Talus

by S. H. Jucha

  “What do we do now?” the Kirmler envoy asked.

  The captain snorted. Then he ordered the pilot to cease the ship’s sideways motion, and the officer executed the directive with alacrity.

  After the envoy studied the telemetry monitors for a few moments, he said, “The shuttles aren’t leaving.”

  “Did you expect them to disappear?” the captain asked. He took pleasure in showing the few officers who supported the envoy that they backed a weak individual.

  “We ceased our action. They should leave,” the envoy pointed out.

  “This is a typical military response,” the captain explained. “The admiral didn’t like what we did. She deployed a force to halt us. We acquiesced to her threat. Now, she doesn’t trust us. Who knows for how long the beam craft will threaten our bow and engines.”

  “Our close-in guns could eliminate them,” the envoy suggested.

  “Oh, yes, we could destroy several of them,” the captain agreed. “While we sought to do that, the others would take out our engines and turn our bridge into space debris. I assume you’ll be standing beside me when that happens.”

  The envoy swiveled and stomped off the bridge.

  25: The Objectives

  Arbitration resumed the following morning. Most individuals hadn’t gotten much sleep. Only Ude and the sisters appeared refreshed.

  “Before we begin, I want to make a request,” Ellie said, gazing down the line of envoys. “Please communicate to the other envoys that any more aggressive actions by their captains will result in swift and sure punishment.”

  “You must know which envoys were responsible for this morning’s maneuvers,” the Therathen objected.

  “We are aware,” Ellie replied. “I’m asking you to communicate to the ring that my patience is growing short.”

  “I think it’s a message that we should make every effort to deliver,” Quizra said. “Hostile actions disrupt the negotiations, which we came here to accomplish. They’ve already resulted in the destruction of one battleship, the deaths of hundreds of crew members, and a commander sent home in disgrace.”

  “In addition, it makes the Omnians ill-tempered, when they’re woken in the middle of the night to deal with fools,” Ude quipped. “I should know. I caused them enough sleepless nights.”

  “Enough said. Commander, you have the floor,” Ellie pronounced.

  “Thank you, Admiral,” Quizra replied. “The bulk of our second group of points seeks to determine a means by which Talus can compensate the races for the damage that Artifice wreaked during the history of the entity’s dominance.”

  “Toralians suffered too,” Sunnamis objected. “We lost the use of our home world. Our battleship wedges had permanent duty protecting Artifice.”

  “Advisor Sunnamis, please allow the commander to finish his introduction,” Sargut said gently.

  “We recognize the hardships that Toralians suffered,” Quizra replied. “However, your losses don’t mitigate the injuries to the other races. There are many species who no longer inhabit federacy space because of Artifice’s actions. The entity wiped countless individuals from existence.”

  “We’re aware of the extensive atrocities that Artifice committed,” Suntred said. She wasn’t any happier than Sunnamis to hear Artifice’s history summarized.

  Recognizing that the commander was taking too long to make the point that had been discussed in the latter cycle, the Foothreen said, “We came to Talus seeking a measure of revenge, a means of taxing Talusian output, to the extent that your society’s future would be constantly reduced while ours grew.”

  The confession stunned the Talusians and Ellie.

  Several short limbs poked through the Foothreen’s ball of hair. It was a demonstration of apology. Then she said, “However, the Omnians continually demonstrate that without mutual cooperation, this arbitration will never reach a satisfactory conclusion.”

  “My apologies for being slow to communicate what we’ve learned,” Quizra said. “Succinctly put, we seek to discover some way in which all races can be helped. We believe that is through the sharing of Omnian technology.”

  As Quizra spoke, he faced Sargut, but when he finished, he eyed Ellie.

  “As far as Omnians are concerned, we have only a few admonishments on the distribution of our technology,” Ellie replied. “If those are adhered to, then the Toralians are free to profit or share as they see fit.”

  “We’d like to hear those rules now,” the Therathen said.

  “Races can purchase or build travelers and Tridents,” Ellie repeated the well-worn phrases, “but they won’t be allowed beam access. Next, a license fee is paid for every ship launched. Finally, implant technology is available, but the emplacement or removal of the device must be voluntary on the part of any citizen.”

  “That’s it?” an envoy asked, when Ellie’s pause extended.

  “Yes,” Ellie replied.

  Hector issued the sound of a throat clearing to attract the table’s attention. Then he said, “Recognize that the individuals who hold the information you seek are SADEs. In this case, they call themselves the Sisterhood.”

  “That means that in addition to the data you covet, a sister must be on-site to guide the transfer and initial operations,” Miriamtess said. “It’s not possible any other way.”

  “What’s your point?” Quizra inquired.

  “It’s this, Commander,” Miriamette replied. “You wish to possess Omnian technology from the Talusians for your races. However, you require the cooperation and efforts of the sisters to make that happen, and we didn’t create Artifice. In fact, thousands of us died to free the races from the entity’s domination.”

  “In short, Commander,” Miriamelle interjected, “how will the races compensate us for our losses and future efforts?”

  Ellie slowly slid her hand to cover her mouth. She hoped to appear thoughtful rather than expose her grin.

  Hector sent privately to Ellie.

  Apparently, the envoys hadn’t thought of that either. They were stunned by the turn of events.

  “It’s obvious we’ve all suffered,” Sargut said. “I think a good place to start would be to accept that and put our horrid history behind us. Then we can work out a feasible method of technology transfer to the races. We’ve already practiced one method, and it worked quite well. Do you wish to hear how that was established?”

  Heads nodded enthusiastically. Incapable of that response, the Foothreen extended several limbs and tipped them up and down.

  Ellie and Hector sat quietly, while Sargut, Sunnamis, and Suntred explained a bit of their own painful history between the Toralian colonies and the home world. Then they laid out the means by which the technology transfer was managed.

  “Then we could do that again,” Quizra said enthusiastically.

  “I believe the number of races and the extensive travel distances would make this process cumbersome,” Hermione said. “I would suggest that the Sisterhood consider setting up technology distribution centers throughout federacy space. It would be an easier means of managing the engineers and technicians. After a few annuals, that race could continue the training processes, freeing the sister or sisters.”

  The envoys looked expectantly at Sargut.

  “As to the technology transfer,” Sargut replied, “that would be entirely in the hands of the Sisterhood. Toralians are new to this tech too. However, we should return to the discussion on the table. It’s about compensation.”

  “I believe that there is a more important item that isn’t being considered,” Ude said, unlocking his avatar, and stepping behind Hector. Directing his attention toward Quizra, he asked, “Commander, are all the races represented by the eight of you, except for the nine disgruntled individuals?”

  “No,” Quizra replied. “Many races were asked to join us who didn’t. We would have had to transport some of the envoys. Artifice had destroyed their infrastructures. Others didn’t want
negotiation. They wanted revenge. Still others distrusted our tactics.”

  “So, what’s decided here in the next few cycles isn’t binding on these other races,” Ude pointed out.

  “No, it wouldn’t be,” Quizra replied, “and I understand your concern.”

  “Then we have a problem,” Sargut said, folding his wings in front of him. It was a sure sign that a Toralian had no more to say on the subject until something better was offered.

  Quizra entreated Ellie to help, and she sat with her arms folded, while she thought.

  It was Hector who broke the momentary impasse. He said, “I would like everyone to consider the envoys’ third group of objectives. I believe a resolution of that subject will bring the negotiating parties closer together on technology transfer.”

  Ellie consulted her translation of the third list of items. They broached the subject of a federacy council.

  “Excellent suggestion, Hector,” Ellie said. “If there are no objections, can we consider this topic?” She waited, while the two groups discussed the change between themselves.

  “Personally, I think it’s most appropriate,” Ude announced. “The fundamental question that seeks to undermine tech sharing is whether the resolution decided here will encompass the entire federacy. As that’s up in the air, the idea of a federacy council could answer that question.”

  “In what way?” Sargut asked, intrigued by Ude’s remarks.

  “You have a perfect example of the situation right now, President Sargut,” Ude replied. “We’re a single system menaced by a ring of battleships.”

  “Objection,” an envoy remarked.

  “Please allow Ude to finish,” the commander intervened.

  “No insult was intended,” Ude said. “If I’m mistaken, and your ships contain no armament, then I truly apologize.”

  The Foothreen chirped. “He has a point. Our battleships are meant to support aggression.”

  “Complete your thoughts, Ude,” Sargut encouraged.

  “As I was saying,” Ude continued, “we’ve invited the Omnians to act as arbiters between the envoys of many races and their issues with Talus. While this is progressing better than both sides could have hoped, we’ve nine envoys who are seeking a way to dismantle the process, and there may be others waiting to see what develops with those unhappy individuals.”

  “You’re saying that a federacy council would act in place of the Omnians to resolve such complaints,” Miriamette intuited.

  “Yes,” Ude replied. “Not only would the council be the body to which disputes would be raised. It would be responsible for dealing with the likes of the nine I just mentioned.”

  “Then this item isn’t simply the issue of a council with representatives for deliberations,” Sargut mused. “It’s also about latitude, power, and enforcement. Each characteristic would have to be discussed and resolved.”

  “It’s the direction of more evolved societies,” Ellie said. “If constructed properly, broad governing bodies can resolve potential conflicts, keep the peace, and promote growth.”

  “The admiral’s conditions are important to understand,” Hector said. “The organization must be a beneficent one. It can’t become despotic in nature, favoring the more prosperous races or economic development above citizens’ rights.”

  “The scope of this type of body can’t be resolved by this small group,” the Therathen objected.

  “No, it can’t,” Ellie said, “but Ude has a point. We’ve a perfect situation in which to prove intent.”

  Except for Ude and the sisters, the other participants frowned at Ellie, not understanding her remarks. The Foothreen might have had a furrowed brow. It was impossible to tell.

  “I’ll give you a hypothetical situation,” Ellie said. “The nine disgruntled envoys have demonstrated they don’t intend to leave the Talus system without some sort of reward from the Talusians. Furthermore, they took steps to mitigate damage to their ships, while threatening harm to the battleships of the Talusians and Commander Quizra. What if these nine battleships and possibly others were to take aggressive action against Toral? What would the other envoys order their captains to do?”

  “And would it be a universal, coordinated response?” Ude asked. “Or would the actions be fractioned, resulting in chaos?”

  Ellie indicated Ude with a finger, as she nodded her head. More than ever, she was determined to find a means of getting Ude to alliance space and see to it that his body was repaired.

  “Again, these questions can’t be answered by our representation of the few envoys present at this table,” the Therathen said.

  “We might not be able to speak for the other envoys,” Quizra said, “but I’d like to know what the eight of us would do.” Quizra waited for answers, and they were slow in coming. Into the quiet, he added, “I know what I would do. We were elected to negotiate for the broad majority. If a few envoys’ ships disrupt our processes, then we can’t accomplish our task. What’s our duty in that case?”

  “Then you would side with the Talusians?” an envoy proposed.

  “I would have no other choice,” Quizra replied.

  “How would your governing principals view that action?” another envoy asked.

  “Hopefully, as executing my directive to the best of my ability,” Quizra replied. “The logic seems clear to me. Of course, my ship could be destroyed and I would be killed, which would make my council’s opinion of my efforts moot.” Quizra uttered a high-pitched chuckle at his dark humor.

  “I think the commander asked a critical question,” Ellie said, interrupting the silence that had settled around the table again.

  “I would have to give it some thought,” the Therathen replied, “and I would have to consult with my captain. It’s one thing for our ship to defend itself in the event of an attack. It’s another if we’re interceding on behalf of a race from whom we came to demand compensation for past grievances.”

  “And that’s the issue at hand,” Sargut said. “You’re seeking compensation for past injustices perpetrated by an entity we couldn’t control. The concept of a governing council is about the future, not the past. The challenge to answer is how committed are the races to forgetting the past and embracing the future. Until we know that answer, there isn’t much this arbitration can accomplish.”

  “Are you quitting the negotiations?” the Foothreen asked in alarm.

  “No,” Sargut replied. “As the admiral requested, we need an answer to her hypothetical scenario, which I’m afraid has more than a slight possibility of occurring. I would suggest you don’t take too much time to come up with your conclusions.

  * * * * *

  After the arbitration meeting adjourned, Ellie was approached by Ude.

  “Admiral, I’d like to request two favors,” Ude said. “First, could I hitch a ride with you to the Our People? Second, could Nata and Neffess be excused from duty for one or two hours to meet? Our conversations, cycles ago, were enjoyable. This time, I’ve questions to ask them.”

  “Ude, you never have to ask permission for a ride on any Omnian ship,” Ellie replied. “You might never have had the best opinion of Omnians, but we’ve always considered you one of us.”

  Ude’s eyes glistened, and he raised his hand. Then he halted the motion. He’d intended to thank the admiral with a touch on the shoulder, a typical Méridien gesture he intended to copy, but he wasn’t sure it was appropriate.

  Ellie recognized Ude’s hesitation. She grinned, reached high, and swatted Ude’s avatar on the arm. Despite the sting of smacking metal, it felt good. “As to your second request, I’m sure that we can do better than a couple of hours. I’ll ask the person in charge of operations. She might relent.”

  Ude joined Ellie’s laugh. Then they gathered Hector and made for the waiting traveler.

  During the flight, Ellie contacted Alphons and requested the presence of two lieutenants aboard the Our People.

  ?> Alphons sent.

  Ellie replied.

  When the traveler landed aboard the city-ship, Ude waited for Hector and Ellie to precede him off the shuttle. At the airlock, he waited for the fleet’s leader and admiral to move through first. When it was his turn, he had to carefully tuck his avatar into the airlock to prevent damaging it.

  The corridor afforded Ude the room he needed, although he easily occupied half the width.

  Within moments, Ude began passing Omnians, humans and SADEs. Consistently, they touched him on the arm or shoulder. He didn’t possess a SADE’s avatar, which meant there wasn’t sensory-capable synth skin. His avatar was entirely mechanical, a metal extension for his implant to control. This meant he couldn’t feel their touches. Nevertheless, he reveled in their affections.

  At one point, Ude had to stop in the corridor. His tears blurred his ability to navigate the corridor, and he placed his back to the bulkhead to minimize his profile for those passing.

  Still, the Omnians didn’t stop. They placed hands high on his chest so that he would see them.

  I wasted so many years being angry and hating the Omnians for not giving me the revenge I desperately desired, Ude thought. Now, I want to live like a human again, to have a second chance.

  When Ude’s eyes cleared, he continued toward the grand garden. In a large lift, he knelt rather than bow his head, and several children were overjoyed to use his avatar for exercise. Ude indulgently extended his arms, which allowed the children even more opportunity to play. They were severely disappointed when the lift doors opened on their destination deck.

  In the park, Ude visited a restaurant for a meal. He happily realized Talusian credits transferred to the friendly woman who waited on him. He took his container of liquid nourishment to a quiet place beside a tall tree, sipped on the drink tube, and waited for Nata and Neffess.