Chapter 9.
“What do you mean . . . ’he will be among us’? Did you not say he was very far away . . . on a different world?” Nahm nearly screamed the words at Amon.
“Yes, I am from another world very far from here.” said Evander. “That is the world where I was born. But I am not on that world now.”
Amon caught their attention. “Listen. Do you hear that sound, like a serpent’s hiss? that is the sound of my approach.”
The three men looked around, trying to locate the source of the sound. High above and to the south they notice something strange, like a ripple in the sky. It shimmered as it drew closer. The hiss began giving way to a low-pitched rumble as the shimmer slowed to a halt a dozen feet above the ground a few yards away. Evander’s image blinked out as the shimmering began to take form.
Nahm and Broc jumped to their feet in alarm. Amon rose more slowly. It had been a long time since he’d seen this, but still he was fascinated.
The form became more and more substantial until at last it resembled a dark smooth sphere, more than twice as tall as a man.
An opening appeared near the bottom. The men saw a disc descending, with a man standing on it. The figure stepped off the disc, which immediately ascended back into the sphere. The opening vanished. The figure walked toward them.
Amon stepped forward, arms extended.
“Evander!”
“Amon, my friend!”
The two men embraced briefly. Then Amon turned toward his two companions.
“My brothers, this is Evander the man. Come! Come closer. He is real! Not the image you saw before.”
The two men walked toward him slowly, unsure what to do or say.
The man before them was tall, slightly taller than them. His body was slender. His clothing was strange, conforming to his body shape, but not clinging to it. The fabric was smooth, quite unlike the bulky hides they were familiar with. His foot coverings were of a dark, smooth material.
“Nahm! Broc! How good it is to meet you in person!” Evander extended his hand to each of them in turn. Not knowing what else to do, each of them clasped his hand in turn.
“How are you here?” Nahm began. “How did you. . . .? Where did you. . . .? We saw you . . . this THING. . . .” He pointed at the globe hovering off to his left.
“THIS is how you . . . how you travel between worlds?”
Evander smiled at his reactions. “No. . . . This is but a small machine which allows me to travel short distances.” He gestured toward the globe, inviting them to step closer.
“This machine is what we call a ‘shuttle.’ Here. Come closer. Touch it if you wish.”
Nahm placed his hand against it’s surface, then jerked it back in surprise. Cautiously he placed his hand back on the surface, moving it back and forth cautiously.
“It’s cold, and smooth, like frozen water.” He smiled at his two companions. They in turn came closer, to touch the cold surface.
“When I travel through the air near a planet, near a world such as this, my shuttle can get very hot as it rushes through the air. So to prevent this from happening, the surface of the vehicle is cooled to near absolute zero.”
The three men looked at him blankly.
“It is not important that you understand this now. In only a short time the temperature on the outside of the vehicle will be the same as the air around us now.” The men still seemed bewildered.
“Would you like to see an image of the other ships . . . machines we travel in?”
The three men nodded simultaneously, mouths slightly open, eyes wide in amazement. Evander pulled a small flat object from his pocket and touched it several times with his other hand. Immediately the bottom of the shuttle opened and the disc reappeared.
“Come. Stand close together on this disc.”
The four men stepped onto the disc as Evander continued.
“Now. Put your arms around each other so you don’t fall. Don’t be afraid. The disc will now rise with us on it.”
As the disc began to rise, the three men clung closer. The disc rose slowly up into the sphere and stopped.
“You may now step off onto the deck. There is a seat behind you. Please sit while I call up . . . while I instruct the shuttle to display an image of the other ship I mentioned.
The three men sat uneasily, marvelling at the interior of the sphere. Except for a disc-shaped panel above them, the platform they had been standing on, and the 360-degree seat on which they were sitting, it was as though there were no walls at all. They could see exactly what they had seen outside except from a higher vantage point, nothing but flat tundra.
Evander remained standing at the edge of the platform.
“Hologram, please.” He said.
The overhead disc began emitting a low-pitched hum. At the same time a cylindrical shape began rising up out of the platform at their feet. It stopped at about waist level. It’s flat top surface began to glow a faint blue.
“Brighid exterior please. Slow rotate 360.”
In the space between the upper and lower discs an image of Evander’s ship began to form, layer by layer. In just a few seconds the image was complete and began to slowly rotate.
“This is the ship where I was when we first began talking, when you were seeing my image in the transceiver.”
“Ship?” Nahm asked.
“It is a vehicle . . . a machine we use to travel from place to place high up in the heavens. We call that place ‘space.’”
“But that thing is small! How is this possible?”
Evander gave another command: “Size comparison, please. Man to Brighid.”
The image of the ship disappeared, to be replaced by an image of a man. The man-image began shrinking until it was barely more than a dot in size. Beside it the image of the ship reappeared. Evander began to explain.
“This machine we call a spaceship. It is very large . . . so large that many thousand people live within it. We have a name for this ship. We call it the Brighid. There are many others similar to the Brighid. And there are many thousands of people in each one of them.
“Space is vast, so large that we know of no end to it. Within space are many millions of worlds, many very similar to this world.
“Tell us about this ‘space.’” said Broc.
Evander sat down opposite the three men. They could still see him, even through the image of the spacecraft.
“Think of what you see when you look up into the sky in the day time. High above you can sometimes see clouds. It’s hard to tell how big they are. Even when birds fly high above, they do not touch them.
“At night you can see bright specks high up in the darkness. Those are stars. Every one of those stars are far, far away; much farther than the clouds. So far, in fact, that it takes many many years to travel between them using spacecraft.
“Because it takes so long to travel between stars, we have other machines which help us to travel much faster. We call these machines ‘LINKS.’” Evander addressed the sphere again.
“Hologram: size comparison, Brighid to LINK.”
The dot-sized man-image disappeared as the Brighid image began shrinking. When the ship had shrunk to about one-eighth size, a rough-surfaced cylindrical object began to form. The ship image continued to shrink until it fit easily inside the cylinder with very much room to spare. Still it continued shrinking.
“This is a LINK. Many spaceships can fit inside it. The spaceship goes in one end of the Link, and when it comes out the other end, it has travelled to another part of space very far away.
Amon was the next to ask a question.
“How can the LINK travel such a great distance in so short a time?”
Evander’s response was not what they expected.
“This we do not know. There are many, many LINKS throughout space. So many in fact that we don’t know of all of them. The LINKS do not move through space. Instead, in some manner we don’t understand, they are able
to move our spaceships between them without ever moving themselves.”
Nahm and Broc were overwhelmed.
“My brothers, I have heard this story before, and was equally overwhelmed at it’s first telling.” said Amon. “But as time has passed and events in my life have unfolded, I have become accustomed. I still understand little of what Evander has said. But now I wish to learn more. Evander and I have discussed this and have agreed that now is a good time to tell you of my plan.”
“Hologram end, please.” Evander began to stand, but then decided it would be better for him to remain seated, seeing the men at eye level, a less intimidating position.
“I must agree with Amon. He has thought about this long and hard and has convinced me this is the right course of action . . . for himself and for you.
“He desires to join me as I travel between the stars. He feels that his usefulness as your leader has come to a zenith, that you have learned to be leaders in your own right.”
Broc was unusually calm as he responded.
“Amon, my friend. I have thought about this for long . . . from the first time you showed me the ‘darkness.’. .the transceiver . . . and introduced me to your friend Evander.
“There is a thing which I have not told you. I have seen this shuttle before. I travelled in it one time long ago, but not with Evander. Instead I travelled with a woman called Asha. She taught me to speak and understand words better. Where she took me I am not certain, but the things I saw were beyond my understanding.
“At first, like you, I could not understand what had been shown me. But my confusion soon was overcome by the events of my life.
“Still, those memories remained; and from time to time I would ponder them, wonder about them, and about you. I wondered, did you feel as I? Did you feel a desire to learn more about Asha and Evander’s world? Did you long to go with him? My brother, I still feel that longing.”
“But now I have other things to consider. I have a mate and two young ones who need my care. And when you go, the clan will need us.” he gestured toward Nahm.
“I would be surprised if you thought otherwise, my brother.” said Amon. “You and Nahm both possess a curiosity about life which compels you to strive for greater understanding.”
“Amon is correct in this.” Evander interjected.
“He has told you I’ve been by his side since he was a youth. This is true; and the qualities I’ve seen in him are also present in you two. Broc, I know of your visit, and am happy that you have understood so well. I respect your loyalty to Amon, and especially your decision to remain with your people and your family.
“The only thing either of you lack is experience. But because you have been at Amon’s side, you have learned from him, as he has learned from you. In truth, you have demonstrated your skills to everyone in your clan. They have seen your abilities many times. The only thing for you to do once Amon has gone, is to continue in his absence.”
“But will they follow us?” asked Nahm. “Amon has always been strong for our people. They have witnessed that strength many, many times.”
Broc responded to his friend’s question:
“My brother, they WILL follow us, if for no other reason than they lack the courage to lead themselves. Ask yourself this: How often has someone come to you for advice? How many times have you helped someone resolve a problem without being asked to do so? Our people see this. And they do not forget.
“We should not look upon them as less than us because they don’t or can’t do for themselves. Rather, we should look upon them as we would a child: willing, but not yet able. It is for us to lead by actions, as well as by words.”
Evander was impressed by Broc’s insight.
“This is EXACTLY the thing that makes you leaders. Your ability to set yourself apart, to stand outside the situation and see it objectively. Then to re-engage and work toward a solution.”
Nahm still felt unsure.
“All that you say, I understand. Still it will not be easy.”
“This is so, my brother,” said Amon. “You will both face many challenges. Most will not be easy. But they will be worth your effort. In time your confidence will grow. I have no fear that you will succeed.”
“Now let us speak of other things.” Broc directed his attention to Evander.
“For two days now Nahm and I have retraced the path our scouts made. We have travelled far to the north, but have not been pleased with what we have seen.”
“Yes. You’ve come to that place I mentioned to Amon.” said Evander.
“Do you mean the place you said we were to change direction?” asked Amon.
Evander called up a 3-dimensional holographic map of the area where they were now located.
“This place is desolate. It cannot sustain your clan. There is little vegetation and practically no animal life from here northward for many, many days. And beyond is a land of snow and ice. It is here, in this place that you must decide which way you will go.”
“There is no good reason to return the way we came,” said Nahm. “There is nothing for us there. Besides, at some time, if we return, we must contend with the Tal.”
“This is true,” said Broc, pointing to the map. “Evander, is there any advantage in travelling in the other available directions?”
Looking deep into the faces of both men, he responded. “THIS is the first of many decisions you must make on your own. I cannot advise you which way to go. I cannot interfere. If I were to do so the decision would be mine, not yours.”
The two men were silent for a few moments. Then, exchanging glances, they directed their response to Amon. Broc spoke in both men’s behalf.
“We have considered this for some time. We agree that to continue north will not be of benefit. Since you have chosen to leave, we must and will accept the responsibility to lead our people.
“Each of us has wondered what lies in store for us, to the east and to the west. Since it is now our decision . . .” Broc looked quickly at Nahm, who nodded his agreement. “We choose to go both ways.”
Amon was taken aback by Broc’s statement.
“Are you sure this is wise, my brother?”
Nahm spoke up.
“We lack knowledge what lies in either direction. It may be good. It may be bad. It will probably be both. We cannot control what will happen to us. We can only control how we will face the challenge.”
Broc spoke next.
“Evander. We understand why you must do the thing you do, and we are grateful. You give us the freedom to choose our own way.” He hesitated for just a moment before continuing.
“There is one thing that we would ask of you. For all this time you have been at Amon’s side. We would ask that you do the same for us. We desire that you leave a transceiver with each of us so that you may observe us . . . and so that, from time to time, we may converse with you,” He looked toward Amon. “And, if it is possible, with our brother.”
“I had hoped you would make such a request. It is important to me and those around me that your civilization succeed. You’d be surprised at how many have failed. Invariably they fail because they lack good leadership. This will not be the case with you.
“There are many who call themselves leaders, but lack the humility to seek guidance and advice from those they lead. They become power-hungry and loose objectivity.” Evander pulled the tablet from his pocket and typed in a command as he spoke.
“The transceiver which was with Sef has been summoned. It will arrive momentarily. Nahm, you will take possession of it. Broc will keep the one he has.”
Amon looked at Broc quizzically.
“You had one all this time, and didn’t tell me?” Amon laughed quietly. “I suppose I should not be surprised, considering all you’ve told me now.”
Evander interrupted, redirecting the conversation.
“I must caution you, these units are essentially autonomous . . . they will work with or without your input. But each will
be programmed to respond to you and no other. Each has masking capability so it will be very difficult for anyone else to locate.
“Nahm, you will receive training on how your transceiver works. You will do this only when you are alone, out of sight and hearing of others in your clan. Never will you divulge this secret.
“Above all else you must remember that the fate of your clan is in your hands. Never should you expect me or anyone else to make decisions for you. You are both good men. You have demonstrated this time and again. I am confident that you will do what is in your people’s best interest. Were I not so, we would not be having this conversation.
The other transceiver became visible just outside the shuttle. It moved slowly toward the one that had been Amon’s and settled gently next to it.
Evander stood and gestured toward the three men.
“Come. Let us go outside so you can take possession of your transceivers.”
All four men once again descended to the ground. Amon and his friends stepped off the disc, but Evander remained in place.
Broc and Nahm walked toward the two transceiver, but stopped short when Nahm’s unit rose from the ground and moved slowly toward him. It stopped within arm’s reach of it’s new owner.
“My friend, place your hand on top of the unit. This will allow it to recognize you from now on.”
As Nahm did so, a faint blue haze began forming around his hand. It grew until it had completely enclosed his body. Then, as quickly as it had appeared, it disappeared. The unit settled back to the ground where it had been.
Amon turned toward Evander expectantly.
“Come, my friend. Join me here.” Evander extended his hand toward Amon, who stepped onto the platform, then turned to face his friends.
“Amon, my brother,” said Broc, his voice calm, deliberate. “Now you will leave us.”
Amon stood mute. Tears began running down his cheeks. He stepped back down off the platform and walked to the two men. No words passed between them as for a long moment the three embraced. Then, after shaking each man’s hand, Amon turned and rejoined Evander on the platform.
“One day you will again be together. Of this I am confident.” Evander spoke softly as the platform began to ascend.
Below, the two brothers stood in silence as a low-pitched hum began. Slowly at first, then more rapidly, the sphere rose into the sky. The humming faded, turning into a faint hiss.
The sphere grew smaller and smaller, fading until it was nothing but a shimmer in the air high above. The next moment, it was gone.
Epilogue
The tribes of Broc and Nahm separated shortly thereafter.
Broc and his tribe travelled westward, impinged from the north by the ever present barren tundra left behind when the massive ice sheets melted; and from the south by an inland freshwater sea, formed by run-off from the receding ice.
In time, as the massive mantles of the planet shifted, the barrier between the freshwater sea and the Atlantic ocean (Gibraltar) would open, creating a narrow strait. Over hundreds of years the waters would intermingle, resulting in what would some day be called the Mediterranean Sea.
The tribe of Nahm went eastward along the tundra barrier. In time their descendants would populate all of Asia as the ice sheets continued shrinking into the north lands.
Nahm’s descendants would eventually cross the land bridge between Asia and the North American continent and go on to populate North and South America.
REUNION