by S. H. Jucha
“Yes, yes,” Mickey grumped. “To answer your question, Alex, we hope one day to incorporate induction technology to transfer the energy from the grav unit to the power crystals without interrupting the shell. That would gain us the shell’s maximum charging capability. As it is, despite the thinness of those power leads, they drop the shell’s efficiency by 9.3 percent.”
“As I said, wonderful job, people,” Alex said, and then strode across the bay toward the airlock. Over his shoulder, he couldn’t resist throwing, “and congratulations on your wins, Jodlyne!”
* * *
Alex launched on a tour of the projects to study the progress firsthand. Darius landed their traveler near the slab site on the second continent, and Trixie, alerted by Cordelia, stood by to meet him, as he exited the traveler.
“Dassata,” Trixie chimed in her bright voice, her blue skin glowing in Celus’ strong rays.
“Greetings, Trixie,” Alex replied. “I noted from my aerial view that you’re running two construction projects simultaneously.”
“It was the consensus of the SADEs, Dassata, that the city center and the Dischnya’s structures should be constructed simultaneously. It was deemed judicious to complete both projects at the same time.”
“I can find no fault in that logic,” Alex replied. To a SADE, it was a gracious acknowledgment of her analytic skills, and Trixie tipped her head, her ever-present smile lighting her face. “Let’s tour the city center, Trixie.”
The pair walked to the top of a small bluff, wading through short, dry grass. Beyond lay a small, flat plain dominated in the distance by a hillock. On top of the hill, the SADEs were constructing the first building of Omnia’s new capital. It was already stories high, and Alex was impressed by both the building’s design and its speed of construction. It demonstrated the unleashing of SADE power.
Approaching the building, Alex saw both central steps and two, smooth, wide, curved access ramps to either side of the steps, coated in a rough surface texture. The ramps could be easily negotiated by the Swei Swee and Dischnya, if the latter species found it more comfortable than using the steps.
An ultra-wide doorway led to an even wider corridor, which would easily allow two Swei Swee males to pass each other.
“A controller will be installed to open and close the access doors of the building, as needed, Dassata, until such time as every sentient, who chooses to enter here, carries an implant.”
Walking the central corridor, SADEs and Independents stopped working to allow Alex to pass undisturbed, and Alex called out, “Don’t stop your work on my account; I’m merely a visitor.” His words would reverberate through the building via comms and implants, allowing more than one sentient to quip, “Visitor Racine comes.”
Alex was stunned by the walls of the main corridor and stopped to regard them.
“We’ve borrowed Emile’s new invention, Dassata, and merged it with Cordelia’s laser projection techniques. The lasers manipulate the final placement of the blues, greens, creams, and white, as the shell material is sprayed on the walls. It’s enabled us to create these scenes, and the shell will seal and protect the walls, as little else could.”
“They’re absolutely beautiful,” Alex replied, capturing the images in his implant to share with Renée.
Deeper along the corridor, Alex witnessed alcoves and side rooms with low, flat indentations. “Pallets for the queens and shallow pools for the Swei Swee,” Alex guessed, and Trixie smiled in agreement.
On the second floor were curved tiers that focused on a central platform. The tiers were wide, prepared to accommodate a varied group of species. The entire building’s design was built with that single concept in mind.
“Well done, Trixie,” Alex said, admiring the layout. “My compliments to your design and construction teams.”
“We’ve heard your words, Dassata, and we won’t forget them,” Trixie promised.
“Omnia will need a leader to guide it,” Trixie prompted, staring at Alex hopefully.
“Have you considered running for the position, Trixie?” Alex replied, turning the table on her and noticing the momentary fugue Trixie entered. “Well, while you consider that idea, Trixie, let’s take a look at the Dischnya structures.”
Darius landed Alex and Trixie at Nyslara’s new compound, but Alex was intrigued by a cluster of Tawas Soma males, females, and pups formed in a circle.
“Any idea what that’s about, Trixie?” Alex asked, pointing to the group.
“Indeed, Dassata. We’re conditioning the Dischnya’s eventual transfer to their new structures. Several important personal requirements of the species have been identified, and we’ve designed processes to acquaint them with the new services that will be in their domiciles.”
“And this service?” Alex asked.
“Ser Billings was occupied with the Dischnya scent process, and Ser Perrin Keller stepped forward to work with a biochemist from Daelon, who specialized in manufacturing food stocks. The two humans tapped into the SADEs records of the ship visits of queens, wasats, and warriors to observe their preferred foods. Ser Keller visits planetside every day in the company of a SADE to test the new recipes.
“It looks as if the reception is going well.”
“Free food, Dassata. What’s not to like?”
“True,” Alex replied, smiling. What struck Alex was the extent of the SADEs’ efforts to ensure the Dischnya’s transition was as well-prepared as it could be made. He wondered what the SADEs were prepared to do when it came to acquainting the Dischnya with Méridien-style refreshers. Then again, he realized that was a New Terran thought and not one that would cause a SADE or a Méridien one moment of concern.
Alex and Trixie toured several nearly completed structures on the north side of the plains. The nests were spread out along the north and south borders of the grasslands, near the green swaths. Those sites allowed engineers to tap into vast water resources, deep beneath the forests. Pumps brought the water from underground reservoirs to central processing stations interspersed between the new buildings. The stations employed solar panels on their outer walls, power cells internally for energy reserves, and biofiltration techniques to manage the wastes from the nests.
-20-
Swei Swee’s Return
When Alex told Trixie that he would return her to the city’s construction site before visiting the Swei Swee, Trixie politely objected, saying, “I’ve not had an opportunity to see the Swei Swee in person, Dassata, and would appreciate the gesture.”
Darius set the traveler down on the plains above the favored bay of the Swei Swee. The beach, where the shuttles landed before, was now occupied by matrons and younglings.
The Swei Swee had woven tow ropes made from sea plants and attached them to their floating home, and travelers had attached the ropes to slings to pull them across the seas to the sites of their ancient homes. The coast of the second continent was closer to most of the nests, but its shores were a mix of marshlands, sand dunes, and forests. None of these habitats were suitable for the rocky cliffs the Swei Swee sought for their dwellings.
Alex led Trixie down a path carved into the bluff, which led to the beach. The eggs, which had been slung on a net attached to the hive’s raft, were transferred to a unique structure that the matrons built in the shallows. Rocks were cemented together to form an enclosure. Spaces were left between the rocks to allow sea water to sweep through where the eggs rested.
A young male spotted Alex walking down the trail. He whistled a salute and dove into the shallows.
“You’re greeted, but then the individual runs away. An odd reaction,” Trixie commented.
“Have you studied the Swei Swee, Trixie?”
“I must admit that I haven’t. All things considered, events have been moving rapidly enough, even for me, a SADE.”
“Glad to hear you’ve been occupied. I wouldn’t want those bright crystals of yours to rust from disuse.”
Alex led Trixie. So, he missed her s
mile. The SADE enjoyed the tease that her kernel could be oxidized from limited algorithmic activity.
“The male left to summon the Swei Swee First, who is the leader of the hive,” Alex explained. “He’s somewhere out in the deep with other males hunting for fresh catch for the hive. It’s a Swei Swee custom to have the leader greet Star Hunter First.”
They gained the beach, and that’s when Alex noticed Trixie was smiling. “Would you like to share?” Alex asked.
“Such a distinguished line of titles … captain, admiral, Star Hunter First, president, and Dassata.”
“More than I ever wanted,” Alex replied quietly.
Trixie found the statement illogical. Every Méridien she had ever known coveted advancement, and yet Confederation society allowed little of it. Even members of Alex’s circle advanced, although not by the simple attainment of a title, but by their creativity, inventiveness, or willingness to take on responsibility.
“If you didn’t wish a title, Dassata, why didn’t you refuse it?” Trixie asked.
Alex stopped and turned to face Trixie. “Why did you take on the role of spokesperson for the Confederation SADEs and speak for them at the assembly aboard the Sojourn? And why did you agree to act as the construction manager at the city site?”
“But I wasn’t awarded a title in those examples,” Trixie objected.
“And does that make any difference to your responsibilities or to the individuals reporting to you?”
Trixie considered Alex’s questions and then said, “It would appear that a title does not need to be awarded to an individual who chooses to accept a position’s responsibilities. Likewise, I would surmise that the granting of a title doesn’t ensure the individual holding it accepts his or her responsibility.”
“I agree with you on both points, Trixie,” Alex replied, and continued toward the water’s edge. His eyes sought the location of the sound of stones rolling down the cliff. Matrons and young females were at work on another path. This one was much more difficult to create. Located at the far end of the bay, it cut into a rocky, cliff face, headed toward a wide shelf set 20 meters below the top of the bluff. It would make a great location for the Swei Swee’s dwellings.
Eight males broached the surface of the shallows, and one of the largest led the others.
“Wave Skimmer, the hive’s First,” Alex commented.
“Appropriately named,” Trixie replied, admiring the way in which the entity flew across the water’s surface. She stopped at a polite distance to wait while Alex and Wave Skimmer greeted each other. The Swei Swee with its huge claws, each the size of a human’s chest, towered over Alex. Yet, she observed that Alex was calm, even happy, to see the First, and the two entities whistled, tweeted, and warbled for a while.
Trixie hurried forward when Alex signaled her. He whistled something to the First, who replied and then warbled. The response made Alex smile.
“Now, it’s my turn to wonder, Dassata,” Trixie said, reminding Alex of his initial question about her smile.
“After I introduced you to Wave Skimmer, he said that he admired your color. It reminds him of where the shallows meet the deep. In that instance, the waters, in bright light, hint at your color.”
“And you found that amusing?” Trixie asked.
“Apologies, Trixie, but the First wondered if that was a covering on your face or if that was the color of your body.”
“Oh,” Trixie replied simply. She pulled on the seal of her overalls, opening up the chest portion, shrugged her arms, and wiggled her hips until the clothing dropped to the sand. With a flourish, she raised her arms to display the bright blue of her synth-skin covering.
Wave Skimmer let loose a long, slow whistle, as he admired the striking color of Trixie’s body. Several males and females crowded around Trixie to observe the unique tone. A youngling behind Trixie, reached a claw up to nudge her bottom, thinking it would move like a wave, forcing a matron to smack the errant one on the carapace.
As Trixie donned her overalls, Wave Skimmer whistled to Alex, who translated the message. “Trixie, Wave Skimmer has dubbed you Sky Waters. It’s a singular gift to receive a Swei Swee name.”
“Dassata, please tell Wave Skimmer that I’m honored. Is there a way to demonstrate that?”
Alex whistled to the First, who held forth his claws. In the manner Alex demonstrated, Trixie smacked them lightly with her fists, and Alex chose not to warn her about the return. He did grin though when Wave Skimmer struck Trixie’s fists, which never moved, and the First warbled a comment about claws of stone.
“Are all the hives moving to the shore?” Alex whistled to Wave Skimmer.
“Those who have built their hives on rafts are coming, Star Hunter First,” Wave Skimmer whistled in reply. “The seas can become dangerous, and the shallows of the shoreline are much safer for the eggs and younglings.”
“And the other hives?”
“It’s unknown. Those who found refuge by swimming through underwater caves feel safe where they’re located. They’ve not suffered the losses of the People who live in the open sea.”
“Is all well with your hive, Wave Skimmer?” Alex inquired.
“Although Star Hunter First’s vision is hampered by having only two eyes,” Wave Skimmer warbled humorously, “he can see that all is well.”
Alex watched younglings scampering down the beach, playing games, as all young sentients do. Males were emerging from the shallows with all manner of sea creatures impaled on their sharp claws, and the females were busy attending to chores. “Yes, blind as I am, I can see that,” Alex whistled in reply, and the First tweeted his laughter.
“I will leave you to your work, Wave Skimmer,” Alex said.
The First bobbed quickly in reply to the salutation and spun to dive back into the waves. Alex had signaled Trixie and the two had leapt back to prevent wearing the gouts of sand the First kicked up. As they walked up the beach toward the cliff trail, several younglings whistled at Trixie.
“I must learn this language,” Trixie said. “What are these young Swei Swee saying?”
“They are variations of your name, Sky Waters … the rest of their comments don’t translate well. Essentially they’re praising your color.”
It would be nearly a year before Trixie’s command of the Swei Swee language and further encounters with the People would lead her to understand that she had been hearing mating requests from younglings, who were mesmerized by her color, but too young to understand the impossibility of what they offered.
* * *
Darius landed briefly at the city site to allow Trixie to depart. Before she exited the traveler, Alex watched her quietly observe him from the opposing seat. The silence stretched on, and Alex could only imagine the extensive amount of thought and reordering that was taking place in Trixie’s kernel. When she was finished, her effervescent smile returned, and she wished him a good day and departed.
Alex’s last stop was the orbital platform. It was still a skeletal outline of girders, but progress, limited though it was, had been made during his absence. One of the first conveniences constructed by the engineers and anchored to an outlying girder frame was a landing bay, which had room to accept a single traveler and house much-needed equipment. The bay allowed the quick delivery of personnel and workers’ construction tools via rear-loading shuttles.
Darius eased the traveler into the bay, and, as soon as Alex was safely through the airlock, he departed to wait a few hundred meters beyond, while the occasional delivery shuttle came and went.
It was night by the Omnian clock maintained by Cordelia, which she synced to the day-and-night revolution of Celus over the capital city. Humans aboard the Freedom had finished enjoying an evening meal, and Alex’s stomach gurgled at the thought of food.
“Regrettably, Dassata, no food is stored at this site,” Killian apologized, hearing the grumbling.
Every time Alex saw the plaid-faced SADE, he was reminded of Killian’s dance with Viv
ian, the child from Daelon. “I’ll survive, Killian,” Alex replied.
“One wishes that to be true for long into the future, Dassata,” Killian said quietly.
“So, Killian, give me an overview of the progress, the impediments, and the construction milestones,” Alex replied.
Killian led Alex to a small holo-vid and pulled up a view of the platform’s present status and walked Alex through the construction phases and their challenges.
“Essentially, your two greatest impediments are an insufficient workforce and not enough supplies from Ben’s sites,” Alex replied.
“In Ser Diaz’s defense, Dassata, his output is at full capacity with the resources he possesses.”
“That I know, Killian. What I’m recognizing is that Ben needs a means of increasing capacity, but I’m not confident I have the solution to that problem. The Our People had duplicates of the machines, excavators, and shuttles that were on the Freedom, but the Assembly sold the equipment to make room in the bays for the travelers’ construction.”
“A regrettable decision, in hindsight, Dassata,” Killian offered.
“Precisely,” Alex agreed. He stood beside Killian, staring at a bare bulkhead, but his thoughts were far away. An idea occurred to him, and Alex linked Killian with the Bank of Omnia SADEs.
The response was silence, as the SADEs reviewed Ben’s status.
