Calan - The Immortality Paradox

Chapter Seven: Curse of the Calan, Part One

Date: 183, OA19,654

Location: Y Porth, Prifddinas, Sylfaenydd, Canol system

It is not like the others.

An incongruity diverted Awyr Ceidwad's concentration. A strangeness segmented the sphere of Sylfaenydd, an irritating reverberation through the ether. Something unsuitable entered the atmosphere.

The shells of Human spaceships descended and ascended the allocated flight column above Y Porth. Most carried tourists; multi-coloured transportation from various systems filled with gawking faces and portable devices. Some were diplomatic vessels, sombre and minimalistic ovoids with passengers of diverse intensities of disapprobation. And then the odd flotsam of ramshackle craft that had veered off course due to poor navigation systems or even poorer navigators.

But this particular object was distinct.

Prepare subatomic field enclosure. Ceidwad's message traversed the web to the control centre of Y Porth. A strange visitor approaches.

Watcher of the skies, Ceidwad was situated in the Arsyllfa, a high-vantage mesa within the complex of Y Porth. A complete view of the blue and pink atmosphere in all directions and the companionship of a solitary coeden. The threadlike branches quaked at the intrusion.

Thousands of years as the guardian of Sylfaenydd had attuned Ceidwad to the constant melody of the planet's carapace. The composition changed regularly, but Humans and their toys had little influence on the greater forces of the Calan homeworld. Microbes crawling across the skin of an immunised metabolism. It took something poisonous - fatal, even - to shudder the planet with such vehemence.

What is this gift of Uffern?

As the vehicle approached the surface, guided by the methodical forces of Gofalus Rheolwr, Ceidwad examined its every detail. It was a basic planet-clipper of Mirai Industries, unsuited for long-distance travel. The ship's hull had suffered severe radiation bombardment and compromised its atmospheric shielding. Amid the loud rasping of a weakened power source, Ceidwad detected a single lifeform. Enfeebled and clinging to existence. Humanoid.

Strangely, it was not the lifeform that magnetised the Calan's scrutiny - it was another energy source within the primitive craft. A powerful aura, screaming through the quantum web like a tortured soul. It was not crying for help; something more akin to propagating menace.

Under Calan control, the craft arched through the sky, crossing the face of Chwaer. Its indented, black shape was distinctive against the backdrop of chalky-white craters. The invisible magnetic field temporarily held it between the conic spires of Y Porth's mainframe. There were several landing bays underneath. An elongated Triangulum Space Bus emerged from one, followed by two smaller vessels of Aquilan origin. Simultaneously, the Mirai Industries craft exchanged positions and descended.

The assistance of Manwl Arolygydd is required. An unidentified object has landed on Sylfaenydd. The concise message relayed through the coeden and multiplied into the quantum web. Ceidwad exited the Arsyllfa.

Some moments later, as they approached the ship parked in the landing bay, two Bygegyr were tending to its repairs. Antibodies of Sylfaenydd dutifully purged its exterior of any remnants of radiation or other dangerous substances. One of the amorphous creatures attempted to gain access to the ship, but Ceidwad quickly restrained it with a desultory stimulation.

This is no simple, antagonistic pathogen. This is something more.

The access panel of the ship was an oval outline between the cockpit and life support systems. The aluminium alloy had faded and fused beyond recognition; its once silver glimmer was now a dull grey and black. Ceidwad drew energy from the planet's surface and extended silicate fronds from their body, which assembled into a thick branch, like a limb. They stabbed into a crevice marking the territory between hull and aperture, leveraging it away in one firm thrust. An imbalance of gases formed a brief, high-pitched wind, populating the ship's interior. The Bygegyr recoiled at the sound. Unperturbed, the Calan moved inside.

Subdued lighting emanated from the translucent flooring. A bank of touchscreens lined the far wall, all flickering in defeat. Rebellious groans from the distant engine strained against the magnetic field that entrapped it. Slumped unconsciously against the pilot console was the lifeform Ceidwad had detected. She was a young humanoid, barely a quarter of a lifespan, with long, burnished, black hair dangling to one side. Her face was contorted in frozen pain. Placing a delicate tendril of silicate against her exposed temple, Ceidwad could still feel the vitality of life. She will survive.

Manwl Arolygydd arrived moments later, twisting through the human-sized aperture to allow their Coronwraidd to fit. A gathering of further Calan surrounded the planet-clipper, gradually draining its energy until all its systems had fallen silent. The underfloor lighting completely vanished.

Sapping the spacecraft of its power source did not include a conspicuously intricate device in the centre of the cockpit. A polycarbonate shell containing a contraption of ultimate energy. Both Calan could sense it, as palpable as a planetquake cracking the surface of Sylfaenydd.

Uffern has produced another puzzle. Ceidwad's thoughts passed between them.

The Universe has lately been generous with mysteries. Another problem to add to our growing nescience.

The moment the ship crossed the planet's threshold, my senses diminished. This enigma is a fire too bright to see beyond.

Arolygydd examined the strange device diligently, tentative branches wrapping around the shell. Fire is correct. This device contains a prodigious quantity of internal energy.

It cannot be of Human design. Ceidwad's statement manifested as hope.

Time is a friend to those who are patient. They replied. This is an intricate device. Its mechanism is obscured, however. The Anianwyr would be preferable for this task. What of the Human?

Unconscious. The ship has suffered heavy damage, perhaps too long, without maintenance. Her body appears to have attempted hibernation, perhaps due to the failed life support system. Cylch Cymodi could assist.

Agreed.

The Llywydd must be informed.

The Llywydd must always be informed.

Their quantum conversation was interrupted by an acute and repetitive beeping. It came from the slumped Human. Persistent like the wailing of a Penbryn hebog. Ceidwad fished out a recording module from her clasped hand. A rectangular, grey device that vanished into the deep blue of Ceidwad's epidermis. A voice emerged, hurried and indistinct.

'I hope someone hears this message because I don't think I will survive much longer. My name is Amelia Dwars. I've made a terrible mistake...and I want to undo what I've done. I used to work at Pankosmios...the charity...well, not really a charity. I never knew what they were. I should never have been a part of it in the first place. There are things that they did...it makes me sick. Things that anyone with a heart would despise. I'm sorry for my part in it. My only goal in life was to help improve the lives of children, and instead, I made it worse. Thankfully, it doesn't exist now. But if I survive this, and the truth comes out...I will accept my punishment. I deserve it.

'But there is something even more important I need to deliver. Well...they told me to deliver to the Calan. A piece of technology arrived on Pankosmios, something I don't understand. But the others...the bosses...they said it was dangerous. Called it Godkiller and claimed it had the power to kill Calan. I don't know if there was any truth to their claims, but this woman told me I should bring it to Sylfaenydd anyway. For safekeeping.

'I don't have much time left...but if this message reaches the Calan, I urge you to protect this device. There are people after me, assassins paid by my former employers who want to silence me before I can reach you. I hope that doesn't happen...I hope. Whatever happens, keep Godkiller safe.'