UNC022E

**STORIES**

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**ESPAÑOL**

**Vacation?**

Tirelius had been busy those last few days. After the failure of that rocket he had to ruminate his anger away from the senate. When he came to him he had prepared a justification. He merely said that this had been foreseen and that he never intended to destroy Earth, but to give a clear warning to Omega's side of what he and his allies might be able to do. Unfortunately for him the supporters of Senator Nerus were not so easy to persuade, he himself warned him with tone that more than being of indignation it was already of concern.

-I repeat it to you general, you are playing a very dangerous game. We are now in a state of war. And our enemies are all the worlds of the Omega Confederation starting from the same Earth. I strongly urge you to try to redirect this terrible situation or surely we will all regret it.

He got the ovation of his caucus and that of the progressives, and the silence of the traditionalists, with some boos from the supporters of Tirelius. He took a few moments to make all these noises quiet and finally responded.

Senator, you should have more confidence in this planet and its brave citizens. Cassiopeia is more than prepared to face anyone, and we are not alone. It is not the number of planets that counts, but the military power they have. Also, I told them that we are not alone. Our powerful friends watch in the shadows. The Omega Confederation has no idea how powerful they are. Their weapons have devastating power. And I am pleased to add that they have already manufactured for our combat fleet almost a hundred new destroyers of the, in a first term, that have just delivered two dozen to us. Only with those forces would we sweep away any combined fleet of the confederacy. Not so much be afraid. - Riveted with tone halfway between mockery and casualness. -

Now the applause of their loyalists thundered in the building, some traditionalists joined them too, while liberals and progressives remained mute with Nerus shaking his head.

-General. - Terció then one of those of the traditionalist group. – From what we have known, Omega has also begun to arm itself. They are building several heavy cruisers that could well pose a serious threat to our ships.

- Cruises, ha! - Tirelius exclaimed derogausly. – As far as we know there are four nothing more. Even the nautilus will crush them. Even if they built twice as much, they would have nothing to do!

A senator from the Liberal group then intervened asking

- And the Quadruple Alliance of Planets? They are worlds with powerful military forces, and they have informed us that they are carrying out a really important deployment of ships. Many of great concern. Do you also think you are capable of defeating them in a hypothetical confrontation?

This issue muted the room. Even the general's supporters, who had been mocking the previous speakers, were silent. Although Tirelius seemed to have his replica ready when he commented with a more serious and considerate tint.

-I understand where you want to go. And it's a great appreciation. Anyway, in that I can also reassure you all, dear senators. I assure you that there is no reason to fear a confrontation with that Quadruple Alliance of planets. None of your ambassadors in the confederacy has issued the slightest condemnation or hostile reaction against us following the Earth incident. They consider it a matter totally alien to them. Therefore, they will not be involved in issues that do not concern them. Nor are they unaware that we are not interested in a conflict with worlds so far apart, and that is why some of their representatives have guarantees that they will not intervene in favour of the Confederation.

That response drew applause from his loyalists. On this occasion not even Nerus knew that he was against arguing and remained silent, although thinking with horror that this would be a huge tragedy for everyone.

"I'm sorry, I haven't been able to stop Tirelius. - I thought sadly. –

On Earth meanwhile the boys were descending into the planet's atmosphere. As if it were a guided tour, the public address system of the ship was explaining everything they saw.

-On your left the spatial agglomeration of Copernicus.

Everyone jumped excited from the seats, eager to see what was on the other side they were on.

-I haven't had time to see anything. - Commented a disappointed Peter. –

But the voice continued to tell them.

-And this is Kepler's, on his right a center of attractions and rest, the "cemetery of space".

The boys observed wrecks of wrecked spacecraft, and were able to distinguish humanoid shapes in astronaut suits.

-We will have to see it slowly, it must be interesting. - Gordon opined who, pointing to large shapes similar to large bags floating in space, inquired. – And what is that?

"I don't know, boy. - The equally stunned Peter replied. – We would need a guide to explain everything.

They saw an astronaut sitting on a kind of thruster pass by. Later, they approached the large silver ribbon that surrounded the Earth.

-Look. - Peter said. –

It seems to me that it is the great solar belt that provides the Earth with much of its energy.

And indeed, the ship's voiceover commented.

-Before you the solar energy belt. It is thirty-six thousand kilometers from Earth. An ideal distance because every object put into orbit here moves at the same speed as the planet and is therefore immobile in relation to it. Which explains some bottlenecks for which we apologize.

The guys understood perfectly what that meant. Not in vain they had to have a lot of precision with the relative speeds when they boarded that rocket.

-On Earth there is a lot of traffic of small ships. - Gordon said. –

-Yes, it can be dangerous. Maybe that's why they don't allow outsiders to pose directly on the planet. - Peter speculated. –

- How beautiful those clouds, they are beautiful! Kira said in turn. –

At that moment the public address service of the ship informed them.

-Ladies, gentlemen, we ask you to return to your seats, the noise you will hear in a few moments will be due to our entry into the Earth's atmosphere.

          And they were already descending to the point of entering the atmosphere, they could observe how the ship glittered due to the heat caused by friction. They continued to listen to the explanations that the voiceover gave them.

"Now we fly over the sea. Italy, Great Britain, the Atlantic Ocean. - He shelled the voice. – Ladies, gentlemen, we are going to land in a few moments. The anti-gravity system of their seats will be activated. Landed...

And the shuttle was slowly descending into a large spaceport.

-This is the original Doppler Port. It's huge! - Said an admired Gordon. –

It was actually quite a bit bigger than the one they had at Omega. The boys were able to observe countless ships perched there. His descended until it finally touched the ground. And when they were finally able to disembark they were received in an incredible way. There would be thousands of people with holo welcome banners, cheering them on. They were open-mouthed, perplexed by that, they had no choice but to let themselves be entertained. A retinue of eight people came to meet them, they were to be high officials of the land government, and among them they distinguished an old friend, the wise Professor Arnold Weust.

-Friends, friends, my dear friends. - They were greeted by that dear man. –

Of course they nodded smilingly. At least seeing a familiar face would make all that unexpected reception easier. The highest authorities of the Earth, because in fact, they were about them, guided them through a corridor opened by troops who presented them with weapons. The presidency of the terrestrial United Nations, in the voice of its representative, addressed them.

"Welcome, brave members of Omega's space police. Earthlings give the most effusive welcome to our saviors. You are heroes and we wish to honor you as you deserve.

And after a few minutes of shelling a speech in which he did not cease to praise them, the boys found themselves in the complicated situation of pronouncing a few words. Peter watched his friends with a puzzled gesture.

"Don't look at us, you are the commanding officer!" - Gordon laughed. –

That comment got Kira's complicit smile. So, Peter eaten a little and trying to control his nerves he went to those gathered there.

-For us it is an honor to be here, we thank you very much for this cordial and warm welcome. We merely do our duty. Thank you all very much, we feel really lucky and privileged to meet the old mother Earth and its inhabitants.

And after concluding he received a thunderous ovation. After a few more minutes that became eternal, Dr. Weust  finally came to their rescue.

-I have spoken with the authorities and after requesting it they have entrusted me with the role of being their host and guide, since you were when we arrived at Omega.

-We appreciate it. - Kira replied. -

The professor took them to a more restricted place, sheltered from so many cheers and paragoods. And it is that the boys had to listen to exclamations of the type.

- May God bless you!

- You are angels sent by the Lord.

- I will give your names to my children!

Visibly overwhelmed by Weust'samusedgaze, the boys managed to enter a private room where they could sit with their cicerone.

- Thank goodness! - Peter sighed that he wore a gesture between azorado and incredulous. – This is already too much.

"Yes, I'm more scared of this receiving than being on that rocket. - Gordon agreed. –

-No wonder, my friends. It is not every day that the saviors of the Earth are received. - Sentenced, to remind them. - They have saved billions of lives. That makes them the greatest heroes in human history.

Now no one knew where to get into. Luckily his friend laughed to reassure them.

-Don't worry, I know a place outside the mundane noise. There you can rest and be calm.

His interlocutors smiled with relief and gratitude. Peter claimed.

"I still can't believe all this reception. We didn't suspect anything.

-It is a lockdown, we asked Omega to send them here to be able to celebrate them as  they deserve. And we beg you not to say anything about our purposes.

-Well, rest assured that your secret has been well kept. - Kira assured him. –

-Yes, totally, and also in Doppler port. - Peter confirmed once again. –

"I think so, we even thought we had been taken prisoner. - Gordon added. –

- OH! With so many emotions I find myself exhausted. - Kira exclaimed raising her arms to add. – I would like to rest.

Peter and Gordon looked at each other funny, that was not very typical of their friend. Although it was clear that they lived exceptional circumstances.

"Do not be a fear friends, tomorrow we will leave the city. – He announced his contertulio. – You are too popular here. The heroes of the Dragonfly, no less, would not let them live in peace. In addition, all cities look alike, have no interest, we will go to the countryside. As I told you, I know of a place where no one will care. You will see how there, our young friend is reset very soon.

And after spending the night in a large hotel in the area of the astroport and of course, attending a dinner in his honor, the next day the boys got into a vehicle driven by the teacher. It was a kind of vintage slider with the appearance of an old land car, the most noticeable difference was that this ingenuity flew.

-Beautiful panorama in which you can see, Eh! - Commented his guide as they were already flying over a large meadow. –

They also saw specimens of wildlife, passed over forests and farms. Kira commented.

-How peaceful everything is, it seems as if things are eternal.

A strange noise made them look down. They discovered quadrupedal beings with golden bodies with small heads adorned with horns.

- What animals are those? - Kira wanted to know. –

-Well, some simple cows. Don't they know? - The stunned professor inquired in turn. -

But the fact was that those boys had been born and raised in a totally different world, far removed from Earth and without any of those animals, that's why he himself admitted.

- Ah, of course not, cows in Omega What a fool I am! How can I not have realized that there is none there?

Driven by curiosity, the boys expressed their desire to go down to see them more closely. His guide landed a few meters away and decided to get out of the vehicle heading towards those animals. Peter and Gordon followed and the latter asked.

- Are you sure they are not dangerous?

"No man, no. Why would they be dangerous?" – He replied nonchalantly his contertulio. – Notice what a kind expression.

Although another specimen of dark color did not have that same expression, in fact, it started to run ramming them. As soon as he saw it, the teacher urged the boys to return to the vehicle. They ran to avoid that attack and narrowly succeeded, as they rose to the safety of heaven leaving that animal behind, Gordon commented amusingly.

- Good thing they weren't dangerous, master!

- Well, that was a bull, the male of the cow. You see, they are usually very jealous. – Explained the questioner. –

After laughing a little at the cost of that incident, they continued to contemplate wonderful landscapes, trees with leaves of shades that varied from dark green to red, passing through yellow or ochre, large areas of clear and blue water.

- In Omega we have never seen anything so beautiful. - Peter said. –

Nor on any of the planets we have visited. - Gordon agreed. -

"Look guys, there's my cabin. - Arnold told them then. –

They landed a few meters from that gabled roof house built on what the boys thought was wood. His host confirmed this as he exclaimed.

- Uh! Now you will see...

In Omega the equivalent of two days of Earth had passed and the yumlaincer expedition was preparing to leave. Before the official ceremonial act Gina went to say goodbye to her parents, they wished her the best.

-I'm going to miss you very much. – She said visibly moved. –

"And we to you, cariñó. But you will see how it will be worth it. It will be a great experience for you. - Lora declared, almost unable to contain her own emotions. –

"Give Peter a big kiss and hug for me. - asked them. –

- Sure. - Pierre agreed to hug her in turn. -

And it is that everywhere there were greetings, farewells and good wishes. Larus had had occasion to see her boyfriend. Nerel as usual was talking to someone via communicator.

- Are you sure? Not bad... don't lose sight of them. Yes, familiar with everything. I take care of the other thing. Take it easy. Now I must leave you. – He sentenced by cutting off communication when he saw his partner approaching. –

- Working as usual? - Larus greeted him. –

Nerel did not reply, simply gave her a kiss on the lips and then allowed herself to answer.

-Work never ceases. That also applies to you.

-I hope to have some days of leave when I get home. To visit my family and tell them about you. - Commented Larus. –

- I would have liked to accompany you, really. - His interlocutor affirmed. – You may be entitled to a permit within the middle of the yare.

"And we complain the military yumlaincers!"exclaimed his partner, halfway between jocularity and sorrow.

Of course they were going to spend a lot of time away. But they were the gajes of their respective trades. Being military they had to face transfers and missions. The bad thing was that many times they would have no idea how long they were. Or even whether they would return! Fortunately, it was a time of peace.  Or at least Larus wanted it to continue to be so. With the drift of Cassiopeia and although at first that had nothing to do with his world, you could never be sure. He decided to banish the sadness of goodbye and have confidence in the soon reunion. After hugging the nataclier, since there were enough people to express more forceful signs of affection, he left on his way to the astroport.

"I guess Yener won't take long. - He thought. –

Jilia and Menera were also ready and above all animated. Best of all, they were going to stay together. They were already finishing their things after having slept and some other thing, in Menera's room for a couple of days.

-What I do not know is what destination we will be awarded when we arrive. - Commented the official blonde. –

-Being in Yumlaiance we will have no problem seeing each other often. We will be on the same planet. - Jilia told him. –

-Except if I have to go to a squadron of the fleet that patrols the neutral zone. - Menera sighed. –

- Come now! Don't be so spoilers. - Jilia smiled hitting her with a pillow. -

- What do we have, huh? - His girlfriend laughed at him by striking him back with the same gun. - Now you'll see!

And he attacked Jilia who defended herself jokingly, the two rolled down the bed and even fell to the ground, after laughing, the brunette girl caressed the face of her partner and gave him a long kiss. Both spent a few moments to those toys until Menera told him.

-We have to go to the astroport.

Her interlocutor got up and the two of them wore uniforms. Jilia then commented to him with a jovial tone.

-Don't worry, you don't have to go to the same places as your famous great-grandmother.

"I know, but I think about it, even if I don't want to. - Admitted the question, adding. - You see, when an ancestor of yours became an admiral and was decorated for merits the bar is very high.

"But once in the academy you told me that your parents had not forced you to enlist. - Jilia recalled. –

"They didn't, but it's supposed to be what was expected of me, I'm the oldest. And on the one hand I am glad. I like military life and in this way I let my sister Calina have more freedom to choose what to do in her life.

- Your little sister the canija? - Asked Jilia. - I remember seeing her once when your family came to visit the academy.

-Well, of canija already, nothing, I think it has given a great spurt. - Menera smiled. – In the last Holo photos I was already as tall as my mother. And wishing to study magic.

- Don't tell me he wants to go to Esil?- His contertulia was surprised. – Well, he would be close to home. Esil  is in  Dessy and that region borders Yastris, our hometown in Anlad.

Menera nodded smilingly, that was a pride for her. Her little sister wanted to become a mage of the Brotherhood. Although it was Jilia who pointed out not without reason.

-Well girl. That's even tougher than the military academy. At least from what I have heard.

-As much as being a monk- warrior of the Kail. And in both places they must accept you. It is necessary that you possess natural abilities in addition to following a hard and disciplined training. Calina is still a girl, but surely next year she will perform. Hopefully she will be admitted! It would break her heart if she were rejected. Since she was little, she has been dreaming about it. - Menera sighed. -

Jilia took one of her girlfriend's hands between her own and smiled encouragingly at her to sentence.

-There is still a lot of time for that. Don't suffer for your little sister.

I will suffer in the present moment if we are late. - Menera reminded him by looking at Omega's time indicator they had in their room. "We have half an hour left on earth.

- How much is that? - He wanted to know his partner. –

-About four sexdanes. – The blonde girl informed him. –

- Well come on! - She was then urged by Jilia. –

Luckily the service androids took care of the luggage and left the stay tidy. Thus, both women left wishing to reach the astroport.

"If we are late, Colonel Rant will kill us. - Menera commented when the two boarded a transport to the Port Doppler terminal on the run. –

Fortunately for them they arrived in time to appear at the appointed time before their commander in chief who already wore the badges of the planetary army. A golden Y as a sign of his rank of colonel.

"I'm glad to see them First Lieutenant Delaier, Lieutenant Renar."he greeted them.

-At your command, sir. - The two of them squared up greeting at the same time. –

Yener smiled, she liked those two, and not just because they were so pretty and really sexy. He also felt that they were loyal, each to his own style, and that he could count on them in the future. That was precisely commenting with Larus who approached now.

"We are ready, Colonel. – He informed him. –

"Proceed, Commander Daet. You have command of the ship. – His superior answered him. -

And it is that technically, having been transferred from the army, the competence to command that cruiser was no longer his. Nonetheless, Yener was the highest-ranking officer on board. A sexdan  before Officers  Renar  and Delaier arrived, he discussed it with his friend after meeting him at the astroport.

-Well Larus. It's going to be up to you to take command of the journey.

- Me? - His partner was surprised. –

-Yes, to you, zoquete. You are still an officer of the space and navigation section. Or not? - His interlocutor laughed at adding. – With your new rank of commander there is no other officer above in rank.

- Shouldn't Major Commander Eltiscome? - Inquired the stunned Larus. -

"Let's say that yesterday I assigned him to another ship. The same as Commander Lorter,who was older than    you. - Yener confessed funny, to rivet. - That leaves you in charge.

-But, I have never commanded a cruise of this measure. Well, from nowhere. - His petrified interlocutor was able to babble. -

"Routine orders, blah, blah, blah..." Yener replied nonchalantly, adding. - Also, we are not the flagship, that is the Tibinco fighter carrier. As part of his group we escorted him back home. You will limit yourself to setting the course ordered by Cresat who travels there. But it will be your ship, and you will command it.

"Thank you very much, Yener. It's quite a detail. - His friend smiled. –

-You deserve it for putting up with me. And if that were not enough, you will have the help of First Lieutenant Delaier.

-She is a very competent officer. - Valued Larus. –

"Yes, that impression gives me, the same as his girlfriend. - Your interlocutor agreed. –

- Renar  is somewhat unstable at times. Pretty fussy when it comes to Menera. He has even lost control and had some incidents with others of his peers. - Larus informed him. –

It's not that I wanted to have to tell Yener that right now. However, with his promotion had come the responsibility of not only monitoring Menera but his irascible girlfriend.

"She's impulsive, I like that. - Yener stated that in confidence he whispered to his perplexed friend, without seeming to give too much importance to that report. – I will take care of polishing it during the trip.

-Why is it that it does not convince me how that has sounded. - Musitó Larus in turn. –

That made his partner and superior let out a laugh by shaking his head.

- You have to see what a bad reputation I have with women!

And others who did have fame and very well deserved, also enjoyed their well-deserved rest on Earth. Peter, Gordon and Kira had descended following their host. They were walking in the direction of that little house when a woman came out of it in years, with gray hair who greeted them.

"She's my old maid. - Weust told them who qualified by admitting. - Well, he is actually ten years younger than me.

The boys looked at each other funny. Better not to ask Arnold his age! Although of course, at least a thousand years old they were sure he had. That's what they thought when two strange four-legged beings with thin heads approached them, immediately got on their hind legs to pounce on Gordon, the boy, with visible apprehension commented.

-I hope they are not dangerous

"I wouldn't trust me in your place, boy. - Peter joked. –

Those beings groaned in a strange way, almost as if they were being asked to play. They barely reached Gordon's waist on his two legs and did not stop meekly licking his hands. Another of them did the same with Peter.

- Quiet! - Arnold ordered them. -

Although one stopped jumping next to the perplexed Gordon and once again Peter declared funny.

- It seems that you have fallen into grace!

That old woman then addressed them affability to assert.

- Ah! they are our young saviors. All right, but get this in your head, there are no heroes here. You eat early, you are in bed at eight and breakfast is served at sunrise. Don't forget.

-But that in the army. - Gordon commented that he was still licked by that pair of funny creatures, which Arnold called dogs. -

-They will take the rich milk from our cows and the honey from our hives. Have you understood? - That woman continued, introducing herself. - my name is Ethel.

The boys nodded to alimon. They were then taken inside the house. Gordon finally managed to get rid of the signs of affection of that pair of dogs and everyone sat in the living room with an unbeatable view of the meadow through large windows.

- How idyllic everything is! - Kira commented. – But has it always been like this?

- One has read so many violent facts concerning the Earth that this seems incredible.

That was the case, especially in his formative years at the space police academy. The boys had to study, among other things, terrestrial history. And condesados in that subject of a single year had innumerable wars, disasters and revolutions, evidences of a very violent past that occurred in their mother world. So Arnold admitted.

-Everything you have read is true. The Earth has needed many centuries to reach this state, to resolve its contradictions, to "surpass" its progress, to finally be an adult. But it would be very long to count.

The three young men gave him a few looks full of interest and curiosity and immediately begged him.

-Count, count, teacher. Please. - Peter asked him who was excited to hear all those stories. –

He remembered that, as a child, his grandparents and parents told him and his sister some. Although of course, they were stories that had varied and deformed over the centuries and there they had the rare privilege of being able to listen to them from the mouth of someone who had lived them first hand.

-We are very interested. - Kira agreed. –

She had also heard things, some incomplete narratives in the bosom of her family and other sensations that she vaguely remembered as if they had been dreams. Nor was Gordon oblivious to that interest. He also assumed that when he returned to Omega he could share all that with Gina. At last, the many pleas of the three convinced Arnold who began to explain.

-Yes, well. Where to start? At the end of the twentieth century everything began to get complicated. Excessive industrialization, excessive cadence and for what? To provide people with superfluous things.

And while he was saying this, he connected a holographic screen on which very old films with events of the time could be seen.

-This is a copy of those cassettes that, let's say "lost", in Omega. - He pointed at them, and then continued with his story. – This unchecked industrial production served to consume in a short time what could have lasted four times longer. Demagogy of the rulers to whom a planetary vision of the world was less interested than to preserve a clientele that seemed closer to Roman times. And the result was the depletion of all wasted raw materials. When my ship departed for space in the two thousand and twenty-three there were no metals left on Earth that were worth melting. Yes, there were the car cemeteries, seas of cars. Of course, there was no oil, so they threw themselves on the coal...

The boys were stunned by this explanation, accompanied by images that kept leaving them with their mouths open. The most varied and strange vehicles powered by these primitive energy sources.

-Then they went for the forests, and when they were no longer there, the natural energy was exploited. - Weustshelled. – The sun, above all. Thus, when my ship left for space, it was already tried, what many centuries later would be the solar energy belt. And they were also starting to build giant radio telescopes to listen to space, to try to detect other  civilizations. And it was concluded that the ionosphere had to be exceeded, since long waves cannot pass through it.

Kira smiled, Arnold was just like Professor Master. He narrated enthusiastically when he liked something, but tended to get lost in superfluous details or explain concepts that everyone handled. However, it was very entertaining to listen to him and he told really interesting things.

-That allowed us to later discover our first Omega allies. - Weustwas stilldeparting. –

That was in the history books, or, rather, in the clouds of cyberspace. The Earth established contacts with several worlds in the galaxy and in order to interact physically missions were sent that, over time, would end up colonizing the planet Omega.

And the galloping demographics among the poorest. Almost eight billion beings in the year two thousand. – Arnold commented. – Almost thirty billion a century later. There was a long procession of misery and helplessness and small local wars broke out in order to decongest the world and justify themselves at the same time. For nothing aqualies misfortune more than thinking that the responsibility lies with others, with enemies, but they did not dare to go any further.

- Does it refer to a total conflict? - Inquired Gordon. –

-Yes, because at that time already with the weapons they possessed they could have eliminated the entire human race. Kira added. –

Its narrator nodded, continuing with the story.

It was thought that a bomb, a single one of one or two megatons could cause millions of victims, and there were a hundred times more powerful. Yes, there were thousands and thousands. But no, no...

"At least they were prudent about that. - Peter commented. –

What triggered the great hecatomb was genetic control. – Arnold replied to unravel that issue. - It began by injecting the genes resistant to malignant cells, for humanitarian purposes naturally. Everything always starts like this, then it was possible to choose the sex, the color of eyes, the size of the son and also his mental coefficient. All this was a state secret, all kinds of variations could occur, well-endowed girls, athletic men, of different colors by excess of enzymes and beings capable of surpassing those of other races in intellect. Of course, since everyone did the same thing, everything was the same...

Kira could not help but remember Yener, in some of his conversations, especially in the telepathic ones, he thought he perceived that in the world of yumlaincer something similar had happened. Metahumans and experiments in that line that centuries ago were banned.

-It's like opening a Pandora's box. You don't know what can escape. - The young woman meditated, while continuing to listen to her host say. -

-The leaders seized as is logical of the best genes thus assuring their descendants superiority, longevity. And then the peoples revolted once again to defend their rights and with the same tactic used for centuries and centuries the leaders proclaimed that all the blame lay with the others, with the eternal enemies, and rushed to push the buttons. The Great War of two thousand one hundred and eighty-three. I was then in hibernation somewhere in space.

He had to interrupt that story because Ethel called them to dinner. It was already beginning to sunset.

- What a beautiful view! – Kira commented. –

- Absolutely. - Peter agreed. –

When they sat down at the table, that good woman served them a soup as a starter and second grilled fish with a garnish of vegetables. Everything was really delicious.

-You are a great cook. - Gordon praised her who won the heart of that lady, for her words and for her eagerness to repeat. –

"That's how I like it, young people, you have to eat well to regain strength. - Ethel declared. – And then to bed.

In space, the yumlaincer flotilla had already left Omega heading home. In the ship that Larus commanded everything was quiet and the usual routine wasfollowed. The first two days of the trip were very quiet. To tell the truth, Yener avoided coinciding  much  with  Gina and spent time chatting with Larus who in addition to being the captain of the ship  prepared, as he promised his friend, a party for when they were one day away from arriving on their planet. Anyway, Larus missed Nerel and despite his attempts to disguise him, he was not for much joy, but Yener was in charge of encouraging him in turn in that matter.

"Come on, man. You will soon see it. - I said jovially. –

- Almost half yare. - Larus sighed. –

- And who doesn't tell you that they are not able to come sooner? Don't underestimate him, he's a spy. - His friend smiled. –

-An intelligence officer. - Qualified his interlocutor. –

-For that matter, it is the same. - Yener River. -

Although the best consolation for Larus  was the presence of  Lieutenant  Delaier on board. When they were in their rest time  Larus and she often stayed to play in the simulator. So much so that Yener himself thought if his partner could not change his tastes, but he ended up realizing that this was not going to be the case.

"No, he looks at her as if she were his sister. – It was said Yener, funny about that. –

So much better, so perhaps he could try, but it had to be recognized that, despite the attractiveness of that girl, he did not have too much desire, especially with Gina on board. For not commenting clearly, that Lieutenant  Renar  was there.

-I should have destined it for another ship. - Sometimes I thought with a malicious mood. –

Anyway, giving court to First Lieutenant Delaier and Gina seeing  that he could quickly find another girl seemed un chivalrous and in bad taste, especially considering his position as a warrior monk and his obligations. He remembered Leirana. That Akapler girl was quite beautiful, although with those peculiar features of those of her world. Pale complexion, somewhat torn eyes, raised stature and slender body.

"I couldn't say goodbye to her, I guess she will continue in Omega.

And he also remembered the warning I gave him. Perhaps on his return to Yumlaiance he could inquire more about the matter.

I should train my perceptions of Kail and other disciplines. I have hardly exercised them for a long time.

So he decided to prepare himself to face his new stage at Yumlaiance. If he was to return to the Monastery he would surely have to finish mastering the basic training of the Kail. It was true, he didnot exercise in those techniques and feared that he had lost a lot of skill. Although as their teacher and mentor  Azor Ligerosaid, the main thing was to carry them in the heart. So, once one of his workouts was over, Yener took a shower and went to the ship's cafeteria. He was so engrossed thinking about everything he would have to do when he arrived that he didn't notice Gina's presence, sitting at the bar, next to him and greeting him shyly.

- I haven't seen you for a long time. - The girl smiledfaintly.  -

- What? -, he could answer by coming out of histhoughts. -  Ahhello! - Answered dispassionately. –

She couldn't help it, the young woman was charming, but since she found that she had Gordon's idiot as her boyfriend, he had not been able to show himself as close to her as at the beginning of meeting her.

"Well, that guy isn't an idiot either, on the contrary. He, Peter, and Kira are now the heroes of the Confederacy. I have to accept things as they are and I promised her mother to take care of  Gina, or at least help her to adapt. –  She thought  censuring her behavior  and then responded to that greeting of the girl with a more jovial tone. - Glad to see you again!

- No one would sayit. -  The girl replied with a half smile of disbelief and a strangely ironic tone to come from her when denouncing. - Anyone would believe that you have been avoiding me for the entire trip.

- Me? -  Yener exclaimed pointing to himself pretending to besurprised. - Far from it!, is that I have been verybusy.  - He was quick to justify himself, although they are not veryconvincing.  -

Although the girl censured herself thinking now that perhaps she had spoken too lightly in her previous comment, although she did not read too much frankness in the gaze of her interlocutor. However, in view of the rank of the so-asked excuse of the obligations, it was too great to be able to dynamite it and in the end he had no obligation to it.

- Sorry. You will have to give many explanations and reports on your return, Gina acknowledged.

- Not only that. -  Yener explained to him proudly and at the same time with a feeling of responsibility that this time was not faked. - I also have to recite the song to Maray.

- The singing of Maray? - She asked him without understanding until heremembered. - Sure, she's one of your goddesses.

- Not just one of ourgoddesses. - Yener smiled adding solemnly- It's our mother goddess! The one who  commissioned her daughter Ishir and her son Kail to take care of all the kingdoms and regions of Yumlaiance. It is something very important to us. The tradition of singing goes back thousands of years.

- And what exactly does it consist of? -  The girl wanted to know with sincere interest, also happy that the hesitant words of the beginning resulted in a good and relaxed talk.  -

- You see, remember that I told you the legend of the foundation of our world and its origins...

"I remember," she smiled, adding funny for the first time in the wholeconversation. "I told my mother.

- Wow,I hope you liked it! -  Rio he frankly surprised and pleased by it.  -

- He loved it!, just likeme. - He jovially added Gina.  - And if I'm going to be at the diplomatic legation of Omega in your world I must know how many more things about you,  the better.

Not to mention that would give him even more points in his career, when it comes to choosing or maintaining destiny. That experience was going to be very important, so I wanted to learn well.

- I promised your mother to help you. - Confesó now Yener, no longer so displeased by it. - So ask what you want!

That left Gina surprised, so the kindness that this guy was showing her was only due to that. Nor did he forget how comfortable he saw him along with that very tall girl from Akapler. Maybe it's that Yener was like this, she liked pretty women.

"Well, after all, he doesn't have a girlfriend. - It was said. - It can relate to whoever you want.

However, she thought there was something more. The girl  had realized that the mention of the ideals and traditions that he considered so sacred that the veil of indifference became a fiery enthusiasm was enough for her to become a fiery enthusiasm and she decided to take advantage of it. For her part, Yener  reaffirmed that it was best to redirect their relationship. It would be best to definitely forget  your love interest for that girl and try to be friends. Gina  was nice and very nice when she managed to shake off the shyness. Therefore, he dedicated the best of his smiles and a watchful eye waiting for his questions.

- Forexample. -  The girl thought for a few moments until she finally asked her -. Tell me the reason for the singing  that you are going to perform.

- It is something, which as I have already told you, comes from very old. - Yener replied that he began to explain by plunging his tone into a growingmysticism. - Many centuries ago. The first men of our world had a more important contact with the gods. From among the best of these, they chose some to be their spokespersons. Men at that time had great knowledge of magic and other types that they learned directly fromthem. Kail showed them how to fight and the disciplines of my order. And Kail's father, Alex, magic and the arcana to whom they would later found the order of  Esil.

- Esil'sorder? What is that?

-It is a place where magic is taught, what you could consider as spells, actually dominate very powerful spiritual channels that can be captured in the physical world. - Yener clarified admitting. - I don't know too much about them, although we have been allies for centuries, the wizards of Esil  and the warrior monks of Kail.

Gina listened fascinated, of course Yener could tell her many things, and she encouraged him to continue his story.

"Excuse me, I have interrupted you, please continue with what you were telling.

-Don't worry. - He smiled who effectively resumed his story. All this knowledge was necessary because the gods wanted  mortals  to learn to protect themselves from the attack of evil creatures. However, the forces of evil stalked them and were very powerful. Many times  those men and women chosen and trained by the divinities  fought against them and did not always overcome. So, when the danger was greatest, they turned to the goddess Maray for help. Once, in the great battle that was fought more than three thousand years ago, the goddess intervened decisively so that men could defeat the forces of evil. And the then king of Anlad,  one of the kingdoms that later formed the pillars of our empire, dedicated a song of thanks to him. They say that the goddess was so satisfied and content by her beauty that she promised to come to the aid of our people when she really needed it. But this on condition that the real meaning of that beautiful song was not forgotten, the king decided that, to honor the goddess, not only should he sing it because over the years he would grow old and die. He first thought of them being his heirs, but it could be that the princes were not prepared when he died. And it would not be left simply for exceptional occasions. Instead, it was established once a year, to renew the alliance with Maray and never forget his help. So, at last, and on the advice of the Goddess herself, the monarch and his heirs together with the Council of the Kingdom, formed by the wisest and most remarkable of Anlad,  would choose the person who had accumulated the most merits each year. And this person, every anniversary of the day of victory, would sing the song. Such would be the importance he wanted to give to him that even the king and the most notable would remain submissively kneeling as long as the hymn lasted. Only the singer could stand before the statue of the goddess. For a few moments this would be the spokesman to her and more important than the king himself. So in order not to puff him up I could only sing once. Although there were exceptions. Then,  when the Empire arrived, the seat of chanting was moved from Anlad to Yum. And there he settled in Dumlans, where a large temple was built to Maray that communicates with the imperial palace itself. When we arrive I will show you.

- Wow, it's a very nicething. - Gina opined adding with recognition in hergaze. - And will you be in charge of singing? . ..

- That'sright, I couldn't believe it when the Emperor himself told me. Notice, when the kingdoms of Anlad, Somer and Yum joined the principality of Tibinco and other territories to form Yumlaiance, which means...

- The Eternal Covenant of theKingdoms. - He was cut off by Gina leaving him surprised. "You see!" she smiled,asserting. - Some of the history and language of your world I have studied these days.

-Sí,you leave me amazed - Yener could say visibly happy, the interest shown by Gina had encouraged him even more to follow her explanation and added. - Well, the Emperor was the heir of this custom and as I have already told you he took the song to the new capital, although that did not please those of Anlad and even today, some of them continue to claim the return to their kingdom of the ceremony.

The girl watched him raise her eyebrows to show how impressed she was.

- So it is an honor that you only have once in your life, and that if you have. - Gina replenished with much admiration -.

- I have already told you that there were exceptions, although only a few in the whole story. - Yener told him, who had left that in the inkwell  to list now. - That of the king who created it, who sang it several times. And that of our two greatest heroes of the Kail. Skar Dainlin and his predecessor Kar Alan. Both on two occasions. Together with some grand masters of  Esil. Skarn  Dailin and Kara Alan also sang the song to the god Kail.

- Another song? - Gina was shocked -.

- Yes, it is not of the rank that we dispense to that of the goddess Maray. But after this is the most important. It is sung only by the lords of the Kail of advanced hierarchy. My teacher Azor Ligero has sung it several times and has no fixed date. It is usually sung when there is a meeting of the monks or for a special occasion and is restricted to the rest of the people. It is even sometimes done introspectively, for oneself. Maray's is broadcast live, so everyone in my world and in many others will be watching me.

- I'm not surprised you're nervous. I couldn't even sleep! - she smiled taking on such a tremendous responsibility that it would be evaluated in the eyes of millions ofpeople.  -

-As a foreign dignitary you will be invited to witness itlive. - He assured him. -I will reserve your place myself. It is my privilege to be able to invite ten people.

- Thank you, but if I have a place as a diplomat you better use my position in someone in your family. - Gina politely refused -.

- Don't worry," my family is invited in itself. And I don't have that many real friends at Yumlaiance. Keep in mind that the high officials, the monks of the Kail even the magicians of the Istar Dairas of Esil have their place reserved. - Yener informed her thanking her for her deference -

- The ShiningStar. - She acknowledged that she had really spent her time studying the rudiments of Yener's native language. - I am very flattered - Gina could say since it was evident that not everyone could attend that ceremony.  -

- The bad thing is that I will have to seclude myself in my Monastery to learn to sing the song - He objected somewhat more decayedly, to tell the truth, spending months of meditation did not ammus him atall.  -

"But you'll know," she replied verysharply. -If they always put it.

"I know him by heart," Yener said, clarifying the apparentcontradiction. - But the voice must be trained according to a special ceremony. I forgot to tell you that it is not enough to have made exceptional merits, you must also have the ability to sing the song. Those who are elected to it and have no such ability must decline such an honor.

-It must be a real pity. - Gina declared. –

-It is, instead they hold a ceremony of appreciation to the goddess. - Yener told him. – With minor songs, but not with the official.

- And how do you train yourself to sing? Do you go to a conservatory? – The girl wanted to know. -

"No," Yener smiled, explaining. - Themasters of the Kail take care of that. Just like the brotherhood of wizards. It is not a song that depends on the quality of the voice, but on the energy that springs from within. And it's not easy.  So, between now and the time of the ceremony I will be there. I will have a few days to help you settle into my world and then a few days to train before the intonation takes place.

"I wish you good luck," Gina expressed with sincere sympathy.

- Alaris more, Lira Istar Dairas- replied Yener in The Someresa language and Gina smiled translating it carefully. -

- Thank youvery much beautifulshining star? - Declared it's getting red. –

The truth is that for the sake of comfort with Gina they had been using the yumlaincer that she studied hard, since it served her directly for her purpose of being destined to that world. And although it had words and twists of the somerés  or the  anlades  or the  yumcer,other previous languages that were its basis, the pronunciation was not in all cases the same. Despite this, the girl was able to capture that expression.

- Your yumlaincer is verygood. -PraiseD Yener - And  you have an excellent ear, it is not easy for a foreigner to capture expressions in ancient languages.

- To tell the truth, I was studying yumlaincer, some of your community language and Larus told me things about the ancient languages of your planet.- She confessed  adding. - And with supporting microprocessers the brain memorizes much earlier, although I still speak very little.

Yener nodded looking at her approvingly. He was grateful that his anger with that girl had dissipated, in addition to being pretty and friendly she was sweet and intelligent. But she was the girlfriend of that guy from thefederation. It always came to that. The unmitigated objection, when I thought about it. The truth, he couldn't help but be especially bothered by that. You should have patience to let him run.  At least  Gina  was striving to learn and he would help her as much as possible.

- The language of my world is very beautiful. And it's full of adjectives and comparisons. Poetry is overflowing - he praised that he added to line followed with mockingtone. - Not like the one of the nataclier who is more cryptic and loud or the one of the Ciloner who only knows numbers and data. And the Akaplers, so I'm  going to tell you! They spend most of their time with interjections and very long boring phrases...

- And then we have the Quadruple Alliance which is a mixture of all, although every charlatan of their worlds says that theirs is the most beautiful and useful. - Rior  Larus who had arrived in time to hear his friend's last rant to censor with a funny gesture -. This Yener! Alwaysso chauvinistic!

This made Gina laugh as Yener had been left with a silly expression caught  "in flagrante" that was very funny until she could reply.

- Yes, of course, lately you love nataclier. No vos tehr lor...

Laruslaughed  and Gina wanted to know stunned.

- What did you say to him? I haven't been able to understand anything.

Yener was alsor io and it was Larus who explained it to him.

-It's Nataclier, he has simply sent me to make punches. Adir tien Lar sutasmi. Atery mandalelon. - Added to the delight of his friend and face of amazement of Gina now it was Yener who translated funny -.

- That is  pure yumcer.  Stop boring the girl with battles,  cretin. - Yener translated jokingly.  -

- I got the girl's thing. - Gina stated that she confessed in a row - The rest nothing.

- That word was the only one that was in yumlaicer today. -Larus replied cordially congratulating Gina. - Very well! you have really studied our language.

"You learned ours immediately," she in turn praised withmodesty. -Compared to you I am very clumsy.

- It is that our nano  brain implants are more advanced than yours. - Larus confessed to him downplaying it. –

Although they were not really implants but very powerful translation and interpretation devices. As Larus himself once told Gina that kind of thing had been banned centuries. It was too complex and it was not advisable to merge human beings with machines. That in fact was a black episode in the history not only of Yumlaiance but of more planets of his alliance. However, Commander Daet did not take up that topic and it was Yener who did explain to Gina.

- Also, I have a discipline of Kail called adaptation. It makes it possible for me to master dialects and languages that were initially unknown. When I met you and Kira allowed me to probe his brain in search of his lexical bases I was able to learn it almost immediately.

- How lucky! - exclaimed Gina. - I would like to learn like this. The years of studies that I could save.

His interlocutors burst into laughter at the forceful of that comment.

- At the pace you have neitheror will take to master the Yumlaincer and the Common ofthe Quadruple Alliance to perfection. - Encouraged by Larus when she stopped laughing. -And with the help of Yener you will not find it difficult. Although it will be better not to teach him what you say when you go to the games. – He riveted jokingly addressing his friend. -

- How funny! - He replenished his interlocutor with a flutedvoice. –  Look, when I go to the games I only sing the goals of my team. And if they are against yours I shout them.

- It is another custom deeply rooted aroundhere. - Larus explained, visibly funny, to the surprised Gina. - Messing with each other taking advantage of the fact that we are from different teams.

- Yes, I think that was also done on Earth and on otherworlds. - She replied trying to remember- sports rivalries, it was called...

- The Earth? -  Larus asked him stunned. - It's a planet of your Federation that your brother, Kira and Gordon have saved from that rocket that Cassiopeia sent, right? Where is it?

His contertulia nodded, to answer.

- It's a planet quite far frommine. Truth be told, our mother world. Humans from Omega descend from the inhabitants of Earth. So, in myorigin I am earthly.

- I told your mother that when we met. It is incredible that being from such distant planets we are the same. - Terció Yener conjecturing out loud. - Maybe you are the lost sons of Maray.

-It could be- Larus agreed with asmile.  -

- The Lost Children? - Gina inquiredblankly.  -

"That's what we call  them," Larus clarified. - You see, this is another part of our legend. When the Universe was created, human beings already existed from a previous universe and were scattered by the Creator over different worlds to repopulate them. The gods recreated them as they were with much of their memories and customs and with them many other beings and creatures not so evolved but who shared their previous world. Some had to go to the planet of Alex, Maray and their sons  Kail and Ishir. I guess Yener will have told you that story.

"Si,"nodded the girl. - Of how they were later disseminated by other worlds that would later be those of your alliance.

- Well, there were many humans who went to other different worlds where Maray wasnot. - Yener explained to him now.  - Maybe Earth was one of them.

- Who knows - smiled Gina checking her watch and exclaiming at the  noticeofthe time. - Oh oops, it's been a little late. This conversation is so interesting that I have lost the notion of time. Tengor that I leave I have to review some documents in Yumlaincer to familiarize myself with your writing.

"If you need help with the language, tell me," Yeneroffered.  -

She nodded gratefully and walked away leaving bothboys. Larus immediately smiled to declare.

- I recognize that she is a very good girl. And now that you are both going to be in Yumlaiance... - It was interrupted, dropping that phrase like abrick.  -

- I know where you're going, but it wouldn'twork. -  Le worthily refuted Yener who reluctantly reminded her of her friend. - She already has a boyfriend.

- But distance is oblivion, youknow. -  He argued this and changing the subject before his  interlocutor had time to avoid that new temptation. - And speaking of forgetfulness. Aren't the  MegaBasket Cup matches inany way?

"It'strue," Yener recalled, putting the girl aside and feeling like she had committed a crime. - Damn, I didn't remember. Do you think we'll catch something at this distance?

- Even if it is from the matches of the previous round- se rior  your friend.  -

"Let's go to the screening room," Yenerproposed. - They may have something there.

Total, as Larus was in his time off and Yener had nothing to do except that role of Gina's teacher and his workouts decided to try his luck. However, when they tried to tune into a signal, they only received interference.

- How strange. - Yener commented. –

-It is not uncommon, we are very far from home. - His companion answered. -

"I don't mean that we can't catch games, it's that I can't receive anything. Even the transmissions of the other ships in our fleet fluctuate. - Said your interlocutor. -

They went to ask for explanations and ran into Menera who was on duty. The young woman was walking in their direction and when she saw them she stopped waving.

- How about Lieutenant Delaier? - Yener asked. –

- I'm going to sail, sir. We have detected something strange. – She came forward to say. -

- Strange? – Larus was surprised. –

-There is an erratic fluctuation of communications. We are changing frequencies, but it is difficult to receive transmissions from the fleet. - The young woman told them. –

-Yes, we have checked it in the broadcast room. – Yener admitted that he asked. - Have you informed the commanding officer on the bridge?

"Major Soren Keris  was precisely the one who ordered me to check it, sir," Menera replied.

- Have all natural phenomena already been ruled out? Novae, nearby stars, any cloud of electrically charged gas. - Listed Larus. –

-Yes commander. – The young officer replied. –

- Are there indications of any other ship in the vicinity that does not belong to our flotilla? - Inquired Yener. –

"We're at it, Colonel, nothing for now. - Menera informed him. –

"Well, let's go to the bridge, you have to try to contact Commodore Cresat. - Larus said. –

They did so immediately, hoping to be able to solve that riddle.

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