“They assume humans have been in space and expanding for tens of thousands of years, as had the other races with a comparable volume of space. We strike them as scientifically and perhaps intellectually dim for that reason. They have not grasped that barely seven hundred years ago humanity had not mastered flight within their own home planet’s atmosphere. They are certainly underestimating us based on that assumption. We seem to be hyperactive galactic prodigies compared to the races the Krall have met, but we are still weak small kids in their schoolyard.
“They have the ability to increase population quickly by expanding breeding rights and by producing many more eggs. Yes, they are egg layers, and do not give live birth. They don’t nurture their young as we do, but the cubs are born with much higher levels of motility and physical capability, no surprise there. Females are also warriors, and lay clutches of ten to twenty eggs at a time.
“At about age five or six, they catch the little self-raised killers and start their education and training to enter novice stage, perhaps in their teens or later, depending on their individual progress. They continue to learn and study throughout adult hood, something we humans can do but apparently not to the Krall’s extent.
“If a large population increase is needed, they can provide simple prey to cubs and allow more of them reach age five. Then start them on mass combat training as sort of “cannon fodder” when needed for major wars. Some few of those novices prove to be successful warriors, and gain status and breeding rights.
“The maximum life span of a Krall seems to be roughly half that of a modern genetically enhanced human, about sixty to seventy years. When their breeding capability wanes with age, at about fifty years old, they often opt to challenge younger warriors just out of novice training to help weed out the weakest and least skilled. That continues until they eventually lose a death match.
“It is the mature Krall’s restraint and respect for the warrior potential within their cubs which is the slender protection we have now from challenge and random attack. It is a powerful cultural taboo against killing unproven cubs, and they rarely challenge a novice still in training. The blank oval tattoo we received is the marking for that novice-in-training status.
“Once humanity has been classified as suitable to be prey, food animal, slave labor, or useless, we will change status as a race. If we are deemed useless, they will exterminate humanity and take whatever planets they like best for their own colonies. If considered fit only as food animals, we would be treated like the Raspani. Luckily, we don’t taste pleasing to them, so we are only ‘rations’ in a pinch.
“The most optimistic option, and naturally this is from a Krall point of view, is to find us suitable as prey, and start a war of slow attrition. I happen to think this is our best option as well, since it delays extinction or enslavement, and leaves us hope for a long-term solution more in our favor.
“Koban is the world they most desire because the gravity is about fifty percent greater than most Earth sized planets, and contains a larger and denser iron core and higher percentage of heavy elements in its outer crust. The native animal life is not only adapted to the higher gravity, which is bad enough for us, but has developed a nervous system that is significantly faster reacting than even what the Krall have evolved. One of your scientists, Doctor Kraven, said it sounds as if Kobani animals have a nervous system based on organic high temperature superconducting material.
“I also have some hopeful observations to make. The Krall, in my opinion, are too arrogant and overconfident, and have relied so much on their obvious physical advantages and stolen technology that they display less intelligence, on average, than we do. They underestimate us, don’t appear to employ the same degree of sneakiness and subterfuge that we are capable of using. On the darker side, I’m sure that they could easily wipe us from the galaxy if they want.”
He looked around. “The floor is open for discussion.”
Aldry spoke first. “The Krall limit us on what we can do to them, no nukes, chemicals, disease, gas and so forth, but did anyone ask them about what we can do to ourselves?”
“Like what?” asked Dillon. “We can’t go gas or nuke ourselves and hope it hurts them as well.”
“No, No. Not like that. I mean what we can do to enhance our own abilities. Not better-armored suits and weapons, better us! Such as performance enhancing drugs, adrenaline boosts delivered at appropriate times to keep an edge or enhance strength and alertness.”
Mirikami had a contribution for this idea. “The Flight of Fancy is a long Jump ship, visiting backwater worlds. Because of that, we have quite a complex medical pharmacy that can produce many standard drugs, and it can be reprogramed for making others if we have the raw ingredients.
Noreen chimed in. “We should also ask the Krall to let us use our machine shop to improve the armor or weapons they will give us.”
“We can try to make some silent weapons they won’t think we would use,” Mirikami suggested. “Like crossbows for a quiet low tech ambush capability, or possibly explosives. The machine shop and pharmacy use may justify keeping the ship powered up in Telour’s mind. That’s an important factor, if only to keep our friend able to communicate with us, and we to one another.”
“Tet, you have a devious mind. I like it!” quipped Maggi.
“Thanks. I think. I’ve asked my engineering section to consider how we can permanently disable our ability to lift the ship, with as little destruction to the power systems and electronics as the Krall will find acceptable. As much as I hate to propose that step, I want to keep as much of our resources intact as possible.”
Dillon had been struggling with his conscience after Aldry had mentioned performance enhancements. He decided he had to broach a dangerous subject that the other members of Midwife’s secret inner circle would not like, so he rushed to get it out fast.
“Maggi, if we save the ship and its stores, we have equipment for multiple complete science labs. We would have power and space for the equipment and computers. We might be able to do some things to make a significant physical difference. Such as making ourselves stronger, faster, and needing less sleep. Try to narrow the gap, so to speak. In all of the human sphere of influence, the people here on the Flight of Fancy are the only people that know of this threat, and are also capable and equipped to do this.”
He saw that both Mirikami and Noreen were giving him startled looks, while Maggi and Aldry revealed tight expressions of their own. In the latter case it reflected the fear of a betrayal he appeared about to make.
Everyone knew Planetary Union law proscribed any recombinant DNA methods; the death penalty still applied if employed on humans. Yet gene control and manipulation had been one of the secret undefined goals of the Midwife Project’s inner circle. To apply forbidden technology to create hybrids of Earth evolved plants and animals. To produce inheritable gene modification for selected plants and animals on new colony worlds, where the next generation of those plants and animals would be better able to survive, even flourish in their alien environments. It was technology that was standard practice several hundred years ago, but not since the Gene War.
“I can see that the subject scares you,” He continued. “However, doesn’t extinction of the human race at the hands of the Krall, who have twenty five thousand years of self-modification behind their own genetic superiority, scare you more? We don’t have thousands of years to come up with any other technological solution.”
Maggi shrugged her shoulders and added a covering remark, “Assuming we can even relearn the science that was lost.”
Fisher wasn’t against Dillon’s surprise proposal, but she wasn’t prepared to let the Captain and his First Officer know that the knowledge needed was already contained in their carefully hoarded and encrypted databases.
Sounding more formal than he intended, Mirikami decided to delicately probe deeper, concerned how his First Officer might react.
“Doctor’s; and I address all three of you; i
s it at all possible that we might be able to do more than simply give ourselves adrenaline, or drugs, to temporarily boost our energy and awareness?” He had been careful to add the “we” to imply he was included.
“If we can’t convince the Krall that humans can fight back effectively on Koban, the rest of the human race may never get a chance to fight for their own survival.” Noreen indicated agreement with a nod.
Mirikami asked, “Is it possible to get results quickly enough to make a difference? Assuming we get the opportunity to do so?”
Aldry, who had been intimately involved with obtaining some of the old biological files and records from forgotten or hidden archives, was cautious in her own reply.
“Tet, we know, if only from the old Tri-Vid dramas, that it was possible to introduce genetic changes in animals that took effect within weeks, even in a few days if the story lines are believed.” She knew the stories were true.
“Those scientists used some sort of injectable biological carrier, such as a modified virus to transport the desired genes to implant, which then entered living cells and inserted the new gene in the cell’s DNA. There it would activate, and be passed on to new cells through normal cell division. To be of use, we’d have to learn how to do that again, and learn what changes were safe and quickly beneficial.”
Noreen, nervous, but anxious to show she understood the risk and danger of what was being danced around so delicately, had a question more to the point. “The lab equipment you brought with you, to study evolving primitive Newborn life. Is it refined enough to even do what you are discussing?”
“Noreen,” Maggi assured her, “the quality of our modern equipment is far superior to that of three hundred years ago. Even though it wasn’t purpose built for gene alteration, we certainly intended to examine the genetics of the emerging Newborn life forms. Equipment capability isn’t a problem, but know-how and technique are certainly things to overcome.”
“Gentle People” interjected Mirikami, “I think we need to clarify our position on this subject while we can do so in our relative privacy. Dear Doctor Cahill has tried to catch my attention twice now, and surely will join us soon for more ego grooming.” He studiously avoided looking in her direction.
“Let me pose a number of questions, and please be frank. I give my word to keep whatever answers I hear confidential, and just between us, unless we all agree to do otherwise in the future. Will each of you give your word to do the same?”
All murmured their agreement, quickly glancing around the room, making sure they were still isolated from the closest group discussion in the center around Cahill.
“Very well. First, do we have the actual hardware capability to do gene manipulation with your equipment?”
“Yes, we do.” Maggi answered.
“Second, if you learn how to make the genetic changes that might be desired, can you implement them, such as by injecting a modified transport virus?”
Maggi looked to Dillon, who she knew had done considerable study of the “forbidden” records.
He started this, so he couldn’t hold back now. “I believe we could. However, knowing what genes are worth enhancing is as important as how to introduce the change. It once was done easily.”
Mirikami resumed. “Third, could we obtain results quickly enough to matter on Koban if you can create the modified virus?”
Tougher to answer, but all three scientists looked at one another, and Maggi answered for them all. “A lot has to happen first, but probably the testing would last for a couple of months. So I’d say your question has a conditional yes answer.”
Nodding, Mirikami continued. “Fourth, is this a course of action that we want to pursue farther, and to implement if it seems possible and useful to our survival? I’d like each of you to state your position by a simple yes or no, and I’ll go first.
“Yes.” He stated firmly.
“Yes,” answered Maggi.
“Yes,” spoke Noreen and Dillon almost together.
Aldry’s own “Yes” made it unanimous.
“We are agreed.” Mirikami let out a breath he hadn’t quite realized he was holding. It was a slender hope, but he hadn’t even felt that much previously. They might convince the Krall to enter a prolonged fight with humanity, but he didn’t see how humanity could win that battle when they were both physically and technologically inferior to the Krall. New technology would come, if they could delay how quickly they lost.
He looked at them all. “I certainly know that I don’t have to tell you how dangerous this decision can be for us personally. The Krall would probably kill us outright if they knew we intended to ‘cheat’ and bypass the slow selective evolution on their Great Path. However, even more likely is our being condemned and exposed by some of our fellow captives. I believe we need to keep this information extremely limited, perhaps just to the five of us for now, though there may be other members of your scientific community you can trust to participate.”
Fisher bobbed her head. “There are a few others that I’m sure will share our viewpoint, but I don’t see a reason to risk expanding our small circle yet. We need to see if we even get a chance to set up our labs to explore the possibility. However, circumstances on Koban may well push others to think of this idea on their own, once the killing starts.”
Aldry gave them a heads up. “Ana is heading our way.”
They all looked up to see Cahill moving towards them, with a number of people in tow.
“Tet, I’ll speak with you about our last topic later. I’m sure our Vice Chairfem wants to discuss her committee selections with us. I don’t see why you need to be here for this, other than to butter her up some more, and I’m not sure I could hold down my gorge a second time. Noreen, this will be dreary infighting dear, I’m sure you can find better things to do as well.”
Mirikami grinned. “Maggi I’ll take you up on that talk and a meal when you have time. I will also accept the opportunity to leave while I can.”
Turning to Noreen, “Please see if Mister Rigson has picked up any significant new piece of trivia about the Krall while we were talking here. Then feel free to find some other duty and leave the meeting if you so wish.”
As she acknowledged him, Mirikami smiled and waved to the approaching Cahill, then quickly opened the door and made good his escape. Cahill’s brightening smile at the Captain’s cheery wave turned into a disappointed frown.
Shit! She thought. Now I have to deal with that Fisher bitch. Moreover, she noticed the glint in the Chairfem’s eyes, and her little satisfied smirk. At least Fisher couldn’t destroy the committee work she’d started, following the Captain’s direct orders. That was something for which she would be remembered for a long time.
18. Deadly Reminder
Maggi politely stood up as the Captain arrived for their lunch in the main dining room, pulling out his chair and waiting until he was seated to return to her own. She wondered how long the formal social customs would last, once they reached Koban.
“Good afternoon Maggi. How did your evening go with the committee work? I presume Lady Cahill had some proposals and committee heads to present.”
“Yes…,” She said slowly. “I do have to thank you for giving her that wonderful idea, Tet.” She gave him an accusing look. “I had to dismantle everything she thought she had accomplished.”
“We needed to keep her busy and out of our hair.” He said this contritely.
“Oh, I’m not being critical, and I know it was a spur of the moment notion. It was wasn’t it? Or did you intend to do things by committee?” She hoped he hadn’t thought that.
“Never. I’d sooner invite a Krall to just kill and eat me. It’s a dumb way to organize a war. But I knew it would be a job Lady Cahill would relish, and think important enough to jump on right away while she had a captive audience.”
“You can drop her ‘Lady’ designation with me. We came damned close to blows last night, and she showed real ‘balls’ fighting back, which I didn�
�t give her credit for having. In the end, I gelded her, of course. Oops. I probably shouldn’t say that in male company.” They both shared a chuckle.
Then, in a tone laced with her outrage, she started ticking off items with her fingers. “That dim witted ‘People Manager’ as you called her, proposed establishing committees for developing new advanced weapons, forming a diplomatic mission, designing uniforms, a code breaking and encryption section, a draft board, a ROTC unit for our surviving teenagers, and a group to draw up a military code of conduct.”
Fisher was shaking her head in angered amazement as she listed them, lifting a finger for each of them, while Mirikami tried and failed to choke back increasing laughter at each new committee description.
“Wow. I’m really… really…sorry… Maggi.” He managed to squeeze out, his face turning red with the effort of suppressed laughter. He had a mental image of her outraged expression last night. His shoulders were still shaking a minute later. Maggi didn’t help, what with her finger taps and sour look, waiting for him to get over his self- induced mirth.
He eventually slowed the shoulder shaking, his face recovering its normal Spacer’s pallor. Finally, he was ready to continue, trying to look serious despite his moist eyes. How long had it been since he last found anything so funny?
He took a deep breath to even his breathing. “I do apologize for that outburst Maggi. There has been little to find funny recently. But did you get any real help from anyone?” He patted her hand to show he was over his little fit.
“From two people, both were yours by the way, and veterans with limited military experience. Of course, Cahill had completely brushed off their ideas.
“One was Ms. Jorl’sn, previously in a Naval ROTC unit in College, before spending a few years paying back her education cost as a Navy flyer, working as a shuttle pilot for a Marine Unit. She proposed we study small unit actions by using ship library war documentaries, and search library records for old training films.”
Koban Page 21
