Chapter 9.
   The Prospector
   From “Stellar Graffiti”, Copyright 2001 Richard Allan Olson
                                                                




   Milo examined the expression on Finn’s green muzzle.  “How do you mean, ‘Not alone’, Captain?” he asked. 

   Without looking away from his monitor, Finn replied, “The instruments show there is a life form of some kind, somewhere within this chamber…”  He made an adjustment to the controls, and shortly added, “It’s within fairly close proximity, as well.”  The three of them looked at each other. 

   “Another insectoid, perhaps.” Milo suggested.  “One of them managed to get ahead of us, somehow.” 

   “I don’t think so.” said Finn.  “I’m also reading a number of energy signatures… possibly a vehicle… quite different from that of those bugs.” 

   Luna cast a nervous glance at Milo.  Using her telepathic link to him, she asked, (“What does this mean?”) 

   (“I’m not sure.”) he responded.  (“I’ll ask.”) 

   Speaking aloud, Milo said, “Captain, what does this mean?” 

   Finn replied, “Milo, in the two hundred years we’ve been exploring this Derelict, we’ve encountered not a single microorganism of life!  This is the first!”  He looked back at his instruments, groping for the words.  “And if this data is correct, it might even be a sentient, intelligent being!  If this is the case, we are obligated by scientific interest to seek it out… to discover whatever we can about it!” 

   Milo was intrigued.  He’d never before seen a Saurian become so excited over anything.  “What do you suggest, Captain?”   

   Finn didn’t answer immediately.  He spent a few more moments studying the ship’s sensors.  At length, he said, “Incredible.  There’s AIR here.  Air we can breathe.  And the life form is close enough…”  He looked back at Milo, engrossed.  “I suggest we get out and walk.” 

   Without hesitation, Finn threw a series of switches, and the crystal canopy that enclosed the cockpit slid back.  He drew a deep breath and held it for a moment, savoring, as one might relish the flavor of an exotic, vintage wine.  He smiled at Milo.  “Intoxicating!” he exclaimed.  

   The floor of the gigantic hallway resembled a sprawling city; its buildings were mysterious structures of varying size and geometry, some very large and elaborate.  There were no roads or sidewalks, as nothing was designed for functionality in the traditional sense.  Here, in this surreal and incomprehensible locale, the trio of unlikely adventurers made their way along the narrow space between two rows of huge intercepting globes.  Finn frequently glanced down at a small device he carried.  This was a portable tracking sensor.  Milo and Luna trotted along behind him as he followed the source of the signal, muttering to himself.   

   A few minutes later, they could see where the rows of giant spheres came to an end.  Up ahead, a very high wall at a right angle to their path would obligate them to turn either left or right.  As they drew near, Finn stopped and examined his instrument once again. 

   He said, “The organism is going to be around the next corner.”  Moving closer to a low, vertical structure that ran parallel to  the spheres, they slowly edged up to the corner, and cautiously peered around it. 

   They looked out upon a wide open courtyard adorned with strange statues bearing likenesses of even stranger beings.  Resting a short distance away, not far from the high wall, was what Finn surmised to be a vehicle of some kind, although it was like none he’d ever seen.  A large section of it was opened, and one of the interior chambers was partially visible.  Finn strained to recognize anything that might be the life form, but saw no movement.  The ship sat quietly within a layer of swirling mist that seemed to be generated from underneath it.  The three of them watched from around the corner for quite some time before anyone spoke. 

   “Well,” said Finn, “we need to get a closer look at this.”  With that, he set off towards the courtyard, in the direction of the beckoning ship.  Soon, the three of them stood before it, looking up in silent amazement.  With a better view of the open compartment, Finn was able to discern what appeared to be monitors and control panels.  He had the impression the ship was active with energy.  It seemed to be emanating a low, pulsating, humming sound.  

   As the tall reptile and the pair of little mammals contemplated the alien craft, they began to idly wander around towards the other side of it.  Then, all at once, they suddenly became aware of a being, not much larger than Milo or Luna, seated before the foundation of the high wall, with its back turned to them.  It appeared to be busy at some task, but none of them were able to identify any of the odd creature’s activities.  They stood immobilized by the fascination of the moment, dumbfounded as to what to do next. 

   Finally, Finn took a few tentative steps toward the being.  “Hello?”, he said, hopefully.   

   At the sound of his voice, the alien life form turned.  When it saw them, it froze.  It had a stocky torso clothed with a tunic, a relatively small, hairless head, and a quartet of limbs with multiple joints and with four digits at the end of each.  The face had the basic features, although it was impossible to guess the nature of the ambiguous expression it wore.  There were two large eyes, and, just below them, a pair of tiny nostrils set atop a wide, flattened snout that became a thin pair of lips.  The chin was absent, as was the neck; the head rested directly between the broad shoulders.  Although he had no way of knowing for certain, Finn guessed the creature was probably of mammalian ancestry.   

   Finn extended his arms with open hands, palms forward, in what he believed to be a gesture of pacifism.  “Hello!”, he said, again.  The being studied him for a moment.  Then, it mimicked his movement, and, to their utter astonishment, replied, “Hello!” 

   Confused, Finn said, “Are you… familiar with our language?  Or, are you merely imitating me?” 

   The creature said, “You are speaking the language of those who dwell upon the moon that orbits this great monument, the language of the Archians.  I see two of them standing a short distance behind you, now.” 

   Milo and Luna looked at each other, puzzled.  Milo shrugged, and then walked up to stand next to Finn.  Luna followed.  The three of them stood before the strange being. 

   Finn continued, “So, you are already aware of us?” 

   “Yes.”, said the stranger.  “To an extent, your minds are like an open book, to me.  That is how I know your language.  That is how I know your names, as well.”  Pausing for a moment of consideration, the being added, “But, how rude of me!  Here I am, knowing YOUR names, but I have yet to introduce MYSELF.”  The alien bowed to them.  “I am called… Glyptus.” 

   Finn let out a great sigh of relief, and flowed with enthusiasm.  “Mister Glyptus, I am very pleased to meet you, indeed, and I have a great, great many questions I wish to ask you!” 

   As Finn collected his thoughts and tried to decide where to begin, Milo was thinking about what the alien had just said, about their minds being like an open book to it.  He was not as quick as Finn to trust this individual.  So, he decided to conduct an experiment.  He decided to address the being telepathically.  He said, (“Glyptus, do you hear me?”) 

   The alien turned to him, quizzically, and telepathically replied, (“Yes, I DO hear, you who is called ‘Milo’.  But this presents a most perplexing and paradoxical question.  How is it that a semi-evolved primate such as you, is possessed of the gift of telepathy, while this lizard -”  Very subtly, he nodded towards Finn.  “- who is higher on the tree than you, biologically, is NOT endowed with this ability?  What is the meaning of this contradiction?”) 

   By this time, Finn had begun voicing his questions, but he was simply too excited to ask them one at a time, and wait for an answer.  “Where are you from?  Are there others like yourself, here?  How long have you been exploring the Derelict?  What have you learned about it?  Have you encountered any other beings here?  How much do you know about -” 

   As Finn overflowed with inquiry, Glyptus added, (“And the lizard doesn’t even know you’re a telepath.”) 

   (“No.  He doesn’t.”) said Milo.  (“We simply haven’t had an opportunity to tell him, yet.  Besides, we’re not even sure of the reason for it, ourselves.  We - Luna and I - are also fairly skilled in telekinesis.  But, again, we can find no logical explanation.  We acquired these abilities only recently.”) 

   (“The answer is buried somewhere in your minds.”) said Glyptus.  (“That much is certain.  If you’d like, I’m sure I could dig it up for you.”) 

   Luna, who’d been listening in on the conversation, said, (“Yes, we’d very much appreciate that.”) 

   (“Yes,”) Milo added, (“but perhaps now is not the right time…”)  He turned his attention back to Finn. 

   Glyptus also turned to Finn, and, interrupting him, said, “Captain, please -  one question at a time.” 

   “Yes, of course!  I do apologize!  Very well, then…”  Finn paused, trying to decide what to ask first.  He scratched his head, looked thoughtful for a moment, then drew a breath and lifted a hand, as though he were about to say something.  Then, he exhaled and rubbed his chin, apparently unable to settle on a single question.  Milo and Luna glanced at each other, then at Glyptus. 

   Finally, Glyptus said, “I see there is much you wish to know.”  Finn nodded. 

   Glyptus continued, “I will tell you, then.  I have been here, exploring and studying this extraordinary place, alone, for more centuries than I have counted.  You see, I am virtually immortal.  I do not age, for the very cells that compose my form are conscious entities unto themselves, and I am able to maintain their functions indefinitely.  And so, upon discovering this wondrous mystery, and knowing well the impending fate of the cosmos, I decided to pursue this endeavor until the end of time.”

   At that, Finn became quite impassioned, and spoke out.  “Yes!  The fate of the cosmos!  Tell me more of this!  Tell me WHY!  Why would a benevolent Creator bring into being a universe, only to mark it for self-extinction, by causing it to collapse upon itself?  Why is it so?  Throughout the history of my people, this question has laid at the very heart of all philosophy!  If you know the reason for this terrible truth, then please… I MUST know!”

   There was a moment of silence.  Then, Glyptus began to laugh.  It was a strange sight, indeed, to the three of them.  This  didn’t seem like the sort of being that would even be capable of finding humor, in anything.  Finally, he replied, “Poor, lamentable lizards!”  He laughed some more.  “Do you really believe that?  Do you honestly believe the cosmos has ALWAYS been collapsing upon itself?” 

   Bewildered, Finn said, “It… it HASN’T?” 

   “Certainly not.” said Glyptus.  “The universe began with a tremendous expansion.  Over time, the collective gravity of all matter eventually caused the expansion to slow, and one day reverse.  Apparently, the misfortune of your race was being born into this collapsing cosmos, having no way of knowing, having no way of learning, that it was not always so.”  Glyptus paused, reflectively.  “And, during the course of your entire history, you never once encountered a race, or an individual, that could tell you of the true history of the universe?”  

   To Finn, this was a divine revelation.  “No!” he exclaimed.  “Never!  We did have interactions with several neighboring races, but they, too, shared the same misconception!”  His entire world had suddenly changed.  To Finn, this was cause to be reborn.  “How could we have known?  How could we have ever acquired the understanding, ourselves?”  He started to laugh.  He threw up his arms and cried out, “The weight of the world is no more!  Praise be upon the truth!  It is beautiful!” 

   Finn laughed out loud for a very long time.  Milo and Luna couldn’t help but join him. 

   Sometime later, the four of them stood before the foundation of the high wall, just beyond the perimeter of the courtyard.  There was a particular section of it that hosted a profusion of engraved hieroglyphics, and Glyptus was busily explaining his interpretation of their meaning. 

   “…so this order of monks decided to commission the construction of a very tall tower… a structure that would stand high enough to overlook the landscape as far as the eye could see.  They believed this would be the ideal place to meditate upon the most profound questions of life.  And so, for hundreds of generations, the order did just that… absolutely forsaking the material world… utterly isolated and oblivious, as civilizations rose and fell around them.  Then, on one particular, ordinary day, one of the priests suddenly jumped up, and was very excited.  ‘I’ve got it!’ he proclaimed.  ‘I’ve got the ANSWER!  The REASON!  The MEANING!’  The monk shared his enlightenment with the rest of the order, and they, too, were extremely enthusiastic about it.  They all agreed.  They also realized that, once they shared this understanding with the entire world, there would result a radical, cultural metamorphosis… a renaissance… a new age of peace, altruism, and prosperity…” 

   At this point, Glyptus’ narration trailed off, as he examined the engravings further.  Finn, Milo, and Luna all looked at each other, and then back at their storyteller, expectantly.  At length, the girl asked, “So… what happened then?” 

   “Then, unfortunately, before the members of the order had even a chance to climb down from the tower, a very large communications satellite malfunctioned and fell out of its orbit, landing directly on top of them.  The entire order of monks was killed instantly.”  Glyptus paused, then added, “Quite tragic, actually.” 

   Milo thought about the incident for a few moments.  Then, something occurred to him.  He said, “Wait a minute!  If all of the monks were killed, then how did this story even get told?  Who would there be to relate the tale?”   

   “I don’t know,”, Glyptus admitted.  “It doesn’t say, here.”   

   The three of them thought about this anecdote for a while. 

   Then, Finn asked, “Mister Glyptus, with the advanced technology that my expedition possessed, we were able to learn NOTHING about the material composition of this artifact… except that everything appears to be made of the same substance, and that this substance is absolutely impervious to all forces we know of.  For that matter, it is impervious to ANALYSIS, itself!  Your technology must certainly be far in advance of ours.  Tell me, then… have you been able to determine ANYTHING of the nature of the physical structures, here?”  

   Glyptus chuckled.  “You’ve learned nothing of these walls, because they WISH it so.  They’re mindful, you see… alive, they are.  Their very atoms, themselves… IF true atoms compose them… are mischievous.  This is why your instruments are useless, here.  In this strange place, matter plays tricks on you.”  At that, he became silent again.  Finn cast a meaningful glance at Milo, and quietly said, “That was hardly a scientific answer.”  Milo could only sigh, and look away. 

   Suddenly, the foursome became aware of an unusual noise.  They all looked at each other.  Surveying the surroundings, Finn noted, “It sounds mechanical…” 

   “Yes,” said Glyptus, “and coming closer.  A vehicle, I would say.” 

   “The bugs!” Milo exclaimed.  “They’ve found us!” 

   Then, looking down the long passageway between the rows of giant spheres, they saw it.  Milo’s guess had been correct.  Another of the angry hornet ships was bearing down in their direction.  Abruptly, the fighter began firing on them.  They instantly scattered and raced for the nearest cover.  Then, before Finn could get behind something, one of the streaking bolts of energy slammed into him.  The force of the blast spun him around several times and threw him across the floor.  He landed in a broken and bloody heap at the foundation of the high wall. 

   From his place of concealment, Milo shouted, “Captain!”  He impulsively lurched towards the fallen Saurian, but was quickly forced to withdraw by the deadly barrage raining down from above. 

   As the ship of the insectoid drew closer, Milo and Luna looked over at Glyptus with pleading expressions.  Glyptus looked back at them, smiled oddly, and then winked.  He reached down to a small device he wore on his belt and quickly pressed a sequence of keys.  Having done this, the hailstorm of destruction suddenly ceased, and Glyptus calmly stood up and stepped out from behind the partition he’d chosen as refuge.  Bewildered, Milo and Luna cautiously peered up to see what had just happened. 

   The enemy fighter was no longer made of steel and alloys and carbons.  Now, the entire ship was made entirely of ordinary, clear glass.  Suddenly deprived of its source of propulsion, the vehicle quickly fell out of its trajectory and veered to the floor of the passageway.  Upon impact, it shattered into a million shards of crystalline debris.  The resulting cloud continued its approach for a few seconds longer, and finally vaporized into even tinier fragments, against the face of the high wall. 

   After the particles of glass had harmlessly drifted down upon them, like soft snowflakes, Glyptus dusted himself off.  “Entomons.” he said, disgustedly.  “Wretched insects, they are.  The scourge of the civilized galaxy.” 

   Milo and Luna rushed over to Finn.  The girl knelt down over his torn and motionless body.  She placed her hand over his lips, desperately hoping to feel a sign of breathing.  After a short time, she looked up at Milo and sadly shook her head.  He looked away, angrily.  At length, he glanced back at her.  “Be sure.” he said. 

   Again, Luna directed her attention to Finn’s motionless form.  She was convinced he was dead.  There was a ragged, gaping hole between his chest and abdomen, and his internal organs were pulverized beyond recognition. 

   She turned to Glyptus, who stood beside her.  “Is he…?  Is… he…?” 

   “That is something even I cannot know.  I suggest YOU look closer.” 

   She looked back down at the body.  Behind tear filled eyes, something stirred deep within her consciousness, somewhere beyond emotion and thought.  A new awareness was enveloping her.  Intuitively, she understood this.  Somehow, a higher power became her.  Then, her focus began to shift.  She watched as the torn and battered flesh revealed the tissues of which it was made.  Shortly, tissue resolved even further, becoming fibers.  Soon, she arrived at the juncture where the fibers were composed of cells.  It was here that she was suddenly overwhelmed by the very reason for the experience.  And she remembered what Glyptus had told them.  The cell is an organism unto itself.  The cell is a conscious entity.   

   In that moment, the girl looked back up at Milo, and said, “I can fix this.”  

   Placing her hands upon Finn’s injuries, and, with absolute certainty and resolve, she went to work on him.  From somewhere within his body, a strange, luminous glow began to arise.  The visible aura grew in brilliance for nearly a full minute.  Then, Finn stirred. 

   When Luna arose, the once devastated body of Finn was completely restored. 

   As if nothing had happened, he sat up, blinked a few times, and looked around, confused.  “Why was I laying on the ground?” he asked. 

   Milo stepped forward and crouched down next to Finn.  With considerable difficulty finding his words, he said, “That’s what WE’D like to know!  Captain, you were just dead, for all we knew!  Luna, here, just… repaired your injuries!”  Milo shook his head in disbelief.  “Mister Finn, what did you experience?  Tell us!”  

   Finn stared back, vacantly.  “I… I wish I could remember, but…”  He suddenly became very alarmed, and said, “The insects!  They’ve found us again!  We’ve got to… to…”  Then, he seemed to quickly relax.  “The ship was upon us!  I... I was hit!  And then…”  Finn fell silent, trying to remember exactly what did happen then.  “…And then… I sat up!  What happened?  Why?  Why was I ABLE to sit up?” 

   Luna laughed.  “Because now I know how a blossom grows!”