Macali prepared to engage. She set up record, backup and emergency aux channels. If anything happened to her, another Opae would be able to access her files and would know everything she knew. Gaining an advantage over the Opae's nemesis race was information she could not afford to ignore, no matter its source. The battle between Opae and Human, if it could be called a battle, had been continuing for more centuries than anyone could say. The fight consisted of occupying territory and making use of resources, making sure the asteroid mines, the energy wells, were available when needed. Opae and Human could not physically affect each other. They could not touch. Their weapons were irrelevant. They could only occupy the same overcrowded space, vying for what they needed. Macali was a warrior of the highest order. Her superior ability in navigating the nine-fold trans-dimensional matrix, along with the cutting-edge tech that had been installed in her physical form made her one of her people's finest assets. It was her duty to learn everything she could, while avoiding being taken prisoner. Macali had no fear. She was not programmed for fear. The Opae had no need of fear or anger, grief or joy. Investigating and reporting back on this newly encountered race was her primary duty, and she would use every advantage she had in order to perform that duty. "I am ready to receive information," Macali said to Azinorc. "Lead the way." Uven and Azinorc resumed their relaxed pace down the corridor, Azinorc making a simple hand motion as she walked that caused the glowing golden cubes and spheres to collapse and disappear. Although Macali did not sense a trans-dimensional shift, she assumed the device had been sent through a small portal. "Augidarr is already waiting to speak to you," said Azinorc in her melodious voice. "She is eager to make your acquaintance." Macali nodded once, politely, acknowledging the comment but contributing nothing further. The Beridae females stopped in front of an archway that led into a room where a third Beridae female stood with six others behind her. She did not waste time in pleasantries. "I am Augidarr. Welcome. I know you have many questions. We have much to share. If you will allow, we will show you how to interface with our equipment so that you may learn in the most efficient way. Azinorc has shown you the kalilja?" "Kalilja?" Macali asked. Azinorc made the same gesture she had made in the hallway, and the beautiful data cubes and spheres reappeared. "This is a kalilja," Azinorc told her. "Ah yes," Macali replied. "She has, indeed." "If you will take it in your hands," Augidarr continued, "you will begin to receive information almost immediately. You will be able to ask any questions you like, and you will receive answers." Macali did not need to debate. Her role was clear. She held out her hands and received the kalilja. She immediately felt a trans-dimensional shift, and her awareness, her consciousness, was inside the kalilja. There was so much information there, she didn't know if she would ever finish learning, or if she would ever get out! She set up as many data-transfer links as she could, effectively allowing herself to be in nine places at one time, and began the download. "Can you hear me, Macali?" Augidarr asked. There was no response. Macali was as still as a statue, eyes blank. "Excellent," Augidarr said. "Excellent." ************* Kalilja created in Groboto 2.3.3. Figures posed in Poser 8, rendered in Vue 9.5 infinite. Words created across the globe... Collaboration is SUCH fun! Craig & Tara (autietk)
Previous image: Shadows 2: Contact