Kingdom Come

By Anthony Van

How is it that members of the royal Keneer family are the citizens of the Hidden Kingdom that have been first to reject the traditional, conservative isolation of the kingdom? Since Marlo married Tam, a galactic force captain, and began integrating refugee citizens of the Galactic Union on the newly developing planet Rudwen, the kingdom had carried on as if nothing had changed. Now Milander, the youngest of the present royal family, has unfortunately become entangled with an intelligence agent. Their paths cross again and again as it becomes clear they are battling the same enemy. When both get stranded on a habitable but deserted planet, Milander becomes aware that all humans are searching for purpose and meaning in a universe designed for inquisitive minds. His battle is between the past strictures and the new concept of a greater, more profoundly significant kingdom.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anthony Van
• Release date: Sep 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005806200

Anthony Van

What does a retired teacher do? Especially a teacher with a hyperactive imagination and ingrained work habits. Well this one writes. And being a Christian, each novel I have written necessarily is pieced together from a Christian perspective.I have a broad range of interests which include science and technology, mathematics, travel, sports and the interrelationship of people. Much of what intrigues me about people is that some pursue truth with the determination of a bloodhound while others almost ignore existential ideas and while away their short time spent on earth being distracted by people or pleasures or possessions or power.Writing is a hobby. It allows me to research and self educate, and it also permits me to refine my perspectives of concepts existential and theological.

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Kingdom Come

Published by Anthony Van at Smashwords

Copyright Anthony Van 2021

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Preface

This is fiction but I want to test some ideas about faith. Was there a point in history where Christianity became insular and protective of its values? Did enclaves form that hoarded the truth for themselves at the exclusion of the barbarians and heretics outside? Perhaps in history it did happen in some circumstances. There were the ascetics and seclusionists who saw their calling as meditative and devoutly disciplined. And in the present day some congregations prefer social comfort to being the hands and feet of Jesus. In fact, I can imagine current churches where the security of community has lulled the members away from their true mission.

This is a speculative science fiction narrative which imagines a galaxy being deprived of the truth by the ‘enlightened’ few who protectively conceal not only their faith but their whole population. If you can conceive far flung planets as distant nations ignorant of the ‘gospel’ then you may latch on to my imaginings. I don’t believe the reality has ever deviated from the divine path (the way) to such a degree but the what-if of this story tries to consider the hurdles in countering embedded traditions that have little or no basis in truth. How difficult it is to communicate the message of good news if one does not have a wholistic grasp of the meta-narrative, the whole story. How distorted the message becomes if individual interpretations and shadows of the original intention of sacred text dominate the rituals and traditions of God followers.

Chapter 1

The Deliverance had performed three hyperjumps to get to its present coordinates. Captain Druff had followed strict procedures for venturing into unchartered or previously untravelled portions of the galaxy. There was always an infinitesimal chance that some anomaly in the space time continuum, like some remnant black hole vortex, could terminate their interdimensional space transits. By taking relatively short, measured leaps the sub-space contours could be mapped and the next portion could be scanned.

Each transition through other-dimensional space had been smooth and predictable. In future, the three jumps could be calculated together in one flexible quantum algorithm using the data gathered in this maiden journey in an unknown sector. As it was, the computer’s highly sophisticated program finessed the journey and they felt none of the nauseating viscous air fluidity that made moving and, even breathing, feel sticky.

One more to go, muttered Neela. We can scope this last candidate planet and then go home. She was putting into words what most of them had been thinking. It was a tedious task of visiting every planet on their list that had been identified as a possible habitable world. These planets matched parameters of size, distance from a star, likely atmosphere and possible presence of water. What they had to confirm was the rate of rotation, the presence of a magnetosphere, a non-toxic oxygenated atmosphere and a sufficiently benign geology and landmass capable of supporting life. Of all the previous rotating spheres they had visited this mission, none had, so far, been anywhere near liveable.

The truth was, it was normal for survey teams to spend their whole ten-year tenure of rotations and multiple missions not locating a liveable planet. It wasn’t a concern. They had been remarkably successful over the past two hundred years and didn’t need more worlds for the kingdom to colonise. The reasoning, however was to keep looking because they were so difficult to find and looking when you needed them was considered too late.

So, the expectation was for the Deliverance to emerge from hyperspace and examine another planet hostile to life. Maybe they would have to send a small team with Milander on the compact cruiser, Ketch, to have a closer look but inevitably the narrow range of optimal conditions and the broad list of criteria that needed to be satisfied, made success a highly unlikely outcome.

Druff performed the final leap through hyperspace.

***

It was a shock to them all. The planet beneath them was liveable. They knew that immediately because they saw life! It was green with swathes of vegetation across three main continents and innumerable islands on the oceans that were predominant on the world.

It’s been settled! exclaimed Myah.

Brin Druff assessed the situation. Bannett, what’s the extent of the animal life? The environmental specialist studied his instruments.

It looks like a full-blown ecosystem…from microscopic to megafauna. He stared all the while at readouts and graphic displays.

"What about humans? Any evidence of people or cities?

…Not at present…I’d have to send some survey satellites into orbit to do a surface scan.

There has to be people, declared Myah. Every world we know of had to have life transplanted from our original planet by humans…wherever that is.

Looks like you’ll have to take the Ketch down and have a look Milander.

The young captain of the Ketch had been speechless. This world was unprecedented. It defied all that they knew about colonising new worlds.

***

Green. Verdant. Dull and shiny, textured and smooth; throughout the leafy vegetation there were extreme variations of colour. The mass of luxuriant growth on a limited spectrum from almost black olive to iridescent vivid yellow-green was interspersed with anthocyanin pigments dominating chlorophyll. Because of this, amongst the almost overwhelming greenery, minimal protests of red-purple splashes of foliage were present but failed to sway the clamour of its lush cousin.

This was the second landing site as the first was merely to take in the grandeur of huge herds of grazing animals on the savannahs luxuriant with grass on a different continent. Milander stood at the top of the extended steps of the Ketch. The riot of plant life overwhelmed; the dank smell of organic life in the humid forest invaded his nostrils as he examined the ancient ecosystem. Neela pressed up behind him and then clasped onto his shoulder as the space cruiser settled a little more into the mulch of greenery crushed beneath the craft.

That’s one rule we’ve already broken, she stated matter-of-factly.

What’s that? queried Milander, still fascinated by the dense botanic marvel before his eyes.

Altering the environment of a virgin planet before analysis…when we lasered the clearing for landing.

Except it’s not a virgin planet…this is the first world…as far as I’m aware…that has been unchartered, has no human occupants, and yet has life on it…It must have a history.

What has a history? It was Gorvin, the third crew member, standing at the top of the exit. He had caught the last part of the conversation as he came out.

Mila thinks this place has already been environmentally engineered, answered Neela.

Stands to reason…The first cause produced life and we’ve helped disperse it across the galaxy…It’s weird though, isn’t it? Why is it uninhabited? Gorvin moved to go down the steps when Milander told him to wait.

What’s wrong?

The compact cruiser captain looked up at him. This is unprecedented. Not only have we discovered another liveable planet within ten darcycles of finding the last one, this is the first exploration of one rich in organic life…I want to consult our PIA regarding risks of microbial contamination and exotic toxins. Maybe some rare pathogen wiped out the settlers.

I thought you said Pia deemed it safe to exit. Gorvin looked muddled.

I did…I want to cross check all the parameters. We haven’t demanded a full organics analysis before…I want to ask some specific questions…I might feel safer with protective EVA suits anyway.

Not vacuum rated, complained Neela.

No, I’m talking sealed sterile … you know the ones we use in plant lab.

They’re still hot and uncomfortable.

Milander ignored her grumble. Let’s go back in and get some definitive spectrophotometric data…It may be the PIA will identify all the species and we’ll be more at ease checking the place out…besides I want to hear from Deliverance regarding the planet survey.

***

Back inside Ketch, Milander called Commander Druff on the hyper-cruiser. Although its orbital position was on the other side of the newly identified habitable planet, strategically placed mini satellites provided constant access with the mother ship.

Brin…have you got any further organics analyses for us? I’m a bit reluctant to venture into this jungle without data. Milander was sitting at his coms screen looking for some indication that his commanding officer was happy for them to proceed. Druff spoke to someone off to the side. Then came back to face the screen.

Bannett says that so far nothing looks untoward on the scanning detectors.

Can you put him on? asked Milander.

Sure.

The picture was transferred to the imaging specialist’s post. He grinned, nodded and gave a little salute. What can I do for you Mil?

The compact cruiser captain returned his smile. He was glad that most of them didn’t know he was second in line to the throne. Their casual interactions and non-adherence to rank would be replaced by awkward and stilted officiousness.

Any warning flags…toxic or radiation markers?

No, nothing…I mean, if you could get a couple hundred samples in hermetically sealed containers, we could start a biotic map for you.

I’ll send some ionised spectrometric data for you to analyse…You can tell me how congruent it is with the botanics we’re familiar with.

Sounds good to me.

Ban, is anyone on radar topography?

Myah’s there at the moment.

Can you put me onto her?

Almost immediately the image changed. A girl with short blonde hair was looking at him. She smiled. Yes Mila, what can I do for you?

Myah, could you tell me if there are any topographical anomalies on this planet? Maybe something that suggests human habitation, construction…that sort of thing?

Yeah sure…You know that examination of the biosphere has so far only indicated non-intelligent life forms…up to large mammalian?

I know…still, this is a first.

I get what you’re saying…How did a planet get life and is not inhabited? … I guess you’re thinking an extinct civilisation or maybe abandoned because of some catastrophe?

Something like that…What does the radar analysis show?

"I haven’t run it yet…I was going to wait until we had a complete sphere…but I’ll run an interim for you.

Thanks.

She looked at him with a quizzical expression. This will take a few gradmins.

That’s fine, I can wait.

Milander leaned back in his seat and Neela came up behind him and dug her thumbs between his shoulder blades which made him recoil.

Relax…you’re so tense…all tied up.

He released his clenched muscles and felt the soothing rhythm of her massaging fingers. At the point where it began to lull him into a soporific stupor, she poked her fingers into his side and watched him leap up in shock. Neela laughed mercilessly. You rat! he uttered as he regained his seat.

You want a coffee?

Yes please.

What about you Gorv?

Ditto.

She disappeared into the small galley and Milander closed his eyes. His thoughts wandered. He’d had command of the Ketch for three years now, having completed his service training. Padi, his second eldest brother, had been king for six darcycles and it was likely he’d serve for another four at least before abdicating to Brack. Marlo, his eldest brother had relinquished succession partly because of the furore related to breaches of kingdom protocols but, Milander was convinced, mainly because he hated the sedentary and restrictive nature of the kingship. He and his wife, Tam, were raising a family on Rudwen, the new world named after their father and mother. As Marlo withdrew from his galactic data gathering duties, he had trained Milander in the somewhat clandestine nature of the role. It meant that he had now made several incursions into governmental centres of the Galactic Union to gauge the progress of addressing trade inequities that had led to the previous rebellion.

In essence, Milander was emulating the role Marlo had carried out before he met Tam. That suited him. He had always admired his eldest brother. And now he had succeeded beyond what he thought possible. As part of a planet survey team, they had come across another habitable world only six years after the discovery of Rudwen— a planet originally called Ruddol after the last king but changed to Rudwen to include the Queen’s name. Historically it had taken hundreds of darcycles to find a new planet to colonise and his team had been together only three. It was an unprecedented achievement.

These were epic times. Not only had the Hidden Kingdom begun reaching out to include other people in their culture and sharing a belief system defined by the Preeminent One, the new world was allowing the arrival of immigrants wishing to adopt the values and egalitarian lifestyle the kingdom adhered to. And now another new world, though this one was a mystery. Every other world in the galaxy had been seeded, been environmentally engineered, to become habitable. What hadn’t changed was the elusive nature of the Kaneer Kingdom. It remained unknown, to the rest of the galaxy, apart from rarely repeated legends. Also, the royal line, remained largely unknown to the populace. After Padi’s coronation, Brack had moved to the water world, Elin, with his new wife Lona, and faded from the memories of the citizens. Only recently had he moved back to Darnell because of the tragic passing of his wife.

Almost simultaneously Neela tapped him on his shoulder breaking his reverie, and Myah exclaimed, Wow! That is really amazing.

Milander accepted a large mug from Neela while trying to focus on Myah.

What’s that?

Okay, so we know eighty five percent of the planet is ocean. You’re on one of the three main islands or continents…Well, under all that forest it looks as if there is a fairly substantial city…from the geometric features described by radar penetration.

Anywhere near us? I ask because it’s not apparent at all.

Yeah…Looks like they opted for low profile construction—no high rises—and, you’re not far from the centre of the largest grid-like landscape…Interestingly, the largest landmass, the one with all the large mammals, has no evidence of architecture. It has some regions where grasslands predominate.

Gorvin and Neela were now looking over his shoulder, looking at the radar penetration images.

Are you saying if we burrow through this stuff we’ll come across buildings? asked Neela.

Looks like it, but there may be a layer of rotting vegetation you have to get through.

How deep? interjected Gorvin.

Three or four slens, she replied.

Milander knew that three or four standard lengths meant he would use a robotic device to clear the area. The slen was a universal measurement that was accepted across the galaxy. He had been told, possibly by Marlo who was a student of such matters, that it probably originated with the original galactic colonisers and had gone through a few name changes over their known history. He was one hundred and eighty-three centislen tall on Darnell and this place had similar gravity. That meant that a little more than twice his height would have to be removed to expose any construction. Was it worth the effort? He doubted much would be left of the building due to the attrition effects of plant roots.

Myah, could you get a higher definition readout of our location to let us know if it’s worth our effort to check it out?

No need…You can use your longwave backscatter and get a much more precise image. She poked her tongue at him clearly declaring she had scored a point by instructing him on a procedure he should have known.

Yes … you’re right…I didn’t think. He tried to ignore her one-upmanship, but he squirmed within. He hated being schooled by anyone, however Myah was particularly annoying. She especially was able to irritate him and make much of every minor victory. And he had no recourse. Because he outranked her, he was expected to be more informed so he couldn’t parade his successes in correcting her inaccuracies and slip-ups with any conviction.

"Gorv, will you run the scan? See if you can tell whether it’s worthwhile clearing this layer of organic matter.

He switched off the screen and over the audio informed Druff what they would do.

What was that Brin? he asked as the commander’s voice had been obscured by an interchange with the environmental specialist.

Bannett said don’t forget the plant samples.

Right, we’ll suit up and do that now…Just avoiding contamination in both directions, he added justifying the wearing of the lightweight protective suits.

He signed off and Neela was in his face immediately. Why do you put up with Myah’s insubordination…She poked her tongue out at you, a senior officer!

For the same reason I put up with your bending of regulations…because formality makes us second guess our input and affects efficiency.

Within, Milander reflected that perhaps he did need to tighten up on protocols. His genuine affection for all his colleagues was probably being misconstrued by Neela and Myah. In his role he couldn’t afford to become emotionally involved. Maybe later, when someone else took the burden of liaising with kingdom assets in various key galactic centres, he would leave himself open to forming a lasting relationship. He knew he was attracted to both women for different reasons, but he certainly didn’t have that fabled infatuation that was so often depicted as true love.

Well…Are you getting ready for a sampling session or not? Neela shattered his musings.

Ah…yes…I’ll just finish this coffee. He was thankful of the ready excuse for his daydreaming. If he was to command the Ketch, he had to be more in tune with what was going on. He felt like saying that her abrupt manner with him was a case in point that Neela, herself, wasn’t immune to lax respect of rank.

Milander glanced over Gorvin’s shoulder as he made his way to outfit himself in protective gear.

Is that the best image you can get? he remarked as he studied the blurry picture on the screen.

I think we’re too close…

Right… Milander cut him off before he could elaborate. We’ll leave the sampling till later, Neela, he called out behind him. We’ll hover about twenty slens above the surface to see what sort of image we get…It might give us a better area to land and clear.

Neela emerged with the polymer coveralls half on, up to her waist and sat at her station. She had already tied her brown hair in a bun in preparation for the hooded top half of the suit. Don’t take too long…There’s an intense storm cell heading this way…I don’t want to be out there when it breaks.

Why? Those outfits are waterproof, countered Gorvin.

Yeah, but the electrical activity is through the roof.

With a quick glance to ensure the other two were ready, Milander instructed the PIA to perform a local reconnaissance of the area.

Adjusting to forty slens to clear tall plants, stated the expressionless electronic voice.

Right, he replied, wincing that it was an obvious consideration he had overlooked. He had chosen an area where the trees were shortest with most around twenty slen and quite narrow; but a few were close to forty. Some distance away the trees were huge, closer to a hundred slen, and far less conducive to being cleared for landing.

They tell me Marlo had a much friendlier PIA, submitted Neela with a quirky smile.

Milander ignored her dig. She was letting him know, once more, that she had learned he was part of the royal dynasty. By rights he should call her bluff and take up a commission on another ship where his history was unknown. It occurred to him that the only way she would know was if she had attended the crowning of Padi herself, or someone close to her had passed on the details. None of the telecast had included the family members by strict adherence to conventions. So either someone, or Neela herself, saw them or took digital images using a secreted device. The situation wasn’t ideal.

As they flew above the flattened patch of forest a detailed schematic of block-like structures slid slowly across the screen.

Hardly any evidence of collapse or crumbling, observed Gorvin.

I can’t see any…It looks like it’s completely intact, said Milander disbelievingly. We’ll get a copy to allow PIA to program the utility robot.

Neela came and stood behind him even though she had access to the same video feed.

There, just north of where we were parked… She pointed to the screen. It looks like stairs to an entry…If it’s still undamaged we might be able to enter.

Milander nodded. The last thing he had expected to do on this planet was to engage in some sort of archaeological dig. He knew some of the old-world planets had experts that had unearthed sites going back almost to the first Galactic migration, but this was the first case, he had heard of, of an abandoned planet with evidence of past civilisation.

Pia, what sort of material has been used in construction and why is it in such good condition? There were gradsecs before the artificial intelligence responded.

Material consists of small grained igneous rock, historically referred to as basalt though internal materials also include a variety of grain size granites. They appear to be quite impervious to weathering due to being cut by high powered high intensity laser. The glass-like surface resists intrusion by water and organic life.

We still use that technique with our buildings, remarked Gorvin. They must have been reasonable advanced.

It’s not a new technology, used to be considered too wasteful of energy…but our high-level computing allows for continuous focussing through multiple passes. Makes it much more achievable. Milander was lecturing absent-mindedly as he was studying the screen."

Where do you get that stuff from? jibed Neela. He ignored the question. He didn’t want to expand on the knowledge they had of his family already…but the whole lot of his family relished in any opportunity to instruct the others regarding some obscure information.

PIA, land…same position. He glanced backward. I think we’ve seen enough…It looks a very extensive construction…but there are no guarantees it will be accessible.

Neela had a different strategy. PIA, can we access inside the structure?

Insufficient data.

Milander grunted. PIA, is there sufficient space inside the structure for human movement.

The cavity beneath the top layer of the structure averages three slens for each of four levels.