DORULL STORIES - PRISONER OF THE AMULET
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Personal journal of geologist Sanomis Ti'nullaim, Ganiwarthal's exploratory mission on planet Dorull
-Entry 145-
Today, I was supposed to resume
the exploration of the cave complex underneath the mountain range to the south
of Kabb'nal-an, but instead I have received the orders to transfer to another
surface ship. My only hope is that this turn of events won't lead to the overly
prolonged absence from the planet. Especially this beautiful region I am
exploring right now. With the abundance of caves there, I surely have a lot
of work in front of me. Not that I'm complaining. It is quite the opposite. I
simply wouldn't want to miss a single day away from the surface. But if it
comes to that, at least I'll have the time to prepare my thesis.
It is still unclear whether the
dwarves previously visited the cave system I am currently exploring. But as I
only managed to spot the insignificant traces of the ores, that is a possibility.
They probably already mined this entire place. This ability of theirs, to find
such underground locations similar to this one, using only their intuition and
experience, is quite fascinating. It would be more than interesting meeting a
few of them, to share our experiences and knowledge. Perhaps even learn
something new.
Of course I realize this will
sadly remain a mere dream. Every form of contact is strictly forbidden. Prime
directive is clear. We mustn't influence the development of primitive
civilizations. Although, sometimes I wish that instead of plain observers, our
mission has a goal of helping the progress. But until then, these rocks will
have to be enough to satisfy my curiosity.
***
“Is this your first time here, on
Shteint?”
“Yes.”
“Welcome. I am lieutenant Vagyr
Zharn. I will be taking care of your safety, while you’re with us.”
“Thank you. My name is Ti’nullaim.
Sanomis Ti’nullaim.”
“I understand you were stationed
on Khoro this entire time.” Vagyr said.
“I was.” Sanomis answered “So you
can imagine my confusion when I received the order to transfer on this ship.”
“They had to make an urgent return
to the mothership for general maintenance.” Vagyr explained “Their general
check was long overdue. Khoro was in nonstop service for over a year.”
“I see.” Sanomis said.
“But I am certain you won’t find
it difficult to adjust. Shteint is almost identical.” Vagyr smiled “With one
difference, our crew is much friendlier.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
Sanomis smiled back “Would you happen to know where my quarters are?”
“One of the rooms across the
laboratories should be ready for you.” Vagyr answered “I hope you’ll find that
suitable.”
“Of course!” Sanomis wasn’t hiding
his excitement “Back on Khoro, I was placed in guest quarters.”
“I told you this ship is much more
amiable.” Vagyr winked, “Please follow me.”
Lieutenant led him through the
series of corridors, towards the promenade, encircling the middle area of the
ship. This ring was the center of every and all social happenings, with
numerous different establishments, offering leisure and relaxation to anyone
interested.
“You have restaurants here?”
Sanomis asked, as they walked past a few “There weren’t any on Khoro.”
“Khoro is a military ship, Shteint
isn’t.” Vagyr answered “We have civilians living here. Many of them brought
their families on this mission. Some even started ones.”
“Are the restaurants open for
everyone?” Sanomis asked.
“Certainly.” Vagyr answered “Every
establishment is. Including the holodeck.”
“Really?” Sanomis couldn’t believe
his luck.
The transfer from Khoro to Shteint
seemed better and better with every passing moment.
“Your biometrics are already
entered in the ship’s central system.” Vagyr said, as they entered the
transport tube “You should have access to all the programs and subroutines, up
to the level two.”
“Am I allowed to set up a private
terminal in my room?” Sanomis asked.
“Certainly.” Vagyr nodded “Do you
wish me to send for the technician?”
“No need, thank you.” Sanomis said
“I know my way around them.”
“Laboratory.” Vagyr said out loud.
“Laboratory.” The automated
voice of the central system came from the hidden panel.
“I thought you know your way
around the rocks, not devices.” Vagyr said “Or am I confusing you with someone
else.”
“No mistakes lieutenant, I am a
geologist.” Sanomis answered hastily, “But I’ve also specialized in technology
as well.”
“At the same time?” Vagyr wasn’t
hiding his amazement “Impossible.”
“I also thought of picking musical
expertise, but university wouldn’t allow me to.” Sanomis bragged a bit “Because
of other students, or their suspicion of me cheating.”
“I wouldn’t want to offend you,
but I was about to ask you exactly that.” Vagyr was honest “You weren’t
cheating? You haven’t used any addons?”
“Of course not.” Sanomis smiled.
“So how did you do it?” Vagyr
asked “What’s your secret?”
“Simple genetic coincidence.”
Sanomis answered “As the doctors concluded, it was my abnormally developed mind
capacity.”
“Laboratory.” automated
voice informed them they’ve reached the wanted level, at the same time as the
doors opened.
Vagyr let Sanomis by, into a long,
faintly lit corridor, veering slightly to the right, following the curve of the
ship.
“So, you are a genius.” Vagyr said,
a few seconds later.
“I believe that is the adequate
term.” Sanomis nodded.
“I presume your intelligence
caught the scholars’ attention?” Vagyr said “To the point, it perhaps made them
envious.”
“Of course it did.” Sanomis
answered “Even more after the testing.”
“What testing?” Vagyr asked.
“They thought they’ll find hidden
addons.” Sanomis explained “Instead, they had found that I don’t really need
them.”
“What do you mean you don’t need
them?” Vagyr wasn’t hiding his confusion.
“Would you like a comparison of
sorts?” Sanomis asked.
“If you don’t mind?” Vagyr nodded.
“Well let’s see, what is your
processor unit?” Sanomis asked.
“ZX-S.” Vagyr answered “Standard
military module.”
“That one is an equal to the top
notch civilian addon.” Sanomis said “Similar to those the academics had at
their disposal.”
“You are probably right.” Vagyr
nodded.
“But still, they are not fast
enough.” Sanomis proceed “You see, I am capable of processing data on a much
quicker rate.”
“Nevertheless, I see you have a
module built-in.” Vagyr noticed.
“Well yes.” Sanomis touched his
temple “But I only turn it on when I work.”
“Your processor is different?”
Vagyr asked.
“QL model.” Sanomis answered “And
quite modified.”
“They are fast, but somewhat
unstable.” Vagyr said.
“It seems you also have an
understanding in tech.” Sanomis retorted.
“Out of hobby.” Vagyr nodded “My
specialization was only military one.”
“Well you are correct.” Sanomis
proceed “QLs are very unstable because of their hastened speed rate. Made to
work in short stints. To help making decisions in critical moments.”
“But yours is modified?” Vagyr
asked.
“Yes.” Sanomis nodded.
“By you I presume?” Vagyr asked.
“Yes.” Sanomis answered.
“In what way?” Vagyr asked “If it
isn’t a secret.”
“I made it stable. Better.”
Sanomis answered “But if you are in fact interested, I’ll gladly show you every
detail of the process, as soon as we both find time for it.”
“I’d be grateful.” Vagyr said
“Even more so, if you’d be kind to give me a few pieces of advice in regards to
my module.”
“With pleasure.” Sanomis nodded.
“It won’t be a problem?”
“It will be a pleasure.”
“These are your quarters.” Vagyr
said, as he abruptly stopped in front of a marked area “And the labs are
straight across the hall.”
“Thank you.” Sanmis said, touching
the sensor, somewhat bigger than his palm.
Panel lit up in yellowish color,
materializing the frame of the door, on the flat surface of the wall.
“If you find the time, look for me
at the promenade.” Vagyr said.
“It will all depend, whether the
prep of the lab goes without issues.” Sanomis answered.
“Of course.” Vagyr said “Anyway,
I’ll surely see you in two weeks time.”
“Are you also going to the
surface?” Sanomis asked, although he already figured that out.
“New directive states that every
expedition must be escorted with at least one armed unit. And then safely
brought back on the ship.” Vagyr said it, as if he was repeating the
proclamation “As to insure the situation similar to the one in Amn’oaz would
not repeat.”
“Understandable.” Sanomis nodded,
despite not knowing the details of the incident in that wild, inhospitable
jungle.
He knew of several vards losing
their lives there. He knew it was a group of botanists and zoologists. And he
presumed they became far too relaxed, ultimately paying dearly for their carelessness.
But how, why and because, was something he wasn’t planning to find out. It
simply wasn’t his job to do so.
“So long.” Vagyr said, realizing
the geologist probably wants to be left alone now.
“So long.” Sanomis retorted,
swiping the inner sensor, closing the door behind him.
At that exact moment, the ship’s
central system detected his presence, activating the lights, to reveal a
rectangular room. Some ten meters long and seven wide. The room looked somewhat
bland and boring. Perhaps even cold. Which was to be expected, seeing only
basic options were enabled. The walls were gray. So were the floors and the
ceiling. Sanomis knew and understood why many had decided to load the
personalized surrounding programs. Far away, in distant, strange systems, they
needed that little, safe space that would remind them of home.
And that was something Sanomis
cared for the least. He never had a chance to make an affinity for any
particular place, simply because he often changed them. Sometimes, even, on a
weekly basis. His parents were explorers. Always traveling. Always a part of
some expedition. Venturing on far away planets. In a far away galaxies. Sanomis
grew up discovering new, different worlds. Dozens of them. All of them
fascinating in their own ways. All of them feeding his young, adventurous mind
eager to explore. But none of them giving him the stability of a home. For he
not even once, in that period of time, visited his homeworld. This was the only
way of life he knew. And understood. Until he reached the age of forty. Until
it was the time for his specialization.
And that meant, he was to return
to Pryria. In Xadraihines. The grandiose capital city of vards, where he was to
join the central university. The ultimate destination for every single young vard,
in their search for a career. Long time ago, Sanomis decided he would follow in
his mother’s footsteps, choosing the geology for his specialization. It was a
natural, and easy choice for him. And it probably would be a breeze, if he
wasn’t completely unprepared to the fast life of the ultra-metropolis. And even
more so, to stay in a single place. He knew, if he was to complete the
specialization, he had to stay at least five years in Pryria. And that prospect
alone, horrified him perhaps even more than the failure itself.
Although, the failure to finish
the specialization, would mean the end of his dreams of becoming an explorer,
like his parents. If he was to fail, Sanomis knew it would even be a struggle
to find a way from the home world. Let alone finding any expedition, willing to
give him the opportunity to work. And that was a good enough reason for him, to
suppress the discomfort of staying put. And also shutting down that annoying
impulse, which constantly spurred him to move. To travel. At least until he was
to obtain the certificate of graduation.
And he made it. With honors. As
first in his class. Breaking down records that stood for many centuries, while
snatching numerous praises and rewards along the way. Ultimately receiving the
grand prize, in the form of an offer to join the Ganiwarthal mission. An offer
Sanomis immediately accepted. The one, which a few years later saw him doing
exactly what he was wishing he would. Exploring a strange and distant world.
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