“I will, Commander.”

  Exeter disconnected the vid and pointed to the primary holo.

  “Let’s start with the basics. Turn our attention back to where this began: The chasm and Lake Profundus. Directly opposite each other. A few days before the Event, Shoan Gui dove to the bottom of Profundus. The Jewels captured him – and I use that term loosely. Whatever he is now, it’s not human. Shoan returned minutes before the chasm opened. Clearly orchestrated. This implies what?”

  Spec. Traut raised her hand, a habit Exeter wished she’d break.

  “Esme?”

  “There’s a connective tissue running through Aeterna’s core. It begins with the so-called drain at the bottom of Profundus.”

  They’d covered this ground before, but it bared repeating.

  “Which implies?”

  “The Jewels tracked Shoan from Profundus and knew precisely when to broadcast a signal which imploded the chasm.”

  “Correct. After the Jewels concealed the chasm, nothing major happened until we detected the protein. After we discovered it, the protein’s visible range expanded with increasing velocity. What does this tell us about the chasm?”

  Mustachioed Lt. Lleyton Mars, who focused on the extensive topographic data from the region, chimed in.

  “It’s a transmitter.”

  Exeter nodded, but Rafa did one better.

  “No. It’s a transceiver.”

  Smiles all around. Exeter followed on.

  “So, if we assume the lake and the chasm have a direct line of communication, we have to ask why. Start with the lake. What do we know for certain?”

  Lt. Mars started the discussion.

  “The water contains chemical compounds found nowhere else on the planet. Aldo Cabrise and Shoan Gui believed they might be the core catalysts to the Jewels’ terraform matrix. We can’t identify those compounds, and there’s nothing in the Collectorate Archives to suggest they exist on any other world. We also know the water is heavier by a factor of three, it repels sunlight starting at a very shallow depth, and maintains a steady level, regardless of precipitation or runoff from the mountains.”

  Spec. Cress waited a beat to add:

  “And it has the same shape as the chasm, though smaller in surface and depth.”

  Exeter appreciated the recitation. Each time he heard it, he gained a sense of moving closer to clarity.

  “Since we don’t know what’s inside the chasm, let’s stick with the lake’s contents. What else differentiates it from bodies of water planetwide?”

  Cress snapped his fingers.

  “Sodium.”

  “Excuse me?” Exeter asked.

  “Damn it, Commander, I don’t know how I missed it. I was looking through the global hydrology data last night. It was endless. I fell asleep in my uniform.” He forced a chuckle. “Not the most exciting read. Unless I overlooked it, there is no saltwater on this planet outside Lake Profundus.”

  The officers paused for a beat. Exeter grimaced.

  “How did we not already know that? One saltwater source on the entire planet? That has to be unique in the Collectorate.”

  “It is, if true,” Lt. Mars said. The topographical expert added, “But ours is the only planet of forty without oceans. Even Azteca and Moroccan Prime, which are mostly dry, have bodies of water thousands of times larger than our biggest.”

  “This would make sense,” Spec. Cress replied. “Hiebimini had no oceans, even early in history. Perhaps the Jewels’ terraform matrix could not carve one out.”

  “Harland, run a search through the data spools to verify you’re right about the saltwater. It could be an important differentiator.”

  “On it, Commander.”

  “OK. What else stands out?”

  “The equilibrium,” Lt. Mars answered. “It’s unaffected by depth. As pressure increases, the equilibrium should adjust. I’ve always found that to be one of the lake’s strangest qualities.”

  “Basic physics,” Rafa said. “But not in Profundus. I wonder what else defies basic laws. Lieutenant, you mentioned how rapidly sunlight is absorbed. My understanding is that water molecules absorb light waves at different rates. Correct?”

  “True, Admiral.”

  “But in Profundus, as I understand it, light doesn’t fade nor is it reflected. It goes out like a snuffed candle at a shallow depth.”

  Mars pounded his fist on the light table.

  “Damn it. Solar power. That could explain the chemical compounds we’ve never been able to identify. What if their job is to consume the raw energy and refine it to produce power?”

  “For what?” Rafa asked.

  The possibility hit Exeter broadside.

  “Fuel for an engine.” He allowed the idea to settle in. “Lleyton, you mentioned the consistent equilibrium. We also know the lake’s water pressure does not intensify to the degree you’d expect one mile down. Every engine requires a balanced fuel mixture in order to operate at maximum efficiency.”

  Rafa jumped in.

  “Carbedyne requires a level pressure environment, whether you’re dealing with fins on a terrestrial Scram or the nacelles, shimmer tunnels, and system engines on our capital ships. But Carbedyne by nature becomes unbalanced. Backslop. Every ship has a redundant system to absorb the backslop, fuse with water, and recycle.”

  Lt. Mars snapped his fingers.

  “The drain. That’s its purpose. It absorbs imbalances and maintains a steady equilibrium throughout the lake.”

  Exeter dared to laugh.

  “Either we just made the biggest breakthrough in the study of Aeterna, or we’ve lost our minds. Tell me this makes sense.”

  “It does,” said Spec. Cress. “I ran the hydrology numbers. Only Profundus contains a measurable amount of sodium. Between the high salt content, the foreign compounds, the drain, and the balanced equilibrium, we may be right. It’s an organic engine.”

  In a strange way, Exeter wanted to celebrate potentially the most profound terrestrial revelation since Settlement. Alas, it segued into more questions.

  “OK, let’s assume we figured it out. If Profundus is the engine that drove the planet’s makeover, what in ten hells is the chasm? And why is the chasm transmitting the existence of a synthetic protein with an unknown purpose?”

  Traut raised her hand. Again.

  “Since we’re moving into the unprecedented ...”

  “Everything about Aeterna is unprecedented. Speak your mind.”

  “Commander, if the chasm is transmitting, then it stands to reason the proteins are receiving. Maybe the reason we haven’t seen them before is because they’ve been hidden, not invisible.” She pointed to the table. “We don’t see the source of this light through the opaque glass, but we know it’s there. If we’re not sure, all we have to do is remove the glass. Am I making sense?”

  Lt. Mars nodded.

  “A protective skin, perhaps, shields the proteins ...” He raised his voice. “A skin that mimics other natural – and visible – proteins. The signal from the chasm breaks down the skin and removes the proteins from their hiding places.”

  “In other words,” Exeter said, “They’ve always been there but in disguise. It’s a hell of a theory and makes more sense than anything else we’ve brainstormed. But it still doesn’t answer a fundamental question: What is their purpose?”

  “I have a feeling we’d know, Commander, if we got a peek at what’s happening beneath that toxic fog.”

  “May be right, Lleyton. But in lieu of that or Shoan Gui returning with more hints, we have to press our case with the evidence before us. Still no luck scanning beneath the rivers?”

  Lt. Mars expanded the holographics of the river systems surrounding the chasm.

  “No, sir. Beyond a few lateral subterranean shafts which are routine for this planet, the drone scans found nothing to show a connection between the river configurations and the chasm. But I know we can crack this. We’ll intensify the subsearch.”

  The results of the subterranean scans had proved maddening. The team went in certain of a connection between the chasm and the rivers that flowed near its periphery.

  “Sounds good, Lleyton. Be creative in your search protocols. Put the drones through their paces. I’ll contact Jarvis Pellem and tell him our theory about the proteins. See if that leads him down a fresh path, assuming he hasn’t already tested for it. Good work, everyone. We’re closer. I hope. Go eat and refresh. We’ll meet back here in an hour.”

  They saluted and left, no doubt as hungry as Exeter had become. He contacted Jarvis and explained their theory. The exobiologist said he’d get his people on it straightaway but made no promises.

  Rafael waited for Exeter to finish.

  “Glad you didn’t have to start a panic down below, X.”

  Exeter snickered.

  “You don’t mean we?”

  “Oh, not at all. As Commander of Terrestrial Security, I fear you would’ve shouldered the burden and, by extension, the blame. This is why I prefer to remain safely ensconced up here.”

  “So, I’ve noticed. A bite to eat?”

  “I’m feeling a tad peckish. Soon. I stayed behind because I have something to show you. I’ve been pondering it all morning. Replaying it in Occip.”

  “What?”

  Rafa crossed his middle and index fingers, triggering Occip. His irises glowed a dim red.

  “I made a point of interviewing the last three off-worlders as they passed through en route to Promise. Our talk about the strange timing of these homecomings piqued my curiosity.”

  “Learn anything interesting?”

  “That’s what I want to show you. I spoke with Omri Haffayah three hours ago. Make note: He’s been on Xavier’s Garden for eleven years with only one trip home. No Aeternan has spent less time here than Omri.”

  Exeter activated Occip. His second eyes reached for the comm link and accepted Rafa’s invitation. The turntable monitor faded into the background, replaced by a segment of the Lioness hangar deck. Rafa walked alongside Omri, a rare dark-haired Aeternan with a full beard and three facial tattoos – each a symbol of tribes which inhabited Aeterna when it was known as Hiebimini. He wore a full-length robe with waves of colorful stitching, like a homemade quilt.

  They approached the Scramjet that would deliver Omri.

  “It will take some getting used to,” the Admiral said, “but I understand the neighbors have pitched in to clean your home inside and out. They’ll probably welcome you with a feast.”

  Omri massaged his eyes.

  “I do hope to avoid a blowout affair. I haven’t slept in two days.”

  “Nervous transition?”

  “Partly. To be honest, Admiral, I wasn’t sure I’d ever return.”

  “Why’s that?”

  He shrugged.

  “Had a good life. Dozens of friends. The Hiebim descendants thought of me as one of their own. Shared planet and what-not. No one cared I was immortal.”

  Rafa laughed.

  “You’ve gone to great lengths to distinguish yourself from the lot of us. On the bright side, Promise fashion isn’t as uniform as it used to be. Standing out will not pose a problem.” They reached the Scramjet’s egress. “I’m curious. If you made a successful life there, what drew you back to Aeterna?”

  Omri scanned the surroundings, wary.

  “I wasn’t homesick. At least, I didn’t believe so. Then the dreams started.”

  “Dreams?”

  “Dreams. Messages. Voices. Every night for fifty standard days.”

  “Can you describe them?”

  Omri shook his head.

  “No. Actually. I have the sense they were incredibly vivid while I slept. When I woke, I’d forget them but feel as if I’d been choking in my sleep. And yet, I was drawn back to them. No matter where I was, no matter the task at hand, I could not shake the fear.”

  “For?”

  “The next dream. One day, I was sitting in my office reviewing financial data spools, and I made a spontaneous decision to leave the Garden. I began giving away furniture and various trinkets I collected over the years. Sold my home two days ago. Haven’t slept since.”

  Rafa extended his hand, and they shook.

  “I hope your mattress is soft and the pillow fluffed, and your well-meaning neighbors don’t keep you up for long.”

  Omri yawned.

  “It’s night in Promise, so here’s hoping you’re right.”

  The hologram disappeared, leaving only Rafa and Exeter.

  “Interesting. Yes?”

  Rafa cut the connection. They continued their talk in the operations center, irises deactivated. Exeter did not want to buy it.

  “He seems lost and confused. Are you suggesting there’s a link between his dreams and ...?”

  The Admiral licked his lips.

  “Could be nothing more than an unsatisfied man’s conscience speaking to a hard truth. But he said the dreams began fifty standard days ago. The timing is curious.”

  “Rafa, what are you suggesting?”

  “I spoke to the other returnees. They didn’t say anything about dreams, but they both admitted to feeling a heightened attraction to Aeterna in the past two months. X, I rarely lean into the insane.” Rafa tapped his head. “I prefer to keep a clean house up here.”

  “But ...?”

  “I lost my trust in coincidence a long time ago. You’ve seen things few men can imagine and even less could survive. Are you willing to dismiss a direct connection between the Change and these homecomings?”

  Exeter wasn’t about to reject the idea. His concern ran deeper.

  “If true, we need to ask the most important questions: How and why are the Jewels luring every immortal home?”

  They took those questions to lunch. The evolving situation planetside allowed them to investigate using scientific tools and logical minds. But the Change having the power to reach across the stars? Into a man’s dreams, no less?

  Too damn much to unpack over sandwiches and fruit salad.

  The lunch, however, proved little more than starter fare. Exeter’s wrist pad vibrated as he finished his salad. He tapped the pad.

  “Woolsey. Go.”

  “Lioness Command, sir. You have a call from Promise.”

  “Who?”

  Exeter realized the answer as he asked the question. Anyone in the capital could’ve contacted him via Occip – except for the one whose Occip had been nullified.

  “Your husband, sir. He says it’s an urgent matter.”

  Exeter wanted to reject the call. Why add to his burdens?

  He glanced at Rafa, who nodded reassurance.

  “Thank you, Command. Put him through.”

  13

  TWO HOURS LATER, EXETER set down his Scramjet along a rocky plateau near the Meridian River. The wind stirred out of the northeast, and a nearby thunderstorm charged south toward Promise. Whitecaps topped the raging brown water, soon to plunge over waterfalls into Promise Valley. Caleb waited near the river’s edge.

  “Dramatic,” Exeter said as he approached.

  “I like the great outdoors more than ever.” Caleb smirked. “Forty days in one room has that effect.”

  “This setting seems familiar.” He nodded toward the geology outpost thirty meters away. “Wait. It’ll come to me. Oh, yes. The day I arrived home, and you ran in with a disfigured arm. This is where you claimed to have had a horrible accident.”

  Caleb brushed the hair from his face.

  “Still holding that against me, I see.”

  “Oh, no. I understand. You needed a cover story, and I threw you off your game.”

  “But you would’ve been happy if I had simply told you the truth about Lake Profundus?”

  Exeter walked closer to the water’s edge.

  “Truth is hard, but it’s usually a good place to start.”

  Caleb stood alongside.

  “That’s why I brought you here.”

  “What? To apologize?”

  “No, X. Everything I do is bent in one direction. It’s damn well bigger than either of us. But it doesn’t have to divide us.”

  Exeter thought he’d take a stab at Caleb’s rhetoric.

  “What about our marriage?”

  “I want it dissolved. No rush.”

  His demand hit sooner – and harder – than expected.

  “Divide but don’t divide. Make sense of it, Caleb.”

  “What we did was not a mistake. I loved you then and still do.”

  “But?”

  “I can’t commit to any one person. It’s not practical. I’m choosing a path that’s built on more consequential choices. I intend to devote myself to the next generation and all the gifts we’re about to be handed.”

  At least he’s honest about it. Finally.

  Exeter processed the idea of a life apart. It didn’t feel as empty or despairing as he once imagined.

  “Gifts. I see. Other than the embryos Tess Ranke is growing – I assume in her Promise lab – what gifts?”

  “The ones being prepared by the Jewels.”

  “And they are?”

  “To be revealed. I want to show you something, X.”

  Caleb strolled along the water’s edge. Large flagstones were wet but not slippery. He pointed to a stone obelisk two meters high.

  “See the marker? This is Michael Cooper’s Liberation Trail. You know the story. Yes?”

  “I do. What’s your point?”

  Caleb did not answer the question.

  “As the story goes, Michael and two companions, including Aldo Cabrise, escaped an attack on Tamarind, leaped through the Anchor Gate, crossed four hundred sixty-five light-years, and landed north of here near the ruins of the old Hiebim capital Messalina. As Michael charged ahead to rescue his wife and defeat the hybrids, the Jewels touched his mind. They guided him forward.”

  Caleb turned and pointed south.

  “In the end, Michael claimed a rifter at this site and ventured to Meridian Falls, where Valentin Bouchet intercepted him. They became allies in the fight against the Unification Guard’s invasion and to stop Brother James. Without that alliance, immortals would have been slaughtered. Afterward, the Jewels gifted Michael with an intellect that led to many innovations under his rule.”