Under a Starless Sky novel Chapter 48

Shen and TL were dressed in matching outfits, less ‘space uniform’ feel, but still alien enough to their new friends. Shen was in dark jeans, a long sleeve, turtle neck sweater, and over shirt that had the feel of a hockey jersey, and a jacket. TL was the same, only skirt and colored hose. It was in actuality the same uniform, self-modified. Erico asked if they had any real clothes and there was laughter; Yaffa was interested in the fabric and colors. ‘Star Trek,’ the original ‘Power Rangers;’ Shen kept his humor to himself, smiled at his own thought.

The gate room was noisy with a dozen goats, tied together. Eight of them were pregnant, their bellies on the verge of popping. There were bags with honey jars, wrapped in paper, and surrounded by Irk feathers. There was bags with fruit and vegetables, fresh and dried. There was spices. There was salt. There was goat, fish, and Irk jerky. Some of this was bundled in Irk hides, tied to bamboo poles to facilitate carrying.

“This is way too generous,” Yaffa said. “I don’t trust it.”

“This is not generosity,” Shen assured her. “I am that wealthy, this is merely a token. Seriously, I have so many salt bricks in storage I could build you an entire castle of rock. Stay for breakfast?”

“We need to get back,” Arne said. “The sun will be setting soon and our people will be worried.”

“How do you know what time it is there?” Shen asked.

“How do you what time it is here?” Torny asked.

“Okay, so, you want us to send you to Matsu’s temple?” TL asked.

“No. We have decided, you will know our gate. We would like you to come with us, and introduce yourself to the Elders,” Arne said.

“Shen accepts,” TL said.

“I am not prepared…”

“You will have no needs while my guest,” Arne said. “Come with us.”

TL gave Shen her serious look.

“Apparently that’s settled. I accept,” Shen said.

“May I see your runes?” TL asked.

Arne nodded to Torny. Torny handed her a bag that was attached to her belt. TL sat on the floor, sitting on her legs, and gently spilt the contents onto the floor. She turned them where all the markings were face up. There were 17 runes in the bag, all of them with color tones, all softly illuminated, and all with markings. She started sorting them, lining them up in groups. Torny knelt and the others circled around them.

“Oh! I know this one! Same marking, I call it the ‘ohm,’” TL said.

“Yes,” Torny said. “That’s how we say this.”

TL held another up, looking through it. “I have this flavor, but not the same symbol.”

“May I see yours?”

TL met Torny’s eyes. She made a decision. “Rock?! Bring my stones.” she yelled. She yelled that for the benefit of the guests, providing perceived continuity. Too many discrepancies in reality could slow progress by being inundated with questions- questions neither she nor Shen were ready to address. The butler Rock entered, accompanied by Abby. He brought a box and set it on the floor. In the upper compartment of the box was a book, an ink well, and a collection of crystals, stones, runes, and die- all laid out and arranged in dark felt, indented to accommodate the shapes. There were empty spaces. The die reminded Shen of Dungeon and Dragon Dice. Each side was numbered, like D&D dice. There was a space that held an assortment of unassigned gems. Beneath the upper compartment were three drawers, only revealed when the top was unlocked and lifted, unfolded back.

“How do the stones always seem to be glowing?” Shen asked.

“They’re inner structure is in harmonic resonance with the prevalent spiritual field surrounding the planet,” TL said.