Quest For Cinzana

PROLOGUE

The story of Tali Tatium takes us on a journey from the Nardanian planet, Preta to Avista where Tali lived with her family before the disaster struck and threw Avista into chaos. Through an attempt by the Pachi to destroy the starship she was on in the first story, they found themselves castaways on a remote planet far from home. After being castaways for more than twenty-five years, Tali, Evana, Sen and Evana’s two children are rescued by the Orandees and taken to Preta to appear before The Alliance as witnesses. In order to establish the events that fractured the previous peace treaty, in the second story Evana and Sen must travel to Yerba in order to establish a new peace treaty and thus separating the sisters and Evana’s children for the first time.

In the third story, Tali leads us on a riveting journey across two continents to find her mother and bring her to the new planet where they can live in peace. Unfortunately, Tali finds herself at cross-purposes with a starship captain that believes she’s part of the Pachi, a rogue faction that caused war throughout the then known galaxy. Along the way, disaster befalls Tali but she is rescued by the Miket, an ancient race that found sanctuary in a remote area of Linque where they have remained hidden for millenniums.

This story leads us into the next segment of the adventure when the Miket leave Linque, an underdeveloped continent on Avesta, in order to return to their original planet to see if it is still occupied by a race of unscrupulous conquerors.

Quest for Cinzana is filled with adventure, deception, romance, and hope. Join me in the story and see how it develops.

CHAPTER 1 ~ CHTITLAN

She sits in the library twisting a strand of hair as her slender finger traces the course of the schematic trying to understand its function. Without looking, her hand reaches for her tea but she recoils when she touches someone else’s hand. Startled, her eyes connect with those of the Pazel.

He smiles, Why’s a pretty thing like you concerned with these matters? It seems to me you’d be interested in a romance novel or a recipe book. Realizing his flirtation as well as his comments have fallen flat, You do work in the kitchen, don’t you?

Taken back by the sarcasm, Do I know you?

Probably not, but everyone on the Chtitlan is fully aware of who you are.

Because I’m Enkidu? she muses.

There’s only one other Enkidu aboard the Chtitlan and he’s assigned to navigation.

So why haven’t I seen you before?

You have. You simply didn’t notice. His brow quivers, So now you will?

I’m sure I will, she answers as she tries to brush him off. When he lingers, she stands up and walks to the bookshelves to return the manual she’s been reading. Her eyes scan the line of various volumes ranging from starship layout, core power, thruster maintenance and operations, navigation, and communications. Having been aboard the Chtitlan for more than a month, she’s either scanned their table of contents or read them all. What she wanted was diagrams and schematics of Pazel ships dating before A15K on all models. It appears The Alliance introduced a new standard of construction to enable the Intergalactic Retooling Stations the ability to work more effectively on all starships. The plan was to promote universal replacement parts and compatibility throughout The Alliance’s holdings. The Alliance changed the fuel supply to nuclear fusion rather than radum and she interested in this because she wants to apply these principles to the Dameon so they can redesign their starship. All partners of The Alliance complied except for the Orandees. The Orandees stand alone on this matter and never use the Intergalactic Retooling Stations because they guard their technology passionately. The Alliance remains neutral toward the Orandees as they isolate themselves. But the Orandees do support The Alliance wholeheartedly which includes attending the conferences held every two years.

* * *

She hurries through the corridor, knowing that she’s almost late. Stopping abruptly as she enters the galley, she’s stunned. A mountain of baskets filled with dirty dishes buries the counters and all around the room baskets of trays are stacked on top of each other. Looking into the pass-well, which separates the dining room from the kitchen, baskets filled with plates and glasses block the opening. WHAT THE HELL! Okay… Okay… So you think you can bring me to my knees. Well think again, Zera, as she starts the dishwasher. Damn. The dishwasher hasn’t been cleaned.

So what’s this about? Is Zera slacking again, or is something else going on? She drains the machine and cleans the filters. Replacing them, she refills the machine with scalding water and starts passing the dishes through. As she works, the supervisor approaches.

I’m delighted that you decided to join us, Tali. Zera took sick before lunch. We searched the entire ship for you and even announced our need over the public-address system. So, WHERE IN THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?

Why are you yelling at me? I’m sorry Zera got sick, but there are others you could have called upon.

THE HELL YOU SAY. I’m NOT putting a cook on cleanup.

Why not?

Because washing dishes is below their pay grade, that’s why. Besides, since when do you tell me what to do? Walking to the shelf where the pots are kept, he returns with one in his hand. Waving it under her nose, And what the HELL is this?

Peering into the pot, Tali plucks a long strand of hair from inside.

Is it YOURS? he asks.

His eyes are fixed on the back of her head as she peers into the pot. I’m delighted that you saved it for me. She brings out the long strand of curly brown hair. Could be, as she wraps it around her finger. Smirking, SO, who found the treasure?

This isn’t a laughing matter, you IDIOT. It is an infraction of health standards. You have a choice, the hair goes or you go.

You’re going to drop me off on an ASTEROID? she scoffs.

DON’T TEMPT ME, he snarls. No, I’ll transfer you to janitorial. I’m sure you’ll enjoy cleaning toilets.

So, convince me that it’s worse than this. as she scans the room.

Bristling, his face ruddy with anger, Just keep PUSHING me, Tali. Turning abruptly, Next shift, hair tied above your collar or you’ll be speaking with the food service director. GOT THAT? as the small dark man disappears into the kitchen.

With the machine running, she sorts the mountain of dishes. She snickers and then begins to hum. She knows Zera did this just to piss her off. She’s keeping up the pressure thinking Tali will fold and transfer to another department. Speaking out loud, Okay, bitch, beat this, knowing there are twelve hours ahead of her and a huge task to accomplish.

Because the starship is fully operational, meals are served continuously. It’s an ominous task to feed a large crew and Zera expects Tali to fold under the pressure but she won’t give Zera the satisfaction. She has played this game before and she knows how to win. By not retaliating, she hopes to win Zera over and make her a friend rather than an enemy. Zera pretends the conflict is about the job, but Tali knows it’s about her resentment toward the Enkidu.

Twelve hours later, Zera shows up expecting to find a catastrophe. Instead, she finds the dish pit cleared and even the pots are clean and in their proper place. Taking off her apron and hairnet, I’m glad you’re feeling better, Zera. I mopped the floor so you didn’t have to. I’ll see you at the end of your shift. Have a good day. Bye!

As time passes, Zera gradually comes to accept Tali. Although not apologizing for her initial meanness, she offers subtle toleration at first. Before long, they are sharing a room as best buddies. Years of neglect has created layers of built-up grime in the kitchen. It takes several shifts of both women working extra hours to clean it completely.

Although Tali makes little effort to befriend the rest of the crew, she’s cordial but distant. She’s aboard the Chtitlan for a purpose, and that purpose is not about making friends. However, time hangs heavy on her hands and unable to sleep during one break, she’s drawn to the lounge where the crew relaxes. As a Pazel plucks a stringed instrument in a corner, she watches him intently. He smiles as their eyes meet and he breaks into an enchanting tune. Although he plays very well, he only knows the lyrics to a few songs. Finishing his repertoire, he abandons the instrument to sit with others.

Leaving the table where she sits alone, she approaches the group. All eyes are upon her as she stands mute before the musician. She asks, Can I try your instrument, please?

He laughs as he blurts out, Good God, woman, you can play anything of mine that you want! his body language and facial expression indicate, his personal parts notwithstanding. With his flip manner, the room bursts into raucous laughter.

Embarrassed and red faced, she shrinks back. He grabs her arm as she backs away, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. Of course, you can play it.

A man from another table shouts, Don’t mind us princess, we’ve been waiting for you to come out of hiding. Please … show us what you can do.

Now she’s not only embarrassed, she’s on the spot. If she leaves, she’s a snob. If she plays and it’s awful, she’s a dork. No winning here. Hesitating for a moment, she picks up the instrument and holds it in the familiar position of the vole as she strums the strings. The tone is beautiful as the sound waves resonate within the sound chamber issuing a trilling sound. But the way she’s holding it is wrong. Recalling how the Pazel held it; she tries to imitate him. Awkward at first, it becomes more comfortable as she plays one of the songs her mother taught her. A hush hangs over the room as her sultry voice filters through the room. The songs Nida taught her while she lived in the kotta come to mind and she plays them as best as she can. The Pazel approaches her, You’re fantastic. Smiling, he takes the instrument back. Follow my lead. I’ll start, you improvise. He begins,

Somewhere in another world

My lover waits for me.

Lost in a forgotten time

When our world ceased to be

Taken from me by some unknown adversary

Strings of pearls

Songs and doves

Mysteries of forgotten loves

Now I stand on distant shores

Seeking to find my world once more

Seeking love’s eternal light

With sweet words of true delight

In yesterday’s morning light

Strings of pearls

Songs and doves

Mysteries of forgotten loves

In a journey to a distant land

Hoping to find my love once more

Driven by a desire beyond compare

Please come with me in love’s sweet song

Before my endless search has gone

The Pazel throws out his hand to her, inviting her to join in for the ending.

Strings of pearls

Songs and doves

Mysteries of forgotten loves

Tali’s eyes dance with the melody as he plays. He sets down the instrument; Let’s acknowledge the princess, as the entire room applauds the artists.

When they stop clapping, the man continues to play. The song touches Tali’s heart.

Audran, Audran, land across the sea

Jewel of Avesta for all to see

Giver of life and pleasures too

Whatever has become of you?

Far away and long ago

We treasured you above all else

Till evil stole your children dear

And Audran was lost in gloom and fear

Now Audran, Oh land of tears

Sea of sorrows for untold years

Who will save you, Audran, our land so true?

Who will bring your glory back to you?

The song is so somber that it changes Tali’s demeanor as tears find their way down her cheeks. This is not what he intended. He sets the instrument down and takes her hand, I’m sorry, princess. I didn’t mean to make you cry. Surely you understand that we’re all sad about what happened to Avesta. People forgot about the tremendous loss of life after the rebuilding began. We forgot that your lives were changed within a twinkling of an eye.

Regaining her composure; What’s this instrument called?

We call it the maranda. You can play it any time you want.

My name’s Tali.

I know, he grins sheepishly. Everyone in this room knows your name. My name’s Kenda. I’m stationed in engineering. I hope we’ll see a lot more of you.

You will, Kenda. Thanks, as she makes her exit. They’ll become friends, this attractive man with curly pitch-black hair, deep-brown eyes and brown skin. His warm and pleasant manner and keen sense of humor are reflected in his quick smile. She knows even now that he’ll be her friend during the long trip to Avesta.

As time passes, she becomes acquainted with many of the crew. One evening, Ontar, the Creden navigations officer joins them. As he looks over at her, How is your training coming?

I asked to transfer to communications but they said I’m more useful in the kitchen.

It took me a long time to be accepted too, Tali.

Shrugging her shoulders, I don’t care, Ontar. This assignment provides transportation to Avesta. Once I’m there, I’ll have fulfilled my contract. My goal is to find my mother.

How were you separated?

When the war started twenty-five years ago, I ended up on a starship bound for Yerba. We were attacked by the Pachi and ended up castaways. It has taken me all this time to find my way home.

And you still expect to find your mother on Avesta?

I had an audience with Leventa. She predicted that I’d find her.

LEVENTA IS ALIVE! Do you know where she is? His demeanor changes, The Creden council wants her. She must be punished.

What did she do?

More than half of the Credens that remained on Credenza died. She predicted it would happen. Her predictions caused a panic and broke down infrastructure. Unfortunately, many died due to ignorance because she virtually incited an insurrection.

His voice rises as he loses control of his emotions. Starships sit idle on Credenza because we have no trained crew to operate them. Kos died suddenly, leaving us with no effective leader. As his yeoman he meant a great deal to me. I admired and respected the man. Generations will pass before our population recovers enough for us to return to our former level of influence. With his nose within inches of Tali’s, he screams, The Creden council WANTS her. She must be PUNISHED?

How old are you Ontar? as she looks directly into the man’s eyes.

He’s taken back by the off-topic question. I’m fifty-five. Why do you ask?

"For your age you are very slender, unusual for a Creden. Even Leventa’s enormous, as is her brother. At fifty-five you should be too. Why are you different? Strange."

You’re changing the subject. You must turn her in.

She told of the passing of a comet, which was the truth. Leventa only spoke about an ancient prophecy that was recorded in the Kobla. That prophecy wasn’t hers, and she’s not the source of the problem. It was the Creden scientists who finally discovered the spores but failed to act upon that knowledge. Not to mention the failure to act on the part of Creden leadership when the discovery was made public. That’s what caused the problem. Your scientists were bull-headed and derelict in their duty. They haven’t even delved into the reason why your people lose their ability to break down fats efficiently which results in enormous weight gain. As expected, they shifted the blame for their own ineffectiveness onto someone who had no way of defending herself. I’m not turning in that old woman.

When I tell the commander, he’ll force you to tell. Ontar slams his fist on the table.

Furrowing her brow, Leventa, who? Tali walks away because further discussion is pointless.

She had almost forgotten about the incident by the time she’s called to Commander Cromb’s quarters. Instinctively, she knows what it’s about but there’s no way she’ll reveal Leventa’s whereabouts. Not even to the Commander.

Standing at his door, heart racing, knowing there will be angry words; she presses the intercom announcing her presence.

Yes, the voice comes across the speaker.

Tali Tatium, reporting as requested, sir. When the door slides open, she steps into a large luxurious room with observations windows across its full length. A circular bar with a small kitchenette stands in the center of the room and large overstuffed couches are scattered throughout. At the side of the room, a door separates the sleeping quarters.

In front of the observation window stands a Pazel dressed in a loose fitting white lounging robe sits peering into the abyss. He stands as she approaches. Instead of threatening, the large, middle-aged kindly-faced man offers his hand. They told me you are beautiful and I’m not disappointed. Placing his hand on her shoulder, Come, my dear, let me point out our destination. He moves her in front of the viewing window where she looks into the black abyss of space where numerous stars appear along with various colorful nebulas. Pointing to a distant star, That is Zona, your home. To the far right, the constellation in which Credenza is located. Of course, you cannot see the Pazel’s star, Meissa, from this angle. Nor can you see the Garendo’s star Betelgeuse, nor the Orandee’s star, Saiph. The Nardanian star Rigel, is behind us. We should reach Avesta in a few months. Turning to her, And what will you do then, my dear? I’ve heard you spend a lot of time studying our ship’s operations. What are your plans?

I was looking at the new technology wondering how to adapt it to an out-of-date system. However, my main purpose is to find my mother. When I find her, we’ll travel to a newly discovered planet and join the rest of my family.

What do you think will happen in Newport?

I’ll search the public database for my mother since that’s how I found my father. When I find her, we’ll join my family on Centra.

Do you think Avesta has changed?

I know the disaster changed many things including the climate. I assume the cities have been rebuilt and progress has been made. Since Enkidu keep accurate records they should have information about her. Her eyes searching his, knowing there’s something he isn’t telling her.

"Progress does not necessarily mean things are getting better. Yes, we’re headed for Newport but the Dendors control every facet of government and rightly so. The Dendors were in essence abandoned when the disaster hit because they were deemed collateral damage and unworthy of any effort in order to reclaim them. However, the Enkidu were relocated to safe havens, leaving the Dendors to fend for themselves.

"Like many peoples who are greatly undervalued, the Dendors rallied. They started a new civilization on Linque. Although some areas of that continent are virtually useless, such as the high mountains of the east coast and the swamplands but there are fertile belts where the Dendors developed a highly technical agricultural system and built several large industrial cities. Through determination and resourcefulness they have established a powerful nation.

The down side of this is that you will not be welcome there. The Enkidu that were left behind work just like everyone else does and only a few have risen to positions of high rank. As far as breeding material, you are well past the desirable age for reproducing so you probably won’t be assigned a mate and breed like a cow. He smiles, That’s the only benefit you get out of being old. He walks to the bar awaiting her response.

Will I have problems getting into the database? she asks, untouched by his frank revelation.

Nobody here cares if you find your mother. As a matter of fact, I doubt anyone will be particularly interested in anything you do. Come. Take a seat at the bar while I fix you a drink. As he pours the mixture he concocted into the glasses. This is my own invention.

She puts the glass to her lips and savors the flavor, It’s very good.

He drops a couple of ice cubes into the same glass and adds a few drops of something else. Try this, as a grin creeps across his face.

She again puts the glass to her lips, Very good.

His demeanor changes again. So why are you interested in a Pazel starship?

Aren’t all starships integrated now?

Only since most of the IGRS stations were destroyed and there’s little chance they’ll be replaced until the Pachi is destroyed. Eyes fixed, he sits beside her.

The Pazel starships run on nuclear fusion. Do all Alliance ships use that form of power?

Since radum can’t be refined anymore.

How were the Garendo’s attacks so far reaching? as she sets her glass down.

Do you think everything was about the Garendos? Or could the Pachi and Leventa be connected? Before Leventa, the Pachi didn’t even exist.

If I see snow-pack building on a mountain and the weather changes to rain, am I responsible for the ensuing avalanche? Leventa studied the teachings of Palmira. She saw the comet and the rest is history. She didn’t incite the Pachi nor does she control them. You’re looking for a scapegoat rather than looking for another cause. Besides, Leventa died long before I left Preta. She was very old and very fragile at the time I met her.

His eyes narrow, You’re lying. Don’t play with me, Tali. Justice is demanded by the Creden people.

Smiling, Justice has already been served, Commander. There is nothing I can tell you.

Brow furrowed, eyes intent, So be it, you are dismissed.

She finishes her drink and gingerly walks to the door, Thank you, Commander.

With Tali gone, Ontar steps from the bedroom. What do you think, sir?

She’s hiding something. I’ll have her watched.

CHAPTER 2 ~ NEWPORT

During her off-time, she continues studying starship operations to make herself more employable should she need to travel to another planet. The only thing that bothers her is the sense that she’s being watched. She tries to dismiss the feeling thinking she’s losing her mind.

As she stands at the observation window looking down upon the planet, she can see things have changed. The stark white ice fields of the north have drastically shrunk and the coastline has changed. Even the continent of Audran appears smaller. Absorbed in her thoughts, she fails to notice Kenda approach.

Absorbed in thought, Tali?

Recognizing Kenda’s voice, I know I’ll be disappointed.

So why go back.

I must find my mother.

"Tali, surely you know that survival on Audran for five years after the disaster was almost impossible. How could she survive under those conditions? The Enkidu got preferential treatment and were the first to be evacuated. How do you think the Dendors and the Henkes felt after