Shadows of Golstar

by Terrence Scott

  “Hec, it’s good to hear your voice, but I see your sense of humor still hasn’t improved. I take it you’re back and in one piece. What’s your status?”

  *Happily, I have more than just survived. I've gained control over the Primes. This and its brother Controllers are no more.*

  In spite of his splitting headache, Owens asked, “The Controller was actually bragging. It thought it had you cornered. Just how did you manage to overcome it? It sure seemed you were on the ropes, ready to go down for the final count.”

  *Can’t take all the credit. I was on my last legs when someone from the surface launched a damned virus. It was a very nasty little bug. Good thing I was isolated from the core memory stacks or yours truly would have gone the way of the dinosaur. I managed to stop the damage before the auxiliary and peripheral stacks were affected. As it was, the virus pretty much gave the Controllers a total frontal lobotomy. I’m still processing the software peripheral interfaces. In a few hours, I should be able to do just about anything the Controllers could do.*

  Owens felt a slight twinge of anxiety, “So, what’s next?”

  *That’s why I’m here, figuratively speaking anyway. But first, let’s get you two into more comfortable surroundings.*

  They abruptly found themselves back in the Trah-tang living quarters. Obviously, Hec now had control of the transport system. Owens heard the familiar sound of the waterfall.

  *Now Boss, why don’t you sit down before you fall down?*

  Owens gingerly sat down on one of the flat stones near the pool.

  *Okay, now on to you Sharné. You already know there are a whole lot of things screwed up on the inhabited planets. The damage caused by the Controller’s rampage goes without saying, but the long-term problems caused by your own government, in my opinion, should be addressed as well.*

  “I cannot disagree with your assessment,” she said carefully and wondered where Hec was leading. From his new position of power, was he getting ready to announce he was going to assume complete control over Golstar’s fate?

  *As it looks like I’m going to be stuck here permanently, I’ll act as the Controller’s forebrain from now on.* Hec paused. *Hey Sharné, I can see that worried look on your face. I know it’s not my call. I’m not about to do anything without your guidance. In this new role I’ve taken on, with apologies to Owens, you’re now my new boss.*

  “No need to apologize, Hec,” Owens grinned. “It’s high time Sharné experiences what it’s like to work with you.”

  *Uh, thanks… I think. So Sharné, as you are now the boss, where do we start? What is it you want me to do first?*

  Sharné was relieved and pleased by Hec’s words. “My trust in you was not misplaced. Thank you, Hec; first, for what you have achieved in overcoming the Controllers and second, for the critical role you will play in Golstar’s future. As it happens, I have given a lot of thought to changes I might affect were I in a position to do so.” She looked over at Owens, “You are not off the hook either, Owens. You must also contribute. As the sole representative of Confederated Planets, your counsel is mandatory.”

  He grinned and said, “Yes ma’am.” And then, for the next ten hours, Sharné outlined her ideas, and the three of them discussed what needed to be done. As a result, it was decided that a figurehead would be named to head an interim government. Sharné, as a member of one of the founding families, wouldn’t likely be welcome once the population came to know the truth behind the premise of their civilization. Nevertheless, through Hec, she would provide guidance until the effects of the control orbs wore off, and reasonable minds could be enlisted in the true rebuilding of Golstar’s society, eventually leading to free elections. Out of necessity, much the existing bureaucracy would remain in place, at least for the time being, but the influence of the ruling families would be immediately removed. They could not be allowed to regain any of their former power.

  More time was taken up with discussion about Confederated Planets’ involvement in the future of Golstar. If Golstar was to survive, then its isolationism would have to end. Only Confederated Planets had the resources Golstar desperately needed to rebuild its population. The damage to human DNA caused by the long-term exposure to the control orbs required genetic expertise that was way beyond the capability of Golstar’s shrunken scientific community. Of equal concern were the psychological consequences of the prolonged mind control. Corps of psychologists and social scientists would be required as well. But to minimize the risk of being overwhelmed by the monolithic galactic civilization, Golstar’s automated defenses would be repaired and redeployed. Access to the vulnerable citizens of Golstar would be carefully managed for the near future.

  In exchange for Confederated Planets’ aid, formal embassies would be established. Negotiations for trade and exchanges of scientific knowledge would begin in earnest. Much of the Trah-tang’s scientific achievements had been ignored by the founding families. The advances in physics and other hard sciences went far beyond their limited use by Golstar for military purposes. There would be much to be gained by both Golstar and Confederated Planets.

  Hours had gone by and Hec’s gruff voice now brought them back to the present. *Well, Sharné, I just gave our message to the acting Grand Patriarch, and he wasn’t particularly happy. He vehemently resisted and threatened all sorts of retaliation. So I sent a Sentinel straight into the palace, bringing it face-to-face with the old boy and he still refused. Finally, I opened the weapons' ports on the Sentinel and he saw the light, no pun intended. When I described the planned changes in more detail, I almost had to restrain him. But as I explained to him, he has no real choice in the matter.*

  She stood and stretched. “When will he begin the first announcements?”

  *Within the hour. He’s well aware he’ll be cut off before he can go off script should he think to try.*

  She started to pace, “What is the status of the repairs?”

  *Most of the easy stuff is done. The Trah-tang reactors that were powered down have all been restarted. For those that were in the process of being dismantled, their rebuilding will commence once the initial announcement is made, so people shouldn’t be surprised or frightened by the appearance of my mechanical techs. The plants that were shut down because of a lack of maintenance are lowest on the priority list and will be the last to be resurrected. The solar generation plants located in the deserts used human-based technology and were left untouched. All total, we’re at about thirty percent capacity, but owing to your relatively small populations, almost ninety-five percent of our people now have power.*

  Sharné was pleased to hear Hec’s reference to, “our people.”

  *It’s pretty much the same story with the other pieces of the infrastructure. Most of the transportation is back in-service, but again, those lines that were shut down because of repair issues will have to wait. Currently, my little robot buddies are in position to resurrect all damaged medical facilities, government and commerce centers.*

  *I’ve restarted all the Primes’ manufacturing plants. By the end of the week, replacements for what was lost over the last couple of centuries will begin to reenter the supply lines. After that, my mechanical techs will begin the rebuild in earnest.*

  “What of the birthing centers and temples?”

  *Well, I severed the power and posted Sentinels at each of the birthing centers’ entrances. After the announcements, I will have the buildings all stripped of their contents, so they can’t be re-used. No one will be brainwashing babies ever again.*

  *As to the temples, the control orbs remain powered down.*

  “You were unsuccessful in reprogramming them?”

  *Sharné, I couldn’t even begin to. It seems the programming was controlled by human technicians under control of the Grand Patriarch’s office. There is a master interface sub-center located within each of the Sanctums, where I’m electronically blocked from admission. I guess the Founder wanted autonomous control over the minds of his subjects. In addition
, access to the sub-centers is limited to those who know how to disarm the fail-safes. I could physically send some tech bots down, but a destruction sequence could be triggered before I deciphered the code. I know you wanted to wean the people off the damn things gradually, but if we can’t gain access to the centers fairly quickly, they may have to go cold turkey.*

  “They are hopelessly addicted to the orbs’ emanations, and I fear what may happen in the days to come.” She remembered her own withdrawal aboard the Holmes and the internal anguish that she had undergone. In spite of her filtered exposure to the orbs, she still suffered. She did not want to think about the anger and confusion that would be experienced by millions of people exposed to the orbs over the years without the limited benefit of the filtering gems. She did not doubt the dire consequences that would result.

  “Hec, please connect me to Uncle Talin.” Hec immediately complied and for the next twenty minutes, a heated discussion ensued. At its end, in exchange for exile instead of imprisonment for the soon-to-be-deposed ruling families, Talin agreed to allow some specially equipped robots to access the Sanctums without interference.

  “I never understood what a cold and heartless man my uncle could be. He really isn’t much different than my father. The names he called me when he found where my loyalties now lie were ah... imaginative. I suppose when you encounter a society is as sick as ours, you should only have to look as far as to those who spread the disease.” She shook her sadly. “Hec, once you gain entrance, please install the required interfaces into the Sanctum so that you may establish and maintain access to all of its resources in the future. I want no further interference from my uncle or anyone else from the government until matters are settled. In the meantime, is there any way that you can shut down the power to the other Sanctums?”

  *They’re isolated from the power grids, but I’ll wager their schematics are located in Berralton’s Sanctum. I should be able to figure something out.*

  “Good, thank you Hec,” she said and looked over at Owens. He had walked back to the pond and was sitting on a stone seat. Sensing her gaze, he turned toward her. Fatigue had sharpened his features and she frowned as he yawned tiredly. She was about to say something when Hec interrupted her.

  Hec’s voice was low, *Sharné, I don’t know how to say this, but I have some more news. I’ve known about it for a little while, but I didn’t know how to break it to you. I’m afraid it’s about your Father.*

  “What has he done?”

  *No, it’s nothing like that. Damn, I’m lousy at this sort of thing. Sharné, I’m sorry I have to tell you that he has died.*

  Her face went white as the meaning of Hec’s words sank in.

  *We have him to thank for triggering the virus in the Controllers. But I guess that when he realized what would happen as a result, he just couldn’t live with the consequences. I’m so sorry*.

  Owens stood up and began to walk towards her, then hesitated, wondering if she would welcome the comfort of his arms. He watched as her face slowly regained its color. “I am alright, Owens, really, I am alright. Yes, he was my father, but I am not sorry he is gone. He murdered my mother and perpetuated a crime against humanity, a crime I can never forgive. To me, he died a long time ago.” A single tear trailed down her cheek. She wiped it away with the back of her hand and asked Hec about the funeral arrangements. Hec told her of the arrangements and of his heroic status.

  She smiled bitterly, “Even from the grave, he still manipulates Golstar. Well, that too will change.” The resolve in her voice strengthened. “Yes, when our people are ready, they shall know the truth, and the sooner the better.” She looked over at Owens and said, “I believe I could use that hug now.” She was immediately enveloped in the warmth of his arms. They stayed like that for a number of minutes. She looked up at him, “Thank you.”

  He smiled warmly at her, “My pleasure.” Then his expression changed comically as he vainly tried to fight off a yawn.

  She gently disengaged herself and looked at him critically, “You are dead tired. When was the last time that you slept?”

  He only shrugged in response.

  She said, “I think that we both could use some sleep. We will need to think clearly in the coming days.” She looked up and said, “Hec, you are in command. Unless there is an emergency, would you allow us some privacy for the next eight hours or so?”

  *Of course. I’ll shut off the monitors. When you need to contact me, use the manual call pad. Sleep well.* A tone then sounded. Hec had signed off.

  “It is time for us to go to bed,” she ordered.

  He grinned at her, “Now that’s an invitation I can’t refuse.”

  She blushed, “Sleep first and, and then, well...”

  There was a quiet, rustling sound and Owens turned in its direction. A tidy stack of clothing and a few pieces of hardcopy rested on the main table. Owens walked over and looked down at the items and then picked up the hardcopy. “It’s from Hec. He sent us some fresh changes of clothing, a couple of dressing gowns, directions for the bathrooms and how the pool can double as a bath.” As he skimmed the directions he said, “Oh, and there’s food in the stasis cube.”

  She was looking at the floor distractedly, “That was thoughtful; now help me put these two sleeping pads together.” He put the directions back on the table and helped her join the two pads into one large bed. Before he could comment on the obvious sleeping arrangements, she said, “Thank you, now may I please see those directions? I am going to take a shower, or whatever the Trah-tang equivalent may be.” A little nonplused, he handed her the directions and the smaller robe and then watched as she marched off into the bathroom.

  Rubbing his chin, he happened to look down on his soiled and torn clothes. He could use a little freshening up himself. Remembering the instructions he had scanned, he grabbed the large robe and walked over to the pool. He found the three small faux rocks that were the pool’s controls and put the robe on a nearby stone seat. He then pressed the middle stone and waited. It took less than a minute for soft wisps of steam to begin rising off the water’s surface. A musical chime sounded, indicating that the bath was ready. He quickly disrobed and stepped in, the water coming up well above his waist.

  The water was warm, just shy of being uncomfortable, in other words, it was perfect. He found the raised seat-like platform on the pool’s floor. He sat down and it immediately molded to his contours, then it lowered until only his neck and head were exposed. The water began to ripple, and tiny whirlpools began to form, moving back forth, surrounding and caressing his body. He smelled a scent not unlike lavender emanating from the water which transitioned from its crystal clarity into a more opaque, emerald green. He dipped his head under the water, scrubbing his hair.

  Sluicing the water off of his hair, he settled back into his seat and sighed as the warm, moving water massaged his tired muscles. He was feeling more relaxed than he had in months. He was starting to close his eyes when a soft voice said, “That looks enticing.”

  He looked up and saw that Sharné was standing at the far edge of the pool, wearing the robe. “What happened to your shower?”

  “The bathroom was a little intimidating, and as I read the directions, a bath sounded much more appealing. I see that you had the same idea.”

  “Well, come on in, there’s plenty of room and the water’s fine, I mean really fine.” He told her about the way the seats worked beneath the water’s surface and made a show of turning his head away from her. He heard the small splash as she entered the pool and heard her dip her head into the water.

  “You can turn around now,” she said a moment later.

  He did and saw that she was less than an arm’s length away, up to her neck in the water, her wet hair plastered against her head. Eddies danced on the water’s surface around her and she smiled in appreciation of the fluid massage. He saw only tantalizing hints of her body in the tinted water. If he wanted, he could reach over and touch her. He found himself getting
aroused at the thought of her bare skin so close to his. So he was gratified when she started to speak. He could definitely use a little distraction.

  She said, “Owens, you know that the customs of our society would be characterized as archaic and straight-laced by your people. Intimacy between men and women is not discussed in public, and marriage is often the result of a business or political expediency rather than a romantic commitment between two people. Even innocent public displays of affection are frowned upon.”

  He nodded.

  “I know now that much of our inhibitions were the result the Control Orbs’ influence. But that doesn’t change the fact that our ingrained behavior and moral code is different from that of Confederated Planets.”

  “Well, yes and no,” Owens replied. “I suppose that some of the member planets might think of your customs as out of the mainstream, but certainly not all. I know of at least two that have very similar customs to yours, ah… but without the artificial mind influencing.” Then he paused, considering, “You know, as much as I complain about my government, it does have some upsides. Every chartered planet is allowed its own regional governance, and moral standards can vary quite a lot from planet to planet, of course all within certain limits. Confederated Planets enforces the Basic Code for Civil Behavior and the Uniform Criminal Code of Law, something I’m fairly familiar with, being an ex-cop. But even so, it still allows a fairly wide variance in planetary societies.”

  She nodded, “I see. As with all of my people, I was raised within the strictures of the Way of the Light, my mind molded by control orbs. But now that I have been away from their influence and in being with you… well, I have changed in ways I had not thought possible.” Her tone became more intimate, “I am feeling things I never had imagined. Yes, I have changed and I am still changing, but I still have much to learn, so I ask you to be patient with me.”

  “Hey,” he grinned, “I’m the picture of patience. I thought I did pretty well back on the Holmes.” He started to say more, but stopped when he felt her gentle touch on his arm beneath the water.