Transformation (Episode Six in the Star Song Series)

By Bill Gregg

Temozar Alkabah's skin has completely changed to the five colors that also mark the alien Shirrah. He tries to explain to his lover, Artemis Katsaros, that the transformation in his mind that is far more significant than the change in his skin color. Thanks to his fusion with the entity from the dark universe, he has come to the realization that his conception of self is false, a virtual construct of his brain.

The couple embark on a dangerous adventure, a trip to explore the far side of the mountains to the west of Eden's human settlement. When they return, he is contacted by the alien Shirrah. They invite him and other human and non-human representatives from Eden to visit the planet Hestia. The conference will discuss the Khaozians, creatures that have destroyed a nearby galaxy and threaten all intelligent life in the Milky Way. The Khaozians are traveling straight towards the sector of the galaxy where both the Shirrah and human beings dwell.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bill Gregg
• Release date: Feb 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215332078

Bill Gregg

I write fiction from some subconscious compulsion rather than a desire for financial gain or adulation. Even though my bookish inclinations led me to a position as the editor of my college literary journal, then to five years work for a small avante-garde publishing house, I didn't pursue my desire to write fiction until later in life. I had poetry published but no stories or novels. Now, after a lifetime filled with amazing experiences, I sit down to write every day. I decided to issue the resulting science fiction and fantasy short stories on Smashwords in case there are readers for my somewhat antiquated and literary style. In addition to shorter fiction, I'm currently publishing a serialized science fiction novel, “Star Song” on Smashwords , with a new 10,000 word installment posted every month.Much of my science fiction shows the influence of my experience in military intelligence with the US Navy's Naval Security Group (NAVSECGRU, now NETWARCOM). During my tour, I flew on numerous reconnaissance missions with VQ-1 (Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One) in the Far East. After that I worked for a few years in publishing, then as a traveling folk musician. Finally, I settled into a career in biotechnology. I retired from scientific work to teach music at a fine arts academy in Upstate New York. All my life I've been an outdoorsman, and my love of nature shows through in all of my fiction. I live in the scenic Finger Lakes area of New York State where I enjoy hiking, gardening, archery, and the company of my beautiful wife and our wonderful dog, Dash.

Book preview

Transformation

(Episode six in the Star Song series)

by Bill Gregg

Transformation

(Episode Six in the Star Song series)

By Bill Gregg

Copyright © 2023 by William Richard Gregg

Published by Bill Gregg on Smashwords 2023

Edited by Bill Gregg

Cover Illustration by Storn Cook

Cover Design by yourebookcover.com

First Edition February 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the author, except for the purpose of reviews.

This book is a work of fiction and all names, characters, places, and incidents are fictional. Any resemblance to actual people, places, or events is coincidental.

Temozar Alkabah was in a trance. He stood upright, like a post embedded in the ground. His arms were outstretched, his palms turned up to face the alien sun Helios. His eyes were open but half shut, hooded, gazing into some invisible realm. Artemis knew he would stand like that for hours, sometimes until Helios dipped towards the western horizon.

When Temozar emerged from his trance he began to sing. The sounds that came from his mouth were not human words. They were the rounded musical notes of the alien Shirrah language. The tones resembled those of a mellow woodwind instrument - beautiful - mesmerizing. The melodies were quite unlike human music though. The intervals proceeded in haunting, seemingly illogical patterns. He sang the melodic words of the frond like alien creatures, notes rich with meaning and symbolism.

On that particular day he intoned a melody that Artemis recognized. He often sang that particular pattern when he emerged from his trances.

La do sol ti la mi fa re mi. La do sol ti la mi fa re mi, he sang over and over.

Finally, he dropped his arms to his sides and fully opened his eyes. Artemis, he said, how long have you been sitting there?

For an hour. I was just watching you. Your colors are so gorgeous. Your hair has changed. Even your teeth have the alternating colors now. That melody that you sing. I know the Shirrah use music for communication. Does that melody have a special meaning?

He came over and kissed her lightly on the lips. It does.

Well, are you going to tell me?

You are integral with the entirety of it. His body shivered slightly as he spoke. That’s a free, more poetic translation. He sat next to Artemis. "Literally it means you and the universe are one family. When I first heard it, my mind translated freely. He seemed bemused for a moment, then continued. You are integral with the entirety of it. I think that conveys the sense of it better than the exact translation."

What it is like when you’re in that state, the trance?

He smiled. "It’s difficult to describe. I become aware of everything at first. My senses become