Page 134 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

way things had progressed on their side of the rift. It was decided that the two speeder pilots would
remain in Keterian space and a reciprocate pair of pilots should pass back through the rift in, either
modified scout craft from Keteria or the modified speeders. The pairs of pilots therefore; becoming
de-facto Ambassadors for the two communities. Trok and Lennie did manage to exchange data over
the link; with what the two learned from each other about the Kryst and the probe; it was decided
that if the initial exchange of pilots went as planned further exchanges would be made.
“I’ve been contacted by a member of the High Council representing the current Atalaman ruling
class; he just happens to be President of the High Council, his name is Armoro Thelexis and he would
like to be among the first to meet with the Keterian Council of Rule at the very first opportunity”
Hart was saying to Julio “Apparently your ancestor was a cousin of the first Atalaman High
Magistrate Genua Thelexis when the first colonising missions went out to explore space. He has
some history files and objects he wants to give to you in person” she added.
“I have no idea who this ancestor might be as our predecessors records were damaged in the
incident that led to our peoples being here on this side of the barrier. I welcome the exchange; as do
many Keterians, some of whom have expressed a wish to travel to the Unity to explore and learn.
You must understand of course; that we have been isolated from the rest of the Galaxy for many
generations, so this will be somewhat of a culture shock.” Julio responded.
“I do understand, I’m part Terran, my Father’s side of the family are Hurisan, a species of Hominid
from the Galateria Conclave. They only joined the Unity about seventy years ago, so we went
through a similar “culture shock” ourselves. Prior to our first contact; we lived in a small sector of
space, now we have most of the Galaxy to roam. One of my first official duties is recumbent on that
idea, to make the transition easier. A race called the Jebran came up with a process of induction that

was easy and simple. With your consent I want to relay
some data materials that will bring your people up to speed
with the ways and customs of the many races in the Unity.
I’m sorry that it’s a lengthy set of files, but it is in a series of
“manageable” chunks. Do you consent?” Hart asked
“By all means; and likewise I will secure access to our
records as part of this cultural arrangement. I do hope that
we can meet in person soon. I think you’ll find Keteria a
welcome environment, besides, it has always been the case
that the best negotiations take place outside the formal
environment, where barriers are let down. It has been said
that; back on Terra before The End, Atalama had the finest vineyards in all of Terra, some of those
vines still grow on Keteria, the offer stands that you will be given the chance to enjoy the fruit of
those vines” Julio said in a jovial response.
For the journey back through the rift; it was decided that the speeders were already
equipped, and, as it would take a month or so to equip two Keterian Scout ships with the necessary
modifications, a training program in familiarisation with extra controls for the shield and drive
systems, was put in place. It was decided that the two Keterian pilots would be Krysta and Gio. As
the flight controls for the Scout craft and the speeders were very similar; Gio and Krysta picked up
handling the craft very easily. What they were not prepared for was just how fast the two speeders
actually were and Gio in particular had problems judging actual distance travelled with what he
perceived as distance travelled. But it wasn’t long before both pilots were as proficient as Misha and
Trok. It was the day of exchange and both were a little nervous.
“I feel like a new graduate at the academy all over again” Gio whispered as he and Krysta stepped
into the cockpits of the speeders.
“I feel a sense of trepidation too. From what Misha said, we could pass out and be in recovery a
while, like her and Trok were when they broke through. I hope we fair in our mission as well as they
coped here.” she responded. They buckled in and the engineering crews closed the cockpit hatches;
then warily departed for the safety of the observation booth. During engine tests one technician had