I roamed far afield in those days. Stars we now reach out for but can touch only with our deepest yearnings were then mere moments distant. I had no such yearnings then, for in that time to wish for was to find fulfillment. But there were some things then that had a flavor like our present strivings...

I walked alone into the same spaceport bar I had stopped at on my last dozen-odd trips to this hell-hole of a universe. The multi-phasic hand weapon clipped to my thigh felt clean and ready to my touch as my mind flashed over its record of the violent encounters of my most recent visits.

Inwardly reassured, I strode to the bar. I had not come to drink, although I ordered my usual sunset high mixer with mizpah slice. I was looking for a man.

The man I was seeking had been to a place beyond all the realms of thought, and I had need to follow his path. He would show me how to plot the way, if I could find him.

My weapon leaped into my hand, and its beam sliced out into one of the darkened corners of the room. A muffled scream ensued, and a tingle of treachery faded from my mind. I was close to my goal, and one who would thwart my plans had picked up the emanations of my intention. He would trouble me no more this cycle, but there could be others of his persuasion on my path. I tightened my control, and sharpened my perceptions.

"The one I seek calls himself the Seeker," I said to the bartender. "He is nearby."

"As you say," he answered, as I motioned for him to refill my glass, "But he hides himself well. You will not find him easily."

I laid down several times the price of the drink, and he leaned closer as he scooped it up. "There is a female he has been known to favor, the singer at the Blue Nova. She may be persuaded to lead you to him."

I thanked him, finished my drink, and left.

Twice on my way to the Blue Nova my multi-phasor sang out on 'stun'. These were not true enemies, only hoodlums short of stars enough to fill their bellies. Perhaps they would learn to practice better stealth on their next victim, but I thought not. Their feet were silent, but their minds were screaming.

She was lovely. This will be a man worth knowing, who can consort with such a one as she, I thought.

When she went off, I followed.

She spoke in a voice like nebula-glow, smooth and clear. "I cannot tell you what you wish to know," she said. Her thoughts seemed as smooth and clear as her voice, but I could sense her inner tension.

"Relax," I said, "He will welcome me. Read my intentions. Our goals align."

She was startled when I dropped my barriers for her. That I should take such a risk with a stranger was beyond her imagining. But I had read her right. She reciprocated with a sudden flow of warmth, and said "Come." Her smile was dazzling.

We wound through dismal alleys and dark passages for some time. With no need to communicate, she blanked her mind completely, an incredible ability. This alone scared off several would-be assailants who, expecting one, found two. My proxy admiration for the Seeker grew.

At last we approached the entrance to a large apartment block. Inside, we took the levitator up several floors. The Seeker had received her signal, and let us in without hesitation.

"I've been waiting for you," he said, grasping my arms.

I said "Yes, I know," and returned the greeting.

"She comes too," he added, motioning toward my escort.

"Fine," I replied, "There will be others, in time."

There is no adequate way to describe in these words the adventures we found in the place he led us to. Suffice it to say that even dreams no longer reflect the realms we traveled through together. We returned often to wait for others, for this was a thing that must be shared.

And others did come, learned the Paths, were content for a time, and then went on. In the end, we left too, seeking again. But we came to know each other well while we were there. Perhaps you were one of us.

If so, hello, old friend.

How fare you now?