To See the Stars as God

By Ayami Tyndall

Humanity has spread wide, out to the heart of the galaxy and into fantastic new breeds, mutated so that they can live where no normal human dare step. Glif is one such being, but one unique and ageless. A skilled warrior hired as mercenary, he sets out toward the stars once more only to find his past come alive to haunt him. Now he must remember a life ages gone so he can save humanity once more.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ayami Tyndall
• Release date: Sep 27, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452374826

Ayami Tyndall

Born and rooted in California, Ayami Tyndall is an author and computer systems manager. Always fascinated with technology, he is a life-long student and avid reader. He writes to explore how our own inventions reshape us and our world.

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To See the Stars as God

Ayami Tyndall

Published by Ayami Tyndall at Smashwords

Copyright 2010 Ayami Tyndall

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Cover by Taliesin Tyndall

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I was human, but then I killed a man. They always ask what it means to be human, but what does it mean to have been human?

- Said to a Conjunction Commander by an unknown mercenary, circa 5300.

Chapter 1

The Man in Black

All that has come to pass, no matter if it was set in motion by greed or God, was done solely by the hands of mankind. So has the universe been shaped, by the Hand of Man.

As the landing shuttle plummeted through the atmosphere, Len tried to keep her eyes shut tight and to ignore the shaking. Despite the shuttle's egg-like shape, there was still far too much resistance from the air outside to allow for a completely smooth descent. Her eyes still firmly closed, Len squawked quietly as the shuttle came to an abrupt stop, splashing into the artificial lake used for shuttle landings. The powerful magnetic cushioning field which engulfed Len in her special suit softened almost all of the force of the landing, but the sudden stop in movement still surprised her.

Fingering the control pad and stepping from her seat, Len found the gravity more cumbersome than she had expected. Elban 5 was a small world with relatively light gravity, but it was still unnerving after so long in the weightless environment of space. It was difficult to get out of her magnetic suit and once she stepped out of the shuttle and onto the deck of the retrieval boat Len began to perform exercises to get her muscles moving again so she could function in the gravity. Only taking a moment to thank the captain of the vessel, Len took off jogging around the ship's deck while it made the short trip back to shore. Len was feeling much better by the time they reached the dock and she jogged in place on the boarding elevator and then down the dock and into the welcome station where she would check into Elban 5 before heading into the city.

The dock was shaded and the customs office cooled with large fans, so it was not until Len got out into the courtyard at the front of the building that she felt the infamous heat of the white Elban star. She was amazed by its scorching warmth and Len almost reflexively ran back under the shade of the entrance overhang. Seeing her plight, a young man working near the entrance of the customs office called to her. Miss, I think you are missing something. Len raised an eyebrow in question as the young man held aloft the wide brimmed hat he gripped in his hand.

Thank you, said Len as she placed the hat on her head.

No problem at all, replied the young man, inclining his head politely. Just make sure to plug it in to recharge while you are in the trolley so that the fans on the underside of the brim can help keep you cool.

Thank you again. Len left the building again, this time protected from the assault of the hot sun. Data pad in hand, she walked confidently to the waiting auto-trolley and climbed in, typing her destination into the flat computer panel in front of the passenger seats. The air conditioning kicked in and the auto-trolley's automatic computer pilot took off down the road from the skyport to the nearby Beldin District.

The fields of resilient grass surrounding the skyport soon gave way to the thick leafed trees of the Beldin Forest. The concrete road had been built before the forest was planted, so its path was straight and swift. The forest was still thick, however, and Len quite enjoyed seeing trees again after so long. Slow down to 10 kilometers per hour, she said to the autopilot. She had plenty of time and the shade of the dark leaves was refreshing after living with no plants larger than a shrub for so long.

The three spheres of the auto-trolley began to snap twigs, leaves and small branches as it passed through a drier part of the forest. The spheres continued to roll smoothly, rotating both forward and side-to-side as the trolley slid along the road. These dry trees would likely be cut down soon to be processed into cheap paper and mulch for use on the farms. Some would be used for building, as well as artistic carving. Frivolous uses, thought Len. Such large forests were really unnecessary. Large pools of carbon scrubbing algae would have the same effect on the atmosphere, but wouldn't consume so much space. I suppose the people like a bit of green outside their homes. How silly. Return to normal speed.

Len's auto-trolley soon left the forest, peaking a hill as the Beldin District came into view along the horizon. There were three cities located on the crests of the valley hills, but Len was only interested in one. Beldin-Don was a beautiful city and Len gazed out the tinted window as the auto-trolley came off the skyport road and merged with the traffic of the other auto-trolleys coming into Beldin-Don, most probably from the other neighboring cities.

The buildings of Beldin-Don were impressive and beautiful. Elban 5 was a warm planet overall and the Beldin District was located near the northern edge of the southern hemisphere, not far from the unlivable equatorial desert. Buildings here were low and wide, walls and roofs covered in beautifully made tiles. The potters of Elban 5 and 4 were famous throughout the Radius for a reason and every building was a work of art, complex mosaic designs adorning each wall. Len knew the roofs of these buildings would be filled with circulating coolant. This was why the buildings were so low, so the wide roof could absorb the heat of the Elban star.

Continuing her drive through the city, Len passed many buildings. One of the first was a large factory where starship parts were made, to be assembled at the skyport or used to repair visiting vessels in orbit. The building itself was small, but numerous metal vents surrounding it meant that most of its mass was below ground, likely filled with laboratories, foundries and automated assembly lines.

Len next passed the city hall, taller than all the other buildings and topped with a beautiful fountain which poured water down canals on the side of the building. The water was chemically treated out of necessity, since plain water would evaporate before reaching the ground. The canals were covered to keep people or animals from drinking the altered water and falling ill. Beldin-Don was quite impressive, Len thought, filled with production despite the staggering heat. A worthy use for resources, she said, looking at Beldin-Don as she did everything, in terms of efficiency and production. The auto-trolley came to a stop as Len arrived, putting all thoughts of the city out of her mind as she focused on her task here.

...the Bankview Hotel, said Len as she asked directions from a pedestrian.

It's that one right there, said the man, pointing to a nearby building.

Ah, thank you. Len turned to face the building, holding her hat in place against the nearly blinding white sun. She noticed almost everyone wore hats such as hers and no one dared look into the sky while the sun as so high and bright. She turned to walk toward the hotel.

Standing before the Bankview Hotel, Len saw it was a large building designed to house many people, both visiting and residential. The front wall was adorned with a mosaic design depicting a winding river filled with watery, spirit-like faces. Stepping in through the automatic front door, Len was greeted with a gust of fresh, cool air. As the door closed behind her, Len looked around the lobby. The interior was far darker than outside, tinted windows letting in only minimal light, and it took her eyes a moment to adjust. The lobby was well decorated and well maintained, the floor holding more watery tile patterns and wall shelves holding various pieces of pottery. Placing her hat on a large rack beside the door filled with similar pieces of head protection, Len found the main desk and spoke to the clerk.

I am looking for this person. Len held up her data pad, displaying a picture of the individual she was here to see.

Ah, yes, responded the clerk. You should be able to find him in the drinking lounge.

Thank you, said Len as she turned to leave, following the wall signs to the drinking lounge toward the back of the first floor of the hotel. She found her way there without trouble and entered the room through its solitary door. The space was round and dim and Len could hear the coolant circulating through the walls. At the center was a wide bar, manned by several barkeeps. The rest of the room was filled with tables of various sizes, made from the local wood no doubt. Most of the tables were fully occupied by local men and women. Len began to walk through the murky room, looking for her quarry.

She finally spotted the man she was looking for, sitting near the back of the room. He was alone with his meal, which seemed to be an oddly colored sandwich oozing with a rainbow of sauces. As Len had heard, he was dressed in a solid black bodysuit, giving his body from head to toe an eerily smooth appearance, as well as making his limbs difficult to distinguish. The dimness of the lounge only made this effect worse. The only breaks to his smooth black form were the vest and belt he wore, each covered with pockets, cords and hooks from which hung various objects, some seeming to be nothing more than decorative trinkets. His head and face were also completely smooth, but two glowing circles marked his eyes. Probably some sort of vision enhancing lenses, thought Len. Below the eyes a thick glowing line took the place of his mouth. An odd design for body suit, but perhaps it was meant to make him less disconcerting to look at by giving the appearance of a face.

As Len approached, the line where the man's mouth would be widened into a semi-circle and through it he exhaled what seemed to be a puff of smoke, but there was no sign he had been smoking anything. An odd design for a body suit indeed. Raising her data pad, Len stepped forward and walked toward the table where the man in black sat.

* * *

As the cloud of his waste-dust settled, he noticed the woman for the first time. Well dressed, she was now walking toward him with a confidence which oozed forth so thick he was almost surprised a puddle had not formed around her. She was fairly common looking, standing just over 160 centimeters tall with well kept hair, but her thin build and lighter skin tone meant she had spent a good amount of time in space. The woman came to stand in front of him, legs spaced wide and a data pad clutched tightly in her hands. She just stood there, staring at him. For a moment he was confused, thinking she was being rude, but then he realized with a chuckle that she was nervous. Please, sit down.

Ahem, the woman said with a cough, thank you, but I will stand. I am Len Alafan and I am here on behalf of the Welson Corporation to conduct business with you.

That is a shame, said the man, raising a hand as he looked around the room. It's a beautiful day.

Yes well, mister... Looking at her digital pad, the woman scratched her head as she spoke. Alright, first off, may I please ask your name? All we have for you is 'Mercenary 417'. She looked up at the him with an exasperated expression. It seems your last employer did not care much for the details of its workers.

The man grunted and smiled as he tilted his head back, a nearly inaudible scratching sound coming from his shoulders rubbing against the smooth chair back. Anyone who managed to hear it would likely have described the sound as being akin to fish scales scrapping along plastic. I have been called a lot of things, actually. He crossed his arms as he remembered his past designations. Shadow is common, as is Void, Black Hole, Dead Space and Dark One. Most of those are what my enemies call me though. I have a lot of enemies, I suppose. Gently smiling, he sank into thought for a moment. Len gasped quietly as the man's glowing eyes changed shape from solid circles to empty rings. This lasted only a moment, however, and with a shake of his head he came back to the present. Anyway, I never much liked using names given to me by my enemies. I always preferred the name my father gave me. He leaned forward in his seat to speak quietly. Glif he called me. Glif. Call me Glif.

Is that a secret? asked Len hesitantly.

No, why do you ask?

Ah, well, you were speaking so quietly, and I just thought...well, anyway. It is a pleasure to meet you... She paused to type the name into her data pad, 'G','L','Y','P','H'.

Actually that's 'Glif', with an 'I' and a 'F'. And a 'G' and a 'L' as well I suppose.

Yes, well, 'Glif'.

Flopping back in his seat, Glif rubbed his smooth chin as he continued to remember his names. Although, I must admit, I found 'Moon Licker' quite entertaining, as far as names from enemies go, not that I ever found out what it meant. The woman who called me that soon passed out, with some assistance from me, and I never saw her again. Oddest things.

Well, yes, Glif will be fine, thank you. Now on to business. Len cleared her throat as she continued. I am speaking to you on behalf of Andria Welson, current owner and manager of the Welson Family Corporation, wide spread distributer of goods, parts and merchandise for the past...

Alright, alright. Glif stopped her with a wave of his hand, placing the other on a knee as he sat up straight. I know you are a big company, probably quite rich, and you know I am a skilled mercenary who earned his reputation capturing smuggler captains. Let's not waste time trying to impress one another with titles and achievements. Just tell me why you are here. Glif said all this in such an abrupt tone as to intentionally make the woman think he was uninterested and wanted her to finish quickly, but in fact Glif already had a feeling what this meeting would lead to, and he doubted it would be him rejecting this woman's offer.

As you wish. Mrs. Welson has sent me to speak to you in regards to signing you on as part of her private security force. Mrs. Welson recognizes your unique talents and impressive record from your previous employment and she asked me to tell you that you will be well paid for your services as a mercenary.

Where will I be working?

Mrs. Welson is currently in possession of a large starship, now in orbit around Elban 5, and she wishes to sign you on for mobile duties in numerous systems. You will be provided with quarters and food of course, but your duties will vary as we move between different systems.

How long will the contract be? Even as he said this, Glif began to run a hand over the trinkets and items hanging from his vest. Len thought he was fidgeting, but in truth he was checking to make sure everything was accounted for.

Mrs. Welson offers a contract of five standard sphere-years, with possibility of renewal. However, as you know, the amount of your life spent with us will be far less than that, since we will be spending much of our time at high speeds, traveling between stars.

And what, exactly, will the nature of my duties be?

As I said, you will be working as part of her security force. The specifics of your work will depend...

What will I be doing? Glif asked again abruptly, staring at Len sternly.

As part of Mrs. Welson's private security force, your duties will vary depending on location and current need, as well as...

Please, said Glif, "just tell me what I will be needed to do. I don't like being kept in the dark.

Very well. Mrs. Welson is in need of a man catcher to retrieve persons for the service of Welson Corporation. We will be visiting numerous locations at Mrs. Welson's future direction, so not even she knows the specifics of your future duties. You will of course be allowed to object should you not agree with Mrs. Welson's reasons for using your services, but such action may lead to the termination of your contract.

Alright, but for what reason will I be retrieving these people?

Mrs. Welson is currently involved in a long term scientific research project and you will be required to retrieve individuals Mrs. Welson deems valuable to the project, but whose services can not be acquired by...normal means.

Okay, said Glif cheerfully, exhaling another puff of waste-dust as he shifted in his seat playfully. When do we leave?

Leave? The woman seemed taken aback by this abrupt response. But we must still discuss details of duties, payment arrangements and outfitting requirements.

Leave me a data pad with the details. If I have any changes to be made, I can contact you.

Very well then. Mrs. Welson is currently staying at the skyport outside of the Beldin District. I will be returning to her to report on our dealings. You are our last piece of business on Elban 5 and we will be readying for departure as soon as you are aboard.

Alright then. I'll see you in a couple of hours.

A couple of hours? asked Len in an annoyed tone, obviously not liking Glif's lack of precision, but also surprised he wished to leave within the day.

Yes. I have a bit of business to take care of, but I'll be there as soon as I am done.

As you wish. Good day, sir.

Good day to you as well, and don't forget your hat.

Watching the woman leave, Glif rose from his seat, taking his plate in hand before heading for the bar. Sitting the plate down with a clatter, Glif called out to one of the barkeeps. Cela, it's finally happened.

Oh, you're getting married! The portly woman came around the inside of the circular bar to stand in front of Glif, her light tunic barely covering ample and well tanned chest.

No! I am not getting married! Glif had heard this many times before and he knew what would follow.

Oh, so you're going to get a real job?

No.

Ah, well, you must be getting a proper education!

No, but good guess.

Maybe you'll be buying an apartment and moving out of my cellar.

Not today, Cela. I'm leaving.

Leaving, for good? Cela placed a hand on Glif's arm as her eyes began to grow misty. I know you always said you would be leaving, but I never thought I would see the day when you did, or at least I hoped I wouldn't.

Well, I guess you are. I just got a job.

Pottery?

Mercenary work, like in the old days I told you about.

When do you leave?

Later today. I had a feeling I would be leaving soon and there is no point in delaying it. I just have a few people I need to see before I go.

Well, I will miss you. It's been great having you around and I know the regulars will miss your stories.

Thanks, although I still think they were worth more than that grimy old bed in the cellar you gave me. Both Glif and Cela smiled at this. All Glif had needed was a bed and as payment he told stories of his work as a mercenary. The bed had originally been in the cellar, but when the hotel manager saw how much the guests loved his stories, Glif had been moved to a real room. He had been offered a suite but refused it, having no need for the space. They still called his room the cellar. The rats never would stop dancing down there.

Do we have time for one more story? How about the one about those la'luran smugglers you fought in Beltona?

I'm afraid not, and no time for any more drinks either. Cela's hand had already been half raised to suggest it, but she promptly dropped it back down. I need to get going soon, but here, I want you to have this. Glif pulled from his pocket a small metal key card and slip of laminated paper, sitting them on the bar counter.

These are... Cela looked over the objects in surprise.

The key and deed to my studio. Most of my projects in there are still only half done, but you can have them fired if you like, and my finished pieces are yours as well.

Glif, you... Cela had to fight back tears as she spoke. You old clay eater! You can't give me all that.

It's just a small studio, and you know I prefer your sandwiches over clay, if only barely.

Don't try to tell me that! I have seen your studio. You have pottery stacked to the ceiling. Good stuff too. What am I supposed to do with it?

Sell it I suppose, replied Glif dismissively.

Never! The bar shook as Cela brought down her fist. I will speak with the hotel manager today. Every single one of those pieces will be on display in the hotel, even if we have to build a new wing to have rooms to put them in.

You're a good friend, Cela.

So are you, Glif. Will I ever see you again?

I don't know. My contract starts at five years, so I could be back here in ten or so, but don't wait for me.

The only thing I ever waited for you on was the bills. I'll see you around, someday.

Someday, Cela. Goodbye. Turning sharply, Glif left the lounge without looking back. He could hear Cela crying quietly behind him, but Glif walked straight. He had been through far too many such goodbyes to ever feel sorrow. Instead he was filled with happiness. Joy for the long and happy life Cela Din of the Bankview Hotel would live. He only hoped he had helped to make it that much happier. Stepping through the door, Glif gazed into the bright sky. Things to be done!

There was an auto-trolley call station not far from the hotel entrance and Glif got in line behind three others waiting for a ride. Each in turn went off in one of the small auto-trolleys, whizzing away down the center of the road on three smooth spheres. Glif was soon at the call station, now with two people behind him. Both recognized Glif from the hotel and he greeted them with a wave of his hand. Stepping up to the station, he skipped the automated audio greeting with the press of a button and typed in his destination. The cost for the trip was displayed: 1800 jays. Glif slipped in a 2000 jay chip and retrieved his change while he waited for the next available auto-trolley to pull out of the center trolley lane and pick him up. One soon did and he was off, cruising down the center lane alongside the other auto-trolleys. As many of the vehicles were occupied as were empty, cruising along the streets until they were called to one of the automated stations. Glif's destination was on the far side of the city, so he had a lengthy ride.

As the trolley drove down the smooth roads, Glif began to gaze out the windows. All around him were the sunbaked buildings and factories of Beldin-Don, fitted with coolant systems and overhangs, all for the people who lived here. Beldin-Don was the largest of the three cities in the Beldin District, with a population of about forty-five-thousand. The sidewalks along the narrow streets were bustling. Storefronts shaded by overhangs had benches where shoppers and shopkeepers alike kept cool, many nibbling on the cups of frozen yogurt so popular in the Elban system. Glif also passed several parks filled with the thick barked and thick leafed trees which had been specially designed to live under hot white stars. Artificial streams ran between them, sprinklers and misters spraying water on the children and families who played in the parks. Semi-transparent buildings housed large pools of water where anyone could go to swim and cool off. Many of these pools were filled with friendly fish and other aquatic creatures which swam alongside the people, fed bits of food by the swimmers and eating the moss which grew on the sides of the pools. Elban 5 was surely a hot planet, but its people faced the heat with eagerness, as if taking on a challenge to prove themselves. The auto-trolley drew to a stop and Glif climbed out, enjoying the hot sunlight on his smooth head. He briskly walked toward the store where he had some business to attend to.

Walking toward the door of the shop, Glif stopped short, noticing that one of the letters on the sign was askew. I have fixed that letter no less than 200 times, said Glif as he straightened the carved letter, returning it to its proper position so the sign once more read Benson Particle Emitter Depot. Much better than Benson Particle Ewitter Depot.

Smiling and glancing around, Glif strode in through the automatic door of the wide, one floor building. He was greeted by a rush of cool air and a loud voice. Glif, you old beetle! It was Jeff Benson, the current owner and manager of the store. Where have you been? It's been, what, four months...

Three months and thirty-six days, corrected Glif with an inward smile.

Yes, well, three months and thirty-six... Suddenly realizing what Glif had said, Jeff blinked slowly before bursting into laughter.

Sorry, said Glif as he patted Jeff on the arm. I couldn't resist.

You always were better at math than me.

Well, that is why you have been trying to hire me as your bookkeeper for the past five years.

The offer still stands.

Well, perhaps some other time. It is good to see you, however. How is the family?

Oh, Alison is well, as is Father. He would like to see you.

No time I'm afraid. I need a new particle blade, but before that, how are the children?

Ah, Ginger is doing well in school and Jown is getting married next month! Liga and Choj are both graduating soon and Frank is finally getting his first teeth and... Jeff continued on like this about his family for some time, Glif listening with completely sincere interest. ...and little Gen is just learning to walk.

I am glad to hear they are so well, said Glif as he patted his good friend on the shoulder. Now, back to business I am afraid. I need a new particle blade. What have you got?

What have a I got? said the boisterous man, gesturing to all the wares which lined the walls of his establishment. This is the Benson Particle Emitter Depot, stocking the finest in particle accelerator based hardware on Elban 5. Whether it is for kitchen or garden, work place or space, Benson...

Alright, alright, interrupted Glif, no need to give me the full pitch. I am here to buy a new particle blade, and to say goodbye.

Goodbye? said Jeff with surprise. Where are you going?

Away. I have a new job and I'm leaving Elban 5, and the whole Elban system, tonight. I need to buy a new blade.

Well, I am sorry to see you leaving, Glif. You have been a good friend of my family for a very long time. However, I would be glad to give you back your old blade.

Glif looked behind Jeff to see his old particle blade still mounted on the wall. No, that thing has been through enough. I will be buying a new one.

Ah, but it's such a good old blade. Jeff spoke in a mock-babying tone, as if speaking about a pet. Ever since you sold it here to my father, I have told everyone who asked about that worn out old blade and Glif, the warrior who wielded it.

Well, I figure it has earned its place on the wall, said Glif as he began to walk to the back of the store. Let's have a look at your newer models.

Alright, but they don't make them like that anymore. Jeff led Glif to the back of the store. Just a blade, not particle gun?

No, no gun. Just a good, medium size blade.

Well, let's have a look here. Jeff slid some display cases around to get at the right size of particle blades. Ah, here they are. What do you need?

Well, it doesn't need to be too strong, as far as cutting power goes. Durability is more important, and something with a good starter. Oh, and don't forget the sheath. It needs a good, small sheath.

Hmm... Jeff looked over the blades, not bothering with the digital catalog to find the right item. He handled several, dismissing them with a shake of his head, until he finally came to one he liked. How about the LJ-44? It's a new model with a recently conceived redesign of the accelerator track. It goes at an angle from the hilt to the point of the blade, reducing the turning required before the particles go onto the blade track.

How well does it work? asked Glif as he examined the rectangular weapon.

Well, I haven't heard too much about its field use, but I heard initial tests went well.

Let's go with something less experimental.

Alright then...How about the Gred H4A7? I've been stocking it for a couple years now and it uses a pulsing function for the accelerator and blade track.

Which means?

"Well, it means that the accelerator track and blade track are not constantly running.