Chapter 11

"Why do you stay so optimistic, Roman? This meteor may well be a sign of the end of all things. A lesson from God of the Eternal. Surely you've seen the heathens parade their sins, the blasphemy around Ashovania," belched Tybalt, a fellow researcher and philosopher assigned to the meteor case.

He was the anti-Roman.

"Truly Tybalt, it is a celestial gift. Otherwise the planet would've rejected its presence. Instead it blossoms like a seed," responded Hadrian.

He was a younger, more optimistic researcher, a baby Roman. Level headed, with credentials that made him appear older than he actually is. Roman loves Hadrian being a part of the team, plus he actually laughs at his jokes. Two days ago they wept together in Hadrian's tent quietly over the disappearance of Hadrian's brother Quinn.The brothers could be considered Irish twins, they greatly shared the same features. Gossip around town was that he attacked by one of the strange creatures lurking around the excursion site, kidnapped by the anonymous.

"Then what do you make of Quinn? His disappearance hasn't ruffled your foundation at all? What say you?"

"Quiet, Tybalt. Keep your mental color clear. No need for personal attacks, we are above that. We are educated. Your short fuse has become a hinder to your brilliance, and it's now apparent to all of us," barked Roman.

"Oh great God of the Eternal, there's a monstrous elephant in the room, Roman. We are being punished!"

"Enough of your pessimistic view Tybalt, Cassius has the floor. Give us your insight. And great thanks for the potions. Overwhelming respect for you and your precious wife Ryia,"

"Thank you for having us, Roman. I believe that the meteor does hold some type of power. The roots and eco-system have been growing at an alarming yet beautiful rate. It seems that the planet welcomed the meteor into its soil, and the two have become one. The meteor cannot be moved, nor destroyed," stated Cassius, showing he wasn't all brawn.

"One thing to mention is that since its appearance, time has been moving slower during the day and night. We've gained an extra twenty-two minutes per day since its arrival. Slowing our natural time is a sign of dare I say, 'outside interference'? A system that isn't governed by our rules, despite slowing us down, it's actually speeding up the vegetation process," exclaimed Hadrian.

"Careful with the 'outside interference' comment young Hadrian. We all know that we are the only surviving species in this universe. God of the Eternal has created us, and only us, with the skills of longevity. You cannot mention such foolishness as 'outside', but the rest of your point I agree with. Remember, comments like that, if heard by the military can result in ex-communication, or death by fire. So... that's the last of that," replied Roman.

Cassius kept quiet as the chattering and debate between them continued, and he wondered to himself about the possibility of aliens. Hadrian sparked thoughts in his mind that he already had, spinning the hamster wheel of curiosity.

"Whatever you do, let these thoughts not escape our safe haven here. Not a word to anyone, especially the Arcane militia. We needn't evoke fear in them of another. They may begin to prepare of a war against the unknown. Keep it to science only. I do want more research on the time scenario. Till tomorrow, carry on," preached Roman as everyone left the tent to go back to their own quarters for further study and analysis.

As Cassius and Ryia walked through the site, they stopped and viewed the meteor being guarded by a few soldiers whose faces looked painted on, still and emotionless. She eyed the meteor strangely.

Meanwhile, Hadrian ducked into a small room where a scientist was studying a piece of the meteor. His entrance went unnoticed, so he playfully kicks the door to get his attention. It startles him back from the cavernous level of thought he descended too.

"You need to come to the debates and meetings Ace. The knowledge placed well within the depths of your brain would marvel the entire room in one sentence," chuckled Hadrian.

"It's not for me. The conflict of ideas, the arguing..." replied Ace, preferring to continue living on as an introvert, a hermit crab personified in a human.

"You let your skin go thin, and your shirts don't have sleeves on them, they have hearts."

"Whatever, Hadrian. It is your arena to shine in, not mine. Have you influenced them on the idea that it may be extraterrestrial?"

"Not anymore, and neither should you. The theories are leaking to the military, and notion of an unknown has sparked rumors of preparing for a war."

"A war against what?" questioned Ace, now befuddled.

"The nameless and anonymous. They aren't adept for that type of thought. We best keep it simple, a thunderbolt from Leoviglid, or a gift from Arcadia. This is the answer they want. Especially Roman."

"His heart is pure."

"Pure and blind, the veil of God of the Eternal has been sending everyone to a dark place."

"That sounds like something Quinn would say," replied Ace.

"Still heavy on my heart Ace. Too soon."

"He will return Hadrian, I'm sure of this."

"I sometimes think harm has been done to him due to our radical views on interplanetary life. We need to stay quiet for now. But I believe that our theory is right. I just need to spin it the right way. Get them to do what we want unknowingly."

"So you do now finally believe?"

"Yes, Ace. It is no meteor. It is an egg," confirmed Hadrian.

Just outside the site, Gamon was staring listlessly out his bunker onto the highland scenery. Sweeping lute movements played throughout his mind, dancing in notes. Though fading in and out of sleep, he casually glanced at the land surrounding the meteor. The view looked like a painter mixed all the colors together, weaved a rainbow, and sprawled it onto the soil. It soothed him.