1st Professor Nazrhul stands on two legs at a podium to deliver a speech in front of the Master Dōjō nearly a week RET after the attack at the Institute of Universal Knowledge. Kazi Quail stands behind him leaning on a long, silver staff and all the Kazi in residence at the dōjō stand in a solid formation on two legs behind them as the gentle fabric of their robes waft on errant winds. Nazrhul wears the same white robes with the formal navy blue cape that Quail wears and it distinguishes him as the Kazi leader. The color of a Kazi’s robes are an indication of their mastery of various abilities. There are seventy seven masteries required for an eeling to take the Kazi title and only after successful demonstration are they allowed to wear the navy blue robes with the orange sash and cape. The battle attire of the Kazi used in formal conflicts is worn under the robes and consists of an orange gi with a navy blue belt and other accents.
The speech is broadcast planet-wide and Nazrhul presents the findings of the Kazi interrogation of the attackers who had pursued him to the dōjō before being rescued by the Kazi.
“Eel is being manipulated,” Nazrhul says passionately. His fur is neatly combed and his eyes are big and expressive black balls that seem to sparkle as he speaks. He looks sincerely into the camera that broadcasts his speech and it is clear why he was chosen as the Senator of his District. “Our petty divisions, our baseless superstitions are being exploited. The attack on the statue of Kazi Dipfaz the Bald at the Shrell Institute was an attack on all of Eel. The contributions of eeling like Kazi Dipfaz is the only reason that we enjoy the society that we do today. And yet, many eeling died in an attempt to delegitimize her contributions…” he looks back at the formation behind him with a proud smile, “…and the good work that the Kazi have done and continue to do for our world.”
Nazrhul looks back into the camera and his face grows somber as he continues.
“Twenty seven eeling died. They were not Kazi. They died because they stood in the way of the effort to disrespect the most ancient history of eel-kind. These twenty seven eeling died for nothing, simply for enjoying a peaceful afternoon at the Institute. We must remember them for their contributions to the families that loved them, and the state that will never be the same without them. We must remember Security Officer Gangol, mother of seven, who ran toward danger to save anyone she could because it was her job. We must remember Carrier Stevaw, survived by his partner and their young family of three newborns. He piloted a jet-truck and delivered packages all around the Tri-State. We must remember Ieopal and Falap, and their daughter Opal, who had stopped to learn their history on the way to a picnic that beautiful day.”
He names them all. He barely blinks as he says them from memory, though there is a teleprompter next to the camera. He’d spent a lot of time reviewing the names; in his opinion, the attack only happened because he was reckless and hadn’t beefed up security on the day the installation opened as some suggested. He will never forget those names.
After paying his respects to the dead, the Kazi behind Nazrhul break their formation and his attackers are brought forward. The view of the broadcast broadens to show the group of eight in no restraints. They wear the same tight athletic gear that the woman who had initiated the attack at the Institute had worn. They stand with mean looks on their furry brown, black, and white faces. Nazrhul raises an arm and indicates to the attackers.
“These men and women attempted to kill me and were apprehended by brave Kazi who stopped their attack and saved the lives of members of the security force. Sadly, fifteen security force members were killed in their pursuit of me and the Kazi will hand them over to security forces. They stand before you today because they are part of a terrorist organization, an otherwise petty gang that was contracted by alien forces to sew discord in Eeling society. This gang, calling themselves Dark Eelies, have organized attacks around the globe against the Kazi and followers of Ife-Osu. The Kazi of the Master Dōjō have discovered that the gang’s plans for division are extensive and stoking hostility toward the Kazi is just a first step.”
“I implore you, Eeling everywhere, let go of your fears of those who are not exactly like you. Regardless of others’ beliefs, the composition of the ground of their birthplace, the colors of their fur, we are one planet, we are one species and we will only thrive together. Resist hate.”
The group of eight are handcuffed by security forces who were standing behind the cameras waiting to take them away.
“The Kazi are dedicated to the protection of the planet and they are investigating the alien origin of the Black Eelies’ attacks. They have weapons that do not originate on Eel and the Kazi, in conjunction with Kazi Lograt who works with the Interstellar Panel, will discover how they came to play a part in the massacre.”
“To anyone with hatred in their hearts and following the deadly and misguided notions of the Black Eelies, I implore you to change your ways. An attack on one Eeling, on any Eeling, is an attack on all of us that will not be tolerated. We will hunt you down and we will bring the full power of the Kazi Veil and the Icosa Senate down on you.”
His last statement would prove controversial. Nazrhul hadn’t spoken with the entirety of the Icosa Senate, which is made up of representatives of every district on the planet, since he’d been at the Master Dōjō. The senators that he had spoken to, offered their condolences to Nazrhul and gently begged him not to speak on behalf of the Icosa. But Nazrul was filled with fury in the moment.
When the broadcast concludes, the Kazi watch the film crews depart and Nazrhul speaks with Kazi Quail. The frail looking alien creature is with him. She is called Alia and she is from the same planet that made the weapons of the Black Eelies. But her presence on Eel has nothing to do with weapons. Apparently, she is a holy creature that the Kazi had meant to raise on Eel, but those plans were thwarted long ago.
“Nicely done, Senator,” Quail says to Nazrhul, smiling like a proud father.
“Thank you. I should probably get back to Shrell. There is sure to be an Icosa gathering soon.”
Quail nodded. “Two Kazi have volunteered to travel with you for your safety. You should do some study yourself, Senator. You can become Kazi. We would gladly welcome you.”
“One thing at a time, Kazi Quail.”
Soon after, Nazrhul and two Kazi guards left the dōjō on jet bikes.
– – –
Long ago, when he was still under the thrall of gravity, Fandral was in study at the Master Dōjō library. He sat at a table with books scattered everywhere; ancient books that detailed the lives and legends of various Kazi through history and books on incantations to cause explosions or to control the spirits of dead Eeling who roamed the planet. He was trying to complete his last mastery to become Kazi, the act of levitation, and he hoped to find something in some book that would give him what he was missing.
For a Kazi to enact any of the masteries that they are known for, they must demonstrate perfect concentration to focus their mind, a skill that is difficult to attain, but easy to utilize once achieved. The Kazi believe that there are seventy seven sections of their mind and consciousness, and accessing each of those sections is what allows for completion of the masteries that include moving objects at a distance, manipulating the temperature of a specific object, reading the minds of others, and body mass manipulation. Even though a Kazi is required to demonstrate each ability, a Kazi usually specializes in about five. There are ancient Kazi who have written books on the subject of attaining and wielding each mastery, and there is a Master Kazi, or Makazi, for each mastery.
Fandral had every book ever written by Makazi Eiro, who lived long ago and mastered levitation so well that she was able to leave the atmosphere of Eel completely, before the Eeling had developed technology capable of the feat. She never returned to the surface of Eel and many believed that the primitive spacesuit she wore was unable to sustain her reentry into Eel’s atmosphere. She had lived a full life before her last flight and Makazi Eiro had written many books on the subject of levitation.
Fandral struggled with the feelings that Eiro described to unlock the section of the mind that allowed for levitation. It is both physical and emotional. One important feeling required for levitation is the weightless feeling one experiences when they jump under the pull of gravity just at the apex of the action, just when the thrust up wears off and just before the pull of gravity back down. The other vital feeling for levitation is the feeling of trusting your gut in a situation that feels impossible and achieving a positive outcome despite the odds, like the opportunity to save someone from a sure death at the risk of your own peril, but feeling you have the ability to save them despite that peril and choosing to take that action without assurance of the positive outcome.
Fandral did jumping exercises for a long time, trying to feel that apex, and with enough time, he was able to experience it, the millisecond between thrust and pull. But the other sensation eluded him.
Fandral wore a green gi then, and even though it was not the flowing navy blues of the Kazi, the hunter green of his gi commanded respect among other trainees; green represents at least seventy five percent completion of the masteries.
When he met with his mentor Kazi for his daily lesson early one day on the plateau behind the Master Dōjō that had a beautiful scenic view of the mountainous terrain for miles in all directions, Fandral was surprised to see two Kazi with his mentor instead of the three other trainees that usually met early on the plateau. Fandral was filled with respect when Kazi Grasyl, who was the head Kazi at the time, shook his hand. Fandral had never met her personally, but he attended the weekly meetings that she led and he had been chosen to take a special class on teleportation with her and fifty other trainees, which was the greatest honor of his life. He was surprised that Grasyl remembered him.
“You are a special talent Fandral. I see Makazi in your future, if not for teleportation, then for something else. You are a wonderful student and your written works have recently helped some achieve teleportation. Your description of your feelings is clear and easy to understand. I would not forget one such as you.”
She was an old woman then, but her fur was solid brown and bushy around her ears, like two puffs on either side of her head. Fandral smiled at her, he had never been so happy. She introduced Kazi Quail who was an older man even then and all white.
“We think that there is someone in danger, very far away,” Kazi Grasyl said and they sat on nearby benches. “You have studied the Hyperion, yes? You are aware of the Alia, the perfect woman of our universe who accesses the perfect powers of the Ife-Osu?”
“I have studied it, Kazi,” Fandral said and he let his gaze wander. He was not sure if he should express his true opinion of the legend of the Alia.
“You’ve heard that it is a myth?” Grasyl said and she laughed with Quail.
Fandral was embarrassed and it showed.
“Time makes everything legend, Fandral,” Grasyl said. “There is a kernel of truth in everything you study, even if there is exaggeration.”
“So an alien woman will bring light to the universe?”
“She will usher in a time of life, the civilizations of the universe will thrive and the universe will be the better for it.”
“How is that possible?” Fandral asked seriously.
“Everything is possible through Ife-Osu.”
Fandral sat in silence and the three Kazi watched him mulling it over. It was amusing to them that the Kazi were capable of teleportation and other extraordinary things, and yet even the trainees doubted the greater wonders of their ways.
“Why isn’t the Alia a Kazi woman?” Fandral asked after some time.
“Why are the Great Mountains red?” Grasyl asked. “There is a reason for everything, but knowing it doesn’t change the reality. We Kazi women do not feel slighted, and I feel comfortable to speak on behalf of us all. The Alia must run the Rainbow Road, and that is not an easy task, not even with the levitation you struggle so hard to attain.”
“The Rainbow Road through hell and heaven to all eternity? That is real too?”
“Just be glad that journey is not in your future,” Grasyl said and then changed the subject. “We need someone to bring the Alia to Eel. We fear that her home planet will inadvertently sever the sacred line, and we cannot risk it.”
“You want me to go?” Fandral was confused. “I’m not even Kazi. I’ve never left Tetah district.”
“You are a wonderful student,” Grasyl said. “When we became aware of the threat to the Alia and we discussed intervention, we decided that a Kazi is not required for this. This isn’t something that the Red Mountains suggest. They only advise that her planet Earth is hostile to difference and there are beings who oppose the Alia even if they don’t fully comprehend what she is. Your mission is to find her and bring her here, but there is no consequence for failure. Your top priority is to stay alive and to avoid detection.”
“She is sending you across the universe for nothing,” Quail chuckled. “The Alia cannot be killed because the Hyperion will happen and only she can do it. But Grasyl is a worrier and she wants eyes on the Alia. She’s sending you because she doesn’t want to ask a Kazi who would realize the senselessness of it. But I guess I have just spoiled that.”
The Kazi all laughed together and Fandral felt that he was not in on the joke.
“Will you go, Fandral? Your mastery of teleportation will keep you safe. And the journey may give you the experiences you need to attain the things that elude you. Nothing is for nothing, everything is for something.”
Fandral agreed and he was the first Eeling to ever travel to Earth. He agreed because nothing he did on Eel was helping him to levitate.
– – –
The journey was short with the Kazi-enchanted spacecraft that Fandral took to Earth. The navigation was programmed to hit every available IP sanctioned boost to the farside of the universe before they tapered off when he was out of the range of regular IP travel. His ship moved beyond hyper-speed even though it’s engines were the simple jet technology that is standard on all Eeling vehicles, but it had been reinforced to withstand the speed, and he arrived on Earth about a month after his departure in a wooded area that was completely alien to him. He was in mountains at least, but they were grey and white like they had been drained of life by the thick patches of vegetation that covered parts of them. It was alarming to Fandral who had no advanced scientific training. When he used the mind reading mastery to try and speak to the mountains, he couldn’t hear anything, or nothing that he was used to hearing from the Red Mountains. He had a mental picture of an Earthling woman with no fur except on her head, relatively tall, taller than Fandral on two legs, with skin the same color brown as his fur, deep but still bright.
The Kazi who sent him to Earth were aware of the woman, the Alia, only in visions that they shared with the Red Mountains, and the only briefing on Earth for his mission that he received before departing, was a psychic experience that showed him the the home where the woman dwelled with a man that was her partner. He recognized the home when he came upon it. It was two stories and built on the soft green vegetation that covered the ground. On Eel, homes are carved into the mountains and the only vegetation exists in parks and on farms that were carefully irrigated to manage rainfall. Fandral enjoyed the sensation of running over the grass and he engaged the mastery of invisibility to enter the home in case anyone was inside. Invisibility is achieved partly through feelings of wonder, like experiencing a pleasant alien world for the first time, and he was surprised at how much easier it was to maintain it in his present situation.
The home was humble; wooden frames for all the furniture and handsome pillows to make them comfortable and a TV like a box with antennae on top in the main room on the first floor. He wandered up to the second floor, confident that he was alone. But he wasn’t, and when he wandered into a bedroom, he was so startled at the sight of the Alia’s partner, that he jumped and dropped his invisibility. The sound he made on the floor caused the man to turn, and when he saw Fandral, the man yelled and tried to retreat, but slipped on the hardwood floor in his socks, and he hit his head with such impact against the edge of a nightstand as he fell backwards, that the thud made Fandral jump again. Fandral stared at the Earthling on the floor and knew that it was dead.
He moved closer and then he heard someone behind him. He heard her crying and he knew it was her. He turned and stared right into her eyes.
“What…” she said, and Fandral panicked, then jumped out of a nearby window, too flustered to teleport.
He went to the woods and thought about what he could do next. He hadn’t killed the man on purpose, but the Alia would never understand that. He could make her understand. He had to, she needed to come to Eel.
He contacted the Kazi who told him to return to Eel without her, to leave well enough alone. But Fandral was worried that he had left the woman even more vulnerable. When the sun rose the next day, he was about to approach her house when he saw her stumble into the woods. He engaged his invisibility and followed her as she wandered. There were many hostile things in the woods that Fandral managed to keep from harming her.
Months passed on Earth, and Fandral knew that he could not leave the woman; she refused to return to her home and it was clear that she was close to giving birth.
He was surprised when the bear appeared in the dark and Fandral used his mind suggestion mastery to calm the bear and invoke loving thoughts of it’s mother from childhood. It became a protector of the Alia and Fandral wondered if the bear could be trusted to care for her and allow him to leave.
But if he left without her, she would give birth in the woods and that could kill her. He thought to abduct her, she would thank him when they were on Eel, but he couldn’t deliver a baby in a spaceship.
And then it happened, she went into the labor and the bear took her to other earthlings who lived in the woods. She slid carefully off of the bear’s back when they made it to the door and then the bear growled and pawed at it, and Fandral watched in horror as shotgun shots ripped through the door and killed the bear, blood flying everywhere. The Alia screamed as men came out of the door and they drug her inside while she tried to fight then off.
Fandral was furious and he lost his invisibility. He ran into the house before he even thought to engage a weapon, and he killed everyone inside except the Alia with his bare hands and the claws at the tips of his furry fingers.
The Alia watched with horror on her face. When he was done and blood dripped from his claws and stained his gi, he heard her speak.
“It’s you. You killed him…” her voice broke into tears.
“I did not murder him,” the robotic voice of his translator said, not nearly as sympathetically as he wanted to sound. “That was an accident. I startled him, he fell. I am sorry. These people meant you harm. I protected you. And I can help you give birth.”
The Alia screamed and cried and she stood and navigated the floor space that was scattered with dead bodies. She picked up a phone that dangled from the wall, wailing the dial tone, and she called the police. Then she went to a small bathroom and Fandral followed, watched her lay on the floor on her back.
“His name was Henry Michael Brown,” she said between contractions. “My name is Rebecca Samaya Brown. He called me Samaya. Her parents are Henry and Rebecca.”
Fandral isn’t sure why she died then, but after the girl was born and he had collected clean linens to swaddle the baby and create a comfortable bed in the bathtub, he was sure that she was dead. He knelt by her side. Her eyes were closed and her body was still.
He printed the names that the Alia had said from his translator that produced a slip of paper the size of a postcard from the communication device on his wrist. He knew that he could not take the baby with him to Eel, he had no idea what the baby needed, and the Alia had called other Earthlings who would help her.
But Fandral understood then that the baby was the new Alia, and he had been sent to prevent her death. He couldn’t leave her vulnerable.
He closed his eyes and took deep breaths to calm himself. He had to make a decision. When his mind was settled, he began to levitate, and he has not touched the ground since.
He closed the bathroom door to separate the baby from the grisly scene of dead bodies in the larger house. She cried loudly and Fandral ignored it because he knew that he was not the one to help her. And he picked up the body of Rebecca Samaya Brown, and then teleported back his ship. When he was back in Eel, he buried her on the plateau behind the Master Dōjō and all the resident Kazi gathered with Fandral.
“You did good, Kazi Fandral,” Quail said to him as he floated somberly. “Nothing is for nothing. You allowed her to give birth to the Alia, and she will make her way here.”
“I should not have been there,” Fandral said. “The best thing I did was to leave. Things would have been different if we had left well enough alone. Kazi Grasyl should not be our leader.”
Quail was somber, then said, “You are Kazi now because of Grasyl. She wanted to help you, she knew that you would benefit from such a quest. What transpired over the course of that quest was an unfortunate accident. Most unfortunate. But everything happens as it does, as it needs to, no matter how senseless.”
Fandral would sew opposition against Grasyl among the Kazi, but she was not replaced until her death. He would never forgive himself for his part in the death of Henry Michael Brown.
PRL Serials 