The Star Agency (The Star Agency Chronicles) Read online

  ‘And has your species detected any such transmissions, Theo?’

  ‘No, I suppose not.’

  ‘Then I believe that you have answered your own question. Radio signals do not traverse the great distances between stars systems well. They quickly loose strength over distance and are also too easy to intercept. The Affinity utilises a technology known as Entangled Modulation, which retains perfect signal quality over any distance. It is a more refined form of communication, which cannot be detected by anybody other than for whom it is intended. Even assuming you knew how to detect such transmissions, unless your world was the intended recipient, you would not be able to intercept them. Do you understand?’

  ‘Yeh, I think so,’ said Theo. ‘You haven’t tried to call us, so we don’t know about you.’

  ‘Essentially, correct,’ said First Mentor.

  ‘But why aren’t…’ said Theo.

  ‘On another matter,’ interrupted First Mentor, ‘if I may for a moment digress. I noted that in our conversation you referred to other sentient species as Alien. This word, or its translation, might be considered derogatory or insulting by some species. Therefore, I would advise against use of the word in any dealings you may have with other races.’

  ‘I’m sorry,’ said Theo. ’I didn’t mean anything by it, it’s just…’

  ‘No apology is required, Theo. Your viewpoint is to be expected. Your species has never been formerly approached by an advanced civilisation until now. Such protocols are new to you.’

  ‘So that’s what this is then. You’re making first contact with humans?’

  ‘In part, yes. However this is not the sole reason. We are also inviting you to represent your species within the Affinity.’

  ‘Me? You want me to represent the human race?’ said Theo.

  ‘Correct,’ said First Mentor.

  ‘On my own?’

  ‘No. Several of members of your species have been invited.’

  ‘How many?’

  ‘Twenty-five invitations have been issued.’

  ‘How many people have replied, you know, accepted the invitations?’

  ‘So far, three.’

  ‘And am I the first to get here?’

  ‘You are indeed the first,’ said First Mentor.

  ‘Me?’ said Theo, grinning. ‘You mean I’m the first human to visit another planet?’

  ‘You are the first human on record to visit Polisium.’

  ‘Cool,’ said Theo.

  ‘It is a privileged position. And a great responsibility too.’

  ‘But why now – I mean, at this time?’

  ‘There are several relevant factors which affect the timing. Firstly, your species is expanding its exploration of your solar system.’

  ‘But what’s that got to do with anything? We’ve been doing that for years, haven’t we?’

  ‘There are…’ First Mentor paused for a moment ‘…artefacts within your solar system, the discovery of which would alert you to the existence of the Affinity. The deeper you explore, the sooner you are likely to encounter one of these artefacts.’

  ‘You mean like that Stargate, or whatever it was, that I came through on the moon?’

  ‘You are no doubt referring to the Quantum Portal.’

  ‘If you say so.’

  ‘It has been a long standing protocol that once a species becomes aware of, or is likely to become aware of, our existence, we initiate First Contact procedures.’

  ‘So this means you’re watching us then, does it? You know, checking up on our progress? Seeing what discoveries we’ve made?’

  ‘We are currently observing your world as we have done throughout your development.’

  ‘So you know all about us then?’

  ‘We know that which we need to know.’

  ‘You said firstly though. So there are other reasons why I’m here?’

  ‘Correct. The second reason is your world’s recent discovery of Polisium.’

  ‘But… but we haven’t discovered Polisium, have we? I thought that you said we weren’t able to detect other civilisations.’

  ‘You will note that I said discovered Polisium, not detected our civilisation. Your astronomers have recently detected a small planetary body in a twin star system. The world was believed to be about the same size as your Earth and identified as a good candidate for support of a biosphere.’

  ‘You mean life?’

  ‘Correct.

  ‘Of course,’ said Theo, ‘I remember it being on the news last year. All the scientists got really excited. But I mean, that’s all they knew. They couldn’t actually see the planet. They only knew it was there because they could see how it pulled on the star or something. They said it’d take years to know if there was really any life there.’

  ‘It is ingenious that your species is able to discover planets orbiting other stars, considering the technology available to you.’

  ‘OK, but why do you want me to represent the human race? I mean, what’s the point?’

  ‘The point is that we wish to evaluate your species for inclusion.’

  ‘Inclusion?’

  ‘Inclusion into The Affinity, Theo. The Affinity council has proposed that Earth is to be considered for formal membership of The Affinity. This sampling of your species is first stage of the inclusion process. The sample will be integrated into the Affinity and observed over a period of approximately five years. If it is found that your species integrates well, then a formal approach will be made to the governments of your world to begin negotiations.’

  ‘I’m not sure I like being thought of as a sample. It makes us sound like a lab experiment or something. We’re not an experiment, are we – humans I mean?’

  ‘I apologise if the terminology offends you. If you prefer, I will refer to you as a representative. And no, you are certainly not part of an experiment.’

  ‘Glad to hear it. But I mean, how did you pick us all? Why am I part of the sample?’

  ‘Your age is, in part, key.’

  ‘My age?’

  ‘Yes,’ said First Mentor. ‘Your age means you have yet to develop rigid ideas and attitudes. You are less likely to be prejudiced and will instead be open to new concepts and new ways of thinking. Adults of your species, and indeed of most species, have fixed attitudes and beliefs that are not easily changed.’

  ‘You mean we’re easier to brainwash us kids, is that it?’

  ‘Do you believe you will be easily brainwashed, Theo?’

  ‘Definitely not,’ said Theo.

  ‘Then I believe you have answered your own question. And I am sure that if you meet any of the other representatives from your world, you will see that they too are as independent minded as you are.’

  ‘I’m looking forward to meeting them,’ said Theo.

  ‘As indeed you will, if you accept our invitation.’

  ‘Excellent,’ said Theo.

  ‘You may believe that human beings are many and varied in their attitudes and beliefs. But species from other worlds behave in ways you cannot possibly imagine and accept truths that are beyond your comprehension. An open mind to these new truths is essential if you are to survive and prosper within the Affinity. If you accept these new truths, those in future generations will follow your lead. Adults are slow to adapt and accept change. It is your generation who are the important to this process. It is you, and those who are yet to be born, who will benefit most from the Affinity. Your species is not accustomed to taking a long-term view of its future. This must change if you are to survive and flourish as a species.’

  For a moment, Theo sat in silence, trying to take in everything that he had been told. Finally, he sat up and stared at First Mentor’s glowing face.

  ‘But why do you want us to join the Affinity? What use are we to you – humans I mean? Our technology must be thousands of years behind yours.’

  ‘It is true that we are unlikely to learn anything from your species on a technological level. However variet
y enriches us all. Different species have different abilities, all of which can be shared and from which all species can learn.’

  ‘I doubt there’s much you can learn from us,’ said Theo. ‘I mean us humans, yeh we’re quite clever at times, putting a man on the moon and splitting the atom and stuff. But we’re always fighting amongst ourselves. And we can’t even feed everybody on the planet.’

  ‘It is true that you have much to learn. But your species has achieved much and will continue to do so. Membership of the Affinity will allow you to prosper and reach your full potential.’

  ‘If you say so,’ said Theo.

  ‘Additionally, there is also the matter of security, both of your own world and of ours. We can assist in the protection of your planet from all threats, both natural and artificial. There are other…’ First Mentor paused for moment as if searching for the right word ‘… factions which do not share our ideals and may attempt to distort the truths that we hold important to us. They could misrepresent The Affinity and its beliefs. If you are prepared, as a species, to accept our common values and beliefs and contribute to the Affinity, then the security of your species would be assured.’

  ‘All for one and one for all?’ said Theo.

  ‘Essentially, correct,’ replied the First Mentor.

  Theo thought for a moment.

  ‘I’ve got a choice though, haven’t I? I don’t have to do this if I don’t want to? I mean, you’re not abducting me, are you?’

  ‘Of course you have a choice, Theo. Free will is at the core of The Affinity’s values.’

  ‘So what happens if I say no?’

  ‘Then you will leave Polisium and return to Earth to resume your life.’

  ‘And….’

  ‘And what, Theo?’

  ‘Well I mean, all this is secret, isn’t it? I mean, my visit here and everything?’

  ‘It is.’

  ‘So you’re not going to just let me go back to Earth once I’ve seen all this, are you? Aren’t you going to, you know, wipe my memory or something?’

  ‘Why would you wish to forget your experiences here?’

  ‘No, it’s not that. I mean, what if I tell everybody what I’ve seen when I get back? It won’t be a secret anymore, will it?’

  ‘This assumes you are believed,’ said First Mentor.

  ‘Hmmm, yeh I guess. I mean, I suppose I wouldn’t believe it if somebody told me they’d been to another planet. I’ve heard about nutters saying they were abducted by ali… I mean UFOs and stuff. I didn’t believe them.’

  ‘There is also the matter of physical evidence of your visit. There wouldn’t be anything definitive to indicate that what you state is true.’

  ‘Yeh, I wouldn’t have any proof.’

  ‘Correct.’

  ‘OK, so what happens now?’

  ‘Now we need to seek final approval for your acceptance before we proceed with a formal invitation.’

  ‘Right and who decides that?’

  ‘Lord Tallus, Governor of Polisium. He is in overall charge of the Polisian Government and presides over the Affinity council.’

  ‘So he runs the show?’ said Theo.

  ‘Yes,’ said First Mentor.

  ‘So I’m going to meet him then, am I?’ said Theo.

  ‘Yes, he insists on it. He is awaiting your arrival now. Is this acceptable to you?’

  ‘Well, who am I to turn down a Lord,’ said Theo.

  ‘Good. Now, if there are no further questions, I will signal the transport ship to expect your arrival.’

  ‘Actually, there is one last question I’d like to ask.’

  ‘Please, go ahead.’

  ‘I erm, I mean, I don’t know quite how to say this and I hope I don’t offend you, but well, what exactly are you? I mean this face; it’s just an image, isn’t it? It’s not really you?’

  ‘You are correct. This face is not part of my natural form. It is simply a representation, constructed in such a way as to feel familiar to you, yet at the same time remind you that I am not like you. My natural form is what the Polisians refer to as a formless ember of the abyss.’

  ‘Which means what?’

  ‘I am a living consciousness composed entirely from highly organised energy patterns.’

  ‘You mean you’re made of energy. You’ve got no body?’

  ‘No physical body in the sense that you understand.’

  ‘But where are you from, Mist? What species are you?’

  ‘Theo, I do admire your curiosity, however these are all questions for another time. Your journey to the surface is imminent and you are required to depart immediately.’

  ‘The surface?’ replied Theo.

  ‘Yes,’ said First Mentor. ‘Governor Tallus resides on the planet’s surface below. He governs from his home world.’

  Theo heard some footsteps approaching from behind him and turned to see that Orientator had entered the room. Orientator bowed his head briefly and then turned to face Theo.

  ‘Follow me now,’ he said.

  Chapter 7 – An Invitation

  Minutes later, Theo found himself in the passenger cabin of a small transport spacecraft. The cabin itself was quite small, perhaps ten meters square, and had just two rows of seats. The walls and ceilings curved gently into each other and were featureless, save for a bowl shaped depression in the wall at the end of each row of seats. To Theo’s right sat Orientator, and on the row behind him were four other creatures of the same species, or native Polisians as he had been told him to call them.

  Theo looked over his shoulder. ‘Hi,’ he said, grinning sheepishly. But none of the Polisians responded or even looked at him.

  ‘Do you wish to view the descent?’ said Orientator.

  ‘Yeh, that’d be good,’ said Theo realising that it might be a long boring journey with nobody to talk to.

  Orientator rolled his eyes for a moment. Then suddenly, the bowl shaped depression in the wall to his left became totally transparent, almost as if a hole had appeared in the ship’s hull.

  Immediately, Theo stuck his head into the depression and suddenly he felt like he was outside the ship. The view all around him was stunningly clear, and he was able to see right along the outside of the vessel. The outer skin of the ship seemed to be made out of a silver/grey metal, which was polished and smooth without any panels or lights on it. Towards the back, he could see what appeared to be a broad flat wing about twenty meters across, curving slightly upwards at its tip, while at the front, about fifteen meters away, the ship’s nose tapered to a narrow point. Behind the ship, Polisium Prime was already disappearing rapidly out of sight, even though Theo hadn’t even realised that they had departed. And in front of him, in all its glory, was Polisium.

  From a distance, Polisium looked a lot like Earth, albeit an Earth stuck in an ice age. But from closer in, it was a different world altogether. Rather than a handful of larger landmasses, like the Earth, Polisium was dotted with hundreds if not thousands of smaller ones, surrounded by a network of small seas and wide river channels. Every landmass on the upper half of the planet was almost totally white, save for a few flecks of green and black, and even the small seas in between, although clearly visible, had a white frosty sheen as if they were partially frozen over. Around the planet’s equator, the ice sheet came to an abrupt and jagged end, and beneath it was the planet’s southern hemisphere: a vibrant landscape, peppered with lush green forests and grasslands, long mountain ranges and seas and rivers of the deepest blue that Theo had ever seen. There were also several greyish/white patches of concentric circles, dotted randomly across the surface, which he guessed were probably large cities.

  As Theo continued to stare at the planet ahead, he noticed that a faint red glow was beginning to envelop the ship. They were entering the planet’s atmosphere. Within seconds, the glow had brightened considerably, and suddenly ribbons of fire were bursting out from in front of the ship, looping around its hull and trailing away behind it, like the fiery tail o
f a meteor. Strangely though, none of the burning air seemed to be touching the craft; instead, it was almost as if it was surrounded by a huge, invisible sphere, protecting the craft from the heat of re-entry. Was it some sort of force field?

  As the seconds passed, the glow increased steadily, turning orange and then yellow as if the ship were plunging deeper and deeper into a raging furnace. Yet for all the ferocious heat of re-entry outside the ship, all he could feel was the tiniest of vibrations through his seat. All things considered, it was really quite a smooth journey and nothing like the ride that he imagined human astronaut crews had to endure during re-entry, rattling and shaking their way through Earth’s atmosphere in their primitive, tin can spacecraft.

  Several minutes later, the glow faded, and Theo looked out ahead of the ship to see that it was diving quickly and steeply towards an enormous bank of clouds. Just before the ship reached the cloud layer, it suddenly turned its nose up, levelled out and began to skim the cloud tops, churning the fine water vapour into delicate tornado-like swirls behind its wing tips.

  At first, as Theo stared out ahead of him, all he could see were wisps of clouds swirling around the ship and the clear blue sky above. Then he noticed something else: a gleaming gossamer like thread, stretching vertically upwards from the cloud tops in the distance and disappearing out of sight into the sky above. He looked at the point where the thread plunged into the clouds and he could see a small black triangle, like a mountain peak, poking out above the clouds tops. What was he looking at?

  Then the ship dropped into the clouds, and all that was visible for several seconds was a swirling white mist. But as quickly as the ship had plunged into the clouds, it dropped out through the bottom into the clear air below. And there ahead of the vessel, instead of the mountain range that he had expected to see, were the twisted spires of an enormous city in the ice and snow.

  The amazing city ahead of him was like nothing Theo he had ever seen before. Right in the centre, was a single huge, smooth, twisted black spire, rising vertically upwards into the clouds; it was clearly the same spire he had seen the top of, moments ago. Surrounding the central spire was a ring of perhaps seven or eight smaller spires, around half the height of the larger one but similar in structure. And fanning out in concentric circles, as far as the eye could see, were thousands upon thousands of smooth sided, geometrically perfect buildings of all kinds, gleaming in the sunlight.