The Far Pole Part II: Chinavare's Find, #5

Chapter Sixteen: Into the Aos Again.

Wednesday, November 6 th , 2047

University Center, Ulrich

Random and Sarah stood in the little clearing in front of the Commonwealth's quonset. They were joined in the clearing by Guinaheir, Maxim and Sevari, and Geneive al To-ok. Random said to Sarah, It looks like everyone who intends to join us, is present.

What about Goodwoman Ophelia? I don't see her.

That's true, but Ophelia and Olvir do not have to have a visible presence to be here with us.

Then how will we know they are here?

Somebody is going to have to contact them and ask.

Is that someone probably going to end up being you?

Not right now. Right now, I have to contact our Beloved and bring her to us.

Random, would it be easier to contact Eileen if both of us are attempting to contact her?

Probably. Let me telnet her and help her to prepare.

Yeah. It would be better if you explained it to her. I tried but she seemed kind of distant. I'm not certain how much of it she took in.

All right. I'm connecting now. Sarah nodded and then Random opened his telnet link with Eileen.

When the telnet window clarified, Random saw a very nervous looking Eileen, pacing back and forth in what appeared to be a family room at their estate. He could also see Carol in the background, anxiously watching Eileen pace. He said, Eileen, I need to talk to you for a few minutes, hoping she had kept her telnet link open. She had.

Eileen answered, I hear you Random. Give me a minute to take a seat and then we can talk.

Ok. It looks like there is room on the couch, next to Carol.

Random, don't be pushy.

Yes dear.

Eileen said, I'm going to 'Yes dear' you in a minute, as she sat down next to Carol.

Random opened his telnet link with Carol as a split screen. When Carol's image solidified, he said, Hello Carol. It's time to get Eileen ready for our tour. I wanted to make sure that you both could hear me. Telnet can be kind of finicky about some things.

Ok, I'm here and so is Eileen.

Good. Let me start with Eileen. Random shifted his attention to the other telnet link. How're you doing, love?

Eileen took a deep breath and answered, I'll survive.

Good. I'm going to need you find a place where there are very few distractions. When you've found that place, then we can talk about what comes next.

Random watched as Eileen's image faded into the background. He could tell she was moving, but he couldn't actually tell where she was going. When the movement stopped and Eileen's image once again appeared in the foreground, Random said, Have you found a quiet place?

Yes. I'm still in the same room, I'm just sitting on the floor. Our entertainment screen and sound system have been turned off for this room.

That sounds perfect. Where is Carol sitting in relation to you?

She's sitting next to me. Holding my hand actually.

Excellent. Now I need you close your eyes and relax. Let the outside world drift away.

After two minutes, Eileen said, It's hard to let the outside world drift away when Carol is holding my hand. Not that I'm complaining.

Do you want me to ask Carol to let go of your hand?

No. Please don't. It's very comforting and I will find some way to deal with it. Random watched as both Eileen and Carol shifted position slightly. I think that should do it.

Random looked at both images and didn't see a great deal of difference. What's different?

I have my hands in my lap and Carol's hand is between my hands.

Random tried to picture that then decided not to worry about it. Good. Now, close your eyes.

Closed.

Great. I want you to imagine a candle burning on the floor in front of you.

It's in a candle holder, right? Don't want the carpet to catch fire.

Random chuckled and replied, Certainly.

Done.

Excellent. Now slowly take a couple of deep breaths and then try to focus only on the candle.

I'm not very good at this kind of thing.

I know dear. Hang on a minute. I'm going to talk to your hand holder.

I'll be waiting.

Keep focusing on that candle.

Candle. Right.

Random shifted his attention to his other open telnet link. Carol, I'm going to need you to do something for me.

What do you need me to do?

Do you remember the roller coaster ride?

Oh yeah. I remember.

Do you remember what I did to you just before we started?

Yes. You put your hands on my shoulders, nuzzled my neck and then the whole world seemed to drift away.

Great. I want you to do something similar to that to Eileen.

Now? It doesn't seem to be the right time for that kind of thing.

Yes now. I'm not asking you to make love to her.

Damn. What do you want me to do?

I want you to help her feel calm and relaxed.

And how do you want me to do that?

I want you to put your hands on her shoulders and then concentrate on calm, relaxed, and comforting things.

I don't think I can do that without letting go of her hand.

No. You can't, so you'll have to let go. I want you to kneel behind her, put your hands on her shoulders, and then whisper in her ear that you're there, and that it's alright to feel calm, comfortable and relaxed.

Are you sure you don't want me to make love to her. That sounds like a good start.

It may be love, but that's all I want you to do for now. Just let her know that your there and that its all right to feel calm, comfortable, and relaxed.

Alright. Give me a minute.

Hopefully I'll be able to see you behind Eileen on her screen. I'll pop over here if there's anything else I need you to do.

Oh, Random, before I forget. What am I supposed to do when she's in the aos?

Once she's in, I want you to keep an eye on her. If she moves suddenly, or does anything really odd, I want you to contact the Servi that was sent to be your protector. If you can't do that then hold Carolyn and concentrate really hard on contacting me, Sarah, or my mother.

Why should I hold Carolyn?

Because Carolyn has many of the same abilities that I do. Holding her should increase your ability to reach out and contact one of us.

Got it. This is really scary, Randy.

I know love. Hopefully nothing untoward comes of it.

Hopefully.

Random shifted back to his telnet link with Eileen. He saw Carol place her hands on Eileen shoulders, and squeeze them gently. He then saw Carol lean forward and whisper something in Eileen's ear.

Eileen leaned back into Carol and said, Mmm . . . That's nice.

Random said, Concentrate on your candle dear.

Fine. Damned candle.

After a moment, Random could see Eileen visibly relax and let go of a lot of the tension she had been carrying. He popped over to his telnet link with Carol and said, Great job Carol. Keep it up for a few minutes. You should be able to sense when she's gone.

Carol smiled. Thanks Randy. I'm glad I could help.

Random popped back to his link with Eileen and said, I want you to keep concentrating on your candle. As you concentrate I want you to listen for Sarah and my voices. You should be able to hear them in a couple of minutes. When you can hear them, I want you to focus on where they're coming from and try to respond. Eileen nodded.

Random put both of his telnet links in the background, He then reached out and held Sarah's hand and asked, Are you ready?

Sarah answered, Yes, very quietly.

He saw Sarah's eyes close and he knew she was finding her focus. He closed his eyes, found his focus. His dream self opened his eyes and looked around. They were not in the valley on New Beijing. Instead, they were on the grounds of the estate.

Sarah, open your eyes.

Tell me where we are first.

We're on the grounds of the estate.

"Will Eileen hear us if we call to her, or do we have to go and find the room she and Carol are in?"

I'm not certain. Everyone keeps telling me that the aos plays by its own rules.

That's not very comforting Random.

No, it's not, but for the moment, the aos seems very quiet. Let's both call to Eileen and see if we get a response.

Random and Sarah both called Eileen's name loudly and then listened. There was no response. After several more equally fruitless attempts, Sarah nudged him in the ribs. Let's get a little closer.

Alright. The two of them began walking towards the estate. As they neared the front doors, they swung open. Eileen was standing in the doorway. She said, You're here.

Random answered, We're here. Did you hear us calling?

Eileen shook her head and then answered, No.

Then how did you know we were here?

Carolyn knew you were here. She somehow made me know that I should look for you outside.

Wow! How in the hell did she do that?

I don't know Random, but I'm glad she did.

I am too. We shouldn't hang around. Let's see if we can get back to where Sarah and I started.

Sarah and Eileen both responded, Ok.

Random reformed his focus and he pictured the little clearing in front of the quonset hut. He then took Eileen's hand with his right hand. He used his left hand to hold Sarah's hand. When he was holding both of their hands, he stepped forward into the image of the quonset hut clearing.

Much to his relief, that's where they came out. He took a quick look around and immediately spotted Lady al Ca-ir and Ophelia. He could not see Maura or Cormac. As he prepared to contact them, he heard, Great-grandson, Cormac and I need your assistance.

How can I help you, Great-grandmother?

I need you to fix your current location in your mind. Cormac and I will come to you, Great-grandson.

Let me guess, Great-grandmother. You tried to do that a few minutes ago and wound up on the grounds of our estate on Echo World.

If that is where you say it was. I have never been to your family dwelling on Echo World.

Random chuckled and replied, I suppose you could say that Sarah and I have never been there either. We were only at the estate for a short time before this adventure started. The estate looks very different from when we were there. Sarah and I traveled there a short time ago to bring Eileen along with us on this tour.

If you could fix your current location in your mind, Cormac and I will join you, Great-grandson.

Random concentrated on the little clearing and within a few seconds Maura and Cormac stepped out of the mist to join them. Maura said, Greetings Lady Eileen. I am Random's great-grandmother, Lady Maura al Fi-er. This is my partner, Lord Cormac al Fi-er.

Eileen smiled graciously and replied, Greetings Lady Maura and Lord Cormac. I remember you from my visit to the Fortress. I am pleased to see you again.

Cormac bowed his head slightly but did not speak. Maura answered, I am glad you remember, Lady Eileen, and I am pleased to see you again. We didn't get much opportunity to speak when you were there. Hopefully we will get that chance soon

Perhaps now we can, Lady Maura. If I can connect with Random, should you not also be able to connect with me?

Maura smiled and answered, Now that I know what to look for and listen for, Lady Eileen, I should be able to contact you as well.

By listen, does that mean you can hear my thoughts, Lady Maura?

I can hear your voice, Lady Eileen and it is possible, though difficult, for me to listen to your conversations when you speak with another person, either in spoken form or in this manner.

Oh, um creepy. So you don't know what I'm thinking, Lady Maura?

No more than I can tell by reading your expression and your body language, Lady Eileen.

Is there no way to shield your conversations if you want them to be private?

There is, Lady Eileen, but it is cumbersome and takes a lot of practice.

Oh, well I suppose that's good to know. Thank you Lady Maura My partners made it sound like you or someone else was listening to their every thought.

No, Lady Eileen. Most of the time your thoughts and conversations are your own and Eloran rules of courtesy require you to announce your presence if you intrude upon the conversations of another.

Random interjected, They still may be overheard. Lady Maura. Might it be possible for Lady al Ca-ir to monitor all of my conversations? I have been puzzled for some time by a comment that Lady Rianna al Ca-ir made to her cousin, Lady Guiana al Ca-ir. Lady Rianna told her cousin that there was no place she could hide. Based on what you've told us and what I can remember my Mother teaching me, couldn't Lady Guiana hide by not speaking?

Normally, yes, but in this case, I do not think so, Great-grandson. Being able to hear another's thoughts is something that Elorans can not do, but Lady Rianna is now a creature of the aos. Who knows what rules she follows.

I was afraid you might say that, Lady Maura. Goodman Olvir has charged Lady Rianna with looking out for my safety and protecting me. She's already made it clear that she can observe my dreams.

I would assume that she can, at least, gauge your thoughts and she is probably constantly aware of your moods, Great-grandson. She can also enter your dreams, if she wishes, so be careful. Things that happen in the aos can have real world effects.

Random replied quietly, Yeah. I've learned that already.

I have heard about your classroom exploits and how those exploits affected Eloran culture, Great-grandson. Let it serve as a reminder.

I will, Great-grandmother.

Excellent, Great-grandson. I think I would like to meet this Goodman Olvir.

That may well be possible, Lady Maura. I think Goodwoman Ophelia said that Olvir would be coming with us on this tour,

Random heard Lady al Ca-ir make what sounded like the noise you make when you clear your throat. She said, Is everyone present?

Random answered, I don't see Goodman Olvir or Goodwoman Ophelia, Lady al Ca-ir.

Before Lady al Ca-ir could reply, Random heard Olvir's voice boom, We are here, Redimere, as Olvir was speaking, both Olvir, looking like a Hollywood version of a Greek god, long beard, flowing robes, and all, and Ophelia, looking like a huntress, without the bow, stepped out of the mist close enough to startle Sarah.

Sarah said quietly to Eileen, I am never going to get used to that.

Eileen whispered, Yeah. Me neither.

Lady al Ca-ir said, They appear to have arrived, General Hause. Are you ready to begin the tour?

I am ready, Lady al Ca-ir. No. Wait. Before we go, there is something I would like to talk to you about.

Very well Fe-ar, but make it brief.

I will, Lady al Ca-ir. When I am in the aos, I can sense two different things that are aware of my presence. Those occupying the aos, and the aos itself.

I can not say that I have given it much thought, Fe-ar, but it would make some things easier to understand.

Ophelia cut in, I agree, Lady al Ca-ir. If the aos itself were aware it would explain why locations within the aos seem to remember what has happened in that location before, which makes it much easier to maintain an environment like the forest I used for shelter.

Random answered, Lady al Ca-ir, if we take that to be the case, how will it affect our tour?

Lady al Ca-ir replied, I do not know Fe-ar, but I think it means that we should proceed with great caution and take steps to keep all of us together. I think we should all physically link together by linking arms or holding hands while we are in the aos.

The travelers formed a chain linked by holding hands. When the chain was complete, Lady al Ca-ir stepped forward into the mist. Each member of the chain followed.

When Random stepped out of the mist, he was in another valley, one that had suffered the ravages of a protracted war. The chain of travelers collected around him. As he stood there, his first impression was a feeling of fear. He guessed that the aos or the creatures living within it were frightened by the sudden appearance of the travelers.

Random said, Lady al Ca-ir, I sense fear around us. We need to move carefully and talk quietly.

Lady al Ca-ir did a very slow turn, stopping at each of the cardinal directions and appearing to sniff the air. When she returned to her starting point, she said, I sense it too, Fe-ar. It is more than just the inhabitants of the aos who are fearful.

Guinaheir said, Where are we.? This is not the valley on New Beijing.

Random looked around, studying the visible landforms and the subtropical vegetation. It reminded him of the land that had been described to him by General Bashere. He said, Unless I miss my guess, Mother, this is one of the valleys in Bashere's holdings on Nova Lagos.

Guinaheir smiled. Would that be the man that nearly caused your Colonel Elkins to have a heart attack, Fe-ar?

Yes. That would be the one, Mother.

Eileen interjected, Nova Lagos seems a long way off to be having a major impact on your life.

Random answered, It is a long way off, but evidently something very important is happening there. I sincerely hope that it is not the assassination of Bashere.

Lady al Ca-ir interjected, Shall we continue on with our tour?

Random answered, I think so, Lady al Ca-ir. I'm not certain there is anything else we can learn here, other than that even with its rich and fertile soils, this valley has not been replanted.

Eileen squeezed Random's hand. She said, That is significant. Bashere's people are farmers, or were farmers before the fighting broke out.

Lady al Ca-ir spoke, I am assuming that this is something requiring further study, Fe-ar.

Random replied, Very much so, Lady al Ca-ir. Without further information we cannot gauge the significance of this valley's appearance here.

Lady al Ca-ir said, It sounds troubling Fe-ar, but I do not believe anything more can be gained by lingering. She then said to the group, It is time to move on.

When she finished speaking, she turned and stepped forward, expecting to step into the mist. When that didn't happen, she continued walking. After one or two steps, her pace slowed to a crawl. It became obvious to Random that she was struggling to push forward against an aos that seemed to be resisting every step. He too could feel the aos's resistance. It felt like he was trying to walk across a marsh.

Luckily, their walk was not a long one. Some twenty paces later, in mid-stride, Lady al Ca-ir vanished into the mist. The other travelers followed her, one by one.

This time they stepped out into some place that Random could immediately identify. The streets of Omaha Station near the compound where he and Eileen had lived. As he stood there, he no longer sensed fear, but he could sense a feeling of alarm.

Lady al Ca-ir, I think we still need to move carefully and talk quietly.

Lady al Ca-ir repeated the slow turn she had performed on Nova Lagos. When she once again returned to her starting point, she said, I agree Fe-ar. The feeling of fear seems to have lessened but it would not take a great deal to bring it back, or to provoke a response. Something we want to avoid at all costs. We should continue our careful movements and quiet voices.

Eileen squeezed his hand again and said, You should remember this place.

Random replied, I do. There are times that I wish we could go back to the way it was while we were there.

There are times when I wish that too, but then I realize that if that were so, I would never have had Sarah and Carol and Carolyn in my life.

Random wanted to turn and wrap his arms around her, but it was pretty much impossible to do without letting go of Sevari's hand. He was also concerned about Lady al Ca-ir and said, "Lady Rianna, I noticed you struggling against the aos's resistance. After our briefing this afternoon, are you sure you have enough energy to continue this tour?"

Rianna al Ca-ir smiled and she replied, Thank you for your concern, Fe-ar Random. The crossing was difficult, but as I told you, I gain strength in the aos. It sounds as if you and Lady Eileen know this place well.

You are correct, Lady al Ca-ir. Lady Eileen and I once lived in that compound across the way, Random said, pointing out the correct compound.

I see. That does not seem to explain why we have arrived in this specific setting , Fe-ar.

You're right, Lady al Ca-ir. It doesn't.

Eileen commented, I can't think of any reason why we would be here either. She tugged on Random's hand and said quietly, Lady Eileen, Lady Rianna?

Random shrugged and then looked down the street. He realized that the New Beijing compound was also visible from where they stood. Random pointed to it and said, Eileen, that's the New Beijing compound down there. Well it was, anyway.

Eileen looked in the direction Random was pointing. That's right. I think it still is.

I don't see anything else here. Why don't we let Brigadier Stewart see what she can uncover in the morning. I think we can ask Tupelov to look into Nova Lagos.

Eileen's eyebrows raised. Can you trust Tupelov to actually look into Nova Lagos and then report what he finds?

I think I can trust him to do that. Besides, would you rather send one of our own people out there?

Point taken. Tupelov it is.

Lady al Ca-ir, I think we're finished here. If you're ready to move on?

Lady al Ca-ir replied cheerfully, I was waiting for you to finish, Fe-ar. When she had finished speaking, she stepped forward, leaning into her step, anticipating resistance. Instead she immediately passed into the mist and nearly fell on her face as she emerged from the mist on the far side. She regained her balance and then looked around as she continued to step away from her entry point to allow the other travelers to pass through. She realized quickly that she was on the grounds of Random's family estate, although at a different point than where they had entered in the morning.

When Random stepped through, he sensed a quiet watchfulness. The aos and its denizens seemed to have accepted the travelers' presence and that the travelers did not represent an immediate danger. Still he could sense that his every action was being watched closely. He spoke quietly saying, Lady al Ca-ir, we must continue to move carefully and to speak quietly.

Very well , Fe-ar. Tell me what you sense.

I can sense quiet watchfulness and a readiness to respond to a perceived threat.

Instead of replying immediately, Lady al Ca-ir repeated her slow turn. I think you have gauged the situation exactly, Fe-ar. I think the aos may be trying to decide whether it wants to ask us to explain our purpose here.

Random looked around a minute and then replied, Why don't we tell it what our purpose is, Lady al Ca-ir?

How should we do that, Fe-ar?

Olvir interjected, What do you do to prepare to enter the aos, milady?

Lady al Ca-ir looked puzzled for a moment and then replied, I am a creature of the aos, Goodman Olvir, I simply desire to move from one realm to another and then step across the void.

Olvir responded, Exactly, Lady al Ca-ir. Can you instead concentrate on the void?

I can Goodman Olvir, but I do not dare to enter into it.

I do not want you to enter the void either, Lady al Ca-ir. I want you to concentrate on the void and then speak to it.

Lady al Ca-ir looked even more puzzled, Speak to the void, Goodman Olvir. What will that accomplish?

I am hoping that by speaking to the void, we will in fact be speaking to the aos itself, Lady al Ca-ir.

You realize that sounds daft, Goodman Olvir.

Do you have a better idea, Lady al Ca-ir?

No, Goodman Olvir. I do not.

Then as our young friends here would say. Give it a go and see what happens, Lady al Ca-ir.

You really are daft, Goodman Olvir. She glared at Olvir as if she were burning a hole in him. Olvir just nodded and smiled. A smile that was more indulgent than friendly. A casual observer would think he hadn't a care in the world. A short time later, with an exasperated look, she said, Aaargh. Very well, Goodman Olvir. I will attempt to speak to the void.

Excellent, Lady al Ca-ir.

Random clearly heard Lady al Cair say, We apologize for causing you alarm. We do not wish to threaten, only to study and understand the aos as it appears, here.

Random, and everyone else felt more than heard, Then do so quickly. Do not linger. The presence of so many of you together, creates instabilities.

Lady al Ca-ir replied, speaking into the void once again, "Thank you. We will move as quickly as we are able."

When she finished speaking, Lady al Ca-ir stepped quickly into the mist. The rest of the travelers followed. They stepped out onto the roof of the estate. What they saw from the various points on the roof was quite similar to what they had seen on the earlier tour.

There were differences. The ridge looked just as it had before. The mountain now appeared to be in front of the valley. The forest appeared to be glowing, and the Omaha Station site was now visible in the distance from another vantage point.

Without talking and without