Was this an example of Roadbuilder technology? If there were Roadbuilders inside, why hadn't they simply levitated across the valley to meet us? Compared to the wizardry that had brought us here, this was decidedly middle-tech.
The next thing that happened shocked the hell out of us.
The green-tinted bubble-top popped open and a human being climbed out.
A strange one, though. His long hair was the color of copper, his face the color of coffee with heavy cream. His black eyes were large and wide apart. He had a straight sharp nose over full lips and his face was a perfect oval. There was something of the androgyne in him, with masculine and feminine aspects melded into one body. He climbed down from his vehicle and walked toward us in a flowing movement in which grace and self-assurance were combined.
He was dressed in a green full cape, black pantaloons and boots, and a black leather jacket with black piping. The cape was embroidered along the edges with elaborate designs in black thread and the jacket flowed with green scrollwork.
He stopped a few meters from us and spoke.
"Welcome," he said, and smiled. "You've come a long way and you must be very weary. We offer our apologies if you've been inconvenienced in any way."
The voice was not effeminate so much as it was epicene. It was clear, lyrical, lilting―almost musical.
No one responded. We all stood there airing our tonsils.
Finally I shut my mouth, swallowed, and said, "Hello. Yes, we're pretty tired. Uh, thank you." I massaged my forehead and tried again. "Uh, look here. I'm Jake McGraw. And these are my friends…"
"Greetings to you all," the man said, smiling warmly and looking around. "You may call us Prime."
"Us?" I said.
"Uh… me. Forgive the plural. Merely a habit."
"Prime," I repeated.
"Yes, Prime will do." He turned and looked up, watching a cloud roll by. "Beautiful weather, wouldn't you say?"
"Yes." I shook my head. "See here―" I began.
"You know, I was just about to have lunch," Prime said, turning to me, "when I had news of your arrival. You must be tired and hungry. Would you all do me the honor of joining me for a bite to eat?―After you've all had a chance to freshen up a bit, of course."
"Yes," I said. "Yes. But―"
"Forgive me. I'm sure you have many questions to ask me. And I'm perfectly willing to tell all in good time. But some things take priority, don't they? The universe stops for lunch. Why shouldn't we?" He laughed.
"One question first," I said. I pointed to the Skyway. "Did you build that?"
He looked. "What, that road specifically? Myself?"
"No, all of them. All the roads. We call it the Skyway."
His grin was strange and sly. "I suppose in a way I did."
"In a way?"
"Please. I don't want to sound enigmatic, though I'm sure I do. But I will answer all your questions at a later time. Any questions, truthfully and honestly."
He motioned over his shoulder. "I live across the valley there. If you'll be so kind as to follow me―"
"Do you know anything about a black cube?" I blurted.
"What? Oh." He frowned. "Yes. Um, you have it, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Good. Well; keep it for now. But at some point I would like to get a look at it."
"What is it?"
"What is it," he repeated. "Well, it's basically an experiment."
"An experiment in what?"
He considered his phrasing. "Let us say, an experiment in the creation of a universe."
"Any universe in particular?" I asked.
He looked at the sky and smiled. "Is there more than one?"
"Is there?"
His gaze lowered to meet mine. "That question can be answered in many ways." He laughed again. "Well. More of this later. And now―"
"I have a question." Cart shouldered me aside, walked forward, and stood in front of Prime.
Prime eyed him up and down, still smiling. "Young man, I sense that you harbor some hostility toward me."
"You're damn right. What's the big idea of kidnapping me and dumping me on some goddamn planet somewhere?"
"My dear young man, I―"
Carl cocked back his right fist and hit him full in the face.
Prime spun around and fell to the ground, his flowing cape spread out over the grass like crippled green wings.
Lori screamed. Then there was silence.
Prime didn't move. Carl stood there over him, both fists balled and arms straight at his sides.
I overcame my shock and stepped over to Carl. I looked down at Prime.
"Carl," I said. "You may have just punched out God."
"Nah." He looked at me sharply. "God has a beard."