The Potter’s Clay

Today, the astrological charts of the Galatian kingdom still maintain markers for an ancient star lost over 11,000 years ago. The Dem system, a Leng’gui mining and biological research base of operations at the edges of both the Galatian and Leng’gui controlled space, went supernova, taking out most of the system in a catastrophic explosion. Historical records from the time suggest that although the planets of Dem were sparsely populated, two critical facilities played a central role in the end of the conflicts in this region and changed the course of the Fell Wars.

Scant documentation from that era about Dem suggest that contrary to popularly assumed ideas, the supernova was not naturally occurring. This belief is supported by records found on the only surviving Keiper belt object in the system with any artificial signs of Leng’gui civilization. Computer systems on that world recorded a single burst of data sent from the primary mining facility of Dem’s largest planet just before it was destroyed. The data, now classified Tao Epsilon, is simply labelled – Distress Signal. No other information about this is publicly available and the lone surviving facility structure is off limits to all but military traffic.

Effects of the supernova were far reaching throughout local space including severe radio and gravimetric disruption that caused widespread navigational turmoil. This alone required years of adjustments and recalculations to return travel to some semblance of normal within the kingdoms. Consequently, military traffic through the region on both sides of the war was dramatically hindered, allowing Fell forces to escape toward the distant Sol cluster of stars. The reprieve for the Fell systems did not last. Many leaders in the Galatian forces believe reckless use of ILAD systems in close proximity to the supernova rendered much of the Fell fleet unable to escape the Sol cluster of stars due to severe damage to the onboard systems. This combined with the acute lack of critical materials required to repair the devices in nearby stars systems has effectively ground the Fell wars into a slow collapse of Helel’s forces. Galatian, Leng’gui and Heavenly forces regrouped their relentless pursuit of Halel less than a century after the supernova.

Galat is the Galatian civilization’s home star. There are eight total planets in the system including two Jovian planets. The Galatian’s have explored all six of the terrestrial planets and are the first humans known to have explored more than one parallel dimension. Their footprint in Primus, the name they gave to their home dimension, is small with only a few stars colonized outside of Galat. However, especially after the start of the Fell War, the Galatians have expanded deep into what can only be described as alternative realities, but in each of these alternate realities the root world Galat has common anchor points.

There are to date 64 worlds under Galatian habitation, each of varying size, population, terrain and even physics. Consequently, the Galat Naval Academy requires all its vessels to be outfitted with trans-dimensional hyperdrive cores, called ILAD (Interdimensional Luminal Aethereal Drive) units. Every ship’s core is periodically updated with a current map for systems both in the Prime universe as well as both of the alternate realities where these vessels may be deployed. The calculations and complexities of physics that allow this form of transit are simply too great for human minds to handle; thus, all ships are also asynchronously interconnected by an advanced form of artificial intelligence named Logos.

Although other human civilizations (such as those living within fallen systems like Sol) do exist, the Galatians are by far the most advanced, possessing capabilities that are nothing short of miraculous and in some case run counter to Prime physics and thus must be carefully monitored and regulated. This is one of the key reasons for the use of specialized keys, called GaK’s which unlock such features. Regardless, the heart of Galatian sciences and production sits in the Galat system as part of a complex interdimensional weave network.

Of main interest to visitors and tourists are Galat 1 and Galat 5. These garden worlds have populations ranging from 2 to 6 billion with virtually no pollution. They are a Theocratic Monarchy, as with all core civilizations in heaven’s alliance, but are afforded exceptional freedom, creativity and opportunities to explore the wonders of science, art and culture. Key sites to visit include the Falls of Tianira on Galat 1. This is a collection of waterfalls on the northern continent of Damast where the water cascades down a 2500-foot, natural granite staircase. Then, on Galat 5, the Percillion Orchard of Lengdo in the southern island group by the same name. This 2000-acre terraced orchard of Percillion trees is interspersed with the planet’s single largest flower garden, a collection of flowers from every system in the Prime Galat civilization totaling nearly 30,000 different species of flowers. The orchard which is both above and below the ocean surface offers daily tours and features a hand-fasting chapel to celebrate family bond events.

This ancient Leng’gui dice game has been used as a teaching tool for millennia. A unique pair of these games is on display at the Museum of Antiquities on the Galat home world. Phenomenally well preserved at over 18,000 cycles old, these items were presented as a gift to the Galatians by Tai’Ling near the end of the Fell Wars. What is most unique about this pair of games is that through the extraordinary efforts of Adar Thelema the dice that give the game its name each have a unique form of quantum entanglement such that paired darbles always orient themselves in exactly the same ways regardless of their distance from one another. One more unique feature of the games on display is that their mats depict a constellation of stars specific to the time when they were made.

This highlights one principal behind the longevity of the game’s popularity in Leng’gui civilization – the games were intended to teach players about the world around them. Thus, even though there are many versions of the game, numerous configurations for the mats and materials used to make them, the unifying principal is that the game can be used to teach art, geometry, astronomy and philosophy in a fun way without burdening the player. For example, the Leng’gui home world is just around 90% water and therefore surprisingly little metal available in its pure form. Consequently, the game was historically played on a fabric scroll or mat specially made to double as darble storage and the darbles were nearly always made of rare pearl or heavy gemstone crystals. The colors of these darbles were intentionally selected to teach color theory and the mat’s sacred geometric symbol was used to teach about the complex interplay between elements of Leng’gui ethics, astronomy and navigation.

Michael knelt at the settee. He faced a grand window of the floating city’s tallest tower. Outside, diffuse sunbeams lit nebula clouds behind the blue marble of Haven. “Creator, what names shall I give the ships of this fleet that will inspire us to end this rebellion?”

Michael’s wings flared at the chiming from behind. “Come.”

As the pyramid door opened, an ornate, golden six-petalled flower whose central circle contained a celestial rune etched into it parted. Beyond, a gray-blue woman stood next to a young human of the Galatian naval forces. Next to them, a bronze-colored mechanical man with cerulean gemstone eyes bowed. “Sir. An urgent message.”

“Thank you, Logos.” Michael greeted the visitors as silver-rimmed flames in his gaze rested on the commanding woman.

“Ming of the Leng’gui consulate and Adar Thelema, the chief designer of his namesake’s freighter.” Logos presented.

Michael nodded. Ming was a demure, hairless beauty with pearlescent skin and a perfect figure denoting the strength and grace of her aquatic species. She wore a delicate robe of organic materials. Intricate, shimmering jewelry adorned her finned ears. Ming was proof of Galatian tales of Leng’gui’s potent presence. He read her thoughts, an ability she quickly returned before bowing her head respectfully and speaking aloud. Her voice, like the Seraphim, was filled with multiphonic layers. “For our allies’ sake, let us speak aloud.”

Ming, like Michael, spoke the heavenly tongue. She possessed seven vocal cords. Her thoughts were not the singular delicate thread of a human but a weave of many simultaneous messages. She had an answer from the Creator, a plan to deal with Halel and painful news. Michael motioned to the window, “Certainly.”

Adar stepped around the settee and looked down at the largest ship outside – an immense island of metal and marvel. “We will pass through Huan’hai on our way to deliver our cargo. Ming can explain.”

Michael examined the distant vessel. Shaped like a long plank flanked by six circular platforms, each able to accommodate a celestial battleship. At the vessel’s rear, a mountainous navigation castle was large enough to distinguish its U-shaped arc bridge. This storied vessel was a proven, powerful freighter able to operate deep within enemy territory.

“I bring painful news.” Ming stepped behind Michael’s wings on her way to his side, then looked into his eyes. Her violet irises glowed from the radiant silvery rim of light around them. They were filled with a poignant expression that moved him. “I assure you that my son will be dealt with.”

 “What’s this about, Ming?”

“Ghaust’s mate joined the Fell Ones after her capture and torture. We believe this is why he betrayed us.” Ming began.

“I’m—” Michael started.

“Thank you, but there is more.” Ming interrupted.

“Go on,” Michael’s wings twitched.

“Ghaust is detained aboard the SS Thelema, but I’m afraid it is too late.”

“Ming.“

Ming raised her hand. “Michael, Ariel was on Biblos.”

Michael’s countenance darkened. An aura of fire outlined his form. Ming tilted her head. A painful tear trickled down her cheek as Michael waged war within. Orange flames in his eyes slowly tempered as her violet gaze of grief persisted. “I will carry out Ka Funir myself.”

Michael muttered. “You lose a son. I, a daughter. All for Halel’s madness!”

“In our losses, the Creator shows us a powerful weapon,” Ming replied.

Michael raised an eyebrow. “Let’s hear it.”

“In Leng’gui, seven words come from one seed – love. Unite your fleet by naming these ships after them.”

Michael glanced at Adar. “What do you say?”

“Ming tells me the SS Thelema is already so,” Adar replied.

Micheal returned his gaze to Ming. “The others?”

“Name this city Agape for our Creator’s love. Call one ship, the Storge, to remind us of family. Call another sibling, Phileo, and another friend, Philos. Name the utility vessel Pragma and have it serve the passion of the SS Thelema. Last, let the garden ship be Eros after the Creator’s design.”

This delectable citrus fruit is the result of hybridization between two native plants from the two home worlds of the Galatian humans and the Leng’gui water people.

Pheshek

Also called the swamp peach tree of the planet Dasah Or’Chi this plant grows in large groves in the wetlands of the planet. It’s long root systems build a network of vine like nodes that allow for their famously coordinated luminescent, drape foliage organic light shows which range in color from deep violet to bright fuchsia due to the generally darker light coming from the system’s binary stars. The fruit is sectioned like an orange, sweet, wet and has a thick, waterproof rind which is used in many medicinal powders, teas and ointments for its healing properties.

Ocillion

Meanwhile the Galatian Ocillion is a spicy nut tree grown in the temperate forest orchards of Galat 5. Its structure is similar to a Sol sequoia tree, and its fruit, grown in clusters of five, consists of a hard, nutty shell with a coconut interior filled with a spiced ‘milk’ like a coconut, but with the woody flavor of cinnamon or clove. Unlike the coconut, the meat of the Ocillion is thicker, chewy, and sweet.

Percillion

Upon the signing of the Galat-Leng Accords, now eons ago, the xenobiologists of each empire agreed to a marriage of cultures whose symbol was the hybrid of the Percillion. Although it took several attempts to reach a successful blending, the resulting fruit is known throughout both empires as among the sweetest and most medicinally beneficial fruits shared by these people. Having both the characteristics of glowing foliage and fruit that is hearty and flavorful, the flowers smell like cinnamon and clove, while the meat of the fruit is akin to firm peach and tastes like a spiced persimmon. Its rind is used as a valuable spice for many occasions having retained the most energy boosting healing properties of both plants. The leaves are made into teas and drinks as a stimulant and mild aphrodisiac said to clear the senses and relax the soul.

Many food vendors, pubs and gatherings throughout imperial space serve some variant of foods made from this fruit or one of its early derivatives. One of the most traditional to specialize in a wide variety of foods and drinks derived from this warm treat is found on the moon world of Miseo, in the Haun’hai system. Known simply as Owiene’s Place this small bed and breakfast pub was at the center of the “Haun’hai Incident” in which a pocket of time was locked away by a tragic disaster in the system. It is said among the locals that the story of the first successful Percillion orchards to be planted on a non-Galatian world happened here when the captain of the SS Storge brought a batch to Miseo and became stranded there after attending a gala celebrating the historic signing of the Accords.

Dishes made with this fruit and served there include:

• Percillion Pie
• Percillion Spiced Ale
• Sweet Percillion Salad
• Night Leaf Lover’s Stew
• Deep Seed Percillion Tea
• Lover’s Kiss – Pudding

The Haun’hai system of the Galatian empire contains some of the most fascinating ruins of that sector, especially those structures which have been built since the system’s mysterious transformation years ago near two key locations – Crashton and Lake Pajon’Gai. The hamlet, known as Aerishael, along the northern shores of Pajon’Gai has been miraculously preserved, though its site registers as over 18,000 years old. It’s newest structure built in honor of its most famous citizen, Owiene Carr, finished construction only a few years ago and sits on the island of that lake that was the starting point of an epic adventure that made Haun’hai a major tourist destination.

The Pajon Palace was built by the surviving crew of the SS Storge and is today the home of Ms. Carr who is the proprietor of a once ignominious tavern that served as both watering hole and sometime inn for sky traders, pirates and locals of Haun’hai. Owien’s industrious nature and now renown ale, deserts and pies made from the cinnamon sweet Percillion fruits imported by the Galatians left her little time for other details. It was for this reason when she was too busy to name the place that locals of Aerishael simply dubbed it – “Owiene’s Place” – and that name stuck. So, it has been and to this today. Though much larger now than its origins the tavern has become a major tourist attraction due to the epic tale of love, loss and salvation that it survives to tell in pictures, artifacts and people who haunt it.

Author’s Note: This dedication is for my dear soulmate. Though I have many friends who have been instrumental in encouraging me to put down into writing the stories in my heart, it all began with one person who believed in me when such things were far from my thoughts. Though the novel, “Seven Words” is altogether its own world and its story is not allegorical to real persons or places, it should come as no surprise that some small part of those who inspire me most in life might find their way into it.

Forgive Us Our Trespasses by Audiomachine (no affiliation, just inspiration).

In an archeological dig on Babil, of the star system Sigma 95, a children’s story was found among the remains of an ancient civilization, long since lost in the Fell Wars. The planet, devoid of any life, is a testament to the pride and arrogance of one of the many races to have participated in these rebellions. Preserved on a plaque in the Museum of the home world of Galatia, this story is rendered in runic writings.

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There once was an evil man who upon realizing his mortality had a choice of what to do on his final day. Death was upon him and his end was not only unavoidable but he longed for it because evil had filled his life with pain, anger, malice and darkness. Upon closing his eyes for the last time he was greeted by someone he did not expect – a man who carried not a sword but a pen and had no shield but a book.

Upon seeing the Author the evil man asked, “So, figment of my dying mind, why do you visit me now?”

The Author replied, “I have always been beside you, but now while your book is being finished I am allowing its main character to ask of me anything.”

The evil man thought aloud, “I’m tired. Life is unbearable and unfair. Everyone is ugly, mean, hateful, and no matter how hard I try, it’s never enough. Why?”

The Author paused and looked up, “You blame me for all the words in this book? The truth is that all I did was write the scenes before giving you the choices in them. There are but two words left for your story. Once again I will give you the pen as I have always done, but the power in it is mine.”

“What are the words?” Asked the evil man.

“For a lifetime I asked you to ask me for my words and now, at the end, do you finally turn to me?” The Author replied.

“Yes. What could possibly go wrong now that I’m dead?” Retorted the evil man.

The Author sighed, “You could say ‘The End’ and accept that what’s done is done and through my power you will put them down and you will be no more.”

The evil man was tired but he was also afraid so he asked, “Is there anything else that could be said and I live better than this mess?”

The Author smiled, “Yes, but since you are just a character and I’m the only one who is real here the only thing you could do to save your life requires me to do it for you. You have a been a proud and selfish man all your life, turning to me will make you small.”

As the lights faded and the darkness of death crept in so that nothing was left but the two of them, the evil man shuddered in fear for the first time. Everything he was, all that he’d done would just vanish and in the end it was all pointless. Nevertheless his fear overwhelmed the evil man, coldness and tingling touched every part of him and yawning ahead was a void whose darkness was so complete, so powerful and so hopeless that he began weeping before he managed to ask, “What words could finish this story such that there is any hope for me?”

The Author looked upon this wretched man, his eyes filled with love, “There once was a man who was evil and he hung upon a cross next to me. He knew that he was a monster, but that I had done nothing to deserve being there. That man used those words and to this day he lives with me in paradise.”

The darkness was everywhere at once. The evil man choked on his final breath, tears streaming from eyes down his cheeks and death stiffened his muscles, chilled his bones and nothing mattered. He felt no touch of the harlots he’d been with, no taste of the food he’d stolen not even the scent of the flowers next to his sick bed remained. He could not count one penny that he’d taken nor recall a single memory of the friends or enemies that he’d made. Then it struck him with terrifying certainty, death was so complete that he couldn’t even remember his own name. His book was finished and there were just the two words left. So, as the last air left his lungs, the evil man took the pen from the Author and pleaded one last question, ”What did he say?”

“Remember me. He knew just as you do now that only I am eternal. Only I am real. Only I matter and that the only hope is that the only chance of salvation lies in what I remember.”

As the evil man’s lights went dark, and the pen scrawled the last stroke of the last letter of the last words on the last page the evil man’s answer was made permanent by the power in that pen. Then the Author knelt over the book for the man’s body was no more, everything had returned to the void. All that the evil man had done was gone, his kingdoms, his riches, his very name were fated to the memory of those the last two words – a choice remembered only by The Author.