by Karl Morgan
“Good morning, Eon. You’re looking refreshed as well. Will you join me for breakfast?” she replied.
He smiled and sat across the table from her. G17 immediately set a similar plate of food and a cup of coffee in front of him. “Thank you, G17. It smells wonderful as always.”
“You are welcome, Master,” the robot said as it turned to clean the dishes.
“Eon, please don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m surprised you eat food,” Lini mentioned. “I thought you had evolved from your physical form.”
The old man took a long sip of coffee and smiled at her. “I’m sorry I can’t answer that question, Lini. As I’ve said, since I quit The Accord, I seem to be in a fog, as though I don’t know who I am or if I’m physically alive or not. I spend most of my time here. I have forgiven myself for my past within The Accord. While I’m here, I get hungry and tired, as a living man. But there is another part of me that is constantly watching the Friends of The Accord. I don’t understand why, but when something horrible is about to happen, like the firing squad, I’m suddenly there and not here. I haven’t been able to figure this out. Please try to help me, Lini.”
“Do you know where Dave is now?” she asked. “If you can help him, we’ll both do what we can for you.”
“I’ll try. I hope to rebuild my strength while I’m here to save him as I did you,” Eon replied. “But there are larger issues to deal with. The Accord has decided to invade the two closest spiral galaxies. They have divided into two invasion forces and at this moment building their supplies for intergalactic travel.”
“What!?” she exclaimed. “We have to warn the people in those galaxies! If you can get Dave here, he’ll know what to do.”
“Oddly enough, it seems like Vanda of The Accord is traveling in this direction and will rendezvous with the ship holding your friend in a day or so. I have sensed Vanda’s plan to return to Skee Lotho, although I’m not certain why,” he replied.
“What if Vanda consumes Dave?” she cried. “You have to save him!”
“Please calm down, Lini,” he urged. “Even though Vanda is the most bloodthirsty Friend of The Accord, he doesn’t work that way. As long as Dave can procreate and work, his life is safe, unless he is a specific threat to Vanda, which I cannot imagine. Your friend is just a man. He is no more a threat than a mote of dust on your head is to you.”
“What do we do then?” she asked. “Just wait here until you think you’re strong enough to save him?”
“Unless you have any other ideas,” he replied.
“That’s a terrible plan,” she grunted. After chewing and swallowing a piece of bread, she said, “Skee Lotho was a Nan planet, right? What do you know about the Society of Humanity?”
“Nothing really. We were all taught in school how the other races of mankind treated us as second-class citizens. We were warned to always be on the lookout for other human species who would try to enslave us again. It was just that kind of thinking that led us to create The Accord.” He snapped his fingers and G17 came forward and refreshed their coffees. “We were so terrified they would find and destroy us that we built the weapons that led to our destruction. It’s a bit funny, in a way, don’t you think?” he chuckled.
“How about the Zula and the Source?” she asked.
Eon laughed. “Those are fairytales from long ago, Lini. We stopped believing in such things in the ancient past. They were always children’s tales.” He stood and paced slowly around the room. “I still remember watching films based on the legends. They were great fantasy adventures and I loved them dearly, but as a person matures, one has to leave those dreams behind and face the challenges of the real world.”
“They aren’t fairytales, Eon,” she responded. “It’s all true.”
He laughed again. “It’s time to grow up, little girl. Why would the Source allow me to become a monster? No one will ever be able to count the lives stolen by The Accord. Where is God in that reality?”
“I’m not talking about God, Eon. I’m talking about my own real life experience. Not long ago, a crazy man imprisoned Dave and me on a remote planet four hundred thousand years in the past. He was from the Society of Humanity and used a time travel device to abandon us there. We were incredibly fortunate to be rescued and sent back to this time in a natural Hive,” she said. “I traveled in the Source. Also, there are millions of Zula living in the ocean on my home world. What do you say to that?”
He sat heavily on the chair again. “Well, you could be making it all up, Lini. But on the other hand, I keep telling you that I don’t even know if I’m dead or alive, so who am I to doubt you? Do you think this Source will help us?”
Lini sighed and replied, “I don’t know, but I’m beginning to think you might already be in the Source.”
“You’re saying I’m dead, and my spirit is just traveling around?” he balked.
“No, not at all. This is just a thought I’ve had. When you rescued me from the firing squad, you didn’t know what you were, but you were able to travel through space and pull me away before I died. Then you planted thoughts in the others’ minds to keep Dave alive too. That’s not something a regular Nan could do.”
“That’s an interesting theory, Lini,” Eon replied. “How do you suggest we test it?”
“Is this planet a natural Hive?” she asked.
Eon dropped his head and replied, “I heard you mention that before, but I really have no idea what a natural Hive is, unless it relates to bees.”
“From what I understand, a natural Hive is a planet that can help people and Zula join with the Source to travel in space and time,” she replied. “Do you know if there are ancient stone temples on Stit?”
“No. As I told you, The Accord came here, took the metals, and ate the population. I don’t remember anything else.”
“Are there any small waterfalls around here?” she asked.
§
Dave was having lunch with Margas Ongool and Zobu Inther in the large mess hall for male prisoners on board. He had been summoned to meet with Vanda again, but had no desire to listen to him extol the benefits of The Accord. “So, what have you two been up to around here,” he asked.
“Not much to do but eat and sleep, Dave,” Margas replied. “I feel like I’m being fattened up for the slaughter.” He laughed. “I guess that’s true, isn’t it?”
“Not according to our host,” Dave replied. “He claims they will make us procreate and work until we are worn out. Then it’s dinner time.”
“I can’t help but think this is my fault, Dave,” Zobu cried. “If I hadn’t dropped my musket, maybe none of this would have happened.”
“Don’t worry about it, man,” Dave said. “Our friend Margas would have been here anyway. You were condemned when you shot Odo Pak. But we all have to remember that most of the Elder Council is being controlled by The Accord. They’ve implanted tiny robots in their brains. They never would have helped me learn about The Accord. If you hadn’t shot Odo, he’d likely be here with us now, along with Dar Lini.”
“Thanks Dave, but I still feel terrible about everything,” Zobu replied.
“It’s going to get a lot worse very soon, Zobu. This ship is meeting up with Vanda of The Accord in a couple days. We will likely all be moved onto his vessel. Then both are returning to Stit to fill up with more people for the long voyage to invade my galaxy. No matter what any of us might have done, most of the population of Stit is about to become a herd of cattle,” Dave said.
Without them noticing, a small robot had walked up to the table and was watching them. It was about two feet tall, and its head was a glass dome holding a brain. Zobu noticed it first and almost screamed. Dave followed his stare and noticed the robot only a few inches from his side. “Hello, little friend. Who are you?”
“I am Nostu of The Accord, Admiral Brewster,” the robot replied. “Most assume I am part of Vanda. He is my idol, you know.”
“Well, I’ve actually encountered another
just like you on the planet Bandabar,” Dave said. “Unfortunately, your cousin did not survive the meeting.”
“I have heard the story, Admiral,” Nostu answered. “Some of my Friends are afraid of you. But I think I am quite safe on this vessel. I have been asked to remind you about your meeting with Vanda.”
“Sorry, little brain,” Dave replied. “I have no interest in listening to your idol spout bullshit about The Accord taking over the universe. Personally, I think you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.”
“Well, I’m hardly one to judge. As you can tell, I am newly of The Accord and don’t really understand everything that’s going on yet. Soon, I will acquire a larger robot and begin to grow. I am looking forward to enslaving your home planet,” Nostu said. “I hear your galaxy is full of metal-rich planets and feedstock.”
Dave laughed while his table mates looked horrified by the discussion. “Nostu, you seem like a reasonable little brain in a jar. It’s very unfortunate that The Accord has chosen to attack our peaceful Free Society. Perhaps when your little glass dome is smashed and your brains are dripping onto the floor, you’ll understand how disgusting and inhuman your Accord has become. I’m afraid it will be a little late for you then. Go back to Vanda and tell him to leave me alone.” The robot turned and hurried out of the room.
“Was that a brain inside the glass dome?” Zobu grimaced. “How disgusting!”
“Dave, I think you should be less aggressive with them,” Margas replied. “We are their prisoners here. There’s no need to piss them off.”
“It’s not about making them mad, Margas. It’s about instilling a tiny doubt or hint of fear in them. If we can get them to be afraid of us or doubt their chances for success, we will win the war,” Dave explained.
“That sounds like a long shot, Dave.”
“That may be our only hope, guys,” Dave replied. A metal door opened and the Vanda robot strode into the room. Everyone averted their eyes, afraid his target was destined to be consumed in minutes. The robot walked over to Dave and sat next to him. “Hey, Vanda, what’s up?”
“Your attitude is beginning to wear on me, human,” Vanda said. “Why did you disregard our meeting and frighten poor Nostu?”
“I didn’t think we had anything else to discuss,” he replied. “I’m afraid Nostu just caught me in a bad mood. You can’t blame me for that, can you? I am your prisoner, heading to a harsh life ending with you eating me, right?”
“That is factually true, I suppose,” the robot said. “Perhaps if you were more cooperative, your life could be more comfortable. Have you considered joining The Accord?”
“Sorry, I’m not interested in being a brain in a jar, Vanda. Also, your precious Accord is going to be destroyed soon, so I would be choosing my own death,” he replied.
“I think you have overestimated the power of your friends, Admiral,” Vanda argued. “We have no evidence that any singularity weapon is near completion. Without it, your planets will fall and you will be consumed. Your galaxy will be our galaxy. Life continues to evolve, and we are the highest form!” The robot looked up and to the left.
After the robot was inactive for two minutes, Zobu said, “Is it dead?”
“No, it’s communicating with the real Vanda. I’ve never seen one frozen this long during a conversation though,” Dave replied. He touched the robot’s hand and said, “Vanda? Are you there?”
After another minute, the robot turned its head and looked at Dave and smiled. “Dave, this is Eon. I want you to know that Lini is safe and with me. I am going to try to save you as soon as I can. I won’t let the Vanda robots on this ship hurt you, but the others with full brains are dangerous. Please watch out for them.” The robot looked up and to the left again.
“What the hell was that?” Margas asked. “Are there two brains controlling the robot?”
“I have no idea,” Dave replied.
The Vanda robot turned its head and looked at Dave again. “Dave, I know The Accord seems evil to you. If you could join us for just one minute, you would know better.”
“Are you Vanda again?”
“What are you talking about? I am Vanda of The Accord. I will be with you in another day. Please use that time wisely to reconsider your position. I will take no pleasure from consuming you. You and your race could help us in our destiny to take over the galaxy.” It stood and started to walk away, then stopped and turned around. “If you don’t want me to start consuming your friends, like those two, you’d better come to our meetings. Got it?”
“Yes, Vanda of The Accord,” Dave replied. “I will not miss another appointment. I promise to behave.” The robot smiled and walked out of the room. He turned to his friends and asked, “What was the other name the robot used?”
“It said he was Eon, but that’s not possible. He died long ago,” Zobu said.
“Well, either a ghost took over the robot or he’s still alive,” Dave countered. “Please tell me about him.”
§
“Something has changed, Consul,” Loni said over her com-link from her desk deep inside the tekkan Hive.
“What has happened?” Zee replied. “I can be there in a minute. Please go ahead.”
“For just a few seconds, the fog around that planet thinned enough for a few agents to look around. The planet has already been attacked by The Accord, but we did find two humans on the planet. There were large numbers of robots working nearby, but they were simple androids and clearly not of The Accord,” she reported.
The office door flew open and Zee rushed into the room and sat down. He was breathing heavily and out of breath. “Okay, what else do we know?”
“Very little, I’m afraid. Before we could examine the humans, the fog intensified and our agents were pushed away,” Loni replied.
“That is extremely odd. A whole planet with only two people is not normal. Could one of them have been Dar Lini?” Zee asked.
“Certainly one could have been her,” Loni replied. “But with the fog in place, there is no way to confirm it. It could be two humans from any planet. I do have a theory though.” Zee nodded. “The fog mentioned the name Eon. The original Eon was a human, a Nan actually, from the planet Skee Lotho. It may be that the two people were Eon and Lini. We’re keeping a close eye on the situation around the clock. If the fog dissipates again, our only mission will be to identify the two people living there.”
“And you’re one hundred percent certain the robots were not of The Accord?” Zee asked.
“Yes sir. We read no brainwave activity from any of them, only computer programming,” Loni replied.
“I’m not sure I can accept your theory, although we must keep an eye on that fog,” Zee began. “Eon left his body long ago to be of The Accord. According to the stories, he left The Accord for a higher form of existence. I hardly see being a human as a higher form for such a gigantic brain.”
“It’s only a theory, Zee,” she replied. “Perhaps it’s tainted with wishful thinking as well.”
“No, all theories are good right now. Please send your findings to Odo and Obu along with your thoughts on Eon. I think they are better able to contemplate such things. Good work, Loni!” Zee said.
“Excuse me, High Consul, but may I discuss a personal matter with you?” she asked. Her face began to redden.
“Of course, my dear.” He took her hands in his. “You have my full attention.”
“As you know, I have a relationship with Dave’s son, Bill,” she began. “Well, he has asked me to marry him.”
Zee smiled and replied, “Congratulations to both of you, dear! That is wonderful news. When is the big day?”
“Well, we haven’t set a date yet. As you can imagine, with Dave so far away and the threat of an invasion, getting married right away doesn’t make sense. If we can survive The Accord, then our lives can be normal again.”
“Of course, that is your decision, Loni. On the other hand, our days could be numbered, and I would hate for you to
miss out on the love of your life,” Zee noted. “But I can understand that no one will be in a happy mood if Dave is still missing.”
“Bill and I will talk about that too, I’m sure,” she replied. “But there is another thing I wanted to ask you.”
“Of course, please do,” he said.
“As you know, things in the home galaxy are not going well. My parents are there working to salvage pieces of the Society. There is little chance they’ll be able to come here anytime soon.” Loni coughed to clear her throat. “Zee, if they can’t come, would you do the honor of giving me away?”
Zee was overwhelmed with joy. He rushed around the table and hugged Loni tightly. “Of course I will, Loni. It would be my honor.
Chapter 12
Mantarcus of The Accord was exhausted with the preparations for the invasion of the Milky Way Galaxy. He had been chosen to organize the five hundred planet-sized Friends of The Accord and their fleets of lesser Friends for the invasion. Opala of The Accord was given similar duties for the invasion fleet that would attack the Andromeda Galaxy. Mantarcus had hoped to be given that fleet, as it would take more than two thousand spans to arrive there. That would have given him more time to convince his brothers that their mission was vile and repugnant. Mantarcus had begun to doubt the nobility of The Accord after Eon left, but he was only one of many Friends. The vast majority shared Vanda’s view that only the intelligence of The Accord was noble enough to be precious. All other life was just a food source to be dominated and managed, as a shepherd manages his flock.
He had taken great lengths to maintain the security of his planetoid. The Accord was rife with rumors about Friends who were overly familiar with their feedstock, and many of those rumors were focused on Mantarcus. But just as some of the humans in his planetoid refused to eat meat and were respected for their opinions, each Friend was allowed to make their own judgments. Most of the rumors about Mantarcus were true. His planetoid was home to several million Nan whose ancestors had lived on Stit or Skee Lotho. He never consumed a living person, although after their natural deaths, he would consume the remains. His planetoid was also home to large farms and ranches that provided food to him and his people. No Friend of The Accord would ever discuss such personal matters, and so Mantarcus assumed he was the only one. The rest spoke about their sentient life as feedstock, so he had no reason to think otherwise.
