Meik looked up and saw Rai and Ponar enter the building. "That's why I told him. I figured as they're good friends, he'd be motivated to get the truth from her. And if that fails, then we follow through with our plan."
"That's quick thinking on your part, Meik," Somnu replied. "Why don't we go and see what he found out?"
When they entered the outpost, Laan, Rai, and Ponar were already sitting around a circular table in the dining hall eating. Their Guardian escort was, predictably, nowhere in sight, although a half-dozen Guardians sat at the table next to the Durmah, quietly eating.
"Is that stew?" Meik asked as they approached.
"Sure is," Laan replied.
"Ahh, my favorite!" Meik said, pulling up a seat and claiming one of the other bowls Laan had ordered. Somnu sat down next to him and did the same.
"Everyone manage to keep warm on the way here?" Somnu asked.
Meik watched Rai, but she didn't even look up or say anything. Somnu was right, she needed their help.
"We did," Ponar replied. "My clothes are feeling a bit damp though."
Their eyes met for a moment, and Ponar shook his head and frowned. Meik nodded his understanding and took a bite of stew. Rai, her eyes locked onto her bowl of stew, didn't appear to have noticed this silent exchange. But from the looks on their faces, neither Laan nor Somnu had missed it.
"If I remember the timing right and the clouds break, we might be able to watch a meteor shower before going to bed," Somnu said.
"That'd be a pleasant treat," Laan replied, playing along.
"I'm certainly not tired enough to sleep yet," Meik said. "Count me in. How about you two?" he asked Ponar and Rai.
"Well, I need to check on one of my horses first," Ponar replied. "I think my mare has a loose shoe, but that won't take me long, and then I can join you."
Meik wondered what Ponar was playing at; if his mare had needed a shoe checked or replaced he'd have done it on the road, lest she damage her hoof along the way.
"I'm feeling a little tired, myself," Rai replied. "Perhaps next time."
"Oh, I think some time on the roof would do you good. Help to clear your head," Ponar replied. "Besides, you napped most of the day, so it's likely you wouldn't be able to get to sleep again so soon."
Rai looked confused but didn't seem to have the energy to fight with Ponar. "You're right. It'll be fun to see meteors too, I suppose."
"Ahh, that settles it then; we'll all go!" Somnu replied. "Trust me, my dear, you'll never forget the view."
Rai seemed to force a smile but said nothing in reply. Poor girl, she almost looked scared. Despite this ruse, Meik was sure his sister Kait would be proud of how well he'd dealt with the situation once they got home and knew just how the Guardian had been interfering with their Sept.
Chapter 12
Brague paced back and forth in front of his research terminal interface, awaiting the results of his queries to the Hegemonic archives.
The human female had escaped his initial capture, but that wouldn't last long. No one could hide from the Hegemony for long.
To distract himself from his overwhelming curiosity, Brague reviewed all completed Evaluation results on Az'Unda, chittering loudly, gloating over his abilities as a Selector. The tests on Az'Unda's biometrics were yielding results well within all desired metrics so far. In fact, if the subsequent round of tests also yielded positive results, he might go so far as to invite Princess Qwell's emissaries to come and visit the planet while he was completing the final rounds of testing.
The world's surface was covered by 86% water, well within Princess Qwell's requirements. The planetary size and core density translated to a gravity quotient eight percent less than optimal for Juggernaut physiology. The air, soil, and water of Az'Unda contained none of the contaminants which might interfere with developing Juggernaut pupae. Instead, the earth and water were rich in all of the desired nutrients, and the atmosphere's chemical makeup lent it a faint, sweet smell. Even the harmful spectrum of sunlight, which could cause defects in the undeveloped protective pupae shells, was filtered out by the planet's unusually dense cloud cover in the lower regions along the coastlines. He made a note in the world's file to investigate the cause of this cloud cover, with particular attention to if it had shifted in density over time.
There were yet more tests to be run: compiling mappings of climate shifts over the planet's history, preparing statistical probabilities of planetary impacts based on historic sites and levels of space debris in the galactic vicinity, and calculating fuel and time lag from Az'Unda to the heart of Hegemonic space. Counting all of that, Brague knew he could still be within mere weeks of completing this assignment. A successful match this soon in the process would certainly add an impressive entry in his dossier.
The interior highlands were not as well suited for pupae farms, but perhaps Princess Qwell could use these areas for other more typical Juggernaut structures. Brague could already envision vast palatial estates for her Highness, libraries, and universities to educate young Juggernaut minds, farms to grow delicacies to remind her Highness of her homeland, and of course, no settlement could be complete without a Temple of Observance in honor of the Progenitors.
But Brague suspected he knew what would please Princess Qwell the most. He pulled up a geologic scan of the largest continent, no--let's instead call them islands, Brague decided. The scan revealed an extensive network of caves extending well inland from the coast of each island, perfect for the Princess' needs. Brague could already envision those caves filled with millions upon millions of incubating and hatching Juggernaut pupae, overseen by an army of servitors and caretakers. What an incredible sight that would be!
This planet also met his personal criteria, and although this didn't supersede the Princess's needs, it added to his pleasure with the task. The primate colony amounted to fifty thousand, two hundred, and fourteen inhabitants. From what he could tell, their birth rates weren't anywhere near optimal to stabilize the population. Most pathetically, the primates had not adapted to a pathogen the Hegemony had long ago classified a minimally contagious agent. Hadn't Brague been infected with it as a larva, with no long term effects? Why these primates were unable to adapt to such a simple disease escaped him. It would be almost compassionate of him to free them from such a wretched existence. Almost, Brague thought, running his forelegs down this antennae quickly.
This invigorating thought was brought to an abrupt stop as his research terminal flashed a 'Query completed' message upon the screen. He pulled up the results and had to read the message twice.
Archive search completed. No instances of 'Homo sapiens' or 'primate' paired with 'multi-dimensional speech capability' found.
Brague stared in disbelief. Surely he couldn't have been the first researcher to catalog this combination?
And yet ...
Brague knew what to do. Protocol dictated that new and unusual traits of existing species be inventoried and reported with all due haste, to maintain the Hegemonic database and ensure that the information not be lost. After all, the Hegemony was nothing without their history.
Hours later, Brague submitted his updates to the Hegemonic Archives appropriately indexed and cataloged, including all pertinent details. He also drafted a message to Princess Qwell, updating her on their progress to find her the perfect breeding grounds, and included all of his relevant new findings. He aimed his wording to be circumspect, as was proper for one of his stature.
The communiqué's finished and sent, Brague refocused his attentions on recent survey findings on Az'Unda, but he'd already reviewed all completed reports two, three times before.
He needed something to distract him, and luckily he knew just the thing.
Brague retrieved his bio-scans of the amusingly irate primates once again, enlarging the images until they dominated the terminal's screen. He pored over the minutia of every detail captured by his scan, looking for the key which made this female different from the rest of her kind. Th
ere was something else about this specimen, and it was a puzzle he was determined to solve. Most likely she wasn't the only one on the planet gifted with multidimensional speech, but he also couldn't count on that.
Because if there was one thing which had always been true for Brague, it was this: one way or the other, he'd always managed to satisfy his curiosity. Always.
Brague waited in front of the full-wall terminal on his research vessel. Knowing the call would come in momentarily, he resisted the urge to perform any last minute checks on the perfect sheen of his carapace. After a few seconds, the interface prompted him to accept a call from the Hegemonic Senate building on the Juggernaut home world. He keyed in his access code and then bowed deeply before the screen as the real-time connection activated.
"Greetings on this Perith Prime-Latne of the Dark Trine, Selector Brague. You may rise," intoned a rich, deep voice.
Brague rose and was surprised to see Queen Klimitzi in all her glory. He'd only previously seen pictures and statues of her before this moment. Gratefully, the accuracy of those dedicated artisans served to inform him with such accuracy that he had no doubt, at this time, to who he now genuflected.
When the transmission had arrived advising him to expect a call from the home world, he'd assumed Princess Qwell or one of her emissaries would be contacting him concerning his efforts. Seeing the Queen herself, much less having a direct conversation with her, was an unexpected joy he'd never expected to experience.
"Your Eminence, I am honored beyond measure to meet you. How may I be of service to the Hegemony today?"
"I hear that your Evaluation of planets for our Princess Qwell is proceeding far ahead of schedule. You are to be commended for your exhaustive efforts," she replied.
"I am merely a humble servant of the Hegemony, working as best suits my capabilities," he said with a small bow. He was immensely flattered that the Queen herself was reviewing his progress. Surely this spoke well of his future.
"I have also reviewed your report on multidimensional speech capability in association with a primate specimen," the Queen replied. "Are all of the details accurate?"
So, this must be how he came to her attention. But why would she care about a report on a primate? "I can assure you they are exact. I witnessed the specimen, and I will be collecting it to run further tests once my duties to my assignment are fulfilled."
"Based on your history, I assumed the report could be taken at face value. This presents another problem, however, which I hope you will be able to help me resolve." The Queen angled her head slightly, inferring query.
Without hesitation, Brague mirrored her posture. "I am happy to assist in any way the Hegemony deems appropriate."
"Are you aware of the nature of the speech phenomenon you observed in this creature?" the Queen asked.
"I'm afraid I am not so enlightened to understand what that implies, my Queen," Brague replied. "I have rarely noted this speech phenomenon outside of Juggernaut physiology, and never have I encountered an instance of this ability within the primate species. Thus, it stood out, and I knew it warranted further investigation."
"It's that exact curiosity which I wish to reward," she said. "Effective now, your security clearance is elevated to white."
White was the highest clearance that existed, and two full steps above his current standing. "My Queen, thank you for this honor." His antennae quivered. With white clearance, he now had access to the entire research database, including the restricted areas.
"What I'm about to tell you must not be repeated, as it is known to only those of us at white level."
"I will honor this confidence with my life," he replied.
"Yes, you will. You see, the multidimensional speech capability we Juggernaut all share is not an entirely genetic trait. Our base DNA has the basic building blocks necessary, but it's a virus that transforms these blocks into a cohesive, functional ability. An ability we Juggernaut take great pride in, and in fact consider to be one of our species defining superior qualities," Queen Klimitzi explained.
"A simple virus is responsible?" Brague asked.
"Not so simple, as it turns out. We believe the virus was designed by the Progenitors to help our people, to shape us. Think of it as their technology, passed to us through our DNA."
"They bestowed an amazing gift upon us, and are to be praised," Brague replied.
"Indeed they are. The problem is we don't have any solid proof for this theory. Occasionally, we encounter other species who share our susceptibility to the virus. It is our sincere hope that by investigating these other species, we might discover more of the Progenitors' intentions. And why they have allowed other beings to share elements of the Juggernaut supreme perfection."
"A prudent course. Your Grace's direction is unerring."
"I need your help in this," she said.
"I am delighted to assist you in any way, my Queen," he replied.
"I'm happy to hear you feel that way. To investigate this newest discovery of Progenitor viral DNA-infiltrating a primate colony, I hereby elevate you to the position of Assessor to the Queen and Arbiter of Sentience. Your first assignment is to study the impact of the Progenitors on Az'Unda, including determining the method of exposure if at all possible," the Queen pronounced.
Assessor? Brague? Too bad he'd always hated Assessors ... "I am, again, honored, your excellence, by your generosity. I will begin interrogating the populace at once. I assume I am no longer in charge of Princess Qwell's assignment?"
"Selector Rinneau will be handling the Selection process for the Princess. He is en route and will arrive within days to assume command of that operation," the Queen replied. "You will retain command of your personal fleet, with the added authority of Assessor."
"Selector Rinneau's record shows a two percent less efficient process than mine," Brague said. He regretted the jealous words immediately, wondering if the Queen would think him unappreciative of her gifts.
Queen Klimitzi's slight nuances of motion stilled, her form rising; the slight elongation of her height a deliberate reminder of her superior rank. "Do not concern yourself with this. He has been instructed to follow the exact methodology you set forward, and all will know that his assured successes will be due to your diligence," she replied.
Brague turned his head, symbolically exposing the vulnerable folds of his neck to her. "My thanks, again, your Grace. I will attend to this new assignment at once."
"There is one last thing, Assessor Brague." Brague straightened his posture, sensing she wished his complete attention. "Under the Hegemonic law, all beings who have been elevated by the Progenitors' gifts must be treated as our brethren. Because primates, at least on this world, may have been so honored, you must accord them all due respect. Therefore there can be no 'interrogations,' nor aggressive tactics. Use of force is specifically disallowed. Do you understand these constraints?"
Disgust burned in his belly as he considered her words. Treat that scum as equals? How could she be serious? "I understand, my Queen. But what if I find no evidence of this gift? What if this individual's abilities are unique to her alone?"
"If that is the case, then feel free to keep her for your personal collection as a souvenir, and raze the planet to meet Princess Qwell's needs--or your own. As you are the Assessor, you make the decision. Just make sure it's the right one. We wouldn't want to offend the Progenitors, now would we?"
"Never, my Queen, never." Brague bowed again so that his antennae brushed on the floor.
"Send me regular reports, and contact me via ansible should you find anything particularly interesting," Queen Klimitzi said. "Happy hunting, Assessor Brague." He heard the connection drop before he saw it, and so drew himself to his full height.
He'd gotten the honor he sought by decades of hard work through a chance occurrence, and this left a bitter taste in his mouth. Luck wasn't the method he was used to winning by. He should instead have won honor through the perfection of his abilities. And yet with his
latest promotion, he was guaranteed the breeding rights he desired. No doubt the Queens had already picked the time, not that he'd be informed until it was about to happen. It was a personal victory, slightly bittersweet, but a triumph to be celebrated nonetheless.
Brague had his orders, and although he didn't have to like them, he'd be lying to himself if he didn't admit that he'd already made up his mind. But first, he had to visit his colorist so that all could know his new status.
Communiqué
From: Assessor Brague, Arbiter of Sentience
To: The Matriarch Council of Az'Unda
Latne: Perith Prime-Latne of the Dark Trine
Greetings to the Matriarchs of Az'Unda:
Agents of the Hegemony are conducting research in the Northern Highlands of your largest continent. During a recent visit to this area, I met one of your colonists who I now wish to question at greater length. Attached is a graphic of the female and the male who was accompanying her, along with the exact planetary coordinates at the time of our meeting.
I would appreciate that your Council deliver the female to me. To expedite the process, I am willing to retrieve the subject from her current location, wherever planet-side that may be. Your compliance or lack thereof will affect the research results presented to the Hegemony's Acceptance of Sentience Oversight Committee.
I look forward to hearing your reply within the next three Az'Un solar days.
Regards,
Assessor Brague
Chapter 13
“Any updates?" Tinker Somnu asked, closing the door to the outpost's communications room behind himself.
Guardian Graeber didn't look up and continued to review messages circulating the global network. "Nothing from the Juggernaut, despite numerous requests from the Matriarchy." He sensed nothing from Somnu, but then he didn't expect to. Both of them had long ago learned to suppress their thoughts around other Core members.
Dreams Manifest (The Depths of Memory Book 2) Page 10
