for that.
“The tri-lunar convergence occurs once in a millennium, more or less. And into that phenomenon, history has vented numerous legends, handed down orally through magic-laden verse. History repeats the events. The Moons Celebration is a reflection of natural causes. We understand that. And we have seen the evidence in the recent magnificent storm systems you experienced in your travels with my daughter, Youi.
“Do you remember your academic lessons concerning plate tectonics and earthquakes?”
Andon quickly shuffled through the pages and then thrust a particularly thick document in my face.
“Here it is! Don’t bother reading. Let me quote.
“Precession of the polar axis caused by the gravitational pull of the sun is all the more radically disturbed by the tri-lunar alignment drawing on the equatorial bulge of the flattened rotating planet. The angle of the polar axis proceeding around the pole of the ecliptic is greatly accelerated during the cyclical periods every eight thousand five hundred years. The effect is large enough for changing the equatorial coordinates significantly.
“The celestial pole traces out a broad arc alternating among the major stars, Prena, Volar and Alconi as the pole star. Currently, the pole star is Volar which will be in exact alignment at the height of the lunar convergence during the Romos era in Bel-loniea.
“Since Noomas is an evolving body, the moons influence the condition of the planet’s core. The moons may also contribute to the movement of the tectonic plates. Any shift in those plates could be particularly magnified when all moons align in corresponding orbits.’
“At the tri-lunar convergence all energies within the region are expected to be strongly attracted to their points of origin, thus stressing any balanced power systems at a magnitude unprecedented. Major shifts throughout the planet will bring about seismic turbulence, potentially rupturing continental foundations.”
His voice dropped off.
I reluctantly allowed the information to settle with great difficulty. I could barely sort through his logic because of the widespread lunar-worshipping legends incessantly sifting through my mind. Finally I focused directly on the solid scientific evidence he’d presented:
“Andon, what you say sounds as if this planet is undergoing a major geological shift. Is that right?” I began to calculate the enormous impact of this occurrence as Andon continued his explanations.
If his theories were correct, Noomas was in big trouble.
“Oh Torlo, that’s not the half of it for Noomas. This culture is so deeply steeped in their folk lore and legend, that their way of life will be irrevocably altered. On a cultural scale, the moons’ alignment alone completely annexes the reasoning power of every tribal unit. The people are then compelled with frenzied celebrations to honor the celestial spheres with many days of feasting. The energies of all life forms are so strongly affected by the phenomenon, that they cannot avoid congregating, due to the phenomenal synergy created by the convergence. This is only the beginning.
“Well-documented seizures of madness inevitably follow when the planetary systems respond to the magnetic forces. Ocean tides rise beyond their peaks, the pre-ordained storms, and fissures shake the lands.” Again the man shook his head frantically.
“It all makes sense, and the chaos will be ugly. The notes that shocked me most from the Messenger had to deal with this and the Muti uprising. And their fear of a major shift within their culture, an intruder from beyond…what I believe to have been your arrival: perhaps concerning both of us, since we are the latest known arrivals on the planet.
“The Ancients knew.
“The Kaminaeans fear a new human revolution is about to breed across Noomas, brought on by the tri-lunar alignment.” Again he shook his head.
“The Messenger, Talni, quoted the ancient text in a hologram:
“The New Man will be born when an alien warrior aligns with the three moons.”
I quickly dismissed that last remark, too concerned with the magnitude of this profound information. The implication of legendary myth was unfathomable; besides, the immediacy of the spy missions overwhelmed all other speculations. Nevertheless, what Andon had said made sense.
The necessity of keeping my true identity hidden was clear. Andon’s statements shot deeply to my core. Plus, he was not nearly finished.
“Ancient text tells of a colonial ship that brought people here who marginally fit the description of the Helandi culture; scientists involved with Zygo studies. In the case of the HanJahn, there is reference to the Nexus defining their ultimate state.”
I told him of Moyi’s appearance earlier in this very office. “Adt claims that Sarleni is devoutly dedicated to the counselor’s teachings.”
“A clannish lot; all of them,” Andon laughed.
“The Helandians are secretive and I’ve honored their illusive needs for privacy.”
“That’s all for now,” he concluded, “And enough it is!”
* * * *
Three days later, my activation notice arrived.
Report for Mission Duty: as of tomorrow morning at dawn.
As I unraveled the scroll, a thin leaf slipped to the floor, nearly transparent. I carefully lifted the fragile material, its surface slightly shimmering. I held it close to the light to better read the following message:
Contact on Kamina. The code occurs in greeting. The consecutive sequence must be spoken thusly: North. Friends answer with Mask. Respond only when you hear the word: Reveal. Initiate connection.—Romos
Looking closer at the leaf, I gently touched the slightly ridged lettering which immediately faded on contact with my skin. Within less than a blink, the note had disintegrated in my hands. I concentrated on the code words: North; Mask; Reveal. How they would be used was an unknown issue. After reviewing my orders, I locked up my office and then retired for the night to our private quarters. It was not easy telling Youi the news. Her face instantly shadowed.
“Already?”
I placed a gentle arm around her shoulders.
“It has begun. Our world is at the brink of disaster.”
Her cheek pressed against mine; face hidden, lips close to my ear.
“So soon it all changes.”
I possessively lifted her up in my arms. Youi smiled softly.
“You are changing the subject!”
“Do you object?”
“Should I?”
Her lips brushed my cheek.
“You are my dearest lover in the entire universe.”
“There are others?”
“I might be tempted to visit the Royal Pleasure Palace where a woman might find comfort on lonely nights. If I’m left alone too long,”
I raised an eyebrow watching her blush deeply at her highly unlikely fantasy and we both smiled knowingly. As I carried her into our bedchamber she softly purred:
“Do you have time?”
“What else can we do? We must honor the tri-lunar goddesses. Surely your grandfather would approve.”
“Even the Proctor cannot disapprove. So speaks his granddaughter who is willingly seduced by the father of her child.”
It took a moment to digest the full implications of her statement.
“Yes, my love,”
She mysteriously whispered.
“Then, perhaps, I should restrain my homage to the honor the tri-lunar goddesses.”
“Honor them or die!”