EXEMPLAR

Chronicles of Xanctu

Synopsis

Previously in ‘Chronicles of Xanctu’

It is recorded that Exemplar Kaen Zix has lived one thousand three hundred and seventy nine solars — with the assistance of the Mind, now known as Phae-Nem, believed to inhabit a self-designed chamber beneath the mountaintop that Penrhyn Pyramid was built on. However, time differential, acquired during the extensive travels of his youth, and long periods in cryostasis, make his age difficult to calculate.

For this reason, some call Terrakia: “The Planet of Long Life.”

Abridged Galactic Travelogue: - Fran Siko

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Sitting crossed legged in the centre of the viewing platform, two hundred and eighty metons above the pyramid's apex, Kaen sipped ruby froth from the red crystal goblet. The pyramid was a hive of activity, in contrast to the city below, which appeared tranquil in the glow of the Trinary’s orange and violet embrace. The surrounding air was still warm from the combined heat of three suns, while the height rendered an unobstructed farview of the white-capped peaks of Nepagelli mountain range, which rose from a plain of green, contoured hills to the North. The city sprawl shimmered along the contours of the estuary, reminding Kaen that he was the sole survivor of Nectar’s last rebirth from ashes.

He had helped rebuild it more than once — and not alone. The ancient Mind had helped, though it never said why. It remained as obtuse as always. A thousand years was a long time, but it had been longer than that. It had been ancient when he was young. He was alone. Except for Phae-Nem, he was alone — and it made him wonder if the bio-organic engineering techniques they had used in the last reconstruction would prove more effective against the next Solarstorm — and why Phae-Nem, who surely knew, hadn’t suggested it before.

The scientists predicted a Solarstorm in eighty-two solars, but he knew it would be sooner than that. Reaching out with a wisdom that encompassed hundreds of generations, he gazed down at Nectar, conscious of the two million sentients who lived, loved and died before him. His triangulated irises dilated with the reaffirmation that each soul encompassed infinity; and if any could have seen his face they would have seen a broad face, one full of compassion.

The city below was alive with the freedom of art, philosophy and personal expression. Unfortunately, military attitudes had become increasingly necessary. What should have been transient had somehow become entrenched. Putting down the glass, he thrust aside all thoughts and prepared to enter trance. An equation of nothing.

Past, present and future coalesced in moving shadows that surrounded him. A luminous white lattice of intertwined fibres, invisible to the acolytes, cocooned his body as the psychic sponge formed around him. Skyfall reflected vermilion and carmine in the changing shadows. The acolytes stood respectfully to one side as he moved between worlds. Phae-Nem joined Kaen, its psychic field unobtrusive to the acolytes.

After some time he spoke. “The Promise must be kept!”

“The Promise must be kept,” responded the acolytes in unison.

Making the Lifter sign, he thanked them for their attention, and asked for some time alone. “Please inform the council that we will meet in chambers tomorrow at skyfall. We do not have much time.” Then he politely dismissed them.

With the destruction of Nexus only seven solars ago, top of the agenda would now be the protection of Earth, and the Younger Stars. The Xenarchon’s Interstellar Peace Accord, signed twelve thousand solars ago by the Council of Nine at Twinne Yashtoor, could not be allowed to fail.

The Mind had offered glimpses. Past, present or future. It did not elaborate.

Continue reading 'Chronicles of Xanctu' here

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© Return of The White Lady (1994) by Mike Kawitzky

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© Chronicles of Xanctu by Mike Kawitzky 2023