NIGMA Chapter 1

As he fought his way around the room to where he could safely step through the wall, he pulled the meldkey over his wrist, feeling it gently attach to his skin. He burst through into the control room, quickly crossed the floor then leapt into his command seat. No sooner had he placed his hands into the indents on the arms, than a screen formed from the silvery ceiling matter directly before him. One quick glance at the scrolling data told him he was light years from his original destination— Tritan.

Powerful forces were dragging his ship off course, hurtling them through space, completely out of control. Using every ounce of mental strength, Drake fought to override the damage. His head ached as he struggled to set her back on course. Try as he might, she would not respond— could not respond, the alien forces simply too great. Unable to fight any longer, he deactivated the scanner. He withdrew his hands from the indents in order to grab the low side rails of his seat. Silvery strands of safety webbing emerged from the back rest, creeping over his upper torso, creating a harness. Stunned and helpless, he rode his wildly careering ship towards its unknown destination.

*

As suddenly as it had begun the chaotic ride ended. The tortured cacophony ceased, replaced by a more familiar sound. A quiet almost imperceptible pulsating purr. Drake let go his white knuckled grip on the side rails then rubbed his aching head. No longer in use, the safety webbing melted back into his command seat.

Desperate for information, he placed his hands back into the indents, relieved to discover they had at least landed on a habitable planet. He reactivated the scanner. The screen showed a small patch of short green grass unevenly framed by blackness. Drake frowned. "What's going on CC?" he asked aloud. "Where's my 360º view?"

The SEACC spoke into his mind. "My sensors are compromised Drake."

Peering hard at the screen he concentrated, trying to bring more into focus.

All that showed was the same small sunny area of grass. He examined the scanner for faults, meticulously working his way through the ship's systems. To his surprise everything checked out fine. Though still puzzled by the scanner mystery, Drake ignored it.

He needed to be on Tritan. He changed course settings, attempting to initiate take off. CC protested loudly emitting a deep tormented metallic groan, a sound that echoed from deep within her very being. Again he tried. Again CC's anguished outburst filled his senses.

"It is no good Drake. We cannot leave. Something beyond my control is holding me here."

Drake double-checked her systems but the cause remained elusive. Sitting back he rubbed his brow thoughtfully. They were going nowhere. As he watched the screen melt back into the ceiling it occurred to him, he might find the answer outside. He climbed from his seat then pushed through the silvery wall directly before him to emerge onto an internal ramp.

He walked down to ground level then went to step through CC's pulsing golden outer membrane. A burst of light shimmered around his leg as his foot slipped through but something solid and heavy blocked the upper half of his body. Slowly— carefully— he reached his hand out to feel the obstruction. It was hard and cold and appeared to be at least a foot thick. He ducked beneath the impediment to the outside. Relieved to be standing safely on solid ground, he turned to inspect his ship and was astounded at what he saw.

Except for a small exposed lower portion, the remainder of his huge craft appeared to be completely encased in solid rock. The grey flecked irregular slab towered above him. Assorted plants grew undisturbed in small pockets of soil on the rock face. Lush greenery, grasses and ferns cascaded luxuriantly over the craggy wall. From the ground beside the exposed portion of the ship, grew an enormous tree, its low branches softly embracing the rock. Drake frowned and tapped the tree's rough bark. It and the rock were definitely no illusion.

The situation defied logic. They had arrived only minutes ago, yet it was as though his ship had merged with the planet centuries past.

How could it have happened? What sort of place had they been unwillingly dragged to? Mystified, he turned to study the local scenery. A perfect carpet of soft short green grass, almost artificial in appearance, widened into a sunny clearing. Encompassing the clearing stood a dense forest. Green leafy branches reached up to touch the bluest of skies. Drake breathed in the wonderfully clean, fresh morning air and considered his surreal surroundings. Strangely still, oddly silent, the scene had an unusual enigmatic quality to it, almost too well preserved— too perfect.

As he walked towards the towering forest, the only noise was that of his own breathing and footsteps. He admired the massive trees. They were magnificent ancient specimens with huge straight trunks.

Then he heard it— an anguished cry. It came from somewhere off to his right— the voice oddly familiar.

Scanning the area carefully, he saw nothing but a clump of grey rocks partly hidden by undergrowth at the furthermost edge of the clearing. But then, through the vegetation, he noticed movement— something pale seated on a rock and from the sound of it something in pain.

Drake trod carefully towards the creature. Years of experience had taught him to be cautious. Its back to him, the naked being clutched at its head in agony. Drake inched closer identifying the bent over figure as humanoid— almost certainly male. His senses detected no hostility so he walked around to face the creature. Though he stood directly before him, the man remained unaware of his presence. Drake placed a hand gently on the man's shoulder.

"Hello. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Roused by the touch and the voice, the man lifted his head slowly and gazed directly into Drake's dark eyes.

Astonished, Drake took an involuntary step back. The pained and puzzled face staring incomprehensibly up at him— was his own!