The air inside the departure chamber is cold. This isn't unusual, in fact it's essential for the Translation to function properly. The low temperature allows the mechanism to operate more efficiently, or something like that.

I know that sounds uninformed but it's not really my area of expertise. In fact, I'm not even sure that what I do, qualifies me as an expert in anything. After all, I'm just a Projector.

But not to sell myself short, my job is important to the process. The raw power of the matrix is necessary to boost people between two points in space but without someone who has the ability to self-project, like me, the whole process would not function.

The departure chamber is an unremarkable featureless grey box, a hundred metres on each side. There are no windows and one huge loading door taking up most of one wall.

In the centre of the space is a raised circular platform.

Passing through the expectant crowd of travellers, I climb up two steps and take my position in the centre.

For the first time, I register the crowd. There must be over a thousand people here. All eyes are suddenly on me and I can feel the atmosphere change. This form of travel is exciting and the sense of expectation is overwhelming.

"Commencement," says a voice in my earpiece. "Catek, set your course, please."

"Understood," I reply.

Above me, the interface light shines down, a soft green beam that encompasses the platform, linking me with the mechanism.

Closing my eyes, I am suddenly floating in a seemingly infinite void, drifting in a black limbo. Below me, my home planet resides; a brilliant blue green jewel in the darkness.

The voice returns in my ear. "Catek, your Translation is confirmed."

I allow my consciousness to expand out from me, and suddenly, an infinite number of journeys become possible with just a single thought. Today, the trip is routine, a settled world known as Ancarea, a mere six light years away.

In the distance, I hear an announcement to the crowd.

As I reach for the destination world, suddenly there is no distance at all. As if moving from one room to another, I step across the void. I feel the power of the Translation bringing the other travellers with me. In a fraction of a second, it is over and the chamber door swings open.

"Welcome to Ancarea, you have arrived in Taed City, situated on the equatorial continent Batriss. Please enjoy your stay."

I relax, allowing my senses to stabilise. I open my eyes to see that nearly all the passengers have already left.

"Very nice, for a new graduate," says a female voice in my ear. She sounds familiar.

"Efria? Is that you?"

The sound of laughter fills my ears.

She giggles. "That's what I like about you, Catek. So quick."

I leave the platform and walk towards the exit.

"We having a drink then?"

"So long as I'm not paying, absolutely," she says. "I'll meet you at Starcross in ten minutes."

Taed City is one of the largest capitals on Ancarea. It is a centre of manufacturing and commerce with a population of three hundred thousand. Unsurprisingly, the crowds outside are ridiculous and after the serene peace of Translation, a definite assault on my senses. Crossing the main transit way, I walk into the Starcross Bar. It too, is heaving with people.

"Catek, over here," yells Efria from the other side of the room. I see her waving me over, a broad smile on her face. Pushing my way through the throng, I eventually make it to her table and flop into a nearby chair.

Efria laughs and slides a glass towards me.

"Here," she says. "I got the first one."

"The first one?" I pick up the tall glass of local brew and take a big drink. "That's nice."

"It's better than some of the other crap they serve," she says and slurps some of her own.

I look across the table at her. She's seventy two but looks and behaves like a fifty year old. To me, she seems ageless and doesn't seem to have changed from when I first met her.

That was ten years ago, when I had just begun training as a Projector. Efria was one of the very first to manifest the ability to self- translate; to move between worlds just by thought. She was my teacher and soon after that my mentor; my friend.

"So, what brings you to Ancarea?" I realise that my question sounds a bit lame.

"If I said to see you, would you believe me?" Her smile returns. "I've heard a lot of good things about you, Catek. It makes me very proud."

I can feel myself blushing. "I'm just part of the team."

"No, your not," she says, and ordered some more drinks. "You stand out as special; better than the rest and that's important for what's coming next."

"A new exploration is being planned?" My heart is beating a little faster. "Is that why you're here? It is isn't it?"

Efria nods. "The Government has decided that we need to increase our presence on this side of the Separation. I have been tasked to find a Projector to lead the team. I take it that you would be interested?"

I am literally bouncing in my seat. "What are you talking about? The chance to go somewhere new and unexplored, of course I'm interested."

Efria smiles. "I knew that you would be, so I've already put your name forward."

"Are we near to the Separation borderline?"

Efria grins at me. "This excursion will be closer than we have ever dared to venture. So close that you could almost smell the Skrahl."

"That's astounding," I say. "What are the chances of an encounter?"

Efria pauses and her expression becomes serious.

"Catek," she says, lowering her voice. "None of the team know this, so you need to be discreet."

"Alright."

"There is a possibility that the Skrahl have already visited but they haven't established a colony." Her hesitation was obvious. "I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to back out."

I smile at her. "Whatever the circumstances. I'm going."