Planet B-17: The Beginnings

Chapter 25: M'alala, Part 2

It is not that Truth is hidden, but unknown.

Umbe stepped onto the first, white step of the stairway going up. Mist had formed around it, white as well, and though it was clear where one ended and the other flowed, they seemed to exist together, as though something that could be both, was.

The others followed close behind. They didn't say a word, for what word could they say? They followed.

One step after the other, Umbe arrived at the top of the stairway that had extended into the mist, into the heights.

A presence appeared at the top of that segment of the stairway, which flowed into a platform, white as well and stretching beyond physical sight into mists. "Behold the Platform for the seekers of Truth," he said.

As the mists faded, the nine could see his face: that of a man in his prime, yet elder in a way; he had greying, dark hair; a kindly, benevolent countenance; dark, meek eyes; and was clad in an ivory robe, with a cloth-piece over his left shoulder.

"Welcome," said the man. "I am Ástar, Servant of the Lord and of M'alala, a Being of in-between realms, who bows to the Life in you."

The nine companions bowed. Umbe glanced back, though he was on the highest step and thus nearest their guide, as if half waiting for another one to lead the talk.

"Come," said Ástar, extending his arm around Umbe's shoulder, "I've been expecting you."

"I am Umbe Nasár," the hermaphrodite said.

Their guide nodded. "Yes, I know who you all are."

"Thank you for your presence," Menior said.

Ástar turned gleeful, calm eyes to him. "As I am glad of yours. The nine of Umbar," he added, extending the glance to all the others, "the nine seekers of their inner truths, who have descended into Íma to know themselves."

"We are here on a recognition mission," Sakna-Sa revealed.

With a mirthful smile, Ástar said, "Apparently of the external depth of a crater. Nothing, however, is left to chance. They who seek meaning find it, although they may construct a quest that apparently is unrelated. Those who find meaning, seek not the answers, but the ongoing process of becoming whole again, renewed through wholeness." Then turning his eyes to Umbe, said, "Welcome, traveller, to the Truth within. Step this way, please."

With a nod, he invited Umbe's companions to follow, and they did.

"For Truth to be revealed," Ástar continued, "the mind chatter must end. I invite you all to take a seat."

A circular white table surrounded by a total of ten white chairs was seen, and they all sat. Ástar was next to Umbe – Umbe was to his right.

"Right, now," Ástar continued. "The Truth of emotion has become revealed, now what do we do? Do we hastily let either thought or emotion govern us as though in a whirlwind, where we have no chance of discernment?" He looked at them. "I am not insulting any of you. I merely invite you to go beyond appearance."

Assenting nods.

"Agreed," Menior said, and  Ástar turned to Umbe.

"When fear governs us, we are no longer free," Ástar said. "But let us step aside from the whirlwind and examine why we were there – how we have arrived to the point of fear, what lies we have deceived ourselves with, why we presume we are unsafe." He waited for an answer.

"The Boor colony is in a dangerous part of the Hexor Galaxy," Umbe said.

"What makes it unsafe?" Ástar asked.