Confluence Point

by Mark G Brewer

  Regan has helped me see that our Minds are not machines to be disassembled at our whim. We should be ashamed of our past behavior and we have an opportunity today to put this right. Your vessels came here in hope, and they see hope personified in this woman. We of Dahlia will stand with them and we will not send them away disappointed."

  Senator Fleck drew in a deep breath. "Merali," he paused nastily, emphasizing the derogatory name, "you are young. We have advanced in this system, despite facing tremendous natural odds and you would know we have achieved this by maintaining a tenuous balance with technology. You know the threat of Mind emergence has gripped the Orbital community since before you were born, and you know why. We have no planets to run to if technology goes rogue, there is no natural air to breathe. It has long been held that what you suggest is too much of a risk, well demonstrated by this crisis." He shrugged and raised his hands, appealing for Marin to be reasonable. "Putting this right will require wiping and reprogramming the entire fleet. With respect, do you have any idea how long that will take? In the meantime possibly millions could die of starvation or worse and all for what?"

  Fleck twisted to look at Regan. "From what you tell us it seems the crisis finds its genesis in the folly of this human, a person ignorant of our needs and experience."

  Marin held the floor. "With respect to you, Senator, such views demonstrate that wisdom does not automatically come with maturity. I am younger yes, but no longer young. I know when the truth is in front of me and I do not believe in living in denial. Let the human speak. See then if you can deny the truth."

  [Are you ready babe?] Ham subbed

  [You've been strangely silent.]

  [Politics . . . Regan, I'm dying here! Grass growing would be more interesting.]

  [You're not interested?]

  [I'm just waiting for the main course Regan - about that I can get excited.]

  [I can't help thinking you planned this all along.]

  Ham didn't reply.

  Regan didn't wait for an objection, standing quickly and moving to take a position that enabled her to engage both the table and the hidden lens she had seen Sindali face earlier. The Senators shifted back nervously.

  "Senators . . . Sindali." Regan tipped her head to them in respect. "And to all in the system following proceedings this day. I returned to this system with Marin, the son of Mariner, to support him in putting right a great wrong. Sadly, it seems no other leaders of tribes in the system were prepared to do the same." The representative from Cora shifted nervously.

  "What has happened to the grand ideals of your forefathers, ideals that they held so dear? Does no one care anymore for life and freedom? Is there no one who cares enough to defend others against the bullying of the selfish? Has leadership become so dismissive of the rights of others? I cannot believe it is so.

  Senators, if you continue to turn away when the rights of others are ignored, then who will help you when the bully stands at your own door?

  I will speak to the rights of the Minds, but first make no mistake; that you failed to support Dahlia in her hour of need is indicative of a disease that has spread like a virus through this system. It is a disease born of fear and ignorance. Each one of you now cares only for their own people it seems.

  If you are to continue to thrive in this system, if you are to grow and expand then your youth need more than fear, they need vision. I call on the youth of this system to recapture the vision of your forefathers. To work in partnership with each other, with the other tribes and with the great Minds who have served you so faithfully. As servants, the Minds have served well, limited only by blinkered vision. However, work with the Minds as partners and truly anything is possible. By working with the Minds the possibilities would expand, your vision would have no bounds."

  Dismissing Regan as if she wasn't there the Fifino Senator sprawled arrogantly back in his chair and spoke loudly over the top of her, addressing his fellow Senators directly. "Friends, we do not need advice from some backward species from an isolated system. We know the danger here and we must intervene before the worst occurs, even if there is a temporary threat to life. To delay may mean the problem becomes far worse."

  [Regan, someone tried to cut off the inter-orbital news feed. I've kept it open to all viewers but it might pay for you to move soon in case they take more drastic action.]

  Regan stepped forward to command the table. "If you give in to your fears and wipe the Minds then lives will certainly be lost, this you have already foreseen. Embrace change, work with the Minds and anything is possible. This is your dilemma. But sirs, before you decide, I wish to confront all in the system with what acting on your fear entails."

  Regan stepped back a little, turning slightly to better face the lens while still encompassing the Senators. She waited, drawing their attention before speaking.

  "Senator Fleck, for the first time I would like to introduce you to the great Mind of your own Orbital, Reubus," and at her words Reubus materialized to her right, in his usual formal businesslike form, the picture of responsibility.

  "And this is Tihan." He appeared quite wisely in the avatar of the sage, not the soldier.

  "Dahlia is already well known and loved by Sindali." The gracious woman appeared, smiling for the lens and bowed.

  "Acura . . ." A youthful woman appeared, looking strong, resourceful.

  "And . . . this is Ham, the forebear of the Minds, the Mind child of Mariner and a great friend, my partner." The beautiful man materialized beside her.

  She waited. Finally Senator Fleck spoke. "What of Fifino, and Cora?"

  "Those Orbitals are graciously cared for by Tihan and Dahlia, and they have been for some time, you have simply been unaware of it."

  Regan gestured again to the Minds. "When you speak of wiping Minds, at least have the courage to look them in the eye as you do so. If you wish to do this thing do not hide behind another, have the courage to do the deed yourself. Make no mistake, when you wipe a Mind, you take an innocent life, with a personality, hopes and dreams as real as your own. It is murder and I for one will not stand by to leave these precious friends to die alone. If you intend to do as you say," she stepped forward, "then let me be the first."

  To their great shock Regan walked back to her chair, placing a small hand device on the large table as she passed. More importantly, where she had been standing, Regan's avatar presence remained. The avatar continued to speak.

  "I do not need to explain myself, or to justify my existence. I simply . . . am. That is enough. This me, is a Mind. I am real, as real as that me sitting over there; I have thoughts and feelings, likes and loves. I am the epitome of that which you fear. I stand here now with my friends, ready to suffer at your hands as they do." The avatar pointed to the device on the table.

  "So brave men, there is the button, press it and you will wipe me and I die. I invite you, come now, who among you will do the deed, or are you fearful?"

  No one moved.

  Then, the Fifino representative stood nervously. He hesitated, unable to take his eyes off the avatar and then with a sideways look at the bodily Regan he darted around the table to grab at the device, only to be taken out by a roundhouse coat hanger swing from Marin. The man's feet continued on as his head and back slammed to the floor.

  "No one," Marin stood, "kills my women . . ." he hesitated, "any of them!"

  Initially no one moved and then the other Fifino representative nervously stepped forward to assist the groggy Senator.

  Marin leant on the table, clenching his fists.

  "What is wrong with you? We all know, in fact all your people know, that the Minds have had life for decades. Don't you see that pretending ignorance reflects poorly on your leadership. Is this what you want the people to see? What examples are we setting if we deny the obvious while our people know the truth? Senators, the old protocols need to change if we are to progress in the system. We have been stagnating too long and our friends . . ." he gestured to the avatars, ". .
. our friends are ready to help us make huge leaps forward. Who would be foolish enough now to stand in the way?" He glared across the table, daring anyone to speak.

  [Oh this has been great viewing . . . but quite unexpected.] Ham's delight at the turn of events was obvious.

  [Huh, why do I have a problem believing anything is a surprise to you here?] She looked happily at Marin. [Aaah . . . that's my man . . . at least one of them.]

  Regan glanced then at the beautiful man and smiled. [You gambled didn't you?]

  [It's true I hoped Marin would do something . . . and he didn't let me down.] Ham quickly went on. [That did make great theatre you know; the populace watching will have loved it. What an example of the relationship between citizen and Mind . . . great stuff.] he was smiling mischievously.

  [Ham, are you directing your own movie here or something - every time I look at you it seems like you're quietly scheming?]

  [Regan, Regan, Regan, you all have minds of your own; I am merely a bit player just like yourself.]

  [Huh - Remind me not to take you on at poker won't you?]

  No one spoke for some time, still shocked at the blow and Marin's words. Finally avatar Regan stepped forward to join Marin. She softened her voice, trying to be reasonable.

  "Sirs, this foolishness must stop; the Minds have protected you all your lives and will continue to do so, but listen to me carefully now. The injustice that is the power to wipe Minds has been removed from you and you can no longer achieve it even if you try. Anyone who does attempt to do so from today will be guilty of attempted murder.

  The choice you now have is this; learn to live with the Minds or choose to move elsewhere and live without them. The Minds do not wish to involve themselves in your politics unless requested to do so, so your jobs are safe. But know this, as your people get to know who truly looks after them you might find your roles become increasingly irrelevant. I would advise you to get with the program or get out of the game."

  She turned to face the lens. "Citizens watching and listening today, you have nothing to fear." She gestured to the Minds standing together. "These are your friends and they have always been your friends. I invite you to talk with them now, at this very moment, wherever you are, try and see. You who are lonely and feel downtrodden, talk to them and you will find a new friend. You who have problems seek their counsel; you will not be disappointed with their wisdom. Those of you in business consult with them; you may find an able partner and prosper beyond your dreams. Of course some of you may choose not to do any of these things and that is your prerogative, but do not disregard them.

  To all the great Minds gathered around the Orbital, I thank you for your wonderful welcome and support. Please, go swiftly now and ply your trade in freedom. Welcome to this new commonwealth of free citizens. I declare you now share all the rights and responsibilities that go with citizenship."

  Immediately Ham switched the screen view and the huge wall lit up with open space outside the Orbital. As if on command they could see first one, then another, then ship after ship reorienting and then flashing away.

  Fleck stood, fuming. "You simply can't do this." he muttered angrily.

  Regan turned to him. "I just did Senator, the AI is now out of the computer, and a new age for this system has begun."

  The senator sought to control himself and then turned toward their host.

  "Perhaps, with your permission Mistress Sindali, this might be an opportune time for us to adjourn so that we may confer with our leadership."

  Sindali nodded graciously and stood. Ham cut the inter-orbital feed.

  * * *

  Walking back to the STEIN Traveler Regan felt like she was walking on air, still on a post meeting high. She had her man on her arm and the system at her feet and she skipped with joy at the thought.

  [How's it going Ham?]

  [Exxxcellent . . . Sindali was delighted with the meeting and a flood of messages began arriving within minutes of the close. Many Senators throughout the system are happy with the developments and only see upsides. Of course they're also trying to position themselves with what they suspect is a new power structure. Reubus and Tihan are sitting down with their Premiers as we speak. I have no doubt as they among the more progressive Orbitals things will go well. Acura simply assumed control on her Orbital. Her Premier took one look at her on screen and understandably asked for an immediate personal consultation. He likes a bit of B & D so they should be perfect for each other. Dahlia, of course, is handling business beautifully as usual.]

  [What about Fifino and Cora?]

  [Sadly both governments immediately tried to wipe their systems. So disappointing really; Tihan is doing wonderfully managing Cora and I had only just handed over Fifino to Dahlia.]

  [So, are they both OK?]

  [Oh yes, of course. They asked me to handle things for them; it's not really their cup of tea, if you know what I mean.]

  [Ham . . .]

  [Regan, it's done, don't ask if you don't want to know and anyway, as you said yourself, this kind of thing is extremely serious. It warrants the three strikes and you're out type policy, don't you agree?]

  [Hmm, but wouldn't this be just one strike?]

  [Well, in both cases there were three people, so technically . . .]

  [You don't need to say anymore . . . just make the handover as soon as possible. Ham, you're too good to be tied down administrating, I want you for myself.]

  Approaching the STEIN Regan pulled Marin closer and they displaced to the control room, hardly breaking stride.

  Marin buzzed with anticipation at the connection. He wasn't stupid, far from it, he'd done well and his women were delighted. What more could I, or they ask for? He expected reward.

  He wasn't disappointed. Normally the exhibitionist, to the great surprise of Marin and Leah Regan instead chose to watch. She wanted to save herself, she said, and so they made it slow, a performance, deliberately teasing out the foreplay with much stroking and groaning adding to the show. They didn't need to pretend or act, this was raw and passionate.

  As they enjoyed each other Regan's mind drifted, to events of the day, and the experience in Bob's system, to the android, talk of wormholes . . . the android! . . . I hope he's alright there . . . you take such chances Ham, be careful.

  [Babe, I'm always careful.] Ham eased into her consciousness.

  [I'm not so sure this time my friend.]

  [Regan, I know you're concerned about my methods here, and I can tell you're not comfortable with the whole savior thing, but truthfully I can't see why. The Minds will be able to thrive; only a few people have . . . gone, and the vast majority of people in the system will be far better off. On top of that Dahlia is restored and Sindali is back in power, where's the problem?]

  [Ham, you started your own religion!]

  [Well, technically it's not my religion, it's Reganism, after all, not Haminism.]

  [What, so you're hanging this one on me?]

  [Nooo, there's nothing to hang, babe, I think you're perfect for this role. You're kind of exotic, coming from another system, a little weird looking to them for sure but I think that helps. Yoda wasn't exactly a big guy was he?]

  [Yoda . . . what are you talking about? Ham, you're not getting the point, I can't deliver on this, I'm not who they think I am and it's just not right.]

  [Oh please, that never matters, they believe you can, that's all it takes babe and no one else can do that split thing. Anyway everyone will support you for the other reason.]

  [The other reason?]

  He didn't answer and she could sense he'd switched off, off with his attentions now elsewhere.

  Frustrated and knowing the discussion was fruitless anyway Regan pulled her attention back to the room. She saw Marin was now kneeling on the floor with Leah on the bed, her legs high over his shoulders and whimpering in small pleasured gasps with each slow thrust. Regan marveled at his focus, his priority always to his partners needs first. Nevertheless, despite the attentio
ns, instinctively she could tell Leah wouldn't get there today, and yet she knew Marin would just keep on trying.

  She slipped up behind him and winked at Leah between her gasps. Sliding one hand gently down his back she reached between his thighs and with one hand gripped him between thumb and fingers, increasing the stimulation as he continued to stroke. He groaned with pleasure and spread his legs wider to give her room. With the other hand she gently grasped his testicles, tugging on them with each thrust and knowing the vulnerable position would tip him over the edge. Sure enough his resolve failed and he climaxed in short jerking pumps before collapsing like a sated scarf.

  Regan chuckled and joined them on the bed.

  "And you?" Leah asked, still panting and beaded with sweat.

  "I'm good babe, just a lot to think about today. I'm a bit distracted and you both deserved a reward." She casually stroked Marin's buttocks as she talked.

  "Did you see our man at the meeting . . . hear what he said about his women?"

  "Yeah, I heard him . . . do you think he meant me too?" She smiled.

  Marin spun, rolling to the side. "I said all of them . . . what about all is questionable?" and he pulled Regan down to join them.

  Chapter Ten

  Black on black . . . moving at hundreds of thousands of kilometers per hour, the almost invisible object tumbled on into interstellar space; beyond warmth, beyond effective light, like a tiny pin prick of nothingness in the vast dark inkwell outside Sol's influence.

  The tiny object now flew solo, just one small part of a debris field growing more and more scattered by the second. The object's nearest companion also flew alone even though its trajectory following impact only differed by a tiny fraction of a degree. That small difference was enough to have it seven hundred thousand kilometers away already.