Writing about the technology of Trailokya is really kind of fulfilling, but I’m always concerned I’ll lock myself into something, paint myself into a corner, so to speak. So, if you sense me dancing around a topic, you’re probably right. I have a lot more books planned and locking it all down now might prevent some cool things happening later.
Throwing caution to the wind, let’s proceed.
The gates in Zion of which I’m speaking here aren’t your garden gates. These are the gates you will read about the duta using to access different planes and locations. They come in a lot of shapes and sizes. Some are locked down. Others are out in the open.
One of the main premises of the series is that energy is free throughout Zion. This was a theory of Nikola Tesla that he was unable to bring to fruition. Some theories suggest that the ancient Egyptians had this tech in wide use, but that is speculation from not quite trustworthy sources. Still, these zany theories make for some great features in fiction. So, of course I snatched it up and ran with it.
Active Way Gate in Gyuto Order, Zion
How the gates work are similar to the wireless technology used by the Penannular. Atman that don’t develop into beings remain a source of unceasing power (sure they can be drained, but they don’t die unless sent to Oblivion, and they do regain power with rest, unlike batteries). Each gate has a key, which is determined by the user’s pass clearance. I don’t come out and state this in the book, it is implied by the actions of those using the gates.
When the duta raises a hand and activates the gate key, it lights up in a lovely pale blue and looks like a complex dial or seal. Dedicated gates have seals that tell where the gate will lead the individual who is requesting access. Other gates with dials must be told where the individual wants to go. For instance, Maiel opens a gate key and dials in a gate on the outskirts of The White City. Likewise, one could be activated to travel to Samsara, which look like astrology birth charts. You dial the location with several rings of information, similar to dialing in latitude and longitude, but in a four-locus pick: dimension (realms like Samsara, Astral, or Zion), location (like Terra, Hyades, or Satyr), location on the surface (latitude and longitude) or person.
Could the gates allow the characters to time travel? That is an excellent question I never had to explore in the first three books, and it would make things far too easy in many ways, and disrupt a good story. Perhaps there are those who can shift through time and space, but I haven’t decided to bring them forward yet.
So, next time you’re in Astral, see if you can activate a gate. Happy travels, Terrans!
[…] on rare occasions, they are windows, if not portals to other places. Last year, I wrote about the way gates and the various shapes they take. In this installment of The Technology of Trailokya, I will talk […]