UNC024E

**STORIES**

**PREVIOUS**

**ESPAÑOL**

**That strange mystery is solved.**

And a few days passed, Gordon had the turn to return to Omega. Both Peter and Arnold went to bid farewell to the astroport. Kira was still resting and Gordon asked her not to bother accompanying him there.

-Make the most of the rest in this wonderful place. - The boy advised him after giving him a goodbye hug. –

-Good travel and greet everyone on our behalf. - She asked him in turn. –

And along with his friend and his host, Gordon got into the vehicle with which the professor had been guiding them. At last, they arrived at Port Doppler. They walked to the shuttle that the boy was to embark on while Peter commented.

"And you won't have to take care of anything. It has been confirmed to me that the Dragonfly is already embarked on the Cosmopolitan ship.

- Your trip will be more enjoyable as well. A real pleasure trip. - Third Arnold. –

- Yes, of course, but... but I wanted to see so many things. - Gordon sighed resignedly. – For example, the underwater cities that we have heard so much about.

-That may be the pretext to see us again. - The professor replied kindly, patting him on the back. –

- What a pity my vacation is over! How unlucky I am! - The boy sighed again. –

"Well, you will be able to see your parents and my sister again. - Peter pointed at him with an accomplice smile. -

- Of course. - His friend nodded, more comforted at that thought. –

"Also, if Kira was already okay, they would have called us all. - Added his interlocutor. -Surely we will have to go on the next trip, in four days.

Gordon nodded, now he was somewhat embarrassed. He looked like a spoiled child who was having a tantrum. So, with better spirit, he shook Arnold's hand.

-Goodbye, professor. – He said goodbye. –

"Goodbye, friend. - He replied affably. –

He then gave Peter a hug as he listened to himself on the pa system.

-Passengers for departure from Port Doppler, board, please.

- Eh!, take good care of our little cup. - Peter asked him when his friend had already boarded the shuttle. -

He showed him his thumb and index fingers joined together and forming a circle, after winking he disappeared from the sight of his interlocutors since they had to move away while the ship took off.

"Well, now let's see where I go. - Gordon said to himself. –

And it is that he did not remember the place he had reserved. And the journey to reach the Cosmopolitan could take at least a few hours on that shuttle. He looked down the hall not knowing where to go. Apparently he must have given all the appearance of being very clueless because a beautiful hostess with short reddish hair and black eyes, with eyelids made up in ochre, with a fairly light complexion and red fleshy lips, addressed him with a silky and kind tone.

"Please join me, I will show you your seat.

"Thank you very much, Miss. - He smiled. –

That young woman smiled back, guiding him to a window seat.

-If you need something do not hesitate to call me, I am Celia. - He whispered to him. –

Gordon even blushed. It seemed to him that this was more of an offer to establish some kind of relationship than a professional offer.

-Thank you very much. - He was able to repeat while carraspeaba. –

He noticed that girl more when she, after smiling at him once again, walked away, in effect wearing the uniform of a Cosmopolitan hostess. And that suit conformed to all its forms of wonder.

- What things am I thinking! - Censored. - If Gina Saw Me...

He decided to forget about that matter and rest a little until he reached that great intergalactic ship that would take him to Omega. For their part, Peter and Arnold were flying over the sea. The teacher was telling his young and curious friend some things.

-One of our aquaculture areas, mainly dedicated to plankton. Men have needed a long time to come to the conclusion that a one-kilo tuna eats ten kilos of sardines, and that ten kilos of sardines eat one hundred kilos of animal plankton, which, in turn, eats a thousand kilos of vegetable plankton. And in times of scarcity, a thousand kilos of good protein are worth a single kilo. - He detailed to the perplexed Peter. –

They continued that flight and the professor pointed out to his visitor a large superstructure that emerged from the sea, to explain.

-An oil drilling station, abandoned centuries ago due to exhaustion. Also, what would oil be for today?

Peter agreed to that. That type of fuel had been relegated many centuries ago as polluting and inefficient. Arnold continued to show him more things, this time indicating other complex constructions, he added.

-Those facilities serve to accumulate thermal energy from the seas.

- How do you achieve that? - The boy wanted to know. –

There is twenty degrees of difference in water temperature per thousand meters deep and the thermal reaction produces electricity. But as you will understand, all that ends up running out, of course.

They reached other huge structures that stood out from the ocean and their guide told the boy.

-A lot of plant plankton here and there animal plankton.

- Then we can see whales! - An enthusiastic Peter deduced. – It seems that it is his favorite food.

Yes, we will see them, if they rise to the surface naturally. - Arnold agreed. –

As soon as he finished saying it, they saw how the sea opened up and a gigantic shape emerged from it. The professor barely had time to raise his vehicle so as not to be run over by it. Peter watched in amazed and amazed. That animal was huge! Also opening its tremendous jaws to take its food.

"I don't love, nothing about playing Jonah. - Arnold declared. –

They narrowly dodged a tail of that giant that despite falling several meters away bathed them with water. Peter was still amazed and delighted.

"Fantastic, I had never seen such an animal. So huge!, let's turn around please-He asked the driver. -

And that had been seen even with dinosaurs. However, in his opinion not even the elders among them equaled that colossus.

-Well, but we will have to be careful. Arnold claimed. – I don't want it to turn us into junk.

He went down with great prudence to approach, although suddenly they were enveloped in a cloud, there was so much steam that they hardly saw anything. Peter gave a puzzled look to his host.

- What's wrong? - Wanted to know. –

It didn't take long for them to realize that they were in the middle of a jet of pressurized water launched by one of those whales that was completely penetrating them.

-Extraordinary, it is extraordinary. - The boy repeated endlessly wishing to know. – And tell me, professor. Are there many whales around here?

-Hundreds, thousands perhaps. They are our great protein reserves. Understand? That is why they are taken care of with such care. - His interlocutor replied. –

-Look at them there. - Peter indicated when he glimpsed a group of them jumping out of the water reaching several meters high to fall again. - What a jump, fantastic! It would seem that they play.

-And they play, in effect. - Asserted his contertulio with jovial tone to add funny. – But we would do well to get away from there, because to play with them we would have to settle for the role of ball. Ha ha ha!

So they did, leaving behind that group of gigantic cetaceans and heading to a huge metal island that emerged from the ocean.

-The superstructure of Posidonia. One of the underwater cities I've told you about. Arnold revealed to his young friend. – It is faster to access it through a tunnel starting from the coastal facilities. But since we rode this old horse. - He joked in allusion to his flying vehicle. –

Peter watched in a stunned. It was a huge structure of course. This was confirmed by his guide when he detailed it.

-Here we have as much space as you want. We have hotels, residences, hospitals, everything! Well, what you see is only a small part of what is under the water.

A few minutes later they descended entering through an access for ships and flying vehicles. Arnold parked his in a visitor area and they descended, taking a mechanical path that led them like a conveyor belt inland. Indeed Peter could see a huge city and beyond gigantic windows that allowed him to contemplate the bottom of the ocean. While he was delighting in these visions, his contertulio was commenting on him.

-This is only a neighborhood of the city. For centuries now, man has lived at ease in the sea. He cultivates it, exploits it, lodges in it, has fun in it.

They arrived in front of a kind of water channel in which vehicles similar to steel and glass bubbles floated.

-Our means of transport. - Arnold told him. -

-Everything here seems very similar to space. - Peter valued. –

-Of course, young man. It is that outside the Cosmos, the sea has been one of the last adventures allowed to man. - Answered his contertulio. –

A little further away from where they were, Peter could see a large underwater craft. Meanwhile, Arnold sentenced.

-The pioneering spirit has been reborn here.

They also walked a little further to observe some fairly large, but disused structures. Peter asked.

- What are these constructions?

-Old factories. Centuries ago they were used for oil, gas coal, extracted from the sea. Vegetable proteins were also treated here AND there. - He pointed to another building somewhat more distant. - Minerals, lead, cobalt, uranium, nickel, copper, etc. were worked. All from the sea, but come, come. - The professor indicated to his guest. –

They passed inside one of those buildings that was active. They saw several scientists working there, Arnold told him.

-Diamonds, also marine, like everything else. Let's hurry. - asked the boy who had stopped a little to observe. -

They boarded a conveyor belt that took them through all that. Arnold told him when they could see a group of workers who through a window controlled an artifact on the seabed.

-Gold, gold nuggets. Interesting, right? Even if their value is no longer the same since our technicians learned to transmute metals.

That's the way it was. That was almost a romantic exploitation. Although perhaps not quite. Transmutation itself required a lot of energy and it was sometimes even more profitable to exploit gold deposits than to try to manufacture it.

"Come on, let's go. - Arnold urged him. -

They approached an area where a technician comfortably seated in the room was operating a large machine with a shovel that carried a lot of ore on the seabed, while they saw it through the glass.

-Metals. What do you think, friend? - The professor asked him. –

And without letting him answer, he commented, now with a more serious and worried tinge.

"Something strange is happening here, you know? For some time now you no longer get the same amount as before. Areas famous for their abundance are taken for added. I would dare to say that they steal from us. - Arnold declared. –

- Steal them? inside the sea? - Peter was shocked. –

- Yes. It surprises you, right? Well, the friend I have told you about will tell us something about this. He is the captain of the police of the seas. A slightly strange boy will see, even sometimes very strange. Now you will meet him, I'm sure you will find it very interesting.

And after that comment the two came walking towards those crystalline bubbles with metal infrastructure. They were passing while being approached by various passengers. Waiting for one, Arnold commented to Peter.

-As the bubble descends, its pressure balances to resist that of the outside.

Although unexpectedly the professor consulted his old wristwatch and wondered aloud.

-But. Why does that guy take so long?

A few moments later a tall individual, with a tan complexion and blond hair, uniformed in a suit of green and white tones approached them.

-Sorry for the delay. - The newcomer apologized. – I had to report on those metals that disappear.

Arnold replied in an affable and cordial tone.

-The important thing is that he has come. I'm sure you've heard of Lieutenant Peter of Omega.

- Who has not heard of our saviors? - That man replied with a restrained, though cordial, tone. – Nice to meet you, Lieutenant.

He offered a hand to Peter that he shook. Arnold continued to host and concluded the presentations.

"Peter, this is Captain Eufenos, Pit to friends. One of our great specialists in submarine issues. I believe that water is its natural element, much more than the Earth. Isn't it, Captain? - The professor joked. –

The questioner nodded, while rubbing his left shoulder with his right hand.

What, is that damn pain continuing? - Arnold inquired suggesting. – It should be put into treatment. Well, I'm starting to get hungry. Lunch is waiting for us.

And that said, the three embarked on a bubble that had arrived just a few moments ago. As soon as it climbed its glass gate closed and the device began a progressive descent increasing the speed that lasted several minutes.

-This is incredible. - Peter commented. –

-We are going to go down a few thousand meters. - Pit told him. –

And so it was. When they reached the end of the journey they accessed a chamber that closed to the passage of the bubble evacuating the water. When that room was completely empty, the door of their vehicle opened and they were able to get out.

-Around here. - Arnold said. –

The professor preceded them by opening a door that communicated them with a corridor, from this they went out to a large hall and on one side they saw many tables and chairs with magnificent views, since large windows allowed them to see the ocean. After sitting down, the teacher commented to his guest.

"You see, Peter, we're eating at the bottom of the sea.

-It is as fascinating to move around here as it is through space.

A robot waiter came to take their order, once they did they resumed the conversation.

-The pressure is three tons per square centimeter. - Arnold revealed to him. –

- Three tons per square centimeter, it's amazing! – Exclaimed an admired Peter. –

-We are seven thousand meters deep. - Pit informed him. -

And in fact Peter could watch through the glass as various species of abyssal fish swiced outside.

-It's amazing. It would be great to dive around here. - The boy said. -

-No one can descend so much in free immersion. Pit replied. –

-Sure, the pressure would crush him. - Reasoned Omega's wanting to know. - How far do you descend, Captain?

- One hundred and fifty or two hundred meters perhaps. - His interlocutor estimated. –

- Bravo! - Peter praised him. –

It was no wonder, that was within the reach of very few and demanded an enviable constitution and physical form. In addition, of course, a lot of ability to concentrate and mental strength. This was confirmed by Professor Weust  when he testified.

Most normally constituted beings lose the notion more than a hundred meters away, and no longer know where they are.

-The drunkenness of depth. Have you heard of it? - Pit asked. –

Peter nodded, it was also called nitrogen narcosis. It was a phenomenon due to excess nitrogen in the blood. That's why he couldn't help but ask.

-So how do you get it? Training-based? – The young man elucubró. –

-Our friend is a Guanche, or an Atlanteen if you prefer. - The professor revealed to him. –

-It means that I am originally from the Canary Islands. - The captain clarified it. – The professor holds a series of very interesting theories about the old civilizations of Atlantis.

"Don't make fun of the captain, I have my opinion. - Arnold replied, who immediately changed the subject to add. - As for metals no one will take it out of my head that thieves are known to us.

"You would be a good policeman, teacher. - Pit affirmed affably. –

"I would like us to dive together. - Peter proposed. – Would it be possible?

- Naturally. - Your interlocutor agreed. - Why wouldn't it be? We can do some underwater archaeology. I'm sure you'll like it.

Peter nodded, indeed, he would be delighted to do so. More with the luxury guidance of that man.

"I have only spoken to him for a few minutes and I see that he is someone out of the ordinary. - The boy reflected. - I think Kira would like to meet him.

Between that and other conversations they finished eating and rose back to the surface. After a couple of hours to prepare the right equipment the two young men were ready to do that dive. Peter proposed to Arnold.

-Eh, professor. Don't want to come with us?

- Not thank you very much, go you, those types of games are no longer for my age. Do you think it could be a good fish with these beards?

The two boys nodded, and Captain Eufenos commented to Peter.

You don't need training exercises, resistance to carbon dioxide, or nitrogen narcotism, because you're used to it in space. We go to the bottom, but if you feel disorders, do not go below eighty meters. The drunkenness of depth must be avoided. And as you climb up, perform the three stages of decompression slowly.

       Peter nodded, willing to follow that man in that interesting experience. At last they entered a special tank with access to the sea, this was filled with water while the gate that would allow them to go out into the ocean was opened. Swimming into the pit depths, he was commenting to his guest through the radio that connected them.

-This is plant plankton. It is the basis of all our aquaculture, of all animal plankton feed, therefore, of all fish. In addition, by photosynthesis, it provides the Earth with greater purity in its atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide, transforming it into oxygen.

The descent continued and the light gradually became dimmer.

-Don't be left behind. - He warned Peter of his guide. -

      Although the young man of Omega took the shock of his life, from among the waters emerged a huge bulbous head followed by eight tentacles. The boy almost ran out of breath and stayed as still as he could, trying as soon as he believed that this animal did not notice him, to move away.

-An octopus. Don't be afraid! – He hurriedly calmed pit down, passing a hand over his guest's right man. –

It was much easier said than applied. That being of the depths could easily measure twenty meters long from the head to the tip of its tentacles. Peter only hoped that men would not be among the delicacies he tasted in his diet. Fortunately that did not seem to be the case, Captain Eufenos confidently approached that giant swimming around him, and placing himself next to one of the great eyes of that beast as he invited him.

-Get closer, get closer. It's okay.

And Peter trusted the word of his guide. One of the tentacles of that animal approached, touching it and even tickling it. Apparently that huge being was also curious, satisfied the same leviathan swerving away to the depths.

-It has been impressive. - The boy admitted. –

His guide told him that they should continue. The purifying filter they carried to breathe had a limited duration. So, they continued their descent and Pit pointed to him.

-A submerged city.

By lighting a lantern, the captain illuminated a few stone houses that lay there for surely many centuries. Peter contemplated that fascinated, together with his guide he looked at some walls, dared to get into some of those houses and watched in search of some object with little result.

-Let's see it. - Pit proposed, pointing out the remains of what was once a large tower. –

They went down and as they passed through a door Peter would swear that he saw the silhouette of a strange being. It was dark with big eyes and head. His body appeared to have four limbs, but like tentacles. The boy looked again, although he no longer saw anything. He beckawed at Pit, but pit was distracted by cleaning one of the walls of that structure. Peter entered through that door and left for other ruins that seemed even older. He could glimpse the remains of a Greek temple and in front of him swined that strange shape that he was not able to identify.

- Will he be an intelligent being? - He wondered as he tried to reach him. –

Although then the words of Captain Eufenos, resounded in his head as a warning.

-Above all do not go below eighty meters, you have to avoid the drunkenness of the depth.

The boy consulted the depth gauge he was wearing on his wrist. And in fact he was already eighty meters away, but he felt good.

-It will be because of my training in space. - He thought. -

In any case, he believed that he could go down a little further and not lose that strange creature. He did and a few meters down, on the bed, he saw something really incredible. They were a group of human silhouettes that danced holding hands and forming a chorus.

-WillI be dreaming? It seems like a fantasy. - He said he was amazed. –

Although he was really fascinated. And he wanted to join them. His meter already marked ninety meters, approaching the red line that indicated the hundred.

-Care, care. - A voice of alert resounded in his mind. –

And he continued to descend until he reached one hundred. Then he landed on the ground and wanted to be part of that group of figures. They accepted him by shaking hands to join that chorus of celebration. Peter no longer cared about depth, he just felt joy.

-It's wonderful, wonderful. - He thought, while another voice, weaker and weaker, insisted in his mind. - Attention, attention... Beware of the state of drunkenness, do not lose the sense of reality. Otherwise everything can happen. - Huh, huh... help! - Peter was screaming mentally. -

Many miles away, at Arnold's house, Kira suddenly got up. Ethel who was next to her weaving a blanket looked at her with concern.

"Areyou okay, young lady?" you wanted to know. -

"Something happens to Peter. - She could say, full of restlessness. – It is in danger.

-Quiet, it is well accompanied. - That woman wanted to calm her down. –

His interlocutor took a deep breath trying to calm down. Something told him that his friend was at mortal risk, but that he was going to be rescued. And so it was, when Pit realized that his companion was not by his side he wanted to communicate with him quickly.

-Peter, Peter. Can you hear me? Give me your position. - asked him unsuccessfully. –

Something then told him that this boy was in grave danger. He looked everywhere until he found a slope descending. There he saw the ruins of an ancient city that always awakened in him ancient memories blurred in a sea of mystery. However, that was the least of it now. He went down right away and could discover that boy moving in circles and waving his arms as if he were celebrating something.

"Peter, you must stop and ascend. - He called him without getting a response. –

Little by little the young man of Omega was staying still, his body ended up being inert. Pit hurried over and was able to catch up with him. That unconscious man had almost taken off his respirator.

-The drunkenness of depth. - The captain immediately guessed. –

Fortunately they still had time. He ascended carrying his companion. He had to do it slowly so that he would not suffer a decompression that could have been deadly. In the meantime, he called the city's medical services for his transmitter.

"Here Captain Eufenos, I have a case of nitrogen narcosis. Prepare measurements and a decompression chamber.

Despite everything, he had to hurry and could not wait for the mandatory time. After a few agonizing minutes he managed to get that boy up and was helped by members of his own police. The two entered the decompression chamber. From the outside Arnold communicated with him.

-You have just informed me. What happened?

Peter has suffered narcosis. I was able to see it in time and get it out of there. - Pit told him. –

- How is it? - The teacher wanted to know, visibly worried. –

-You will have a good headache, but you will recover. - He was reassured by his interlocutor. –

It still took three hours to get Peter out of there, still unconscious. After a medicalized vehicle, Arnold decided that it would be better to take him home.

-You will rest better, the air of the field will help you. - Ruled. –

Pit nodded, and his friend proposed.

- Why doesn't it come with us? Peter will surely want to thank you when you wake up. If you have nothing to investigate.

"Now I'm free. There are no further clues as to the disappearance of the minerals, but I must report in detail the mishap with our guest. As soon as I finish I will gladly accept, professor. - That young man replied. –

"Well, you know where I live, come as soon as you can," Arnold said.

And he left, accompanying the convalescent in that special vehicle. After a couple more hours they arrived.  A pair of medical robots took Peter who was left in a bed to finally recover while the worried Kira asked what had happened. Arnold told him.

Thank God that this man was able to save him. - Kira sighed commenting somewhat upset now. - It's that you can never sit still.

"Yes, this boy always researching things, at least fortune seems to accompany him. - The professor said. –

They let Peter rest and went to the lounge, chatted a little, and had tea. At half an hour the young man appeared standing, covering himself with one of Ethel's blankets. Kira immediately got up going towards him.

- How are you doing? - The young woman wanted to know. –

-With a good headache, but well, thank you. - He was able to smile. –

Between Arnold and Kira they helped him sit in a chair, Peter was somewhat intempered and with that headache that bothered him a lot, but well in general. Thus, his host told him what happened to top it off.

-And if the captain had not found him before his nitrogen binge had torn off the respirator would have been grass of the fish. And if I hadn't pulled you out of the water with great effort, I don't know what would have become of you.

Kira gave him an affectionate look by placing a hand on his partner's left arm, while Peter still commented somewhat dazedly.

-It was all so extraordinary, so fascinating... that I didn't realize anything.

-Of course the captain is magnificent. - Arnold declared wondering aloud. - How did you manage to get there at the right time and the right place?

Kira watched him with a concentrated gesture. It could be that she transmitted that SOS to that man even without knowing him at all. Which surprised herself. I had never been capable of anything like this. Only with Peter did he have that connection.

He may have acted as a catalyst. – The girl who then commented aloud elucubró for herself. – Maybe by telepathy.

"Perhaps, I will ask you. - The teacher replied when he saw a signal on his intercom.

That meant Pit was coming. So Arnold commented.

"That young man is a real mystery, well, it can't take long anymore. If it is not delayed as is your custom.

She had barely spoken those words when the door of the hall opened, and Captain Eufenos walked in through her.

-Oh!. Hello. - He was greeted by the professor. –

And after shaking his hand, Pit looked at Peter and kindly took an interest in him, asking.

- How is our survivor? I hope so well.

He also shook hands with Peter who thanked him for his help and added.

"Pit, let me introduce you to Lieutenant Mercedes Carrión, Kira for friends.

The captain went to shake hands with that young woman, although looking into her eyes he was stunned.

- Huh! – He was able to exclaim. -But you. - He could tell before the perplexed looks of the professor and Peter. –

-You have the impression that we have seen each other before. Isn't it, Captain? Kira said. –

- Yes, yes!  - Admitted the questioned, sentencing with amazement. - It's surprising. I have seen it so much in my dreams.

- Or maybe it has been in another life? - She suggested that she look deeply at him with her big eyes. –

"Yes, that's it, in another life. - The captain was able to mutter that he felt dazed. -

He stretched out his hand looking for where to hold on, Peter immediately held it.

- Pit! - Omega's worried young man exclaimed. –

Arnold brought another armchair for the captain to take a seat. And after bringing something to drink for his friends to recover, he commented jovially.

"Here you have me with three convalescents. The truth is that the young people of my time were much stronger than those of today.

"Tell me, I want to know, I beg you. - Pit asked Kira, while she was having a glass of tea that the teacher offered them. – It is very important to me, where have we seen each other? Under what circumstances? Please, it is very important to me. - He insisted with pleading dye in his voice. -

Kira remembered, in fact, those memories were there, as if seeing Captain Eufemos  someone had opened the lid of a trunk in which he had always been keeping them. So the young woman responded with a queda voice.

-Last time, it was in a boat. The world was sinking around us.

"Yes, that is, a boat, and before us Poseidonia  turned into a hell." – Recalled Pit too. –

To peter and Arnold's perplexity, Captain Eufenos explained to them.

-Poseidonia  was the capital of the Atlanteans. This is also the name of that city buried at the bottom of the sea. -He sighed to tell his contertulios that they listened to him with great attention. - That is why I have come here, to meet my ghosts. With dreams and realities, sometimes in the sea I don't know if I swim or if I dream, I can see places and people.

-I had exactly the same impression. - Peter corroborated. –

- How do you know if they are dreams or premonitions, or the resurgence of a very distant past? - Pit wondered looking at Kira who held that look with interest and affection. – I know I can tell you everything, I'm going to try.

He then told them a really incredible story. That began like this:

-The first Atlanteans, coming from far away, landed here about a million years ago...

Elsewhere quite far away, Gordon was resting on his bunk, waiting to reach the Cosmopolitan. The young man did not cease to regret his early departure.

-Too bad, with the amount of things that remained to be seen.

It occurred to him then that this might well be the excuse to, on his next vacation, ask Gina to accompany him.

"You'll love the Earth, I'm sure. - He smiled just thinking about it. –

He was looking forward to calling home and greeting his parents and girlfriend. Although in that small ship the communications were not too good. As soon as he arrived at the great space shuttle he could call with much better quality and safety.

"Total, there must be only a few hours left to reach it... – he thought. –

That's what he thought of when he heard someone knocking on his door.

-Wait a minute, please. - He asked because he was in his pajamas. -

He put on a robe and gave permission for the door to open. To his amazement he saw that girl with brown and short hair, piercing blue eyes, who was really attractive. The hostess smiled at him to ask.

- Please excuse me. Is there anything I want me to bring you?

-No, not thank you very much. - He was able to say the boy feeling quite azorado. –

-I also came to inform you that we will meet with the Cosmopolitan in a couple of hours. If you want to make some preparations to board the ship.

-Thank you very much. Yes, I think I will prepare.

The girl nodded, and after another melting  smile she commented.

-And remember. If on board the Cosmopolitan you need anything, do not hesitate to let me know. I will be at your entire disposal. - He almost whispered to him. –

-Gra... Thank you. - The perplexed Gordon was able to bluff. –

The young woman left her rooms and the door closed. The boy sighed long.

"Well, I can't say that the trip so far isn't being enjoyable. - He thought. –

Although he was immediately censored again for that. He had a girlfriend and would be waiting for him at Omega!

-I better prepare my things. - He harangued. –

Gordon's girlfriend was in turn traveling to her new destination without the boy knowing it yet. Gina had spent the following days of that journey learning more about customs, history, languages and geography and geography. In the moments they had free Menera and Jilia helped her a lot in that. Yener himself also began to frequent his company more, although he used to do so when those two attractive officers were present. Above all, he focused his interest on the blonde.

"Well, apparently those two are a couple, I'm surprised Yener is trying to get in. - I thought with some blush. –

Sometimes she even felt uncomfortable. But at the end of the day it was none of his business.  Yener in turn was starting to get bored. After that strange alarm that was officially resolved as an encounter with a distant asteroid field, the boy had been thinking about the matter.

Such a huge fleet cannot exist. - It was said. - Most likely, after all, they were asteroids.

He wanted to forget about it. What he did do was look for Lieutenant Delaier when she was doing her shift.

- Do you have a moment? - He asked. -

"Of course, Colonel. - She nodded after greeting her superior. –

Yener told him to approach to stay out of some officers and crew members who passed by greeting them both. Once she approached, the boy guided her to an office and made her pass.

"You see, Lieutenant. - He started with a somewhat stranded tone. - I don't know how to tell you this, but I've been looking forward to it for a while.

Menera watched him with a puzzled gesture, he didn't know what to think. That was not very orthodox, but he decided to wait to see what his superior had to say before drawing any conclusions.

"I want to propose something to you, and I hope it doesn't bother you..." He began. –

And on Earth, Pit continued that story.

The ancestors of the Atlanteans were perfect beings. Pure spirits who thought it convenient to adopt human form. No doubt out of sympathy for homo Erectus those evolved monkeys that then populated the Earth. But far from their planet, they ended up getting bored. However, they helped the Erectus evolve into Homo Sapiens. And then they induled in all sorts of games and magic. But that did not please and all the Atlanteans were forced to return. I have very confusing memories of that time. I know that later they returned, their presence fills the void of five thousand years. Those that go from the disappearance of Neanderthal man to the arrival of the Cromañón.

That was certainly a rather daring hypothesis. Neither Peter nor Kira, let alone the professor, were unaware that both groups of hominids came to coexist and even mix genetically. However, perhaps the possibility that both species could become interrelated and have offspring could have to do with these extraterrestrials. Anyway, it was such a gripping tale that no one wanted to interrupt it. So Pit continued as night fell.

Even in the archives of Egyptian priests, there is talk of his coming tens of millennia ago. I have studied Egyptian mythology and I have been dumbfounded. I knew everything long before I had read it. I had already lived everything. Plato, in the Timaeus and triton, speaks of Atlantis. Beyond Calpe there is a world bigger than Libya and Asia Minor, the Greek philosopher said. And I remember that as if it had happened yesterday.

Pit was visualized as a boy sitting next to the throne of a king. He was therefore a prince. And he hears one of the courtiers, tall, with a brown complexion and white mustache and beard, who wore a skirt and only wore a red cloak on his naked torso, address the monarch with a slightly exalted tone.

-Brother and my king. Soldiers languish for lack of action. Give us the order to depart and we will conquer worlds for the kingdom of Atlantis.

The king, who bore a great physical resemblance to his interlocutor, wearing a white robe and robes, and adorned with a gold chain that held a large medallion of that same material covering his chest, replied with a more leisurely voice.

-Our people have always been wise and kind, little given to conquest. Are your men lacking in comforts, without goods? – He wanted to know the sovereign, as he sat on his throne contemplating his contertulio with eyes that oozed wisdom and some regret, through his golden pupils. - Hasn't the greatest conquest of the Atlanteans been virtue?

That exasperated his brother who fist raised replied.

Our army suffocates under virtue, sinks into boredom. – The petitioner angrily denounced. –

A man with a long white beard and purple robes then intervened with an admonitory tone.

Friendship and wisdom have always been the treasures of this kingdom. Beware Esi,conquests can destroy our harmony.

The questioner in turn replied to that man with a tone of warning.

And you, Pontiff, do not you fear that lacking relief or struggle against the external enemy, the enormous fieriness of my men will turn against their own country?

It did not result in a response, with obvious indignation he left the courtroom.

Those words were prophetic. - Pit told his stunned listeners. - There were riots, killings, attacks against the civilian population. And they were caused by the same troops who were theoretically there to protect the inhabitants of the kingdom. Esi  executed some of the culprits in retaliation, but that only aggravated matters. Once again, the general appeared before the king to reiterate his request.

-Usir,my brother, have you already reflected? Will you give me your blessing? Or do you need more violence to understand reality? - He sentenced, resting his hand on the knob of the sword that led to the belt. -

The sovereign had no choice but to condescend, yet he wanted to give advice to his younger brother.

"You can go brother, but think as you make way that the greatness of the Atlanteans is in justice, never in excessiveness or hatred.

- Oh, we will have restraint, naturally our restraint. - Nuanced immediately to rivet satisfied - and we will be powerful. - His interlocutor asserted. –

Pit then looked at Kira and sighed to add.

I remember asking my mother if I could go fight with them, but she replied that she was only fourteen years old and that she was just a child yet. And I don't like what they're going to undertake.

The young man cleared his throat and continued.

-But time passed and year after year new ones arrived from my uncle Esi  announcing that our victorious armies had conquered almost all the countries bordering the Mediterranean. Soon it will be the turn of Greece, Egypt.

Are our armies the ones that sow death, pain and despair? - One of the priests lamented. –

"You have been weak, Usir,you have failed to take your oath." - one of the notables reproached him. -

- Is that the law of Atlantis? - Asked by the high priest, that old man with a long white beard and purple robes who sentenced. – The gods had ordered us to be the cradle of the civilizations of this planet. But it is too late, great misfortunes are going to fall on us, the end is near.

That deeply depressed the sovereign who did not dare to contradict those terrible words. The bottom of his heart knew they were true. But his advisors did not stop there, another one asked him.

-Make your Armies Usirreturn, or fear the anger of our elders in heaven. We leave, we leave this city. We cannot stand in solidarity with what is happening.

And all the notables and counselors, along with the priests came out of the room. All but one, the high priest remained there and Usir,with a tired and sad tone asked him.

"I beg you my friend, do not abandon me too.

"I won't. - His interlocutor replied helping him to rise from the throne while adding. - The end of the world is near. My duty is to prepare the people for him.

"I then asked him. Father, if this war is notjust, why  don't you order your brother to come back?

- And do you think that Esi  would obey my orders? - replied the king with a skeptical and bitter tone to explain. - All his hatred is due to the desire to be the most powerful. Now in the war he feels strong. Do you think he would agree to abandon that power?

- Can the interests of men prevail over those of their people? - Naively I asked. –

Then the king sighed, to answer with reflective overtones.

-My son your words are very just, but it takes men to guide the peoples and I continue to believe that my law is better than that of Esi. I just don't have the strength to apply it. Wisdom is nothing. - Riveted with great regret. –

Pit interrupted the story and after a few moments of silence sentenced.

"That was what my father said nine and a half thousand years before our era.

And after leaving everyone thinking about the deep meaning of that and how  it had remained unperturbedly true through the ages, the young man resumed the narrative.

-One day the news came to us, our army was retreating with the Greeks on their heels. The doom of the conquerors is always due to their excessive appetite. – The young man declared holding his sore shoulder with his other hand. – Esi,my uncle, came back bitter, because the country had not supported his army as he expected. He looted everything in his path.

I could remember that clearly. He saw his parents, next to him. His father, the king, addressed him and his mother and told them before a detachment of cavalry that he was going to command to leave to meet his brother.

"I have to talk to Esi,it's the only way to avoid the ruin of my people. If something happens to me watch over your mother and with the help of heaven do what you can to save our country.

The sovereign climbed on his mount and departed, the young man and his mother saw him move away while the supreme pontiff, with a sorrowful tone, placed a hand on a shoulder of each of them and sentenced.

Believe me, no one can do anything to fight against one's own destiny.

And just two days later, a dying survivor galloped and with an arrow stuck in his back. When the guards stopped his mount they could only hear his last words.

-The king... they have murdered the king.

Eufenos remembered how he then decided to gather the army he had left to go in search of his uncle and defeat him. It was clear that he would not attend to reasons and he also wished to avenge his father's death. He said so.

"My father's blood demands it. I have to leave, mother. Honor comes at a price.

-A very expensive price. - She replied, adding with resigned regret. - But go, my son.

- Why do even more harm, prince? The end is very near. - The Supreme Pontiff intervened. –

He was not wrong, and it would be from heaven that the end would come. A large meteorite was approaching on a collision course towards the planet. And as it fell and impacted, both armies settled their disputes in a fratricidal duel. When Eufenos finally saw his uncle and they both attacked each other, an earthquake resulting from the impact knocked both of their mounts down. After a moment of bewilderment the young man looked for his enemy among the dead, but this, hidden, hit him with a club on the left shoulder, opening a deep wound in the boy and knocking him down. About to become unconscious, the young prince heard his uncle screaming triumphantly.

"Now I am the king, I am the king at last I will reign!" Aah!

But a torrent of lava flowing from a volcanic eruption took care to silence it forever, absorbing it. It was the end of the world. However, in the midst of that destruction, Queen Kira and the supreme pontiff reached the semi-unconscious boy.

Fear not, your child will live much longer than all of us. - that man said to the anguished sovereign. –

They put him on his horse and took him to the coast. To one of the few ports that still remained. And between the fall of stones and volcanic bombs, that sage told the queen.

"Listen to me, you have to leave this land immediately. It IS the only hope.

And with great effort, that old man lowered Eufenos from the horse depositing him in a fragile boat of braided reeds.

- You don't come with us? - Asked by the sad sovereign. -

-My site is here. - His interlocutor replied laconically who, after smiling slightly, asked him. - Come on, you must hurry.

And the queen rowed away from the shore, trying to flee from the terrible forces of nature that were to annihilate the kingdom. Eufenos was able to wake up, very stunned and badly injured, his last vision was that of his mother, standing next to him, wielding an oar with which he tried to bring them to safety. Before them Atlantis literally sank into the ocean, and a few minutes later a gigantic wave buried them both making them abandon that life. This is what the boy said, before the astonished looks of his listeners.

"Since then, I have this pain in my shoulder. – He indicated to them, pointing it out. – Only the sages who had left Atlantis survived. Their abode is in the deep sea, they must live in the sea and the sea. Do you know that if a woman shines in warm water her child can continue to live in it as in the fluid of the mother's womb? Their descendants must be those that Peter and I have seen. And who knows if they have established communication with the cosmos? I am convinced that one day, from the bottom of the ocean, a silver arrow will rise up into the sky. And the survivors of the wretched Atlantis will end their long stay in the abysses and return at last to the land that was theirs. – Sighed in a voice remains. –

After those words no one seemed to dare to break the silence. Until Pit himself commented with a more jovial tone.

-It has been very late for me. I must leave.

-It has been a pleasure to meet you. - Peter declared. –

-Yes, or rather, find you again. - Kira smiled. –

Eufenos nodded, responding to both.

"The same thing I say, and, Kira, I think you still have a lot of mysteries to solve. Something tells me that your other life as my mother was just one of your incarnations.

That said, he left. Peter and Kira had dinner shortly after and went to sleep. Each one meditating on that incredible story.

It has been a lesson about the ambition and the fatality that this causes. - the boy thought. –

Although his companion went even further. Trying to unravel their own enigmas.

Now I know that the secret of my existence lies on Earth. But how to reveal it. - He wondered before falling asleep. –

Gordon was finally able to tackle the Cosmopolitan. It was very well received. In fact, he felt more than overwhelmed by the displays of deference he received, celebrating him like a hero. But more than anything, it was that brunette girl who made him feel more self-conscious with his attentions.

-I don't know if he has fallen in love with me, but he doesn't leave me in the sun or in the shade. I also don't want to tell you anything. – I thought really worried about that. -

Of course, if he had been single, he would not have lacked desire to get to know this beautiful woman better. Of course, the first thing he did was contact Omega. His parents greeted him full of joy.

- It's about time! Graham's jovial voice sounded. - How have you spent it on Earth?

-Wonderful. I would have liked my vacation to last longer. - Admitted the boy. -

Just because you're a hero to the entire known universe doesn't mean you can win. - His father answered, yes, with a tone full of humor and tinged with pride. –

- How are you, son? - He wanted to know his mother. -

-Very good. Do not worry. Deep down I am looking forward to returning to service. - The boy who added him commented with a hopeful tint. – And eager to hug you and Gina.

He was surprised when his parents exchanged glances without that laughing gesture they had shown so far. It was his mother who, with a more leisurely tone, asked him.

- Do you not know son? Gina is not in Omega.

- Ah no? Have you been on a mission? - The boy inquired, thinking that it would be some short trip to some neighboring planet. –

It was his father who, with a more serious tone, informed him.

-He has left for Yumlaiance. She goes as cultural attaché of our embassy.

Gordon's face unequivocally showed his stupor and sadness.

- Oops. - He sighed. – I had no idea. He didn't tell me he had any of that in mind.

The possibility of leaving suddenly arose. He had to decide very quickly. - His father told him, alleging with a conciliatory tinge.  – It was a great opportunity for his career.

-Yes, of course, I understand. I myself have gone and been on Earth for almost a whole month. - Gordon nodded. –

-You can contact her. Your ship must still be traveling or about to arrive. - His mother told him trying to encourage him. –

The first thing now is to see you in person. - The boy smiled trying to erase the disappointment of his countenance. –

-We are impatient. - His mother said smiling encouragingly. –

And once the boy informed them of the estimated date of his arrival, they said goodbye until they could see each other in person. Gordon went out for a drink at the bar, once there, oh coincidence! That beautiful girl with short brown hair greeted him.

-I am glad to see you around here. - She smiled. –

"Yes, I came to spend some time. This trip is very comfortable, but it is long for me. - The boy declared. –

-If you need any entertainment you just have to request it. - She affirmed in what seemed a clear proposal to be able to intimate. –

But Gordon didn't feel like it at the time. Although he did want to talk. So he answered.

I miss my friends and my girlfriend, that's all. I'm used to traveling a lot with them, on patrol missions and having quite a few adventures. Maybe it's me who has become accustomed to too exciting situations.

-You are a hero, I am not surprised that you find a journey on this ship boring. – She said, while asking for a drink. –

-Don't interpret me wrong. The Cosmopolitan is the best passenger ship in the entire Confederacy. - He said immediately. –

And it is that he did not wish to offend in any way that girl who watched him with those eyes as interested as dark and deep. That's why he added.

"Maybe I'm the weird one. I'd rather be running adventures and struggling even than having a placid stay or being so well taken care of. Of course, your company is unbeatable, Miss...

-Celia. - He reminded him, frowning a little to add with pretended anger. - It saddens me that you do not remember.

- I'm sorry. "He was able to replicate the azorado boy. – It won't happen to me again. "He promised to want to know. - But I haven't stopped talking about me, what about you... Celia?...

-You can tweet me if you wish. - She granted him. –

- I say the same thing. - His interlocutor answered to continue along the path he had undertaken. - What about you? How did you become a hostess of this ship?

"Well, I studied tourism and always wanted to see the galaxy. - She answered. -I like to travel and meet different people.

- And have you met many? – The young man was interested in approaching her. –

- Quite a few, but very few as interesting as you. - The girl smiled broadly. –

Gordon had signed on so close that he was even tempted to kiss her. As soon as he became aware of that, he immediately walked away. He kept censoring himself, even ashamed of himself and thinking.

"If Gina saw me. I know she's traveling to Yumlaiance and she may not even remember me right now. Maybe he's even with that guy. But no, if I think that, I don't trust her.

- Are you okay? - He wanted to know his contertulia. –

"I just thought, you know... in my friends and...

-In your girlfriend. - Celia completed that she seemed disappointed when she commented. - She has to be a really magnificent girl.

-Sorry, that's the way it is. - He admitted. – Now she is traveling to Yumlaiance, she is a diplomat, and I guess it will take me a while to see her.

"Wow, I'm sorry. - Declared his interlocutor by placing one hand of his on another of his. –

Celia gave the impression of wanting to say something more, although when she saw some crew members of the ship walking towards the canteen pass by, she smiled getting up from the stool on which she was sitting and apologizing.

I think I've lost the notion of time and I have some obligations to attend to. If you apologize to me.

-Of course, I don't want to create problems for you. Gordon said. –

- Not at all. – The girl quickly replied leaving. -

Gordon shrugged and stayed a little longer as he finished his drink which was nothing more than a pineapple soda. Celia for her part followed that group of crew members without getting too close. When they headed out of the bar he continued after them and finally when that corridor forked the young woman took the smallest corridor. Once there and after making sure that there was no one, he approached his right wrist to his lips and muttered.

-Objective assured. He hasn't been bothered by anyone on the whole trip, I've taken care of it. Yes... I have started to notice somewhat unusual things, I will pass my report as soon as we get to Omega, there is only one day left. Short.

And after putting an end to that message, he walked away to get lost in the corridors of that gigantic ship.

**ESPAÑOL**

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