Chapter 5
The NOBI sun edges over the MOMENTRUS Mountains. Due to the planet’s relatively close proximity to its sun, NOBI is one of the warmest planets in the LOMMETRUS GALAXY. When the NOBIAN sun edges closer to its highest point of the day, the temperature in the CHERKOT FLASHCIN plant near the MEDOAN village will reach sweltering heat levels. NOBIANS, much like humans, have sensitivity to the extreme temperatures. In fact, NOBIANS, CLEVIANS and ALVERONS are the only life forms in the galaxy that share this temperature sensitivity. NOBIAN workers are slowed by this intense increase in heat during midday but press forward anyway.
The typical day for a NOBIAN worker at the CHERKOT FLASHCIN plant in the north region always started two hours before the sun would peak over the great MOMENTRUS MOUNTAINS. The NOBIAN camps were densely populated around these mountains as each NOBIAN was required to make an annual trip to the top of its peak for VECILDOME. VECILDOME was the darkest and most sinister of secrets in the LOMMETRUS GALAXY as it is the process by which the major planets; specifically ALVERON and VECILOI, used to eliminate aging and perhaps; weaker NOBIAN workers.
The MOMENTRUS Mountain Range could never be admired for its beauty by a NOBIAN as it was the harsh reminder to them every day of the year--- their life would end one day because of those mountains. There is an ALVERON reporting station at the top of each peak. The ALVERONS have a list of each NOBIAN in that region. NOBIANS wisely choose to live as close to the base of the mountains to eliminate any extra distance for the VECILDOME journey. VECILDOME is simply achieved when a NOBIAN survives the long trek up one of the mountains. A NOBIAN doesn’t begin VECILDOME until they’ve reached the age of fifty. From that age, their worth to the ALVERONS is measured. A tracking device is injected into each NOBIAN new born. The ALVERONS will immediately take custody over a NOBIAN baby after it is born for two days. This cruelty at the beginning of the NOBIAN’S life symbolizes the ownership the ALVERONS have over them.
When that newborn turns fifty and does not report to one of the ALVERON stations for VECILDOME, the tracking device releases a poison native only on the planet OCKTORON. It takes a few days for a NOBIAN to feel its affect, but when it reaches the NOBIAN’S heart, the heart stops. VECILDOME is really a NOBIAN’S only chance at survival for another year. VECILDOME is also one of the few excuses a NOBIAN can miss work at the CHERKOT FLASHCIN plant.
Today, a male NOBIAN turns fifty. He’s worked at CHERKOT since he was taller than a NOBI pond reed which probably put him at the age of twelve. He is the youngest of six and watched his mom fail VECIDOME just a week before his ninth birthday. His father was left with him and his two older sisters. His three brothers already worked at CHERKOT and were away as much as his dad. The two sisters were not much older than the young NOBIAN. However, they worked together to help this NOBIAN boy in his school work.
Most NOBIANS did not spend a lot of time worrying about an education as it was rarely seen when a NOBIAN could do more than hard labor for the ALVERONS or a life of crime in the desert. The sisters seemed to have something else in mind for the young NOBIAN though. They saw greatness in him that no one else; not even their father, would have paid attention to. But it’s a strange power when someone believes in another person. This encouragement and love from the two sisters sparked a leadership quality in the young NOBIAN boy that he would carry his entire life.
Tragically, the two sisters were caught in the great SCHWEXION storm that killed nearly a quarter of the camp and shut CHERKOT down for a month. It was during this month that the workers of NOBI were allowed to build a memorial for the lost NOBIANS. The ALVERONS even provided the metal to etch each name into. The monument was then placed in the middle of the camp for everyone to see. Now, the fifty year old NOBIAN stands in front of the monument, touching the names of his two sisters before he makes the VECILDOME trip up the closest mountain to his home.
As he walks down the loose rock path that leads to a trail up the mountain which is not much better than the path he is on, the NOBIAN sees a blond haired and blue eyed little girl that is the spitting image of his late wife. The NOBIAN man waves to his daughter; mostly sure his first VECILDOME will be a success, but never taking a moment for granted, he smiles at her before she goes inside. The NOBIAN man looks up at the mountain that stands enormous in front of him. His backpack is heavy but he needs every item in it.
The sun begins to rise over the peaks as he only has till sundown to reach the top. Slowly he advances, measuring each step with the consideration of a perilous slide to certain death. The slope on the trail is steeper at some points than at others. Hydration is just as important as anything else on this trip as the heat bears down on the NOBIAN man. Beads of sweat drip in his eyes causing them to sting but he presses forward; not giving in to the aches in his knees and back as he nears the top.
The hottest part of the day is upon him as mid-day has arrived and his journey is nearly complete. He thinks of his late wife and how she never had to participate in VECILDOME due to an accident in the factory that resulted in her death. She was only in her forty-third year. He grieved but was glad she never had to do VECILDOME as the thought burned his insides as much as the NOBIAN sun was baking his skin today.
He had to refocus as this anger built up and caused him to slip a few times. My kids still need me. My people still need me. His thoughts shift to the rebellion and the great risk he takes when he leads those meetings. If the ALVERONS really knew me; knew my thoughts---at this he drifted off to his main concern in all this.
He thought about the implanted device in his body that would release the poison. Many times he contemplated the risk; not only to him, but his children as well. They were implanted with similar devices. Was the rebellion worth it? He hated the ALVERON rule and what his people were forced to take part in. He was torn between family and one day changing things. Many NOBIANS fell in line; beaten their whole lives. Would this be his fate? He neared the top of the mountain. Many NOBIANS would choose to camp at or near the top of the peak after check-in. Much of this decision depends on the tiredness of the traveler or if the NOBIAN has work the following day. This NOBIAN does not work tomorrow and he is exhausted. Staying; however, would cause extended stress to his children so he chooses not to stay the night up here.
The NOBIAN reaches the top and he immediately spots the tiny check-in building with ALVERON security; fully armed with WEGOAN vapor pistols, guarding the entrance. The guards don’t look at the NOBIAN as he walks through the door. The tiny room has one smartly dressed ALVERON man behind a desk. There is an equally sharp dressed female ALVERON standing next to him, who appears to be pointing something out on a topographical map as the ALVERON man looks and shakes his head. The NOBIAN steps forward but the two don’t notice him immediately.
Without looking up, the ALVERON man says in a curt tone, “State your township.”
“It’s MEDOAN.”
The ALVERON woman reaches for the rectangular device next to the desk that has a 12 x 8 inch screen on it and with a simple press of a button, the screen emits a bluish shade on both the ALVERON’S faces. The cool air in the small building is refreshing to the senses. The NOBIAN’S clothes that are drenched in sweat only added to the cool down effect that the NOBIAN is now feeling. After flipping through a couple of screen displays, the ALVERON man behind the desk looks up. His eyes are an icy blue and he looks over his pointy nose as he squints at the NOBIAN.
“Well, state your name NOBIAN.”
The tired traveler cleared his throat and spoke, “The name is DRUCKER.”
Miles and I entered the LOMMETRUS galaxy nearly a week after we left Earth. Miles had spent plenty of time giving what amounted to school lessons for me on the ALVERON planet, its people and culture. The lessons even got into politics and some of the planets recent news. This of course was sent to Miles by the ALVERON council as they neared the planet. As far as I could tell, there were many similarities between ALVERON and Earth. While the ALVERONS were sup
erior in their technological advances; the average ALVERON life-form was outwardly simple, family centered, and lived considerably longer than the average life form in the galaxy.
The planet population was divided by communities and social status but there was a strong sense of pride in their planet’s overall achievements that was shared by all ALVERONS. Most of them worked in the city and vacationed on Miles’ planet of STONIA.
Lost in these presentations were the minor planets. I wanted to know more about these minor planets but Miles would only spend a small amount of time giving basic and trivial facts about each one.
An example of this one day came when I tried to find out more about NOBI which Miles replied, “NOBI is the ninth planet in our galaxy discovered ten-thousand years ago by an explorer named; uh, I forget the name but he was a big deal back then.”
Miles began talking more on STONIA when I interrupted asking, “Tell me more Miles, what’s the planet NOBI like?”
Miles was detached from the question but tried not to show it by turning his head to look for something, “Ah there it is,” Miles revealed a snack bar from Earth.
“I’ve got to keep my energy up if I’m going to survive this trip;”Miles said.
I pressed Miles one more time about revealing an important fact regarding NOBI but he sighed and said, “Look Baxter, NOBI along with the rest of the minor planets are not important to us.”
“They may not be important to you but I am interested;” I said. Miles responded; “They’re worker planets comprising of mostly desert and factories; you don’t ever want to visit one of these planets as they resemble places on Earth humans would call third world countries. There is nothing on NOBI or any minor planet a human would want and besides, there are people on NOBI who are a danger to you; specifically, the one’s that tried to kidnap you against your will. Let’s forget this NOBI talk and continue with the lessons.”
I wasn’t satisfied with his answer but I nodded to Miles that he could continue his planned lesson and so; I sat back in my seat, distantly interested in what Miles was saying and at the same time, still wondering about the minor planets.
We began to descend toward ALVERON. Miles finally stopped talking about STONIA and focused his attention to the control panel and the screen with a series of green lines that changed form as we descended. Static noises came from the panel and Miles pressed a few buttons as if doing it on command. The blackness of space soon gave way to the planet’s atmosphere and I could see blue and green surface outside the window. We were still a great distance away from our landing destination. I sat back in my seat and closed my eyes. The chair I had sat in for nearly a week was comfortable but I was looking forward to getting out of this transporter ship and stretching. I was also hoping for a nice bed to sleep on instead of this chair that I had been strapped into for most of the trip. Miles assured me that the strap was an important safety precaution although I’m not sure how safe a strap on my chair could be in the event that I become separated from the transporter spaceship. This thought made me a little nervous and was surprisingly eager to finally land on this ALVERON planet.
I opened my eyes and could see tops of trees and bodies of water in the distance. Then a magnificent structure we were headed toward came into view as the craft felt like massive air brakes had been applied and the craft had slowed to almost a stand still. I looked at Miles and realized he was no longer driving but we were being pulled into a hanger that was situated near the top of the structure.
I saw a crowd of life forms that were large in stature but looked just as human as me. This is when I began to feel self-conscious about still being two feet shorter than my original height. Miles had taken the same serum on the way to ALVERON and shrank almost to my height. This he did, ‘because the long trip will be more comfortable for the both of us but when we arrive at ALVERON, I’ll give you the serum that changes us back.’
“Miles,” I said.
He was looking out the window at the crowd of people.
“What happens next, I mean to me?”
Miles looked at me and smiled reassuringly, “You’re going to be just fine Baxter. You know, there are a lot of ALVERONS and STONIANS that want to meet you.”
“Like this group waiting to exit the spacecraft,” I said.
“Oh, many more, this is only the beginning. You are going to be somewhat looked at as a rock star when all this is over.” Miles started to laugh at this.
“You have much to look forward to in the coming days ahead.”
People want to meet me I thought. This made me nervous. I felt the way I did before a big presentation. I can’t say I was really excited about interacting with the large group of ALVERONS waiting for me in the hanger but then it occurred to me that Miles said I would be viewed as some kind of rock star or something like that. I thought about this more and liked the sound of it.
We landed safely in the hanger and I could see the group focused on me, occasionally one or two would point and whisper in an ear as if to say as I imagined, ‘There he is, the rock star from Earth.’ I took a deep breath and mentally said, “Here we go Baxter.”
The space craft split in the middle and cool air hit my face. It was in fact colder on ALVERON this time of year, something the ALVERONS were prepared for but I could have used a jacket; maybe even a coat. I guess adrenaline rushed in because I paid no attention to how cold it was when Miles helped me out of the craft. A collective silent group stared at me and I looked at Miles for some kind of introduction.
After a few seconds though, I took the initiative and greeted my new admirers with a simple but awkward, “Hi---My name is William Baxter. I’m from Earth.”
This brought a few gasps and heads turned as they discussed this greeting in a language I didn’t understand. Then a door opened behind the group and an older ALVERON came out with two ALVERONS that I’d guess to be security or something like it and they walked straight to me. The security guards stopped in front of the crowd but the older looking ALVERON kept walking toward me.
Finally he said, “Welcome to ALVERON William Baxter. We are delighted to have someone from Earth visit our planet finally. I trust that Miles did everything to make your trip as comfortable as possible,” looking at Miles while saying this.
I nodded.
“My name is SKAXTIAEON but you may call me Erick.”
I was a bit taken aback at the casualness of his introduction as his looks portrayed someone more serious and less friendly. I was always bad about sizing people up too quickly and knew this fault about me all too well. First impressions mean so much to a good relationship so I quickly smiled and nodded my head, also thankful that someone from ALVERON spoke my language.
“Yes, the trip was great. The chair; in fact, was the most comfortable I’ve ever sat in. A week in it and I don’t really feel stiff or sore.”
I stopped talking; thinking about what to say next as the ALVERON looked at me and remembered something my mother used to say to me about new friendships. She’d tell me to start off with a compliment if I could. This breaks down any defensive barriers that might still be up after an introduction. I thought; I kind of did this with the chair comment but knew I needed something more so I looked at the ship and pointed to the metal.
“Erick, this is the most fascinating metal I’ve ever seen. Does your planet build with this metal very often?”
I quickly remembered that the metal was actually from EPHIA so this wasn’t going to be the best use of my complimenting skills but it was all I had at the moment.
“Ah, the metal,” Erick said. He rubbed his chin and spoke softly and slowly as if this part of the conversation was meant for only us to hear. “The metal is from EPHIA as I’m sure you know from the lessons provided to you during the trip. We use this metal for everything possible as it is an abundant resource to our planet via EPHIA.”
I began to look around the hanger and notice the presence of the metal everywhere.
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“The metal is part of the reason we chose you to join us William but we’ll get into that later. For now, Miles will take you to the place you’ll be staying while you’re here. You’ve had a long trip and I’m sure you need some time to adjust and get situated before we discuss some important business.”
With that, I nodded and Erick walked away, this time leaving the security guards behind with the crowd of awe struck ALVERONS. Miles waited for Erick to leave and then showed me a different door that we’d walk through. This opened up to a hallway, similar in looks to the one at Sorenson and Lankford. This triggered the strange experience prior to Miles rescuing me from whatever it was in that office on the seventeenth floor a week ago.
We headed for an elevator from there that was nothing like I’d seen on Earth as it was made of the GLYSTIN metal and had a wall opposite the door made entirely of glass. We shot down as fast as the ship I had arrived in shot up from the Earth’s surface and within seconds, we were in a garage. Miles pointed to an object that he identified as our transporter while on ALVERON and so it was this transporter that I climbed into, heading for the day’s next discovery or possible adventure. This transporter; simply, was like a much smaller version of the transporter we’d arrived in earlier as its size was more comparable to a car.
It was not enclosed and for the second time in less than an hour, I was wishing for a coat to wear. We pulled out of the garage and the most magnificent city appeared. Buildings, no skyscrapers, towered above Miles and I as more transporters swerved beside us and then ahead of us. The second shot of adrenaline kicked in as I took this great sight in. It was movie-esque in its grand display of futuristic sights and sounds. A Lucas/Spielberg film would easily fit into this reality I was in. I watched the bustle of this great city as we sped out of its main hub and toward the great body of water I’d seen on my descent to the ALVERON hanger. I looked back as we traveled over the water and admired the city and its skyline. The architecture was similar to any cityscape I’d seen on Earth but the use of the GLYSTIN metal brought each building to a different level of splendor. Even the garbage cans sparkled. I had always been fascinated with the city; which is why I left my rural upbringing in a town of only 400 people and made my home in one of the largest cities in the United States.
The vigorous energy that this city displayed reminded me of my fifth grade field trip to the natural science museum. It wasn’t the numerous exhibits and artifacts that held my interest but rather the bustle of life in the city that made the largest impression. People moving about and so many sights as well as sounds; I knew then as a fifth grade student of Westchester Elementary that I belonged in the city someday.
Miles sped down into an opening in the ground; revealing a beautifully lit round tunnel that had walls similar to red cobblestone streets of the New England town square where I’d occasionally get my haircut as a youth. I heard the dull but steady sound of water flowing above me and behind this great cobblestone enclosure. Then natural light peeked through the end of this tunnel. We sped faster toward the light and then the transporter burst out of the tunnel and over a blanket of dense pine trees that covered the ground as far as the eye could see.
At this, Miles spoke, “This is the AVERWOODS forest where we will be staying. We have to keep a low profile so this was the best place the council could come up with. The NOBIANS will be looking for you in the city but will have little to no chance of finding you here. You’ll find the AVERWOODS to be very comfortable; peaceful really. The council will visit us in a few days so we can get settled in.”
This all sounded nice to me and I finally asked Miles through exaggerated chattering teeth, “When do I get a coat or jacket to wear?”
Miles laughed at this, “Sorry about that William. I forgot humans are sensitive to temperature extremes, something I had to play along with as I pretended to be human. I’ll travel to the city tomorrow because ALVERONS share this sensitivity to temperature too. I should be able to find something suitable for you to wear. In the mean time, we’ll build a fire when we get to the BALLASTAH.”
I thought; the BALLASTAH?
“Miles, what’s a BALLASTAH?”
“It’s essentially a tree hut but not as crude as you’d imagine. It will be very comfortable.”
“How are a couple of smallish life forms going to get into…a BALLASTAH---is it?”
“Relax,” Miles said assuredly, “it won’t be as bad as you think.”
We headed toward an opening and landed in a small clearing when Miles told me more about the AVERWOODS.
“We have to stay in the trees because of the ROTIANS that creep about on the ground at night. They are vicious and not to be reckoned with so it’s best to stay on high ground or trees while they hunt for food. They are extremely sensitive to light and never come out during the day.”
“What is a ROTIAN,” I asked?
“Think of a nasty looking possum with a vampire’s thirst for blood. They are mean critters but the only true danger in these woods,” Miles paused after saying this, “Well, that is, the only danger we should have to deal with.”
It is also best to stay away from a ROTIAN den in the evening right before sundown as they move quickly once nightfall begins.”
“Miles, what does a ROTIAN den look like?”
“Anytime you see a cave; just avoid it.”
Miles handed me a backpack and we walked on a path that took us to a BALLASTAH made of the GLYSTIN metal that was elevated by stilts made of the same material. The trees covered the roof making it difficult if not impossible to spot from the air. The reflective nature of the metal made the elevated house camouflaged from the ground. It was nothing like the plywood and mud tree huts that I’d build as a kid as this BALLASTAH stretched across the thick limbs of several trees. I noticed some of the humble qualities---spotting the rope ladder that would lead me to the inside of my temporary hide out. The backpack was heavy, especially on an empty stomach. When I reached the top and climbed into an opening on the floor of this tree mansion in the woods, my eyes noticed immediately that the inside of the dwelling was very similar to my apartment back on Earth.
I climbed in the rest of the way and studied it with awe.
Miles climbed in at this point and I looked at him; asking, “How did you, how could you have gotten so many details about my apartment right?”
The lay out, the furniture, even the countertop was exactly like mine back on Earth.
“Yeah, uh William,” Miles began, “I hope you don’t mind but I broke into your apartment one day to take photographs of your place.”
I was stunned at this confession by Miles, “Look Baxter, we just wanted to make you feel comfortable at ALVERON and thought this might help you adjust to your situation better.”
This was a bit disturbing to me as I felt my privacy had been violated but I could somewhat understand why he did it now. I did feel better having all my things or what looked like my things here on this alien planet. Of course, a few extras were added to make my stay in the woods more comfortable. A massive stone fireplace was in a room that had been added next to my bedroom. It was cozy as there was a couch crafted of the same material the seat in the ship was made of. I knew where I’d sleep tonight thinking it was getting about that time of the evening anyway. Also, a large rug that was made of thick animal fur was spread across the floor directly in front of the fireplace and couch.
“Miles,” I said, “Does bear or something as large as a bear live in these woods?”
Miles shook his head, “No, I told you the only thing dangerous in these woods is the ROTIANS.”
So with this, I dropped onto the couch and fell into a restful sleep.