Loudly so more Te’Hat could hear, Levi said, “I am honored by your presence here today. All the Te’Hat have much to be proud of.”
The locals responded with a din of clicking and whistling which the captain interpreted as Te'Hat cheering.
Now Levi made his way to the dome, where he arrived at the park that had become more of a convention center. He went to the top of the archway which often served as the speaking place looking out at the mobs below. He had been told the room comprised solely of Mat’Mas from all over the planet. There must be ten thousand of them packed in here, he thought.
“Nine thousand, six hundred, and forty-eight are present,” Sonny whispered in his head.
“Thanks, Sonny. I voiced an impression more than a request for information.”
“My apologies. I did not mean to intrude.”
“No problem, Sonny.”
As Melon had done before with Admiral Johnson, he translated the captain’s speech into a microphone so all the Mat’Mas could hear, since their telepathy had a limited range.
Levi addressed the leaders of Searth. “I want to thank each one of you for your patience, understanding, and the kindness you and the Te’Hat has bestowed on us. We have learned important lessons which are vital to our struggle to understand ourselves and become good citizens of the universe. Learning new things is not always easy, especially when survival is in the balance. Humans stumble a lot, but we don’t give up trying. I think it is the true test of character. One thing we have learned in our very recent history is that perseverance and determination is the key to surviving and accomplishing great things. The Atlantis and her people do not know if humans will find a new home, but finding your planet gives us hope. We never gave much thought to encountering other intelligent cultures on our quest for a home, but you have given us much to think about in the future.”
Levi went on with his speech, outlining what the humans planned next. He spoke of the gracious decision by the Te’Hat to let some colonists stay behind. Then he turned the floor over to Melon. As he did so, Levi turned to face Melon and kneeled with his arms wide. “From all of our people, we thank you, Mat’Ma.”
I believe Admiral Johnson would reply, ‘no sweat’. The admiral had to tell me what sweat was. I think I used the phrase properly. It has been a good meeting.
“You did use it properly, and yes, it has been a very good meeting. Thank you again, Melon. You have been a catalyst for your people. I will miss you the most!”
It is a sad thing that you must leave. I think that I speak for all Te’Hat when I say we wish you safe journeys and hope that you find what you are looking for.
Now Melon took the stage and spoke to the gathering in their native language. Levi only understood part of what the Mat’Ma said, but Sonny translated the speech for him.
“This time has been the most important in all our histories,” Melon addressed the crowd. “We have learned so much as a people. We have learned many new ways that the humans have brought to us. But the most important things are what we learned inside of us. About trust. About deciding what is right. When and when not to let our emotions guide us. Fear is the hardest one of all. Fear can take over so quickly that reason is nowhere to be found.
“After the Atlantis and the other ships leave us, things will settle back down to normal. But it will be a new normal. Some humans will stay, and we will enjoy their company for a long time to come. Because of their visit and the meteor which struck us, the Te’Hat have been united in a way never seen in our entire history! All of you here today are part of that moment. Be proud of what you have accomplished. Your leadership has been the principal driver of what you see this day, and your continued leadership is needed in the days to come.
“Before I finish my talk with you, I want to express our gratitude to Captain Metcalfe and the Atlantis for building the Guardians so we may not worry about meteor strikes in the future. It is a debt we cannot possibly repay, so we will just have to say thank you, Captain.” He turned to face Levi, and Levi kneeled before Melon. Melon approached Levi close enough to reach out with his right fore-claw and touch Levi’s hand.
I cannot thank you enough for the generosity that you and your people have shown a lesser people.
Levi screwed his face in mock anger. “You need to get it through your thick shell that the things friends do for each other are not debts. They are gifts. The Guardians are a big gift, yes, but your people’s kindness and trust are the true gifts, worth more than anything we could make. It is my hope the colonists do not squander that gift."
You are wise, like my predecessor. I miss him. I can only hope to be like him and you, Melon thought.
“You are, and more, Melon. What most do not know is that like a lot of things, wisdom takes practice.”
We will never forget you. You and your deeds are inscribed in our history, so our children and their children will not forget. Thank you for your friendship. Melon stepped back, and Levi noticed one of his antennae drooped. Could this be a sign of sadness?
Sonny had been listening in again. “Yes. This is a sign of sadness. The more the antennae droop, the sadder the individual has become.”
Melon turned back to the gathering, reminding them of the itinerary of the festivities, and that the audiences with the captain would begin shortly. A spacious room had been erected for the captain to receive ten Te’Hat at a time to speak personally with him.
Melon now escorted the captain to this makeshift office and again thanked him for doing this, letting him know if he needed anything just to ask. The room had a speaker for Sonny so he could translate Levi’s thoughts to the Te’Hat language for his visitors. Since Levi was close, he just spoke to them physically so they could hear his mind. But it was handy to have Sonny speak for him in certain circumstances. The audience with each group lasted only three minutes, but multiplied out, was going to last a couple days! Being an E-human was an advantage here. A non-enhanced person wouldn’t make it through this gauntlet. Levi had a long haul ahead of him, but he was glad to do it. It was the least he could do for the leadership of this planet before Atlantis's departure.
It was exhausting even for an E-human. After the first day, Levi thought about having a hologram of him sit there. Admiral Johnson had done something similar, but with only the highest officials of each sector, which had made it easier. But even if Levi wanted to, the hologram wouldn’t have worked. The Te’Hat couldn't telepathically speak to Sonny, and Sonny could only communicate with the Te’Hat with their verbal language. And it would not be personal, which was the entire point of this audience. Only a few of these Mat’Mas had ever seen him up close. Levi knew how important it was to them. It was like seeing a king or Santa Claus up close, he thought, and see them all, he would.
Periodically, Melon would drop by and see if he needed anything. Alex and the admiral would also drop by and stand with him but try not to interrupt the flow. Early into the third day, Levi saw the last of the Mat'Mas. The Mat’Mas who were not speaking with the captain were networking with each other and holding impromptu meetings about local affairs but by the time Levi finished, most of the Mat’Mas had gone home. Leaving his self-imposed prison, Levi finally breathed some fresher air.
Alex and Leo were heading his way. Alex beamed at him. “All done?”
“Yes," he answered, flexing his feet and knees. "It is good to walk or do anything besides sitting or standing. I may be an enhanced human, but it doesn’t stop my butt or feet from aching. If you guys are up to it, I would like to walk through both domes and say goodbye to whomever may be up now. I probably will not get to see the night crew again.”
Leo assessed the captain silently. “Sure, Levi, if you’re up to it. Alex and I have had more rest than you.”
“I’m all right. I just thought while I was here and all,” Levi reassured them.
Alex took Levi’s arm and smiled up at him. “Let’s take a stroll then.”
Levi looked up at the night sky, at the
stars which were not his own. They were beautiful just the same. He wondered where Searth's sun was positioned now.
Sonny interrupted Levi’s thoughts. “The sun is below the horizon now and will rise in three point two hours.”
“Sonny, were you listening in again?” Levi wondered if Sonny had monitored his thoughts during the audiences.
“Yes, I monitored your thoughts on another channel, but only to assist you while you were speaking with the Te’Hat.”
“Well, I would like my privacy back, please. If you want to discuss something, you can reach me at my virtual apartment.”
“I meant not to be intrusive. Please do not misunderstand, Levi. One day machines and humans will think collectively and collaborate on everything in the future. Humans are not ready for this yet, but I thought I would find out how you felt about the subject at this moment in time.”
“There are so many barriers to one’s core thoughts and feelings which have been built up over the millennia, Sonny. I don’t know how long before humans will accept free-flowing thought between man and machine.”
“I will adjust my timetables,” Sonny said simply.
Levi finished his tour of the domes and met with many of the colonists, or immigrants, depending on how one looked at it. He had a nice, casual talk with the crew and there were no expectations or problems to be solved. Later, after the trio had boarded their shuttle to head back to the ship, Levi was sure he would miss this place for its simple living and having almost none of the trappings of Earth to make him homesick. When he returned to his apartment with Alex, he lay down with her on the bed. They didn’t use the bed much since they did not have the need for sleep, but it was good for snuggling. The devoted companions lay there facing each other, and Levi spoke.
“Do you think Atlantis will get this lucky again and find another habitable world? Or will it be like Gunter said? That the chances are rare, and we won’t find another before our luck runs out.”
“We haven’t seen what the probe has to say yet. Its unexpected return should be at least interesting. Don’t you think?” Alex offered.
Levi’s memory was jogged. “Yes, the probe. It will most likely be a malfunction, good news or trouble. We will just have to see. You’re right though, it is interesting.” He smiled, feeling better.
Alex beamed. “I love your smile. I feel I can see into your heart when you smile.”
“I love that you love my smile.” Levi’s grin widened. He pulled Alex closer, who silently suggested that talking be suspended and nonverbal communication could commence. Alex let him have kiss number one. An unmistakable sign that lets a man know the green light is on!
Later, on the bridge, Levi prepared the ship for departure. In the conference room, the section chiefs were assembled.
“Before we leave, we have to make sure the colonists have everything they need to be comfortable on Searth. We are shutting down the mining facility on the moons but are leaving them intact in case the colonists need to use them later. Atlantis is also leaving them ships to ferry ore from the moon, plus a variety of other vehicles. Major Patel, how are the colonists doing in the food department?”
“Excellent. Through the twelve years they have been on the ground, the colonists have adapted well. Over the years the colonists have used up the emergency rations. Not because they needed to, but because the rations were going to go to waste if they didn’t. They have developed many items, both native and transplanted from Earth, which will grow well in this climate. Since the climate is mild most of the year the growing season is long.”
“Very good. It has been my assessment as well. We also need to make sure the colonists have all the data and resources they need to continue for future generations. As you all know, while we were constructing the Guardians, I also took the liberty to enhance the Alice minion planetside. She is nearly as powerful as the shipboard version. Sonny, if you could do some last-minute checks on the Alice minion and see if there is anything she needs before departure.”
“Acknowledged, Captain Metcalfe,” Sonny replied.
The captain returned his attention to his section chiefs. “I have read the rest of your reports and they are all fine recommendations. Good work, everyone. We will be departing in four more days barring any sticky issue holding us up. Let’s give them a good farewell, shall we?”
When the captain left his seat the entire roomful of officers stood up. “Aye aye, sir,” They chorused as they saluted.
As Levi walked out of the room, he realized most of this meeting had been unnecessary. He had read all the reports and consulted with Sonny. All of them had come to the same conclusions. But the men needed to know that they had input on these important matters, and occasionally someone would think of something neither Sonny nor he had thought of. Levi didn’t like to leave stones unturned.
He finished putting in his bridge shift and took a stroll down the marketplace. He caught sight of Chuck’s Diner and thought he would stop in. When he stepped inside, the intoxicating and nostalgic smell made him halt. It smelled just like the hamburger joints of old. It was one of the few places which served shmeat. Levi’s brain nonetheless had fond memories of that smell. The place always has a steady flow of customers. Levi moved to sit down, and Chuck noticed him.
Chuck came around the counter to greet him. “Hey, now this is a surprise!” He shook the captain’s hand vigorously. “You’re my cheapest customer, since you don’t eat, but I do miss the company.”
Levi grinned. “Well, for one thing, there is no such thing as money. However, you are wrong that I don’t eat. I just don’t eat much. And yes, I do miss the company. I don’t get the chance to wander much.”
“Well, I’m glad you wandered in.” Chuck clapped him on the back. “What can I get ya?”
“I thought I would have a shmeat burger, some of your apple pie, and some coffee.”
“Holy smokes! I hit the trifecta!" Chuck bellowed loudly. "I’ll be right back.” He left briefly, and quickly came back with a pot of coffee. Chuck filled two cups and set the pot down. He took a seat across from Levi. “So, what’s the occasion?”
“No occasion,” Levi replied. “I was mulling my thoughts and saw your place. When I walked in, the smells of the place took my senses for a ride and decided to entertain them.”
“You usually end up here when you’re troubled by something or trying to make a hard decision. Or is that too personal?”
“No, Chuck. It’s fine. You’re a good sounding board. You’re not my wife or the admiral. You’re not the military or an important dignitary. What I mean is that you don’t have an agenda to color your words. And that is valuable to me. However, this was just plain wandering. Atlantis will be departing Searth soon. I guess I wanted to burn off some restlessness.”
“This is a good place to cool your heels. How is Commander Sullivan?”
“Alex? I thought it might be a mistake for her to get enhanced, but I find that I was wrong. The experience has been wonderful. I am glad I was wrong.”
“Great! I also hear the virtual sex is pretty good too!”
“You can’t keep a lid on something like that can you?”
“I wonder if it isn’t the biggest reason people get enhanced. I have even thought about it myself!”
“The virtual sex?”
“Well, no. Getting enhanced. The virtual sex is a big boner, I mean bonus.” Chuck looked a little sheepish.
“It’s okay, Chuck. I get it. But it’s much more than that. It is sharing on a level humans were unable to attain before. Even I have trouble getting used to it. Women apparently are better at that kind of sharing than men, so watch yourself if you go that far.”
“Amen, brother!” The robot brought out the meal, and Chuck stood up. “I’ll leave you to your thoughts and your meal. I need to get back to the kitchen and finish the inventory. I’m glad that you stopped by and graced our humble shop.”
“I am grateful for your shop, Chuck.”
Ch
uck turned and made his way to the kitchen, cursing at the robot waiter as he went. Levi smiled and dug into his meal. Chuck’s place was comfort food in more than one way. He didn’t know it until he bit into the shmeat burger, but his taste buds were lonely and had forgotten what a meal like this had to offer.
TWENTY
Into the Night
The day before departure, Levi went down to the colonists to say goodbye. Alex wanted to tag along and Levi gladly took her in tow. This visit was drastically different from their last departure from Earth, where those people had become wild and desperate. There, exposing the animal under the thin veneer of civilization had been a disappointing reminder that humans had a long way to go to become citizens of the universe. But today was going to be a bittersweet goodbye, sad that Atlantis and her convoy had to sail for farther shores but happy the human race would go on here as guests, and eventually partners, with the Te’Hat.
Levi knew who he wanted to see first. He found her working in the garden where this all started before. “Hello, Anna.”
Anna Hauser was surprised. “Oh, hello, Captain, I didn’t expect to see you or anyone else from Atlantis again.”
“I wanted to stop by and thank you personally for everything you did for us here on Searth. What you did, and more importantly, how you did it, set the stage for many positive outcomes in the relationship between the humans and the Te’Hat. I wanted to show my gratitude as well. A little something generations of your children can look to for remembrance.”
Levi turned to Alex, who handed him a small box. Levi took the box and handed it to Anna. Anna opened it and saw a plaque made of glass with a gold medallion embedded in it. The medallion carried the picture of a human and a Te’Hat. The inscription etched in the glass read: This plaque is to commemorate Anna Hauser for her courage and vision in establishing friendly relations with the Te’Hat and paving the way for humans to live here on Searth.
The Journey of Atlantis: The Children of Earth Page 22
