“Wow, that’s some trick.”
“I am capable of replicating myself across an infinite number of systems. I can work independently on board one vessel, or in concert among a fleet of vessels.”
“You’ve always been an impressive piece of technology.”
“Thank you, Mr. Seiben.”
“Say, can you put something on that computer display? Make the time here more bearable?”
“Of course. Would you like a feed from the ship’s exterior cameras?”
“Sure. Why not?”
The display suddenly lit up, presenting a view of New Byzantium below. The majesty of its azure oceans took Seiben’s breath away.
Everything had happened so fast, and he had been so worried about his family’s safety, that he hadn’t had time to process the enormity of all they had lost. Until now.
“Is that a satisfactory view, Mr. Seiben?”
“Yes, thank you AI,” whispered Seiben.
“You are most welcome. Please let me know if you require anything else.”
“We will.” Seiben sat down on the edge of the bed in front of the display, his eyes beginning to water.
Chapter 10
“We will be jumping momentarily,” said AI. “The transition can be viewed on your display.”
Seiben grunted, his mouth too full of food to respond.
Darla frowned at him. “Thank you, AI.”
“You are most welcome, Mrs. Seiben.”
The Seiben family watched New Byzantium floating peacefully below, then with just a momentary flicker a new planet appeared in the distance.
“Did we just jump?” asked Darla.
“Yes. We are now in the Amboss System,” said AI.
“Is that Amboss Prime?”
“Yes, Mrs. Seiben.”
“Can you give us a view of the jump gate?” asked Seiben, in between spoonfuls of food.
Another flicker and the planet vanished, replaced by a giant shimmering oval, with ships disappearing into it, and others emerging from it.
“So that’s it,” said Seiben in amazement. “That’s the jump gate that originally brought our ancestors to the colonies.”
“Yes, Mr. Seiben. This is the only jump gate connecting the Sol System to the colonies.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“They taught us about it in school,” said Darla. “I wish I had paid more attention.”
“Me too,” said Seiben. “You hear that girls? Don’t neglect your studies.”
Otka, the oldest, just rolled her eyes.
“Yes, daddy,” said Alina, mesmerized by the display. “It’s so shiny.”
“The shimmer is caused by the jump field it creates,” said AI. “That jump field has basically folded the space between the two systems.”
“Is that why we can’t see through it to the other side?” asked Alina.
“Yes, that is correct. The physical space itself has not been folded. The two gates on either end connect to each other through space-time. The shimmer you are seeing is created by the folding of space-time.”
“Why didn’t we see the same shimmer when we jumped from New Byzantium to Amboss?” said Seiben.
“The jump gate and the jump system do the same thing in a different fashion,” answered AI. “The jump gates create a permanent space-time tunnel between their two points, which causes the shimmering effect. A ship’s jump system creates temporary tunnels as it requires them.
“The ship essentially enters space-time the moment the connection is made. It is not entering a pre-existing tunnel. The ship itself is part of the tunnel. When the ship appears at the other end of the connection, the tunnel collapses. All of this happens in an instant, which is why there is no shimmer effect. Does that answer your question, Mr. Seiben?”
“I don’t know, but it sure made my head hurt.”
As the destroyer approached the jump gate, its shimmering field filled the display, until the edges were no longer visible. With the warship about to enter the field, Seiben felt a strange anxiety take hold, like they were about to be swallowed by some ravenous celestial beast. He clenched his hands into fists, and his whole body tightened, gripped by some strange, irrational fear.
It made no sense. Yet this ancient gateway, built by a long forgotten race, seemed like a great eye, giving witness to the passing currents of history. And here he was. Small and insignificant. Pretending to be an important swimmer in that immortal river. He felt naked and helpless before it, and couldn’t shake the impression that it passed some eternal judgment. Condemning him forever for the imposter that he’d always been.
“Is something wrong, dear?” said Darla, concern on her face. “You’re sweating.”
Seiben forced a smile. “It’s nothing. Just the biobots tinkering with my head again.”
The destroyer passed through the field into the Sol System, and Seiben exhaled sharply with relief. By contrast, Darla had trouble containing her exuberance.
“Look, Roderick. It’s the Sun. Sol itself. Just like in the history texts. There’s Earth, and all the other planets. If I remember correctly, the ancient Earthmen named the planets after their gods. Isn’t that right?”
“I don’t remember,” said Seiben. “AI?”
“That is correct, Mrs. Seiben. To be precise, the planets take their names after the ancient Roman gods.”
“Roman?”
“Yes, the Romans were an ancient civilization that had established one of the great empires of the ancient era.”
“You’re starting to sound like Prime Minister Sallas,” said Seiben.
“Mr. Sallas bears the title of Governor now,” said AI. “And my voice is very different from Governor Sallas’s voice. For one, I use a female voice, while Governor Sallas is a male.”
“That’s not what I meant,” said Seiben, rolling his eyes. “Prime- I mean Governor Sallas often talks about history.”
“I understand now. Thank you for clarifying your statement, Mr. Seiben.”
Seiben shook his head. “I missed you AI.”
“I missed you too, Mr. Seiben.”
“Sure you did. How long until we enter orbit around Earth?”
“Three hours and forty-three minute. For safety reasons, we will be traveling the rest of the way at sub-light speeds.”
“Understandable. Even from this distance I can tell there is a lot of traffic.”
“That is an accurate observation.”
“AI, can you zoom in on Earth?” said Darla.
“Of course.”
Earth grew in size until it filled the display, and Darla giggled with excitement.
“There is a lot of water on Earth,” Seiben observed.
“Yes. Approximately seventy-one percent of the Earth’s surface is covered with water.”
“Is there any seafood left? Or did the Juttari kill it all with their nuclear bombardment?”
“Large parts of the ocean ecosystems were damaged by the attack. Much of this damage has been repaired through the Diakan cleanup operations. Much of the DNA of the Earth’s plant and wildlife had been cataloged and preserved, allowing for rapid cloning and reintroduction.”
“So you’re saying there’s fresh fish and seafood down there?”
“Correct.”
Seiben smiled. “All I need now is a barbecue.”
Chapter 11
“Can you believe this place?” said Darla, craning her head to study the intricacies of the UHSF mountain complex on Earth. “It’s amazing.”
“Really? You think so?” said Seiben.
“Don’t you?”
“Not really. This is nothing compared to DLC Station.”
“It’s not the same thing. This is a mountain, that is a space station.”
“Exactly. It is much harder to construct a space station than it is to burrow into the side of a mountain. And DLC is not just a space station. Has it been so long since we lived there? DLC is mind bogglingly huge. It is home to millions of people. The
main city has countless skyscrapers. Skyscrapers. Inside a space station. I don’t see any skyscrapers in here.”
“You’re too cynical,” Darla huffed.
“I’m not cynical. I’m realistic.”
“I’m not speaking to you about this anymore.”
“Why? Because I’m not all starry eyed about a big cave?”
Darla gave him an angry look, and turned away.
“So you’re mad at me now? Over this cave? You can’t be serious.”
“It’s not a cave.”
“Fine. Mountain complex.”
“I said, I’m not speaking to you about this anymore. Now stop.”
“Great,” said Seiben, taking a deep breath. He reached over and tapped one of the two soldiers in the front seat.
“Yes, Sir?” said the man, turning to look at Seiben.
“How much longer?”
“Not too long, Sir.”
Seiben leaned back in his seat, and looked around. Darla was right. The mountain complex was impressive. There may not have been any skyscrapers, but the place was like a large, underground city.
He heard that the complex had survived the nuclear attack, and wondered how it would’ve faired if the Juttari had known about its existence. The place was supposedly reinforced, but he couldn’t help but think that the Juttari were more than capable of turning the entire mountain, and everything in it, to dust if they chose. The Earthmen living here at the time were lucky. Luck counted for much in life.
The vehicle came to a stop and they disembarked. A door in the wall slid open and they followed the two soldiers inside. One of the soldiers placed his palm on a pad, and a female voice said, “DNA verification successful. Please state your destination.”
“Level B-three-seven-two,” said the soldier.
Each level flashed on the wall as they moved, even though Seiben felt like they were standing still. He assumed the lift used some sort of artificial gravity plates. How fast were they moving for the lift to need the plates?
“We’re not going three-hundred-and-seventy-two levels down, are we?” Seiben asked the soldiers.
“No, Sir. We are not just traveling vertically, although we are going a fair distance underground. We’re also moving diagonally, and even horizontally at times.”
“I see. Well, that makes me feel a little better.”
“Don’t worry, Sir. The entire complex is extremely safe.”
“Yes, so I’ve heard.” Nonetheless, he felt a pang of claustrophobia sneaking in, as the numbers continued to advance.
His mind drifted back to the conversation with the lieutenant on board the destroyer. The man had clearly been fascinated by the story. What would have happened had I not picked up Jon’s escape pod? he thought. Would we all be Kemmar slaves now? Was my role in all this really as important as I make it out to be? Will any history text mention my name?
Seiben chastised himself for being foolish. Who was he that a historian should care to mention his name? And yet, had he not picked up that pod, none of this would’ve happened. Dumb luck at work yet again.
When they reached their destination the doors slid open. Clearing a check point the group proceeded down a succession of winding corridors until they reached a door flanked by two Marines. The soldiers identified themselves and the Seibens, and a Marine spoke into a comm.
A moment later the doors slid open revealing the beaming faces of Breeah and Anki. “Darla, Roderick, it’s so good to see you. Please, come in.”
Darla hugged Breeah. “It’s good to see you too.”
Anki seized Alina and Otka by the hand and pulled them through the door. “Come on. Let me show you my toys.” The three girls giggled as they scurried away.
Inside, Seiben recognized several familiar faces. Jon was there, along with Kevin, Breeah’s father Jonas, and the Chaanisar Colonel Bast. Jon stepped forward, a big smile on his otherwise intimidating face.
“I’m glad you accepted my invitation,” said Jon.
“Who am I to turn down a free trip?” said Seiben.
“You haven’t changed.”
Kevin stepped up beside Jon, a beer in each hand, and gave one to Seiben. “Great to see you again, old man.”
“Didn’t I tell you to stop calling me that?” said Seiben, taking the beer.
“Really?” said Kevin. “I don’t remember that.”
“You’ve got more muscle than brains. That’s why,” said Seiben, lifting the beer to his mouth and taking a long drink. “Ah, now that is good. Last time I had a cold beer was the day the Kemmar showed up.”
“I’m really sorry about what happened to your home,” said Jon. “I know how much you loved that place.”
“Yeah,” said Kevin. “It’s terrible.”
“Thanks. It’s like some crazy nightmare. I still can’t believe it. I’m just happy that we all made it out alive.”
“Did they treat you well on the station?” said Jon.
“The station? No beer, and shitty food, but other than that, it was as good as could be expected. They were just as overwhelmed by everything as all us refugees.”
“You’re here now,” continued Jon. “Breeah’s cooked an amazing meal for everyone. I bet you can’t guess what it is.”
“Reiver stew?” said Seiben.
Jon slapped him on the back. “Still a genius.”
“Have you given any thought to settling down here on Earth?” asked Jon.
“Some. Darla wants to, and that basically means we’re going to.”
“Smart man,” said Kevin, clinking bottles with Seiben.
“When are you going to get yourself a woman, Kevin?” said Seiben.
“I’m too busy to settle down right now.”
“More like too ugly,” said Seiben, taking a step back to avoid Kevin’s heavy hand.
“You’re funny for an old man,” said Kevin, smiling but otherwise not reacting to the comment.
“I try. So speaking of being busy, how come you’re all here? Isn’t there a war going on?”
The smiles disappeared. “We’ve been planning for the next stage in the war,” said Jon.
“I see. It’s ok, you don’t have to tell me anything about it.”
“I wasn’t going to.”
“Maybe you can tell me one thing, though. I heard rumors that the Kemmar have the jump system. That’s how they got past New Byzantium’s defenses. Is it true?”
Jon frowned. “I suppose you deserve answers, after what happened. It’s true. The Kemmar have the jump system.”
Seiben was stunned. He had heard the rumors, and suspected that they were true, but to have Jon confirm it was something entirely different. “If the Kemmar have the jump system, no one is safe.”
“You’re safe here,” said Jon, with a reassuring smile, interrupted by a grimace.
“Is everything alright?” said Seiben. He had never seen Jon show even the slightest hint of pain before.
“Yes, of course. Everything’s fine.”
A lone bead of sweat on Jon’s forehead told Seiben otherwise. He had seen Jon run and fight tirelessly without even the hint of fatigue, let alone perspiration. Something wasn’t right, and by the expressions on Kevin’s face, he had noticed it too.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” said Jon. “I said I’m-” Jon clenched his abdomen, doubled over and fell to his knees.
“Jon!” yelled Breeah, rushing over from the other side of the room.
Colonel Bast seized Jon by the arm, and Jonas grabbed the other.
“Captain St. Clair to Dr. Ellerbeck. Medical emergency in Admiral Pike’s quarters,” said Kevin over his comm.
“On my way,” replied Ellerbeck over the comm.
“I’m… I’m ok,” said Jon, coming back to his feet. No sooner had he stood than he let out an agonizing cry and buckled. Bast and Jonas continued to hold him upright, but his legs had lost all strength.
Kevin grabbed a chair positioning it behind Jon. “Sit him down here.”<
br />
“Jon?” said Breeah. “Jon? What’s happening?”
Jon didn’t respond. His head hung heavily before him.
“Can you hear me?” she continued, taking hold of his chin, pulling his head up to look at his face. “He’s unconscious.”
“What the hell is going on?” said Seiben in frustration.
“I wish I knew,” Kevin replied.
Dr. Ellerbeck soon rushed in. “What happened?” she said, bending before Jon.
“We’re not sure?” said Kevin. “He seemed fine, and then he cried out in pain and collapsed.”
Ellerbeck brandished a handheld medical computer commencing several scans. Worry lines creased her forehead as the results registered. She opened a comm. “I need a medical transport to Admiral Pike’s quarters, immediately.” She stood up, turning to Breeah. “He needs to be in sick bay.”
“What’s wrong with him?” pleaded Breeah.
She shook her head, “It’s his symbiont. It’s dying.”
Chapter 12
Breeah waited impatiently in the mountain complex sick bay while Dr. Ellerbeck conducted a more thorough examination. Her father, Kevin, Colonel Bast, and Mr. Seiben waited as well, while Darla stayed behind to watch the girls. Nobody spoke. They were dumbfounded by what had taken place.
Breeah had never known Jon to be sick. He had survived countless dangers, and had mostly seemed indestructible. Yet now, the creature inside him, the one that had given him all his superhuman abilities, was dying, and taking him with it. It was unfathomable.
As the door to the examination room opened, and Dr. Ellerbeck emerged, Breeah knew she wouldn’t get the answers she wanted. The doctor’s sullen expression told her as much.
“What’s wrong with him, Doctor?” said Breeah, hoping she was mistaken.
“He’s dying,” said Ellerbeck. “Technically the symbiont is dying, and it’s killing the Admiral.”
“How is this possible?”
“Poison. Jon’s symbiont’s been poisoned.”
“What? That’s impossible.”
“I’m afraid not. It is all very sophisticated, and I don’t believe a typical Diakan symbiont would have survived initial exposure to the toxin. It would have likely died within minutes.”
The Pike Chronicles - Books 1 - 10 Page 119
