“No” was the reply. “The theory was not based on scientific research but rather on ancient lore. The scientist who invented the Re-Energizer wished to help species such as this who were on the brink of extinction. It was a worthy cause . . . however, the unit did not perform as planned. Upon his death, the institute that employed him donated this prototype and all notes to the Infinite Requiem.”
Z’spon went on to describe how his people reviewed all the work of the inventor – including his research and theories on why he thought his approach might succeed. “We spent almost fifteen years and were unable to improve upon the scientist’s results.”
“So, you put it in the archives?’ asked P’yxx.
“Not at all. Even though the re-energizer could not do what the inventor had envisioned, his theories merited further examination.” He then went on to describe how they attempted to apply the science to other possible applications. “In the end, we discovered a single use that would prove financially beneficial. An offshoot of this device became the Locks and Tress Stim . . . a follicle regenerator.”
The entire class giggled, snickered, or laughed. After all the time and effort spent on this thing, the best they could come up with was a device to regrow hair on bald people.
Z’spon asked them to quiet down. “You must remember that we are funded by whatever commercial products we can re-engineer. The Stim has been quite lucrative. Now, before we go on the tour, I will demonstrate this device.”
Someone asked, “I thought it didn’t work?”
“In truth, it will bring that creature back to life.” The students began to buzz at that bit of news. “However, its behavior becomes erratic and violent. The fact that it can be reanimated kept us intrigued. The effects of that reanimation forced us to declare his idea a failure. When I turn on the unit, I require absolute silence. The creature reacts violently to loud noises. It can prove dangerous. Are you ready?”
Everyone simply nodded.
However, Oh’tezla smirked. Maybe, just maybe, he could get this bucket of bolts into so much trouble they would deactivate him.
A moment after turning on the unit, the creature in the glass tube was bombarded by a series of high-energy beams. It took a few seconds, but the Ganymede finally opened its eyes to the muffled intake of breathes from the students. The reanimated animal looked around at the faces staring at him – but other than its eyeballs moving, it just floated in whatever solution was in the jar.
Then a girl standing just in front of Oh’tezla screamed at the top of her lungs. Her name was Tai’li and she was someone that P’yxx liked. They had occasionally studied together – whenever they could do it without Oh’tezla noticing.
The creature in the jar spun around toward the source of the sound. Then, before anyone could react, it burst through the glass and lunged at the girl. Teeth bared and claws extended, it had only one thing on its damaged mind.
What happened next was a blur.
Z’spon pushed his way toward the girl – but he was on the wrong side of the table and was blocked from moving with any great speed.
Most students near the girl dove out of the way.
The Professor froze in place.
Oh’tezla, in a hurry to save his own butt, tripped over his feet and fell hard.
The girl, Tai’li, screamed again – definitely the wrong thing to do.
P’yxx saw the Ganymede about to rip her friend’s head from her shoulders and she, too, screamed. “NOOOO” and pointed her finger at the attacking animal.
To everyone’s shock, and much like Wyle Coyote in his famous cartoons, the creature froze in mid-air for a count of two – then fell straight down. Whatever reanimation energy had kept it alive was now gone.
By this time Z’spon had reached the girl who was sobbing uncontrollably. He looked around and found the Professor. “If you please”.
At first, she didn’t know what he wanted. Then she realized it was her responsibility to comfort the girl. She walked over and did her best – which was woefully inadequate.
P’yxx hurried to her friend and pushed herself between Tai’li and the Professor. “I’ll take it from here,” and she moved the girl out of the reach of the woman.
Z’spon came over, politely waited for a few seconds while the girl caught her breath, then asked, “Why did you scream? Did you not understand my instructions?”
“Sor . . . sorry. But I felt something sting me in my rear. I . . . I didn’t mean to yell.” The culprit was of course Oh’tezla who had used a small pocket instrument with a screwdriver-like device to poke the girl.
If the ALF was upset, he didn’t show it. If he wondered how the creature became immobilized in mid-air, he kept his thoughts to himself. “The demonstration is over. I will answer any questions you may have.”
There were none. Apparently the on-lookers assumed the creature acted as it did due to some sort of failsafe mechanism. Only P’yxx knew otherwise.
“I will be leaving you now,” announced Z’spon. “Please note that tonight, after your tour, you will be given a computational interface pad that provides limited access to our data network. You will need these to participate in any project. Take the time to acquaint yourselves with them.”
Upon hearing this unexpectedly good news, Oh’tezla smiled. His disappointment in his failure to get the Prime into trouble was forgotten. Once he had access to the robotic network, he felt sure he could get past whatever safety protocols they had and start his reprogramming effort. He would have his revenge . . . and his name would become legendary in this part of the galaxy. He looked around for the Professor and found her staring at him. She obviously understood the significance of what the robotic had said. He gave her an exaggerated wink. To his surprise, she just looked away.
He had been right – she did realize the significance of giving her pet student even limited access to the robotics’ data network. What happened if this man-child succeeded? After all, this was an ALF Prime – a creation of incredible power. What damage might it do if Oh’tezla miscalculated? She involuntarily shivered. This might not go well.
*****
Aerianna
The girls dressed, ran down to the kitchen complex, appropriated some breakfast pastries then hurried to Ellie’s lab.
“I feel bad about not saying goodbye to Mom and Dad.”
“I left them a note. It’ll be okay. Besides, there’s nothing left to say. Have a wonderful time, we love you, we’re so proud, remember to be careful, don’t forget to check in . . . blah, blah, blah.”
Syl’kie laughed. “Yeah. That sounds about right. Still, a hug or two would have been nice.”
“Stop being such a girl.”
“Better idea. Why don’t you start being a girl?”
“I think I’ll skip girl and wait for young woman. Here we are . . .” and they stopped in front of the lab door. Ellie hadn’t changed the security system so she stuck out her tongue and the door slid open.
“Morning girls.”
“Ah, Dad.”
“You didn’t really think that I wouldn’t see you off, did you?”
Ellie was about to say something rude but her sister interrupted her. “We’re glad you did. Thanks,” and she gave her father a hug.
Ellie was gracious enough to back down and follow her sister’s lead. “Yes, father of mine. Thank you,” and hugged him also.
“Okay, I won’t bore you two with fatherly advice. I’ll just say have a wonderful time, your mother and I love you, we’re so proud, remember to be careful, don’t forget to check in . . .” but he stopped. The girls had begun to laugh so hard that they started to cry. “What’s so funny?”
It took the twins a full minute to catch their collective breathes. Syl’kie explained, “What you just said – it’s exactly - and I mean to the word – what Ellie said you would say.”
“Really? Am I so predictable?”
“Well old man, it’s a very quaint trait,” replied his firstborn.
> “Hey, I’m only in my thirties.”
“Yikes – you seem older,” and the girls began to laugh again.
“Alright. I have been duly chastised. One last hug and I will see you tonight.”
They obliged their father. Syl’kie added, “Tell Mom we love her.”
“She knows, but I will.”
He was about to add something else but Ellie put a finger to his lips. “Let’s leave it at that. We’ll see you tonight. Now get out of my lab.”
The Prince pretended to huff. “Women . . . always bossing me around,” but he turned and left – forcing himself not to look back.
“Okay, let’s go,” and the girls climbed into the capsule and were promptly greeted by Zani.
“Good day, young princesses. I’m sorry I didn’t warn you about your father but we do not share a communications device. Perhaps before our next adventure, you’ll remedy that problem?”
The girls took their seats and strapped in. A preoccupied Ellie said, “I’ll think about it. Syl, let’s go through the checklist.”
“Ready.” For the next twenty minutes they did just that. It was a very mature thing to do – verifying (and not assuming) that everything was as it should be. “That’s it.”
Ellie took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. She looked at her younger sister and offered her open hand. Syl smiled and ‘high-fived’ the girl’s palm. “Let’s do this thing. In three, two . . . one,” and she flipped a switch.
In the next instant, the capsule, the twins and the dragonetta disappeared . . . leaving the Milky Way and heading for the Andromeda Galaxy.
And the planetoid known as Dysmal.
Chapter 8 – Fun House
The capsule materialized on the planetoid with unexpected angular momentum. Translation – the space tunnel spat it out like a hot pepper. It tumbled end over end and came to rest with a mechanical thud against a large tree.
“EEK,” screamed Zani while under his breath inexplicably mumbling, “Women drivers.” To the girls, he asked, “Princesses, are you alright?”
“I’m good. Ellie, you okay?”
“Mostly.”
“Where does it hurt? Should I get the med kit?”
“No, no. It’s just my pride – it’s been crushed beyond recognition.”
“You’re such a whacko. What happened?”
“Not sure. But all the data has been recorded and we can analyze it when we get back.” To the capsule’s AI she said, “Self-diagnostic please.”
“Working,” came a voice that sounded like the Grump forcing both girls to giggle.
“Skotti’s been messing with the programming”.
“Not even he would be so cruel. I think Aunty Snarky did it herself,” suggested Ellie.
“It’s kind of comforting.”
“In a macabre sort of way.”
“What?”
“Gruesome.”
“Oh.”
“Analysis complete,” came the AI.
“I’m listening.”
“Minor cosmetic damage to the hull. Sensors three, seven and eight are off line.”
“What do those sensors do?” asked Syl.
“Number three detects heat sources of any living thing that approaches the capsule. The other two are back-to-back 180-degree cameras.”
“May I make a suggestion?”
“No.”
“Ellie, be nice. Go ahead, Zani.”
“Until you repair the sensors, shouldn’t I go out and scout the immediate area to be sure there is no danger? This is, after all, an unfamiliar planet in a different galaxy – who knows what may be lurking out there?”
“Waste of time. You already pointed out the obvious that we have no way to communicate with each other.”
“I am fully capable of relaying all visual input back to the capsule’s computer,” offered the dragonetta. “You will see what I do.” This was news to the girls.
Ellie knew she was being cranky but couldn’t help herself. This landing could have been really disastrous and it would have been her fault. So much for being the brains of the outfit. She needed to vent and took it out on the bird. “You might have said that before.”
“Before what?”
“What?”
“Stop, you two. Now’s not the time. We have to make sure no one is going to stumble upon us anytime soon.”
“Not to worry. We’ll take the capsule and tour the area and see what’s around.”
“Ellie, if we take the capsule, it’s almost sure to be spotted. We don’t know anything about the inhabitants and how they’ll react to an alien spaceship.”
“Do you have a better idea?” The younger girl never did.
Syl’s face went blank as she went into deep thought. Ellie was about to say something, but the other girl beat her to it. “Zani, you have permission to leave the capsule and scout the area. Don’t venture further than a quarter mile and vary your flight path. We don’t want anyone to think you’re a vulture circling in on some prey. And I’ll go out and see what’s over the horizon to get a better idea what we’re going to encounter. Meanwhile, Ellie, repair those sensors if you can. Having Zani stuck on guard duty leaves us without a major resource. Oh, and see if you can duplicate our communicators and figure out a way to fit it into Zani’s circuitry.”
Ellie Rose stared at her younger sister – her mouth slightly open in shock. She had never heard Syl’kie take charge of a situation like that. Even more unexpected, her suggestions were spot on. For the first time ever, Syl was acting like Flying Girl. Ellie wasn’t quite sure how she felt about that. She decided to be supportive. “Great plan, little sister.”
Thinking Ellie was being facetious, Syl responded with an apologetic, “Sorry if I was being stupid.”
Now her sister felt badly. “Stupid – no way. If Mom was here, she would clap her hands and smile and hug the life out of you. Your suggestions were perfect – and yes, I mean that. Well done, Flying Girl.”
Syl took a moment to look at Ellie’s face for signs that she was being insincere. When she realized the compliment was for real, she smiled from ear to ear. Earning the title Flying Girl took so much more than wearing the suit. She knew it was just a small first step – but it felt awesome.
*****
“Your guide for the balance of today is ALF four one seven . . .
It was the same robotic that had brought in the Re-Energizer.
“Greetings, honored guests. If you have any questions, needs or suggestions on how I may make your tour more enjoyable, you need but ask. If you will follow me, I believe you will find our first stop most interesting.”
As they all turned to go, the ALF Prime spoke to the Professor – his voice pitched so low that no one else could hear. The look on the woman’s face revealed shock and annoyance. She stole a look at P’yxx, turned back to the robotic and nodded curtly . . . then proceeded to follow the rest of her students without so much as a backwards glance.
“P’yxx, a moment if you will.”
The girl had been about to leave with the rest of her class, then turned toward her new friend. “Yes, Z’spon?”
“If you are agreeable, I should like to show you one of the failed experiments in the archives. Your professor has already agreed.”
That statement was so unexpected that she looked at the ALF trying to read the truth in its non-humanoid face. After the incident with the Ganymede, she thought there might be an ulterior motive. “Do you really have something to show me or did you want to talk to me alone?”
Now it was Z’spon’s turn to stare. “Your perception is quite extraordinary for a biologic. Regardless, are you amenable to accompany me?”
“Sure.”
“Excellent. This way, please,” and he took her out another door.
They walked in silence – apparently ALF’s didn’t make small talk. But P’yxx did. “What you said before about my perception - thank you but I’m really not that exceptional.”
“That i
s called modesty, I believe. It is a confusing trait.”
“Why?”
“You demonstrated superior intuition. That is a fact. Yet, you choose to pretend otherwise. That is not logical.”
This was almost like a conversation with her parents and she warmed up to the challenge. “I believe there is a flaw in your reasoning.”
She could have sworn Z’spon’s eyes grew larger in surprise. “Please explain.”
“I have no way of knowing how my intuition rates against the rest of the biologics in this quadrant. If I assume there is a correlation to intelligence, then I would probably rate in the top quartile – certainly nothing to be overly impressed with. Furthermore, I doubt you have access to more information that would prove your conclusion about me. The number of visitors to the Requiem is a modest sampling at best.”
“I will concede your first point. However, perhaps you are unaware that yearly my database is synced with those of all Primes. Collectively we have a large sampling of biologics to analyze.”
“The truth is – even if I was exceptional, I would still react the same way. When complimented, many of us prefer to show humility by downplaying our accomplishments.”
“I am aware of the custom though I fail to understand the logic. I believe truth should be the overriding principle. This debate illustrates why my kind and biologics are incompatible.”
P’yxx was intelligent but she didn’t have much in the way of life experiences. To her ears, Z’spon’s statement was ominous though she couldn’t quite say why. “How can that be? ALFs work side by side with us. They have for centuries.”
“The first rule of robotics that forbids us from harming biologics has far reaching consequences that were never considered when it was formulated.”
“Have you ever discussed this with anyone?” Her unease with this conversation was growing – but she still didn’t know why.
The ALF stopped and turned to his guest. “Little one . . . P’yxx (he corrected himself) . . . every biologic that I interact with chooses to discuss only the technical aspects of the projects we work on. You are the first to treat me as more than a mechanical servant.”
P'yxx - Syl'kie and Ellie Rose's 1st adventure [an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood spin-off series] Page 9
