He slept peacefully after that, and awoke refreshed and of a clear mind. All effects of the entheogen had vanished, and he wished now that he had a simple stick of clear grass to smoke. He checked the navigation metrics again, and the ship was on course. His mind went back to the conversation with his father, whose last words had been:
You must now make your way to the Ruulin world, where a threat looms that would destroy all our best laid plans.
Unfortunately, father never really revealed what those best laid plans were. He was to simply follow his orders, given by the man who was both his father, and the king of his people. The steady beep of his comm-pack broke into his thoughts. Realizing that someone was trying to contact him, he accepted the incoming signal.
“Karunik? Are you there?”
“As I always am, brother.”
“Listen, I’m sorry I had to talk to you that way, but you know the rules.”
“I am, Prithartu, and you need not make explanations. I was equally curt, if you didn’t notice.”
Ritartu might have grinned, Karunik couldn’t make that out from voice alone. “I did notice, Karun! But just as well, it helped me keep up the act.”
“Does father know?”
“Know what?”
“You know…”
“Know what?”
“Stop playing games, Prith!”
Prithartu laughed out loud. “You’ll never change will you brother? The first time in years we get to talk informally and all you can be is serious!”
“Does father know?” He repeated.
Prithartu sighed. “Yes, he does. I suspected he would have contacted you himself by now.”
“He did, thanks to soma, but you know father; it’s always about my next task rather than my previous.”
“Wallowing in self-pity are you, brother?”
“If I had the time, maybe, but I have much to do. So can we get down to business?”
“The sample you picked was active, Karun, and that’s a job well done. We feared the virus would die out during transportation, but apparently it’s a mutated version; immune to the radiation of our machines.”
“That much was assumed anyways. The virus would have undergone at least as many evolutions as we ourselves have gone in the form of the Ruulins and Yitakus.”
“Yes but the relation between the virus gene and the humanoid gene has remained more or less the same, so these two species are as vulnerable to the new one as we were to the old one.”
“And what of its effect on Manushyas today?”
“That cannot really be tested, Karun. But it would be safe to surmise that it is alien to our immune system even today, due to its numerous evolutions.”
“Is it still heat-based?”
“Very much so, and lucky that Prithvi is now a cold wasteland, or three species would have endangered themselves just by being on the planet.”
“What are you planning to do now?”
“Well, our gyaniks are working on breaking apart its component compounds, to pinpoint the exact mutations. That’ll enable us to find out how it would affect us really.”
“And what are we to do about the virus that their machines would have picked up?”
Karunik couldn’t see it, but Prithartu shrugged. “What can we do, Karun? And I am only a Chief-gyanik, not a decision maker like father, or like you will be one day. We can only hope that the Ruulin affinity for cold atmospheres continues, and that the conflict goes on long enough to prevent Yitakus from colonizing hotter worlds.”
“Either way, the virus will remain with them.”
“Yes, but it will remain dormant.”
“So you are satisfied with the mere stalling of danger, Prith?”
Prithartu shrugged again, “what would you have me do, Karun? Who can I possibly influence in this matter? You know very well that personally, I would have us mediate a peace and co-existence between the three species, for there is room for all. But can I bring about such events?”
“No, but I can.”
“But you will not. Father may love you, Karun, for you are his son and heir, but he does not trust you. He is aware that you do your duty only reluctantly, and he keeps one eye on you all the time. The moment you try to contact either the Ruulins or the Yitakus regarding this, he will send his personal fleet after you.”
“And for fear of death I must follow a path I do not believe in.”
“Oh don’t be so dramatic, Karun. The choice, as Shiva has taught us, always rests with you. You want to help them? Go do that, but accept then that it will bring consequences.”
Karunik couldn’t help but smile, “and have you changed, brother? Do you know that what you’re saying could get you into trouble, for inciting treason?”
“No, Karun, it wouldn’t, for I am the son that father trusts, and does NOT keep an eye on! Now enough of this banter, for there is indeed work to do. I have to relay some information to you about the Ruulins.”
“Do it.”
“Hol, the Ruulin capital, Karun, has only once been penetrated, that too by a horde of Yatuki-monsters. One Manushya will find it altogether more difficult.”
“What stands in my way?”
“What does not? Firstly, penetrating into the Hol star system itself will be a difficult task. The outer planets fiercely guard their borders and between them they keep a watch on all the possible entry points. One such planet, Tura, is particularly keen in its defense; and unfortunately for you, it will lie directly in your path.”
“I’m not surprised.”
“After Tura however, you can reach the inner periphery without much trouble; except that this is where the trouble actually begins. You will have to pass the orbits of two of the most militarized planets of the eleven in the Hol star system. Entry to their orbits is heavily guarded by technology we have no idea of whatsoever. But we know it is a formidable one from what we gathered out of the Yatuki-monster attack on Hol.”
“And what of Hol itself?”
“Hol to the Ruulins is like Prithvi to us, Karun, or perhaps even more. While we were forced out of Prithvi by the virus the Ruulin civilization counts its beginnings from the formation of Hol, and there it survives even today. There you must find a certain Ruulin who will be able to help us, Tanuya Ruul.”
“But what is the danger that Hol faces? Father warned me of an impending danger, but chose to withhold details.”
“The thing is, Karun, that we want to mediate peace or battle between the Ruulins and Yitakus on our OWN terms, thereby becoming a sort of patriarchal species. What we do NOT want is either of them to independently defeat the other, and become triumphantly confident enough to challenge us. Under our current state we can only provide psychological overlord-ship, and cannot withstand the physical might of either.”
“Sounds exactly like deceptive manipulation to me, Prith.”
“And so it is, but what are you going to do about it? Look, I don’t support this ‘manipulation’ any more than you do, but I do agree with those who believe that the Milky Way belongs to us. We were here first, and WE are the species that came out of natural evolution. The Yitakus and Ruulins are mere mutations of what is Manushya.”
“That’s pure nonsense, Prith! If so, then we are mere mutations of ancient apes! And perhaps we should genetically re-engineer them and let THEM rule the galaxy!”
“You cannot argue this one like this, Karun. Our species was the first intelligent one in the galaxy. If your apes can discover space-flight and understand the concepts of quantum vedics then I will let them inherit it all, but they cannot. It is we who did, and the basic sciences of both Ruulins and Yitakus are only racial memories of our own knowledge.”
“Tell me, brother Prithartu, how do you propose then to inherit our rightful place in the galaxy without playing games from the shadows?”
“Reveal ourselves, I say, and let it be known that we are the Original Species. Our numbers will never be large enough to threaten the territories of either two, and we can act as a perspicacious buffer between the physical mights of our descendants.”
Karunik laughed mockingly, “A moment ago they were mere mutations, Prith! And now you proudly call them descendants?”
“And are they not both, Karun?” Prithartu challenged back. “Mutations or not they are indeed our descendants and as such come second in inheriting this galaxy, not first.”
“If it is just the galaxy we want, then it would be enough to just concentrate on the Yitakus. The Ruulins are not interested in the Milky Way.”
“That is correct, brother Karunik, and that is why you are being sent to help the Ruulins, NOT the Yitakus.”
Dec 31, 2007
Re: Tribes Gather 2
if you've read the previous chapters, and now have read the two new ones, you'll notice that i have revealed information about the Manushyas in the new chapters through the eyes of the characters themselves...no straightforward exposition...i think it works better...so thanks to all those who suggested it...
so far the story is going from three angles: Ruulin, Yitaku, and Manushya...
i'll write a third chapter, from the Manushya angle, and put up the three for critique...
so far the story is going from three angles: Ruulin, Yitaku, and Manushya...
i'll write a third chapter, from the Manushya angle, and put up the three for critique...
Tribes Gather - Chapter Nine
He waited till he couldn’t wait anymore, then blurted out, “Well get on with it then!”
Commander Hgul’s grin did not subside, but he replied through it, “How was your history in educational, Semi-Elder Yukath?”
Yukath frowned, “of what concern is that, Hgul?”
“Oh of great concern, Semi-Elder,” Hgul’s tone was becoming more and more insolent, something that Yukath did not miss. “Were you taught esoteric history?”
Through the screen Hgul saw Yukath lift his chin higher, “I am a Semi-Elder, Hgul. It is in the requirements of my position that I learn esoteric history.”
The grin, if it was possible, spread even more. “Then tell me, Semi-Elder, what do you know of the Manushyas?”
An unreadable expression passed over Yukath’s face for a split second, to be replaced by one that could have been read as shock. “No, Hgul! You must tell me how and what you know of the Manushyas!”
Hgul leaned back on his bed, and put his arms around his head, scratching it idly, “I have my sources, Yukath. There are many in your informatorium that owe me one or two, and I recently called upon some favours.”
“You put your life in danger you foolish yitak! If the Elders were to know they would call for your head instantly!”
“Yes, but who would let the Elders know? Would you tell them Yukath? And risk your own life as well?”
Yukath fell silent.
“Just as I thought,” Hgul continued, “now fuck this catch-and-dodge Yukath, and tell me what you know of the Manushyas.”
Yukath shook his face sideways, to decline, “No, Hgul, I will not play catch-and-dodge with you, but it is you nevertheless who must disclose what he knows first.”
Hgul chuckled insolently, “Ever the cautious one eh, Yukath? Nevermind, I will tell you first, listen carefully.” He sat up straight, leaning closer to the screen. Yukath’s eyes lit up eagerly.
“After our successful operations on the 3rd planet, while we were still deciding what to do with the broken and partially-broken battledrones, I decided to survey for myself the extent of damage-”
Yukath interrupted him with a hint of anger, “is this something you haven’t included in your official report, Hgul?”
“Fuck that, Yukath. What I’m about to tell you is for you and me to know, not the Elders, especially Elder Ikyutha.”
That seemed to satisfy Yukath. “Continue,” he said.
“So I jumped into my personal carrier and detached from the main ship, without informing my second-in-command, another reason why I cannot include this in the report. Quite a few of their hydroldiers were still showing bouts of movement, and I spotted one try to dismantle a battledrone even when its own limbs had been dismembered. That gave me a chill and I decided to turn my stealth up, which turned out to be a fucking good decision!”
Hgul paused so as to see if Yukath was sufficiently absorbed. He got no reaction, and continued. “On the return journey I decided to visit the place of a smaller battle, where only a few of our battledrones had been lost to a horde of hidden hydroldiers. And do you know, Semi-Elder Yukath, what I saw there?”
If Hgul could see all of Yukath, he would have sworn that till now the latter’s leg were crossed, and he had just uncrossed them.
“Why don’t you tell me, Hgul?”
“A single figure, biped, was inspecting a battledrone!”
Yukath sat up straight, “No!”
“Yes! The only bipeds that were supposed to be on that planet were hydroldiers, yet this figure was not! My stealth, as I mentioned, was thankfully on, so it did not detect me.”
“What was the figure like, Hgul. Tell me more!”
“Actually, Yukath, it’s your turn now. You tell me what you know of the Manushyas, and we’ll decide if I had just seen one.”
Yukath sighed, and he leaned back this time, “You call me the cautious one, Hgul?”
Hgul replied with another grin.
“The Manushyas are an ancient species, they were possibly the first space-faring species in this galaxy, who lived many a millennia ago. The third planet that you conducted the battle on was their native planet, Hgul, and they called it Prithvi according to our records. Our own species, and even the damned Ruulins, are descended from this master species, albeit with many generations of evolution between us. Hugely factional, and notoriously war-like, they were divided into numerous political units that constantly fought among themselves.”
“Those are the common traits of a pre-space-faring civilization.” Stated Hgul simply.
“As I am well aware, Hgul. But unlike other species, including ours, they achieved unity AFTER they had spread to other planets.”
“Surely that is a myth, Yukath. That is not possible.”
“It is not possible because you have not known any species that has done so, but now you do.”
“An anomaly then, and you’re saying that we descended from them?”
“Not I, our esoteric history does.”
“So where have they been?”
“That is what shocks me about what you say, Hgul. The Manushyas have been thought to be long extinct. Occasional reports reach us about survivor groups and a united empire but they are dismissed as romantic myths.”
“Well, I’m at a loss, Yukath. I can show you the visuals and you can decide for yourself if it was a Manushya I saw, but if it wasn’t then we have to figure out what it was.”
“No it’s very possible that it was indeed a Manushya, Hgul. I, for one, have never entirely dismissed the occasional reports as myths. You asked I have been taught esoteric history, but I tell you that is what I myself taught in my pre-Elder days. I have studied more into this matter than most do, and would not be surprised if the Manushyas are still around.”
“Assuming that they are?”
“Then we have a possible crisis on our hands. To me, any third party that involves itself in this Yitaku-Ruulin conflict would only do so for suspicious gains.”
Hgul chuckled, “and you are one to be readily suspicious.”
“Not readily, Hgul, but suitably. I do not think that the Manushyas, whose ancient and arcane technology we are only unaware of, would seek to take sides in this battle. They are at best, neutral, and at worst, an enemy perhaps more dangerous than even the Ruulins.”
Commander Hgul’s grin did not subside, but he replied through it, “How was your history in educational, Semi-Elder Yukath?”
Yukath frowned, “of what concern is that, Hgul?”
“Oh of great concern, Semi-Elder,” Hgul’s tone was becoming more and more insolent, something that Yukath did not miss. “Were you taught esoteric history?”
Through the screen Hgul saw Yukath lift his chin higher, “I am a Semi-Elder, Hgul. It is in the requirements of my position that I learn esoteric history.”
The grin, if it was possible, spread even more. “Then tell me, Semi-Elder, what do you know of the Manushyas?”
An unreadable expression passed over Yukath’s face for a split second, to be replaced by one that could have been read as shock. “No, Hgul! You must tell me how and what you know of the Manushyas!”
Hgul leaned back on his bed, and put his arms around his head, scratching it idly, “I have my sources, Yukath. There are many in your informatorium that owe me one or two, and I recently called upon some favours.”
“You put your life in danger you foolish yitak! If the Elders were to know they would call for your head instantly!”
“Yes, but who would let the Elders know? Would you tell them Yukath? And risk your own life as well?”
Yukath fell silent.
“Just as I thought,” Hgul continued, “now fuck this catch-and-dodge Yukath, and tell me what you know of the Manushyas.”
Yukath shook his face sideways, to decline, “No, Hgul, I will not play catch-and-dodge with you, but it is you nevertheless who must disclose what he knows first.”
Hgul chuckled insolently, “Ever the cautious one eh, Yukath? Nevermind, I will tell you first, listen carefully.” He sat up straight, leaning closer to the screen. Yukath’s eyes lit up eagerly.
“After our successful operations on the 3rd planet, while we were still deciding what to do with the broken and partially-broken battledrones, I decided to survey for myself the extent of damage-”
Yukath interrupted him with a hint of anger, “is this something you haven’t included in your official report, Hgul?”
“Fuck that, Yukath. What I’m about to tell you is for you and me to know, not the Elders, especially Elder Ikyutha.”
That seemed to satisfy Yukath. “Continue,” he said.
“So I jumped into my personal carrier and detached from the main ship, without informing my second-in-command, another reason why I cannot include this in the report. Quite a few of their hydroldiers were still showing bouts of movement, and I spotted one try to dismantle a battledrone even when its own limbs had been dismembered. That gave me a chill and I decided to turn my stealth up, which turned out to be a fucking good decision!”
Hgul paused so as to see if Yukath was sufficiently absorbed. He got no reaction, and continued. “On the return journey I decided to visit the place of a smaller battle, where only a few of our battledrones had been lost to a horde of hidden hydroldiers. And do you know, Semi-Elder Yukath, what I saw there?”
If Hgul could see all of Yukath, he would have sworn that till now the latter’s leg were crossed, and he had just uncrossed them.
“Why don’t you tell me, Hgul?”
“A single figure, biped, was inspecting a battledrone!”
Yukath sat up straight, “No!”
“Yes! The only bipeds that were supposed to be on that planet were hydroldiers, yet this figure was not! My stealth, as I mentioned, was thankfully on, so it did not detect me.”
“What was the figure like, Hgul. Tell me more!”
“Actually, Yukath, it’s your turn now. You tell me what you know of the Manushyas, and we’ll decide if I had just seen one.”
Yukath sighed, and he leaned back this time, “You call me the cautious one, Hgul?”
Hgul replied with another grin.
“The Manushyas are an ancient species, they were possibly the first space-faring species in this galaxy, who lived many a millennia ago. The third planet that you conducted the battle on was their native planet, Hgul, and they called it Prithvi according to our records. Our own species, and even the damned Ruulins, are descended from this master species, albeit with many generations of evolution between us. Hugely factional, and notoriously war-like, they were divided into numerous political units that constantly fought among themselves.”
“Those are the common traits of a pre-space-faring civilization.” Stated Hgul simply.
“As I am well aware, Hgul. But unlike other species, including ours, they achieved unity AFTER they had spread to other planets.”
“Surely that is a myth, Yukath. That is not possible.”
“It is not possible because you have not known any species that has done so, but now you do.”
“An anomaly then, and you’re saying that we descended from them?”
“Not I, our esoteric history does.”
“So where have they been?”
“That is what shocks me about what you say, Hgul. The Manushyas have been thought to be long extinct. Occasional reports reach us about survivor groups and a united empire but they are dismissed as romantic myths.”
“Well, I’m at a loss, Yukath. I can show you the visuals and you can decide for yourself if it was a Manushya I saw, but if it wasn’t then we have to figure out what it was.”
“No it’s very possible that it was indeed a Manushya, Hgul. I, for one, have never entirely dismissed the occasional reports as myths. You asked I have been taught esoteric history, but I tell you that is what I myself taught in my pre-Elder days. I have studied more into this matter than most do, and would not be surprised if the Manushyas are still around.”
“Assuming that they are?”
“Then we have a possible crisis on our hands. To me, any third party that involves itself in this Yitaku-Ruulin conflict would only do so for suspicious gains.”
Hgul chuckled, “and you are one to be readily suspicious.”
“Not readily, Hgul, but suitably. I do not think that the Manushyas, whose ancient and arcane technology we are only unaware of, would seek to take sides in this battle. They are at best, neutral, and at worst, an enemy perhaps more dangerous than even the Ruulins.”
Tribes Gather - Chapter Eight
This is grave news, Kiyana. Not because of the treachery involved, but because we do not know whether it is backed by the Yitaku Elders or not.
It also raises another question, Ouy. How did they find out about our hydroldiers’ cyberlysis’ affinity for uramine?
The only explanation that fits is that one of more of the hydroldiers was somehow smuggled into the enemy camp. Only on detailed examination could they have discovered this.
The two Ruulins were located in the Campaign Commands Headquarters on the Ruulin outpost. It was situated on the northern pole of the planet, where gravity was least. This allowed for a quicker launch of ships in case of emergencies, with lesser burden on their propulsion systems. Inside Ouyina’s operations cubicle were plastered various maps of the solar system and other strategically important sections of space.
Ouyina pointed a spot on the map that showed hostile areas between the almost intangible borders of the Polna and Milky Way galaxies. We were first attacked when we were crossing this area here, and it had seemed then like a just another hostile exchange. But I wonder now…
There was a slight pause while Kiyana waited for Ouyina to continue. He traced his finger from that spot along the path his fleet had followed to reach the solar system. Every now and then we would pause and circle an area on the path.
These are the areas where we have been attacked, Kiyana observed.
Yes; do you not notice something, Kiya?
Kiyana squinted as the circled areas expanded on the map to show more detail. Each time we were attacked it was when there was a planet near enough to send the hydroldiers and battledrones, is that what you observe, Ouy?
I had assumed that they were sticking to the treaty of using machines rather than valuable lives, but could it be that they were creating opportunities to inspect and observe our hydroldiers?
You are working on the assumption, Ouy, that it is the Yitaku Elders that are behind all this?
And the more I think about it, Kiya, the more I feel that it must be them behind it. As a society they are sly and treacherous, but as individuals do any have the courage to act against the commands of their Elders?
But all we know about is their society. We do not know of the individual psychologies among them. It may be so that many Yitakus wish for a more direct action, there are many Ruulins who feel so too, as you very well know.
But then how would you explain the strategic coincidences in the places we were attacked, Kiya?
Kiyana was silent in thought for a while. Ruulin psychology did not permit much privacy. If a Ruulin engaged a thought in its mind, it would be transmitted inevitably to those around it. But such was their technology that they had learnt to over-ride this clause of nature. High ranking governors, officers, commanders, and even soldiers were implanted with a neuro-shield that could be activated whenever they wanted. It protected the transmittance of their thoughts effectively. However they were mostly used not to hide one's thoughts, rather save others the trouble of picking up every random or incoherent working of the mind.
I agree with you, Ouy, that the Yitakus are not so noble that they would actually honour the treaty, but can it not be that they wanted to test and improve their own battledrones?
I admit such a possibility, yet I cannot shake the feeling that they were keen to study our hydroldiers too.
But that is only natural, Ouy. They would want to know about our hydroldiers as much as we would about their battledrones. That fact that this is their galaxy gave them the upper hand in deciding where to hold these exchanges.
It was Ouyina’s turn to be silent. Since the last time it was mentioned, he could not get the Hol incident out of his mind. The gruesome images refused to leave his mind and it distracted him much to his irritation and discomfort.
Something just occurred to me, Kiya. But it would not have been possible had you not insisted on refraining from making assumptions just now.
In response she merely raised her eyebrows.
Only a few of our hydroldiers have been coated. Surely, if it was the Yitaku Elders behind this, they would have done so to all the hydroldiers, gaining instant victory.
Kiyana smiled admiringly, I hadn’t thought of that, Ouy, but you are right! Then this means that it has to be rebel elements, doesn’t it?
It pushes us in that direction, yes, but is it not also possible that the Elders deliberately coated only a few, so as to keep suspicion off their cloaks, yet enable the battledrones to gain an upper hand?
We will go in endless circles this way, Ouy, and nothing of substance will emerge. I suggest we focus now on ridding the hydroldiers of this vulnerability, and that will not be an easy task for we have to change or at least modify their primary process- cyberlysis.
Sometimes I wonder who really is the Commander, you, or me! Ouyina remarked lightly, unable to suppress a small chuckle
It is unquestionably you, Ouy, and I am but an assistant to ensure your thoughts remain clear and you remain focused, she replied with a grin on her face.
And you do a wonderful job of it, Kiyana. Now I need to contact the Superiors again, find out more on our mysterious friend from another species. Would you get the applicationists to work on cyberlysis?
It will be done, Ouy. I will report to you in six hours.
Thank you, Kiyana.
She bowed in the customary ritual to be performed when taking the leave of a Commander, and he acknowledged it with a bow of his own (though not as low).
When alone again, he turned on his polymachine to find two messages from the Superiors. The first was the usual expression of sympathies at the lost of valuable machinery and resources. Ouyina read a little of it and deleted it with something between a smirk and a grimace. The next message was much more interesting, and he sat down to read it properly.
The first slide was an image of a group of bipeds. To Ouyina, they looked like mixture of Ruulin and Yitaku. They had long hair and flowing black beards and mustaches. All of them were wearing long cloaks that were pulled around them. Behind them he could see tall surface elevations which were covered in snow. The ground beneath their feet was both muddy and icy. They wore a grim expression on their faces but Ouyina’s attention was drawn to a smaller figure by the side. He guessed it was not adult like the others. Only this figure was grinning from cheek to cheek. He was undesirably reminded of the Ruulin young ones on Hol.
He read the data scrolling down on the left panel of his screen:
[RESTRICTED DATABASE]
[ACCESS CODE D293086A]
[Communication dated 34/2/1347]
[Probes of Historical Link with Ancient Species]
[Target: 7th planet in Traigo Star System]
[Subject Name Native: Manushya]
[Subject Name Assigned: none]
[First reports received dated 76/4/123]
[Species planet of origin 3rd planet in star system]
[Planet native name: Prithvi]
[Species era of existence before counted time]
[Moderately intelligent;
aggressively ambitious;
amorally manipulative;
capable when in high numbers;]
[Species genetic code precursory to Ruulin and Yitaku genetic code]
[Possible predecessors]
[To probe cause of disappearance and cause of resurgence]
[To probe species’ interest in Ruulin-Yitaku conflict]
Ouyina read with increasing interest. The information then indicated to him to focus on the grinning child in the image.
[Possibly important member of species]
[Now assumed adult]
[Ruler(?) of species]
[Ruler-in-waiting(?) of species]
[Only detected operating alone]
[Last spotted: Commander Ouyina Ruul Team;
3rd Planet/Prithvi;
Disappearance with Yitaku battledrones;]
[PRESSING ORDERS: TO BE FOUND AND TERMINATED]
[PRESSING ORDERS: TO BE FOUND AND TERMINATED]
[PRESSING ORDERS: TO BE FOUND AND TERMINATED]
[PRESSING ORDERS: TO BE FOUND AND TERMINATED]
…
Ouyina recognized a firm and definite order when he saw one. This was an order that superseded his current mission (of protecting and expanding the outpost he currently held).
It also raises another question, Ouy. How did they find out about our hydroldiers’ cyberlysis’ affinity for uramine?
The only explanation that fits is that one of more of the hydroldiers was somehow smuggled into the enemy camp. Only on detailed examination could they have discovered this.
The two Ruulins were located in the Campaign Commands Headquarters on the Ruulin outpost. It was situated on the northern pole of the planet, where gravity was least. This allowed for a quicker launch of ships in case of emergencies, with lesser burden on their propulsion systems. Inside Ouyina’s operations cubicle were plastered various maps of the solar system and other strategically important sections of space.
Ouyina pointed a spot on the map that showed hostile areas between the almost intangible borders of the Polna and Milky Way galaxies. We were first attacked when we were crossing this area here, and it had seemed then like a just another hostile exchange. But I wonder now…
There was a slight pause while Kiyana waited for Ouyina to continue. He traced his finger from that spot along the path his fleet had followed to reach the solar system. Every now and then we would pause and circle an area on the path.
These are the areas where we have been attacked, Kiyana observed.
Yes; do you not notice something, Kiya?
Kiyana squinted as the circled areas expanded on the map to show more detail. Each time we were attacked it was when there was a planet near enough to send the hydroldiers and battledrones, is that what you observe, Ouy?
I had assumed that they were sticking to the treaty of using machines rather than valuable lives, but could it be that they were creating opportunities to inspect and observe our hydroldiers?
You are working on the assumption, Ouy, that it is the Yitaku Elders that are behind all this?
And the more I think about it, Kiya, the more I feel that it must be them behind it. As a society they are sly and treacherous, but as individuals do any have the courage to act against the commands of their Elders?
But all we know about is their society. We do not know of the individual psychologies among them. It may be so that many Yitakus wish for a more direct action, there are many Ruulins who feel so too, as you very well know.
But then how would you explain the strategic coincidences in the places we were attacked, Kiya?
Kiyana was silent in thought for a while. Ruulin psychology did not permit much privacy. If a Ruulin engaged a thought in its mind, it would be transmitted inevitably to those around it. But such was their technology that they had learnt to over-ride this clause of nature. High ranking governors, officers, commanders, and even soldiers were implanted with a neuro-shield that could be activated whenever they wanted. It protected the transmittance of their thoughts effectively. However they were mostly used not to hide one's thoughts, rather save others the trouble of picking up every random or incoherent working of the mind.
I agree with you, Ouy, that the Yitakus are not so noble that they would actually honour the treaty, but can it not be that they wanted to test and improve their own battledrones?
I admit such a possibility, yet I cannot shake the feeling that they were keen to study our hydroldiers too.
But that is only natural, Ouy. They would want to know about our hydroldiers as much as we would about their battledrones. That fact that this is their galaxy gave them the upper hand in deciding where to hold these exchanges.
It was Ouyina’s turn to be silent. Since the last time it was mentioned, he could not get the Hol incident out of his mind. The gruesome images refused to leave his mind and it distracted him much to his irritation and discomfort.
Something just occurred to me, Kiya. But it would not have been possible had you not insisted on refraining from making assumptions just now.
In response she merely raised her eyebrows.
Only a few of our hydroldiers have been coated. Surely, if it was the Yitaku Elders behind this, they would have done so to all the hydroldiers, gaining instant victory.
Kiyana smiled admiringly, I hadn’t thought of that, Ouy, but you are right! Then this means that it has to be rebel elements, doesn’t it?
It pushes us in that direction, yes, but is it not also possible that the Elders deliberately coated only a few, so as to keep suspicion off their cloaks, yet enable the battledrones to gain an upper hand?
We will go in endless circles this way, Ouy, and nothing of substance will emerge. I suggest we focus now on ridding the hydroldiers of this vulnerability, and that will not be an easy task for we have to change or at least modify their primary process- cyberlysis.
Sometimes I wonder who really is the Commander, you, or me! Ouyina remarked lightly, unable to suppress a small chuckle
It is unquestionably you, Ouy, and I am but an assistant to ensure your thoughts remain clear and you remain focused, she replied with a grin on her face.
And you do a wonderful job of it, Kiyana. Now I need to contact the Superiors again, find out more on our mysterious friend from another species. Would you get the applicationists to work on cyberlysis?
It will be done, Ouy. I will report to you in six hours.
Thank you, Kiyana.
She bowed in the customary ritual to be performed when taking the leave of a Commander, and he acknowledged it with a bow of his own (though not as low).
When alone again, he turned on his polymachine to find two messages from the Superiors. The first was the usual expression of sympathies at the lost of valuable machinery and resources. Ouyina read a little of it and deleted it with something between a smirk and a grimace. The next message was much more interesting, and he sat down to read it properly.
The first slide was an image of a group of bipeds. To Ouyina, they looked like mixture of Ruulin and Yitaku. They had long hair and flowing black beards and mustaches. All of them were wearing long cloaks that were pulled around them. Behind them he could see tall surface elevations which were covered in snow. The ground beneath their feet was both muddy and icy. They wore a grim expression on their faces but Ouyina’s attention was drawn to a smaller figure by the side. He guessed it was not adult like the others. Only this figure was grinning from cheek to cheek. He was undesirably reminded of the Ruulin young ones on Hol.
He read the data scrolling down on the left panel of his screen:
[RESTRICTED DATABASE]
[ACCESS CODE D293086A]
[Communication dated 34/2/1347]
[Probes of Historical Link with Ancient Species]
[Target: 7th planet in Traigo Star System]
[Subject Name Native: Manushya]
[Subject Name Assigned: none]
[First reports received dated 76/4/123]
[Species planet of origin 3rd planet in star system]
[Planet native name: Prithvi]
[Species era of existence before counted time]
[Moderately intelligent;
aggressively ambitious;
amorally manipulative;
capable when in high numbers;]
[Species genetic code precursory to Ruulin and Yitaku genetic code]
[Possible predecessors]
[To probe cause of disappearance and cause of resurgence]
[To probe species’ interest in Ruulin-Yitaku conflict]
Ouyina read with increasing interest. The information then indicated to him to focus on the grinning child in the image.
[Possibly important member of species]
[Now assumed adult]
[Ruler(?) of species]
[Ruler-in-waiting(?) of species]
[Only detected operating alone]
[Last spotted: Commander Ouyina Ruul Team;
3rd Planet/Prithvi;
Disappearance with Yitaku battledrones;]
[PRESSING ORDERS: TO BE FOUND AND TERMINATED]
[PRESSING ORDERS: TO BE FOUND AND TERMINATED]
[PRESSING ORDERS: TO BE FOUND AND TERMINATED]
[PRESSING ORDERS: TO BE FOUND AND TERMINATED]
…
Ouyina recognized a firm and definite order when he saw one. This was an order that superseded his current mission (of protecting and expanding the outpost he currently held).
Re: Tribes Gather
I've posted the story im workin on here- Tribes Gather, on a website called critiquecircle, where other similar members critique each others' stories and provide feedback.
What i learnt from the feedback of the chapters so far is:
1. i need to show the story unfold, not tell it. So i have to cut out the long parts of exposition and rather disclose them through the actions of the characters.
2. in this way and others, i have to detail my characters better, make them more real, so as to enable the reader to attach himself/herself to them, and thus be better absorbed in the story.
3. some grammar issues need to be sorted out, particularly the use of the comma.
4. useless details or descriptions can be done without.
5. the chapters can be made longer. so far the jump from chapter to chapter (and thus character/semi-plotline to character/semi-plotline has been quick and frequent. although this somewhat maintains the pace and brings the mysteries faster, it does not let the reader set into the story well, and gives him/her much to catch up with.
i was thinking of revising the previous chapters according to the above suggestions, but instead im going to go on with the story, writing NEW chapters accordingly, and i 'll come back to the first seven later...
What i learnt from the feedback of the chapters so far is:
1. i need to show the story unfold, not tell it. So i have to cut out the long parts of exposition and rather disclose them through the actions of the characters.
2. in this way and others, i have to detail my characters better, make them more real, so as to enable the reader to attach himself/herself to them, and thus be better absorbed in the story.
3. some grammar issues need to be sorted out, particularly the use of the comma.
4. useless details or descriptions can be done without.
5. the chapters can be made longer. so far the jump from chapter to chapter (and thus character/semi-plotline to character/semi-plotline has been quick and frequent. although this somewhat maintains the pace and brings the mysteries faster, it does not let the reader set into the story well, and gives him/her much to catch up with.
i was thinking of revising the previous chapters according to the above suggestions, but instead im going to go on with the story, writing NEW chapters accordingly, and i 'll come back to the first seven later...
Re: Isaac Asimov
From Asimov's autobiography: "I.Asimov"
Many people used to ask Asimov from where he got his ideas, on that:
"I said, "By thinking and thinking and thinking till I'm ready to kill myself."
Most people, when I tell them this, are dreadfully disappointed. They would be far readier to believe that I had to use LSD or something like that so that ideas would come to me in an altered state of consciousness.
To those people, I say, "Try thinking. You'll find it's a lot harder than taking LSD."
"
Many people used to ask Asimov from where he got his ideas, on that:
"I said, "By thinking and thinking and thinking till I'm ready to kill myself."
Most people, when I tell them this, are dreadfully disappointed. They would be far readier to believe that I had to use LSD or something like that so that ideas would come to me in an altered state of consciousness.
To those people, I say, "Try thinking. You'll find it's a lot harder than taking LSD."
"
Dec 28, 2007
"Bushleaguer" - Pearl Jam
How does he do it? How do they do it? Uncanny and immutable.
This is such a happening tailpipe of a party.
Like sugar, the guests are so refined, (look like melting mice)
A confidence man, but why so beleaguered?
He's not a leader, he's a Texas leaguer
Swinging for the fence, got lucky with a strike
Drilling for fear, makes the job simple
Born on third, thinks he got a triple
Blackout weaves its way through the cities
Blackout weaves its way through the cities
Blackout weaves its way,...
I remember when you sang
That song about today
Now it's tomorrow and
Everything has changed
A think tank of aloof multiplication
A nicotine wish and a columbus decanter
Retrenchment and hoggishness
The aristocrat choir sings
"What's the ruckus?"
The haves have not a clue
The immenseness of suffering
And the odd negotiation, a rarity
With onionskin plausibility of life,
And a keyboard reaffirmation
Blackout weaves its way through the cities
Blackout weaves its way through the cities
Blackout weaves its way,...
I remember when you sang
That song about today
Now it's tomorrow and
Everything has changed
Dec 19, 2007
Dec 18, 2007
Re: Saffron Surge
Excerpts from the book Saffron Surge by Tarun Vijay, Editor of the the RSS Panchajanya
"Hindu scriptures have yet to have an impact on our karma, as common people do not understand the basic tenets of Dharma. It has been, unfortunately, reduced to rituals and petty 'contracts' with millions of gods and goddesses with no attention to conduct life as propagated by the Gita and stressed by our reformers such as Buddha, Nanak, Vivekananda, and Dayananda."
From section: OUR HYPOCRISY HURTS US
"We are good at brandishing swords and trishuls but can't clean the neighbourhood temple or stop demands for dowry. We worship Durga during Navratras and Puja, but kill a girl-child in the womb because Devis are for temples and sons for the family. How many of us celebrate Diwali with those Dalits whose 'conversion' pains us immensely? How many so-called 'low caste' people are our friends in the normal way? The ghats at Rishikesh do not speak of the glory of a great Dharma and Ganga and Yamuna remain maili."
"Hindu scriptures have yet to have an impact on our karma, as common people do not understand the basic tenets of Dharma. It has been, unfortunately, reduced to rituals and petty 'contracts' with millions of gods and goddesses with no attention to conduct life as propagated by the Gita and stressed by our reformers such as Buddha, Nanak, Vivekananda, and Dayananda."
From section: OUR HYPOCRISY HURTS US
"We are good at brandishing swords and trishuls but can't clean the neighbourhood temple or stop demands for dowry. We worship Durga during Navratras and Puja, but kill a girl-child in the womb because Devis are for temples and sons for the family. How many of us celebrate Diwali with those Dalits whose 'conversion' pains us immensely? How many so-called 'low caste' people are our friends in the normal way? The ghats at Rishikesh do not speak of the glory of a great Dharma and Ganga and Yamuna remain maili."
Re: Dr. P.V. Vartak
Thanks to Mr. D. Chuncle, i recently came across information regarding Dr. P.V. Vartak
Here are some excerpts from his site: http://drpvvartak.com
RESEARCH PAPERS
1. A List of some Research Papers presented at various conferences: Knowledge of Chromosomes {Gunavidhi} in Ancient India. Printed in the Maharashtra Medical Journal, January 1972.
2. Embryology in Ancient India [study of human embryo from the conception.] Proved that day to day development of foetus was observed, beginning of foetal heart in the second month of pregnancy was known and understanding of directions by ears was also discovered by ancient Vedic Rishis. - Printed in the Maharashtra Medical Journal. March 1973.
3. Human and animal Clones from ancient India. [Rigveda and Puranas]
4. Test tube babies from ancient India, in vitro development of human beings.
5. Parthenogenetic Births of Pandavas.
6. Aero planes from Ramayana, Vedas and Samarangana Sootradhara were true.
7. Dates of sixty incidents of the Mahabharata War fixed, including the date of forest going, date of going underground, coronation of Yudhishthira, Ashwamedha Yajna, Krishna’s birth date and horoscope, etc. The dates of 45 incidents from the Ramayana, Periods of Various Puranas estimated. The dates of many events from the Rigveda are fixed, Date of Patanjali etc. are fixed.
8. Vedic concept of the genesis of the Universe is shown to be the same as the modern scientific concept, particularly the Big bang theory postulated by Sir Lowell during 1975. .
9. Upanishadic concept about the genesis of the Universe is proved to be scientific.
10. Vast Scientific knowledge in the Vedas, Upanishads, Patanjala Yoga, and Geeta discovered.
11. Shiva-linga a symbol of science [ It is a model of D.N.A., molecule Atom, and the Universe.]
12. Rebirth theory is proved to be very scientific and logical.
13. Brahmastra was similar to atomic weapon. Other ancient ‘Astras’ were scientific.
14. Ancient Indian estimation of the velocity of light is same as the modern.
15. Bheema is the Hero of the epic Mahabharata. He was very brilliant, intelligent, statesman.
16. Exposed pre-Ramayana history of India from 7000 BC to 25000 BC.
17. Ancient Indian Space-Travel, effecting elongation of Life, is told elaborately. Indian thoughts about the death and how it can be conquered are published.
18. Antarctica and America were known to ancient Indians of Ramayana era. Daityas went by Aero planes to South America during pre-Ramayana era. Evidence brought forwards.
19. Proved all the steps of thousand years from the Vedas of 23720 BC to Varahmihir of 520 AD.
20. Astronomy in India, since Vedas, elaborately established.
21. Time-measuring-science of ancient India computing astronomy and Meteorology elaborated.
22. Force of Gravitation in the Rigveda, Prashnopanishad, and Shankaracharya explained.
23. Seven Energy bands in the Mundakopanishad and Tachyons explained.
24. Panch-Kosha theory is proved to be very scientific.
25. It is clearly proved that the Fall of Abhijit Nakshatra [star Vega] as recorded in the Mahabharata was a fact of 14000 years ago.
26. It is proved that the twelve Signs of zodiac were known to the Rigveda and were in use.
27. Presence of Ishwara i.e. the supreme energy controlling the Universe is proved scientifically by studying the nature.
28. Experienced the contraction of space and time due to high velocity in the space, on the planet Jupiter.
29. Vedic thought on Time.
30. Horoscopes of Shivaji, Bajirao the great, Saint Dnyaneshwar, Shri Krishna, Ramadas Swami, and Janardan Swami are prepared.
31. Discovered that Kaikayi was a good natured woman, she really loved Ram, but taking part in the national conspiracy to defeat Ravan, she took the brunt on her and accepted bad name.
32. Ravan was a good natured gentleman. Rama humiliated his sister, so he revenged by abducting Seeta. Ravan did not touch her, though she was in his possession for one year. On the last day he could have raped her and cut her nose, ears and breasts; but being a gentleman, he did not do that foul act.
33. Exposed true sense of the words Ruta-Satya, Vyahruti, Akasha-Prakasha, Vasu, Pouganda, Gagana, Hiranmaya Patra, Chamas, Apana, etc.
34. Discovered that Ahalya was not turned in to a stone and did not become human by touch of Rama’s foot. She was doing penance. She hosted Rama and Laxman with Vishwamitra.
35. Nala Wanara built a Setu for Rama to go to Lanka. It was wooden. Rocks were cut with machines and thrown in the sea, they submerged in to the sea and on that foundation a bridge was erected, using trees. Valmiki and Vyasa give credit of building Setu to Nala. But later devotees erased Nala’s name and inserted Rama’s name.
36. Shabari was a hermit; she did not give fruits to Rama after tasting herself. She awaited Rama and hosted Rama with hospitality, because she knew that Rama was coming and she was to guide him properly. She was a part of the conspiracy of sages to defeat Ravana.
37. Saptalokas i.e. seven worlds from ancient literature defined according to modern science.
38. Shown that Valmiki has described the trident found in the South America, in Peru, on Mount Andes at the Bay of Pisco. His description matches exactly with the Trident.
39. Many riddles from the Mahabharata are solved giving logical explanations.
40. It is proved that the planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are described by Vyasa under the names Shweta, Shyama, and Teevra. Calculations are given to prove their sites during 5561BC.
41. Proved that Vyasa knew that life elongates by space travel. It is told by Einstein, recently.
42. Proved that the force of Gravitation is recorded in the Rigveda, the Prashnopanishad (during 6000 BC) and the commentary done by Adi Shankaracharya on Prashnopanishad (during 800 AD). India knew it at least 1000 years before Newton. The effects of the Earth’s gravitation on a human being is told by the Prashnopanishad and Shankaracharya, which were not known to Newton.
43. Shown that the Mahabharata records Shalva’s aeroplane and parachute.
44. Shown how scientific is the system of division of society in four Varnas. The four Varnas are present even today all over the world. Much later the system got corrupted.
45. Solved the riddle of the Sunset happening twice on 29th October 5561 BC, when Jayadratha was killed. It was not a divine miracle done by Krishna, but was a physical phenomenon caused by refraction of the Sunrays, like the mirage.
46. Proved how solar and lunar eclipse happened in one month before the Mahabharata war.
47. Shown that ‘Krukalas’ a giant lizard killed by Krishna was a dinosaur. Archaeologists laughed at the concept in 1971, but now in 2002 dinosaur’s eggs and remnants are found near Dwaraka.
48. Shown that the Daityas flied in aeroplanes to Patala, which was the name of America, then.
49. Shown that the Daityas, Rakshasas, Vanaras, Bears were all humna beings.
50. Shown that the description of the Yama Loka given by Valmiki, as a white land, at the south end of the Earth, having fierce darkness, is that of Antarctic. Proved that Valmiki had knowledge of the whole of the Earth. All the four directions are eruditely described by Valmiki.
51. Proved that the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana is composed by Valmiuki himself as an appendix.
52. The dates of almost 50 incidents from the Ramayana are fixed by astronomical mathematics.
53. Described history of about 8000 years before Rama of 7323 BC.
54. Shown that ‘Dhundhu’ Rakshasa described by Valmiki in Ramayana was a Volcano.
55. Shown that Kumbhakarna was a mechanical Robot, driven by the brother of Ravana. Shown that the Robots are also described in the ‘Samarangana Sootradhara’ compiled by Raja Bhoja during 1050 AD. Aeroplane flying due to energy derived from Mercury is described by this book. A lift taking a man to the fifth floor is also described in this book.
56. Sage Agasti knew electricity. He has described a modified Daniel cell. He describes electroplating and production of Oxygen and Hydrogen from water. Hydrogen was used to inflate a balloon, which could take a sedan into air.
57. The basic principle of physics that Heat expands and cold contracts is told by the Mundakopanishad, showing much wider sense.
58. Shown that at death life does not go away, but Prana goes away. Due to this fact transplant operations get success. Full differentiation is given of Atman, Brahman, Prana, Jeeva (life) etc.
59. Shown mistakes in the theory of evolution proposed by Darwin.
60. A true case of Rebirth is examined in 2004 and proved that Rebirth is a fact, not a fiction. Shown that after death of a person, his Prana can see and take interest in the surroundings.
61. Shown how true is the Upanishadic statement that death is the third genesis. A person takes three births; the first from the father when he comes out of father’s body in the form of a sperm, second from the mother in the form of a foetus, and the third birth takes place when he comes out from his own body. The coming out of Prana from a physical body is called as death, which in fact is the third birth.
62. Shown that the Aitereya Upanishad tells 16 functions of brain, which science has to admit.
63. The concealed meanings of Ishopanishadic Mantras are explained by science.
64. Eight important Upanishads are explained eruditely and scientifically.
65. The Buddhi Yoga from the Geeta is exposed eruditely. No scholar has done it so far.
66. Scientific experiments are done to prove Yoga and Adhyatma as a science.
67. Proved that the story of Krishna’s producing many clothings to protect Draupadi is fake.
68. Shown how Veer Savarkar behaved throughout his life following the Geeta.
69. Shown that Hanuman was a brave human being. He was not a slave (Dasa) of Rama.
70. Shown that solar seasonal months were in use with lunar months in India for 10000 years.
71. Proved the existence of five subtle bodies by performing experiments of Astral travel to the planets Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The reports found true when the spaceships gave their reports. The capacities of the five Koshas are well explained. Have travelled to another solar system by Anandmaya Kosh and saw a human being there on a planet.
72. Proved that physical science can be achieved by Yoga and Adhyatma.
73. Shown that Mind can exist and work without the brain.
74. The functions of the internal four entities [Antahkarana Chatushtaya] clarified nicely. These four are Mana (mind), Buddhi (intelligence), Ahamkar and Chitta.
75. Proved how scientific was the thought of Atri, when he said that the eclipse takes place due to ‘Swarbhanu’. ‘Bha’ + ‘Anu’ means the follower of light, which is shadow. This shadow is in Swar i.e. the space or the sky. Shadow of the Moon causes solar eclipse, while the shadow of the Earth causes the lunar eclipse. Atri tells that all the planets see eclipses, which is true.
76. Proved that the Hindus originated the weekday system in India during 8357 BC or before.
77. Proved that ‘Ambarish’ means the one who was thrown out (Isha) from the Earth in the sky (Ambar). Hence it is another name of Trishanku, who was sent to the heavens by Vishwamitra.
78. The proper meaning of ‘Brahmacharya’ is unveiled. Its present meaning to avoid sexual relation totally is wrong. For support instances from the Mahabharata are given.
79. Bheema’s height (7 feet) and girth of chest (about 65 inches) is discovered.
80. Ages if Bhishma, Krishna, Arjuna, etc are fixed.
81. Hanuman went to Lanka swimming in the sea, but returned by flying in the sky.
82. Hanuman appeared before Bheema by Astral Body, not by physical body.
83. Bheema was better in archery then Rama, Lakshman, Arjuna, Karna, etc. because he defeated Alambush Rakshasa, who was in the sky. Ram had collapsed when Indrajit attacked from the sky.
84. Krishna did not lift a mountain, he advised to hide in a cave of a mountain to save from torrential rains and floods.
85. Kalia was not a serpent, but a man, a human being.
86. Nagas injected Bheema some medicine, so he come back to consciousness. Nagas were proved to be human beings.
87. Bheema alone fought successfully against Narayana Astra.
88. Narayana Astra was a poisonous gas.
89. Bheema did not do any foul in breaking Duryodhona’s thighs. That duel was fought on the basic point that Bheema was to break Duryodhona’s thigh. That aim was fixed 13 years earlier.
90. Bheema corrected Krishna’s mistake too. Bheema dragged Duryodhana out of a pond. Then Yudhishthira asked him to fight with any Pandawa. Krishna got furious with the folly of Yadhishthira and said, “If he selects you, what will happen? Hearing this, Duryodhana might have been alerted and challenged Yudhishthira for duel and won. But Bheema immediately challenged Duryodhana and began duel. By saying so, Krishna might have become the cause of Pandava’s ruin.
91. Krishna suggested to tell Dronacharya that his son Ashwatthama died. In spite of that news from Yudhishthira, Drona continued battle. Krishna admitted defeat of his plan and kept quiet. But Bheema went to Drona and said “Why is he fighting and for whom ? His son is dead, then for whom is he doing sins of violence ?” Hearing this Drona kept his weapon down and was killed. Bheema got success.
92. Krishna did not escape from the wrath of Gandhari, though he cried loudly. But Bheema talked quietly but firmly to Gandhari and made her accept her mistakes in not controlling Duryodhana & Dusshasana at right time.
93. Dr. Vartak first showed that Bheema had defeated Bhishma, Drona, Krupa, Karna etc. in duels with archery.
94. Scholars usually suppose that Krishna saved the life of Bheema, by pushing his statue before Dhrutarashtra. But Dr. Vartak shows that Bheema would have killed Dhruturashtra, when he tried to grasp him with tremendous force. Bheema had escaped from clutches of many Rakshasas. Hence he was not to die of Dhrutarashtra’s grasp. So Krishna saved Bheema from the act of killing his uncle.
95. Showed that Bheema was really superior to Duryodhana in Mace-fight. First Duryodhana did ‘Adharma’, thrice and then only Bheema break his thighs.
96. Proved that it is a misconception that Bhishma, Drona an Kripa had full sympathy about Pandawas and were on their side, by mind. All the three were totally against Pandawas.
97. Showed that Bhishma was wrong in supporting Kauravas. He was not a servant of Dhruturashtra, but was a servant of Kaurava Throne. He had to save the honour of the throne. But he failed and saw the harassment of Draupadi in front of the throne.
98. Proved boldly that Krishna was totally wrong in dealing Draupadi with Karna and saying that she would become Karna’s wife.
99. Proved that Krishna was defeated many times before Jarasandha and had to leave Mathura, because of his terror.
100. Proved that only Bheema was capable of killing Jarasandha. Bheema told the plan of killing Jarasandh in wrestling, which Krishna accepted and got full success.
101. Bheema had become the emperor by killing the emperor Jarasandha; but leniently he gave the empire to his elder brother, who lost it in playing dice.
102. Shown that ‘Sati’ is not the Vedic tradition. It was not in Ramayana period. The Mahabharata mentions it as an exception.
103. Discovered from Valmiki Ramayana that Hanuman was born on Amavasya and not on Pournima, as generally believed by all scholars and saints.
104. Shown that the name ‘Hanuman’ is derived from ‘Hanu’, which means a weapon. The one who holds that weapon is ‘Hanuman’.
105. Discovered the vital clue of Shanti Mantra, and composed a Shanti Mantra for the current period.
106. It is shown that the Deity Indra means Atman, who is the king of other Deities which are energies of the sense organs.
107. On 21 Sept.1995, a news spread like fire all over the world that Shri Ganesh drinks milk. Dr. Vartak proved that not only milk, but water is also drunk, not only by Ganesh, but any idol of any Deity can do it provided that there is a pointed part like our chin. Proved that it happens on any day and any time. Proved that it was a miracle, not divine, but physical.
108. Explained how the philosophical statements about Kala (Time) are scientifically correct.
109. Clarified the concept of Apana Vayu and explained its functions according to science. Proved scientifically that Apana is the cause of death and how it begins its work in the second month of intrauterine life.
110. Shown that the gravitation force of the Earth really helps Apana Vayu in its functions, as is told in the Prashnopanishad. Shown that Prashnopanishad, first, clearly mentioned about the gravitation force of the Earth during 6000 BC. Shankaracharya (800AD) also has explained it showing its effect on the physical body, which Newton had not thought of.
111. Has shown that using Devanagari script a machine can be prepared which can print whatever we talk. Every pronunciation is represented in Devanagari script by one symbol and that symbol has only one pronunciation. One pronunciation has got a special typical pattern of sound waves. If we feed the patterns to a computer, it will print whatever we talk.
112. Shown that ‘Only the Truth wins said the Upanishads’; but later many people followed a wrong path, much away from the truth. Examples of Harischandra, Yudhishthira, Rama, Krishna, many Saints and Gandhiji are given showing how they followed falsehood under the veil of truth. Because of these great personalities common men followed the same wrong path and ruined the Hindu nation.
113. Shown with the help of modern science that the statement of the Bhagawata is true that the foetus in the fifth month of intrauterine life experiences hunger and thirst.
114. Shown that the Sushruta Samhita was first written around 4000 BC, and its second revised edition was composed around 1840 BC. The evidence is based on the seasons described in the Samhita.
115. The date of Patanjali is also established as 5000 BC, on solid grounds.
116. Shown how baseless are the statements of the western scholars about the epic Mahabharat.
117. Shown the mistakes in the basic principles in archeological science.
118. Shown that the Mohenjadaro and Harappa cultures were Vedic in origin, because the tablet found there shows a picture of two birds on a tree, one eating a fruit while other just looking at it. This picture has its base in the Mundaka Upanishad.
119. Exposed the mistakes of Sir Mortimer Wheeler and Sankalia done in dating the Indian culture such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana period etc.
120. Given rational meaning to ‘Atharvangirasa’. Atharva means steady, immobile. Angirasa means Vayu or atmosphere. Atharvangirasa means the layer of the atmosphere, which is steady. It means the highest strata of the atmosphere or Suva or Dyuloka.
121. Have done some research about the existence after death and ghosts, and convinced about both.
122. Given rational meaning to ‘Atharvangirasa’. Atharva means steady, immobile. Angirasa means Vayu or atmosphere. Atharvangirasa means the layer of the atmosphere, which is steady. It means the highest strata of the atmosphere or Suva or Dyuloka.
123. Feelings ‘Sukha, Dukha and Anand’ are differentiated and defined
124. Have done some research about the existence after death and ghosts, and convinced about both.
125. Difference between ‘Deva’ and ‘Ishwara’ is clearly shown. Deva means the God, but Ishwara means the unique, prime and basic energy working behind the Universe.
126. Shown that the Konkanashth Brahmins have not come from outside India. They belong to India from Vedic era. They follow the Taittiriya Samhita.
127. Shown that the Aryas spread from India to all over the world.
128. Shown that the concept of the Arctic Home in the Vedas is totally wrong.
129. Brought forward boldly the Ishopanishad’s philosophy that if only the spirituality is followed a person and nation gets ruined. Balance between the spirituality and physical science with practical reality helps to survive in the world.
130. Three rational meanings of the 15th Mantra of the Ishopanishad are presented. It says that the golden vase shuts up the mouth of reality.
Here are some excerpts from his site: http://drpvvartak.com
RESEARCH PAPERS
1. A List of some Research Papers presented at various conferences: Knowledge of Chromosomes {Gunavidhi} in Ancient India. Printed in the Maharashtra Medical Journal, January 1972.
2. Embryology in Ancient India [study of human embryo from the conception.] Proved that day to day development of foetus was observed, beginning of foetal heart in the second month of pregnancy was known and understanding of directions by ears was also discovered by ancient Vedic Rishis. - Printed in the Maharashtra Medical Journal. March 1973.
3. Human and animal Clones from ancient India. [Rigveda and Puranas]
4. Test tube babies from ancient India, in vitro development of human beings.
5. Parthenogenetic Births of Pandavas.
6. Aero planes from Ramayana, Vedas and Samarangana Sootradhara were true.
7. Dates of sixty incidents of the Mahabharata War fixed, including the date of forest going, date of going underground, coronation of Yudhishthira, Ashwamedha Yajna, Krishna’s birth date and horoscope, etc. The dates of 45 incidents from the Ramayana, Periods of Various Puranas estimated. The dates of many events from the Rigveda are fixed, Date of Patanjali etc. are fixed.
8. Vedic concept of the genesis of the Universe is shown to be the same as the modern scientific concept, particularly the Big bang theory postulated by Sir Lowell during 1975. .
9. Upanishadic concept about the genesis of the Universe is proved to be scientific.
10. Vast Scientific knowledge in the Vedas, Upanishads, Patanjala Yoga, and Geeta discovered.
11. Shiva-linga a symbol of science [ It is a model of D.N.A., molecule Atom, and the Universe.]
12. Rebirth theory is proved to be very scientific and logical.
13. Brahmastra was similar to atomic weapon. Other ancient ‘Astras’ were scientific.
14. Ancient Indian estimation of the velocity of light is same as the modern.
15. Bheema is the Hero of the epic Mahabharata. He was very brilliant, intelligent, statesman.
16. Exposed pre-Ramayana history of India from 7000 BC to 25000 BC.
17. Ancient Indian Space-Travel, effecting elongation of Life, is told elaborately. Indian thoughts about the death and how it can be conquered are published.
18. Antarctica and America were known to ancient Indians of Ramayana era. Daityas went by Aero planes to South America during pre-Ramayana era. Evidence brought forwards.
19. Proved all the steps of thousand years from the Vedas of 23720 BC to Varahmihir of 520 AD.
20. Astronomy in India, since Vedas, elaborately established.
21. Time-measuring-science of ancient India computing astronomy and Meteorology elaborated.
22. Force of Gravitation in the Rigveda, Prashnopanishad, and Shankaracharya explained.
23. Seven Energy bands in the Mundakopanishad and Tachyons explained.
24. Panch-Kosha theory is proved to be very scientific.
25. It is clearly proved that the Fall of Abhijit Nakshatra [star Vega] as recorded in the Mahabharata was a fact of 14000 years ago.
26. It is proved that the twelve Signs of zodiac were known to the Rigveda and were in use.
27. Presence of Ishwara i.e. the supreme energy controlling the Universe is proved scientifically by studying the nature.
28. Experienced the contraction of space and time due to high velocity in the space, on the planet Jupiter.
29. Vedic thought on Time.
30. Horoscopes of Shivaji, Bajirao the great, Saint Dnyaneshwar, Shri Krishna, Ramadas Swami, and Janardan Swami are prepared.
31. Discovered that Kaikayi was a good natured woman, she really loved Ram, but taking part in the national conspiracy to defeat Ravan, she took the brunt on her and accepted bad name.
32. Ravan was a good natured gentleman. Rama humiliated his sister, so he revenged by abducting Seeta. Ravan did not touch her, though she was in his possession for one year. On the last day he could have raped her and cut her nose, ears and breasts; but being a gentleman, he did not do that foul act.
33. Exposed true sense of the words Ruta-Satya, Vyahruti, Akasha-Prakasha, Vasu, Pouganda, Gagana, Hiranmaya Patra, Chamas, Apana, etc.
34. Discovered that Ahalya was not turned in to a stone and did not become human by touch of Rama’s foot. She was doing penance. She hosted Rama and Laxman with Vishwamitra.
35. Nala Wanara built a Setu for Rama to go to Lanka. It was wooden. Rocks were cut with machines and thrown in the sea, they submerged in to the sea and on that foundation a bridge was erected, using trees. Valmiki and Vyasa give credit of building Setu to Nala. But later devotees erased Nala’s name and inserted Rama’s name.
36. Shabari was a hermit; she did not give fruits to Rama after tasting herself. She awaited Rama and hosted Rama with hospitality, because she knew that Rama was coming and she was to guide him properly. She was a part of the conspiracy of sages to defeat Ravana.
37. Saptalokas i.e. seven worlds from ancient literature defined according to modern science.
38. Shown that Valmiki has described the trident found in the South America, in Peru, on Mount Andes at the Bay of Pisco. His description matches exactly with the Trident.
39. Many riddles from the Mahabharata are solved giving logical explanations.
40. It is proved that the planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are described by Vyasa under the names Shweta, Shyama, and Teevra. Calculations are given to prove their sites during 5561BC.
41. Proved that Vyasa knew that life elongates by space travel. It is told by Einstein, recently.
42. Proved that the force of Gravitation is recorded in the Rigveda, the Prashnopanishad (during 6000 BC) and the commentary done by Adi Shankaracharya on Prashnopanishad (during 800 AD). India knew it at least 1000 years before Newton. The effects of the Earth’s gravitation on a human being is told by the Prashnopanishad and Shankaracharya, which were not known to Newton.
43. Shown that the Mahabharata records Shalva’s aeroplane and parachute.
44. Shown how scientific is the system of division of society in four Varnas. The four Varnas are present even today all over the world. Much later the system got corrupted.
45. Solved the riddle of the Sunset happening twice on 29th October 5561 BC, when Jayadratha was killed. It was not a divine miracle done by Krishna, but was a physical phenomenon caused by refraction of the Sunrays, like the mirage.
46. Proved how solar and lunar eclipse happened in one month before the Mahabharata war.
47. Shown that ‘Krukalas’ a giant lizard killed by Krishna was a dinosaur. Archaeologists laughed at the concept in 1971, but now in 2002 dinosaur’s eggs and remnants are found near Dwaraka.
48. Shown that the Daityas flied in aeroplanes to Patala, which was the name of America, then.
49. Shown that the Daityas, Rakshasas, Vanaras, Bears were all humna beings.
50. Shown that the description of the Yama Loka given by Valmiki, as a white land, at the south end of the Earth, having fierce darkness, is that of Antarctic. Proved that Valmiki had knowledge of the whole of the Earth. All the four directions are eruditely described by Valmiki.
51. Proved that the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana is composed by Valmiuki himself as an appendix.
52. The dates of almost 50 incidents from the Ramayana are fixed by astronomical mathematics.
53. Described history of about 8000 years before Rama of 7323 BC.
54. Shown that ‘Dhundhu’ Rakshasa described by Valmiki in Ramayana was a Volcano.
55. Shown that Kumbhakarna was a mechanical Robot, driven by the brother of Ravana. Shown that the Robots are also described in the ‘Samarangana Sootradhara’ compiled by Raja Bhoja during 1050 AD. Aeroplane flying due to energy derived from Mercury is described by this book. A lift taking a man to the fifth floor is also described in this book.
56. Sage Agasti knew electricity. He has described a modified Daniel cell. He describes electroplating and production of Oxygen and Hydrogen from water. Hydrogen was used to inflate a balloon, which could take a sedan into air.
57. The basic principle of physics that Heat expands and cold contracts is told by the Mundakopanishad, showing much wider sense.
58. Shown that at death life does not go away, but Prana goes away. Due to this fact transplant operations get success. Full differentiation is given of Atman, Brahman, Prana, Jeeva (life) etc.
59. Shown mistakes in the theory of evolution proposed by Darwin.
60. A true case of Rebirth is examined in 2004 and proved that Rebirth is a fact, not a fiction. Shown that after death of a person, his Prana can see and take interest in the surroundings.
61. Shown how true is the Upanishadic statement that death is the third genesis. A person takes three births; the first from the father when he comes out of father’s body in the form of a sperm, second from the mother in the form of a foetus, and the third birth takes place when he comes out from his own body. The coming out of Prana from a physical body is called as death, which in fact is the third birth.
62. Shown that the Aitereya Upanishad tells 16 functions of brain, which science has to admit.
63. The concealed meanings of Ishopanishadic Mantras are explained by science.
64. Eight important Upanishads are explained eruditely and scientifically.
65. The Buddhi Yoga from the Geeta is exposed eruditely. No scholar has done it so far.
66. Scientific experiments are done to prove Yoga and Adhyatma as a science.
67. Proved that the story of Krishna’s producing many clothings to protect Draupadi is fake.
68. Shown how Veer Savarkar behaved throughout his life following the Geeta.
69. Shown that Hanuman was a brave human being. He was not a slave (Dasa) of Rama.
70. Shown that solar seasonal months were in use with lunar months in India for 10000 years.
71. Proved the existence of five subtle bodies by performing experiments of Astral travel to the planets Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The reports found true when the spaceships gave their reports. The capacities of the five Koshas are well explained. Have travelled to another solar system by Anandmaya Kosh and saw a human being there on a planet.
72. Proved that physical science can be achieved by Yoga and Adhyatma.
73. Shown that Mind can exist and work without the brain.
74. The functions of the internal four entities [Antahkarana Chatushtaya] clarified nicely. These four are Mana (mind), Buddhi (intelligence), Ahamkar and Chitta.
75. Proved how scientific was the thought of Atri, when he said that the eclipse takes place due to ‘Swarbhanu’. ‘Bha’ + ‘Anu’ means the follower of light, which is shadow. This shadow is in Swar i.e. the space or the sky. Shadow of the Moon causes solar eclipse, while the shadow of the Earth causes the lunar eclipse. Atri tells that all the planets see eclipses, which is true.
76. Proved that the Hindus originated the weekday system in India during 8357 BC or before.
77. Proved that ‘Ambarish’ means the one who was thrown out (Isha) from the Earth in the sky (Ambar). Hence it is another name of Trishanku, who was sent to the heavens by Vishwamitra.
78. The proper meaning of ‘Brahmacharya’ is unveiled. Its present meaning to avoid sexual relation totally is wrong. For support instances from the Mahabharata are given.
79. Bheema’s height (7 feet) and girth of chest (about 65 inches) is discovered.
80. Ages if Bhishma, Krishna, Arjuna, etc are fixed.
81. Hanuman went to Lanka swimming in the sea, but returned by flying in the sky.
82. Hanuman appeared before Bheema by Astral Body, not by physical body.
83. Bheema was better in archery then Rama, Lakshman, Arjuna, Karna, etc. because he defeated Alambush Rakshasa, who was in the sky. Ram had collapsed when Indrajit attacked from the sky.
84. Krishna did not lift a mountain, he advised to hide in a cave of a mountain to save from torrential rains and floods.
85. Kalia was not a serpent, but a man, a human being.
86. Nagas injected Bheema some medicine, so he come back to consciousness. Nagas were proved to be human beings.
87. Bheema alone fought successfully against Narayana Astra.
88. Narayana Astra was a poisonous gas.
89. Bheema did not do any foul in breaking Duryodhona’s thighs. That duel was fought on the basic point that Bheema was to break Duryodhona’s thigh. That aim was fixed 13 years earlier.
90. Bheema corrected Krishna’s mistake too. Bheema dragged Duryodhana out of a pond. Then Yudhishthira asked him to fight with any Pandawa. Krishna got furious with the folly of Yadhishthira and said, “If he selects you, what will happen? Hearing this, Duryodhana might have been alerted and challenged Yudhishthira for duel and won. But Bheema immediately challenged Duryodhana and began duel. By saying so, Krishna might have become the cause of Pandava’s ruin.
91. Krishna suggested to tell Dronacharya that his son Ashwatthama died. In spite of that news from Yudhishthira, Drona continued battle. Krishna admitted defeat of his plan and kept quiet. But Bheema went to Drona and said “Why is he fighting and for whom ? His son is dead, then for whom is he doing sins of violence ?” Hearing this Drona kept his weapon down and was killed. Bheema got success.
92. Krishna did not escape from the wrath of Gandhari, though he cried loudly. But Bheema talked quietly but firmly to Gandhari and made her accept her mistakes in not controlling Duryodhana & Dusshasana at right time.
93. Dr. Vartak first showed that Bheema had defeated Bhishma, Drona, Krupa, Karna etc. in duels with archery.
94. Scholars usually suppose that Krishna saved the life of Bheema, by pushing his statue before Dhrutarashtra. But Dr. Vartak shows that Bheema would have killed Dhruturashtra, when he tried to grasp him with tremendous force. Bheema had escaped from clutches of many Rakshasas. Hence he was not to die of Dhrutarashtra’s grasp. So Krishna saved Bheema from the act of killing his uncle.
95. Showed that Bheema was really superior to Duryodhana in Mace-fight. First Duryodhana did ‘Adharma’, thrice and then only Bheema break his thighs.
96. Proved that it is a misconception that Bhishma, Drona an Kripa had full sympathy about Pandawas and were on their side, by mind. All the three were totally against Pandawas.
97. Showed that Bhishma was wrong in supporting Kauravas. He was not a servant of Dhruturashtra, but was a servant of Kaurava Throne. He had to save the honour of the throne. But he failed and saw the harassment of Draupadi in front of the throne.
98. Proved boldly that Krishna was totally wrong in dealing Draupadi with Karna and saying that she would become Karna’s wife.
99. Proved that Krishna was defeated many times before Jarasandha and had to leave Mathura, because of his terror.
100. Proved that only Bheema was capable of killing Jarasandha. Bheema told the plan of killing Jarasandh in wrestling, which Krishna accepted and got full success.
101. Bheema had become the emperor by killing the emperor Jarasandha; but leniently he gave the empire to his elder brother, who lost it in playing dice.
102. Shown that ‘Sati’ is not the Vedic tradition. It was not in Ramayana period. The Mahabharata mentions it as an exception.
103. Discovered from Valmiki Ramayana that Hanuman was born on Amavasya and not on Pournima, as generally believed by all scholars and saints.
104. Shown that the name ‘Hanuman’ is derived from ‘Hanu’, which means a weapon. The one who holds that weapon is ‘Hanuman’.
105. Discovered the vital clue of Shanti Mantra, and composed a Shanti Mantra for the current period.
106. It is shown that the Deity Indra means Atman, who is the king of other Deities which are energies of the sense organs.
107. On 21 Sept.1995, a news spread like fire all over the world that Shri Ganesh drinks milk. Dr. Vartak proved that not only milk, but water is also drunk, not only by Ganesh, but any idol of any Deity can do it provided that there is a pointed part like our chin. Proved that it happens on any day and any time. Proved that it was a miracle, not divine, but physical.
108. Explained how the philosophical statements about Kala (Time) are scientifically correct.
109. Clarified the concept of Apana Vayu and explained its functions according to science. Proved scientifically that Apana is the cause of death and how it begins its work in the second month of intrauterine life.
110. Shown that the gravitation force of the Earth really helps Apana Vayu in its functions, as is told in the Prashnopanishad. Shown that Prashnopanishad, first, clearly mentioned about the gravitation force of the Earth during 6000 BC. Shankaracharya (800AD) also has explained it showing its effect on the physical body, which Newton had not thought of.
111. Has shown that using Devanagari script a machine can be prepared which can print whatever we talk. Every pronunciation is represented in Devanagari script by one symbol and that symbol has only one pronunciation. One pronunciation has got a special typical pattern of sound waves. If we feed the patterns to a computer, it will print whatever we talk.
112. Shown that ‘Only the Truth wins said the Upanishads’; but later many people followed a wrong path, much away from the truth. Examples of Harischandra, Yudhishthira, Rama, Krishna, many Saints and Gandhiji are given showing how they followed falsehood under the veil of truth. Because of these great personalities common men followed the same wrong path and ruined the Hindu nation.
113. Shown with the help of modern science that the statement of the Bhagawata is true that the foetus in the fifth month of intrauterine life experiences hunger and thirst.
114. Shown that the Sushruta Samhita was first written around 4000 BC, and its second revised edition was composed around 1840 BC. The evidence is based on the seasons described in the Samhita.
115. The date of Patanjali is also established as 5000 BC, on solid grounds.
116. Shown how baseless are the statements of the western scholars about the epic Mahabharat.
117. Shown the mistakes in the basic principles in archeological science.
118. Shown that the Mohenjadaro and Harappa cultures were Vedic in origin, because the tablet found there shows a picture of two birds on a tree, one eating a fruit while other just looking at it. This picture has its base in the Mundaka Upanishad.
119. Exposed the mistakes of Sir Mortimer Wheeler and Sankalia done in dating the Indian culture such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana period etc.
120. Given rational meaning to ‘Atharvangirasa’. Atharva means steady, immobile. Angirasa means Vayu or atmosphere. Atharvangirasa means the layer of the atmosphere, which is steady. It means the highest strata of the atmosphere or Suva or Dyuloka.
121. Have done some research about the existence after death and ghosts, and convinced about both.
122. Given rational meaning to ‘Atharvangirasa’. Atharva means steady, immobile. Angirasa means Vayu or atmosphere. Atharvangirasa means the layer of the atmosphere, which is steady. It means the highest strata of the atmosphere or Suva or Dyuloka.
123. Feelings ‘Sukha, Dukha and Anand’ are differentiated and defined
124. Have done some research about the existence after death and ghosts, and convinced about both.
125. Difference between ‘Deva’ and ‘Ishwara’ is clearly shown. Deva means the God, but Ishwara means the unique, prime and basic energy working behind the Universe.
126. Shown that the Konkanashth Brahmins have not come from outside India. They belong to India from Vedic era. They follow the Taittiriya Samhita.
127. Shown that the Aryas spread from India to all over the world.
128. Shown that the concept of the Arctic Home in the Vedas is totally wrong.
129. Brought forward boldly the Ishopanishad’s philosophy that if only the spirituality is followed a person and nation gets ruined. Balance between the spirituality and physical science with practical reality helps to survive in the world.
130. Three rational meanings of the 15th Mantra of the Ishopanishad are presented. It says that the golden vase shuts up the mouth of reality.
Tribes Gather - Chapter Seven
He awoke suddenly and disoriented. How long had he been hallucinating? When did he fall asleep? Still blank-eyed, he rolled out of bed to check up on the navigation metrics.
The one man ship that had been given to him was one of the best in its class. It was powered by the ancient but much reliable anti-gravitic propulsion system, with a quantum microniser to boot. The ship’s titanium alloy hull protected it against much of the space debris that came its way. With the disorientation showing no signs of letting up, he made his way towards the cubicle that he called a washroom.
The entheogen was still running strong in his system, and as he looked into the mirror he could sense his left eye melting and reemerging onto his face. For some reason his nose seemed inclined to fall below his mouth and the right eye brow wanted to merge with his jet black locks of wavy long hair. Each of his earlobes drooped in a way that would have put a Ruulin’s lobe to shame, and his adam’s apple was undecided about its proper position in his throat. Enjoying this bizarre assault on his senses, he lifted up his hands to reflect in the mirror. The left one had shrunk to the size of what his fist would have been on normal size, while the right one was showing the impulse to inflate.
From somewhere on the internal hull behind him, his own face, without the hallucinatory morphing, emerged expressionless. His real self was drawn to the image and all of a sudden he was confused as to which one of him was real. He observed the new image: deep eyes with a dark brown iris and black pupil to match his long black hair; a sharp, attractive nose and equally sharp chin. He was on the verge of deciding that the image was his real self, and not the ever morphing reflection in the mirror, when the image began making small adjustments. He watched, mesmerised, as the nose went back in a bit, hair receded in length, and iris changed colour to pale blue. He gasped in surprise. Father!
How are you my son? To his already perplexed auditory sense, the voice seemed to come from right within him, echoing painfully along each vein and artery as it passed through.
“What is happening to me?” He cried out loud, making his eardrums vibrate with agonising cruelty.
Do not be alarmed my son! You are safe! I am here to help you settle your thoughts.
Wishing for this new hallucination stop, he dragged himself to his bed and fell onto it. Gathering his heat-inducing wrapper around him he closed his eyes, hoping that he would fall asleep.
Karunik! The so far calm and soothing voice was harsh this time, and it made him open his eyes with a jerk.
Overpower your diluted senses boy! Is this how a Tridarthi takes his soma?
He felt a little orientation seep into him. Where are you father?
Around you, inside you, as always…my son.
Trying to ignore the growing sensation that his tongue had suddenly disappeared, he sat up and looked around at the hull surrounding him. It was shrinking towards him and receding back like a calm tide. Through a window next to his bed he stared out at the light of stars that would periodically blind the vision.
Home is a long way away Karun. And you must take numerous detours.
He was getting used to the voice now, and was replying by his own thoughts.
As I always knew I must father, but what is this new challenge opening up for me?
Not everything is in our control son, if it ever was. The same forces that thwarted our expansion millennia ago are awakening even as we open our eyes once again.
And am I to face these forces unprepared? Alone?
Never! Do you think I would let my son, crown prince of the entire Manushya race, wade his way through unknown lanes of this universe unaided and unprotected? No, I am working on our lines in this great script even as we speak.
And what is the next step for me father? Where shall I go to risk my life now?
Do not mock your Father-King Karunik! I ask you to do what is only your duty to! You have a responsibility towards your people, and to fulfill it is all they ask of you.
Karunik bowed his head, the effects of the entheogen now almost gone, to be replaced by the feeling of resentment that was as much a part of him as his blood. But I tire father, tire of seeing our race manipulate our own children such. And I tire of being at the helm of this deceit that we are concocting.
It is not a deceit Karunik. You must stop thinking of them as our own children, they are such children that would rip the intestines of their own progenitors. They do not remembers us, and they do not recognise us. Will you stand up to your duty Crown Prince?
Reluctantly, he nodded.
He could not see it, but he sensed his father smiling. I have faith in you my son. You must now make your way to the Ruulin world, where a threat looms that would destroy all our best laid plans.
The one man ship that had been given to him was one of the best in its class. It was powered by the ancient but much reliable anti-gravitic propulsion system, with a quantum microniser to boot. The ship’s titanium alloy hull protected it against much of the space debris that came its way. With the disorientation showing no signs of letting up, he made his way towards the cubicle that he called a washroom.
The entheogen was still running strong in his system, and as he looked into the mirror he could sense his left eye melting and reemerging onto his face. For some reason his nose seemed inclined to fall below his mouth and the right eye brow wanted to merge with his jet black locks of wavy long hair. Each of his earlobes drooped in a way that would have put a Ruulin’s lobe to shame, and his adam’s apple was undecided about its proper position in his throat. Enjoying this bizarre assault on his senses, he lifted up his hands to reflect in the mirror. The left one had shrunk to the size of what his fist would have been on normal size, while the right one was showing the impulse to inflate.
From somewhere on the internal hull behind him, his own face, without the hallucinatory morphing, emerged expressionless. His real self was drawn to the image and all of a sudden he was confused as to which one of him was real. He observed the new image: deep eyes with a dark brown iris and black pupil to match his long black hair; a sharp, attractive nose and equally sharp chin. He was on the verge of deciding that the image was his real self, and not the ever morphing reflection in the mirror, when the image began making small adjustments. He watched, mesmerised, as the nose went back in a bit, hair receded in length, and iris changed colour to pale blue. He gasped in surprise. Father!
How are you my son? To his already perplexed auditory sense, the voice seemed to come from right within him, echoing painfully along each vein and artery as it passed through.
“What is happening to me?” He cried out loud, making his eardrums vibrate with agonising cruelty.
Do not be alarmed my son! You are safe! I am here to help you settle your thoughts.
Wishing for this new hallucination stop, he dragged himself to his bed and fell onto it. Gathering his heat-inducing wrapper around him he closed his eyes, hoping that he would fall asleep.
Karunik! The so far calm and soothing voice was harsh this time, and it made him open his eyes with a jerk.
Overpower your diluted senses boy! Is this how a Tridarthi takes his soma?
He felt a little orientation seep into him. Where are you father?
Around you, inside you, as always…my son.
Trying to ignore the growing sensation that his tongue had suddenly disappeared, he sat up and looked around at the hull surrounding him. It was shrinking towards him and receding back like a calm tide. Through a window next to his bed he stared out at the light of stars that would periodically blind the vision.
Home is a long way away Karun. And you must take numerous detours.
He was getting used to the voice now, and was replying by his own thoughts.
As I always knew I must father, but what is this new challenge opening up for me?
Not everything is in our control son, if it ever was. The same forces that thwarted our expansion millennia ago are awakening even as we open our eyes once again.
And am I to face these forces unprepared? Alone?
Never! Do you think I would let my son, crown prince of the entire Manushya race, wade his way through unknown lanes of this universe unaided and unprotected? No, I am working on our lines in this great script even as we speak.
And what is the next step for me father? Where shall I go to risk my life now?
Do not mock your Father-King Karunik! I ask you to do what is only your duty to! You have a responsibility towards your people, and to fulfill it is all they ask of you.
Karunik bowed his head, the effects of the entheogen now almost gone, to be replaced by the feeling of resentment that was as much a part of him as his blood. But I tire father, tire of seeing our race manipulate our own children such. And I tire of being at the helm of this deceit that we are concocting.
It is not a deceit Karunik. You must stop thinking of them as our own children, they are such children that would rip the intestines of their own progenitors. They do not remembers us, and they do not recognise us. Will you stand up to your duty Crown Prince?
Reluctantly, he nodded.
He could not see it, but he sensed his father smiling. I have faith in you my son. You must now make your way to the Ruulin world, where a threat looms that would destroy all our best laid plans.
Tribes Gather - Chapter Six
By the time Jnufin reached the secret hideout, the drizzling had stopped and the sky was lit orange by the rising star, and the largest satellite lent a faint blue haze to the sky. The journey, although drawn out, had been a smooth one. He had to circle back every now and then and cover his tracks to ensure that he wasn’t being followed. This wasn’t particularly difficult in the many tunnels and turnings of Itharca. When he reached, he saw that others had made their way there like him.
Pguna Vyoo was the first to speak, “phase one has been a success friends. We managed to get the uramine coatings onto those hydroldiers, as communicated to us by Jnufin.” He nodded towards him. “By now most of the hydroldiers that can be salvaged would have reached their outpost and we can be quite certain that the contamination is going to spread.”
“Yes,” added Kluvik Refuge, “but the journey is only beginning. It’s going to be a long wait till the contamination reaches their galaxy. Only then can we hope to trigger the atoms into implosion. And we haven’t even worked out yet how exactly we’re going to do that.”
“I agree Kluvik, but at least it is a start.” Replied Pguna. “Haven’t we all decided that we are weary of the wary circling we indulge in? By the time the contamination reaches the Polna galaxy we would have found a concrete way to trigger the implosions.”
“How can you be sure of that Pguna?” Challenged Kluvik.
Jnufin was losing interest. This happened almost always. Pguna and Kluvik would get into a game of one-upmanship and nothing of substance would really be discussed. It is fortunate that there are people who agree with me on how to deal with the Ruulins, he thought absently. But it is unfortunate that most of these people are fucking thick-headed and useless.
He continued in the vein for a while, till Kluvik directed a question at him and broke into his thoughts: “And what report do you have from your commander Tr. Tyubna?”
Jnufin ignored the stab at his low ranking. “Nothing new Kluvik. His orders are still the same- no direct engagement. We are to keep a loss of both Yitaku and Ruulin lives minimum, and let our machines die for us. But he does grow restless. Had he been any different I would have feared that he would disobey the Elders’ direct orders, but Commander Hgul would not disobey an Elder at any cost.”
“I am yet to decide if his unassertiveness is consoling or not. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have him and his fleet on our side Jnufin.” Suggested Kluvik.
“And it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have our leaders support us either Kluvik,” mocked Pguna, “but we obviously have limited allies, so we’re going to have to do with what we have.” He concluded with a look that indicated to all present that it was Kluvik that was unsettling him the most.
Here they go again. Thought Jnufin resignedly.
On another side of the planet, Commander Hgul was in bed with an attractive woyitaku he had picked up from Orgtown, the planet’s red light district. Light was breaking into the room through the unshielded observation shaft and falling on her smooth waist. She had fallen asleep after making love for the fourth time, and that gave him the time and privacy to open up his personal palm computer. An unidentified face showed on the screen, talking to him through an earpiece that was permanently implanted within his earlobe.
“I have it from a trusted source that Elder Ikyutha is getting restless; even he tires from the constant attack and dodge we’re playing,” said an unidentified face. Grim lines stretched along his face running down from below his eyes to the chin. The eyes themselves were a lesson in intimidation, and his taut jaw indicated that he was not a Yitaku to be messed with.
“The crew here shares that sentiment yitak. Every fucking member wants a more direct action. Hell, I’d love to see that happening myself!”
“Keep them, and yourself, in line though Uykin. It’s one thing to know that Ikyutha might be coming around to our line of thinking, it’s another thing altogether to fall out of his current orders,” warned the voice. Hgul did not miss the fact that he avoided the use of the mandatory ‘Elder’ title this time.
“And why are you so fucking eager to see us toe the line you fawg?”
“Commander Uykin! Do not forget you who talk to!”
“Oh I know it well Semi-Elder Yukath, but why do you forget that we both know your true ambitions? It is no secret that you want Elder Ikyutha’s place you slimy gaskow.”
The face shook his head in a barefaced expression of disappointment. “This threatens to bring us to the end of ways Hgul. Long have I suffered your insolence and catered to your whims. I can do without men like you, who are better off dumped on an uninhabited planet fending themselves against the elements.”
Hgul laughed mockingly, “Do not kid yourself Yukath. You need me and I need you, so you’re gonna have to ‘suffer my insolence’ as long as required. If you can summon that from within your bloated ego then I have some news of importance to you.”
Semi-Elder Yukath was silent for a while, then he nodded. And then followed a most curious of grins from Hgul.
Pguna Vyoo was the first to speak, “phase one has been a success friends. We managed to get the uramine coatings onto those hydroldiers, as communicated to us by Jnufin.” He nodded towards him. “By now most of the hydroldiers that can be salvaged would have reached their outpost and we can be quite certain that the contamination is going to spread.”
“Yes,” added Kluvik Refuge, “but the journey is only beginning. It’s going to be a long wait till the contamination reaches their galaxy. Only then can we hope to trigger the atoms into implosion. And we haven’t even worked out yet how exactly we’re going to do that.”
“I agree Kluvik, but at least it is a start.” Replied Pguna. “Haven’t we all decided that we are weary of the wary circling we indulge in? By the time the contamination reaches the Polna galaxy we would have found a concrete way to trigger the implosions.”
“How can you be sure of that Pguna?” Challenged Kluvik.
Jnufin was losing interest. This happened almost always. Pguna and Kluvik would get into a game of one-upmanship and nothing of substance would really be discussed. It is fortunate that there are people who agree with me on how to deal with the Ruulins, he thought absently. But it is unfortunate that most of these people are fucking thick-headed and useless.
He continued in the vein for a while, till Kluvik directed a question at him and broke into his thoughts: “And what report do you have from your commander Tr. Tyubna?”
Jnufin ignored the stab at his low ranking. “Nothing new Kluvik. His orders are still the same- no direct engagement. We are to keep a loss of both Yitaku and Ruulin lives minimum, and let our machines die for us. But he does grow restless. Had he been any different I would have feared that he would disobey the Elders’ direct orders, but Commander Hgul would not disobey an Elder at any cost.”
“I am yet to decide if his unassertiveness is consoling or not. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have him and his fleet on our side Jnufin.” Suggested Kluvik.
“And it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have our leaders support us either Kluvik,” mocked Pguna, “but we obviously have limited allies, so we’re going to have to do with what we have.” He concluded with a look that indicated to all present that it was Kluvik that was unsettling him the most.
Here they go again. Thought Jnufin resignedly.
On another side of the planet, Commander Hgul was in bed with an attractive woyitaku he had picked up from Orgtown, the planet’s red light district. Light was breaking into the room through the unshielded observation shaft and falling on her smooth waist. She had fallen asleep after making love for the fourth time, and that gave him the time and privacy to open up his personal palm computer. An unidentified face showed on the screen, talking to him through an earpiece that was permanently implanted within his earlobe.
“I have it from a trusted source that Elder Ikyutha is getting restless; even he tires from the constant attack and dodge we’re playing,” said an unidentified face. Grim lines stretched along his face running down from below his eyes to the chin. The eyes themselves were a lesson in intimidation, and his taut jaw indicated that he was not a Yitaku to be messed with.
“The crew here shares that sentiment yitak. Every fucking member wants a more direct action. Hell, I’d love to see that happening myself!”
“Keep them, and yourself, in line though Uykin. It’s one thing to know that Ikyutha might be coming around to our line of thinking, it’s another thing altogether to fall out of his current orders,” warned the voice. Hgul did not miss the fact that he avoided the use of the mandatory ‘Elder’ title this time.
“And why are you so fucking eager to see us toe the line you fawg?”
“Commander Uykin! Do not forget you who talk to!”
“Oh I know it well Semi-Elder Yukath, but why do you forget that we both know your true ambitions? It is no secret that you want Elder Ikyutha’s place you slimy gaskow.”
The face shook his head in a barefaced expression of disappointment. “This threatens to bring us to the end of ways Hgul. Long have I suffered your insolence and catered to your whims. I can do without men like you, who are better off dumped on an uninhabited planet fending themselves against the elements.”
Hgul laughed mockingly, “Do not kid yourself Yukath. You need me and I need you, so you’re gonna have to ‘suffer my insolence’ as long as required. If you can summon that from within your bloated ego then I have some news of importance to you.”
Semi-Elder Yukath was silent for a while, then he nodded. And then followed a most curious of grins from Hgul.
Drink?
which would you prefer? Ouisghian Zodah? Jynnan Tonix? Or Rumank Oak?
(shamelessly inspired by Mr. Adams)
(shamelessly inspired by Mr. Adams)
Dec 17, 2007
Tribes Gather - Chapter Five
It was most definitely an alien species. We ran a check on the brain wavelengths and it matched no known race, said (or thought) Kiyana. Infrared scans indicate that it was a bipedal.
Match no known race? Ouyina’s emphasis on ‘known race’ was unmistakeable. His raised eyebrows made it more pronounced. Well this is certainly unprecedented. Did we manage track where it went?
That wasn’t possible Ouy. One moment it was registering normally on our scans, the next moment it was gone. And so was a battledrone.
Ouyina’s eyes light up with interest. A battledrone was missing too?
Kiyana nodded.
So our unknown friend is interested in this war. He said while absently scanning the vista of the Ruulinian outpost. Situated on the Tenth Planet of this star system, it was by far the most hostile to life, if you weren’t a Ruulin that is. For this sturdy and steadfast species however, taming it was a piece of cake; especially if the taming was undertaken by the best of its military and technology.
From his observation bay Ouyina could see numerous ships docking at the main hangar. No doubt they were returning what was left of their hydroldiers. High speed tunnels zig-zagged their way through the hastily built structures and compounds to make a capable transport system. Within these tunnels one-ruulin or two-ruulin jets shuttled between the major camps. Tycine powered lamps made up for the fading light of the distant star that ruled this system.
As he saw the entire machinery and military on work, preparing for another attack, or a retreat, or maybe both, Ouyina wondered what the arrival of a new species on the scene meant. This is surely something to get the superiors agitated. I’ll relay it to them and let them worry about. My concern is regarding our hydroldiers Kiya, so what can you tell me?
Yea we’re making progress on that. We detected some foreign implants in a few of our hydroldiers- a chemical residue that was sticking to their analysers and interfering with most of their processes. It wasn’t something about that planet that was working against us, it was someone or something from outside.
Ouyina took a deep sigh. Why is all this becoming so complicated right before my eyes oh Krishna? Hydroldiers failing, indications of tampering, alien species and missing battledrones. This was supposed to be a routine engagement. Cleanse the planet of Yitakus and establish a Ruulin base.
This is no time to despair Ouy. You’ve been through worse haven’t you? Do you not remember the Hol assignment?
Another sigh, this one much deeper. I remember it well. It was on that Krishna-forsaken assignment that I lost my brothers. I saw the extent of Yitaku viciousness and the depths to which they will sink to have things their way. Memories flooded Ouyina. Memories that he had long buried in some deep cavern of his mind. Memories that Kiyana had now caused to surface.
Hol, megahub of the Ruulin race, pride of its leaders. Home to thirty five billion adults alone, let alone the children. Within its gigantic and imposing utam-glass shroud, Hol was the center of Ruulin arts and culture. It had never in history been attacked, and any attack was only likely to fail. It was on Hol that every uber-technology ever conceived was given shape and application. Knowledge of the ways in which it was protected was not known to its own people; that was the privilege of a select few: the Ruulin Elite.
To the adolescent Ouyina, residing with his family on a remote asteroid on the outer fringes of the Hol star system, planet Hol was no less than a mythical figure of awe and wonder. When he applied to join the Ruulin intergalactic protection force, he secretly hoped that one day he will get to visit Hol itself. The hope was only strengthened (partly by envy) when both his brothers, Uuyina and Euyina, were short listed by the Hol Megauniversity for their higher studies. While Ouyina struggled through the military, jumping from planet to planet warding off Yitaku attacks or penetrating into their territory, his brothers were living their common childhood dream of walking among the terraganglions of Hol.
You look disturbed Ouy. Was I not supposed to bring this up? Many Ruulins would have given their right arm (or both) to hear such a concern for them in Kiyana’s voice.
Ouyina chuckled gently. Perfectly all right Kiya. Maybe I needed that, to remember how much I hate these Yitakus. Maybe I can use the angst to find new ways of damaging them.
But as he lay in his sleeping chamber that night, Ouyina was reminded that the memories of Hol also brought nightmares. The same ones everytime. Young Ruulins, drenched in the blood of their parents, running away from the monsters the Yitakus had sent. Their dead parents lying scattered in the cities, their internals ripped out without discrimination. Screams of terror threatening to break the utam-glass shroud itself, and the numerous artificial streams turning red even as he stood helpless in his ship, waiting for a command that never came.
And in his nightmares, within that chaos, he would see his brothers, bleeding hearts held in their fists, and a hollow look in their eyes. But the nightmares would show him what was behind that hollowness. Each time he would see that, Ouyina Ruul, Campaign Commander for the Ruulin efforts in the Milky Way, would wake up with a piercing scream that rivaled the screams of those long dead children.
Match no known race? Ouyina’s emphasis on ‘known race’ was unmistakeable. His raised eyebrows made it more pronounced. Well this is certainly unprecedented. Did we manage track where it went?
That wasn’t possible Ouy. One moment it was registering normally on our scans, the next moment it was gone. And so was a battledrone.
Ouyina’s eyes light up with interest. A battledrone was missing too?
Kiyana nodded.
So our unknown friend is interested in this war. He said while absently scanning the vista of the Ruulinian outpost. Situated on the Tenth Planet of this star system, it was by far the most hostile to life, if you weren’t a Ruulin that is. For this sturdy and steadfast species however, taming it was a piece of cake; especially if the taming was undertaken by the best of its military and technology.
From his observation bay Ouyina could see numerous ships docking at the main hangar. No doubt they were returning what was left of their hydroldiers. High speed tunnels zig-zagged their way through the hastily built structures and compounds to make a capable transport system. Within these tunnels one-ruulin or two-ruulin jets shuttled between the major camps. Tycine powered lamps made up for the fading light of the distant star that ruled this system.
As he saw the entire machinery and military on work, preparing for another attack, or a retreat, or maybe both, Ouyina wondered what the arrival of a new species on the scene meant. This is surely something to get the superiors agitated. I’ll relay it to them and let them worry about. My concern is regarding our hydroldiers Kiya, so what can you tell me?
Yea we’re making progress on that. We detected some foreign implants in a few of our hydroldiers- a chemical residue that was sticking to their analysers and interfering with most of their processes. It wasn’t something about that planet that was working against us, it was someone or something from outside.
Ouyina took a deep sigh. Why is all this becoming so complicated right before my eyes oh Krishna? Hydroldiers failing, indications of tampering, alien species and missing battledrones. This was supposed to be a routine engagement. Cleanse the planet of Yitakus and establish a Ruulin base.
This is no time to despair Ouy. You’ve been through worse haven’t you? Do you not remember the Hol assignment?
Another sigh, this one much deeper. I remember it well. It was on that Krishna-forsaken assignment that I lost my brothers. I saw the extent of Yitaku viciousness and the depths to which they will sink to have things their way. Memories flooded Ouyina. Memories that he had long buried in some deep cavern of his mind. Memories that Kiyana had now caused to surface.
Hol, megahub of the Ruulin race, pride of its leaders. Home to thirty five billion adults alone, let alone the children. Within its gigantic and imposing utam-glass shroud, Hol was the center of Ruulin arts and culture. It had never in history been attacked, and any attack was only likely to fail. It was on Hol that every uber-technology ever conceived was given shape and application. Knowledge of the ways in which it was protected was not known to its own people; that was the privilege of a select few: the Ruulin Elite.
To the adolescent Ouyina, residing with his family on a remote asteroid on the outer fringes of the Hol star system, planet Hol was no less than a mythical figure of awe and wonder. When he applied to join the Ruulin intergalactic protection force, he secretly hoped that one day he will get to visit Hol itself. The hope was only strengthened (partly by envy) when both his brothers, Uuyina and Euyina, were short listed by the Hol Megauniversity for their higher studies. While Ouyina struggled through the military, jumping from planet to planet warding off Yitaku attacks or penetrating into their territory, his brothers were living their common childhood dream of walking among the terraganglions of Hol.
You look disturbed Ouy. Was I not supposed to bring this up? Many Ruulins would have given their right arm (or both) to hear such a concern for them in Kiyana’s voice.
Ouyina chuckled gently. Perfectly all right Kiya. Maybe I needed that, to remember how much I hate these Yitakus. Maybe I can use the angst to find new ways of damaging them.
But as he lay in his sleeping chamber that night, Ouyina was reminded that the memories of Hol also brought nightmares. The same ones everytime. Young Ruulins, drenched in the blood of their parents, running away from the monsters the Yitakus had sent. Their dead parents lying scattered in the cities, their internals ripped out without discrimination. Screams of terror threatening to break the utam-glass shroud itself, and the numerous artificial streams turning red even as he stood helpless in his ship, waiting for a command that never came.
And in his nightmares, within that chaos, he would see his brothers, bleeding hearts held in their fists, and a hollow look in their eyes. But the nightmares would show him what was behind that hollowness. Each time he would see that, Ouyina Ruul, Campaign Commander for the Ruulin efforts in the Milky Way, would wake up with a piercing scream that rivaled the screams of those long dead children.
Dec 16, 2007
Tribes Gather - Chapter Four
“Do you have the information we need?” A curt monotonous voice broke through his earpiece.
“Yes,” he replied, in a tone that suggested he would match the curtness, “the drop was a success. I managed to get in, get the sample, and get out.”
“Good. This will be relayed to our leaders. You have done your job well.”
“I know. When will I get my break?”
“Now; your ship is waiting.”
Without another word he disconnected the line. He removed the earpiece and flung it to a far corner of the room. Gathering his belongings he packed them into the single container he owned. With one last look around the room, and satisfied that he was leaving behind nothing, he light up an entheogenic cigarette and left.
The wind outside was harsh and cold, and he tightened his cloak around him, pulling up the collar to cover his neck. The gale messed up his hair, and blew motes of dust into it. Trying to ignore that, he made his way towards to only ship that was visible, hoping that the voice on the earpiece hadn’t lied to him. He wouldn’t put it past it, because he was dealing with what he knew from experience was a very unreliable race.
But ship was his, and it was ready to leave as promised. Yet as he was leaving the atmosphere of the planet for what he hoped was the last time, he could help but feel a pang of fear, one that slowly crawled up his spine and seemed to enter his skull. His was a dangerous job, he knew that well, and instant death was a possibility that he had learnt to expect. What he did not expect was that he would be thrust into a multi-species war that was only brewing, and he certainly did not expect that he, Karunik Tridarthi, would suddenly be both the most dangerous as well as the most endangered being in the universe.
“Shiva damn it!” He thought.
“Yes,” he replied, in a tone that suggested he would match the curtness, “the drop was a success. I managed to get in, get the sample, and get out.”
“Good. This will be relayed to our leaders. You have done your job well.”
“I know. When will I get my break?”
“Now; your ship is waiting.”
Without another word he disconnected the line. He removed the earpiece and flung it to a far corner of the room. Gathering his belongings he packed them into the single container he owned. With one last look around the room, and satisfied that he was leaving behind nothing, he light up an entheogenic cigarette and left.
The wind outside was harsh and cold, and he tightened his cloak around him, pulling up the collar to cover his neck. The gale messed up his hair, and blew motes of dust into it. Trying to ignore that, he made his way towards to only ship that was visible, hoping that the voice on the earpiece hadn’t lied to him. He wouldn’t put it past it, because he was dealing with what he knew from experience was a very unreliable race.
But ship was his, and it was ready to leave as promised. Yet as he was leaving the atmosphere of the planet for what he hoped was the last time, he could help but feel a pang of fear, one that slowly crawled up his spine and seemed to enter his skull. His was a dangerous job, he knew that well, and instant death was a possibility that he had learnt to expect. What he did not expect was that he would be thrust into a multi-species war that was only brewing, and he certainly did not expect that he, Karunik Tridarthi, would suddenly be both the most dangerous as well as the most endangered being in the universe.
“Shiva damn it!” He thought.
Tribes Gather - Chapter Three
On another planet, one circled by thirty satellites (a few of them Yitaku-made), Pilot Jnufin Tyubna was slowly guiding his ship onto a landing strip. A light silico-carbic drizzle was falling outside, and inside his mind was reeling with the consequences of what he knew. The shaft behind him slid open, and his ship commander walked in with an unreadable expression on his face.
Commander Hgul Uykin was what you would call a typical Yitaku- almost seven feet tall with broad shoulders and a ripped built. His long jet black hair fell behind his neck as if he had commanded each strand into discipline. Crystal green eyes and a pointed nose that made for Yitakuans’ enhanced sense of smell. He took the seat next to Jnufin and began toying with the multidimensional Rubik’s cube that was the crew’s delight.
“Well the situation does seem to be under control doesn’t it?”
“Yes indeed Commander. Those damn hydroldiers sure gave us a hard time though. I wonder what the fuck they were made of.”
“Fucking Ruulinian technology and fucking Ruulins. Why doesn’t Elder Ikyutha just blast them off the damn galaxy? Fuck peace treaties and fuck ethical warfare!”
“You got the entire crew behind you on that one Commander. It’s not fun watching our battledrones being torn to pieces by those hydrofucks. Neither is it any consolation that they were saved by some defects in the hydroldiers themselves.”
“Yes and remind me to ask our technicians for some upgrades on the drones. I was talking to Designer Dvyuel and he told me that something in the hydroldiers didn’t really like the oxigina atmosphere. If we could get our battledrones equipped with some oxigina pods or maybe oxigina pressurised bullets that could get the fucking job done eh?”
“It’s definitely worth a try Commander. But it would be so much easier if we could attack their main ship directly. I’d like to see Ruulinian technology try itself against this baby we got here.”
“If only we could Jnufin, if only we could.”
Jnufin directed the ship onto its standing bay. We waited for the signal and then released the optotrok driven exit shafts. He waited for Commander Uykin to leave first, and then followed.
Once out of the hanger, he made his way through the tunnels of Itharca, the planet wherefrom the Yitukans were directing their attacks, in the personal transport issued to him. The Commander had one thing right; it would be simpler if the Ruulins were just blasted off the galaxy. But what he did not know was that there were some people already working towards that. And Jnufin Tyubna was one of them.
Commander Hgul Uykin was what you would call a typical Yitaku- almost seven feet tall with broad shoulders and a ripped built. His long jet black hair fell behind his neck as if he had commanded each strand into discipline. Crystal green eyes and a pointed nose that made for Yitakuans’ enhanced sense of smell. He took the seat next to Jnufin and began toying with the multidimensional Rubik’s cube that was the crew’s delight.
“Well the situation does seem to be under control doesn’t it?”
“Yes indeed Commander. Those damn hydroldiers sure gave us a hard time though. I wonder what the fuck they were made of.”
“Fucking Ruulinian technology and fucking Ruulins. Why doesn’t Elder Ikyutha just blast them off the damn galaxy? Fuck peace treaties and fuck ethical warfare!”
“You got the entire crew behind you on that one Commander. It’s not fun watching our battledrones being torn to pieces by those hydrofucks. Neither is it any consolation that they were saved by some defects in the hydroldiers themselves.”
“Yes and remind me to ask our technicians for some upgrades on the drones. I was talking to Designer Dvyuel and he told me that something in the hydroldiers didn’t really like the oxigina atmosphere. If we could get our battledrones equipped with some oxigina pods or maybe oxigina pressurised bullets that could get the fucking job done eh?”
“It’s definitely worth a try Commander. But it would be so much easier if we could attack their main ship directly. I’d like to see Ruulinian technology try itself against this baby we got here.”
“If only we could Jnufin, if only we could.”
Jnufin directed the ship onto its standing bay. We waited for the signal and then released the optotrok driven exit shafts. He waited for Commander Uykin to leave first, and then followed.
Once out of the hanger, he made his way through the tunnels of Itharca, the planet wherefrom the Yitukans were directing their attacks, in the personal transport issued to him. The Commander had one thing right; it would be simpler if the Ruulins were just blasted off the galaxy. But what he did not know was that there were some people already working towards that. And Jnufin Tyubna was one of them.
Tribes Gather - Chapter Two
Campaign Commander Ouyina Ruul was not a happy Ruulin. The battle on the Third Planet had not gone as he had expected. The Ruulins had lost more hydroldiers than the battledrone losses to the Yitakus. If they attacked now, with the Ruulin force severely depleted, then even this outpost would be lost and mighty tough to recover.
The Ruulins were native to the Polna galaxy, which on the average had much more gravity in it than the Milky Way. The average Ruulin was short and stocky with feet resembling concrete bricks in both strength and shape. They had droopy ears and arms that fell to a little below their knees. But they wore their backs erect and only the shoulders gave a slight hint of a hunch.
It was easy for an alien being to underestimate their intelligence, but the Ruulins possessed mental capabilities far superior than the fastest computers of many species. They had cultivated their mental skills over the generations to an extent that verbal communication was no longer necessary, and so when Ouyina now spoke, he actually thought.
Where is it that our hydroldiers fail in front of the battledrones?
Assistant General Kiyana Ruul was a specimen of Ruulin beauty. She was taller than the average height and her legs somehow were much slender. She wore her hair short and had full lips that would have put a ripe mango to shame. When she thought, most Ruulins would swear that her breasts swayed to a faint melody of an unknown source.
I have thought with the best of our ruulins to work on that Ouy. We had assumed that under the lower gravity of the Third Planet, and with its abundance of both oxygina and the oxigina-hydrogina compound, our hydroldiers would only flourish. But something was interfering in their processes, something we hadn’t accounted for. The battledrones were aided by something in the nature of that planet.
Such lapses cannot be taken lightly Kiya. Of the Ruulins that interacted with Kiyana on a daily basis, only Ouyina was able to resist the lull of her beauty. Of all the Ruulins that Kiyana interacted with, only Ouyina attracted her enough to stimulate her fantasies. I have already told you how our superiors seem to attach great importance to the Third Planet. That we have lost it will not go down well. And I am certain that we will be asked to reclaim it.
I am aware of this Ouy. And even if our superiors do not say so, we will fight to reclaim it. Already our scientists are working on fixing the hydroldiers. Once we figure out and fix what it is about the planet that hampers them, the battledrones and their owners stand no chance.
That is pleasing Kiya. Now, moving on, what can you tell me about the life form we detected a little while ago on the surface?
The Ruulins were native to the Polna galaxy, which on the average had much more gravity in it than the Milky Way. The average Ruulin was short and stocky with feet resembling concrete bricks in both strength and shape. They had droopy ears and arms that fell to a little below their knees. But they wore their backs erect and only the shoulders gave a slight hint of a hunch.
It was easy for an alien being to underestimate their intelligence, but the Ruulins possessed mental capabilities far superior than the fastest computers of many species. They had cultivated their mental skills over the generations to an extent that verbal communication was no longer necessary, and so when Ouyina now spoke, he actually thought.
Where is it that our hydroldiers fail in front of the battledrones?
Assistant General Kiyana Ruul was a specimen of Ruulin beauty. She was taller than the average height and her legs somehow were much slender. She wore her hair short and had full lips that would have put a ripe mango to shame. When she thought, most Ruulins would swear that her breasts swayed to a faint melody of an unknown source.
I have thought with the best of our ruulins to work on that Ouy. We had assumed that under the lower gravity of the Third Planet, and with its abundance of both oxygina and the oxigina-hydrogina compound, our hydroldiers would only flourish. But something was interfering in their processes, something we hadn’t accounted for. The battledrones were aided by something in the nature of that planet.
Such lapses cannot be taken lightly Kiya. Of the Ruulins that interacted with Kiyana on a daily basis, only Ouyina was able to resist the lull of her beauty. Of all the Ruulins that Kiyana interacted with, only Ouyina attracted her enough to stimulate her fantasies. I have already told you how our superiors seem to attach great importance to the Third Planet. That we have lost it will not go down well. And I am certain that we will be asked to reclaim it.
I am aware of this Ouy. And even if our superiors do not say so, we will fight to reclaim it. Already our scientists are working on fixing the hydroldiers. Once we figure out and fix what it is about the planet that hampers them, the battledrones and their owners stand no chance.
That is pleasing Kiya. Now, moving on, what can you tell me about the life form we detected a little while ago on the surface?
Tribes Gather - Chapter One
On a moonlit night, on the battlefield of the last greatest war on the planet, a solitary figure cautiously approached the still burning remains of what appeared to be a battledrone. The figure was draped in a cloak made of fine weave procured from the fibre fields of Fabrilla, a planet on the eastern arm of the galaxy. It was taller than most beings you would find on this war-torn planet, and walked with a gait that indicated it was as alien on this world as the strewn semi-metallic carcasses of battledrones and hydroldiers.
The last greatest war on this planet was fought between the galaxy’s greatest arch-rivals- the Ruulins and the Yitakus. They had descended over the long millennia from a single species- the Manushyas, who lived on this very planet, which they called Prithvi. In the course of their space-age evolutionary phase the Manushyas got split among two galaxies that were separated for generations by a dark matter barrier that had emerged out of nowhere. Over time they forgot about the other, and followed their own evolutionary paths. The Ruulins and Yitakus of today did not remotely resemble their ancestors; nor each other.
The solitary figure cautiously approached the battledrone holding its head in a way that would make it seem that it was sniffing for something, and perhaps it was. A soft hissing noise was emanating from the dead machine and if the figure was a Manushya of old, it would have thought there was a snake nearby. How and why it had singled out this battledrone is a mystery, for nothing differentiated it from the others lying around. After some more of its ‘sniffing’, the figure dropped its caution and went over to examine the battledrone.
From somewhere within its cloak it pulled out a ginantium life sensor and held it up to the battledrone, roving it about the burning body. At one point the sensor light up and emitted a light beep. The figure bent over to examine that spot. Another gadget emerged from it cloak, this one being of a technology known only to its kind. After a few minutes of close observation and examination, the figure stood up and held the gadget to the sky, as if summoning something; or someone.
A short while later a single beam of light fell from the heavens illuminating the battledrone of interest. A second after that the battledrone disappeared. In another second the figure was gone too, and the planet was once again lifeless.
The last greatest war on this planet was fought between the galaxy’s greatest arch-rivals- the Ruulins and the Yitakus. They had descended over the long millennia from a single species- the Manushyas, who lived on this very planet, which they called Prithvi. In the course of their space-age evolutionary phase the Manushyas got split among two galaxies that were separated for generations by a dark matter barrier that had emerged out of nowhere. Over time they forgot about the other, and followed their own evolutionary paths. The Ruulins and Yitakus of today did not remotely resemble their ancestors; nor each other.
The solitary figure cautiously approached the battledrone holding its head in a way that would make it seem that it was sniffing for something, and perhaps it was. A soft hissing noise was emanating from the dead machine and if the figure was a Manushya of old, it would have thought there was a snake nearby. How and why it had singled out this battledrone is a mystery, for nothing differentiated it from the others lying around. After some more of its ‘sniffing’, the figure dropped its caution and went over to examine the battledrone.
From somewhere within its cloak it pulled out a ginantium life sensor and held it up to the battledrone, roving it about the burning body. At one point the sensor light up and emitted a light beep. The figure bent over to examine that spot. Another gadget emerged from it cloak, this one being of a technology known only to its kind. After a few minutes of close observation and examination, the figure stood up and held the gadget to the sky, as if summoning something; or someone.
A short while later a single beam of light fell from the heavens illuminating the battledrone of interest. A second after that the battledrone disappeared. In another second the figure was gone too, and the planet was once again lifeless.
Inaugration
on this 16th day of December, 2007, the Psychotorium is officially open to the general public...
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