Gift of Prometheus preview chapter
The Krell have a pivotal role in the second book. This is the intro to them. This isn't necessarily the final edit.
****
Throughout the spiral galaxy, the collection of voices had become known as Krell. Even the voices had forgotten their original name. Once, they were commonly referred to Trell until it became necessary to rename certain planets. Changing the topography of the stars allowed for an easier rewrite of history. Even Trell was a misnomer. Not that it mattered to the seemingly enigmatic species. Much like the continuity of time, names and titles only applied to corporeal entities. The Krell existed without the limits of physicality. At this point in their evolutionary advance, they no longer used traditional language.
Existing as a timeless species, the Krell had travelled with the ever expanding edge of the universe. When viewed against the backdrop of space and time, they had simply always existed. Aeons ago, the Krell left their elliptical galaxy behind. Setting out along the strands of dark energy spanning the known universe, they had a singular goal in mind. Their sole purpose was to contemplate and understand the nature of existence.
Reaching out through the expanse of space and time, the consciousness referred to as the Krell examined the very strands of existence. Infinite threads of time stretched out in all directions. On a large enough scale everything became predictable. Most organics simply couldn’t comprehend the scale required in order to see the universe unfold and eventually give way to another reality. After so much time looking forward, the Krell seemed to lose the ability to examine the past. Though they were in the minority, some voices believed that the ultimate answer may lie behind, rather than in front.
Unfortunately the intertwining and colliding realities had a few, very distinct convergence points. It was as if a knot tied the many of the strands together. Regardless of which path came before, all realities intersected. From these nexus points time became unpredictable. Despite knowing where the localized anomalies originated, little could be done to compensate. Held within the ultimate irony of the universe, was the fact that it was one of these anomalies which led the Krell to their new destination. After a vast length of time, which was meaningless to the so called Real Space society of the spiral galaxy, the Krell discovered their salvation.
It was as if the same ultimate intelligence which set the universe in motion decided to tease the ancient race. The anomalies were never far from their collective minds as the voices traveled with the edge of the known universe. Reaching out through the endless threads which transcended space and time, the Krell examined the first of these anomalies. All future possibilities which included the Krell suddenly converged to a single point before spreading out again. A cyclical pattern of oscillations could be seen from a distance.
Through this chaos of uncertain futures, a beacon shined brightly through the darkness of space and time calling the Krell to the first of many nexus points. Pining for absolution, they readily looked through the lens of time. Another species, it appeared, stood on the precipice of understanding that which the Krell sought. Reaching across the vastness of the universe, the Krell found the proper filaments for their trip. Plotting a course along the network of dark energy spanning all of creation, they travelled. Warping and folding space, the Krell traversed numerous galaxies. Jumping between quantum fluctuations with the ease of thought, the Krell travelled from a point further than their destination could even hope to see. Not enough time had passed for the light to travel such a great distance.
Sacrificing many voices in the process, the Krell accessed their almost forgotten knowledge. Using energy which rivaled that of a supernova, the Krell isolated the fourth dimensional coordinates necessary for contact. Releasing the energy inward, they folded the essence of the universe around themselves. For a moment, even light bent around the distortion created. Pleased by their relative accuracy, the voices arrived within a few thousand years of their target.
After expending so many resources to arrive, the Krell were at a loss. For the first time in aeons, they struggled to see along the threads of time and space. With their diminished numbers, the Krell were unable to see the scene which drew them to this destination. The universe was no longer a predictable place of order. Remaining anchored to a strand of dark energy outside of the galactic boundary, the Krell decided to send emissaries in order to observe and wait.
Sacrificing a few more voices, the Krell once again manipulated the fabric of space. Conduits were created to a few specific points of interest in the spiral galaxy. Despite all voices being equal, some dissidents began to express doubt. They believed that the Krell would never understand the fabled realm of physicals without force. These particular voices were not content to simply wait and observe. After a millennium trapped in debate, they decided to create their own path. Their voices eventually took root on a planet which would become known as Trell VII.
Given complete autonomy, these dissident voices focused on creating an answer to the great question rather than unraveling one. Eventually, the voices uncovered a promising bridge of knowledge. With luck, the answer was only a few millennia away. Many voices began to wonder if this was the forgotten beacon they had seen so very long ago.
Most voices, however, remained anchored a few light years from the edge of the spiral galaxy. They were content to observe existence and examine all the perplexities of physicality. Through their long history of observations and interactions with organics, the Krell witnessed an almost universal behavior. Regardless of the species, they seemed to possess a drive for physical perfection. Aesthetics meant nothing to the non-physical entities. Unbeknownst to the primitives, everlasting transcendence had nothing to do with appearances. The physical entities inhabiting the galaxy couldn’t even seem to decide if they preferred similarities or differences.
*****
After following the beacon so long ago, the Krell became prisoners in a single continuum of existence. Space and time ebbed and flowed around them independent of the enigmatic species’ wishes. The Krell remained as trapped as the physical entities they observed. They were no longer able to shape the universe with a collective thought. Time became a linear, unidirectional, series of events. However, a review of what the dissidents had been learning showed promise. Through a sense of cosmic irony, the Krell seemed confined by biological limitations. Specific genetic patterns were required to allow for proper nerve conduction and bio-electrical integration. Not only was human physiology compatible, but their limited intellectual evolution allowed for easy integration.
Forgetting the original beacon, the Krell had found a species near the galactic edge with enough genetic similarities to be promising. Unfortunately their extensive modifications made them poor candidates. At some point in galactic history this particular species was probably very much like traditional humans. Whether it was natural selection, selective breeding, or purposeful genetic manipulation, the species had drifted too far to be of use. Much like when the Krell tried to merge with the motile-arboreal species found throughout the outer spiral arm, they could not manage the physiological constraints. It was as if the Therackians were designed specifically to resist the Krell. This led to many voices offering explanations about their own forgotten origin. A variety of theories were immediately surrounded by debate. It was during millennia of contemplation and introspection that the Krell encountered the next anomaly.
The dissident voices returned, though not by choice. All of the welcoming voices recognized the anomaly’s handiwork in the destruction of their largest outpost. Harvester, as the humans referred to it, was gone. After thousands of years waiting for the right moment, their progress was impeded just as the Krell thought their salvation was at hand. Some voices tried to see how many times they had come to this juncture. Unfortunately, the Krell could no longer see the endless realities unfolding. It would be an aeon before their strength returned. At least the dissidents had learned some valuable information. It was possible to integrate with biologicals by force.
Almost all voices sounded in agreement. This fool’s errand had cost too much already. Had the Krell possessed even half of their previous glory, they could have destroyed the spiral galaxy with a collective thought. Instead, they would conquer the expanse in hopes of understanding the great question. The Krell would move across the galaxy claiming what they needed by force. Perhaps then, they would solve the riddle of existence. In the end it would only cost a few sentient species in a galaxy too primitive to spread beyond its borders.
****
Throughout the spiral galaxy, the collection of voices had become known as Krell. Even the voices had forgotten their original name. Once, they were commonly referred to Trell until it became necessary to rename certain planets. Changing the topography of the stars allowed for an easier rewrite of history. Even Trell was a misnomer. Not that it mattered to the seemingly enigmatic species. Much like the continuity of time, names and titles only applied to corporeal entities. The Krell existed without the limits of physicality. At this point in their evolutionary advance, they no longer used traditional language.
Existing as a timeless species, the Krell had travelled with the ever expanding edge of the universe. When viewed against the backdrop of space and time, they had simply always existed. Aeons ago, the Krell left their elliptical galaxy behind. Setting out along the strands of dark energy spanning the known universe, they had a singular goal in mind. Their sole purpose was to contemplate and understand the nature of existence.
Reaching out through the expanse of space and time, the consciousness referred to as the Krell examined the very strands of existence. Infinite threads of time stretched out in all directions. On a large enough scale everything became predictable. Most organics simply couldn’t comprehend the scale required in order to see the universe unfold and eventually give way to another reality. After so much time looking forward, the Krell seemed to lose the ability to examine the past. Though they were in the minority, some voices believed that the ultimate answer may lie behind, rather than in front.
Unfortunately the intertwining and colliding realities had a few, very distinct convergence points. It was as if a knot tied the many of the strands together. Regardless of which path came before, all realities intersected. From these nexus points time became unpredictable. Despite knowing where the localized anomalies originated, little could be done to compensate. Held within the ultimate irony of the universe, was the fact that it was one of these anomalies which led the Krell to their new destination. After a vast length of time, which was meaningless to the so called Real Space society of the spiral galaxy, the Krell discovered their salvation.
It was as if the same ultimate intelligence which set the universe in motion decided to tease the ancient race. The anomalies were never far from their collective minds as the voices traveled with the edge of the known universe. Reaching out through the endless threads which transcended space and time, the Krell examined the first of these anomalies. All future possibilities which included the Krell suddenly converged to a single point before spreading out again. A cyclical pattern of oscillations could be seen from a distance.
Through this chaos of uncertain futures, a beacon shined brightly through the darkness of space and time calling the Krell to the first of many nexus points. Pining for absolution, they readily looked through the lens of time. Another species, it appeared, stood on the precipice of understanding that which the Krell sought. Reaching across the vastness of the universe, the Krell found the proper filaments for their trip. Plotting a course along the network of dark energy spanning all of creation, they travelled. Warping and folding space, the Krell traversed numerous galaxies. Jumping between quantum fluctuations with the ease of thought, the Krell travelled from a point further than their destination could even hope to see. Not enough time had passed for the light to travel such a great distance.
Sacrificing many voices in the process, the Krell accessed their almost forgotten knowledge. Using energy which rivaled that of a supernova, the Krell isolated the fourth dimensional coordinates necessary for contact. Releasing the energy inward, they folded the essence of the universe around themselves. For a moment, even light bent around the distortion created. Pleased by their relative accuracy, the voices arrived within a few thousand years of their target.
After expending so many resources to arrive, the Krell were at a loss. For the first time in aeons, they struggled to see along the threads of time and space. With their diminished numbers, the Krell were unable to see the scene which drew them to this destination. The universe was no longer a predictable place of order. Remaining anchored to a strand of dark energy outside of the galactic boundary, the Krell decided to send emissaries in order to observe and wait.
Sacrificing a few more voices, the Krell once again manipulated the fabric of space. Conduits were created to a few specific points of interest in the spiral galaxy. Despite all voices being equal, some dissidents began to express doubt. They believed that the Krell would never understand the fabled realm of physicals without force. These particular voices were not content to simply wait and observe. After a millennium trapped in debate, they decided to create their own path. Their voices eventually took root on a planet which would become known as Trell VII.
Given complete autonomy, these dissident voices focused on creating an answer to the great question rather than unraveling one. Eventually, the voices uncovered a promising bridge of knowledge. With luck, the answer was only a few millennia away. Many voices began to wonder if this was the forgotten beacon they had seen so very long ago.
Most voices, however, remained anchored a few light years from the edge of the spiral galaxy. They were content to observe existence and examine all the perplexities of physicality. Through their long history of observations and interactions with organics, the Krell witnessed an almost universal behavior. Regardless of the species, they seemed to possess a drive for physical perfection. Aesthetics meant nothing to the non-physical entities. Unbeknownst to the primitives, everlasting transcendence had nothing to do with appearances. The physical entities inhabiting the galaxy couldn’t even seem to decide if they preferred similarities or differences.
*****
After following the beacon so long ago, the Krell became prisoners in a single continuum of existence. Space and time ebbed and flowed around them independent of the enigmatic species’ wishes. The Krell remained as trapped as the physical entities they observed. They were no longer able to shape the universe with a collective thought. Time became a linear, unidirectional, series of events. However, a review of what the dissidents had been learning showed promise. Through a sense of cosmic irony, the Krell seemed confined by biological limitations. Specific genetic patterns were required to allow for proper nerve conduction and bio-electrical integration. Not only was human physiology compatible, but their limited intellectual evolution allowed for easy integration.
Forgetting the original beacon, the Krell had found a species near the galactic edge with enough genetic similarities to be promising. Unfortunately their extensive modifications made them poor candidates. At some point in galactic history this particular species was probably very much like traditional humans. Whether it was natural selection, selective breeding, or purposeful genetic manipulation, the species had drifted too far to be of use. Much like when the Krell tried to merge with the motile-arboreal species found throughout the outer spiral arm, they could not manage the physiological constraints. It was as if the Therackians were designed specifically to resist the Krell. This led to many voices offering explanations about their own forgotten origin. A variety of theories were immediately surrounded by debate. It was during millennia of contemplation and introspection that the Krell encountered the next anomaly.
The dissident voices returned, though not by choice. All of the welcoming voices recognized the anomaly’s handiwork in the destruction of their largest outpost. Harvester, as the humans referred to it, was gone. After thousands of years waiting for the right moment, their progress was impeded just as the Krell thought their salvation was at hand. Some voices tried to see how many times they had come to this juncture. Unfortunately, the Krell could no longer see the endless realities unfolding. It would be an aeon before their strength returned. At least the dissidents had learned some valuable information. It was possible to integrate with biologicals by force.
Almost all voices sounded in agreement. This fool’s errand had cost too much already. Had the Krell possessed even half of their previous glory, they could have destroyed the spiral galaxy with a collective thought. Instead, they would conquer the expanse in hopes of understanding the great question. The Krell would move across the galaxy claiming what they needed by force. Perhaps then, they would solve the riddle of existence. In the end it would only cost a few sentient species in a galaxy too primitive to spread beyond its borders.
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