UNC013E

**STORIES**

**PREVIOUS**

**ESPAÑOL**

**Imperial Audience.**

The nextday, and prey to nervousness,  Yener devoted herself to rehearsing for the umpteenth time all the steps of the presentation ceremony before her Imperial Majesty. After repeating them a few times he managed to acquire the necessary ease. He was advised not  to go to sleep late because he would have to go to the palace soon. So, the day passed  quickly,  he lay down nervously, he was slow to fall asleep thinking about that great moment.

-I must not detract, first of all calm and security. - It was repeated. –

He missed his family, he wished they could have accompanied him, but the instructions they gave him when he arrived were very clear. It would be a private hearing. Although by that they meant that the emperor would receive him in the company of characters of high relevance and that the families did not fall into that category. At least at the diplomatic level.

"Well, I'll have to settle for telling you. - He thought with resignation a little before he was able to fall asleep. - Although my parents may decide to come to the capital. In my mother's case I wouldn't be surprised. - Elucubraba with some unease. -

And, if his mother was given to try to see him to remind him for the umpteenth time to talk to the emperor about his old family claim, it could give him a heart attack. I was pretty nervous already.

No, I hope it doesn't occur to you. - It was said to try to calm down. -

And after applying relaxation techniques he managed to sleep. It dawned too soon,  it had given him the impression of just closing his eyes to be awakened by the incipient sunlight. He  got up and gowned himself preparing his dress uniform, wore the gallons of captain of ship and his emblems that credited him as a member of the order of the Kail. He barely had breakfast since his stomach had closed.

-Better, I will eat after the reception. - Thought. -

Without wasting time he headed towards the slider that would take him to the vicinity of the palace. Once he arrived he stopped at the gates heavily guarded by the Imperial guard. Showing his accreditation, he was immediately given the pass. As soon as he entered, he discovered a group of people, some of them in uniform. He soon  saw that they were high-ranking officials,  admirals, generals and someone very special to him.

-Master! - could say at last dominated by joy. - Master Light Goshawk!...

- Sí, it's me,  Gavilán Veloz. -  Le cut this with a smile addressing him and greeting him with the name that had been imposed on him inhis order. -  I'm so glad to see you.

That old man with short gray hair, and deep blue eyes looked at him with sympathy. He wore his kail doublefly, dark green with cape of the same tone. Yener did not remember seeing him with him, his teacher always wore the olive green one that corresponded to the work one. That's why it became even more transcendent.

-Even Goshawk Light has been wearing a gala uniform, with how austere it is. - Thought impressed. -

Although he immediately decried himself as a fool. They were to be received by the emperor! What did you expect?

-If even Skarn  Dailin, when he came with a broken uniform after escaping the massacre of the Kail they made him change to be received by King  Ulner  IV, and that was a real emergency! - He recalled. -

And that aside, tras kiss the hand of his mentor and greet him as it was de rigueur, with his right fist clenched tight against the palm of his right hand open,  Yener asked him surprised  still.

-How are you here? I believed you in the Monastery.

- Iwas until only seven daysago , but Iwas commanded to call by the Emperor.

- Is something going on,  master? - Yener asked him with a worried gesture. - From what I have heard and seen it seems that most of the high command and principals of the Empire are here today.

- It's something that the Emperor himself will explain Gavilán,  I can't tell you  more. - It was the enigmatic response of his mentor. - But  come,  I'll introduce you to the dome of Estado  Mayor.

Azor Ligero led him to a group of officers, mostly in years and with the breastplate full of decorations. As  soon as the monk greeted them,  Yener,visibly intimidated by such a deployment of commanders, placed himself in a firm position.

"Gentlemen," declared Goshawk Light with a tone ofsatisfaction. -  This is captain Yener Rant D ́Lal or Swift Sparrowhawk,  for  us, Sage of the Kail of Somer and ambassador plenipotentiary of Yumlaiance in the confederation of omega worlds  .

- It's a pleasure,  captain. I am  Terd  Yulis. -  Greeted a man with gray hair and  mustache, his  badges pointed to him as admiral in  chief of the Fleet of Yumlaiance. –

"At your command, sir, pleasure is mine. - He was quick to reply to the whipped boy. -

- The same thing I say- intervened another, of little hair and also of mature age, presenting himself as the captain general of the planetary army. -  Rander  Olaun,delighted to meet the young officer who has taken us to this great galactic contact.

It's an honor for me, sir. Thank you for your words. - The young man answered. -

- As far as I can see, you have ascended very quickly - added Admiral  Yulis.  -

- Excuse me sir- Yener could answer astonished. -  I assume that the appointment of my promotion will be given by you.

- If I am honest with you, I did not have to see it, he left the Emperor in person. -  His interlocutor revealedto him.  -

- He must have done something very well to ascend in that way - agreed Captain General  Olaun  with a tone of admiration  to sentence. - If you continue like this, I predict a splendid future for you. Ambassador.

Yener smiled, feeling overwhelmed by so much praise, he did not stop devoting glances of oessing to his master who apparently did not notice it. Although the boy knew perfectly well that this did not escape him.

He wants me to get out of this myself. - The boy thought. -

And he should do so, indeed, given that Admiral-in-Chief Yulis  asked him, without being too clear whether he was referring to politics or the military situation.

- And tell us,  how are things going for your  new  sector? He has been called by the Omega Contact sector. - He informed him. –

The truth is, he didn't know that. It must have been the occurrence of some luminettes of the capital. Although more accurate, if not literal,  could not be, so he responded.

- Great,  sir. -  Yener smiled with visible satisfaction. - We have strengthened ties of cooperation and I will be very pleased to inform His Imperial Majesty that we have about thirty new allied worlds.

Upon hearing this both chiefs looked surprised, Light Goshawk took the floor sketching a soft smile.

- You have been a good student and as far as I know, I believe  that the teachings of the Kail have served you well in your mission.

- So it has been,  master  - Yener agreed visibly proud of it. -  I have much to thank the disciplines of our order, although my training is far from  complete. - He now humbly acknowledged.  -

The old monk gave him a look of approval. That was fine, that the boy didn't get too high leaving aside his still many things to do on the way to being a teacher. Really  Goshawk Light had in mind many things that he would reveal at the time to the boy. Although every thing in its time now at least had reason to be happy, so did Yener. This seemed to mean something  else, but before anyone could take the floor again they were approached by a high-ranking member of the Imperial guard, who greeted them all as protocol dictated, informed them in the following tone.

- His Majesty deigns to receive them in audience. Follow  the escort please.

Everyone present nodded and the officer, a commander dressed in the red and gold uniform of the royal guard,ordered a group of six escorts to flank them and advance. Walking with solemnity as befitted such an event they arrived at large golden gates and stopped, the commanding officer of the guard ceremonially played a total of three times to hear from the other side.

-Who goes? ...

- Those whowillonly be received in audience by their  imperial  majestad  - replied the commander.  -

The door opened and two officers greeted the group, the  entourage advanced through a huge and magnificent living room, decorated  with not a few works of  art, huge glass lamps that shone like suns hung from the very high ceiling. Theblack and white marblefloor with drawings of heraldic  shields  echoed its steps with serene majesty. They finally reached the  imperial throne. Yener  couldn't help but be impressed by all that. There was the man who ruled the destinies of his world, at least in a testimonial way, heir  to a dynasty that went back more   than two thousand  yares. Noble in appearance without a doubt, short brown hair and leafy mustache of the same color, elegantly dressed in a red and gold tunic. Gala uniform of the kingdom of Yum and insignia of supreme chief of all armies. Arriving before him they all bent their knees until an annexed chamberlain a few meters from his majesty touched three times on the ground with a long rod.

- It's even more impressive than on  holo  television. -  Yener thought as he looked at his sovereign.  -

All kept a sepulchral silence broken at last by the Emperor himself who declared in a grave voice and brimming with security.

- Gentlemen, I thank you all for your presence here, I have been honored to call you because the affairs of our world certainly require it, Grand  Master,Almirante en Jefe,  Capitán  General and  Embajador. First of all, I wish you, captain...- seemed to hesitate until one of your dignitaries approached you whispering  something, then the Emperor continued. -  Captain  Rant, as Ambassador Plenipotentiary of Yumlaiance to the Confederation of OmegaWorlds , I wish to hear from yourown lips the status report regarding our new contact.

- With great pleasure and pleasure I inform his Majestad  Imperial  that our  mundo has  almost thirty more allies,  - Yener replied as respectfully as he could, making an effort to master his nerves. -  All the technical details are in a report I drafted upon my  arrival. Iam in the help of  Commodus  Cresat, who hasrelieved me of my duties, and part of the admiralty's first space fleet.

-How many ships are you talking about,  Ambassador? - The emperor asked with a thoughtful and attentive gesture-

- Two ship carriers,  five combat cruisers and eight light,  sir. - Yener replied  quickly cursing his carelessness afterwards because that was not the proper treatment, as at the time he was involuntely reminded by his superior the Admiral-in-Chief when  adding. -

- That's a tactical combat wing of asquadron ,  Majesty. Barely a ninth of our total fleet.

The e-ruler slowly nodded, without really looking at that formal detail, to continue addressing Yener again.

- I assume that, based on your  absence, you will not be aware of the latest developments,  Captain.

- No Majesty, I have barely been able to make contact to process my reports and get up to date with the hearing protocol. – Yener admitted  with sincerity and some trouble, which brought out a smile on the face of hissovereign.  -

- I want your mentor to explain. Big Maestro,  please. - The Sovereign asked him.  -

Azor Ligero took the floor with that explicit invitation.

- In recent weeks there have been reports from our outposts in the southern quadrant.  Nephraler's navy had reportedly intensified its activity in the border area.

-Nephraler's navy? -  Yener inquired, being perplexed. -  Didn't we have a non-intrusion  agreement?

"It's not that simple," azorreplied. -  They have not violated the covenant.

- It's true- Yulisagreed- they have only increased their activity. Our reports warn of the presence of more than fifty large ships,  including  ship carriers and star battleships. We have had to allocate the entire second fleet to that sector to make tactical counterweight,  the Admiral added.  -

- The planetary defenses and our satellites have been in level two, -  terció also the captain general. - Although for nowso only are  prevention maneuvers.

- But we have the guarantee of the rest of the Quadruple Alliance. -  Yener declared with certainty,arguing. -Idon't  think  nephralers dare to try anything knowing that the war potential of four worlds would be thrown at them.

- As we have already told you ambassador,  everything is pure  prevention,  anyway,    Nephraler's ships are in the margin of maneuver of the common space. We can't say anything officially about that, but we don't like it. There are several worlds in the vicinity with colonies and important factories that might fancy them. - Yulis replied . -

-- That would lead to a war and not even the Nephralers are so imbeciles," Yener saidbluntly.

You're too much considering where I was. That made him lower his head somewhat embarrassed but his sovereign just smiled amused.

"A few years ago they would not have even dared to approach with a couple of reconnaissance ships at such a distance from our borders," explained Azor Ligero, ignoring thatsituation. -  But now, with this action it's as if they wanted to send us a message.

- Something like," we are no longer afraid of you," admiral  Yulissaid. –

Of course that was not made public. - Olaunadded. -

- With permission, I ask permission to go to his  Majestad  Imperial. - Asked the young man devoting a look to his sovereign. -

The emperor nodded slowly, and Yener asked him with a mixture of reverence and stupor.

- Sigo without understanding how that can affect me,    Majestad.

"It's very simple," the sovereign explained quitecordially. -  As a result of our new alliances the Nephralers have withdrawn their ships from the area. It's only a few local hours ago from Yumlaiance. Well, I mean  this  message has reached us by hyper-spatial channel, the real time would have been a14  danes  compensadors. The fact is that they have gone backwards. Right, Grandmaster? -  He asked the veteran monk who nodded taking the floor.    -

- That'sright ,  majesty. - The questioner respectfully agreed to address his ward immediately. -  What his majesty the  rulerwants to tellyou,  Gavilán. It is that they must have been frightened to receive news that we have gained a lot of valuable allied worlds. And  it's all been thanks to you.

- It wouldn't be fair to give all the credit tome  - Yener replied with sincere modesty -

- But you are the visible head of it and for that reason the emperador wants to tell you something. - His teacher told him sketching a mysterious  smile to what the monarch himself added after making a brief consultation to a kind of trousers that he had attached to the right arm of the throne.  -

- You should know Yener Rant D ́lal. Captain of the fleet and Sage of the  Kail, we have chosen you for the next song to the goddess Maray.

Upon hearing that Yener opened his mouth without hesitation, that  was the greatest honor that could be done to an inhabitant of Yumlaiance. Above  titles, perks  and promotions. The singing to the  diosa  mother  Maray was a ceremony that went back to almost three thousand  yares, it waseven older than the imperial dynasty! The monarch himself was to remain on his knees for the duration of the prayer. For a few  moments  the officiant was above Imperial dignity itself. This happened every  yare, an exceptional yumlaincer,  distinguished by his services to the planet and his moral and spiritual qualities, was appointed to make the prayer of thanksgiving to the  diosa and no one had ever been able to repeatit twice. Well, except the Great Lord of the Kail, Skar Dainlin and his predecessor  Kar  Alan, apart from the king who installed it. - No one had ever held that  honor for more than two thousand  yares. That rite preceded in importance even the day of Ishir or the fremark festivities    in honor of the god Kail. The boywas still pale and disembodied when the e-mperador asked him funny and with much more joviality to see the expression.

- Will you accept, young Yener?

The young man in question wasn't responding, he seemed to  be thinking of something else,  almost a  trance. Goshawk  Light insisted jovially.

- It is not polite to make the rulerwait.

- I... sorry, I apologize... Yes majesty- he was able to babble at last, adding with more determination. - Of course I will! But the ceremony won't be until six years from now.

- Until then return to yourobligations  . -  Land kindly indicated the emperor. -We will call you when it is mandatory and try to continue showing yourself worthy of such honor. Now you can go.

- As you may order, Majesty- Yener rolled up again and then joined in and made a long bow. – For Alex, Maray, Kail and Ishir, glory to Yumlaiance and the emperor. - He riveted with the formula of rigor, said of course with great enthusiasm on his part. -

Having done this, he turned around for a few steps and was again flanked by imperial guard escorts who led him out of the throne room.

- I don't believe it! I have to be dreaming! - He said he was unable even to rejoice at the astonishment he had. - As soon as I tell my family...

And that's what I wanted most. Once he had  left, the Emperor, with a more serious gesture,   went to Goshawk Light.

- I hope this is the right thing to do...

- Majesty, the wisdom of the Kail and the brotherhood of Wizards of Esil  has never failed our world. Furthermore,  the texts are very  explicit, and we must prepare well for events.

- Yes, you explained it to me. According to the texts andstamos elevating and consolidating  the one who has to return - I replenish the Emperor with a pensive mood adding with a sigh. -  Ihope so!

- If I may say so,  majestad, we must be very careful. -  Terected the Captain General. -  The rapid rise of that boy  hhas circulated as a hyper-light message throughout the army.

- The same thing I say about the Fleet- agreed the Admiral in Chief with a worriedgesture. - There are many very good officers who have raised their protests in private by not understanding thereason. The justification for contact does not seem sufficient to them. After all,    Captain Rant was there luckily and was only a newly discharged lieutenant when he settleddown. Our allies also do not understand how he has been able to be appointed ambassador above much more qualified and higher-ranking positions,  without going any further, theco-modero  Cresat who is a man of great value and of all my confidence.   In addition to a warrior monk of high level.

Light Goshawk smiled, his pupil Sparrowhawk  had not detected who was really Ceremonious Dragon, the name that Doled Cresat had in the order. He had been a direct disciple of his and reached the rank of master before Yener himself, as a child, entered the monastery. He was then sent by the Kail as ambassador.

He was certainly quick to heed my call and introduce himself. The emperor himself sent orders through Admiral Siloris.

Light Goshawk recalled the conversation he had with his disciple when he finished receiving the imperial commission, in another palace hall, the two alone.

-But master. With all due respect. That experienced military officer objected. - He is just a newly discharged lieutenant, who has the sole  rank of Sage.

-Skarn Dailin made history with less. - His mentor smiled. –

Yes, of course, but with all due respect, we are not now in the time of our refounder. - Dared to object to Doled, adding. - I have collected reports on that boy and he is very inexperienced.

-It will not disappoint you. - He simply replied then Goshawk. –

-If you say so, that is how it should be. I do not understand anything, though. – Admitted his interlocutor. -

Then the old man took a short walk with his hands on his back and answered.

-You are aware of what some scrolls say. What once happened will be repeated. The first signs have already been evident. I've been seeing it since I  was just  a  young monk.

That caused Dragon Ceremonious to open his mouth with a gesture of perplexity and could barely respond.

So, do you think that time has come?

That could well be the case. That is why we must elevate the elected. - Azor told him, adding. - The gods will give us the test, if it is really him. And so far, from the reports that have arrived, it has been the one who has made the first contact.

Yes, that was in the writings. - He had to recognize Doled who then sentenced. - Very well, I will go and advise you as best you know. And I will not reveal to you my authentic degree of Kail. Although I guess if you are the chosen one you will be able to find out.

-Well. - He smiled slightly Goshawk. – It is very promising and has potential, but still does not know how to take advantage of it that it should. Being so young his mind wanders through many other matters...

I guess. - He smiled widely now his contertulio. - I was also young and you reprimanded me for the same thing, master.

And after those more relaxed comments Cresat went straight to board the Dumlans to go to that new place where that contact had taken place. Now Gosshawk put those memories aside when he heard his emperor testify.

- It's only a matter of time before I assign Captain Rant a new assignment. He  will probably be transferred from the army. It will be the best suited thing for you to undertake your real task.

- I would move to the rank of colonel, under my command,  - the Captain General reported. - It is still a high grade for someone so young.

- The same rank he holds in the Fleet. In addition, it has a battlecruiser in command commission. - Yulis argued that he added pensively. - I don't know, some of  our subordinates will never protest openly because they know we must have reasons to do this, but the rest do not know them and despite the obedience and discipline that prevents them from asking anything,  an unnecessary bad atmosphere is created. Especially among officers his age.

- But we can't do anything else . - The sovereignobjected . - If it's like  theGrandmaster Goshawk says that guy must progress and has to climb quickly. We must make all eyes converge on it.

- And that brings us to the point we have left, the no less important issue of theirtraining. -  Rechoed light goshawk himself which he added with enigmatic tone. –  Your knowledge and mastery of all disciplines mustbecompleted. And the more famous it is, the harder it will be. Unwanted eyes will dump on him your interests.

- Well- sentenced the  emperor. - Each thing in its time must still serve us in its current demarcation, after the ceremony of the singing to Maray we will see. Now you canretire,  gentlemen.

The three alluded to followed the same ritual that Yener fulfilled before leaving the Emperor to discuss the issue among themselves, the first to speak and with a more than skeptical tone was Captain  General  Olaun.

- I don't see how  we make all this assembly so complicated and even dangerous for a few sheets of more than two thousand years.

- Must have faith in Somer's writings - He asked Light Goshawk. -

- Our emperor has it - Yulis stressed with a slight critical nuance. - Perhaps too much.

- You were also in the monastery - the monk reminded you. - You know that they are well-founded manifestos and that so far they have been fully complied with.

-- The only thing I hope  is that we do the right thing -- Olaun  said  with prevention. - The Emperor also thinks that...

And, above all, that we have time for it. - Finished Off Light Goshawk adding not without regret. - I'm already very old, and I'm not who I was. And Azor Ligero will need all the help he can get to bring his task to a successful conclusion.

The others nodded with the same gesture of concern, then had to remain silent as they walked away from the hearing area and went out through a busy area. However, Yener, oblivious to all this  conversation, could not be overpowered. He decidedto celebrate itin style, after returning to his hotel, changing in plain clothes, he thought he would warn his family  and as he had time he would go through a very special place for him, the Prehistar stadium, called  Realen  Palaidun  Bade. Or literally translated, Royal Palace  of Sports. Playing field of your favorite team. The truth is that Yener was a fan of basketball and football six of the mega  Leagues. Since  childhood and when he had had vacation periods from the monastery his father had taken him to almost every party he could. And,  in addition, being a provider of technical systems of theclub, he had access to the  managers, thanks to which he was able to introduce his son to many of the players. Far from being afraid of Yener, she loved to chat, even if it was telepathically at times with some of them. They were huge beings that the dinosaurs of his eventful visit to the planet Onis had reminded him of. Even on  the backs of some I could contemplate the point of view of  these,  a  few  dicroms  high  above the ground, in the middle of the court and also celebrate the titles that he saw you get. Not surprisingly, it was the most successful club in the galaxy. So after the formalities of the Imperial audience and other obligations he still had a few days left to have fun. And by the way scrub Nerel  Asety, something he had heard. His team eliminated Nataclia's Natclis  in the quarterfinals of the Planetary League. Although now that he remembered it, he didn't  really want to see that guy, especially after the vexed situation where he surprised him with his friend Larus. Anyway,    what to think about? Larus could have the sexual orientation he wanted and  being honest with himself  Yener something he imagined because he had never seen him date women, not even fooling around or saying anything about any. At least, his friend had never made proposals to him. I would surely know that this was impossible between  them, or it could be that I only looked at him as a good companion. So much the better.   In addition,  Larus' fool was from the  Campirians.

It's not that much either. - It was admitted amusing now. -  I love to make him angry with that, especially when we beat them, of course.

             I would also rub you back that they had beaten them in the final of the Yumlaiance league, in short, everything was going great! I wish it would continue like this. But now what he had to do was contact his mother again.

I will tell you that I am going home. That the hearing went very well and that they have congratulated me. Although I will wait to tell you the big news when I am there. - Decided. -

As soon as Yener simply told him how good that hearing was, her mother did not fit in joy. They were left to see each other the next day, once the rest of the family returned. Yener smiled satisfied and finally headed towards the  stadium. He got off  the slider that left him just a few  yards  from the entrance and walked until he reached the front access door.

- Good morning- greeted the watchman  with excellent humor. -  He came to witness a training of the team- as he said it presented his special partner card, which gave access to such.  -

-All right,  pass you- the club employee told him.  -

Yener entered the interior. There was the "holy  sanctórum"  of  Prehistoric. And from a distance I could see the members of the "football  six" team Coc blocked the shots made by  Ste, the captain of the team and oldest player. Trice the coach and former member of the team whom Yener had seen play as a child approached  him, from his mole he greeted him telepathically.

- Little Yener, I'm glad you came to see us. Congratulations on your ascent and your choice to sing to the goddess Maray.

That way of calling him always evoked good memories. The truth is that in view of the size of his interlocutor it was logical. However, he was referring mostly to the age that the young human was when he started going to the meetings of that team.

- The news flies - smiled the boy raising his  eyes and asking with visible surprise - Thank you.Whotold you?

- You, you were thinking about it with such intensity that your mental wave has reached us. So, chicos. -  Advirtió  Trice  to the rest of the components of the template that got there,  one of thems,  Pol, raised Yener with a single leg.  -

-Hey, be careful! ,  I'm going to wrinkle the suit - rior  the boy who since I was little was used to being hoisted that way.  -

-Let's keep it! - proposed  Diment, the most valuable midfielder in the league.  -

And despite Yener's jocular protests they passed it from one to the other,  the boy nevertheless enjoyed it. Those gigantons played with him as if it were a doll,  but they did it with great care and precision. He also thought it amusing that the Kai's mental defenses weren't worth it against them.

-Surely because I trust these guys so much that I didn't even bother to activate them. - It was said. -

And after a few moments of revelry they finally left him on the ground,  somewhat  dizzy but unharmed.

- Tell us Yener, How are your parents? - Wanted to know  Elef, a striker of the team. -

- Well, thank  you What?   -  I replenish Yener with satisfaction. -  I've heard that you burdened the  Natclis.

- Sí, it costus,  but the return was here and thanks to the support of the public we came back- replenished Ste. - We had  a two to one  against the first leg. And here we won three to one.

-By the  hairs! as those of your species would say. -  Intervino jocularly  Diment.  -

Yenersmiled. He felt very comfortable among those huge beings. I was thinking now about the long history of that  competition. Since almost five hundred years ago, Yumlaiance  discovered another world with inhabitants of those characteristics and a degree of intelligence quite evolved. They had their own civilization, but some of them migrated to Yumlaiance and the rest of the known worlds and brought these sports that they already practiced in their worlds, the Big League was launched about one hundred and twenty  yares. And  Prehistar  was one of the first  teams. With a history of one hundred and five  yares  he had conquered thirty-four leaguetitles,  twenty-eight Yumlaiance cups and fourteen Emperor cups. But above all she was well known for her interplanetaryrecord, no less than  orcho Interplanetary Leagues and  cuatro cups, plus two federation trophies and three super cups. There was no club in the system, nor in the galaxy, that matched such  achievements, even if  the  Campirians  were annoyed. And also to those of the  Histar.

"I hope you'll come and see us play the semi-finals," Trice toldhim.  -

"I wouldn't miss it," Yener nodded. -  Although that may not depend on  me,I hope I can!, but if not, I will see it by subluminal channel from  Omega.

-In that confederation of worlds are there good teams? -  Wanted to know  Cobrp, another striker of Akapler origin.  -

-I haven't been able to find out,  the truth, Yener replied,  - but if I return to that destination,  I promise I will find out. Evenif I have seen beings that reach more or less your size, it would be interesting if a competition were established with them.

-- That way we'd take even more titles," said Coc,  full of  conviction.

- Good boys- terció Trice with clear paternal tone. - We have to continue with the training. Little  Yener stay and see it if you want.

- No thanks, I must leave already, - he had to refuse this to his regret, adding that yes, with visible desire. -  I hope to attend the next meeting.

- The next league match will be in fourteen days, the next plays our selectionagainst Nataclia - ste. -

- Go! - exclaimed Yener surprised. - How I'll be bundling now that I didn't even know! Give cane to those presumptuous!

" We'll try, even if it's friendly," Ste replied. -

- Against Nataclia there are no friendlies. The same as against the  Natclis,the  Campirians  or the  Histar. - Elef intervened  with funny gesture.  -

- Who are you going? - The boy asked. -

- Well, Tyra hasn't said it officially yet- whispered Trice who nevertheless commented on him with a tinge of complicity - Pero to me has confirmed that our van Ste, Pol and Elef. Of the Campírians, Patuf, Franky and Petet. The Histar brings Enan, Rabbit and Eleb and the Rouman to Genr.

- Good team, -  Yener said. - Even if you are no longer you,  nor  Gatisun,nor  Danty. -Objected now visibly nostalgic. –

And, although these great beings had a longer life expectancy than humans, as well as twice as long, they were also aging and diminishing their colossal faculties. It may be that in the eyes of a human being that could hardly be perceived, but it did mark clear differences between them. The coach admitted as much when he telepathically communicated to him.

- It's the generational relay,  Yener. And there are a lot of new values in the offing, you'll  see, we'll do  great  things at club and national team level! - He added more convinced. -

- I'm sure, well guys, I should  leave you - Yener declared by saying goodbye with his hand. The team members wished him luck and returned to his training.  -

And after this fun interlude Yener set out to get back to her duties at Omega. These surely awaited you with new surprises and not all pleasant. But first, you had to see the family.

-I'm really looking forward to seeing them all. - The young man thought. -

In Omega meanwhile, the boys had rejoined the patrols as normal. And they had a particularly interesting one.  A day like so many others had left when they were warned from the control.

-An unidentified ship has been detected in quadrant twenty, alpha, two. Come and investigate.

-Received, control. - Peter replied by telling his partner. - Let's go there.

Kira nodded, also Gordon and Gina were in the vicinity, along with two other light ships of the Dragonfly type. When they received the same message, they obeyed in the same way.

- Do you think it will be any of those strange apparitions? - Gordon asked his companion. –

He was referring to thatstrange unidentified objects that walked through the space of the Confederacy without any ship, not even the Hummingbird cruiser, which was one of the fastest, could reach him. Hearing that, the young woman shrugged her shoulders. The truth is that, after a few days of that proposal and the uncomfortable response from it, the two had remained less communicative than usual.  Gordon thanked this occasion to bring out a neutral topic of conversation, however, she did not give the impression of being very talkative and barely said.

I don't know.

- I wish it were! This time we are going four ships, I hope we can identify them. - Affirmed his companion, who in turn communicated with the Dragonfly, haranguing. - Let's go for them!

-Take it easy, friend. First let's see who it is, it may be some ship lost or having problems. - Peter replied. –

They soon traveled the distance to that quadrant and then something appeared on the radar and the screen. Everyone was perplexed. It was Gina who took aim.

-That ship looks very old.

Yes, it must be adrift. Possibly it was abandoned.  - He conjectured Gordon. –

-No. - Kira, who seemed to look at the screen in amazement, replied to testify. - The ship is old, yes. But there are people on board.

"Let's call them right away. - Peter indicated that, immediately taking care of it, he wrote a message. -  Here Omega's space policeman speaks Lieutenant Peter Larans, identify yourself, answer, tell us your ID...

A few moments passed without receiving a response, Peter insisted in a more forceful way.

-Answer or we will have to shoot.

And finally they got an answer, although no one could have imagined it even when they heard the voice of an old man answer.

-Here the Spacecraft Bleriot, earth base. Galactic reconnaissance mission.

- What! Repeat, please! - He asked the perplexed Peter. –

And his interlocutor did so with an irritated tone.

- Here's the Bleriotspacecraft, Earth base, galactic reconnaissance mission! Are you deaf or what?

The stunned boys passed that name to the database of the ship's computer, in just millionths of a second it connected with omega's headquarters and sent them information. Indeed, a ship of that name cost as lost for more than a thousand years! When you saw its configuration on the screen, it perfectly matched that ancient earth's spacecraft.

- It's amazing! - Exclaimed Gordon. –

- How is that possible? - Wanted to know Gina in turn. –

-They must have hibernated or went through a wormhole or some space-time discontinuity. - He guessed Kira. -

-Our cameras indicate that theyare notwatching you. - Gina said. -

Both she and Gordon smiled waving their hands while Peter and Kira did the same, Lieutenant Larans pointed one of his hands as a signal to follow them as he declared via communicator.

-The planet Omega welcomes the courageous pioneers of space. Our escort of honor will guide you to our planet.

And then it didn't take long to connect with the Port Doppler command. He immediately reported leaving his father and Graham stunned.

- Are you sure of that? - Inquired Commander Stevens. -

Totally, sir. It fits perfectly with a ship that was reported missing a thousand years ago. - Peter replied. -

- What do we do? -  Graham wanted to know looking at his friend the colonel who looked at him equally perplexed. –

He shrugged his shoulders, he said.

-Well, given the circumstances, we will prepare a reception worthy of such heroes. I'm going to consult my wife.

She told Lora that she was busy preparing one of the council meetings. However, as soon as he knew what was happening, he notified the delegates and everyone agreed (even the consul of Cassiopeia) to postpone that meeting and go and entertain those visitors from another time. When from Omega they saw the four patrol boats arriving in formation surrounding that old ingenuity, the authorities and many hundreds of onlookers crowdedintothe star port.

-I hope that cacharro can perch on one piece. - Graham whispered to his friend Pier who nodded. –

They were perplexed, it wasn't every day that a thousand-year-old spacecraft could be seen. And they could do it more and more closely.

-It is even smaller than a Dragonfly. - Pier commented. –

- What a braver people!, to ply the space in such an apparatus. - Lora declared, with equal astonishment. –

-It is similar to Christopher Columbus' journey on Earth, back in the fifteenth century. - Graham agreed. -

"Yes, it would be like comparing those wooden caravels to a warship from  the twentieth century on land. -- Pier nodded.

At that very moment, Peter was addressing those crewmen indicating.

-Please follow our instructions for landing.

They did so by slowly descending. They passed very close to the large cosmopolitan intergalactic cruiser that dwarfed them until it almost looked like a speck of dust next to it. And after going down the last few meters they finally landed in the trampling. With communication closed Gordon sighed.

I thought they were going to split in half. - He commented with a relieved smile to Gina who nodded smiling in turn. -

At least the girl seemed to be in good spirits again, that made her happy. They also descended, along with the other patrol boats were taking land at New  Port Doppler. Peter and Kira did the same, being amazed at the number of people who had gathered to receive these ancient astronauts.

Of course, the news has circulated quickly. - The bewildered boy commented. –

-Something like this is not seen every day. - Kira told him. –

-And we have been lucky enough to be the involuntary protagonists of it, as in the first contact with those of Yumlaiance. - Peter said. -

That's right. - Nodded his companion, adding. - I feel like seeing them in person.

They went down and out of their patrol boats, falling within walking distance of that ingenuity. When after a few minutes of suspense the landing hatch of that old spaceship opened, a ladder fell from the door and three figures descended. They were a young man and woman, accompanied by a man much older in years and with a long white beard. They were sheathed in very old protective suits. With some prevention at first they were walking along the track that was bounded so that the thousands of curious people who had already gathered there did not invade it. The uproar of cheers that these people paid them made those travelers of the past immediately reciprocating waving their arms as they advanced towards a welcome entourage led by Lora, some of the members of the Council of Omega, Pierre  and Graham, among others. Although before that meeting took place, some medical androids took care of analyzing them and emitting some sterilizing rays for any viruses or bacteria they could carry. They explained it to them.

Of course, of course, it's understandable. We can bring in pathogens that these people don't know about and be a danger to them. - Commented the oldest of those astronauts. -

And once that sanitary procedure was completed, they approached the reception committee. It was Lora who took the floor to greet these newcomers.

-As president of the government of the Omega Confederation I welcome the courageous pioneers of space.

It was to hear that and the astonishment appeared on the faces of those crew members.

-The president, government of the Confederation of Omega. - The old man in that group repeated with astonishment. - So... then...

-It is a long story, it will be better that they accompany us so that we can narrate it to them. - Lora kindly told them. –

Although before, I think they should rest. They will be tired after such a long journey. – Added Pierre. -

"Don't believe it, we've slept almost an eternity. - He affirmed his contertulio by expressing himself in a literal sense. -

In that case, it will be a pleasure to lead you to our assembly. But first I'll get a little bit into background. - The president told him. -

          That individual who seemed to be in front nodded. His companions, the man and the young woman went to his side without uttering a word. Although soon, after some questions of greeting and courtesy they did start conversation with their hosts.

-We would like to take a short break, if it does not seem bad.  We will join you later. - The woman testified. -

Of course. - Lora kindly agreed. - I will have you guide them to your rooms.

           And two members of the space police approached to point them and escort them to guest-of-honor rooms in the Confederacy building. Meanwhile, his expedition leader was guided by Lora to his office. On the way they passed through the control center and showed him some of the technical advances that left that visitor amazed.

- Unbelievable, of course! - He could exclaim when he saw a holography system representing the quadrants of the galaxy. -

-Now everything is simpler than in its time. - Lora smiled. -

        Some androids who passed by in the line of their daily tasks also stunned that man.

-Some are indistinguishable from humans. - He went on to testify. -

-That's why we usually do them in quite different ways. - Lora explained. -

After a long half-hour journey when they arrived at her office, the president invited that individual to take her seat while she did the same under the watchful eye of some delegates and the space police commanders who had met there with them. Soon the other two astronauts arrived, who had already been able to cool off and rest briefly, as requested.

-Sorry madam if I found it a little clumsy, it is because of the surprise. Yes, I'm stunned, yes... I was just hoping to find strange civilizations here, like that gentleman, for example. - Indicated the old guest directing attention to a greenish being of reptilian appearance and more than two meters high, who was a member of the Council. -  Excuse me. - He was quick to add, but finding aliens like you here has confused me. - Sentenced by refocusing on the president. -

-Look, master. We are terrestrial. - Lora informed him without being able to avoid calling him a teacher in view of the resemblance that this man had with Enius. -

- Terrestrial? - repeated the stunned individual. -

Yes. - His interlocutor smiled. - Originally, established here for centuries. But now let's talk about you. In the two thousand twenty-three you left the Earth, and while you slept...

No, we weren't sleeping. - He corrected that man. -

-Well, while hibernating. - Rectified Lora. - Our ships made enormous progress, getting bigger and faster. Later, shortly after the Intercontinental War, traveling through our galaxy was no longer a problem.

          That man nodded, to say.

I have no words to express my astonishment and admiration for what you have here. - He stated that guy who presented himself as. - My name is Arnold Weust and I am... well, in my time I was, professor of astrophysics. I was put in charge of a galactic exploration mission to reach the far reaches of the galaxy. My crew consists of engineer Alex Farmer and navigator Rose Harvey. And it has given us the impression of having slept for a few hours until we woke up.

I see. - Lora nodded looking at him not without astonishment. - You have been traveling at a speed close to that of light, and possibly going through some space-time discontinuities. And all with that propulsion system...

              He did not want to use the term primitive or archaic so as not to offend his contertulios, although he immediately noticed and asserted.

-In my time the ion engine was the most advanced. We were extremely proud. And it allowed us to begin exploring our solar system and even the nearest stars. When we started, in the two thousand twenty-three, the truth is that the objectives were very ambitious. Precisely we tried to find a shortcut through the space-time fabric that would allow us to reach the edge of the Milky Way. Even if for that we had to hibernate.

And they got it. They have traveled nearly thirty thousand light years in just a thousand years of linear time. - Lora said. - And now if they want to return to their planet, only seven or eight days will suffice.

-But... what about the Earth? What did they think of us? - Wanted to know Weust. -

"Listen," Pier intervened. - His radio equipment was not in a position to operate at the distance they were and according to the documents of the time that we have consulted, some decades after his departure, always without news of him. - Eemphasized the colonel to finish. - The Earth considered them definitively lost.

- Definitely! - Exclaimed that man emitting a sigh of resignation. -

Yes. - Graham explained. - The radar echo of a very distant and faint object was occasionally received in relation to the spacecraft and, in addition, in today's space there are so many UFOs, well, unidentified flying objects.

Yes, yes, it is obvious. - Admitted Weust.-

-We have informed Earth and all the planets of the Confederacy of his feat. And now they are going to be the heroes of all the inhabited worlds. - Lora declared, affably proposing to that good man. - But they must be surrendered, why won't they rest? Tomorrow we will present them to our Council assembly and you will be able to say a few words, if you agree.

            Although both Harvey and Farmer nodded, they declined that role which they left to their superior who sentenced with visible contentment.

-Thank you very much, I will be very honored and we will also provide you with some video cassettes with information about the Earth, to illustrate our customs and way of life.

Pierre and Lora looked at each other without understanding. What did you mean by video cassettes? She immediately recalled that this was an old audiovisual communication medium and nodded smiling.

Well, now, as the president has said, the best thing will be to take the remainder of the day to regain strength. - He also proposed Pierre. -

           The old traveler gladly accepted this suggestion and together with his companions retired to rest. Lora then exchanged a few words with the delegates present, cresat himself included.

I think they are good people, especially Professor Weust is a good man. - He valued Dr. Newman. -

And he was very shocked to see how you have evolved. - The ambassador of Yumlaiance intervened. -

That's right. - The representative of the Crab Nebula agreed. -

Tomorrow then, and with the approval of the Council, we will prepare an institutional act at the highest level. - Lora added, asking. - Do we all agree?

         And he devoted a glance of rejoicing to the consul of Cassiopeia who, realizing it, immediately declared with rather kind overtones.

For our part, I totally agree. Those travelers are heroes who have accomplished a great feat and it is only fair to acknowledge that.

              Cresat nodded with approval, as a representative of Yumlaiance he had no right to vote or even to speak in that Assembly, since his world did not belong to the Confederation. However, I would report on this in detail. He just thought that, out of courtesy and good institutional relations, it was Dr. Newman who asked him.

- What is your opinion?

-Well, the consul has expressed it wonderfully. Those travelers are heroes, in my world of course we would do the same thing that you are going to do,  we would pay them the tribute they deserve.

                These words had the virtue of satisfying the delegates of the council and especially the aforementioned consul. So much so that once that meeting was dissolved, he soon informed its leader, General Tirelius, of them.

I am very pleased that the new ambassador holds us in such high esteem. As for those cassette videos as you say they are called, it would be very interesting to get hold of them, if they have information that is valuable, better that the rest do not have access to it. Take care.

-Yes, excellence. - His interlocutor slavishly replied. -

        Meanwhile, Peter, Kira, Gina and Gordon had gone for a drink and chatted about that encounter. Lt. Larans told them.

-My mother called me shortly after finishing the meeting with that man, she asked me if I can guide him. He wants to give you a surprise when he finishes with his speech tomorrow.

- Intervention? - Gordon asked. -

-Van to make a kind of tribute to the pioneers of the Earth. - His friend clarified. -

They deserve it. - Terció Gina to affirm. - After so many centuries away from home, they will no longer have any family members left by the time they return. It must be very them.

Yes. - Kira agreed. - Although I could feel something when we were near them. I got the impression that the younger ones didn't have emotional or sentimental ties between them, nor did they miss anyone. It could be that they had no relatives when they left. On the other hand, the old professor who directed them...

I would surely leave someone behind. - Peter deduced, in any case, tomorrow I will have to do to his crew and him a sightseeing tour of Omega and its surroundings. -

"Count on me. - Kira was offered. -

"Well, not with me." - Gordon smiled, saying amusedly. - Being a tour guide is not my thing.

-I guess you won't cheer up either, little sister. - Jovially commented Peter. -

No, thank you. I have a lot to study. - He replied. -

He certainly preferred to spend his time resting and preparing for diplomatic corps competitions. There were only a few weeks left for the exams and I was confident of passing the cut. In addition, with the points he was acquiring for his membership in the space police, he could even apply for a destination, if approved with note. Although he could see right away that Gordon's gesture expressed his disappointment. Possibly he had counted on both of them to spend tomorrow in company. Despite everything, that boy didn't say anything. He surely did not dare to do so in the presence of Peter and Kira. So after a while more chatting about that historic moment they said goodbye, after saying goodbye to Gordon  and accompanying Kira to her accommodation, the brothers returned home together. They greeted her parents and Gina went straight to study. Peter instead told his father the itinerary he had thought of.

-I think it is good, take the opportunity to take a tour of the mining sector of the nearest asteroids and see how things are. It's been a while since a patrol has passed.

-Very good. - The young man nodded. -

-And explain to the professor as much as you can. - Lora told her son. -

-Kira will accompany me, being a geologist will be in her element. - The boy told him. -

            So it was decided, soon they went to sleep, the next day, early, that meeting took place. In a rather large room, with an audience and surrounded by all the representatives of the Confederation, (even Tirelius via hologram) Professor Weust reeled off a speech he had been preparing the night before.

-And it is a unique experience that humanity lives, so worthyly represented here. For it is given to man to measure a thousand years of history and progress. And I'm happy and proud to be that man... -  he stopped for a few moments with the appearance of being somewhat dazed and wondered at the condescending glances of those present. - What was he saying about that man? - Ah yes! He recalled to thread the thread of his argumentation and continue. - And to see how harmoniously the human being has evolved, and also the other species, of course. The serenity of this assembly shows us what can be expected of its intelligent and harmonious journey. Of course, we can't ask that everyone... there are exceptions to this rule.

           Just in that part of his speech he had observed the representatives of Cassiopeia, Tirelius with a boring gesture and the consul with the same expression.

- Where will I have seen those two? - He wondered as long as he kept linking some sentences with little sense. - Let's see... what did I mean?

       And in his seat, Professor Master thought in turn.

-The old man would raving... perhaps they are the effects of such prolonged hibernation. It reminds me of someone, but who? ...- He wondered. -

        Meanwhile, the protagonist of that meeting finally recovered the course of his words and exposed.

"Oh yes, I know! I have brought here the testimony of the greatness of earthlings, you will find condensed in these little boxes their science, their culture and their advanced technology. I tell you the truth, all the secrets of man's supremacy are here, on these cassettes... a great treasure that will have to be watched jealously. - Sentenced. -

           His own fellow travelers looked at each other without understanding each other. In view of the fantastic technology they already had in Omega that would seem like the stone age. However, they thought not without concern that their mentor was beginning to show some problem in their mind. Kira herself, sitting where the spectators, perceived that the memory of that poor man played tricks on her. For his part, the consul of Cassiopeia beckined two of his subordinates who nodded almost imperceptibly.

I do not think you will have any apparatus to view these documents, please allow me a little time to repair ours and you will witness a new and surprising science, thank you for your welcome. - The professor ended up getting big applause. -

It is time to act. - The consul musitó when the speech concluded. -

Taking advantage of the fact that quite a few personalities went to congratulate that traveler and that the case had taken over that area by that transfer of people, the two types of Cassiopeia quickly approached the clueless space traveler.

- Bravo, professor, my warmest congratulations! - He congratulated one with the intention of distracting him. -

          The other took the opportunity to take the cassettes from the table where their owner had left them. Everything went unnoticed by Lora and the rest who were talking to some of those present.  by the time he wanted to realize it, he exclaimed, as he searched everywhere, above and below the table.

- My cassettes! Where are they? No way. Who took my cassettes? They have been stolen from me! - He exclaimed with a mixture of stupor and unease, while he shyed his beards with drama. -

Both Loraand Pier re who were nearby had not realized anything and watched in amer with astonished at this poor man. Maybe his head failed him. Although they had seen those rectangular boxes, I could not claim that anyone had kept them or simply borrowed them to see them, or worse, stolen. And although they might have suspicions about the authorship of that, they had no evidence.  For his part, the consul of Cassiopeia knew perfectly well who had been the author of that. With those cassettes in his possession, he said with glee.

- Heh, heh! The boss will be very happy.

     And he soon contacted his leader who in effect asked him.

- What, went well?

-Yes, of course, very well, here they are... Ji, ji, ji! Rio with a rogue and sinister fool as he proudly showed them.  -

           In the meantime, to make him dislike it, Weust went to talk to his colleague Enius. The traveler of the past was struck by that strange artifact with wheels that moved and talked and asked.

- And what is this for?

This, as you say, is a wise man. What has been believed to be a good man? - Metro replied with a mixture of condescension and displeasure. -

-Sorry, forgive me. - The whipped Weust could apologize. -

-And as you can tell, he has an excellent character. - Enius himself sarcastically. -

-It is called osmosis, or mimicry. - The android replied by returning the courtesy with irony to its creator. -

           But evidently his guest was astonished at that technological marvel and proposed to Metro.

-Tell me, wouldn't you like to accompany me to Earth? They would be happy to study their circuits.

- Offer myself as a spectacle to those savages? to those anthropophages? - The shocked android answered. - No, no, I have no interest.

-It'sover, Metro,leave us alone! - Enius ordered him, disgusted by the impolite expressions used by his creation. -

         The offended android walked away, looking out one of the windows. And the two professors resumed their conversation. Arnold commented.

So it's been forty generations since I left Earth. I have a hard time believing that.

I understand this clearly, when you set off your ships you still had many problems to solve. - Enius replied, adding. - At first they were never heading directly to the target. - He explained while serving a cup of hot tea to his guest. -

      Arnold had to dodge that liquid that his host had served somewhat negligently, to such an extent that it had splattered his beard. Oblivious to that, Professor Master continued with his comment.

- Many calculations were needed to determine the orbits in which they should be placed to decide when and where in the sky the encounter with the planet would occur.

-We are in prehistory. - Metro intervened disparagingly. -

      Although its creator completely ignored him as he added.

-Today the force fields of our ships cancel out gravitation.

- Ah! And there was also the issue of propulsion. Our ion engine was regarded as insurmountable progress. - His colleague told him. -

-In the two thousand one hundred and eighty-three, one hundred and sixty years after his departure the intercontinental war that devastated the Earth broke out. But what progress in the science of the cosmos! Reaching the speed of light was not far away. - Enius told him, exclaiming enthusiastically. - And we have reached hyperspace that still remains linear, but antimatter is close! what fabulous possibilities! Those of being instantly anywhere in the universe.

-Interesting, really interesting. - Arnold rated it with equal uproar to object. - And tell me, but antimatter implies anti-time. And when particles and antiparticles come into conflict, won't there be a risk of destroying their physical identity? to make it disappear from the universe- time- space, along with the eventual travelers?

-Well reasoned to be a prehistoric man. - Metro intervened. -

-You shut up,  Metro, - Enius ordered him, then he went to his colleague to agree. - Good reflection, but this problem is almost solved. The one that is not is to materialize travelers at a point in the universe-time. And, above all, to get them back to base. Because, even if we succeed in the first phase of the journey, it is not the time of forty generations that would be necessary to be able to return, but the time of forty thousand, a million years. And no hibernation. Can you imagine? ...- He asked in amazement. -

It is clear that, despite the great advances made by humanity in the last millennium, there are still many challenges to be overcome. - Weust ruled. - In any case, I am glad to have been able to witness all these incredible developments.

         And after a few more minutes spent departing from other matters, Arnold said goodbye to his colleague. Soon after, it was Colonel Larans who gave him a guided tour of the control center.

-Here you can observe all the ships that cross the galaxy. Their trajectories are inscribed on this screen. - He pointed to him by pointing to a huge panel that showed images in two dimensions or three-dimensional, as appropriate. -

- Ah! - The impressed professor commented, wanting to know. - And do you never miss anything?

-No... - Pierrereplied, although he immediately thought twice to admit. - Well, lately it happened once.

-Tell me, tell me. - He asked for his interested interlocutor. -

Pierre  preferred not to talk much about it, and fortunately for him, he saw that precisely his son and Mercedes arrived. So he told his guest.

-Here are your guides. If you want to follow them you will know many things about the planet Omega.

-If it does us the honor. - He asked Kira. -

-Sure, I'll be delighted. - The professor agreed. -

         After greeting the colonel they walked away to take a slider that took them to the star port. The boys smiled watching the gesture of enthusiasm of that man. He looked like a kid who was being given a big surprise! Although it was logical, for them that was normal, but for their guest it was to see human progress a thousand years after his time.

-We go to one of the runway shuttles, to board our ship. - Peter told him when the slider dropped them off at the gates of the hangar area. -

          They guided their guest to a red ship, with four turbines lifting it into the air. It was used for short trips around the planet or to take crews to their spaceships. While that short journeylasted, Peter would point out some cargo ships and explain.

-Our mineral supply comes from neighboring colonies.

-Very interesting. - He affirmed his contertulio. -

-Taking him to the colonies would be a very long journey. - Peter told him. -

           They watched as a huge cargo ship descended to land in the star port.

-Well, we will take a walk around the nearest surroundings if it seems good. - The young man proposed to him. -

- Yes, yes! - His guest enthusiastically agreed. -

            Peter put himself in charge and they soon reached the Dragonfly. After telling the teacher where he should sit, the boys did the same and took off soaring over the planet.

-Electronic telescope on screen. - Kira commented as they approached a large group of asteroids where some mineral mines were located. -

-And tell me. What is that? - He wanted to know Arnold, pointing to one of those places. -

- The what? - Asked Peter, who wasn't looking in that direction. -

That, that. - He indicated his contertulio. -

-They are the robots that extract the ore. - He replied when he realized what he was referring to. -

-Those asteroids are the remains of a disintegrated planet, it's a very mineral-rich region, as you can see. - Kira added. -

-Fifty-four robots and two men. - Peter stated, that he went on to communicate with these workers and took an interest in them. - Here Lieutenant Peter Larans, is everything going well?

-Here the technician Paul, very well lieutenant, no news.

-Impressive. - The professor appreciated. - And that, What is that? - He wanted to know by looking at the screen, on which a huge class of ship could be seen. -

-Explain it yourself. - Peter asked his partner, admitting. - You're the expert.

-It's the tanks. - Kira replied. - They are designed to ensure the transport of hydrogen. There are large masses in space, you know that. Amalgamated in the dust of old stellar explosions, it condenses and forms new stars. But it will take millions of centuries.

Yes, of course, of course. - Musitó his listener. -

               The girl felt as if she was teaching a group of children when it was their turn on one of those days of police outreach to the civilian population. She felt a little silly. Perhaps he had tended to get too maternalistic with a scientist who, despite being a thousand years behind in knowledge, would know that more than enough. So he added.

-These tanks collect the hydrogen, concentrate it and store it until it is going to be used.

-It seems all so complicated, and yet it is so simple.  - Commented Arnold. -

- Oh! Don't think it's that simple. - Kira qualified him. - Wehave already had to deplore several accidents. The tanks came into contact with the gaseous masses and exploded. Now the techniques have improved. Look - he told him after consulting the screen. - We head to the most important ore station.

-We on Earth, I mean my time. - The professor pointed out. - We didn't have enough ore to make it worth exploiting. The crazy years at the end of the twentieth century had squandered everything. For example, the more hardship there was, the more cars were made. Then, for some time, they were nourished by the remains of the car cemeteries, by the waste of the old scrap metal, although that was also finished.

            The young patrolmen listened perplexed. It was like attending an old Earth history class, but taught by someone who was there at the time. Really amazing.

-Don't worry. - He jovially said Kira. - Look, this is the solution of the future. - he commented, pointing out a kind of construction, on one of those asteroids. -

             Robots and huge and very sophisticated machinery could be seen extracting minerals from the surface.

-Interesting. - The professor said. -

-These machines extract the ore, treat it right there and store it in containers. - Kira explained. -

-Here Lieutenant Larans. - The boy contacted, addressing the miners who worked there. - Is there anything new?

-Here's chief engineer Robert, all good. - It was the answer. -

         Although then and with a hesitant tone, that man added.

-However...

However, what? - Wanted to know Peter. -

-The last ore train left four hours ago. We have been waiting for the flight report for two hours. Doesn'tit seem a little strange?

          Indeed it was too long for that freighter not to have reported its arrivalat, or at least that everything was going according to normal. And so said robert when estimating.

-It should have arrived a long time ago. This is the first time this has happened.

-A breakdown in the stations, right? - Elucided Peter. "It's what we think, but it's unlikely anyway. - They answered him. -

-Well, I communicate with Omega. Keep me up to date with what happens. - He asked them for the patrolman. -

-Very well, thank you lieutenant.

          It was really something that had no explanation, if a breakdown or a communication failure was ruled out. The hard part would be figuring out what had happened. Although all was not lost, Peter did some quick calculations and commented.

-Four hours. If we move to hyperspace we will reach them in a few minutes, if we continue in normal space we need seven hours to catch them. Assuming they are going in the intended direction.

           And I didn't want to say it out loud, but that didn't sound good to him at all. What if they had stolen the freighter? A priori with the security systems and patrols of the space police it was quite complicated. However, security could be flouted and patrols were not as frequent as they should have been given the shortage of ships, especially given recent events.

-Yes, of course, but every moment that passes its possibility of disappearing in a corner of the cosmos, it becomes greater. - Kira agreed that he shared those same concerns. - Also, I suspect the direction that train has taken. - Added with certainty. -

          Both she and Peter had many suspicions that this was a matter for Cassiopeia or her allies. But they evidently had no proof. They would at least have to investigate it to see if they could find that missing freight train.

Yes, me too. I think we think the same thing. - Agreed Peter, who commented with reflective air. - Calculating our position in hyperspace at split seconds, maybe we could.

"We have to try, Pedrito. - Kira urged him, addressing the teacher to ask him more jovially. - What do you think of a small foray into hyperspace? Just a short walk.

- Oh, great, an interesting experience. Don't worry about me. - He answered this one with visible enthusiasm. -

- Willing? - Asked Peter, who, upon receiving two assents from his interlocutors, indicated. - Antigravity.

The three connected the devices of their seats that projected a force field to protect them from the enormous gravitational acceleration involved in moving into hyperspace. For that traveler of the past, being able to experience how that ship passed in just seconds to an alternate dimension in which he could barely see the iridescent glow of countless stars parading at an incredible speed, was a truly wonderful experience. In the case of their hosts, accustomed to it, it was nothing of importance, what is more, they only thought of being able to intercept that missing train. So, after just a few seconds they returned to linear space and Peter immediately saw it.

- There! He said. –

-The train. - Kira said in turn. –

Indeed, there it was, the Dragonfly launched itself in pursuit, but a few moments later an object detached from that freighter heading towards the ship.

- Beware! – Kira warned. - A wit comes towards us.

The girl connected the shields quickly and providentially, since that exploded a few hundred meters away causing them to oscillate through the energy released.

- Damn, they have protected their escape with a magneticmine curtain! – Exclaimed  Peter. –

There was no longer any doubt that this disappearance had not been accidental, nor was it due to an accident. It was a criminal act. But that was what they were least concerned about now.

-The shield loses power. - Kira pointed out. –

-If we continue like this it will soon stop being activated, contact Omega. - He was told by his partner. –

Kira nodded, doing a quick review of the systems.

-Central computer well, propulsion well, gravity well, tightness well, direction well. Radar screen, not working! - Alerted the young woman. – Slight leak in the sealing system...

The alarm actually went off, the Dragonfly needed urgent repairs. At that moment they received a reply.

-Here I control Omega, Dragonfly, listening.

-Here Lieutenant Pedrito, we have reached the ore train. Yes, it has been diverted from the HX forty-one base. – Confirmed, warning. - We have detected mines and we are not in a position to intercept them. Do we open fire to destroy them? – He consulted. –

-Here Commander Stevens. Don't disparate, Pedrito. That train has to be recovered. - He ordered the boy. - It is important, I send a squad to intercept it. Are you going to be able to fix the breakdown? - He wanted to know the official concerned. –

We will try, Commander. - The boy answered, asking his co-pilot. - Cabincompression?

-Maximum compression. - She replied that she ruled. - It can go like this but not for long. Circular periscope outside. Look at that.

The young woman had discovered a flaw in the hull of the ship. He pointed it out to Peter.  It was one of the armor plates that was broken and partially separated, threatening the integrity of the Dragonfly.

-A pity that Metro is not here, I could have fixed it. Well, I'll see -- He said, and getting up decisively, he sentenced- telling his partner. - He takes the controls, Kira. Permanent radio contact.

The girl crossed her fingers. His guest attended all that very interested and perplexed, without uttering a word, although he trusted in the expertise of these two boys. Meanwhile, after putting on a spacesuit and providing himself with spare parts and tools to repair the damage, Peter went into space.

-I'm out, it's magnificent!  - The young man exclaimed, who was fascinated by the vision of the cosmos. – Repair in progress, I think it will go well. - Reported. –

However, Kira was worried, she felt that her partner should tread carefully or she might have problems.

-We received you Pedrito, but hurry up, I beg you. - He asked her with manifest concern in her tone of voice. –

-Repair about to be finished. - He replied that he added. - I have trouble tearing off what's left of the old iron.

-Leave her Pedrito, that does not matter, please come back. - He begged him. –

Although true to his stubbornness the boy kept trying and threw several times until in one of them that plate gave way, shooting out and hitting him in the hull, fortunately this endured, but made him lose the anchorage to the ship and its connecting tube. Peter was thrown into space after shouting.

- ¡AAH!

- Pedrito, Pedrito. Please answer. - He tried unsuccessfully to contact Kira. –

-But what happens? - The teacher wanted to know that he had gotten up and approached the young woman's seat. –

-Lost in space. - She lamented. –

- And what can we do now? - The worried Arnold inquired. -

Let me concentrate, there is no other possibility. - He asked her. -

Kira had no choice but to make use of her gifts of telepathy. I hoped to be able to contact Peter. I wish I wasn't unconscious!

-Pedrito, where are you? Can you hear me? -It transmitted him mentally. –

If his helmet or suit had been broken it would be the end. He would already be dead. But I shouldn't think that. So he insisted.

-Pedrito, come back in you, get back... talk to me, talk to me. You hear me?...  Pedrito, talk to me! Pedrito!...

And at last, Kira's tenacity bore fruit, the boy was able to come out of his obnubilation and think.

-Yes, I hear you. I hear you, yes...- I could barely musitar Peter. –

However, that was enough for her partner who could capture her mental waves. So he asked.

"Keep talking. Talk, so I can locate you, keep talking, I'm going. - It encouraged him telepathically. –

The professor would swear that the girl's eyes glowed in a golden flash, although he soon saw that they were returning to be of that usual jet color.

-Talk, talk, please. - The young woman insisted as she maneuvered the ship to reach her partner. -

Yes. - He replied. –

-Go on, don't shut up. - The young woman ordered him. –

Yes. - The boy repeated. –

For Peter, Kira's voice echoed inside his head as if it were a kind of lighthouse, guiding him, pulling him out of that daze. Although it should be rushed, oxygen reserves were rapidly d diminishing.

-Kira, I hear you, approach the ship. - He asked the young man in haste. –

-I'm going, I'm maneuvering so you can enter, to pick you up. - She explained. –

That's right, luckily the boy was already a few meters away from his salvation. Kira placed himself in such a way that he could tackle the entrance hatch.

-I'm already getting to my old pot. - He sighed with joy and relief. –

Yes, it's all over. Fortunately. - Her partner agreed in the same way. –

At last he was able to enter the ship, the hatch closed after his entry and with some difficulty he was able to take off his suit, breathe and return to the piloting area.

-Next time I will listen to you. - Promised the boy for the umpteenth time. –

We have to get back to base. - He merely replied patiently to her. –

-It has been a very interesting experience. - He valued the professor, adding. - And I'm glad you're fine.

Peter returned to his pilot position and set course for Port Doppler. Once there they disembarked their passenger and took him to his accommodation.

It has been a pleasure. - Peter said goodbye. –

- What do you intend to do? - Wanted to know Kira. –

-I think I will return to Earth, I'm really looking forward to seeing how it has changed.

I understand that. - His interlocutor agreed. –

- Good luck. - He wished him Peter. –

And both guys left. Arnold met with his crew and explained his desire to return.

We prefer to stay here. There will be nothing on Earth anymore for us. - Farmer said. -

"There will be no one left of our families, and if there is anyone related to us it would be our great-great-grandson, great-great-grandson or granddaughter. - Harvey added.

-Of course, I understand, you are young, you can start again here. - The professor said. –

-And, in addition, this place is fascinating, you can learn many things. - The enthusiastic engineer said. –

- Of memories of our part at home. - The navigator smiled at him, placing a hand on his. –

In this way, the professor said goodbye to his former fellow travelers and after a while he went to Lora's office that had called him to be interested in that walk that they had given him and inform him that unfortunately, they had not found their cassettes. When Arnold walked in, she  invited him to take his seat. He told her the same thing as the boys and their former teammates.

So, is it decided? - She asked. –

Yes, ma'am. I return to Earth to report. My deputies prefer to stay, but I confess that this is going too fast for me.

But there, too, things will have changed.  - Reasoned Lora. –

- Oh! Certainly, without a doubt. - He agreed, yes, qualifying. - Although there may still be something left that reminds me of the past. I say I.

Just then an incoming communication from Pierre made itself heard.

-There is no news of the train, volatilized. We must act.

- Act yes, but against whom? - Lora asked with a mixture of bewilderment and discomfort. –

- Don't you suspect anything? - Her husband asked her. –

-Suspicions are not enough, you know it well. - She sighed. –

We will meet the general staff and talk about it. - Pierre told him before cutting off the transmission. –

The president was pensive, she too harbored a clear suspicion of who might be behind it all, but evidently lacked the weight of evidence to sustain it. And even if I had proof. What to do? A bad gesture or a condemnation could mean the breakup of the Confederacy and even war. That's what he was meditating on when the teacher told him.

"Hey, is that train so important?

Yes, a lot. It carries a secret mineral. - She replied sincerely. - And according to which hands...

Yes, yes. A lot of things are lost around here. - Arnold cut it without wanting to know anything more about it. –

Yes, too many. - Lora agreed by posing her chin on her intertwined hands, to sentence. - But they are not lost for everyone.

His interlocutor nodded. After a few more minutes of conversation he said goodbye to that nice woman. And it didn't take long for him to be ready to board a shuttle that would take him to the Cosmopolitan space shuttle. Everyone went to say goodbye to him, his former colleagues included. It was Peter who told him.

-Someday we will go to visit you.

- To earth. - He completed it, with the desire to make it so. –

-Promised. - Kira said by giving her a hug. –

And after expressing his best wishes he embarked at last. After a few minutes the Cosmopolitan rose leaving omega's orbit behind. They all left for their respective occupations and Lora, returning to her office, could still see that large passenger ship drift away. Waving from his window he sighed to say in voice it remains.

-Hasta la vista, friend of the year two thousand. Good trip to Earth.

And he plunged back into his many and varied occupations and, above all, worries. Like the theft of that ore train of which unfortunately there was not the slightest indication of where it could have gone.

**ESPAÑOL**

**NEXT**

**STORIES**