Author: Dave Ludford
“Lin Chi, it is the time of your twentieth solar cycle. You are no doubt aware of the significance of that fact.”
Xemon’s words, spoken to all citizens upon reaching this age, sent a shiver through my body even though I’d heard them spoken many times to others at this pre-ceremony. Xemon, the Public Orator, had a particular way of making even the most routine proclamations sound like a death sentence was being declared. The passing through the Arc ceremony was a rite of passage all of us went through. I turned to Sen, my partner, who took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze of reassurance. Although we were constantly reassured from childhood that the ceremony was completely painless and we shouldn’t fear it, it was a momentous occasion for us.
***
“At first you notice the absolute darkness within the cavern once the heavy doors are closed behind you. Darkness like you’ve never experienced, even on midwinter evenings. Sorry, I’ve told you all of this often…”
“Please, continue. It helps me prepare for what’s to come.” I sat forward, listening eagerly. Sen had undergone the ceremony on the previous cycle.
“Very well. You will be allocated a Guide who will help you negotiate your way across the bridge, so don’t worry. They are very experienced and will ensure you come to no harm. The bridge is short but narrow; it leads over a sheer drop many hundreds of kett deep which would lead to certain death if one were to fall. You will quickly reach the other side, then you will see- glowing brilliantly in the near distance like hundreds of clusters of small stars- the lights of the Arc. Light that can dazzle alarmingly until one’s eyes adjust, so try not to look at them directly at first. It will be difficult; you will be drawn to them like a moth to flame. The Guide will provide an eye shield should you require it.”
“And when I reach the Arc, I will be bathed in those lights? I just walk through slowly to the other side and away?”
“Yes. But you must stop once, briefly, to ensure full exposure to the light. You will feel a great warmth embracing you. It is very pleasant. The Guide will ensure you spend the correct length of time in what is called the motionless state. Then they will escort you out, and it is done!”
It all sounded straightforward enough; I was looking forward to my upcoming absorption of the sum total of Thuran-Human knowledge, philosophy and wisdom that spanned thousands of cycles since our arrival here from Old Earth. My turn had finally come.
***
They treat him well here.
The doctors are highly skilled in neurological disorders and there’s a chance, albeit a very slim one, that Lin may recover but they say I shouldn’t be too hopeful.
Upon entering the Arc (which was now ten days ago) Lin suffered a massive adverse reaction to the lights and the sudden exposure to such a vast flood of knowledge caused a type of cerebral haemorrhage. In short, he literally suffered information overload which blew his brain. The damage to his neurons was severe and may be permanent. Only time and extensive surgery can save him.
I’m at his bedside, one hand holding his as he sleeps, the other resting on my swollen stomach. Could I tell our child- when the time comes- that there’s nothing to fear from the passing through the Arc ceremony, that it’s completely painless? For the vast majority that is the case, but what if…?