by F Stephan
“No, Mister President, he isn’t. He wasn’t available,” answered Leopold.
“The Federation is monitoring all communications between Geneva and the station. We can’t escape his detection.” Anaru seemed overly cautious today. Something else happened, Leopold thought. Probably the debrief from the Marines who intervened during the attack on our freighter.
Leopold, unusually grim, wasted no time. “To be blunt, Mister President, we’ve got a problem with the management of the power grid across the station.” Leopold forced a friendly reassuring voice.
“I don’t—”
Leopold continued straightforwardly, “With the solar flares, the fluctuation in the radiation impacting us and all the requirements from the station, we can’t regulate the energy, air, and water properly. Wilfried has tried every option he can think of, and Tasha and I rechecked all his ideas. On top of this, we must identify all parts that were compromised and replace them. With our current computing technology, we just can’t make it work.”
Anaru let the words sink in before answering coldly, “I don’t understand these technical issues. But you wouldn’t have called me if you didn’t have a solution. What is it? And why are only the three of us present?”
Tasha smiled. “Before we left Adheek, the Adheekens lent us an Ancient computer they used initially to regulate their station.”
The President gasped. “This is—”
“Outside Federation rules. No. But exploiting a loophole in the rules. Yes. This computer doesn’t exist on any log.”
“I saw on the last shuttle flight that you had taken up an experimental AI from your research center. Is that the cover you plan to use?”
She nodded.
“What’s the catch? Later we’ll have to give it to a new planet, but that’s no problem as far as I’m concerned. What else?”
Wilfried stood up. Leopold noticed his avatar’s image was blurred at the edges. Mental projection in the cyber world depends on self-image. You aren’t as well as you say you are, my friend. “Tasha will need to calibrate the thing directly, linking into it. Then either Leopold or I will need to activate it fully. Both are highly dangerous operations if the power reverts from the grid to the console. We could die. Or blast the station into shreds.”
The President sat on the ground in a meditative position, biding his time, making Leopold wait in agony. At last, he opened his eyes, fixing them upon Leopold. “We need to do it and risk losing everything in the hope for an improvement of the station. The last delays have lost us ground in the Council. This should buy you more time.”
“This computer could also increase our accuracy when launching the nuggets to Earth. Without it, we’ll hit populated areas sooner or later,” Leopold added glumly. This was the risk he hated most of all.
“When can you do it?”
“As soon as possible, Mister President.”
They were cornered, all of them, and they knew it. Anaru nodded grimly in response. This was no longer a matter open to decision. This was just about accepting the risks they would have to take.
Wilfried
Space station Acheron, September 30, 2140
Three days later, a convalescent Wilfried walked up and down the different modules with Leopold. His body was still aching from the blast.
“Now, I’ve got a calibration alert on module five, in the biology section. Wil, you’re closer. Can you move there?” Tasha’s voice was focused, emotionless. She had been linked to the Ancient computer for four hours now, and it showed. Wilfried was concerned for her but had enough trouble keeping his mind on his work.
He walked back to module five, dizzy with so many gravity changes. Maricar had assigned Andrew to support him at the crewman’s request, and Wilfried enjoyed his help.
“Boss. What’s next?” The worker smiled jovially, happy to improve the station. Changes are coming at last.
“Issue in the biology section. She’ll tell us more when we get there.”
“Why can’t we fix the grid module after module?” His question was earnest, one everyone had asked over the last few hours. Yet, Wilfried wondered, Is Andrew one of those moles? He rescued us. But what if that was only a trick to gain our trust? Damn them – can’t trust anyone. Since the alert from Jorge, they had found other defects in plants working on spare parts in NorAm and Middle China, and were expecting new delays with their supplies. Wilfried had expected a morale drop after that, but the new AI project and a last step to integrate the grid had boosted everyone’s energy instead, bonds growing stronger in the face of the direct threat.
“She has focused at first on the electrical network. Now, she is creating a backup line and linking it to the air and water flow. Once done, we’ll be able to finish module by module. For now, we need to find where it leaks.” They crossed into the damp, mushy air of the biology section. Wilfried sent a quick message: “Tash, we’re there.”
“Good, it’s somewhere in the floor panels. Close to the venting section. Above the cellular microscope.” The station map was mostly accurate, but a lot of electrical connections had not been mapped during the work, in the rush to get the modules up and running. So, Tasha could not pinpoint precisely the source of the different leaks.
The cellular microscope filled the whole room, and the trapdoor was located just above it. Wilfried sighed. He was focused on how to reach the trap without damaging the precious instrument, but couldn’t find a way.
“Pilot, if I may?” said Andrew respectfully.
“Tell me.”
“There’s an access to this trapdoor. From the next floor through the air vent. A lot easier than going here.”
“I don’t know what I would do without you, Andrew. Go on, lead me.”
Over his bracelet, he could hear Tasha directing Leopold through another calibration, then answering questions from Envoy Nashiz on their integration and the risk to the station. Can’t he leave us to work? They moved one floor up, ears slightly tingling because of the reduced gravity, and found the trapdoor. Beneath it, they found an alembic. Flasks and tubing. Illicit distillery. But Chief Iakoubi and Observer Althal had been clear. Weapons and drugs. Nothing else. I don’t like this. Drunk in space means death. But he couldn’t wait. He had to take a stand right there.
“Andrew?”
“I’d appreciate, sir, if you hadn’t seen this.”
“You know how dangerous this is. If someone is outside and makes a mistake.”
“We’re very reasonable in its use. And if you close it here, there may be another one with people less careful than we are.”
Wilfried looked at Andrew in the eyes, unflinching. “I owe you one for saving my life. Any abuse and it’s out of the airlock.”
Andrew whisked away all of his equipment. There are thousands of caches in the ship. All used for smuggling. Personal belongings, food, alcohol, games, spare parts. How can I control it all? And if I close my eyes to one, do I accept everything? I can’t.
At last, he reached the compartment he had been looking for. “I’m in, Tasha.” He began checking each component in the installation and found, at last, a burned capacitor. Too much strain during the initial installation. He changed it quickly and moved out of the vent.
“Good, Andrew, another problem fixed,” he said, tossing the burned component.
Andrew looked at it in awe. “Could I give it to my pals in maintenance? They’re always asking for spares of any kind!”
“Yes, you can.” Wilfried was surprised by the question but could see his point. “Tash, we’re done here.”
“Good, thanks Wil. I’ve got a new flare in module ten. Would you mind having a look? After taking a lunch break. Your vitals are low.”
This would be a very, very long day. Only if I can have dinner with you tonight. But for that, I’d have to ask, wouldn’t I? he added bitterly to himself.
Tasha
Space station Acheron, September 30, 2140
Tasha sat in the main cafeteria, worn out
by her exhausting day calibrating the Ancient computer. Wilfried was dozing to one side and Leopold held a steaming cup of tea in his hands as he had never held something hot before. It was their first night of rest for a long while, their first together since Baikonur. In front of her, Susanna’s last report on the space station played repeatedly.
“How did it come to this?” asked Leopold, eyes unfocused. “Such hatred.”
“I remember a night,” answered Tasha, distant memories coming back. “Two years after the contact with the Federation. Just after all adults had been tested for their potential to become starpilots. The great European families had gathered in Paris for the most exclusive ball of all time.”
“I suppose many of the current powers were there?”
She nodded. “Oh, yes. All gathered at the same place under heavy security. There was Killian, excited by the alliances that would form that very night. One of his steps toward his current role on the United Organization Council. Susanna was also there, heiress to her family conglomerate, just like me.”
“Big party, then? Loud music, wild dancing?”
“No, not on that day. The results from the test were expected during the ball. All network connections were forbidden, and messengers waited outside to bring us news – any news. A moment of doom.”
“Susanna must have been the star of the show?”
“Not as much as you would expect. She was shy then. Good looking, certainly. And bright, so bright. Since our companies were not direct competitors, she was a potential ally. I didn’t know her well then, and I had plans to make her acquaintance.”
Wilfried opened one eye, commenting drily, “And both of you were chosen by the Federation to become future pilots. You learned it then, didn’t you?”
“Yes, we did. But our families reacted differently. Her family is extremely traditional. Sure, they will sell to anyone who buys. But they talk and marry only with their own kind. People who have been among the most powerful for the last two hundred years at least.”
“You’re kidding?” laughed Leopold.
“No, I’m not. They are old-fashioned. Podorovskis are still newcomers as far as they’re concerned.” Tasha smiled at them.
“So, they didn’t take her nomination well.”
“No. Many families didn’t accept the deal with the Federation. They didn’t want their sons or daughters to become pilots.”
“Ouch. But your parents supported you, didn’t they?”
“Yes, I was fortunate.” Tasha remembered the rage from her mother, the soothing words from her father, the light in Nikolai’s eyes. He wanted to go. She dreamed of an escape from the weight of the conglomerate. They had accepted the results of the tests in the end, but it had been a very long night.
“Ouch. My family was so proud when I was chosen,” said Leopold quietly.
“Same for me. And I know Brian’s parents were happy about it. What about Emily? She came from NorAm high society, didn’t she?”
“Yes. The Cattlins fiercely opposed the Federation in NorAm. They remained officially distant. I don’t think her mother ever came to visit her when she was at the Academy. They have made no public statement since she has been qualified to go to the Core Worlds. Mostly they act as if she had never existed.”
“And Susanna,” said Wilfried softly. “It didn’t go well?”
“You could say that. She was disinherited on the spot, in front of every great family and all her friends. She was cast out of society and hunted out of the party by her screaming mother. Afterwards, she disappeared for weeks and the Federation sent the Marines to find her and bring her to the Academy.”
Leopold grinned. “Her arrival at the Academy was stunning. What a fight she was putting up.” He sobered rapidly. “And then the director talked with her and she began working like hell, fighting with Li Bao for first place. She was in front of you in the rankings till almost the end.”
“And then she lost it all, two months before the end, got expelled from the Academy and disappeared again.”
Tasha nodded slowly. “Anyone would be bitter after all that. I never knew what made her lose. I had hoped time would have mended her hurt. It didn’t.” She sighed. So many dramas could have been avoided if…
If…
Anaru
Space station Acheron, October 7, 2140
With a hurricane due the following day, the shuttle left early Earth from New Mexico. Anaru had been rushed into it before he could prepare himself for the flight and he hated it.
Angelo gave a thumbs up when the vibrations ceased. Anaru had gripped his armchair so tightly his knuckles were white. Nashiz, the Envoy, sat next to him, relaxed and cool. Anaru couldn’t stand his composure. A couple of times he had been forced to go on suborbital flights, and each time had been torture for him. Now, I’ll float and get sick until we reach the station. The suit is too tight and uncomfortable. Why would anyone want to go into space? Everything screamed at him in this shuttle.
“It feels so great to be back in space. I love it.” Nashiz basked in null gee and literally glowed with happiness. “Smile, Anaru, you’ll be back under one gee as soon as we reach the station.”
“Will everything be ready for our arrival?” Talk about anything and don’t throw up.
“Yes, Miss Podorovski confirmed it before launch. This young woman is quite efficient.” The Envoy seemed pleased. “Her new computer is barely ready, and the grid isn’t complete. But, in the meantime, it works well enough for this inauguration. A fairly good surprise for a change. I was right to put her in charge. She has forced every corporation to deliver on time. And she dealt very efficiently with those attempts at sabotage.”
“I can assure you that no unfair pressure has been applied to anyone. We only asked corporations to deliver what was promised. And rooting out those terrorists was done by local security and not us.” This was important. The United Organization was not currently in a position to be seen bullying anyone on the planet. Not with EarthFirst or Susanna Loewre checking and reporting on everything they did. Yet, Anaru remained worried. Rooting those terrorists from their plant had seemed far too easy. Everything had been so well planned by the opposition and then unraveled in a few weeks. No, this had to be another trap.
“Well, whatever the means, I won’t miss those crazies. The station will be able to operate at last. With the increased ores you are now receiving from the belt, you’ll need it. And you’ll soon see traders from the Federation stop by. Change is coming.”
Anaru nodded. The graduation of the first pilots had changed Earth’s status within the Federation, and their stipend had increased. With it, they had already begun recruiting more scientists to accelerate emergency relief projects. Reclaiming water sources would soon improve life for all. At the same time, Don Mariano had found a few niches in which bioproducts from Earth interested other planets. All that meant a little more traffic in the solar system than the occasional scout they had seen in the first years.
He turned his mind to the next task. “Who shall be on the station with us?”
“Well, Kris, with Li Bao, to show the Earth Academy supports the effort.” Casually, Nashiz called up a virtual screen between them to display the information.
“Any doubts about this, Envoy?” called Angelo from his seat in front.
“No. But people on our planet like the Academy. They’ve seen lots of shows about it and it’s familiar to them. It’ll be easier for them to understand what’s happening around here with the young Li Bao explaining.”
“It’s going to be her first time back in space since she returned. This is a good first step.” Anaru liked the girl even if he found her prone to melancholy. Whatever had happened on Adheek, whatever had scarred her, she had been an asset ever since she had returned. “Is Commander Grayt joining us on the second shuttle?”
“No, she is working with Chief Iakoubi on a lead on the drug runners. Someone leaked us tips on the runners. They’ll try to follow it to the factory w
hich transforms the raw drug from space into the commercial product.” Nashiz continued more gaily. “No, instead I invited Susanna Loewre.”
“That journalist? The one who has constantly attacked us for the past few months?”
The Envoy seemed so sure of himself. “Anaru, Anaru. We had to have a journalist to cover the event. Remember your old saying. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. We’ve one similar proverb on Alkath. It’s going to be so stunning, she will find nothing to say. And people will believe her.”
“Very well. But beware. She is more cunning than you think.” Deep down, Anaru mistrusted her.
“I am sure she is. Fun, isn’t it? And guess who the last of our guests is? Traveling with her?” At the inquiring look from Anaru, he continued. “Our friend Lord John Burroughs.”
Anaru looked startled. “A committee member decided to fly up with her? Why this sudden change?” Since the Queen had wed the Heavenly Sovereign, binding Japan and the United Kingdom together fifty years earlier, a new golden age had transformed the Empire and its businesses. John Burroughs had roots in both countries and rumored ties with the Yakuza. Over the years, he had created the most powerful electronics conglomerate. Now he was seventy and appeared a frail old man. Anaru snorted inwardly. A frail old man indeed! One who gets on a shuttle for a deep space orbital station a whim.
“Yes. This is unexpected. Why did he decide to show himself with her?” Anaru pondered for a while. Then a sudden realization struck him. “He’s going to help her take over her parent’s outfit. How dependent are we on them?”
“Right now, quite a lot. Should we begin to prepare other suppliers?” Nashiz’s tone had grown serious. Anaru nodded his approval, still considering the implications to the Council of the shift in alliances . The Loewres supplied key biological samples for the environmental systems of the station.
“Yes. I’ll prepare the administrative paper and launch the search for others. I’ll also check for other impacts.” Fear nagged at Anaru. It won’t be as simple as changing a provider. Not with Susanna. But he couldn’t show it the Envoy.
