The Star Agency (The Star Agency Chronicles) Read online

  ‘You are…’ Governor Tallus paused for a moment, awaiting the appropriate translation. ‘…a species of contrasts.’

  ‘I am not quite sure how to take that,’ said Theo.

  But the Governor didn’t answer. Instead, his eyes were rolling around in their sockets. Then he rose from his chair.

  ‘If you will excuse me, I must leave you here for a short time while I attend to some urgent duties,’ said the Governor. ‘This will not take long. Remain seated. I will return shortly.’

  ‘That’s fine,’ said Theo, I’ll just sit hear then.’

  Without another word, Governor Tallus rose from his chair, turned and then quickly left the room.

  *

  Theo had never been much of an art critic, but fifteen minutes later, having found himself still alone in the room with no apparent sign of the Governor returning, he had taken it upon himself to relieve the boredom by becoming one. So quietly, he rose from his chair and walked over to the row of paintings depicting the joining ceremonies.

  The first painting he came to was set inside some sort of great hall, and showed a Polisian handing what looked like a scroll or similar object to a creature from a different species. The other creature was jet black and stood upright on two long legs, bent forwards at the knee like those of a human. It was even taller than the Polisian, with long ape like arms, a short stout tail and a row of sharp spines along its back. It had a thin, short neck with a weird almost rectangular head and about a dozen small eyes, a little like those of a spider. There were no signs of any ears or a nose. It was surrounded by perhaps a dozen other creatures, which looked exactly the same except for their size: a little less than half the height of the larger creature. Whether they were its young, members of the opposite sex, or some sort of subspecies, Theo couldn’t tell. The painting itself was extremely detailed and Governor Tallus had obviously lavished a great deal of time and effort trying to show as much as possible. Yet somehow, the perspective wasn’t quite right, and the overall impression was that of a scene with very little depth. It was as if the detail was important, but the overall accuracy of the scene wasn’t.

  Theo walked slowly down the line of paintings, examining each one carefully, and noticed that they all displayed similar scenes: a Polisian presenting some sort of object to another creature. Each time the object being handed over looked different. Some just looked like scrolls of paper, while others just looked like some sort of staff or stick. One even looked a little like a small wriggling creature of some sort.

  As he reached the end of the line of paintings, he stopped to examine the last one more carefully, immediately recognising the species in the painting as the graceful insect-like creatures he had seen upon his arrival at Polisium Prime. It looked like it was being handed a thorny plant of some sort.

  As he looked back at the other pictures, he noticed that each one had a different backdrop, and he wondered if perhaps they depicted the home planet of each species. Then he looked at the blank area of wall at the end of the row. Could he really imagine a painting there, showing the Polisians on Earth presenting something to a human representative? In all honesty, he wasn’t entirely sure. The idea just seemed so, well, alien to him.

  Once he’d examined all the paintings on the wall, he glanced back towards the door, which was slightly ajar. There was still no sign of the Governor returning. Then he looked over at the opposite wall to see that there was another row of paintings. Quietly, he walked over to the wall and began to examine them. But although they were clearly painted in the same style, no doubt by the same hand, they were quite different. The first one showed dozens of beings racing towards a tower with flaming torches, in what looked for all the world like a medieval siege. Indeed, it could have easily been on Earth, had each of the creatures not had three legs. Then the next painting showed a forest scene, with several white, spindly creatures, either hanging from trees or crouching on the forest floor around a fire. The creatures did bear a passing resemblance to Polisians, but were perhaps smaller and thinner, and Theo wondered if it depicted their ancient ancestors discovering fire. The next painting though was different altogether. It was a picture of a huge planet, streaked with fire and bulging in several places, almost as if it were about to burst apart from the inside.

  But when Theo reached the next painting, he just stopped and stared open mouthed. The scene that met his eyes was that of a landscape from a lifeless, primeval looking world. Towards the horizon, there was an erupting volcano with streams of lava flowing down its steep sides. The sky was blood red with dark menacing clouds and what appeared to be two moons and a bloated red sun hanging low in the sky. But it wasn’t the backdrop that caught his attention. It was the enormous menacing creature standing in the foreground. It looked a little like a huge spider with a dozen or so long black legs, crouched as if ready to leap. The legs were covered with short thick hairs and had what appeared to be torn flaps of skin hanging loosely from the joints, almost as if the creature had emerged from a cocoon – like some hideous wingless butterfly. Each leg was multi jointed with what looked like a huge curved blade or claw at the end, embedded in the ground. In the centre, where its legs met, were what appeared to be a set of smaller legs, curled up underneath. Was it another smaller creature – perhaps its young – hanging there? Theo wasn’t sure. Two of its larger legs were also lifted in the air at either side in what seemed to be a threatening manner.

  Theo continued to stare at the picture, mesmerised. There was something about it that disturbed him – something beyond his own primeval fear of spiders – but for a moment he couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was. Then, after a few moments, he spotted it and felt stupid for not noticing straight away. Where the legs met in the middle, there appeared to be no body as such. There was no sign of a mouth, eyes or even a head, and there were no feelers or tentacles. Indeed, there was nothing other than a small fleshy looking mass where the legs were joined together. For a moment he felt really strange and more than a little sick. Then a voice from behind startled him.

  ‘Ah,’ said Governor Tallus, ‘I see you have found the Dread Lord.’

  ‘Dread Lord?’ said Theo, alarmed.

  ‘Yes,’ said Governor Tallus, ‘it is a creature from Polisian myth.’

  ‘More like a nightmare,’ said Theo.

  ‘Indeed. Stories are told to our young of the horrors they commit. They hide in the shadows and kill without mercy. You might call these stories...’ he paused for a moment ‘… Fairy Tales. It is a creature said to be blind, yet the greatest hunter of all, with claws sharp enough to slice through rock. It is also indestructible and immortal. If you are touched by it, you will be infected with a horrific plague that will kill you within hours and for which there is no cure. And that is if it doesn’t just choose to pierce your heart and kill you instantly. They are also known as Guardians of Chaos.’

  ‘It looks like it’s come straight from hell,’ said Theo, still staring at the creature.

  ‘That is a good analogy,’ said Governor Tallus.

  ‘But they don’t exist, do they? I mean, you said it was a myth. They’re not real, are they?’

  ‘No Theo, they are merely dark shadowy reflections of our deepest fears and nothing more. Most civilisations have stories of similar creatures, no doubt including your own.’

  Theo thought for a moment. ‘Vampires or Werewolves I suppose,’ he said.

  ‘Indeed,’ said Governor Tallus. ‘I keep this particular painting here as a reminder of our fallibility when facing the unknown Universe. That we do not know everything there is to know. That there are still wonders left to discover. And terrors… With all our technology, we are still frail. And mortal.’

  He paused, almost as if for effect, staring at Theo. But Theo didn’t reply. Instead, his mouth just hung open as he continued to stare at the painting.

  ‘But enough of Polisian legends,’ said Governor Tallus, walking back to his desk and sitting down, gesturing for Theo to follow
. ‘Please sit down.’

  Relieved, Theo turned and walked back to the desk and sat down.

  ‘So Theopolis, do you still wish to continue?’ said the Governor.

  Theo stared back at the Governor for a moment, speechless. There had been no doubt in his mind until now. But as he glanced back over at the painting of the Dread Lord, his stomach still churning, nothing seemed certain any more.

  ‘No immediate response is required,’ said Governor Tallus finally. ‘I will take my leave of you now and then speak with First Mentor. By the time your return to Polisium Prime, you will have a decision on our approval to join us.’

  ‘Oh, so that’s it then, we’re done, are we?’ said Theo.

  ‘Yes, our time together for now is concluded,’ said Governor Tallus.

  As Theo stood up, Governor Tallus rose from his chair and reached towards Theo with one of his arms. ‘I believe your custom requires us to link upper limbs.’

  ‘You mean shake hands?’ said Theo, finally breaking into a grin.

  ‘Indeed,’ said Governor Tallus.

  Theo reached out with his hand towards Governor Tallus, holding his thumb up and his palm out. Governor Tallus watched him and copied the hand movement. Then their hands touched.

  ‘I hope we meet again,’ said Theo as he gripped the Governor’s long fingered, bony hand and shook it up and down, not entirely sure whether he meant it.

  ‘As do I,’ replied Governor Tallus. He then bowed his head and spoke again, this time in English. ‘Your servant,’ he said simply. Then he lifted his head, released Theo’s hand and proceeded around the desk to lead Theo out of the room.

  Once Theo was outside the room, the doors closed behind him without another word. Then he was led away by the waiting Polisians.

  Back inside the room, the Governor walked over to his desk and sat down. For a few seconds, his eyes flickered and rolled around in their sockets. Then he turned to look at the paintings and an expression not unlike a smile appeared across his face.

  *

  As Theo stood silently in the Sensorium waiting for the column to begin glowing to indicate the presence of First Mentor, he had begun to reflect on everything he had seen since his arrival on Polisium. And all things considered, even the picture of the terrifying Dread Lord, which had slowly faded from his mind – he had, after all, reminded himself that it was just a creature from Polisian myth – he’d already decided that he really wanted to accept his invitation and live in the Affinity. Earth meant nothing to him now. It was just some primitive, distant world where he had grown up and nothing more. This new world was everything he had dreamed of. And more.

  ‘Hello, Theo,’ said the familiar feminine voice, startling him.

  ‘Hi, Mist,’ said Theo.

  ‘I have received a report from Governor Tallus regarding your invitation.’

  Theo paused for a moment, excited, but also nervous. ‘So does he want me then? Am I in?’

  ‘Governor Tallus feels confident that you would integrate well. You are approved to commence with your Orientation, should you wish to.’

  ‘Excellent,’ said Theo clenching his fist and grinning like a Cheshire cat.

  ‘The next stage is to obtain your confirmation that you wish to proceed. But before you give me your answer, I would strongly advise that you take time to reflect on what we have told you and what you have seen. My advice would be to return home to assess for yourself whether this is right for you. It is entirely possible that when you return home you will feel different.’

  ‘Oh I don’t think that’ll happen,’ said Theo. ‘I’ve had it with Earth. Nobody cares about me there.’

  ‘Never the less, this is what we recommend,’ said First Mentor.

  Theo paused for a moment as a memory of Jules popped into his head, walking beside him down the lane towards school, cringing at his terrible jokes. Suddenly, he felt guilty. He knew that she at least cared for him, even if nobody else did.

  ‘OK, I guess I’ll think about it. So what happens now?’

  ‘Now, you will return home. Then, once your decision has been made and assuming you choose to return, you will be given a period of time to set your affairs straight. Then you will return to Polisium to begin your full Orientation.’

  ‘So what’s this Orientation all about?’ said Theo.

  ‘The Orientation is a process whereby you are equipped for life within the Affinity.’

  ‘Right,’ said Theo, still not entirely sure what First Mentor had meant.

  ‘Following your Orientation,’ First Mentor continued, ‘full training for your role within the Affinity will commence.’

  ‘Role, yeh Governor Tallus mentioned that. Like a job, but more than a job.’

  ‘Indeed. You will train for a suitable role, as would any member of the Affinity, so that you may more effectively contribute to the whole.’

  ‘But you haven’t decided what I’ll be doing yet?’

  ‘Correct. This is still to be decided upon and will not be revealed to you until after your Orientation is complete.’

  ‘But you must have some idea?’

  ‘There are several directions you could take, Theo. It would not be appropriate to pre-empt our final decision. Analysis of a being’s behaviour can reveal surprising results. You may be led in a direction we might not yet have considered. Please be patient and trust us. The process of analysis has been refined over hundreds of years. It is proven to work.’

  ‘So when I return home, how can I let you know what I’ve decided?’ said Theo.

  ‘We will supply you with a communications device. If you decide to accept our invitation, you will be required to activate the device within twenty days.’

  ‘And if I decide not to come?’

  ‘Then do not activate the device. It will be assumed that you do not wish to participate. You will then continue with your life and there will be no further contact with us.’

  ‘You mean, never?’ said Theo.

  ‘Correct,’ said First Mentor.

  ‘And if I accept, what’ll happen? Once I return, will I stay here on Polisium forever?’

  ‘You will remain within the Affinity indefinitely,’ replied First Mentor. ‘Accepting will require total commitment and dedication. This will be your new life and responsibility. You will be required to cut all ties to your world and dedicate yourself to the Affinity.’

  ‘That’s why you want me to go back home and think about it, isn’t it? So I know what I’m giving up?’ said Theo.

  ‘Correct,’ said First Mentor. ‘You have so much to gain from joining us. And remember you will not be alone; others of your kind will soon arrive with us. But it will require sacrifice.’

  A hole suddenly appeared in the floor and a narrow column rose up. On the top of the column was a fat silver ring with a curved depression on one side.

  ‘This is the device that will allow you to communicate your acceptance to us. Its appearance is designed to be indistinguishable from an item of decorative jewellery. Place the ring on the fourth or ring finger of your left hand. Once you have placed the ring on your finger, you should not remove it.’

  ‘How does it work?’ said Theo, examining the ring.

  ‘If you decide to accept our invitation, you can activate it by pressing your right thumb into the depression on top and then holding it there for ten seconds. You must activate this in private and within twenty days from now. Once activated, further information will be provided.’

  ‘Right,’ said Theo.

  ‘Please put the ring on your finger now.’

  Theo picked up the ring and carefully slid it onto his finger. It was a perfect fit.

  ‘Before you leave Theo, there is one small matter that you need to attend to. Before you return to Earth, you will need to advance your timepiece by twenty hours, thirty four minutes and nine seconds.’

  Theo looked down at his watch, then back at First Mentor. ‘Erm, why?’

  ‘In order to make interstella
r travel possible, Quantum Portals create compressed space-time conduits. This, in essence, makes the distance between two points in space much smaller, enabling a journey between those points to take place within an acceptable timeframe.’

  Theo thought for a moment. ‘OK, I think I understand. It’s like a wormhole. You take a shortcut from one point in space to another.’

  ‘Correct. However, even though the effective distance is vastly reduced, it is still substantial – in the order of tens to hundreds of million kilometres. Therefore, any craft travelling through such a conduit needs to be accelerated to near light speed in order to complete the journey quickly for the occupants.’

  ‘And when you travel close to the speed of light, time passes more slowly for you, doesn’t it?’

  ‘Correct,’ replied First Mentor. ‘Time becomes dilated. A journey of several hours appears to pass within an instant from the perspective of the individual taking the journey.’

  ‘Einstein,’ said Theo, ‘clever bloke.’

  ‘Indeed,’ said First Mentor. ‘Now, if there are no further questions, you may leave and return to your quarters to rest, eat and relax. You will be then be notified when your transportation home is ready.’

  Theo rose from the seat and looked at the glowing column in the centre of the room.

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘For what?’ said First Mentor.

  ‘For this, everything I’ve seen. It’s incredible.’

  ‘You cannot possibly imagine the wonders you have yet to see.’

  Somehow, Theo didn’t doubt it.

  For a brief moment, the lights in the Sensorium seemed to dim. Then First Mentor spoke again.

  ‘There is one last thing I need to tell you before you leave,’ said First Mentor.

  ‘Yeh, what’s that?’

  ‘I should warn you. If you accept, there are possible…’ First Mentor paused for a moment, ‘risks.’

  ‘What risks?’ said Theo, suddenly a little alarmed.

  ‘I cannot say,’ said First Mentor, ‘except that despite our technology, we cannot totally mitigate all risks to you.’