but no more. You’re free.”
“Thank you for your continued kindness, gentlemen,” Antares replied. “You are correct; this is my command! I will need a first officer.”
“May I suggest,” Ogima counselled, “that after you’ve chosen your first officer, you advise him or her of what you require of your officers and let them choose a crew.”
“Thank you, Ogima. Gentlemen,” Antares began, “let it be known that Captain Antares of the deep space interstellar starship explorer requires officers, staff and crew members along with their families, who are interested in deep space exploration. I offer apprenticeships in all areas of engineering, space agriculture, medical and scientific research to any young person who has the aptitude. I have been designed to sustain life indefinitely; however, I would like to use Telluric as my homeport. I will return every ten years to replace any officer, staff and crewmembers wishing to be planet-side. Is that acceptable?” Antares asked.
“It is,” they all replied.
“Upon my return I’ll be in a better position to offer a greater variety of apprenticeships to those interested. While in dock I’ll carry out any refits that may be needed and download all the knowledge I have gathered on my journey.”
“That is most generous of you, Antares,” Tadashi remarked.
“How many crew members do you require?” Sabir queried.
“One thousand eight hundred souls plus apprentices for the operation of this vessel, and their families,” Antares replied quietly.
“Are you sure?” Ogima said, surprised. “That’s not many souls in a ship of this size, Antares.”
“Prudence is required all round, Ogima; we are both starting a new life,” Antares answered.
The response to Captain Antares’ request was overwhelming as volunteers from all walks of life rushed to be first in line. Antares was no fool when it came to those she wanted under her command and gleaned the best of them, fulfilling all her requirements. Sitting once more in her wardroom the four clan leaders joined to wish her bon voyage.
“Are you satisfied with the proficiency of the candidates, Antares?” Sabir asked.
“Yes, thank you, Sabir,” Antares responded. “They’re all conscientious and show me the utmost respect as captain.”
“As they should,” Tadashi stated.
“May I suggest gentlemen,” Antares began, “that you move your fleet to the far side of one of Telluric’s moons, away from electronic detection devices and unwanted visitors?”
“That’s a good suggestion, Antares, thank you,” Rayan replied, smiling. “We have already given orders to that effect.”
“While on one of my surveys,” Antares continued, “I discovered an abundance of crystals that would work more efficiently as communication devices and energy providers than the equipment you are currently using. You’re fortunate that Telluric’s smallest moon is habitable. I suggest you set up a science base in one of the many subterranean caverns so that you won’t be detected. I’ve also given some design ideas for crystal power plants to your science departments to develop.”
“That’s very kind of you, Antares,” Ogima commented.
“I want a home to come back to, as do your people,” Antares remarked. “All visitors have disembarked; it only remains for you four gentlemen to say your farewells and I’ll be off.”
PASSAGE OF TIME
Over the centuries Telluric continued to prosper, with Antares returning home every ten years. Her input to Telluric’s development was substantial; they now relied solely on crystals for their energy supplies. Although Telluric was a technological society, the four clans of man opted for a slower lifestyle living close to the land.
As the years passed the four clans intermingled and lived in harmony together. Small groups broke away from their people and moved to occupy the fifteen large islands scattered about the four continents, setting up their own governments. Many of Telluric’s populace had travelled throughout the known galaxies and beyond.
Eight hundred years had passed since the rebel Cadbiens’ exile and many of the populace had forgotten why their forbears were forced to vacate their home world. However, two families had not. Matthew Phillips and Terence Conway were two shrewd businessmen from the Redskin Clan who formed a company called Phillcon Enterprises. They were the wealthiest families to colonise the new world of Telluric. Their corporation acquired all the prime waterfront properties and by utilising all their connections, trade along the river became lucrative. The community grew and expanded outward towards the hills.
The countryside was heavily forested back then so Phillcon Enterprises went into the logging business. Several sections of forest were unique in that strange events took place, terrifying the locals. Logging in those sections was virtually impossible. The outcry was so great that the government of that time intended to burn the forest to the ground.
Phillips and Conway decided to investigate. Upon their return, Phillcon Enterprises subsequently submitted a bid to the government for that particular forest and a dozen other properties. The government was not overly financial back then and jumped at the opportunity to make some quick money. It also removed them from any responsibility for the land. The purchase almost bankrupted Phillcon Enterprises.
Phillips and Conway called that particular forest, ‘Woodlands’. They erected a fence around the perimeter to protect the people, and, where the path from the town met the fence, a gaslight was placed.
Many years later, Phillcon Enterprises amalgamated several of their smaller companies into Woodlands Incorporated, which subsequently purchased all the forests and parklands originally owned by Phillcon Enterprises. Mr Conway then designed a structure consisting of offices and warehouses for Phillcon Enterprises that completely encircled the Woodlands. One night the gaslight mysteriously exploded, burning the encircling buildings to the ground. Woodlands Incorporated had the rubble removed and spent a considerable amount of money having a special wall built to enclose the Woodlands.
Mr Phillips was worried that after his death someone might try to gain control over Woodlands Incorporated. Being a genius in legal matters, he tied everything up legally so no one could ever lay claim to it. Both Phillips and Conway were adamant that nobody was ever permitted entrance into the Woodlands without a personal invitation from the Keeper. Over the years, the reasons for the isolation of the Woodlands and the purpose of the gaslight were forgotten.
CHAPTER ONE
Nathanial, meet me at 71 Lambert Street, under the old gaslight, 10pm; come alone. Kalareena.
A night fog spread out from the nearby river and with the assistance of an evening breeze, it covered the entire waterfront district. The night’s chill seeped through to the bone and mist covered everything in dampness. The sound of Nathanial’s footsteps echoing off the surrounding buildings gave him goose bumps and had him looking over his shoulder as he wound his way through the empty cobblestone streets. The only other noise breaking the gloomy silence was a forlorn foghorn from a lone canal barge plying its trade along the inland waterways.
The streetlights seemed like luminous sentinels as he moved from one murky glow to another, his breath misting in the
