Roth sat on a stool next to the newest REIMD assignment just brought into the room by two more REIMD technicians--today was a busy day. There was something not right about the information Azis2 was reporting. Transport beams just don't malfunction--not like that.
::What other details came through on the data stream?::Roth asked Azis2.
::The Class C Freighter with the malfunctioning transport beam was scanned to have Earth-sized humans on board,::Azis2 replied.
: :Any others?::
::Only Earth-sized humans,:: Azis2 restated.
::No Elvonian passengers?::
::The scanners were still in the process of scanning all six rogue vessels. No other signatures where found among all six rogue vessels--only Earth-sized humans-before the scanning and transmission of data was interrupted.::
::How many total?::
::As the scans were possibly not completed at termination of the data stream, the last count available was one thousand and fifty-three,:: Azis2 reported.
::That would be a rather large number of Earth humans, on six rogue craft,:: Roth surmised.
::Further analysis of the Security shuttle sensor telemetry indicate directed actions involving the transport beam operation. Sensors show calculated alignment and precise direction.::
Roth felt a tingle down the back of his neck. Not a common experience, but one he believed well-warranted. “Has any traffic passed back from the Delphinus Major Interstellar Gate?” Roth asked the communications tech.
“Checking, sir!” The technician ran the query. The results were thankfully fast. “No return traffic listed on Interstellar Gate logs.”
“On my orders, immediately shut down the Delphinus Major Interstellar Gate until further notice,” Roth commanded. “Include all communication and transport beam channels as well.”
“Sir, that will isolate over twenty-four thousand Corporate and Duissis employees stationed on and around the planet HD196885ab gas mining operation alone. Not to mention thousands of others in the surrounding region,” the technician blurted out before realizing his potentially career-ending mistake in questioning Commander Roth's direct orders.
Roth glared back at the man. “Dispatch a supply freighter from the next closest Interstellar Gate to that region,” Roth suggested through a clenched jaw.
“Yes, sir. Right away, SIR! The next closest Interstellar Gate, would put a supply freighter over--” the technician paused for his AI to calculate the numbers. “Three hundred years, flight-time, away--” the technician paused again, not sure if Roth understood the problem correctly. “Uh--there would be no point, they would starve to death long before a supply freighter could arrive.”
“Agreed,” Roth rolled through his grinding teeth. “Problem solved. Any more questions?”
The technician tried to calm his nervous shaking. “Closing all transport beam channel ports,
communications channel ports and AI protocol channel ports, sir.”
“Belay that. Leave the AI protocol channel ports.”
“Sir?”
“Imbecile! If you close the AI protocol channel ports, there will be no way to send the gate a reactivation code-EVER,” Roth replied before returning to his next assignment, waiting on the REIMD table.
“Yes, SIR!”
::Shutting down the Interstellar Gate will have repercussions through the Galactic Board,:: Azis2 warned. ::The HD196885ab gas planet mining operation is quite profitable.::
::Do not question my orders, Azis2. Those Earth humans on the rogue ships need to be isolated, until such time they can be collected safely--or starve waiting.::
::You cannot believe they have enough intelligence to operate Corporate equipment? Analysis of the Earth humans to date, show them more as a 'sub-species' with no technological aptitude. Certainly nothing that would demonstrate the minimal intelligence needed to operate Corporate technology, including, but not limited to any ability to pilot freighters,:: Azis2 argued.
::I do not. The scans within the data stream were incomplete. There MUST be Elvonians operating the equipment, and piloting the freighters. That is why the Galactic Board will take no issue with my orders. I will have the complete cooperation of the Board, through Director Huir.::
::Shall I contact the Director now?:: Azis2 asked.
::No. I will contact her in person. When I am ready.::
*** The data search was coming back without results. Cain changed the parameters once more, to include all Duissis structures along with Corporate. The images in his mind were quite clear--Li was located in a highly-polished composite or glass structure, but there were no matching structural designs returning on the search.
The data request felt different from searches in the past. This time Cain felt disconnected, as though the search through the necklace was less internal and more external from his mind. Cain pondered possible reasons as he watched over the metal reshaping in his hand, each time becoming more precise. The sphere to cube transformation and then back, was quicker and with fewer imperfections each time. The transformation was also taking less concentration.
Without notice the data search was cut. Cain began a ship’s system check when K'nal Lluxi entered the quarters. “Sensors are indicating the Interstellar Gate has been de-energized. Communications past the Gate have been cut as well,” Lluxi reported.
“Range to the Gate?” Cain asked.
“Estimated time of arrival, fifty-three minutes. Orders?”
“Notify me upon our arrival at the Gate,” Cain
commanded.
“YES, SIR!” Lluxi turned and left, surprised to see the
Egal taking the news rather well.
This was, indeed, a turn of events that Cain had not
anticipated. For Corporate to isolate an entire region was
unheard of. He started another data request, this time for
Interstellar Gate specifications. A direct intrusion to the
Interstellar Gate on board maintenance archives would
forgo the need for Corporate data archives. Corporate
might shutdown the Gate, but there was nothing saying
he couldn't reprogram the systems himself from this side.
*** Roth stood alone in the center of the Great Hall chambers of the Galactic Board. Not all of the Board was present, only Board Member Diathon was physically present, three others were holographic and one through audio channels.
“Explain to the Board, Commander Roth, why you feel the need to cut all communications and commerce traffic from the Delphinus Major region?” Galactic Board Member, Diathon, demanded.
“Might I add, Commander--Dephinus Major, has ongoing profitable operations!” Board Member, Torrance pointed out from his holographic image.
“Once again, as I stated in my report--there are six rogue vessels filled with Earth humans posing a risk to Corporate assets and--”
“Risk? You mean dangerous!” Diathon interrupted. “And how did dangerous primitive Earth humans obtain six Corporate vessels, and get so far as the Interstellar Gate, at Delphinus Major?”
“I believe they are being aided by Elvonians,” Roth answered without hesitation.
“Elvonians? I find that hard to believe,” Torrance rebuffed.
“You are aware, sir, there is currently a detention order on ALL Elvonian personnel, by the order of Director Huir,” Roth countered.
“Yes! We are all painfully aware, and to date, NONE have been found or detained,” Diathon replied with disdain. “Millions of service, coding and repair positions had to be replaced, of which over forty-five percent have yet to be filled!”
“Productivity and profits are still significantly down for that very reason!” Torrance added.
“That is not within the scope of my position,” Roth argued.
“Shares and profits are within everyone's scope!” Diathon corrected.
“And I suppose the reports from the Earth human holding facilities at Earth's moon, are not within your scope as
well? Considering you are the officer in charge!” Torrance demanded.
“That would depend on the report,” Roth answered through his teeth, becoming irritated to have to defend his actions. He was the Regional Security Officer, after all, a position of great authority and affluence, he felt his actions should never be in question.
“Your costs for the operation have tripled in just the last fiscal quarter alone,” Diathon complained.
“The primitive Earthlings require additional attention to--” Roth attempted to explain.
“They're dying, and producing large quantities of toxic waste,” Torrance interrupted.
“The primitive Earthlings do not produce cocoons upon death so--”
“Reports indicate human biomaterial rotting in large hazardous piles unattended? Is this true?” Diathon demanded.
“You have my reports,” Roth snapped.
“Those Earth humans are potential assets and you are mismanaging them!” Torrance countered.
“They cannot be controlled as efficiently--”
“ENOUGH!” Director Huir's holograph appeared beside Roth. “Commander Roth, you are dismissed from these proceedings.” Azis2 initiated transport through Roth's Transport Guidance controller, and Roth dissolved from the Great Hall an instant later.
“We are NOT done with our questioning,” Diathon argued.
“Any further questions will be answered through the Department,” Huir announced. “Furthermore, all questions regarding this matter will be presented through me--in advance.”
“This is an outrage! The Board is well within protocols to question whom ever--” Diathon demanded.
“And those questions will be answered through the Director of the Department,” Huir declared.
“You will be held directly accountable,” Torrance assured.
“As should the Board,” Huir countered.
“You are accusing the Board?” Rubura asked through audio channels.
“The members of the Board, in an effort to protect the former rogue member, Anthony, are directly responsible for all that we speak of now regarding Earth! Your direct oversight of the extraction of Earth humans, Board Member, Rubura, has been demeritorious, ” Huir affirmed. “The Department is merely attempting to clean up your mess!”
“The Department cannot be excused from
responsibility. The mis-handling of the mandate, lack of communication to key members of the Board and--”
“Was key to maintaining the mandate for thousands of years,” Huir interrupted Diathon. “Now if you will excuse me, I have the Department to run and the security of Corporate to maintain!” Huir's holographic image dissolved without further notice.
“Order! Order in the chambers,” Diathon announced, interrupting the murmuring among the members after Huir's departure.
“This issue of the Earth human extraction--the costs are mounting by the hour,” Torrance stated.
“Vaudi has been relentless with his requests to take possession of the planet,” Rubura added.
“I am fully aware. Anthony has been requesting an audience,” Diathon admitted.
“We must find a solution; we cannot be at odds with the Department, maintain security and still meet our contractual obligations,” Torrance argued.
“We will adjourn, and reconvene an emergency session with the entire Board in twenty-four hours to consider and develop our options,” Diathon announced.
*** Being a member of the Galactic Board meant dealing with difficult situations and making hard decisions,but also afforded many benefits, including plenty of time for self-indulgences. Sessions between members were more often not in person, but through holographic links, audio links, or simple messaging through staff, or assistants. Getting any actual personal time with a member was a rare opportunity Anthony would not allow to go unexploited.
Board Member, Rubura's villa was as opulent as so many of Anthony's had been only a few years ago, although her staff was at least twice the size. Anthony didn't like too many staff members around all the time, only when there was a need to impress. Of course none of Rubura's staff were Elvonian. A shame, Anthony noted. Elvonians were far more genuine in their demeanor and willingness to serve, than Corporate or Duissis assistants.
For the last few days, Anthony had kept his banter with Rubura light and comfortable. Although she was a Board Member, she wasn't the one he needed to talk with regarding Earth and Vaudi's desires to occupy the planet, per the contract. He would need to develop an image, one that Rubura would be greatly sympathetic with, and once more, exploit an even stronger relationship they had both once shared. Only then, might he obtain favors.
Anthony watched a deep orange sun slide toward the horizon to the west from one of the many balconies of Rubura's villa. The view was, of course, spectacular, off the west coast of the Tharsis Domain, overlooking the Amazonis Sea. The position of the villa on the cliff side also afforded an excellent Southeast view toward Olympus Mons, now glowing bright orange in the distance with the light of the sinking sun off the largest snowcapped mountain on Mars.
Rubura's approach from behind Anthony would have been a surprise, if not for the four assistants following closely. “You've been quiet, as of late,” Rubura said, stepping beside Anthony. She wore an emerald and silvercolored flowing gown, again, with matching head-piece holding her braided hair, and stared out toward the setting sun. Rubura waited for a reply, not sure if any would be forthcoming from her old friend.
Anthony felt a little underdressed, wearing simple robes. “I have imposed upon your graciousness for three days now,” Anthony apologized.
“Nonsense.” Rubura reached out for Anthony with a gentle supportive touch.
“My progress with the Board, my sole purpose here, has been for naught. I have yet to be granted any meetings with Board Member, Diathon,” Anthony complained. “My effectiveness for the Duissis Council may be at an end.”
“Again, I say to you--nonsense. Diathon has been in heavy debate on matters, some in fact, involving your contract,” Rubura assured.
“Heavy debate? Should I be concerned?”
Rubura smiled and gave Anthony a reassuring squeeze of his hand on the hand-rail. “You know I should not disclose any open business from within the chambers--”
“Forgive me, I sometimes forget my place now,” Anthony bowed his head.
“No need for forgiveness.” Rubura thought of times past when she and Anthony had shared moments like this together. Their sordid history had been kept as secret as possible, although still suspected among many of the Board.
Anthony waited--a calculated pause--while watching the last of the sun sink beneath the horizon. “I have heard rumors--unsubstantiated reports of growing issues with the removal of the Earth humans,” Anthony said under his breath. “I can only imagine the--”
“Shhh--” Rubura held her hand up to Anthony's mouth with a tender touch. Raiz, Rubura's AI, directed her assistants to leave them at once for the night.
“Again, I must apologize.”
Rubura shook her head, then leaned closer to Anthony loosening her braids to allow her long silver-white hair to flow freely down her back. He put his arm around her in a once familiar way, and they both watched the stars begin to appear while enjoying the first of the cool breezes drifting off the sea.
***
When the dust settled, the young guardian could be seen standing over Li. He had her down on one knee, her wrist twisted in a dominant locking maneuver.
“YIELD!” The young guardian yelled. “I have won the match.” Li said nothing, not even looking at her opponent in the match. “I said YIELD,” the young guardian pressed harder on the wrist lock, but Li held her position down on one knee, still without a word. He looked over to the Master Guardian defense instructor. “Is this the best you have? A girl? I thought better of the NorWes clansman. I have come here to train with the best and you put me against this--girl? This is a joke. What lessons are to be learned here?”
Wirch, the Master Guardian defense instructor did not answer, only raising a brow of discontent, refusing to interfere and call the match.
The young guardian was feeling frustrated that his obvious victory was in question and leaned down close to Li's head. “Yield the match and I will show you mercy and not hurt or embarrass you further.”
Li tilted her head and glanced toward Wirch. “I am finished, now.” In a single swift motion, Li shifted her full body weight, reversed the grip-hold on her wrist, pulled her opponent off-balance, and swung her free hand, with great force, up between his legs. Continuing the motion with a firm grasp of his groin, she lifted and flipped her opponent up and over, allowing gravity to finish the follow-through motion to the hard ground, with a bonecrunching thud. She finished her opponent's pin, face down to the ground, with a knee to the ribs, locking his arm with firm, painful pressure at the shoulder. The young guardian slapped hard at the ground with his free hand, yielding the match, gasping for the air that had been forced from his lungs by the impact. All the other students watched in silent amazement.
“I am sorry for your pain; may Shola Rai bless and keep you,” Li whispered close to his ear, then released her hold, before standing and bowing to the Master Guardian defense instructor, Wirch.
“Very nice demonstration, Li--” Wirch praised. “Are there any more in need of lessons today?” Li asked, while she dusted herself off.
“Wirch smiled, shook his head, and returned Li's bow of respect. After Li left the training arena, he stepped over to his student to help him up.
“I don't understand,” the young guardian said, breathing hard through tender ribs. “I won. I had beat her--she WAS beaten!”
“Your lesson today has been to never underestimate your opponent. What I have learned about Li, as you too, have witnessed today--the moment you believe you have her beaten--you have lost.”
Birth Of A Goddess Page 9
