“Trouble,” he calls it, was Rojer’s sarcastic reply. Every ’Dini went into convulsions. Never seen the like of it. Humans who were unlucky enough to be asleep had nightmares ...
Offreezing cold, choking and terror ...
Yours got it too? I thought Asia and I’d never calm Gil and Kat.
Whole damned First Fleet had it.
Do you call Grandfather or do I?
As Earth Prime, Jeff’s voice interrupted their conversation, I reluctantly report that there seems to have been a major power failure at Clarf Main Hibernatory. Many are dead and we are trying to estimate the losses. It is hoped that a proportion may be saved by restorative methods that are currently being applied.
But Grandfather, how did our ’Dinis know so far away? Thian asked.
Who was it said that bad news travels fast? I’ll let you know when we can find some Mrdini who will tell us exactly what happened. And how! A rough estimate is that nearly eight hundred ’Dinis of all colors were affected. Those here at Blundell say that the very young and the oldest would have died. I’ll send a full report.
On another topic, Jeff said after a brief pause, the Heinlein observers rigged a screen in the queen’s quarters and played selected passages from the material you sent me a while back.
Oh?
Jeff’s chuckle was malicious. She took one glance at the side panels and ignored them. She walked up to the main panel, the one where the patterns alter, and watched it. Those who have become familiar with what gestures or movements she makes thought she was, one, startled, and two, disgusted. She returned to her couch and didn’t pay the screen any further attention. The com experts are of the opinion that the side panels are static, with very few alterations, while the main screen gives some sort of running comment on whatever it is queens on the same planet would be talking about.
Interesting.
Yes, isn’t it? I don’t know if it’s good news, but it’s better news. Tell your experts. And before Thian could thank him for the report, Jeff’s presence had left his mind.
“Well,” Sam Weiman said with a sigh that Grm repeated when Thian gave them the report, “we did what we could. I don’t understand such a negative reaction from the Heinlein queen,” he added, rubbing his jaw thoughtfully.
ONE QUEEN WARLIKE, THE OTHER PLACID. THEY WOULD NOT LIKE EACH OTHER. ALSO FROM DIFFERENT HIVE WORLDS, Grm remarked.
“Would they all use the same language?” Thian asked.
WHY SHOULDN’T THEY? THEY DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING ELSE THEY DO. Grm’s narrow shoulders raised in a very Human shrug.
“Suppose”—Thian stopped to orient his thoughts—“the queens did not develop the technology they’re using, but adapted it to their use?” The concept clearly startled his listeners. He leaned forward, developing the theory. “I believe there was an ethnic group that could perfect any sort of mechanical or electronic technology but could not, for some reason, take the next step upward in that technology. Perhaps that’s what the queens are: perfectionists but not originators.”
“Hmmm.” Sam nodded his head, looking at his colleague, and Grm seemed to be considering the notion too. “We still have to find a way to keep them contained.” Then, exchanging a glance with Grm, Weiman excused himself from the lounge.
I’ve got a big problem, Elizara, Medical Prime Zara ’pathed to her mentor and instructor.
And what would that be? Elizara’s prompt return thought traveled the distance between Earth and Iota Aurigae.
I’m not sure it’s ethical or medical, but did you realize that there are no species on Clarf, or any of the other Mrdini planets, similar to them?
That’s a well-known fact, m’dear.
Then how do I experiment? There was anguish and alarm in Zara’s question, and suddenly what she said was painfully and dreadfully clear to Elizara. Surprise, and shock, kept her from forming an answer, and Zara went on. We Humans have pigs and mice and rats and other mammalian creatures whose anatomy, and responses, we can use for experimentation. But we bloody don’t have any other species like Mrdinis to use in the laboratory. There simply is no other life-form that does the same thing they do when they are reproducing.
Ah yes, well... Elizara bought more time as her mind frantically went through the known categories of species, some of which were definitely alien and also definitely not Mrdini. That is certainly a problem.
I mean, I’ve got all the facilities I could possibly need and some of the best young Mrdini medics to assist, as well as their equipment—which, by the way, I don’t know how to use... but I’m learning. But how can I possibly do any substantive experimentation that will give us any sort of an answer? I’ve nothing to practice on! And—the wail of moral outrage gave way to a far more Human despair—old Frtlmp is hemming, hawing, turning itself upside down not to let us try to analyze what chemicals they put into the air of the hibernatory. And I’ve got to have that information.
Yes, indeed you do. I shall speak immediately to High Councillor Gktmglnt.
Fine. I’d appreciate it. Very much, replied Zara, punctuating her phrases with telepathically transmitted sighs that made Elizara smile, despite herself.
The other ethical issue facing Zara was not something she could as easily solve. And one that had certainly not come to her mind when Councillor Gktmglnt approached her with the Mrdini contraception request. Unique the species was, but she hadn’t quite realized how, or that there were indeed no other even vaguely similar creatures on the Mrdini planets. Perhaps, in some prehistoric time on Clarf, primitive Mrdinis had prevented or interfered with the evolution of biologically similar life-forms. Whatever! That did not help Zara face, or solve, the problem.
In this instance, my dear, Elizara said compassionately, I think we must approach the problem on an empirical basis. While it would be helpful to have laboratory specimens on which to experiment, such are not available. Have you discussed this problem with any of the ’Dini medics?
Oh yes, Zara replied quickly, in such a tone of voice that Elizara realized she had not received the answer she needed. They reminded me that Mrdini do not hesitate to go on the line when it is necessary for the survival of the species.
Elizara shuddered and felt that Zara had done the same.
I can’t—Zara’s voice was a wail of distress—do that, Elizara. I just can’t.
Then concentrate on the empirical, dear. That’s all we can do. I shall stand by your modus operandi, no matter what.
Thanks, Elizara. A little of the very young Zara whom Elizara had taken in as her student crept into that response.
I’m always open to you, m’dear.
And the contact broke.
Better get out here, Laria. Four extremely dejected Mrdini just walked in, Lionasha said.
Dejected? But they’ve just been in hibernation. Laria and Kincaid scrambled out of her bed and ’ported to the Tower foyer.
TIP, HUF. Laria was down on her knees, embracing the shriveled, weary creatures that stared with hooded polls at the ground. Kincaid was hugging his pair and calling for restoratives which Lionasha was already preparing. The other ’Dinis clustered in an anxious circle, not the usual hilarious and joyous one with which returning ’Dinis were greeted, ’Dinis who were usually eager to resume their duties. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU?
She remembered how angry the keeper had been to have them arrive at the hibernatory so late, but surely a Mrdini keeper did not exact punishment for delays.
COLD. TERRIBLE. NO JOY. NO REFRESHMENT. Tip and Huf pushed into her arms as if they couldn’t get close enough.
THERMAL COVERS, FIG, SIL, DIG, NIM, Lionasha ordered.
SHIFT IN ALL PILLOWS TOO, Vanteer called after the ’Dinis hurrying to obey, murmuring in disturbed whispers as they went.
Should we ask for a healer to come? Kincaid asked.
How could they be released in this condition? Laria said angrily, soothing her pair with kisses and fondlings, all the time holding them as close to her as she could. Thei
r skins are all wrinkled and they feel squishy. They’ve never been this way before.
Nor mine, said Kincaid, in a tone that gave warning that he intended to investigate thoroughly.
What’s wrong? What’s happened? Morag, Kaltia and their ’Dinis ’ported in, fortunately close to the steps as if both had “seen” where it was safe to arrive.
“We don’t know,” Laria said, struggling to keep her tone even.
“They’re very sick,” Morag said as Dar and Sim clung to her legs. Kev and Su had wrapped flippers about Kaltia, their poll eyes wet with fear.
The ’Dinis burst into the room, arms filled with pillows, trailing thermal covers, and instantly Morag and Kaltia arranged these into a nest, into which Kincaid and Laria put their wasted-looking ’Dinis. Lionasha offered the hot drinks she had prepared with herbs she knew were restorative for Mrdini.
“Shouldn’t we get a healer for them?” Morag asked.
“There’s supposed to be healers at the hibernatory for emergencies,” Laria said, barely able to suppress the anger she felt.
Suddenly the door to the Tower flew open and Plus, followed by other medium-large gray Mrdinis, charged right up to the invalids.
MOST APOLOGIES, PRIME LARIA. CAN NEVER SUITABLY AMEND APPALLING CONDITION OF YOUR DEVOTED FRIENDS. HERE ARE HEALERS TO ATTEND. CLEVER PRIME TO ALREADY START TO DO THE NECESSARY CARING. WE DID NOT KNOW THAT YOUR FRIENDS WERE THERE.
JUST WHAT THE HELL HAS HAPPENED?
Easy, Laria. It’s as upset as you are or Plus would not just barge in here, Kincaid said. WE AWAIT AN EXPLANATION, he added in Mrdini, folding his arms in a fashion that was tantamount to an insult to Mrdinis.
Plus kept bowing, apologizing, almost incomprehensible in the speed with which it delivered regrets, remorse and promises of restitution.
SLOW DOWN, PLEASE, ESTIMABLE PLUS. WE CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU SAY. Laria had caught a garble about inhibiting creation without harm and how were they going to treat so many sick ’Dinis with so few to heal the desperately deprived.
HEATING OF HIBERNATORY AT FAULT. COULD NOT REACH ASSISTANCE. MANY SUFFER. WE COME TO YOU FIRST OF ALL COLORS.
I’ll bet they did, Vanteer said, for he had folded his arms as well to indicate the displeasure of the entire Tower. They can’t afford to lose our goodwill.
You would take that position! Laria retorted, eyes flashing so angrily that Vanteer flinched as if she had lashed at him mentally as well. She would have liked to, considering the mundanity of his remark. THE TOWER SERVES CLARF’S NEEDS NO MATTER WHAT OR WHEN, PLRGTGL.
HONORABLE, HONORABLE PRIME. Plus kept on bowing. THESE FOUR UNFORTUNATES HAVE NOT BENEFITED. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THEY COULD BE SENT TO IOTA AURIGAE, WHERE SPECIAL TREATMENT IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE?
OF COURSE. BUT THEY ARE SCARCELY IN A CONDITION TO TRAVEL ANYWHERE, Laria pointed out. SURELY HERE IN CLARF...
IOTA AURIGAE, MOST RESPECTED PRIME ... Plus made such a low obeisance that for one anxious moment Laria was afraid it would tip over onto the supine ’Dinis. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AS VERY SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THERE IS WORK FOR THE TOWER WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED. I MUST ACCOMPANY TLP AND HGF. She gestured to Kincaid. NOR WILL KNCD LEAVE NPL AND PLS TO TRAVEL WITHOUT HIS PRESENCE.
Laria! Lionasha said, aghast. You can’t...
Oh yes she can, Morag said, taking a step forward, her jaw set. There’s nothing here at Clarf that Kaltia and I cannot handle, with you and Vanteer backing us up. The ’Dinis come first right now, and for once, the Tower comes second.
Although it doesn’t really, since we’re still here, Kaltia put in, jaw jutting out in stubbornness which both Lionasha and Vanteer recognized as a family trait. We are certainly able to do a few days on our own. I’m sure we won’t have to pinch-hit for very long. Will we, Laria?
No longer than absolutely necessary. You can’t know how Kincaid and I both appreciate your willingness, Morag, Kaltia. Laria managed a grateful wisp of a smile. The relief in her expression at their volunteering underlined her belief in their abilities. She turned back to the Mrdini. IF OUR FOUR ARE IN SUCH POOR SHAPE, WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF THE OTHERS WHO SHARED HIBERNATION WITH THEM?
Plus turned the oddest shade and the healers glanced up from their ministrations with horror-stricken expressions.
I REQUIRE AN ANSWER, PLRGTGL.
THEY ARE BEING CARED FOR TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE. MORE HELP MAY COME FROM IOTA AURIGAE. TLP, HGF, NPL AND PLS MUST BE GIVEN FIRST ADVANTAGE. CLRF HONOR REQUIRES THIS. AH, LOOK NOW AND SEE THAT THEY ARE RESUMING A NORMAL COLOR.
Laria looked as Kincaid, kneeling beside the four ’Dinis, gently touched each wizened chest in turn.
The color may be improved, but I’ve never felt spongy ’Dini flesh before. And they are not appreciably warmer. Though his face did not mirror his concern, Kincaid expressed his sense of urgency in his ’path.
Lionasha, Morag said firmly, checking the afternoon’s workload, I see little more than light drones, message tubes and ordinary piffle.
Piffle? Lionasha blinked at Morag. Kaltia leaned around her sister to look at the pad.
Piffle’s all it is, when you consider what we’ve done from lota, Kaltia said, her manner exhibiting more youthful disdain than Morag had exhibited.
But your parents were there! Lionasha said, alarmed.
Laria ’ported Lionasha’s notepad to her. I’d consider it piffle too, Lio, after what we practiced with on Iota. They can handle it. And probably a lot of what will come in in the morning. Right now, Kincaid and I are going to Iota Aurigae if that’s where we can get our ’Dinis treated properly.
Vanteer took a forward step. You’ll check with Earth Prime first, of course?
I act on my own cognizance, Vanteer. You will assist my sisters and Lionasha to the best of your ability. Morag, ‘port that multiple carrier to the door. Kaltia, ’port my mattress into it and all the pillows and thermals we have. Laria turned to Plus. WE SHALL WASTE NO MORE OF YOUR VALUABLE TIME. YOUR HEALERS WILL HAVE OTHERS TO ATTEND. THE TOWER WILL CONTINUE ALL OPERATIONS. MORAG AND KALTIA ARE PRIMES AND THEIR ABILITIES ARE SUFFICIENT TO ANY TASK REQUIRED OF THEM.
RETURN YOUR ’DiniS TO CLARF IN FULL HEALTH, HONORED PRIME. Plus kept bowing itself as it moved backward toward the automatic door, which opened, letting in a blast of the hot afternoon air.
Carrier’s all set, Morag said. “C’mon, Kaltia.” She took the steps two at a time up to the Tower. “We’re operational as of right now. Thank goodness we know Iota Aurigae better than the back of our hands.”
Sure, but you tell Mother!
Don’t slither, Kaltia.
Vanteer heard his generators picking up and darted back down the steps, muttering imprecations about children, but Lionasha sent up the Iota Aurigae coordinates because she had to do something to steady her nerves.
Laria, Kincaid and the nested ’Dinis disappeared right into the carrier without bothering to open the wide hatch.
Merge! cried Laria.
Vanteer, for one moment fearful of his beloved generators being manipulated by novices, put his fingers on the off toggle, but the pressure from the Tower was as deftly done as if Laria and Kincaid were doing it.
“You left your sisters in charge of Clarf Tower?” Damia demanded when she and Afra were awakened by the arrival of a large personnel carrier in front of the house at dawn on Iota Aurigae.
Considering the urgency of getting their ’Dinis here, Afra said with quiet authority, gently moving his outraged wife to one side at the window, they could do nothing else, and I’m sure Morag and Kaltia will have Lionasha, as well as the two at Sef Tower, to guide them. ZARA!
“I’m down here.” Zara appeared, in the act of shrugging a warm cover over her bare body. She knelt beside the carrier, opening it only far enough to reach in and touch the nearest of the four ’Dinis within. Warmer clothing rained down on her. “You did right. They’re in very bad condition, but don’t worry. I know exactly what to do. Get out, Kincaid. I’m the only Human wh
o has permission to enter the hibernatory here.”
Kincaid did not argue, though after the heat in the carrier, he and Laria began to shiver in the crisp cold morning air of Iota Aurigae.
“Inside!” Damia said. pointing to the house.
“But I said I’d be with ...” Laria began, and disappeared.
Having ’ported her daughter inside the house, Damia gave Kincaid a merciless stare of tacit permission, and he ’ported himself inside too.
“Into the kitchen with you,” Damia said, deftly ’porting herself into unoccupied space in the entrance hall. Then Afra was beside her, throwing woolen wraps about the shoulders of the new arrivals. They pulled them tightly around their bodies, meekly following Damia.
“I didn’t think Zara would have to put her new expertise to the test quite this soon,” Afra said, his hands gently propelling Kincaid and Laria in Damia’s wake, where she indulged in a remarkable display of domestic telekinetic activities. These produced a hot meal, a choice of beverages and additional early-morning snacks that Damia happened to know were favorites of her daughter and Kincaid Dano. While the new arrivals consumed warm food and beverages, they ’pathed the account of the circumstances that had precipitated their arrival.
“And if ours are this sick, I’d want to know what exactly are the conditions of the rest of those in Clarf’s biggest and most prestigious hibernatory,” Laria said, holding out her cup to be refilled. She was too shaken to do that herself.
“The Mrdini are attempting to curtail their birthrate now that so few are dying in Hiver attacks,” Damia said. “So, in what has turned out to be a very ill-advised attempt to limit creation, they lowered the temperature in the hibernatories.”
“All of them?” Laria exclaimed, nearly spilling the hot liquid in her cup in astonishment.
“Fortunately, no. Unfortunately, the main one in Clarf was evidently a test site,” Afra said. “This is after the fact, Laria, or I’m sure you’d’ve been warned not to take yours there.”
Laria flushed. “They were overdue to hibernate and the keeper rushed them in.” She frowned and turned to Kincaid.
The Tower and the Hive Page 21
