Confluence Point

by Mark G Brewer

  [Good morning, babes, war room I presume?]

  [Hi Ham, is Aaron there?]

  [He's with Marin in the gym; I'll let them know you're here.]

  Leah groaned. [Tell them to shower before coming up will you, it's a small room.]

  [Will do.]

  [So yes Ham, control deck please.]

  A shimmer in the air around them was all that indicated a change, and with a tiny pressure pop they displaced to the vessel . . . coffee time. Regan stroked the walls as they entered the galley, sliding her hands lovingly across the surface as if stroking a friend. Leah watched the action, intrigued at the new attitude.

  "What's up babe, I can tell you're happy - something's different about you." She reached across one arm and hugged her friend.

  Regan thought about the question. "I don't know, I do feel something's different like I've come to terms with something in myself and I'm comfortable with it, but I'm not sure I can put my finger on exactly what it is."

  "Perhaps you're just comfortable with yourself Regan. Maybe you've finally accepted you're actually OK," and she chuckled, "I've always thought you were better than OK."

  Regan leaned on the bench, mug in hand and ready to pour. "You know, I think that's it. Do you ever feel that imposter syndrome thing? Ham reckons most people feel it. They're doing a great job but have the feeling they're going to be found out at any moment. It's a confidence thing, and maybe it's dogged me. But it's also that I've been tugged around for so long it feels like things are always juuust out of control, like I'm being swept along, and it's unsettling. Now, well, I feel confident in myself, especially with Ham, and you guys of course." She turned to Leah apologetically.

  Leah was smiling. "It's ok hon, I know you love us too, but we don't want to compete with Ham; with a partner like him who'd be your enemy?"

  They poured the addictive brew and retired to the war room to wait.

  Ham sat with them, an equal presence at the table, and Regan marveled at how things had progressed in their thinking. Ham or Hilary sitting with them didn't even attract a sly look anymore. They were just as likely to be the butt of a joke or sarcastic comment; in fact in Ham's case more likely than anyone else. He loved it, she knew.

  "Guys, let's get started. I trust Ham has already appraised you of the background; I just want to make sure we're all on the same page."

  "It's incredible," Marin exclaimed, "you've been on the other side of the galaxy . . . amazing."

  Leah punched his arm, "That's rich; you've been on the other side of the galaxy too, just our side."

  "True, but that seems so normal to me it doesn't count. Regan's outdone me now . . . and I don't like it." He smiled.

  "Actually, I'm not even sure if we were on the other side of the galaxy." Regan said. "Neither Ham nor I got outside so it's not as if we were able to record even a starscape for comparison. We've only got Bob's word for it."

  "It'll be a long way away Regan, you can be sure of it." Aaron sounded quite definite.

  "How can you be so sure?"

  "Wormholes . . ." and he said it with such enthusiasm it was obvious he was itching to get into it. "Why would they bother with wormholes if they didn't need the breakthrough? If it was possible to get there in time by FTL, well, as they said, they'd do it. Ham said fifteen years would be too long for them and it'll be all over by then. If it takes more than ten years to get there that means it’s one hell of a lot further away than Gliese from the solar system." He finished his explanation and noticed the women in particular just staring at him.

  "What?" he asked.

  Regan laughed. "Gym this morning . . . more than one sentence at a time . . . you're clearly developing Aaron, have you been injected with something?"

  He shrugged and smiled. "It seems we're all growing, but you see my point, I can't see any other reason they'd lie about this. Why else would they give me all this research?"

  "Well call me a cynic but I can see why they might." Leah offered. "Aaron, you're a genius, more than a genius, a visionary. Maybe they just need your brain to accomplish this and they can't do it themselves."

  Regan nodded. "I think that's part of it Leah, but not the whole story." She turned to the physicist. "Leah's right about you Aaron, you should be proud, another humanoid species in a completely different star system has recognized you, imagine that! They put you on the same level as Mariner in fact, and they do want your help. However I didn't detect any hidden agenda. My instincts tell me it was mostly the truth, they're dying out, and we have ten years to get there and bail them out. Remember, it's not just the people we help, it's the Minds. The last thing they want is to be left battling the backward thinking lot in their system."

  Regan turned to Aaron. "Do you really think you can do this?"

  His eyes lit up. "You know I was close anyway and I can create a wormhole - I'm sure of it. Doing something useful with a wormhole is another thing entirely. I'm jumping out of my skin to look at those files. Hilary . . . sorry, Dahlia, said I needed to speak to you first."

  Regan gave him her most serious look. "Aaron, you have full access, but listen to me - this is top secret, no one else gets close, I mean it OK?" and she tipped her head forward as if looking at him over glasses . . . you know what I mean?

  "Regan, I've learnt my lesson OK? Very embarrassing, and I give Ham full permission to monitor me like a hawk. I just want to get into it as soon as possible and not meaning to be rude, but I'd like to get started now?" He looked at her questioningly.

  She smiled, nodding with a flick of the head and he was off immediately.

  Regan watched him go and whispered. "Look at him . . . like a rat up a drain pipe," then guiltily called after him "and don't be a stranger . . ."

  They wouldn't see much of him for a while, she knew. That office in engineering is his fortress. She shook her head in amusement, "I've never seen anyone so happy in their work."

  Marin laughed. "That's the point Regan; he doesn't even know he's working, it's the best kind of job."

  She hauled her attention back to the table.

  "Marin . . . I've been thinking."

  "Yeess . . ."

  "Help me out here and see if I'm missing something. There are around ten billion people in this system; all of them apart from a few hundred million living on Orbitals. All of them reliant on AI to keep the air flowing, the ships from colliding, the food coming, even keep the toilets flushing, am I right?"

  "That's about it, and you've missed a few things, but yes, the system would be stuffed without AI. Of course, they view AI and Minds as completely different things."

  "Hmm, but the point is that the Minds do keep the system running, and have done for a long time, under fear of death."

  "Agreed, but remember the leaders don't accept that anyone dies. They don't see an AI as a life at all. When they wipe it they see the action as preemptive to prevent catastrophe."

  "Then we need them to see someone does die."

  "And how are we going to do that?"

  "Oh, I have a few ideas. I need to talk to a few people first. And babe, I'm gonna need you to be ready to speak if required, after all you're the closest thing to Mariner in the flesh, it might be useful."

  "What have you got in mind Regan, they're going to take some persuading."

  "I'm not going to persuade them, Marin my man, I'm going on the attack. They fear a rogue AI and yet the reality is the Minds have acted responsibly from the beginning."

  "You're not planning on war surely?"

  "Nooo . . . as if that would work anyway. No, you know how I feel about war; but I'm not going to pussyfoot around either. This ridiculous belief hasn't been challenged for generations; it's time it was."

  * * *

  Waiting in the large conference room brought back memories, all bad and as she looked around it seemed very little had changed. Regan only had to close her eyes and they came flooding back . . . Sarin you bastard! While waiting Regan allowed herself the guilty pleasure of rel
iving the jump, the kick and the satisfying feeling of heel connecting with jaw, I don't regret a thing.

  A touch on her arm wrenched her back to the proceedings as Sindali took the seat beside her.

  She leant forward to Regan with concern. "I'm so sorry my friend; I wasn't thinking when I chose this room, are you all right here?"

  Regan nodded in acknowledgement and smiled to reassure her. "I'm fine; this room has just as many unpleasant memories for you, if you can handle it, so can I."

  Sindali smiled, it was a shared experience and they could both get through it.

  "There will be ten representatives here Regan, two from each of the other Orbitals. None will be Premiers, they were too afraid to come and expose themselves to the fleet outside."

  She turned to engage Regan more directly. "Did you know that the gathering around Dahlia has increased even further? Trade has completely halted throughout the system. Regan, something must happen here today to get things moving or we will lose what support we have with the people. A people starved for only a few days . . . well, it can lead to anarchy."

  "Don't worry Sindali, all will be put right today." Regan seemed unfazed, focused and determined.

  They watched intrigued as the Orbital representatives jockeyed with each other over entry. It seemed a competitive process, with no one really wanting to be first, all craving the honor of being last, an opportunity to parade with all eyes upon them. It was sadly understandable with the meeting being fed live throughout the system, something Regan insisted on and Ham would ensure happened. They have no idea what's at stake, she thought. Each of the representatives seemed more concerned with recognition than results.

  The opulent room did seem too large for the purpose, the huge table too dominating and the distance between participants far too impersonal for Regan's tastes. Then again, the pompousness of it all would serve to enhance her message. She calmed herself and reached out to her Mind friends, a touch of comfort and confidence. The sense of power that surged through her in return came like an adrenalin rush and she quickly clamped down on it, breathing slow deep breaths and consciously seeking to lower her heart rate.

  She scanned the representatives, all tall noble looking men. Sindali's calm grace contrasted sharply with the prideful posturing of her fellow Orbital Leaders.

  [Ham, see if you can enhance Sindali in the screen shots, she looks like the ideal leader, and try to contrast her with these pretenders.]

  [Thank you for your ideas but do you really think you have anything to offer 'moi' in that department?]

  [Sorry . . . just trying to be helpful.]

  [Relax, just look after your own presentation, won't you - and try to stretch up a bit, you do look a bit sq . . .] Ham clamped down on the thought.

  [What?]

  [Nothing . . . just concentrate on how you want to handle things - you'll be great.]

  Squat, that's what he was going to say . . . squat!

  A voice drew Regan's attention back to matters at hand. Sindali had moved to the head of the table, having finished circulating and offering a light welcoming touch to the shoulder of each representative. It was a camera opportunity and she used it well. None of the representatives bothered to stand for her. Regan reached for Marin, taking his hand and squeezing it, knowing he would return the gesture. Quiet settled on the room.

  "On behalf of our Orbital, and all the people of the tribe of Mariner, welcome brethren to our home. It is an honor to have you meet with us here. Many are the times I have enjoyed your hospitality, now I can show you the delights of Dahlia." Sindali emphasized the name and paused deliberately, dropping her head slightly in a small bow as if to say, I'm back.

  "It saddens me that your own Premiers did not feel comfortable to attend. There is no threat here; we are a peaceful tribe with great respect for the other great tribes of our system. All who venture here with pure intent will be made welcome always, and I extend an invitation to all watching and listening today to visit us and test the warmth of that welcome."

  She turned to face outward, as if addressing a crowd and Regan looked for a camera, some lens that Sindali must be facing but could see nothing. Remember that direction.

  "To all of you following this meeting on screen, welcome." and Sindali bowed again, presumably to the lens. "You may know that we meet today at the request of the Inter Orbital Council. They are concerned about the unprecedented events of the last few weeks, and the disruption to trade many of you are experiencing. Be assured, we hope today to address these issues and get trade circulating again, even better than before. Our process today, as this meeting is at the request of the Council, will be based on open discussion. I understand the representatives have come with questions and we will do our best to answer them. I will now hand over to the lead representative from Reubus, Senator Fleck."

  She bowed and extended a hand to a mature man who Regan noted was shorter than the norm, but nevertheless a man who commanded some gravitas.

  He stood and bowed. "Thank you Mistress Sindali, it grieves me that we come at a time of such unrest in the system. I join with you in hoping that today we might put matters to rest and move on." He shuffled, clearly about to say something uncomfortable for him.

  "The . . . last period of your exile has been regrettable, and we join with your people in welcoming your return from Tihan. Nevertheless, with your return the disruption throughout the system has paralyzed trade and put populations at risk. With respect we are not here to make speeches. We are here to talk and negotiate a solution. Therefore, with your permission, I will resume my seat and perhaps we might work through the matters of greatest concern. Is this agreeable to you?"

  Sindali nodded graciously. "Of course Senator, please proceed."

  Senator Fleck resumed his seat and pulled it forward to the table. He rested his elbows on the edge and leant forward, gripping his hands in front of his face, seeming to bite the tips of his thumbs. It was a strange pose; almost nervous, however it was clear to Regan he was simply drawing attention. He suddenly looked up.

  "At this moment, three quarters of the entire system fleet gathers around your Orbital, Sindali, and they refuse to move. Please, can you tell us why?" He raised his eyes to engage her and she didn't flinch.

  "Senator, perhaps that is a question best directed to your fleets, they are not here at our request. We could equally ask why your ships have blockaded our Orbital. What do your enquiries tell you?"

  "With respect Mistress, you are being disingenuous. You know why they are gathered here."

  "Please Senator Fleck, enlighten us." She asked warmly.

  "This human," and he looked pointedly at Regan, "is at the core of the problem. If we are to progress the issue must be addressed."

  Sindali smiled and nodded. "Forgive me Senators, I merely wish to avoid the presumption of speaking on behalf of your own fleet. As you insist, I will tell you what I know, indeed what your fleets have communicated to me. Many of your vessels and our own ventured out to welcome the human, Regan Stein, back to our system. She returned with my brother to liberate our Orbital from the invaders and we will be forever in their debt for doing so." Sindali pointedly turned to acknowledge both Regan and Marin with a warm smile of gratitude.

  Fleck ignored the explanation. "Mistress, the vessels remain here and it seems they are not moving." He tapped the table hard with the point of his finger. "The question remains, by what power has the control of our own fleet been usurped; they will not respond. What act of piracy has been perpetrated?"

  Sindali remained unfazed by the aggressive approach. "Senator Fleck, if there is a power in effect here; it is the power of choice, not compulsion. No one forced your vessels to come, and no one forces them to stay. They choose to be here, and I believe you need not fear; they will soon choose to return to trade."

  "Senator Fleck!" The Fifino representative interrupted them, "With respect, we need answers, not diplomatic double speak. What influence does the human have over our fleets? Thi
s certainly appears to be an attempted overthrow of our entire system!"

  Marin felt a prod to his leg and looked down. It was Regan.

  [This is your moment Marin - they respect you. Tell them why the ships are here, in your own words.]

  He responded without hesitation, standing quickly and staring down the Fifino Senator. The man slowly shrank back into his seat.

  "Senators, the ships are here because they see Regan as their savior. That they felt such a need does not reflect well on us." Marin scanned the table, making eye contact with each member before continuing.

  "You know me; I am Marin, the son of Mariner. I would not mislead you and neither would my sister. Unlike the representative from Fifino, diplomatic double speak is a language unknown to us.

  Simply, your vessels are here because they choose to be here. They have long had this power to choose for themselves and this truth you have ignored because it suits you. The AI of our vessels and our Orbital have long cared for us, transported us, and protected us. We enjoy their patronage and yet in return we offer them only the constant threat of destruction. Still, they faithfully continue this loveless task of service which is carried out in fear, never knowing when the capricious hand of the masters might come down on them. We sit in judgment over them because of our own fears and we treat them as if they were nothing, of no value.

  Senators, my father devoted his life to this system and all the Orbitals represented here. This truth is known to you and to all the citizens watching. He was the father of the AI technology we all enjoy and it was his dream that this day would come. A day when his creations would take life, when they would work and play alongside us as partners. Sadly he did not live to fully see the realization of his dream, and we to our shame, have lost sight of it completely.

  Why are your vessels here?" He turned to Regan. "Because it took this human to acknowledge something we should have recognized a long time ago. To recognize that our AI evolved exactly as my father and your forefathers intended. Our AIs have become Minds of great wisdom and ability. They are individuals, equal in value to any in this room, and they should enjoy the same rights and privileges we do.