Page 260 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

they were very reclusive and barely ventured out of their territories. The Nimbob though roamed
freely; striking up trading agreements and alliances when; where and with whom it pleased them.
They were also famed as “Healers”. The Women all wore a devotional bangle and carried devotional
objects associated with their races principal deity. There were six deities in all and H’Vru; was the
dominant female deity. It was a period in the cycle of devotions that the Nimbob were currently

celebrating. And it was a Holy day on the time of their visit.
H’Vru was the Goddess of Sharing and Giving; and the captain
of the vessel; her name was Umala, was in a particularly giving
mood. She presented Shiv; the next eldest female in the Eloi
group with a list of devotional tokens for her to choose three
from. The males of the Nimbob crew stayed down on their
knees until spoken to by their mates. The Captains mate was
her personal Groom and he was allowed to stand by her side
during the giving ceremony. Shiv chose three of the items and with a signal from Umala; they were
collected and brought to her.
With the formalities over the Nimbob relaxed and dispersed among all the Platforms
occupants; exchanging greetings etc. Umala drew Shiv to one side and ushered her Groom away. He
went to join the male members of the Fleet’s crews.
“It’s a pity your mother is not here; I have news of the Lingva contingent from the Heregan system. It
might go some way to explaining the situation of the closed Home system. Are you in
communication with her?” she asked Shiv
“We have only just finished repairs with the Great Beam. I could arrange for you to have a private
link if you wish?” Shiv offered
“These Unity people are a strange lot; and yes I would have preferred a private link. But if you say
they can be trusted I will take your word for it. I think it best that our findings are shared; maybe the
strangers could help” Umala answered and went on to explain what the Nimbob had discovered.
The Nimbob had found themselves in need of certain mechanical requisites so had headed
for the Heregan system to negotiate a trade with the Lingva outpost there. When they arrived the
place was in total disarray. It looked like there had been a massive battle; one of the artificial worlds
had been partially blown apart. When they eventually managed to meet with the Lingva emergency
parliament; the news was grim to say the least. An unknown enemy had entered the region from
one of the older disused Quantum Stream tunnels and had immediately set about subduing system
after system. At no time did the intruders show their faces; their communications were complex but
brief. And their ships all seemed to report back to one central command vessel that was heavily
shielded. The Lingva were the last race they encountered; but the enemy had underestimated the
Lingva and their determination. It took a great toll but the Enemy was eventually vanquished. It
seemed that once the central command vessel was destroyed the enemy fell upon and destroyed
themselves.
“Strange and odd behaviour I think you’ll agree” Umala concluded
“Yes indeed; but I seem to recall similar behaviour from one of our ancestor’s created races. The
Gantrax; but from your description of the vessels; it doesn’t sound like them; but I think you’re right
we need to get the word out on this. The Untharans have had experience of Gantrax activity; and
there is an Untharan contingent among the Unity Fleet crews that are here. I’ll introduce you to their
leader; He’s remarkably wise for a male, and a good listener” Shiv chuckled and took Umala to meet
with G’ingvur…

… The Unity was abuzz with the news from Lunaris. The prototype Gantrax creature was the
hottest news throughout the Galaxy networks. It had proved to be remarkably intelligent and
unusually docile. It could reproduce in two ways; sexually and A-sexually. In the case of the latter
method it “budded” offspring which were clones of the original; and much to the Biologists surprise’
they could change sex and become male or female at will. They were the ultimate servant/worker