Hidden Paths: Book Two

By "Rod" "Mortin"

Alon, Shanra, and Oen pursue the secrets of a project known only as the Zeta mission. Assisted by the heir of a notorious space pirate, their probing brings them to the attention of The Order, men who will stop at nothing to prevent the secrets of Zeta from being known.

Acolyte Jarred arrives to seek and destroy these friends and any evidence of the existence of Zeta. But to everyone's surprise, he has a mission of his own.

Hidden Paths is Book Two of the exciting Paths Trilogy by Rod Mortin. This action-packed and thoughtful novel asks you to challenge the preconceptions of your own tribe and dare to walk previously hidden paths toward discovery and truth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Scribl
• Release date: Jan 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9780985393939

"Rod" "Mortin"

Rod Mortin hails from the Pacific Northwest. He holds an advanced degree in plant science and years of experience as a music instructor. Rod enjoys travel, gardening, and writing, though not necessarily in that order. He loves learning from the biographies of famous people, but he writes young adult fiction because he is a young teen at heart. Rod uses his science and musical training to weave tales of adventure aimed to support the daring and the visionary.

Book preview

chapter 1

Departure

An insistent buzzing woke Oen from his sound sleep.  At first, he could not remember where he was. The insects aren't usually this loud, he thought.  Swiping his hand through the air at the imagined pests, he struck the cabinet beside his bed, knocking the alarm device to the floor.  Smarting from the impact, he opened his eyes.  Then the headache began.  Ugh, too much Zendory brandy! he moaned.  He remembered being invited to join the engineering crew of the merchant ship to celebrate, er, something.  Jaron had been especially friendly and plied him with brandy. All the details got foggy after that.

For a brief moment he thought he was back home, at Sanctuary.  That was the name of the unique home he and Kareel had created back on his home world.  A labyrinth of rooms honeycombing the face of a cliff, it was only accessible by the unique bridge that he had designed.  There they had been safe from the beasts that roamed their valley.  I’m sure that ugly creature would object to me calling the place my valley, Oen thought to himself.  There he and Kareel had been happy. They were each talented members of the Geneer tribe.  Much later he had learned that their people were descendants of people called engineers and that’s why they continued as the builders and inventors for their planet.

Oen and Kareel had fled the tribe together rather than be punished for their love and forced to live apart.  Discovery of the cave had been sheer luck but it provided them with protection, fresh water, warmth from bubbling hot springs, and a chance for a new life.  That's why they called it Sanctuary; at least until that fateful day when Kareel was killed by a Wolfmare.

Some years later Oen’s world of lonely isolation was disrupted by the unforeseen arrival of Shanra and then Alon.  Shanra was badly injured and Alon had the skills of a healer.  Turns out he was good at mending hearts as well as bodies and soon he and Shanra were inseparable lovers.

It was Alon who had originally discovered the metal building in the Valley but it was Oen whose intense curiosity had opened its secrets.  None of the three could have guessed that the building was actually what remained of a crashed starship carrying people from different planets in a distant system.  Their mission, to establish a prototype colony founded on mutual support and respect on a planet called Zeta, had dissolved as no rescue came for them.  The old animosities that they had been commissioned to leave behind were instead planted in the soil of that new world, growing like weeds to choke and overwhelm the vision of a new, harmonious society.

Oen remembered the day when he discovered the operating manuals still preserved in the memory core of the command center of the ship.  He had worked like a mad man to repair the homing beacon and nearly fainted when, after days of silence, it was answered by a passing freighter.  Oen, Shanra, and Alon had accepted the offer of Captain Madron of the ZB-5 to take them in search of answers about the Zeta mission in exchange for information and technology from the wreckage.  It felt as if several lifetimes had passed since then, though it had been only a few months.

Now Oen’s head was really hurting. He drug himself from his bed and drew water to splash on his face.  It smelled a bit funny but it was water.  It was also an engineering gift he’d devised for himself and his companions. The other crew members on this ship were from an assortment of worlds; some where water was more than plentiful and others from worlds where water was a scarce commodity.  These later members would never dream of splashing water on themselves as he just had.  It had been Oen’s idea to add the filters to the ship’s condensers that would make the water in his room, and that of Alon and Shanra, more palatable.

Oen was still amazed that his world had expanded to include people he considered friends and a galaxy of technology beyond his previous imaginings.  Shanra was a tough but lovely woman from the Mila Tanari tribe.  She had thrown herself off the upper cliff of the Rift Valley, choosing to ride a waterfall to its destination rather than be killed by the brute who replaced her father as tribal chief.  One gutsy woman, he thought to himself.  And a handful, he mused.  He had found Shanra damaged but alive, washed up on the shore of the river.  He’d brought her to Sanctuary and done his best to tend her wounds.  That had cost him a smashed nose, courtesy of the delirious little fireball.  He shook his head as he remembered her rage and her desire to dominate everyone around her.

Alon was the opposite of Shanra; tall, handsome, soft-spoken, kind almost to a fault.  A member of the MeTech tribe, he was trained in the use of plants for healing, but was also a skilled musician.  He'd needed both of those skills to restore Shanra to health.  That was a wild ride, thought Oen to himself.  Shanra had fought, fumed, resisted, and drawn even the caring Alon to the edge of his patience.  But in the end, a bond had formed between Shanra and Alon; first of trust and eventually of love.  The three of them had kept each other safe.  And together they had discovered a secret that none of their tribes knew. A secret that now had them hurtling through space, seeking a place only their farthest ancestors had known about.

None of them were experienced with space flight, and adjusting had been tough.  Getting sick from foul-smelling water was something they didn’t need, so it was rewarding for Oen to use his inventor skills to discover a way to support his friends.  The ship’s engineering crew had discovered his aptitude shortly after his first tour of the engineering deck.  Now they shared ideas daily, and if last night was any indication, some of them shared even more. I wonder how I ended up back in my cabin, mused Oen.

Shanra, Alon, and Oen had all taken paths that were generally forbidden on their home planet.  They had dared to break with convention, to be true to themselves, and to set aside the generations-old separation between tribes.  Shanra had come to discover that being a woman with leadership skills was a talent to be shared, not forced on others.  She'd also learned that if she stopped trying to control others, she could find the friendship and love she deeply desired.  Alon's path had been one of rejection and self-loathing. But his selfless efforts to heal Shanra had drawn them together.  With the blooming of that relationship had come growing confidence and the realization that even the dreaded Mila Tanari were people who could respond to love.  Oen and his partner Kareel had been the brightest inventors of their generation.  The love between Oen and Kareel had made them resolve to flee the safety of their mentor’s shop and to use their skills to survive in the ominous Rift Valley.

A series of dangerous circumstances and just plain luck had led to their contact with Captain Madron.    They had left their world to begin a quest for Zeta, the world their ancestors had sought.  Originally from four worlds of the Orlakon system, the mission to Zeta was to establish a united colony, proving that these very different peoples could peacefully co-exist.  The mission was sabotaged by religious zealots sent by The Order, who preferred to continue in their role as manipulators of key world leaders.  To further their plans, The Order sent representatives on the colonization mission who sabotaged the navigation system and engines, sending the colonists far off course and leaving them stranded on an obscure planet.  The surviving crew of that mission had spread out seeking resources for survival.  Eventually, they had separated into tribes and, through the mist of time, lost all knowledge of their roots, their purpose, and their mission.

Oen had chosen to leave that world and go with his new friends, Alon and Shanra, in the hopes of finding Zeta and discovering whether any of their ancestors survived the destruction of their worlds.  The way he awoke today was a reminder of just how unreal life had become.  The vessel on which they traveled was a space freighter, big and hulking with few personal comforts.  Oen had spent years in the cave called Sanctuary.  He was accustomed to tight, dark places.  But even he yearned for some sky, for the sound of a stream or of birds overhead.  If it were not for the treasure of technology onboard, and the interesting crew, Oen could see himself feeling claustrophobic. He knew that Shanra and Alon felt these things even more strongly.  But they had each other and spent a lot of time together.  In fact, he was fairly sure that their togetherness had wrought more than just emotional changes, especially in Shanra.  They hadn't said anything to him openly, but he had his suspicions.

Good morning, Oen, came the booming voice of Jaron in the doorway.  Oen stumbled back, grabbing his skull, nearly tripping over his shoes.

Argh!  Turn off the loudspeaker, man.  Are you trying to shred my brain?

Jaron just smiled, leaning close, and whispered, Zendory brandy has quite a kick. Bet you don't remember a thing from afterward, do you?

Not a thing, said Oen.

Good, teased Jaron who just stood there smiling.

Okay, you’ve had your fun.  Was there something you needed? asked Oen.

The Captain says we’re nearing Capula.  You and your friends may want to get off there.  Said he’d like to talk with all of you in his quarters.  The others are already there.

Frak it, man, why didn’t you get me sooner?! said Oen.

I was pretty sure you’d need your beauty sleep, said Jaron.  In a much gentler tone he added, Are you sure you wouldn’t consider staying with the crew.  I’d consider it a personal favor.

Oen grinned at this.  It was a tempting offer.  Opportunity to travel the galaxy, learn new technology, and spend more time with Jaron.  But his mind had been made long ago.  He would help Shanra and Alon in their quest to unravel the mystery of their past.  There would be time enough for other options later.

Oen made his way past the grinning crewman toward the Captain’s quarters. The ship was mostly cargo spaces, the crew quarters and the command center located together close to the center of the ship where they were the most protected from solar radiation.  The others were talking with the Captain as he entered.

You look like you either got caught in the cargo elevator for about a month, or you went to the crew party I heard about.  Gee, I wonder which it could have been? said Alon.

Very funny, Snarky, said Oen.  Shanra was just smiling.  She and Alon may tease Oen but they considered him their dearest friend.  He had saved their lives and helped open the door to their new lives together.

You know we’re only kidding, Oen.  You just look...rumpled said Shanra, her eyes sparkling.

It was a fun party, from what bits I can remember, said Oen, returning her grin.

There was that something special on Shanra’s face again thought Oen to himself.  Was she just excited about the next step of their journey?  Maybe her obvious love for Alon had made her truly happy.  Oen sighed as he remembered what it was like to be truly happy with someone you love.  I still think there is something else going on here, he thought.

The Captain interrupted their thoughts and jibes.  We are approaching the place where I feel our paths must part.  Capula isn’t the friendliest of places but it’s a regional hub, removed from the warring factions of the other planets.  There are resources here that are valued by the other planets in this system.  The oceans of this planet contain an incredible diversity of marine life.  The coastline is irregular, dotted with many thousands of islands.  Probably the only sane thing this system has done was to classify the whole place as a protected zone; protected from wars, anyway.  Everybody with coin most likely has a sea view home. And none of them wants that to change.

The main reason I’m suggesting you depart here, however, is the other feature of worth on this planet.  The Temple of Archania contains archives spanning thousands of years.  There is no guarantee you’ll find the information you seek.  You’ll need to negotiate your way with the locals and with the temple staff.  And there may not be a record of the journey your ancestors undertook.  You said it was a secret mission.  I know I’ve never heard of a sanctioned undertaking to get planets to work together.  There is certainly no evidence of that desire left today.  Speaking to Shanra and Alon he said, You need to know that I offered Oen a job as part of my crew.  He’s still got lots to learn but I feel he would be a good investment.  He declined my offer but I’m asking one last time if you might consider leaving him with me.

Alon and Shanra turned together to look at Oen.  The affection they felt for him was apparent on their faces. You know we’d support whatever decision you make, said Shanra.  We owe you more than we can repay.  I’d be lying if I didn’t say we’d like you to stay with us.  Alon will need your help with the records once we reach the Temple.

Curious, thought Oen.  She’s talking like she won’t be there.  I’ll have to ask her about that.

I’m going with you, said Oen to Shanra and Alon.  You’re both rather high maintenance but somebody has to be the thinking side of this operation. Alon reached over and gave Oen a fake punch in the arm, then drew him into a hug.  Alright, I like you, too, but I still need to breathe, he joked.  Alon backed away smiling.  Shanra just stood there with that smile again.  I’ve really got to ask what’s going on, thought Oen to himself.

Well, Captain Madron admitted, Since I can't persuade you to change your minds, then I suggest you folks begin preparing.  We'll dock at the spaceport shortly.  I'll have Milnu drop you off in the shuttle.  I have some friends in the city who will give you a place to stay until you can make other arrangements.  It's been a pleasure to know you all.  I wish you well.

chapter 2

Capula

The view of Capula from the air was astonishing. Broad avenues lined with flowering trees wove between stately buildings with domes tiled in bright colors.  The result was a visual tapestry on a grand scale, flowing colors creating a city that complimented the natural beauty of the oceans and distant mountains.

Shanra, look at the colors! exclaimed Alon.  Shanra was already busy being colorful, looking in fact rather green.  Shanra? Are you okay?

I’ll be fine once we set down.  The motion is just a bit unsettling, she said with a sigh.

As they descended, more details came into view.  Vehicle traffic flowed in an orderly fashion along the avenues. The plazas were busy with people but not particularly crowded.  The scene was one of order and the kind of peace that comes from a stable society.  There were no obvious signs of inequality among residents, no slums, no visual signs of pollution, no glaring police presence, at least from the air.  All in all, it seemed like a perfect world, which made Shanra a bit suspicious.

Alon was nearly in sensory overload. Alon’s tribe, the MeTechs, were healers but they also freely traded with the Artser tribe. Artsers were expressive people who valued beauty and creativity.  Alon was very comfortable with the musical part of Artser ways and he also valued art in all its expressions.  Alon was enthralled as he saw the expression of that creativity unfold below them:  architecture designed with both beauty and grace, landscapes that made the city a visual joy, roads that were broad yet integrated into the topography.  It was as if the creators of this place were determined to bring together the best elements of both science and art.  Alon remembered seeing the villages of some of the Artser tribal members who focused on expressiveness.  They were indeed creative but too often they also became a hodgepodge of styles.  Sometimes the effect looked more like chaos or a bad hair day.  He’d heard from Shanra that villages of the Mila Tanari tribe were often just the opposite:  straight lines, plain facades; always the emphasis on function with no time for beauty.

But this place seemed to bring together the best of both groups.  He wondered what the inhabitants would be like.  Were there relatives of his among the crowds?  It seemed likely that at least some of Oen's people might be here also.  It took real engineering talents to create the structures he was seeing.

Although he hated to admit it, he was secretly hoping that Shanra’s tribe were either absent or few in number.  It had been a long hard road to reach the heart of his little Mila Tanari.  Shanra had seemed every bit the harsh, commanding, and dominating type when they had met.  If she hadn't been injured, she'd probably have enslaved us all, he mused to himself.  Still, he had to admit that there were skills at decision making and organizing that could benefit society.  If they could be channeled into civility and tempered with some sensitivity… he thought wistfully.  Shanra was still learning this process.  Her responsiveness had been urged along by her relationship with Alon.  It still seemed miraculous that two especially different people would find such love together.

All of these thoughts and feelings were swirling inside him.  Alon’s emotions were growing at every new vista, threatening to overwhelm his ability to speak.

Come talk with me for a moment, Alon, coaxed Shanra with a knowing grin.  I realize you may not find me as interesting as all those views out there but pull your face away from that portal before your head explodes.  Reluctantly, Alon swiveled to listen to Shanra as she gently began to talk with him about their mission.

Oen, meanwhile, was with Milnu in the craft's cockpit.  There had been precious little opportunity to examine the controls of the shuttle while their freighter was in transit.  Now he was full of questions about the controls, mechanics of the landing gear, and strength of the metals in the hull… There was no end to his curiosity.  Born in the Geneers tribe, Oen had displayed a remarkable interest in all things mechanical from an early age.  He'd won the respect of his mentor, Darren, by displaying a grasp of fabrication and problem-solving.  It was during his apprenticeship in Darren's shop that he'd met Kareel.  Their early friendship had been forged through many hours of hard work and creative thinking.  They had both discovered a calling to be inventors, not merely fabricators.  The years they spent learning, creating, and growing closer were among the best Oen had known.

Milnu interrupted Oen’s millionth question to point out the markings at the airstrip. Those lights indicate the path for incoming shuttles. Although it looks like a museum of fine arts, that building over there houses both the command center and the visitors’ terminal. Although intended to distract Oen, this merely redirected his questions onto flight rules, landing clearance codes, and departure rules.

Oen, said Milnu with exasperation, there simply isn’t time to explain ALL of this before we land, much less also manage to fly the shuttle.

Come on, Milnu.  This baby flies itself and you are just a rather ugly ornament.  What if I need to fly one of these myself one day? Oen asked.

Then you’ll just have to pass a training course like the rest of us or get someone else to be your pilot, said Milnu.  Or perhaps you could become a space pirate, get the codes you need by using stealth and that superior brain of yours. Hmmm.  Are you sure you wouldn’t rather stay with the ship than risk becoming a pirate?

The scowl on Oen’s face was answer enough. Even though the adventures of a space pirate actually sound fun, I’m thinking that Shanra and Alon wouldn’t go for it.  Two against one might be a hard sell for a team of three, even for someone with my superior brain, said Oen with a bow.

Now the landing platform was in view.  Looking rather like a raised dance floor, the platform, like the rest of Capula, was also a work of art.  Statues of carved stone anchored the four corners and midpoints of each side.  Between them were metal lattice works, forged in the form of twisting vines, made of a metal that looked blue-green with age.  There was a ramp that descended under the platform on each end.  Milnu mentioned that under the platform was an extensive structure that housed maintenance and rescue vehicles.  Like the rest of Capula, even this shuttle landing platform combined both beauty and functionality.

Shuttle Zed Alpha Four, you are cleared to land, came a voice from the communications console.

Zed Alpha Four, acknowledged, purred the voice of the shuttle’s computer in reply.

See what I mean, said Oen.  You are the one who should consider coming with us.  You really aren’t ‘essential equipment’, Milnu, chided Oen.  Oh, and if you decide to join us, could you perhaps persuade midshipman Jaron to come with you, too? said Oen with a cheesy grin.

A slight thump indicated they were on the ground.  Milnu unbuckled from his seat and quickly left the cabin, leaving Oen to guess about the little man’s answer.  Oen unbuckled and found Shanra and Alon standing near the hatch, gear in hand. Not that any of them had much gear.  They’d left their home world with few possessions.  Captain Madron had been as generous as he could, lending them basic clothes and equipment plus enough money to buy food and personal care items here in Capula.  Oen grabbed his duffle from a storage compartment and joined the others for a glimpse of this world so new to them.

The door opened with a hiss and their first impression was the air itself:  warm but not hot; understandably heavy with moisture since the planet had so much water; and fragrant with a slightly sweet smell.

Is that Gardia I smell? asked Alon.

You are the only plant expert here and I rather doubt that the people of this world have the same name for plants from back home, so how the frak do we know what it is you smell? said Oen rather grumpily.

Hey, what’s got you all bent out of shape? asked Shanra.

Sorry.  I’m still adjusting to leaving the crew behind, murmured Oen.  He looked so sheepish that Shanra didn’t have the heart to scold him further and just squeezed his arm with affection.

They descended from the shuttle, saying their goodbyes to Milnu, and had barely made it off the platform when a vehicle approached.  From the vehicle emerged a handsome young man dressed in a crisp uniform.  He was taller than either Oen or Alon but slight of build.  When he removed his cap to tuck it under his arm, his auburn hair was neatly trimmed.  But his most remarkable feature was his eyes.  They were of a green that sparkled with intelligence and perhaps humor.

Welcome to Capula, he said, smiling so broadly that they were all instantly at ease.  I'm Darrik.  Captain Madron is my favorite uncle. Or at least that's what I'm supposed to tell you since I'm his favorite nephew.

Shanra, Alon, and Oen made