The First Stargate
Chapter One (65 million years ago)
Alana woke up and kicked the covers off of her bed. She slid her feet into her slippers and pulled her blanket back up over her pillow. She crossed to the window over her bedroom and whispered quietly to the planet outside.
"Oh, Huritatrea, another day."
Alana's people, the Alterrans, knew how to build and build big. The main city was so massive, that it had been built on the ocean. The elders used a powerful shield to protect the city even when sunken under the sea. Alana had never seen it. But she knew it was nothing compared to what they planned to build. Given time, it would be faster than even the fastest of their ships. That city would be placed deep in a different galaxy, with hyper-communications to the rest of the reaches of the Alterran space. Sometimes, visiting other domains in the empire took several suns to complete. Building the crown jewel of the empire would take longer. Fortunately, for Alana's people, peace and love reigned in the society. That stability enabled progress. And, nearly everyone was happy, with the small exception of Alana Maltra.
Unfortunately, Alana's father had no love for his daughter or for any female. Twelve years ago, Alana's mother died when her daughter was only three years old. Alana could only remember vague things about her mother. On top of it all Alana's father had no love for his wife. He favored her brother over her in every important way. Her brother was given privileges, opportunities, gifts, and favors. Basically, he got anything he wanted, because he was the only son. Instead, of being her friend and champion, Alana was left with a brother who had a mission to destroy whatever life she had left.
However, years ago, Alana's mother had the foresight to protect Alana. She asked one of her old friends to help take care of Alana. Sheria Emmagen had married a wealthy man and had borne nothing but sons. Unfortunately, several years ago her husband had died. With her sons all grown and married, Sheria had stayed for Alana's sake. Alana's father, though going against every principle of the society, kept Alana hidden away. He managed to pull it off because he was one of the most influential powers in the governmental food chain. No one wanted to accuse Egome Maltra of anything. Egome had the knack of making anyone's life miserable. Short of stature, balding, and downright ugly in form and spirit, he was a frightening character. His graying moustache and dark eyes made him look formidable and he was surprisingly strong. It was no surprise to Alana that he got his way in most things.
The only person that had definite proof of Alana's mistreatment was Sheria Emmagen. She had reported Egome to the authorities on several occasions, but her claims were never proven, and Alana continued to suffer. Egome, try as he might, could not purge Sheria from the home. He had gotten a restraining order, but Sheria produced one of the documents that he had signed years before that said Sheria was to protect Alana until she came of age. The restraining order was never given and he spent as little time around Sheria as he could.
Alana's father became even more abusive, thinking himself above the law. He forced the object of his ire into his abject servitude. The worst housework and domestic duties were Alana's daily chores. When they were left unfinished, an open handed slap across her face was the general punishment. Sheria had tried. She had fought. She filed a claim with the presiding governmental body. But, Egome Maltra was influential, if small in the land-holding department. He won the case against Sheria. From then on, he knew he was above the law, and that was the last that the South Outpost ever heard of Alana Maltra. She was never permitted to leave her home. Alana could not talk to anyone except the three other people in the house. The Outpost had nearly forgotten about her.
Considering that fact, it was a surprise when one day a government official knocked on the door asking for her.
She was quickly shooed away behind a curtain and Alana's father opened the door to him.
"I'm here to look for Alana Maltra."
"I'm sorry sir; there is no one here by that name."
"I'm sorry to interrupt your day."
"Fair day to you." He closed the door and then flung open the curtain behind which she was hidden.
"How did they find out about you?" He snapped in a harsh biting tone.
"I don't know, father."
"Why was that man here?"
"I don't know!" Alana was getting afraid of her father now, which happened often.
"Female, you do not even exist!"
"I have a name, father, my name is Alana."
"You do not have a name; you are one of the nameless vermin that find their way into the city." Alana promptly began crying. She tried to prevent it. She turned her face away but her father knew. She tried to keep him from seeing because she knew what happened when she cried.
"When you cry, I give you a reason!" Egome shouted and hit Alana hard in the face with his closed fist. She let out a cry of pain and fell to the floor.
"Father, why do you torment me so?"
"Because you are inferior." Egome spat and walked away. Alana rubbed her bruised cheek and walked down the hall to the kitchen. She curled up on her mat and Sheria put her arms around Alana.
"Alana, you'll be all right, I won't lie."
"But, why did it have to be this way?" Alana finally found her voice.
"Your father is an awful man."
"Sheria, inform me of matters which I have not already learned."
"You must understand though, that not all men are like your father. In fact, your father betrays everything that our society stands for. There are only a few that believe the way your father does. While you should be cautious, don't let the fear of men control your life."
"Why not? I have never known anything else." Alana leaned her head on Sheria's shoulder.
"My husband was sweet, kind and wonderful. I need to get you that book that I have on Alterran politics."
"Books won't do a Sun's corona for me right now!"
"I fought for you Alana. I really did. I filed so many complaints that the board of trials was getting angrier than a Tobin with a feather off his ear."
"What does that mean?"
"Something that shouldn't fall on young ears. Anyway, soon my claims began to grace deaf and unwilling listeners. The court had most important cases that had to be seen, or they couldn't find a slot. With all of the things your father orchestrated in the legal system I am surprised they didn't suspect him for that."
"Maybe they did, and he paid them to keep quiet."
"I am starting to worry about you."
"Why?"
"Some of the things that you are thinking. Make sure that you make the right choice."
"The right choice for what?"
"Well your mother put it this way: In this changing universe there is only one thing we can control."
"What is that?"
"Whether we are good, or evil. I just want you to make the right choice."
"Sheria?"
"Yes child?" Sheria's words were calm and soothing, an oasis on the face of scorching Abydos sand.
"What was my mother like?"
"Oh." Sheria leaned her head back in remembrance. Sheria and Alana's mother, Jasera, were the same age. However, the pressures of life had more adversely affected Sheria's appearance.
"Must it take you this long?" Alana was curious, inquisitive about many things. Sheria had taught her to read and to write and smuggled her books and data devices. Alana yearned for more knowledge and ate it up quickly. She was a bright child. Perhaps even a genius. And she had a real gift for mathematics and the other sciences. Sheria did all she could to guide the youngster's mind and prepare it for the day she would be free. It was a pity that she had a deviant father who kept her locked up. As an unrestrained member of society, Alana might accomplish much. Only time would tell.
"Your mother was very beautiful. She had hair that flowed like black ocean waves. She was not too much unlike you. Her eyes were like two piercing stars."
"And she used that to her advantage?"
"Oh Heavens yes. Trust me, if someone offended your mother, they did not find unpleasant occurrences waiting for them. Your mother's eyes were revenge enough."
"But you always said she was nice to everyone."
"She was. After those that had offended her had been served retribution."
"And her eyes were the catalyst?"
"Yes."
"Was she nice?"
"Do you jest? Your mother was the kindest person in the Alterran Empire. Your mother once made friends with a girl who later told her that if it hadn't been for the friendship she would have gone home that day and committed suicide."
"My mother had that much effect?"
"Yes, she had a smile that was as bright as the shining full moon. Then our time of fifteen years came. All the fifteen-year old young women in the great city were gathered in the center gallery. The eligible males that were of age assembled there. The men began courting the women they desired for wives. All of this was formal of course. If a young woman was not interested she could simply refuse."
"Why did my mother choose my father?"
"All tyrants are great players. Your father was the picture of compassion. Even your mother's father liked him. He was the heir to the outpost sovereignty when his mother died because he was the last surviving child. He used to be quite handsome as well."
"Why did my mother not see?"
"He had all of us fooled."
"Sheria?"
"Yes my dear?"
"Why did you stay? Why after all these years have you remained here with me and my awful father? You have a husband and three sons."
"I stayed out of concern for you. When your mother gave birth to you your father released his hold on pretending to be a lamb. I saw what he truly was. I feared for your life. But neither the courts nor your father would give me and my husband custody of you. Your father would never let go. But he could not stop me from coming here. I also stayed out of respect for your mother, because a long time ago we made an agreement; she would help me raise my children and I would help her raise you and your brother."
"Why isn't she here?"
"She died Alana, all living things eventually do."
"My father killed her, didn't he?" Sheria froze. She stopped stroking Alana's hair and looked around the side of her head to look the young girl in the face.
"Why do you think that?"
"I'm right, aren't I? I can tell by your reaction."
"You didn't answer the question."
"You want the answer to why I think like that? Fine, I'll give it to you. I've seen the way my father treats me. I know that he would have been just as hard on my mother. When she had me instead of a second son he got mad. He killed her."
"No, your father didn't kill your mother."
"Then what did? Did she have a blood problem? A bone problem? What?"
"You'll understand when you are older."
"I want to understand now!" Alana began to raise her voice. Sheria put a finger to her lips and then whispered.
"It was that kind of attitude that led to the early demise of my sister." Alana's eyes widened and she closed her mouth she was speechless for a few moments before asking.
"What happened to your sister?"
"She wanted too much knowledge too fast. You know the data port, the one behind your ear?" Alana nodded as she put her index finger to the round metal opening.
"She tried to infuse too much information. It overwrote her basic functions like breathing and her heart beating. She died because her mind couldn't handle it."
"But why could you not teach Dar what you taught me?"
"He was less willing to accept what I taught. He wanted power and your father was going to give him the family fortune and the rest."
"Why could you not reprimand Dar when my father was not home?"
"I did. Your brother is like a cat that has developed a habit of sharpening his claws on a piece of furniture. After it has persisted for a while, it is hard to break the habit."
"What did he do?"
"Oh, the usual. He would curse, or merely stick out his tongue and dance around. I never understood that. Possibly it was a show of bravado that he was not afraid of me."
"You must face the tunes of music Sheria, you are no longer young. Perhaps he believes you could not physically reprimand him if you wanted to."
"I look worse than my years. I bore three sons and I am trying to protect you. The stresses of life take their wear on the appearance."
"Were you once beautiful?"
"My husband said I was, I never used to believe him. He said that every day I was more beautiful than the day he met me in the center gallery."
"Why do you not heed his comments?"
"Alana, you are beautiful, your mother was beautiful. I am not one of the people that beauty considers worth her while."
"How many are your years?"
"Two weeks ago I reached the age of thirty six years."
"Sheria, you look like an old woman of sixty!"
"I know age was a spirit that thought me worthy. Of all the gifts to find favor with I had to choose age!" The two women laughed over the joke, but Alana's mind soon drifted back to her father and brother.
"What does my father have planned?"
"He is teaching your brother the devious ways of politics and will leave him the land over which he is sovereign."
"What will happen to me when he dies?"
"Your brother will undoubtedly try to exercise the same power over you. However, your father will not longer be here to help him."
"But he has had twelve years of training in beating me down."
"And you have twelve years of righteous anger that will help you win."
That night Alana was lying on the pitiful area that she called her sleeping quarters and thought of what Sheria had said. She made up her mind then. She knew her father had not taught Dar everything that was needed to force her into submission so she decided to end it.
She thought of what could drive a wedge between her brother and her father. She knew that her brother's heart was not quite as hard as her father's. She crept quietly into her brother's room and picked up his portable data terminal. She turned it on and accessed the personal section of the public records.
Within the Great City, several data programs were run. Most of these programs were about interior decoration, exterior design, how to fix things around your home, and general improvement shows. But, there were a few shows that helped couples to meet based on mutual interests.
Alana filled out the form for her brother and submitted it. They were running out of candidates, so he was almost sure to be chosen.
Two days later an official letter came from the Great City. It did not say for what program he was summoned, only that he was to report to the Great city to appear on a data program.
Egome wanted to see when Dar would be on, and since all broadcasts aired live, the data screen was kept constantly turned on. Later that day, Dar was introduced onto the couple show. Alana had managed to see past the facade that her brother put up and got inside his mind. The woman that most closely resembled Dar, feeling-wise, was also quite beautiful.
Dar and Egome were flabbergasted. Dar had no idea what was going on, but Alana could tell for some reason that his attraction to the young woman was not an act. The woman was slim and graceful. Her hair was the color of a late sunset. The powerful red was cropped sassily around her soft features and was set off by sweet brown eyes and a creamy complexion.
Dar grasped for words and finally latched onto a soft
"You are so beautiful." She smiled an even, perfect smile and in a voice like the ocean she said
"Thank you very much."
"What do you like to do?" Dar managed to finally squeak out
"I like to fish, hunt, and spar, basically anything physical."
"Me too."
"I should warn you, I have several years backing on hand to hand training."
"I don't exactly have training, but I could learn."
"Excellent."
The program went on to set them up for a later date to get to know each other better. For now Alana was the picture of obedience. Until her plan worked, that is.
Several months later
There was a moving image capture device in the main room. That was why Alana's father never beat her in there. Plus, he couldn't have bloodstains on the carpet when important officials came over. Alana was peering around the doorway when her brother asked her father for a personal talk.
"What is it Dar?"
"You know when I was summoned to the city for that data program?"
"Yes?"
"Well, I've been spending a lot of time with Cyria, and we've decided to get married." Alana's father reacted exactly how she knew he would. He clutched at his chest and fell backward.
"Alana! Quick! Call the medical staff, I think he is having an attack!" Even though Alana knew it was too late, she didn't want to be labeled as doing nothing. She caught the silver device that her brother threw to her and she opened it. She punched in the emergency code and was connected to the medical team.
"What is the problem?"
"My father is having an attack!" Alana yelled as frantically as she could, especially when you factored in the state of her enjoyment. She realized that she should probably not be as giddy as she was over her father dying, but she could not help it.
"We'll be over immediately!" As promised, within a few minutes a team arrived. After examining him, the technician shook his head.
"I'm sorry, it appears that he received a shock and his heart gave out."
"I told him that I was about to get married." Dar said and bit his lip, but Alana could see the tears welling up in his eyes.
"Dar, don't cry, you're going to make me cry."
"You never liked our father!"
"That doesn't mean it will stop me from crying when I see you tearing up!" A tear rolled down her porcelain cheek. Dar wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. He cradled her head against his shoulder in what seemed to be a comforting embrace. Confused as to what to do, Alana simply stood there, leaning onto her brother.
"I'm sorry Alana."
"I never thought you'd say that."
"I didn't think much about what father did, or what I did for that matter. Not until I met Cyria."
"And then?" Alana stretched out her tongue to catch the tear that fell close to her mouth.
"Then I realized that I don't want to hurt you, or anyone. I'll protect you from now on."
"Dar, I have to be suspicious, this was an awfully fast turn-around."
"Talk to Cyria for a little while. You'll love having her as a sister-in-law. She can teach you more self defense than you ever learned on your own fighting me."
"I don't need self defense anymore, father is gone."
"There are only a few left, but there are still men that believe the way father did, and the way I used to believe."
"What am I supposed to do?"
"Let me talk to anyone who tries to court you. Let me evaluate them so you don't end up like mom."
"What happened to her?" Alana's voice was muffled through the fabric of Dar's clothing
"When you were three years old, Mom and Father had an argument over you. He was cursing the stars and her and you. I guess that's where I got my influence. Mom was calm through all of it. I guess she was the type of person that's hard to tick off. But when she got started, oh my stars she was awful. Anyway, when father threatened to kill you, she said this really philosophical thing like he wouldn't kill you but you'd kill him or something. Then he threatened to kill her. He had the knife ready and stuff and then she turned into this glowing...thing and then floated away."
"I don't believe you."
"That was the same thing that mom said to Father. No one would believe the truth, so he would have to say that she died."
"How did he falsify the burial?"
"He said that he wished to have a private ceremony, you see that urn?" Dar pointed to an ornate pot in the corner."
"Yes."
"Empty."
"So mother is...gone? Just vanished?"
"We never found out."
"So what will you do?" Alana could not keep her mind off the situation at hand.
"Excuse me?"
"What will you do about the inheritance? The share of the Outpost? That backwater planet called Athos? What will you do about it? You haven't had any politics training, father never got around to it."
"I'll give part of it to you."
"Why?"
"It is the only thing I have to try and make up for twelve years of torture."