The Robots of Atlantis: Stellar Flash Book Four by Neil A. Hogan

Author:Neil A. Hogan [Hogan, Neil A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Space Fiction Books
Published: 2021-05-06T16:00:00+00:00

Episode 3

Timelines

Chapter 53

Patel materialized in a cloud of sparking energy within a gridded, egg-shaped room. He did some quick calculations in his head as the walls cleaned him of any non-essential bacteria and viruses and adjusted his energy body for optimum entry into the alien space. The energy was so thorough he sensed some old belief systems no longer relevant to the 22nd century being cleaned away from lessor-used neurons, and he felt lighter and happier as a result.

He also felt a number of presences on the periphery of senses float and flicker past, their frequencies barely registering in the space. He felt some fear, but he knew that it was his normal human body’s physical reactions. He sensed his adrenalin spiking and took some breaths to calm down. Logically, this must be the safest place in the universe.

A blue glow coalesced into a bipedal energy being in front of him and it strode forward, an approximation of an elbow outstretched, awaiting the completion of a physical greeting.

Patel smiled and tapped his own right elbow against the alien’s barely corporeal limb. “Greetings on behalf of the human race. Though our minds may be different, and our bodies may be different, through our hearts we are one.”

“Greetings on behalf of the Interdimensional Coalition. Please take it that we have responded in kind. Follow. There is no need to walk.”

Patel looked down to see the floor had become fluid, gripping his shoes. He felt himself being stabilized and pulled comfortably along. As soon as he was sure of his balance he looked about, struggling to comprehend what he was seeing. “It’s like suddenly seeing what’s hiding in pitch black.”

“I’ve never seen black,” said the bright energy being in front of him. “I have heard that when we transition, we do see this non-color. Something to look forward to.”

Above and below them, Patel could see multiple levels stretching away. Some levels seemed completely incomprehensible. Others looked like sandstone, marble and crystal, though with aliens made of sandstone, marble and crystal meeting there, it was difficult to tell where the floor ended and the aliens began.

Each level featured a myriad of aliens talking with other aliens. Patel had no idea what about but perhaps it was trade, or negotiating treaties or consulting sessions or…

“This entire station is devoted to studying humanity.”

Patel coughed. “But how would that interest you?”

“An infinite multiverse with infinite beings. There must be a percentage that are interested in studying you. Unfortunately, the total number doesn’t exist in your vocabulary.”

The floor stopped moving and the being indicated a room. “This is your residence. You have access to any record we’ve collected in the past one hundred million years. We all have unlimited time, so you are never interrupting us if you need us for anything. I am available, as are others, as you might put it, 24/7.”

Patel was reeling at what had been offered to him.

“You may wish to take some time to adjust, and join the welcome party later. Or…”

Patel looked quickly at him, grinning.

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