Author's Note: This story was written before the airing of "The Cloister".
Words between --are thoughts heard through the Commonality. Words in italics are internal thoughts.
-
For Those Who Remember
Chapter 1
A False Farewell
-
-Da'an!- The thought echoed through the Commonality. -Da'an, reveal yourself to me!-
Da'an turned from his vantage point overlooking the Naroon Gorge. He scanned the distant mesas, searching for the Taelon which so furiously demanded his attention. A small smile curled itself onto almost non-existent lips. He sent amused thoughts to the other Taelon, guiding it to himself.
Da'an waited patiently until a figure appeared on the mesa above. He watched as the figure worked its way down, projecting its anger and frustration at the Commonality at large.
A blue-white line rippled over Da'an's transparent body. He could barely contain the mirth he felt. With each moment the discomfiture of the other Taelon grew, as well as Da'an's amusement.
The figure finally alighted from the last outcropping between itself and the ground. Its stride was angry and quick as it approached Da'an. The figure was liberally coated with dust from its journey.
Da'an was overtaken with a storm of blue-white lines. He could no longer contain his amusement.
The other Taelon sent murderous thoughts to Da'an.
-Of course you find this amusing!- the other Taelon said by way of the Commonality.
"I apologize, my friend," said Da'an when he had gained control of his mirth. "What is it that you wish of me?"
The other Taelon stood silent for a moment, the anger now dissipated by Da'an's gentle words.
Finally he asked, "Why have you chosen this?"
Da'an needed no explanation for the question. He knew what his friend referred to. He looked away, once again taking in the view allowed by his position next to the lip of the gorge.
"Answer me!" the Taelon demanded. Then more softly, "please."
Da'an returned his gaze to his companion.
"I am sorry," he said. "I did not intend for you to discover my decision until later."
The Taelon abruptly turned from Da'an and began to walk away.
"Ru'non!" Da'an called.
The Taelon stopped and turned.
"I do regret, that I was not the one to tell you," Da'an said softly.
Ru'non looked past Da'an to the gorge.
"You came to say good-bye," he stated.
"Yes," replied Da'an.
"...I understand. It is a great opportunity. I cannot keep you from your dream." Ru'non brought his gaze to meet Da'an's. "Be well on your journey friend."
Da'an made a faltering motion with his hand. He could offer little comfort to Ru'non. His decision was made, his commitment to the Synod sealed. He had known it would be hard for Ru'non. But he could not put himself, or Ru'non, above all other Taelons.
And... it was his dream.
"Ru'non..." Da'an said, "Join me in reshal. Honor our companionship, this last time."
A blue blush stole over Ru'non and he nodded solemnly.
The two Taelons faced each other. Da'an extended his hands palm up. Ru'non mirrored the movement.
"Ta'nar euay sasinor-um'an. Paliqe sha palinar" Da'an intoned, "My name is... Datoshiroan."
Ru'non bowed his head and brought his hands to his chest.
"Mo'lu" Ru'non replied. He then extended his hands again and said, "Accept my true name into your consciousness. The symbol of my essence, of all that I am. Pa'ua "
Da'an repeated Ru'non's previous gesture, bringing his hands to his chest.
"Thank you," he said. "Now, let us share." Da'an held out his hand.
Ru'non touched his hand to Da'an's, and the world faded away.
Some time later, the two Taelons arrived at the boundary of the city of Hishow. Taelons moved busily about the thoroughfares. A restrained excitement buzzed in the minds of Da'an and Ru'non, communicated to them by their link to the Commonality.
The Taelons were preparing for their greatest journey to date. They were going to retrace the steps of Ma'el.
The scientist had left long ago, to search for an answer to the Taelons' struggle against the Jaridians and against infertility. Their race was being destroyed on two fronts.
But Ma'el had failed to return. Not even a report had made it back to the Taelon homeworld. Now they must journey to discover his fate and recover any advancements he might have made.
And it was this purpose Da'an had committed himself to.
Ru'non regarded his friend in silence, sensing his pleasure at being chosen to go along. His mind rebelled at the thought of an existence without Da'an's presence. They had been born within years of each other. At that time, it was already an unusual occurrence to have two births so close together.
They had grown together, learned together. They had shared life experiences that would have linked any two Taelons in friendship, had they not already chosen that path. Their closeness had increased with each passing day.
Perhaps, thought Ru'non, I have become dependant upon Da'an.
It was a notion expressed by Da'an himself. He chided his friend often for not pursuing his own dreams.
But Ru'non had been afraid of straying too far from his friend. He had given up more opportunities than Da'an was aware of. He simply could not summon the courage to face a future alone.
Da'an turned to his friend and sent a questioning thought. Ru'non forced himself to project a peaceful aura. He deliberately pointed out a new construct on the road ahead, feigning interest in it.
Da'an refused to look away, continuing his gentle probes into Ru'non's thoughts.
Finally, Ru'non could not pretend anymore.
"I must go now," he said quickly. "I will attend the launch tomorrow." And with that, he hurried away.
Da'an knew he could not call Ru'non back. Once his friend had set his mind to something, it could not be easily changed.
Resigned, Da'an decided to proceed to the launch site. He was anxious to see the ship that would become his new home.
The next day was warm and pleasant. The hint of rain was carried in on the wind, but it would come later that night, after the grand launching.
Ru'non slowly approached the area designated as a gathering spot for those fortunate to witness the launch. A great knot of Taelons already occupied the space. A thousand thoughts were flitting through his mind, carrying with them a tremendous excitement.
Ru'non shut out the buzzing thoughts and concentrated on finding a way to the fore of the crowd. He had decided he would not do anything to cause Da'an grief. He would bury his own pain and show Da'an that he could be strong.
Ru'non found a spot in the front of the viewing area. Other Taelons graciously gave way, acknowledging his place among the privileged.
Ru'non glanced at his neighbors and was surprised to see a young Taelon standing next to him. The youth returned his gaze, never wavering in his scrutiny of the older Taelon. The youth appeared ready to speak when the Taelon next to him hissed something to him.
The youth blushed a blue light and turned his attention to the ship on the launch pad. The Taelon next to him nodded to Ru'non, then turned away himself.
Ru'non was puzzled by the exchange but decided not to pursue the matter. A movement near the ship caught his attention and he turned. He watched as Taelons began to file into the ship. He recognized the first few as Synod members, then came other bureaucrats and Synod candidates, diplomats, scientists and engineers.
Ru'non searched the line impatiently for Da'an. Finally, he saw his friend in the tail end of the group. He was among the other apprentices, all chosen for their skills and wisdom.
Da'an turned his gaze in the direction of his friend. One more concerned thought floated across the sea of minds. Ru'non sent an answering thought.
-Be well my friend. Do not forget.-
Da'an nodded, then disappeared into the ship.
Ru'non bowed his head. He did not allow his grief to surface. He would give his emotions their time later. Now, he must be strong.
The excitement of the crowd increased in anticipation of the launch. A chronometer counted down the time on its whirling faces. Ru'non watched as precious seconds slipped away. He mentally reviewed his life as it had been and considered how much it had just changed.
Ru'non's eyes strayed from the clock. He could not watch it any longer. His reserve would fail if he did.
Instead, he concentrated on the clouds overhead. He tried to estimate the time the rain would begin to fall. As he studied the sky, a small dark spot peeked from behind a cloud.
Ru'non cocked his head. The spot had disappeared.
Perhaps it had not truly been there, he thought.
He had just decided to return his attention to the ship, for he heard the rumble of the engines, when the spot reappeared.
It was larger now and growing. At first, it had seemed stationery, but now it was apparent it was traveling at a great speed.
Ru'non studied the spot carefully. He had just turned to a neighboring Taelon when a shadow fell over the entire assembly.
Ru'non looked up and shook with horror. A giant ship had descended and was now hovering overhead.
No! he thought in utter disbelief, It cannot be!