“This is the Nexus of Knowledge,” the Helion said, gazing at the structure with reverence. “Here you will be evaluated. If your words are true, the Council of Sages will decide what to do with you.”
Keira and Lucas followed the Helion through the structure’s interior. The space was vast and silent, filled with floating holograms and panels that seemed to process information constantly. As they walked, they could see Helions in majestic attire working on enormous holographic screens, manipulating data and star maps with precise gestures.
“This city is… very advanced,” Lucas remarked, observing the surroundings. “Everything seems beyond what we can even imagine.”
The Helion did not respond immediately, keeping his eyes fixed ahead, guiding them to a large room where a group of Helions was already waiting. In the center, a floating throne, where an older Helion with a severe appearance observed them with calculating eyes.
“Are these the foreigners?” asked the Helion on the throne, his voice deep and authoritative.
“Yes, Master,” the Helion who had guided them replied. “They claim to have come from another era, brought by the Heart of Helix.”
The older Helion held his gaze on Keira and Lucas for a long moment before speaking.
“Your words are intriguing, but I must warn you: our patience is limited. If you are spies or agents of destruction, the Heart of Helix will not protect you from our hands.”
Keira took a deep breath and stepped forward.
“We are not a threat,” she said with conviction. “We know that something terrible will happen to your people in the future, and we want to help prevent it. But for that, we need to understand what is happening here.”
The older Helion stared at her for a few more seconds before turning to the Helion who had guided them.
“Prepare them for the test. We will find out if they are telling the truth.”
Keira and Lucas were led into another room, where a device floated in the center. It was a translucent sphere with pulsating lights inside. It seemed to emit an almost tangible energy, making the hairs on Keira’s arms stand on end.
“This is our Truth Verifier,” the older Helion explained. “An ancient device that analyzes the memories and intentions of those who stand before it. It cannot be deceived. If you are lying or hiding something, it will know.”
Keira felt the nervousness rise, but she maintained her calm. She looked at Lucas, who seemed equally worried but determined to prove they were there for a just reason.
“How does it work?” Keira asked.
“You will be connected to the sphere,” the Helion said, approaching the device. “It will scan your minds, reliving your most recent memories. If you are telling the truth, there is nothing to worry about. If not…”
The Helion didn’t finish the sentence, but the implied threat was clear.
Lucas stepped forward first, extending his hand to the device. As soon as his fingers touched the sphere, it glowed intensely, and a current of energy coursed through his body. Lucas closed his eyes, trying to focus as the Truth Verifier did its work.
Keira watched anxiously, hoping everything would go smoothly.
The sphere emitted a soft, pulsing sound, projecting images into the air around Lucas. Keira saw familiar scenes: the Aurora spaceship, the crew preparing for battle, the moment the time lapse transported them to this new era.
The Helion watched silently, his eyes fixed on the projected memories.
Finally, the sphere’s glow faded, and Lucas let out a relieved sigh.
“He is telling the truth,” the Helion said emotionlessly. “Now, you, Keira.”
Keira took a deep breath and approached the device. When her fingers touched the sphere, the same current of energy coursed through her body. Her memories began to flow, projected around the room: the stars, the Heart of Helix, the moment she felt the time lapse pulling her into a new reality.
The images swirled around them, and Keira could feel the Truth Verifier probing every detail of her memories.
When the process ended, the older Helion nodded slowly.
“It seems you are indeed telling the truth. But that does not mean you can be trusted.”
Keira stepped forward, still trying to remain calm.
“We understand that you have reasons to distrust us,” she said. “But all we want is to help. If you give us a chance, we can prove we are here to stop the destruction we have seen in the future.”
The older Helion was silent for a long moment before finally speaking.
“We will see. If your intentions are genuine, we will have more questions for you. But know this: any attempt at deceit or betrayal will be dealt with mercilessly.”
Keira nodded, understanding the delicate situation they were in.
“Understood. We will do our best to earn your trust.”
The Helion stepped back, watching them for a few more moments before leaving the room.
“If you need anything, notify one of the guards. For now, explore the academy and learn as much as you can. But remember: we are always watching.”
With that, he left the room, leaving Keira and Lucas alone among the floating devices and holograms.
After the Helion left, Keira and Lucas began exploring the surroundings. It was impressive. Detailed holograms of complex equations floated around, and unknown devices processed information at an unimaginable speed.
“This is… incredible,” Lucas whispered, lightly touching a panel that projected an image of space around the planet.
Keira was equally fascinated, but a worry still nagged at her.
“They still don’t trust us,” she said, looking around. “We’re being watched all the time. If we make a wrong move, we could ruin any chance of discovering more about the Heart.”
Lucas nodded, still absorbed in the projections.
“I know, but we have to be careful. If we can learn more about their technology, maybe we can prove we are here to help.”
Keira ran her hand over the panel in front of her, causing it to display a series of formulas and diagrams.
“But how? We barely understand how any of this works. They’ve spent generations developing this technology, and we’ve only been here a few hours.”
Lucas shrugged.
“Maybe we don’t need to understand everything at once. But we can start by understanding how the basic formulas work. That could give us an edge, and maybe we can use that to earn their trust.”
Keira sighed, knowing he was right. They needed to find a way to prove they were not a threat, but they also had to be careful not to arouse more suspicion.
As they explored, Keira noticed a group of Helions watching them from afar. They whispered among themselves, exchanging distrustful looks. She knew that any wrong move could be misinterpreted.
“Let’s stick to the basic formulas for now,” Keira said, trying to keep calm. “We don’t want to draw too much attention. We just need to buy time until they decide to let us see the Heart of Helix.”
Lucas agreed, stepping away from the holographic panel.
“Right. Let’s take it slow.”
They focused on the simpler formulas, trying to understand how the Helions manipulated the energy around them to perform their technological “magic.” Keira was fascinated by the precision of the equations and the way the devices processed the information.
As they worked, a young Helion approached them, observing them closely.
“You… seem interested in our formulas,” he said, his voice curious but also cautious.
Keira looked at him, trying to hide her surprise.
“We’re trying to understand how everything works,” she said, keeping her voice calm.
The young Helion nodded slowly, his eyes shining with curiosity.
“It’s rare to see outsiders trying to learn our equations. Most are intimidated by the complexity. But you… seem different.”
Lucas raised an eyebrow.
“Different how?”
The Helion gave a slight smile.
“You have open minds. Most visitors who come here can’t grasp our technology. But you… seem to be making an effort to understand.”
Keira smiled, trying to hide her relief at seeing a friendlier Helion.
“We’re trying,” she said. “We know there’s a lot to learn, but we want to understand how everything works.”
The Helion looked around, making sure no one was listening, before leaning in a little closer.
“Maybe I can help you… but you have to promise me you won’t do anything reckless.”
Keira and Lucas exchanged quick glances before nodding.
“We promise,” Keira said.
The Helion smiled.
“Then let’s begin.”