last.

The gravity of Mentar 2 was a bit lower than standard, so getting out of the belts and windshield was the least of their problems. Rhaine again went first and pulled the remains of her wings toward one of the buildings.
Azjah freed herself from the restraints and climbed onto the black pebbles, then began pulling her wings and windshield toward the same building.

Rhaine picked a table closer to the edge of the platform, and a menu appeared on the table. ?Don?t try to listen ? these are Branlee, and in the middle of some project. They?re blind and deaf to anything outside of discussion, and certainly won?t stop to explain unclear points.?

Azjah chuckled, she certainly had no plans to intrude, but she was fascinated by the topic of their discussion. She glanced at the menu, ?What do you recommend off the menu?? Usually taking the recommendations of someone who knew the area resulted in some excellent meals.

Dominik seated himself facing the group of Branlee?s, turning his metallic green eyes on them now and then.

Rhaine shrugged lightly, ?Anything you prefer. Touch the name of the course and see the ingredients and a brief description.?

Azjah slowly slid her fingertip down over the menu reading the descriptions and ingredient lists until she found an unknown shell fish, ?Is this locally caught?? She was hunting for something indigenous to the island they now sat enjoying. Then she glanced at Rhaine, ?What are you having??

Rhaine glanced at the selection, ?Of course, Mentari try to protect their world, and their world pays them with equal dedication.? She then traced the menu, ?Pawn tempura I think. Local prawns are really neat, and I would recommend pineapple salad bowl, it?s rather nice after a flight.?

Azjah nodded, ?Sounds good to me.? She glanced out over the platform through the windows as Rhaine touched the round red points near the names of the courses, and a faint green light appeared in the air over the table. Meanwhile the sun was up fully and the ocean seemed like liquid gold with it. The sky had some silvery, feather like clouds colored by the sunrise, but mainly it was ideally clear out there.

Dominik watched the ordering process, averting his eyes out of habit from the sunrise. While it caused him no pain, it was tens of centuries of not seeing the sunrise that had him avoiding the view now.

Out in the water, a white platform appeared near the horizon, and something like whale spouts near it, or was it an optical illusion? Azjah wasn?t certain what she was seeing and she nodded toward the sight, ?Rhaine? What are those??

Rhaine looked as well, ?Dehtyars ? they are not only geneticists, but also ecologists. And those are the whales of Mentar, they are good friends with them.?

Azjah?s brows rose in incredulity, ?They cavort with the whales??

?Whales are quite intelligent beings, and an important part of the local ocean biocenosis.? She spoke calmly, ?And had we landed on water, we could have met them.?

Azjah blinked, ?Yes, I know the whales are very intelligent, but they?ve crossed the species barrier and can actually communicate?? The notion was one she was prepared to believe, but one that shocked her none the less.

?Well, not fully crossed, but the transmitters to communicate with whales are long known here.? A floating tray appeared near their table. On the tray was a large plate with pinkish orange shell fish in soft, smooth sauce with lemon slices, a cracker-like bread accompanied the shell fish, half a pineapple with the flesh carved out and was filled now with salad that seemed to have other fruit, some red pieces, and some meat in it, along with a large plate of prawns fried in a crispy light crust, with some vegetables on the side and a dark sauce. A pot with tea and three small cups accompanied the order and Rhaine grinned.

Null Portals.

Rhaine had said that they were indifferent to distance unlike the demat technology.

She fell asleep considering the physics involved with transportation over unrestricted distances.

There was so much that could be learned here, but it would take a lifetime to even begin to scratch the surface.

The transparent walls of sensor-filled cell were strong enough to allow it to be thrown into open space. The only things that it lacked was artifical gravity and engines. A group of Althos-Gairs were watching the caged creature. The outside stimulator program was coming to its end, and soon the second stage would take place.

The cell's liquidator mechnism was activated by a slightest touch of Aquira's fingers. She watched intently as the creature collapsed, toxic gas filling its lungs. The being slammed into the cell wall, but there was nothing it could do. Finally it was dead. The body was annihilated.

One gesture - and the A-Tun matrix was put into the webs of Althos-Gair newest creation. The transparent cylinder filled with yellowish fluid, and sparks swirled in it as the synthesis started.

"How long should it take?" one of younger researchers asked.
"About an hour. We need no speed at the cost of quality"

Waiting was the hardest part of the experiment. As synthesis progressed, Aquira remained the only one to show no sign of impatience. She watched the monitors, deep in thought.

...What are we bringing into this world? A way to dodge death and avoid the consequences of carelessness?

Finally the fluid was drained and creature opened its eyes. "Integrity check!" Aquira ordered. And smiled as the check confirmed it was complete and fully functional. The last pre-flight check should be with a human operator.

?Nah, just with the Council ? if two asteroids are already in it, that means we have most things decided already. Usually talks with the Council are minimal. The lists of exportable goods are expanded every year, and such things as wines and coffees are exportable to almost any system. You just need ot present the draft about how much you think would the volumes be.? Aquira smiled broadly as she explained how the system worked. ?Another thing if oyu plan to get the plants and fungi. That would lead to talks with us and the Dehtyars both.?

?I see. I cannot say at this time whether I would seek to grow the vines and fungi, but I have two drafts for volume that I would like to propose, but I confess, I cannot imagine what we might offer as trade.? Azjah?s mind was working quickly. She did not know enough about wine production to know whether or not the proper growing sites were even available on Rigel or RhyDin. She didn?t know what the species requirements for Mrrshan Blue were yet. She?d start with just importing the finished product if she could arrange it.

Aquira shrugged, ?Something that we lack here. I admit, I know little about Rigel.? She seemed to be thinking momentarily.

Azjah had racked her brains for a reasonable trade solution. ?We have some unique chocolates, and coffees, they are one of our non-technical exports, but I am curious, I?ve not seen any horses or mules or equine like creatures in my brief stay so far.?

?Horses?? Aquira seemed surprised by that, a couple of seconds and she seemed to stare blankly before nodding, ?The infonet said they?re something like land dolphins for your people?? She gave Azjah a smile, ?That might be more than interesting.?

Azjah blinked, ?Land dolphins?? Then she realized what Aquira was referencing, ?OH! We do enjoy our horses in many forms, I have images if you would like to see them??

?I can find images on the infonet. Basically that?s what I did when you mentioned horses. I sent a remote request for information on horses. We have ?sea horses? but not the land ones.? Aquira told her.

Azjah nodded, she?d seen personal computer access before, but nothing as seamless as Aquira?s, but little was surprising her at this point. ?They come in many sizes and structures for various purposes.? She smiled, ?Yes, you cold get general images, but I have my own stud, if you decide to travel, I would love to introduce you to them.? Azjah was hoping Aquira would find time and desire to leave Mentar and visit Rigel.

There was a spark in Aquira?s eyes, ?Real horses! That would be absolutely interesting! Of course I would love to travel and see them.?

Azjah smiled at her enthusiasm, ?There is nothing better than to feel the gentle nuzzle of a horse?s muzzle against your skin.?

?We have only whales, and so only a small part of us has animal companions. Back home?? Aquira stopped suddenly as if mentioning something she shouldn?t have mentioned.

Azjah canted her head at her, noting the abrupt silencing of her thoughts, ?Whales are such elegant creatures.?

Aquira nodded, ?They?re beautiful, but they can?t live without water.? She drummed her fingers on the table, ?We might also need skilled coaches for the first years, horses would be very new here.?

?We have some excellent people that could be loaned to you until someone grew comfortable enough to take over. Which blood line would be responsible? And would the Council object to new species here?? Azjah was wondering about rules regarding importation of new life forms.

Aquira shrugged, ?Ecological calculations, those are the field of the Dehtyar interests.? She glanced around the room again, ?I will forward the request ot them if you prefer, so you can meet their rep??

?Perhaps we should begin the process,? Azjah offered, not knowing how long it would take for approval, or what was required on her end of the transportation arrangements. ?Until then, we can offer fine Yirgacheffe coffees, and chocolates like those I brought with me.?

Aquira nodded enthusiastically, ?That would be definitely great. We have no real chocolate here, though I doubt you?ve noticed.?

Azjah chuckled, ?I think we can find common ground for trade Aquira, but do tell me more about this Mrrshan Gold.?

?Ah, the Gold variety, well, it?s sweeter than Blue, and uses Mrrshan white grape sorts as far as I know. Initially from what we learned from the archives, grapes were picked in the very end of the fall season, so the climatics are set up to reflect that condition. I find it a bit too sweet,? Aquira added. ?You can order if from the kitchen block, should be ported within a couple of minutes.?

?I will try it then after diner this evening,? Azjah smiled in anticipation of this new taste test. ?And of course, I shall give Rhaine some grief for not mentioning it.? She winked at Aquira to let her know it would be good natured teasing rather than true grief.

She shrugged, ?It?s only your preference. Learning that null-ports exist won?t get the outsiders much closer to getting them.?

Azjah paused before saying, ?I?ll confess that I've asked Rhaine about it, she told me that she doubted I could get one, but there would be benefits as well as drawbacks.?

?I?m no expert, but as far as I know, every Mentari ship has multiple null devices, from communicators to fuel supply.? Aquira mused, ?So it might take simply stealing a ship.?

Azjah gave her a soft chuckle, ?Aquira, I deal in weapons and ship enhancing drives, but theft, I don?t go so far. What about the possibility of having a ship in orbit as a kind of emissary? An Ambassadorial ship perhaps?? Azjah realized that the Psilon technology in the wrong hands would be devastating, but it was a lure none the less.

She nodded thoughtfully, ?That might be a good thought. What do you need a null port for??

Azjah gave her a big grin, ?Chocolate and coffee have short shelf lives to keep their best attributes, and the seafood that you have here won?t transport, so I?d have to come back tot enjoy some of your delicacies. I would also feel responsible for your contacts with Rigel since you haven?t approached us, I have come to you.? Azjah?s brief time as Ambassador to Nu Ceti had taught her a great deal about diplomacy. She also knew that flying a Mentari ship was no picnic, so stealing one might be tantamount to suicide for whomever might try such a thing.

Aquira gave nod and another shade of thought as she sat there, ?I see your reason. I?m hardly an expert in such cases, but having an orbital embassy with a null port sounds quite good. We just have to convince those security freaks, the Shuashai.,?

Azjah gave a weak smile, ?There may be the biggest challenge, but it would keep the Null Portals in your control, and removable if need arose.?

Aquira grinned, ?Wonder how Rigelians would take that bit of info, wouldn?t we need official permission from your authorities to have our craft around??

Azjah gave her a soft chuckle, ?I believe my Cousin would welcome your presence.?

?The presence of folks that consider that entire form of government a feature from a book but not something actually working?? Aquira chuckled.

Azjah smiled back, ?We are not a perfect system Aquira, but it works, and it adapts, even if slowly.? She felt safe enough discussing it with Aquira because she knew the Mentari would not seek to change the government on Rigel, but they would watch it and study it closely without question.

Aquira nodded, ?Figured, otherwise you?d be stuck to one planet still.?

?Wolfgang is the ultimate ruler, but he has a strong council of advisors, and he?s looking to establish solid trade routes and develop stronger ties with non-colonies.? Azjah knew the whole idea of expansionism and colonial presence was anathema to Aquira.

?I can imagine how interesting it would be to adjust to your communication standards. I?ve read that one can?t even talk freely to those on a different step of the social ladder, is it right?? Aquira gave her a smile, but there was real curiosity in her expression.

?There are customary do?s and don?ts in the Peerage, this is true. One simply needs to learn to be creative in their communications.? Azjah smiled, ?Make the superior member think it was their idea, and negotiate with skill, you can influence a great deal.?

Aquira nodded, ?I might be really interested to see Rigel. As well as Elynne if she finds time.?

?It would be my pleasure to show you my home Aquira. Not every world out there will be pleasant, but Rigel might be colonial and in many ways not as advanced as Mentar, but we are not all bad either. I look forward to introducing you to the pleasures of our world.? Azjah grinned, ?And my horses.?

?Thank you,? she smiled in return, ?By the way, in 54 hours, you and Dominik are invited to the Four Moons, to see that Chilian performance. I?m coming as well, I seldom miss these.? Aquira had come to her own decisions for the time being regarding the Null port request. ?Chilian performances are one of our local pleasures that attract the most attention. Though technology inclined researchers do ignore them at times.?

Azjah puzzled a moment, ?Four Moons? Oh! I am very much looking forward to that as well.?

Aquira grinned at her reaction, ?That?s the reaction Chilians very much love!?

Azjah chuckled, ?I LOVED the cloth and so look forward to this performance! There is a great interest in theater and the arts on Rigel.?

?I wonder if you would like their music. Chilians are weird at times, and what they can do with a voice? that?s something stunning.? Aquira clearly enjoyed the performing arts and the skills of the Chilians.

?Will that be part of this performance?? Azjah certainly hoped it would be.

?To a certain degree, I guess. Have to see what we?ll see.? Aquira gave a shrug, ?Or hear what we?ll hear.?

Apparently there was no published warning what this performance would entail. ?I look forward to it. Is it a formal affair?? Azjah wondered now what she should wear to the event. At Aquira?s puzzled look, Azjah added, ?Is it a dressy affair, or casual, or? what shall I wear??

?Ah, that? Chilians like it when the audience is dressy. But there is no actual dress code at Mentar,? Aquira explained.

Azjah nodded, somewhat relieved, ?Very good, thank you.?

Aquira snickered, ?You?re welcome.? She rose then, ?Branlee usually ignore that dressy manner of Chilian performances, so you might recognize them in that crowd. And Branlee are the line that works with the null-technologies.? She winked conspiratorially.

Azjah chuckled, ?Casual elegance then??

?Branlee?s tend to ignore the outside completely. Just clean, comfortable, that it. But, they really value the Chilian experiments with harmony.?

Aquira moved toward the door, and Azjah with her. They parted company and Azjah headed for her room for some rest as Aquira returned to her office and the next phase of her experiments.

Terminals lit up all of a sudden in Azjah's apartment, and an emblem of Volin bloodline - a triangle that held a symbolic image of a wing crossed by an upward arroe - appeared on them, in dark red colors. The text message was brief - "Alarm! Guardians of wormhole D-c11 activated. Unpredicted behavior. Space patrol of day-4 in danger"

Azjah glanced toward the terminal as she passed en route to fix something to drink, noting the alarm and pausing to study it. The text changed to a large system map, that almost instantly had one sector enlarged, and showed an image of two really alien huge ships. In mere seconds next was a text over them "Volin Bloodline announces a minute of silence for Rei Volin-Vorlill who has diverted attention of guardians from his comrades and whose mastery of space combat has led to destruction of Guardian-2. Clear vacuum to you, Rei, rest well"

Azjha's pale brow rose at the announcement, she determined to ask Aquira about it at the performance... noting the Volin bloodline and name Rei, it appeared as though one of their own had perished in the encounter.

============

In a couple hours there was a message on terminal, blinking, waiting to be read. Green font on pale blue background, that also held an emblem of classic DNA double-helix in a circle. Bloodline Dehtyar.

"Vereena Dehtyar and Ivor Sheol Dehtyar invite you to the Sky Gardens of Dehtyar for a discussion of possible business in an hour. Please respond if you wish to decline"

Azjah peered at the message, "Aquira works quickly." She did a search for the location of the Sky Gardens of Dehtyar... finding them, she went to change, and make her way early toward the appointed location.

The Sky Gardens had this name for a reason. This was yet another satellite, with low gravity, and entirely being a huge greenhouse. The null-terminal was in the "bottom" and upwards was a huge space, full of leaf, bloom, and crazy shape. similar escalator as in the giant atrium of the Four Moons spiralled towards the top. the transparent walls showed a panorama of space, filled with lights of satellites and moons - the satellite was in the "space belt" of Mentar-2. Thin tubes supplied water and nutrition to endless miles of roots, and sprayed water on leaves of those plants that required it. Althos-Gair "park" seemed tiny compared to this.
Managing to find her way toward the null-terminal, Azjah found herself transported to the new satellite. The low gravity unexpected, and momentarily disorienting her as she was dropped into the panoramic space of lights and stunning star and moon vistas. "Oh my...." She was early, but it was better to be early than late, and Azjah didn't trust her orienteering just yet around Mentar. There was no diving here, only the slow escalator that spiralled through the artificial jungle. The design seemed well-calculated, with each turn the plants became more and more gorgeous, flowers were more and more fancy, in scent, color and shape. She moved with the slow escalator, admiring the stunning displays of color and texture in the plants. Creations she'd never seen before, in shapes and patterns she could only imagine before now.

Flowers turned orchid-like, with dark-green foliage contrasting against their juicy coloring, and the last turn led to what Dehtyars probably considered a meeting space. It was a large saucer-shaped platform, central circle being seemingly a holographic terminal. Two people stood there - a tall, willowy, copper-haired woman, with flawlessly pale skin, and a man with same dark copper hair, but a bit darker complexion. they were both dressed in green, with pale golden accents. The man looked slightly bored, as if the meeting didn't interest him in the slightest. the woman seemed to have stopped talking a moment ago

Azjah's pale blue eyes were busy taking in the vast array of color and texture, then finally she noted the platform and the two people there, she straightens and focuses on them rather than the array of horticultural brilliance surrounding them. "Thank you for your time. My apologies for being early, I did not wish to be late and detain you. I am Azjah Danaan of Rigel."

The woman bowed slightly
"I am Vereena, biochemist of Dehtyar bloodline. My companion is Ivor, currently - responsible for our Bloodline in the council. Please take a seat - just pretend the chair is behind you, it'll appear." she showed an example, sitting down - green armchair appeared right under her without a sound. Ivor did the same.
Giving a brief incline of her head, Azjah responded "A pleasure to meet you Vereena, and you Ivor." She glanced behind her briefly before following suit, somewhat surprised when the chair stopped her fall to the platform. "Aquira said that I would need to meet with you to discuss the possibility of arranging a trade agreement on the Mrrshan wines, and I appreciate your time."
"Aquira Althos-Gair mentioned little about possible volumes of trade. We would need to make sure we can supply the necessary quantities. Do you have any approximate numbers that come to mind about yearly volume? talking about standard-years"
"Yes, I have two proposals actually, dependent upon your stocks and availability. If we are talking about a private importer, we'd be looking at approximately 1,000 liters per standard year, but if we're talking about allowing me a license to resell, I'd like to begin with 8,000 liters per standard year, with an expansion clause to 10,000 liters per year." Pale blue eyes held Vereena's a moment.
For a moment Vereena touched the armrest, and the central circle has a chart appearing, with some numbers, that changed very quickly, and in the end there are such as "liter per cub.meter", "liter per enu", "liter per encred", "consumption - current". Vereena nodded "I think ten kiloliters are not a problem"
"You are ammenable to my establishing a resale business with your creation?"
"That would be the best idea, I think. You, Ivor?"

Ivor's lips curved in a smirk. "You've invited me merely as an authority to supervise this. Whatever are your business plans, doesn't bother me. Just quit eating my time, Vereena, with this Althos wine project. I'll approve anything that won't harm our reputation." He seems to be mightily irritated by the need to spend time on this, which didn't pass unnoticed.
" We have offered to arrange a trade, to bring horses into Mentar, that is if you are interested in adding the species?"
Ivor frowned. "An addition to our ecology? Let me check..." his hand rested on the armrest just like Vereena's, and the haze of numbers was back, even faster. "Our ecosystem won't be harmed at least. Unless you plan an invasion of these... horses ... in huge numbers. Make it a pair of these beings in a year, hopefully they'll breed"

Azjah gave him a smile, "I had hoped to gift you with 3 mares and one stallion to start with, and offer a handler to teach your people how to handle horses, is that too much?"
"Sounds good. So..." he touched the armrest again, and an image of Dehtyar emblem flashes on holographic terminal. "I'm signing this, and let me be back to my lab, Vereena. Just invite me to see these beings when they arrive"
"I thank you for your time, I hope you are not unduly disrupted," Azjah thanked him before looking at Vereena. "Do you think your volumes will support expansion beyond the 10,000 liters?"
The Dehtyar woman smiled. "In any case, it's just a question of launching another satellite if we don't meet your expectations. Or using the ones that are in bioproduction for mixed-culture. Right now we can afford to export over 14 kiloliters, while we're exporting just 2 to Fomalhaut."
"Do you think we can do both the gold and the blue, or only the blue?"
"Gold - that's less popular, we produce 4-5 kiloliters per year, and about 2 of them is consumed domestically. Your Althos friends have done their best to create a trend for these wine sorts," Vereena spoke, with slight distaste towards biased Althos-Gair's.
"Shall I arrange transport through Althos, or with you directly? I don't think I can resell as much of the gold, but I would certainly like to include it in the offerings."
Vereena seemed to think for a while, her dark violet eyes stopped at Azjah's face for a moment.
"It's our bloodline that would need to deal with the horses, I guess. I imagine it's Gair's best manner - drop the idea into wanting ears, and use the fruit while the major hassle is left for others. We would use our terminals, I think. This would not cost much. Though this might result in forming a long-term route, via null-portals... I will ask for Council permission for this, and if they rule that the receiving null-port would belong to all bloodlines equally, I won't object"

"I do not believe she meant for you to have more work, in fact, I think she was trying to minimize the impact on your bloodline. The horses are truly a delight. Yes, they are work, but they are delightful creatures," Azjah smiled. Which didn't generate any response other than a shrug from Vereena.
"I just don't see how she tried to minimize the impact. On the outside, the agreement would be between our line and you. Not Althos. You have no representatives in our Council, unless Althos do it for you and take part in the disputes. In this case I would apologize before Aquira for my unflattering thoughts"
"I think the fault is mine, since my contacts are with the Althos-Gair lines, and I did not know whom I should contact with my proposal."
"Oh no. You're just being manipulated by Gair. I might be prejudiced against them, but if they wanted to take on the problems, Aquira would have come to the talks."
"Aquira has been nothing but helpful to me so far, as has Rhaine. And now you, for which I give you my thanks. Outsiders are a risk, but I look forward to growing a relationship with your blood line as well," Azjah seemed to keep Ivor in mind as well while talking.
"Thank you. We look forward to that," Dehtyars bowed slightly in unison. After this Ivor stood up and left, seemingly relieved to rejoin his lab. As soon as he was out, Vereena chuckled. "He's back to his molecular engineering and glad to be rid of this duty. I know Ivor, he isn't the best Councilor but there is no better geneticist in the Line"

... As Veia finished her vocal experiment, which left a tingling feeling in every bone, the lights shifted off her and dissipated, to allow visionarists to fill the air with illusionary images. A new voice blended into them, and another one... It was growing harder and harder to distinguish where's hearing and where's sight, the mixed sensations seemingly were a part of Chilian imagery, and all of a sudden a voice soared above them, like a bird, so clear and rich that it cause tears. Usually such episodes would have caused a squall of applause, but today there was a stunned silence - the illusionary images were still there, still bright and changing with the sounds.

Finally the lights were back on. Among the white colors of mourning, so vivid in the Volin' sector, there was one Volin in their usual dark red...

Elynne paced around her office, still in her dressy outfit after the performance. Cyan flowing fabric seemed to jerk with every turn, like from sudden gusts of wind.

"You should have warned me at least about your experiment," Elynne's words seemed forged of cold anger. Aquira remained calm and silent. She watched the councilor with her eyes unblinking. "I've had more than enough of you using your weird prejudices to justify even more weird experiments"

"Successful experiments," Aquira corrected coldly.

"In case of failure this wouldn't make our explanations before the Council more plausible. You've done your best to repeat your suspicions about Dehtyars until I sanctioned the formation of Gair subline. Mentar has never had competition, you've created it. But now your experiment has put life of a respected pilot at stake, although we have never experimented on living people before..."

"You've read about the price for mistakes of physicists, and about how the studies of the Wave have brought new discoveries to Branlee. My experiment was merely unsanctioned, but well-prepared and calculated. And Rey has agreed to it," Aquira paused for a moment just to continue when Elynne tried to draw breath to speak. "Gair sub-line is coming up with unexpected and creative solutions, the ones that Dehtyars take from the wormhole expeditions. We CREATE, they STEAL," Aquira almost hissed. "If that does matter, I had complete support of imGair."

"Will you quit hiding behind that allmighty excuse? Or you'd blow up the Four Moons just because imGair tells you to?"

"She will," there was another voice from behind. Voice full of calm triumph. "And you will do the same. I merely would need to explain to you the reasons."

silence from within these walls
spread the virus amongst you all
embryos of apocalyptic minds - my kind
(Sundown, "Judgement Ground")

The satellite was huge, equal in size to the greatest of moons in the coil around Mentar-2. The playground hall #2 was the size of the large atrium on the landing moon. And it was all noisy, chirpy, screamy, colorful. Low gravity and lots of artifical "rocks", planks, jumpboards, allowed kids starting from about a standard year of age to 6-7 year olds to fill the space with laughing chaos. Mentari children were hyperactive, and adults were well aware of that. Standard jumpsuits were of all colors and shades, and if there was ever a color code, only a mentari teacher could have gotten through this bright madness.

A boy with wavy pale golden hair flew into the large space between jumpboards, followed by a girl, obviously his sister. The twins rushed into the air, screaming happily as they floated through space, with their jump seeming to be calculated instinctively. Hair color of Althos. With inhuman coordination and bird instincts of Volin. They were still tiny, about two years of age. And they were the ones imGair has pointed to.

"They will have neural networks implanted within this week," she said with a tone of order.
"Kids? Have you lost your mind?! They won't stand the pain!"
"Do you really think I've never calculated the risks?"

This was too much already. imGair was going against the very basis of Mentar existence - freedom of choice. Aquira almost jumped, and only her reverence toward imGair prevented her from attempting an inadequate and excessively emotional slap on imGair's indifferent face.

"You know nothing of Mentar. No...you know nothing of being a human! Would you ever allow YOUR child to be tortured to possible death for a slim chance of his or her future immortality they may not even want?!" Aquira hissed, still managing to think before acting.

ImGair remained silent and still for a while.

"Scream louder. If you want the entire system to hear us," she said finally.

Terrified eyes of a Dehtyar were staring at them from behind a jumpboard.