Issue 03-18 Episode 14

Akasha and Ichabode still reeling from the wild ride try to shake off the disorientation. They look around the dreamscape type room, although Ichabode seems to be more transfixed upon something else. “It was right there…in front of me, that face, there is something about that face, but now it’s not there… it vanished.”
“Don’t ask me…” Replied Akasha.
“This can’t be real! We must be dreaming!” Ichabode exclaims. He pinches his wrist hard. “OUCH!!”
Akasha laughs, “Icky, I think we’ve ventured far from the Sault!”
Ichabode takes in the impressive cavern-like room. A holographic image floats from the domed ceiling, spinning like clock hands. He squints at it, spotting a Latin phrase: “Tendanda Via Ad Incognita.”
“Wait! I recognize that,” Ichabode says. “When I was a kid, I visited a fair. There was a fortune teller’s shack. That phrase was on a sign behind her!” He pauses, trying to recall her name.
Suddenly, a door swings open with a dramatic swoosh. The Zazatar steps in.
“Hello! My name is Zaza! Welcome to Posteriori Prime. The room you are in is called a HERB which is a Hyper-Einstein-Rosen Bridge. This is the technology that brought you here.”
Ichabode can’t believe it. “Oh my God, you haven’t aged a bit since I last saw you!”
The Zazatar grins with that same knowing smile. “Oh, this is my avatar. I’m still getting ready. I’ll send an Aether Ride to take you to me in my quarters here.”
As they travel to Zaza’s, the ride is scenic and filled with information. The onboard autopilot, Otto, speaks up. “Welcome to Posteriori Prime, a metropolitan Space City. It’s home to 12.5 million people: 60% humans, 25% genetically modified humans, 10% extraterrestrial species, and 5% AI constructs.
The economy thrives with an annual gross product of 8.7 trillion Interstellar Credits. Main industries? Advanced materials, resource processing, and interstellar trade.
The infrastructure is impressive too. A high-speed transit tube network covers 15,000 kilometers, with 2.3 million automated cargo drones and 45 orbital docking stations.
Inside, the temperature sits at a perfect 22°C. Simulated gravity is at 0.95 G, and the air quality is excellent. This all paints Posteriori Prime as a vibrant, technologically advanced city in space.
The sleek Aether Ride carrying Akasha and Ichabode to Zaza’s quarters on Posteriori Prime glides effortlessly. Its transparent yet reflective body gives it the appearance of a giant soapy bubble drifting through space.
As they approach their destination, Otto stops spitting out factoids about Posteriori Prime and announces, “We’ve arrived at the destination.”
Ichabode and Akasha step out and are greeted once again by Zaza.
“Hello, Ichabode. Hello, Akasha. I would hug you both, but I’m still in my avatar state—for the time being, anyway.”
Zaza’s warm, knowing smile remains unchanged as she gestures for them to sit and relax. She offers a tray with her best tea and a spread of snacks.
“Welcome to my home away from home, if you will. Please, make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the finest tea this side of Posteriori Prime, brewed with the finest ingredients right from our own backyard, the Kuiper Belt.
“I know this must feel like a lot, and I’ll do my best to ease you into the details.”