Ti

By Steve (S. R.) Jaborsky

Seron Ti’s military prowess was equaled only by her achievements made in the areas of science. However, her Travels for the advancement of The Chronicals of Dahr and the veneration of All were unsurpassed by any other Dahren Traveler. On this day she was to be celebrated by the Encyclopedians and indeed the entire Citizenry. But Seron held a secret. She must openly defy the Encyclopedians and institute chaos in the Hall. And she must escape Dahr.
Blain had been through hell. Employed by Worldwide Newsgroup, he was recovering at home from injuries while covering one of the damned wars. He glanced at his Pulitzer Medal for Journalism. Did it really mean anything? He was cynical and burned out. He didn’t know that 3 golden discs were about to lead to the most incredible journey of his life. And he would be unable to report it to anyone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gypsy Shadow Publishing, LLC
• Release date: May 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781619502895

Steve (S. R.) Jaborsky

My dad used to play a tape recording he made of me when I was 5 years old (1956). On it, I related a story about a ‘mechanical man who roamed the land’. I guess that was my first science fiction story. My favorite T.V. show in those days was ‘Science Fiction Theater’ (“Let me show you something interesting.”) Later, ‘Men Into Space’, ‘The Twilight Zone’, ‘One Step Beyond’ and even ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’ captured my imagination. D.C. Comics were a staple. Tom Swift stories helped me to learn to read. I’m not sure when I discovered Bradbury’s ‘The Martian Chronicles’ but I reread it many times during my grade school days. He became my favorite sci-fi author at the time. Of course, I soon discovered Campbell, Asimov, van Vogt, Heinlein and many others. A particular favorite is Fritz Leiber. All are ‘Golden Age’ authors and the genre I attempt to imitate. Ordinary folks caught up in extraordinary events is the template I begin with (the ‘Alfred Hitchcock’ influence no doubt). It doesn’t matter if those folks reside on Earth or in another galaxy or if the extraordinary events involve an invasion from space, a domination by rogue computers, questions of God and existence or speculations on the future; logic is logic but the responses to such events and concepts make the story. Now retired, my working life was spent in CNC manufacturing. I had the opportunity to be trained on early computers. Turned out I had an affinity with computerized machining and ended my career a few years ago working with state of the art computers doing incredible things with unbelievable machinery. Programming in the various languages, getting the utmost out of the equipment and even going beyond limits to have the machines do things they were never designed to do became my forte. I was consulted on a few jobs after retirement. In my working years, my main focus was Defense and Aerospace. I was involved in some neat projects including F-15 engines, launching systems for Patriot missiles, the JSOW missile guidance system and a few others things I probably am not allowed to discuss even today. During those years I wrote as much as possible, submitted a few stories here and there and had a grand total of two short stories published! Retirement has allowed me time to work in earnest on a passion that has been inside me since I was 5 years old.

Book preview

Contents

Copyright Page

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 4

Chapter 8

About the Author

Ti

by Steve Jaborsky

All rights reserved

Copyright © December 12, 2015, S. R. Jaborsky

Cover Art Copyright © 2016, Charlotte Holley

Gypsy Shadow Publishing, LLC.

Lockhart, TX

www.gypsyshadow.com

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Gypsy Shadow Publishing, LLC.

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ISBN: 978-1-61950-289-5

Published in the United States of America

First eBook Edition: May 30, 2016

Dedication

Imagination

Prologue

I first met the journalist depicted in this story at a writer’s symposium in Cleveland some years ago. The somewhat reclusive reporter was a guest speaker at Cleveland State University discussing the various forms of news media and the differences between them. He had not been in the limelight for a year or two after his fantastic claims of extraterrestrial life existing on Earth and how the proof of these claims had been destroyed by the visiting aliens. The ridicule has since died down and his news organization retained his services as his brilliant Pulitzer awarded book, The Subliminalists, received international acclaim and his skills as a journalistic reporter are recognized as second to none. He has since refused to discuss his extraterrestrial claims.

He was later dispatched by his news organization to the Mideast to cover the various wars and there was wounded during an Al Qaeda attack.

I was always interested in his storied career and was currently researching WWII weaponry for an article I was writing. He had mentioned that particular subject matter when he had made his extraterrestrial claims so I was delighted when I spotted him in a lounge after the lecture, not far from the CSU campus. He was alone, seated at the bar nursing a drink. My gushing, hero-worshiping approach amused him and as I sat beside him, I tried to devise a way to entice him to speak about the incredible advances of technology in the past 20th Century and his fantastic alien claims.

We shared thoughts and ideas and I saw that his glass of Bacardi and cola was never empty for the next few hours. He seemed interested in my meager writing accomplishments and gave me tips and pointers to further my endeavors.

Perhaps he at long last decided to reopen his claims of extraterrestrials, perhaps he liked me; or perhaps it was the rum, but we ended up in his apartment where he showed me what he claimed were the translations of Seron Ti’s chronicles. Though he claimed all evidence was destroyed, a notebook existed from the college professor whom he collaborated with during his investigations. This notebook had been hidden and written in an ingenious code devised by the professor. Though not hard evidence, it is the basis of this story. I continued my discussions with him the next day when we met for lunch and through my pleading, begging and unabashed ego stroking, he at last allowed me to write the story here before you. His stipulation was that I was to use pseudonyms for himself, all Earthly principals involved and even the news organization that still employs him. The reader would certainly recognize his name and research would probably allow the discovery of that name. The news organization is one of the largest in the world. I, of course, agreed to the stipulations.

A few notes on this story: The first two chapters are direct translations from Seron Ti’s chronicles, provided to me by Professor Taylor, and never before published. The chronicles were contained on… but you will read of that. It was included here with permission to further the understanding of Seron Ti and her actions. The third chapter begins Blain’s astounding story.

Translations were accomplished by Earthly computers, and terms used are as close to the Dahren language as possible. Ti is pronounced Tee, and all Dahren (Dah-ren) surnames end in the ee sound. Double vowel endings are pronounced separately, that is: Ai is pronounced Ah-ee; double i endings, pronounced ee-ee.

I may possibly face ridicule as Blain has, and I give immense credit to my Publisher for the courage to present the story to you as written, given the deriding criticism it received when Roy Blain first revealed it.

Before judgment is rendered, I ask the reader to investigate the names Rudolph Schriever, Otto Hubermohl, Mierth and Bellanzo (together) and the fantastic designs of the Horton Brothers in the 1930s and 1940s. The unbelievable advances in electronics, flight systems, medicine, space travel and thousands of related areas in this and the previous century are surely a tribute to human ingenuity. Or perhaps… perhaps…

S. R. Jaborsky

Chapter One

The Truth is always palatable, but the heart determines the flavor.

~ Ancient Dahren Book of Contemplations

Ti, Chronicle, Subjective Distributor, Register 2

Citizen Seron Ti, Circle of The Most Excellent Cosmotic Travelers, holder of the Holy Medal of All, Mechanical Physician… the list goes on, and is as numerous as it is glorious. Your accomplishments for All have been revered and praised for the Gathering of Truth and Knowledge. Now, with pride and reverence, we bestow upon you the Crystal of the Hall and wish you peace, happiness and success as The Coordinator of the Archives. Your untiring gyres of work toward the orderly compilation of the history of All has made you…

Has made me expendable, Aabec Ai! Tell me, First Encyclopedian, what is your fear, that you choose this time to end my travels? Why address me in the High Tongue when your hidden thoughts are vile and conniving? I shouted from the floor. Both Encyclopedian and Citizenry in attendance became hushed. There had been rumors circulating about my mental state, but a forgiving Citizenry and respect for a Traveler had hushed discussion of Calming. However, because of the stress caused to the most accomplished Travelers, Calming had been discussed as I have become one of the most prolific. I had enlightened the Encyclopedians with scientific and engineering acumen and was now being honored with hollow words and false accolade. There must be strong reason for this chicanery.

All eyes—from those in attendance to the millions observing on tele-distributor—were affixed on the images in the Hall.

And what will be the outcome of this most recent treachery perpetrated by our most high and respected Encyclopedian and his cohorts? Shall there be more crystals and rare metals to line their hungry pockets or perhaps a number of Rosolite sex nymphs to warm their barren and perverted chambers? I would wager the outcome of their efforts will benefit none save themselves, I spat with a mixture of High Tongue and the most common of the language. In either eloquence or crassness, I do not allow myself to be misunderstood when dealing with treachery.

Seron Ti, I would speak, began Aabec Ai. He paused to carefully choose his words as a warrior would choose weapons. He continued in the High Tongue, ignoring my previous harangue. It has long been known that our great and holy endeavors have not been without consequence to the most prolific. We are not without compassion, dear Seron. We realize the nature of your condition and hear your words as confirmation of your affliction. We regret this as our fathers did, but the procedure of Calming will right your mind and bring you back to us, Aabec Ai said with insincere tenderness.

A murmur again arose among the Citizenry in attendance. Aabec Ai was showing great restraint and compassion toward me. Perhaps I was suffering illusions of the mind and the Calming was indeed indicated. The First Encyclopedian would surely do all in his powers to allow me to speak again with a Truthful tongue. Aabec Ai motioned for dismissal of the gathering.

Suddenly, I arose from the chair that was located in front of the Encyclopedic body. I demand my Right of Statement as guaranteed by the Law, I insisted. Afflicted or not, every Encyclopedian, Citizen, Traveler and least of the Coordinators had the Right to speak Truthful words at public proceedings. After some discussion, Aabec Ai answered a weary Granted.

This day, I was not dressed in Citizen attire, preferring instead the black form-fitting uniform of my rank as Traveler. I slowly paced in front of the long table that separated me from the Encyclopedic Body. With hands clasped tightly behind my back, the green of my eyes wild and angry, I at last stopped in front of Aabec Ai and surveyed the faces of the Body. Troubled thoughts raced through my mind, and memories of my mother when she was whole and loving. I froze my glance on Aabec Ai and began in a low voice that was nearly a growl, I will not trouble the Body with a lengthy statement. The First Encyclopedian speaks of illusory thoughts locked in a troubled mind. Allow me to speak of real fears that are substantiated in All’s Truth. What has transpired here today is a sham which cloaks a scheme that will mean death to millions here and countless more far away. I fear that our holy endeavors are being corrupted by schemes of those who have little regard for life and peace. I also fear and believe that an ancient and decadent philosophy has reemerged to again poison the minds of our Citizenry. I then startled all present and leapt the table that separated me from the Body, springing like a jungle animal in front of Aabec Ai. Crouched in front of him, with my face close to his so that he could feel my breath upon his skin, I cried out that oath which is considered the lowest epithet that could be uttered to another Dahren, Above all, I fear that the First Encyclopedian neither hears nor speaks All’s Truth!

Seron Ti! cried Aabec Ai amidst the hue in the Great Hall. You overstep the sanctity of this Hall! Your enviable additions to the Compilations of All does not give you passage to profane this Body.

"It is you, whore Aabec Ai, and those with you, who profane All and Dahr! As the Patrons approached me, I continued the harangue. Acquaint us but with one single truth! What manner of star vehicle was received by you from the Rosolites for allowing that degenerate world of Rosol secrets of the Shear? What advanced weaponry are the Rosolites providing to a world millions of pulses from Dahr in hopes of plunging that world into war? The outcome will be the enslavement of that world by…"

Patrons! said Aabec Ai. Place Seron Ti in Reticence and alert The Physician. She speaks from night burdens. We will help you, dear Seron!

Two Patrons assumed positions on either side of me, one of them holding a small tube. I made no move of resistance. The Patron activated the Reticence device and as the bubble surrounded me, I cried out, You are a fatherless liar, rotting bastard Aabec… and then silence filled in the Hall, as no sound could escape the bubble encasing me. The bubble rose slightly from the floor and with mere touches to the outside surface, the Patrons guided the bubble out of the Hall.

I was transported to a chamber adjacent to the Hall. The bubble was dissolved after the chamber door was locked. I peered out of the portal and observed the gardens three floors below. That put me, the Physician and Tubes all on the same level. All was with me thus far.

After a time, the door opened and two Patrons entered. You will accompany us to the Physician, Citizen Traveler Seron Ti. I do not wish to put you in Reticence.

You shall not have to, Patron Zi. My anger is directed only toward those who wish to do harm to Dahr.

I was directed to the chambers of Physician Garta Ki. He’s an old and cherished acquaintance to the family Ti. He’d assisted in my birth and watched over and counseled me through my schooling and eventual training as a Traveler. My thoughts are always warm toward the First Physician.

So dear Seron, we have not conversed in an age. How is that old rogue Klalo? Garta Ki asked as he slowly rose from his chair. The Physician used the same older High Tongue that was used in the Hall, but his tonal inflections were warm and friendly and pleasing to my ear. I met the Physician and touched my fingers to his cheek.

Father is well and wishes you to join him in an evening of gaming and refreshments, I said, as Garta sat back down behind his desk. I took a seat directly opposite him with my back to the chamber door. Father says that you seem to avoid his company as of late, I said with a knowing glance; the slightest traces of a smile escaped my lips.

Dear Academician Klalo’s company is most enjoyable and stimulating, but his libations are powerful and he is a much better Rokala gamesman than this old Physician. And his wagers! All! I consider myself fortunate to possess even my chambers after an evening’s gaming with him! Garta said, smiling himself as he obviously recalled evenings of merriment in the company of the family Ti.

Our smiles faded as a sunset into an uneasy and dark silence. At last, the Physician sighed as he said, "Dear Seron, you seem to have incurred the wrath of Aabec for yet another time. I monitored the proceedings in the Hall on my distributor. How could even you reverse a time of pleasure and adulation directed toward yourself into such a brawl? Have you not yet learned to keep your innermost thoughts from your tongue?"

The anger in me welled up when I considered the actions of the First Encyclopedian. I had to make Garta understand what I was doing here in his chambers. We are becoming prostitutes of knowledge that was sworn to remain secreted in our Archives; knowledge so dangerous as to cause harm to the entire Bendyre system and others in systems beyond our own. Aabec Ai is the perpetrator of these actions. He is a conniving bastard that cares not for Dahr…

Seron Ti! You have voiced these accusations before, but without substantiation. Garta’s eyes glanced toward the open chamber door where Patron Zi was standing. Perhaps the Calming is certainly indicated at this time. You have been a Traveler for many gyres, not even pursuing a mate and offspring.

You then think me mad?

"Of course not, not in the sense that you fail to discern right from wrong. You have a fear of the Calming procedure because of the sad accident of your mother. With all