At Speculative Chic, we feature a lot of authors who share everything from their favorite things to the inspiration for their work. But why not also share their fiction? Welcome to Fiction Friday, where you’ll be able to sample the fiction of a variety of authors, including those who write at Speculative Chic! Today, we’re featuring Nick Trevano, whose name may not be that familiar to you, but it will once you learn that Nick Trevano is the pseudonym for our very own Nicole Taft, monthly columnist (and then some!) at Speculative Chic! While Nicole writes urban fantasy under her own name, Nick writes something a little different, a little more out of this world, in quite the literal sense. Please join us to learn more about Advenae!
About the Book
Advenae (2014)
Written by: Nick Trevano
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 443
Publisher: Five Thousand Realms
Stepping onto a planet four worlds away from Earth is routine for Colonel Scott Columines. Outerterrestrials who call themselves the Kajla have graciously built an outpost for the arriving humans — yet when the Earth expedition arrives, their hosts are nowhere to be found.
With no clues to follow, the Earth group continues on with their original intent; exploration. Unfortunately, the universe is not a place that can quietly be explored. The Taregot invade and destroy any planet within their reach, seeking to eliminate all organisms they deem inferior — and Columines’s team makes the mistake of bumping into them.
Humanity just went to the top of their list.
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Advenae Excerpt
Chapter 1
Colonel Scott Columines stared at the structure before him. For the past three years the term in the file had said “complex.” Now, as he bounced on the balls of his feet to feel the lighter gravity of this world, he looked at the expanse of metal gleaming in shades of emerald and sapphire and realized the term failed completely. Technically it was a building, but the structure looked more like a massive cluster of crystals growing out in the open. He heard the whispers of astonishment from the hundred and fifty people around him. In some ways he felt they shouldn’t be surprised. After all, what was it they expected when they agreed to the Kajla offer three years ago? Something more Earth-like? He chuckled to himself. We’re three worlds removed from our planet and we expect a building more familiar. He did have to admit, in his mind he expected to see a small fort. What loomed over him could take up a minimum of six city blocks.
It was interesting the way the Kajlas decided to build the entire structure half on land and half over water. Columines wasn’t sure if it was an ocean or a lake. Perhaps it was a freshwater ocean. Another piece of information he knew the biologists would take on. No one was allowed to interrupt the Kajlas during their three Earth-year building period, per their request, so the flora, fauna, and geographical information was still fuzzy. Part of the structure actually stretched over lazy waters where birds that looked like red swans paddled across the surface. The rest of the building sat on cropped grass that was greener than any plant he had ever seen. He wondered if the grass grew that short on its own or if the Kajlas cut it.
“You know what it reminds me of?” asked Victor Renard, lead scientist for the outpost. The precise way Renard cut his brown hair and narrowed his dark eyes showed half his calculated nature. His smartass smile gave away the rest. Columines wasn’t surprised to see Renard carrying a pack less than half the size of his own, or that he had escaped wearing the black military CNT suit Columines now wore. He opted instead for expedition khakis and sporting an undoubtedly expensive microfiber shell jacket. Though Renard was full Italian, he didn’t often allow his accent to show through.
“What?” Columines asked.
“The Emerald City.”
Even with sunglasses, Columines added his hand to shield his eyes as he gazed up at the structure. Spires at the center rose thousands of meters into the sky, many of which tapered off like quartz crystals. Polished surfaces of cobalt and silver-white reflected the sun’s rays in multiple directions. He almost couldn’t believe how little glare actually came away from the sides of the building with all the sunlight. The material certainly looked reflective; like a strange mix between glass and metal. However, it seemed as though the numerous bottle green panels absorbed more light than others, even if they did have quite a bit of luster to them. He supposed Renard’s team would figure it out later, but for now as strange as Renard’s comment was, he did tend to agree. With its shape and cool hues it did look something like the Emerald City, though this world was definitely not Oz.
For Columines the past five years had flown by. It seemed only a week ago he was on leave, horseback riding on a Nebraska ranch owned by his friend Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Beck. They’d found a tree that seemed out of place. Further investigation revealed they’d ridden through a nearly-invisible portal to another world.
Ever since their discovery of the world-connecting portal, The Alliance of Order had been secretly abuzz with the very idea that there were people living on the other side of the portal. A lost tribe of Nebraska Sioux no less. The tribe introduced Earth to another portal, a new group of beings. Then another. A veritable rollercoaster of discovery.
Every time things appeared to settle down from the latest discovery, more outerterrestrials introduced themselves, finally ending with the Kajla meeting. The Kajlas didn’t show them a new portal — instead they offered to build an outpost for the Earthlings, offering information as well as a cut down on the four day trip it took to get from Earth to the Kajla world, a trip that meant crossing through three other worlds.
A very weird time. Columines knew most involved would agree with him. He was glad the whole of Earth didn’t know about the discoveries. Even though nearly seventy percent of Earth’s countries were on friendly terms and frequently agreed with one another, TAO decided the existence of the portal should stay tightly under wraps to prevent worldwide frenzy. He knew many people would accept it, even be ready to hear it, but others wouldn’t. It was vital to deal with people who could grasp the situation. He took in a deep breath of the impossibly clear air.
“Good morning to you gentlemen,” said a voice that had an English lilt to it. Columines knew without looking that it was Dominic Ballard, head of the medical team. He liked Ballard more than he did Renard; Ballard was kinder, more personable, everything a doctor should be.
“Good morning Doc,” Columines said, finally tearing his gaze from the Kajla complex to look at the doctor. Renard was a little more sluggish while Ballard had the body of a climber. His demeanor displayed that gentle doctor persona, but Columines remembered the note in Ballard’s file: Has summited Mount Everest. “Though I think it’s actually afternoon now.”
Ballard grinned, showing a dazzling smile. “Right. I suppose it would be. I’ve never been here before so it’s all new to me.”
“You’ll get used to everything,” Columines said.
“I think it will take a bit of time before that happens.”
The three stared at the shining outpost, admiring its beauty and craftsmanship. Columines ran his thumb over a tiny scar on his jaw line, a habit he’d picked up ever since his stint in Burundi. During his near fifteen year military career, this was the strangest thing, though certainly not the most unpleasant one, to have happened to him. Up until now life had merely been a string of everyday active duty events. Africa was the most exciting. Most people would quake in their shoes at the thought of executing some of his missions. He tended to agree with what others before him had said; I’m not a hero. I’m just doing my job. Protect the innocent, eliminate the enemy—just make sure not to mix up the two.
Right now his mission was to protect the group of people here that didn’t carry automatic weaponry. He was pretty good at judging people in situations and he could sense Ballard was a little intimidated, maybe with something extra on his mind, but hid it behind a fairly brave mask. Renard, on the other hand, was nuts. Columines corrected himself. Maybe not nuts, but certainly eager, like a greedy kid eyeing a Christmas present, knowing it’s a shiny new bike. Except Renard would be the kid that took the bike apart to see how it worked before demanding a new one.
Behind them more people walked through the portal, followed by horses carrying supplies and equipment. Columines started to wonder where the man in charge was. General Adrian Parker was assigned leader of the outpost, and they were supposed to meet up with the Kajlas, but so far Columines had received nothing on his headset. He considered tapping in to contact the General.
“Odd,” he heard Ballard mumble.
“What?” Renard said.
“Nothing.” Ballard paused. “I still think it’s strange they simply offered to build something like this for us.”
“We went over it thoroughly,” Columines said, “and for all we know, maybe this isn’t a big deal to them.”
A smirk slowly appeared on Renard’s face. “What are you worried about? That ‘It’s a cookbook?’ ‘Soylent green is people?’ Be reasonable Englishman. It’s a little much to get us here don’t you think? They made us wait three years. It can’t take them that long to get a pot ready.”
Columines couldn’t help but grin and shake his head. It sure as hell didn’t take long for Renard to start ruffling feathers. But abrasive as he was, he was damn smart, and he had a point.
“I still think it’s ridiculous we brought horses instead of, oh, I don’t know, a few trucks maybe?” Renard said.
Columines rolled his eyes. “Look, we used horses so we wouldn’t scare the indigenous peoples of the previous three worlds. A strange animal that eats grass is a lot less threatening than a huge mechanical beast. Besides, they’ll have a lot less impact on the land than a convoy of trucks.”
“Impact.” Renard sniffed.
“Renard,” Columines made sure his voice revealed he wasn’t going to take any of Renard’s flak. Before he could finish, however, his headset crackled to life and General Parker’s voice came over the line.
“Look sharp gentlemen.”
“All right,” Columines said to Ballard and Renard. “Let’s go. General Parker sounds like he’s found our liaison, so…” He let his voice trail off as he finally spotted General Parker through the crowd of people. His sudden lapse into silence caught Ballard and Renard’s attention better than his orders.
“What? What’s going on?” Renard said.
“It’s one of the outerterrestrials — a Kajla,” Columines said, watching Parker approach it.
Ballard stood beside him gaping. “Oh my God.”
Though he had seen one before, Columines knew Ballard and Renard never had the pleasure of seeing an actual Kajla. It only looked human in terms of its shapes and numbers; two arms, legs, and eyes, but that was generally where the similarities ended. The best Columines could come up with was a humanoid mix of reptile and aquatic life. And elegant, at that.
She was a little over two meters tall, if not taller, but her height failed to make her look awkward or gangly. Instead, her presence was all the more commanding.
He remembered the Kajlas encountered three years ago were female. He wasn’t sure he — or anyone — would know the difference, but in a very strange way, like the others, this one exuded femininity. He wondered if maybe it was some kind of pheromone their species naturally emanated that gave the impression. Her scaled skin was patterned with soft cerulean, white, and green patches that reminded Columines of malachite. Each scale glinted more vibrantly when sunlight hit it at the perfect angle. The Kajla stood with a slight lean, the breeze making the wide, near-translucent fins decorating her arms, legs, and head waver like tree leaves. The color and beauty paralleled the structure they’d built. Columines thought of an angelfish.
“Good welcome to all humans,” she said.
He was shocked to hear her speaking in English. During their first meeting the Kajlas spoke through the people that had brought Earthlings there. He did remember a small device that might have been a translator between the two groups. Hushed words of excitement and surprise rippled through the crowd. He got the feeling her solid white eyes were surveying them.
“My kind are glad to have you with us. I am sorry; none could be present at this moment. Please come with me.”
With an astonishingly smooth gait for something with so many frills attached, the Kajla made for an entrance in what Columines knew would be his home for the next several months, if not longer. He grinned.
Whispers of enthusiasm grew much louder as they crossed the threshold of the Kajlas’ complex. Columines couldn’t stop smiling. He didn’t know which was more impressive; the outside or the inside. Everything appeared streamlined, from walls to tables to what might be command stations. Every surface looked as though it had been buffed to an incredible sheen. After spending so much time in the Nebraska base, full of sharp angles, gunmetal machinery, and the “calming” taupe painted on windowless walls, the contrast was nothing short of phenomenal.
Clear panels were strategically placed throughout the huge room, allowing plenty of light to filter through, highlighting the floor and walls. It felt as though he was walking on white gold and the walls around him were made of sapphire and emerald transformed into metals. A massive set of stairs in front of them lead up to an even wider area, outfitted with a circular set of consoles and at least seven doors at the back wall. He realized that even though he was standing directly beneath a shaft of light, the temperature inside was pleasant and he wasn’t growing any hotter. Gazing upward, he guessed they were in the center spire. The ceiling was far beyond his sight, but he noticed numerous balconies around the walls with more doors leading to unknown areas.
“Outside I would have guessed this place was as big as the Pentagon,” Columines said, keeping his voice low. He felt like speaking any louder would be rude. “But now I think it’s even bigger.”
“How big is the Pentagon?” Ballard asked.
“It spans an area of about twenty-nine acres,” Renard said.
“And there are at least twenty-five thousand people working at the Pentagon,” Columines said. “We’re going to be able to bring in a hell of a lot more people than this.”
Currently the group of one hundred and fifty people was split between military and civilian specialists. Once the report went back about the outpost’s true size, more experts and armed personnel would arrive. No one had known what to expect, so the agreement had been to send a small number of people first. A good idea on two counts; having so many well-known names from different fields of study on the move would undoubtedly attract attention. So far everyone was doing a damn good job.
In the center of the room, amongst the many flat panel consoles, the Kajla stopped and faced them. General Parker acted out his other position as ambassador to Earth and stood ahead of the group before the Kajla as she spoke.
“I welcome you to what we have named Coalire. Myself and the others have much hope you will be pleased with what we have created. Since the time of our last meeting, we have examined your planet closely in order to discover methods of best integrating your current technology.”
“Excuse me,” General Parker said. He kept his voice low and steady, but it was exactly the deep tone anyone would expect from the powerfully built, dark-skinned man. “What do you mean when you say ‘examine our planet’?”
She smiled, something Columines decided looked a bit odd considering she had no lips and her mouth was essentially a thin line when closed. He wondered if smiles were universal or if she was merely imitating human facial expressions.
“Is my understanding of your language incorrect?”
“No,” Parker said. Even though both Columines and Parker both made first contact with the Kajlas, Columines was still impressed with how at ease the General was when conversing with an alien creature. “My question is more along the lines of how.”
“Very simple. In transportation vessels.”
The silent shock that went through the group was almost tangible.
“That is fantastic,” Renard said, practically bursting at the seams.
“It’s creepy is what it is,” Columines said, sensing the tone in Renard’s statement had less to do with excitement than it did a tense desire to dismantle something far more advanced than the most up-to-date comp tablet. Ballard made a brief noise of agreement. They’ve been cruising around our planet for the last three years? Learning about us? Absorbing everything? Columines thought. If they’re that smart, that explains their ability to speak English.
“Your planet,” the Kajla continued, “is not far from our own. A surprise to us. During our observations, we were pleased with the amount of progress you made on your own. We felt sure you would be able to grasp much of the knowledge we decided to offer you.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Columines saw Renard wringing his hands and a half-crazed grin on his face.
Ballard nudged him. “Kid in a candy store, that one.”
A greedy kid, Columines thought. “Just as long as he doesn’t blow anything up trying to take it apart.”
Ahead, the Kajla began gesturing around herself. “You see the main controls to Coalire here. Functions such as power, monitoring systems, emergency needs and other such requirements may be directly adjusted here. Other controls with many similar functions are in existence on secondary, tertiary, and higher levels. We have provided for all requests except food. We do not share the same taste. You will need to transport your own food from your world. Traveling the length of three worlds will be unnecessary. Come.”
They followed her through one of the doors and down a hallway that had other entryways and halls branching off it. Columines marveled at the color and style, thinking of how much it put the Nebraska base to shame. Then he realized there were no lights. Instead, it looked as though sunlight was directed down the hallway.
Renard muttered something in Italian before framing his complaint in English. “I feel like I’m on a tour with a bunch of kids. I want to know the mechanics of this place. What its power source is, what sort of technology they use; what they have that we don’t. It can’t just be a planetary station with…nothing.”
Columines couldn’t help himself. “And what if it is?”
“It can’t be.”
“But if it is?”
Renard glared at him.
“I can’t believe I’m stuck with you two,” Ballard said, making a show of looking over the rest of the company for his medical crew.
“I just,” Renard made an exasperated sound, “I want to get to work! I don’t want the group tour—I want her to show me what this place can do.”
“I suppose I can appreciate that,” Ballard said. “Haven’t a clue on where I’m supposed to set up the infirmary.”
“I mean personally,” Renard said, hammering a fist into his hand. “If I’m going to be in charge of the proper functioning of this place when I have personnel under me that are only half as intelligent as I am, then I want the whole deal.”
“We get it,” Columines said, allowing plenty of annoyance into his voice. “Talk to General Parker later on and see if you can get a private tour.”
Apparently the thought had not occurred to Renard and he grinned in a way that made it look like he had just discovered something fantastic, and yet slightly sinister. Ballard shook his head. Science geniuses were definitely different from other geniuses. Columines had read Ballard’s bio and knew the man was listed as one of the top five practitioners of medicine, so it was likely Ballard knew something about being intelligent.
The Kajla stopped in front of a door and pressed a spot on the wall beside it. Two doors slid open to reveal a small room and a much larger one beyond it. The Kajla gestured at the space inside with a sweep of her hand. Columines was taken aback by the size and style of the room. It had to be at least twenty meters from where they now stood to the back wall and possibly even the same length wide. The matte gray of the walls was startling after being surrounded with so many vibrant colors. He noted there were no windows. This was the only door.
“Inside is the location of all portals you may attempt to open. We have one hundred and thirty-two worlds recorded in our information. Important to memorize is all worlds are not allies. Take care when testing.”
Testing? Testing what? Wandering around in other worlds? Then Columines realized of course that’s what they would do. The previous three worlds were rather straightforward; not unlike finding a small tribe of people on Earth. Picking this place apart for information as well as finding other outerterrestrials with higher technology, that was the real icing on the cake. He could tell Renard was thinking the exact same thing, but Ballard didn’t look quite as thrilled. He probably had images running through his mind of people bringing back contagious viruses without knowing it.
Columines studied the double room format and considered the plainness. Perhaps that was the reason for the design; the Kajla version of a clean room. But he focused more on her words. Not all worlds were allies meant something unfriendly was out there. Or multiple somethings. Not an exciting prospect. He hoped they could avoid any conflicts if possible.
“That is all I have to show you. Your kind are intelligent and intuitive; I am sure there will be no problems when utilizing our knowledge on your own. Discovery is beautiful; we have no wishes to take it from you.”
The Kajla’s statement jerked Columines back into attention. That was it? That was the tour of this colossal building? Everyone’s expression said the same thing. Even General Parker stood with his mouth slightly open, surprised by the statement.
“So,” General Parker said, “you have nothing more to show us?”
“Nothing.” The Kajla smiled. It struck Columines how much she looked like a mother talking to a beloved child. Just what are we to them?
“Then are we free to examine this place on our own now?” Parker asked.
“Everything you have seen and will see is our gift to you. As long as you use it in a wise fashion, you will be able to create magnificent gains for your world.” She looked at the group, tilting her head slightly to the side. “You have no cause to feel concerned. Go and be at ease within our creation.”
Columines had to admit, her tone was reassuring even if the situation felt awkward. Everyone just wandering around on their own? The idea of Renard hitting buttons to see what they did made him nervous. Not that Renard was that excited or stupid—he’d find out everything possible about the consequences, make sure everyone was well out of the way and then push the button. It still made him nervous.
“I want all civilian personnel to be accompanied by two or more military personnel,” Parker said. “Stay in contact and try not to get turned around.”
Good, thought Columines. If Parker hadn’t said it, he would have. He watched people begin to disperse, each small group tentatively making its way through halls with an armed sentry or two from one of the many countries involved. Renard already ordered off his team with a couple of marines and remained behind with Columines for his chance to speak with General Parker and the Kajla. The group was thinning out now and Ballard gave his crew a quick address before he looked around for a soldier to escort them.
“Hey Beck!” Columines said, spotting the Lieutenant Colonel nearby.
“Yes sir?”
“Why don’t you keep our doctor company? Doctor Dominic Ballard, that’s Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Beck in case you two haven’t met. Don’t want anyone getting lost, right?”
“Right,” Ballard said, smiling in thanks. “I’d like to try and find a place for the infirmary so we can start setting up some of the equipment.”
He and Beck started their exploration by choosing the closest hallway. Columines turned his attention back to General Parker and the Kajla. If Renard was going to get a private tour, he wanted a piece of the action.
About the Author
Nick Trevano goes hiking and camping whenever possible, owns an insane dachshund with a brain the size of walnut (without the shell), and thrives on insanity and general mayhem.
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