My NaNoWriMo 2015 Day 8
Interlude: 20 Years earlier
It was a beautiful service. her father would have loved it. Everyone dressed in traditional white. A solo rendition of “Lost in the Darkness” was played by one of his most dedicated and promising pupils. The weather, while cloudy, never produced rain, keeping the funeral party dry for this solemn occasion.
It finally sank in: He was gone. seeing the body reduced to ash then taking them and scattering to the wind cured her of any delusions to the contrary. Part of her wished she’d never been sent to that school. She might have had more time with him then. It was what he wanted for her though. He was so proud of his brilliant daughter. She wouldn’t let him down. That day, Huiling Xiaou vowed she would become ten times the student she already was. She would unlock the secrets of the universe. She would do it for him.
Chapter 6
Huiling looked up through her telescope at the cloudless night sky. Today was an important day. After two years of designing, modifying and calibrating, adding larger mirrors, more finely tuned lenses, and a few other adjustments she had come up with herself. Her new telescope was ready. These alterations, she hoped would be the key to finding the last bits of information she needed for her thesis. If everything went as she hoped, this would make her the youngest scholar ever to submit a peer reviewed thesis to the National Society of Scholars. And, if it passed scrutiny from the board, would might even provide an opportunity to compete for membership. That would be unheard of, she knew, but she didn’t care. Lack of precedent was no reason to believe something impossible. Perhaps it was arrogant to think she had a chance at all, but it was only foolish if she failed to try. For now, all she could do is watch and wait. Wait for the serpent to wink again.
Why the Serpent Winks: An Exploration into the Phenomena behind this Ancient Secret
From the dawn of recorded history, Man has looked up at the sky and examined the shapes and movement of the stars, forming many a legend to explain what they had observed. Countless philosophers, poets, religious figures, and early scientists have tried to determine what made up these beautiful points of light, and what they meant for humanity. What messages do these complex arrangements try to convey, and what this meant about our place in the universe.
It wasn’t until the renown Ga’rm Bender postulated, then later proved that the stars in the sky were no different from the very suns our own planet orbits did we as a society begin to consider we might be a small insignificant speck in a vast universe of suns, each perhaps with their own planets. This was only speculation until today.
Over the past three years, with the help of my junior colleagues I believe we have found compelling evidence of one such planet only a 4.9 lightyears away. We also believe we have discovered why The Serpent winks, and what secret she’s been hiding all these generations…
“Your paper is quite compelling Ms. Xiaou,” The elder man said, referring to his notes over half-moon spectacles. “Even without official publication, leaked copies to the press have the scientific community desperate for more information, and spawned several follow up papers, and much rampant speculation in the media.”
Huiling stood in a large cavernous room. Before her was the senior board members of The Society of Scholars. These eleven individuals would determine whether or not her work made her fit to be extended fellowship in the group. The fact that she even stood before them today was history in the making. This was the final stage in the review process, the shortest review ever done in history.
While she had anticipated being the youngest ever brought before the board, she could not help but be filled with an extra dose of pride at the controversy her research had caused. She knew after it’s release, such controversy was inevitable, but she had not anticipated one of her Sisters leaking the paper before a review was complete. Why hadn’t she thought of that?
“It has also created quite the uproar in the religious communities,” a second member added, “Indeed, the very church and order that sponsored you is outraged by your conclusions, and the questions raised by your paper.”
“Quite the feat for someone so young,” A third member chimed in. Huiling could not tell if she were amused or annoyed.
“Based on extensive peer review, possibly the most extensive review ever conducted in the thousand year existence of this Organization, we have found your conclusion that the flickering of the star ZP-497, also known as ‘The Serpent’s Eye’, winks because of an orbiting body or bodies blocking its light momentarily during certain times of the year.”
“However, your conclusion that one of these bodies may not only be similar to our own planet, but may also possess some form of life is an ambitious claim, and one we are not sure can be sufficiently backed scientifically.”
“I agree,” Huiling said “As it stands now, there is insufficient evidence to prove without doubt such a planet exists; however, during my observations, I determined that the frequency of the ‘winks’ could only be explained by multiple bodies orbiting that star. Additionally, as explained in the paper under ’Support for the Supposition’, I had observed that between the Summer Solstice and Harvest Day, there was a barely perceivable flicker caused by a smaller body that, based on our calculations for its necessary orbit to create its effects on the sun’s light at that frequency, it must be roughly the size of our own planet. Perhaps a bit smaller, but still large enough to possess an atmosphere capable of supporting life.”
“What of the remarks by your own affiliated religious sect that such a claim is blasphemy and an affront to God?” A broad, elderly member asked. The amulet around her neck suggested religious affiliation with the same order Huiling belonged, at least until recently.
“To that, Honored Scholars, I can only say that it is only blasphemy if it proves untrue. Who are we to tell the Creator of the Universe what can and cannot occur?”
“Wise words,” the Prime Scholar agreed, nodding thoughtfully. Huiling could tell by the looks on other Scholar’s faces that perhaps not everyone agreed on that front.
“It is the conclusion of this board, the Scholar continued, “based on careful examination of the data provided and consideration of your conclusions laid out in your paper, we cannot at this time extend to you the title of Scholar and provide membership to this esteemed body.”
Huiling’s heart sank in her chest. She could feel the blood begin to pound in her ears as her face colored with outrage. Her paper was painstakingly researched. The discovery of planetary bodies around an alien star should be more than sufficient to secure a fellowship in the Society. Members had certainly been allowed in with less. Plus her research opened the door to discover other planets around other stars, and plotted steps that can be taken to ascertain the validity of habitable planet theory. If it weren’t for this damned controversy by those meddlesome nuns who leaked the paper to the press, her appointment would’t even be a question. She wanted to shout! To accuse the board of prejudice and manipulation by the religious elite, but she kept silent. Closing her eyes to try and calm herself. An outburst here would assure she would never get a chance to apply again. Furthermore it would destroy her credibility with the community at large. She would become a disgrace to herself and the memory of her father. She remained silent and allowed the Lead Scholar to continue.
“However,” he said, “We believe you should receive the chance to prove your exoplanet theory one way or another, and therefore have authorized the total of six-million per year and necessary facilities, personal, and accommodations over the next five years to aid in your research. After which time, we will reexamine your application, in light of your future findings, and decide whether or not it warrants granting fellowship to this Society.”
With that she was dismissed, a glimmer of hope burning in her heart. Even after five years, she would still be the youngest ever admitted to the Society by a good three years. She knew this was a move to shield the organization from undue controversy. If she proved such a planet did exist, the Church wouldn’t have a leg to stand on to oppose her findings. If she could not, then the society avoids the black mark of admitting a blasphemer. The church’s endorsement wasn’t mandatory, after all, but it was advantageous for both groups if they remained on the same page. Even funding her research would create waves between the two powerful organizations. Huiling clenched her fists as she walked. This would not be easy.
