NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17: Aethel
Chapter 17 Aethel
The Keep's door materialized smoothly within a designated docking bay—a platform of shimmering energy that gently cradled the time-traveling structure. Shuri stepped out, catching her breath in her throat.
Aethel was breathtaking. Bioluminescent structures, crafted from what appeared to be living flora, towered around them, emitting a soft, ethereal glow. Waterfalls cascaded down the sides of these organic skyscrapers, feeding into crystal-clear streams that meandered through meticulously landscaped gardens. The air hummed with a quiet energy, a symphony of unseen technology woven seamlessly into the natural environment. The contrast between the Keep's familiar interior and this vibrant, alien vista was striking; stepping through the door felt less like exiting a building and more like crossing a threshold into another world.
Devon followed, a subtle smile playing on his lips. Even for him, a traveler of countless realities, Aethel held a unique charm. It was a testament to what humanity could achieve when it embraced harmony and innovation.
A small, hovering drone, its form resembling a stylized hummingbird, approached them. A warm, synthesized voice emanated from it.
"Welcome to Aethel, travelers. I am designated Guide Unit 734, but you may call me Seven. I am at your service."
Shuri's eyes widened, her scientific curiosity immediately piqued. "You're an autonomous unit?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.
"What kind of AI architecture do you utilize?"
Seven tilted its head slightly, as if considering the question. "I operate on a distributed neural network, integrated with the city's central consciousness. This allows for seamless communication and adaptive learning."
Devon chuckled softly. "Impressive. It is one of the most beautiful places I know of." He turned to Shuri. "See? I told you this place was something special."
"Special is an understatement," Shuri murmured, her gaze sweeping over the cityscape. "This… this is beyond anything I could have imagined."
"Shall we begin our tour?" Seven offered, hovering closer. "I can tailor the experience to your specific interests." It paused, then added, "Though I must confess, I find human interests... curious. Why, for example, do you find the concept of 'reality television' so compelling?"
"I'm interested in everything," Shuri declared, a wide grin spreading across her face. "The architecture, the energy sources, the social structure… everything."
"Then let us start with the city's heart," Seven replied, leading them towards a nearby levitating platform. "The Nexus Core."
The platform glided effortlessly through the city, offering panoramic views of Aethel's wonders. Shuri peppered Seven with questions, her scientific mind absorbing every detail. Devon, while less outwardly enthusiastic, was equally intrigued. He engaged Seven in discussions about advanced physics, genetic engineering, and the nature of consciousness, revealing a depth of scientific knowledge that surprised even Shuri.
They visited holographic art galleries where the artwork shifted and evolved in response to the viewer's emotions, virtual reality recreation centers that could perfectly simulate any environment imaginable, and research labs dedicated to exploring the very fabric of reality. Shuri even experienced a virtual recreation of a prehistoric Earth ecosystem, marveling at the long-extinct flora and fauna. The experience, while bittersweet, offered a small measure of solace, a connection to a lost past.
As they strolled through a tranquil garden, filled with exotic, bioluminescent plants, Devon excused himself. "I have a brief errand to run," he said, his tone casual. "I'll meet you back at the docking bay in a couple of hours."
Shuri, engrossed in a discussion with Seven about the garden's unique ecosystem, barely registered his departure. "Alright," she said absently, her attention focused on a plant that pulsed with a soft, blue light.
Devon subtly used his temporal powers [Flash Forward], allowing him to move like a blur through the city. He arrived at a discreet, unassuming building marked with a stylized double helix symbol – the headquarters of Aethel BioSolutions. It was one of the foremost biological engineering companies in the galaxy.
Inside, he was greeted by a tall, slender woman with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. "Lord King," she said, her voice cool and professional. "I've been expecting you."
"Director Lyra," Devon replied, offering a polite nod. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice."
"Time is a precious commodity, even in Aethel," Lyra said, leading him into a private meeting room. "What can I do for you?"
"I require a… specialized service," Devon said, lowering his voice. "One that requires your utmost discretion."
Lyra raised an eyebrow, but her expression remained impassive. "Aethel BioSolutions is known for its discretion, Lord King. You may speak freely."
Devon outlined his request, keeping his voice low and his expression carefully neutral. It was a delicate matter, one that he couldn't afford to have known by anyone, especially Shuri.
Meanwhile, Shuri continued her exploration of Aethel, her initial anxiety fading as she became immersed in the city's wonders. She found herself drawn to the scientific community, engaging in lively discussions with Aethelian researchers about their work on advanced materials, energy sources, and the nature of reality itself. She felt a spark of excitement, a renewed sense of purpose that she hadn't felt since… well, since before everything had fallen apart. The advanced technology here was breathtaking, far surpassing even what she had access to in Wakanda. They were working on harnessing zero-point energy, manipulating gravity at a molecular level, and even exploring the possibility of interdimensional travel through controlled quantum entanglement. It was a scientific paradise.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the bioluminescent cityscape, Shuri returned to the docking bay, eager to share her discoveries with Devon. But he wasn't there.
Seven, still hovering patiently nearby, tilted its head. "Lord King informed me he would return shortly," it said. "Perhaps he encountered a delay."
Just then, a city-wide alert blared through the air, the tranquil hum of Aethel replaced by a jarring, insistent tone. Seven's demeanor shifted instantly, its gentle, synthesized voice becoming clipped and urgent. "Attention citizens," it announced, the message echoing throughout the docking bay and presumably the entire city.
"Unidentified vessels detected approaching the Aethel system. All personnel are advised to proceed to designated shelters. This is not a drill." The last three words were delivered with a chilling emphasis that left no room for doubt.
Shuri's heart pounded in her chest. She looked around frantically, searching for Devon, but he was nowhere to be seen. The peaceful atmosphere of the docking bay was shattered, replaced by a palpable tension. Aethelians, who had been leisurely strolling through the area moments before, were now moving with a purpose, heading towards designated shelter areas.
The images on the displays became clearer, showing sleek, metallic ships descending from the sky, their hulls gleaming like polished obsidian. They were shaped like predatory birds, their wings extended, revealing rows of glowing energy cannons. Flashes of crimson light erupted from their prows, striking the city's outer defenses.
A threat had arrived and Devon was missing. Shuri felt a surge of frustration mixed with a growing sense of dread. She was alone, in an unfamiliar city, facing an unknown threat. But she wasn't helpless. She had her intellect, her training, and her unwavering determination.
But there was a problem. Devon had told her to keep her temporal footprint under control, the idea was to not be too conspicuous. Would helping the Aethelians defend count or not? Should she help or wait for Devon to arrive?
The question gnawed at her. On one hand, Devon's warning echoed in her mind: "Keep your temporal footprint light." Intervening in a large-scale attack would be anything but subtle. It could have unforeseen consequences, ripples that might alter time in ways she couldn't predict. She didn't want to inadvertently cause more damage than she prevented.
On the other hand… people were in danger. These weren't her people, not in the same way the Wakandans were, but they were innocent lives nonetheless. Could I stand by and do nothing while they were attacked? The thought was revolting to her. It went against everything she stood for.
She weighed the options, her mind racing. Waiting for Devon was the safest course of action, temporally speaking. But how long would that take? And what would happen in the meantime? The images on the displays became clearer, showing sleek, metallic ships descending from the sky, their weapons glinting menacingly. This wasn't some minor skirmish; this was a full-scale assault.
The decision crystallized in her mind. Devon's warning was important, but it couldn't supersede her own moral compass. She couldn't prioritize temporal subtlety over saving lives. If the consequences of her actions were negative, she would deal with them. But she wouldn't stand idly by while others suffered.
Shuri took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing with determination. She would focus on defensive actions, protecting the Aethelians without directly engaging the attackers. Perhaps she could use her knowledge of energy fields to reinforce the city's shields, or disable some of the attackers' weapons systems remotely. That way, she could help without leaving a significant trace of her presence.
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From "The Author's Guide to Multiversal Storytelling" (a highly controversial and frequently banned book):
"Rule #42: When dealing with time travel, throw logic out the window. You'll thank me later."
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A/N: I have decided to cross post this on RR too.