by Grey Lanter
“You might have been justified in your actions. If you feel guilty, those feelings may be totally unjustified.”
There was a pause before she answered. “The Bellicons had become corrupt and, to use a word humans will understand, evil. They had violated their prime moral directive in dealing with other species. Due to their stupidity or their evil the races on Jardoval were practically wiped out. My probes show there may be fewer than ten thousand people on the planet, hidden away in the most isolated places. But they, too, are doomed. It is only a matter of time until they die of hunger or cold or disease or die because the planet will devour them.”
“You did what you had to do, Lynneorn. I don’t think anyone of our race would condemn you.”
“But I still feel what you call guilt for my actions. I tried to reason with the Bellicons. Again and again I tried. I told them what they were doing was wrong. But they would not listen. They threatened to kill me if I didn’t remain their servant. I didn’t fear death but, before I died, I had to make sure they could not continue. So I eliminated them.”
“That sounds like a case of self-defense to me.”
“But our law clearly states that those created must not harm our creators. The penalty was death.”
“Apparently the Bellicons destroyed themselves, which civilizations sometimes do, so I’m not sure I would worry about that. If they’re dead they took their laws with them. Besides I’m assuming one of their laws said something like ‘Don’t commit genocide'.”
I thought there was a trace of wry humor in her reply.
“We could debate forever, Major, and resolve nothing. My request stands. May I have your reply, or do you need time to think about it?”
I took another sip of the whisky. “And if I refuse, what would you do?”
“Nothing. I am not in a position to do anything about it. The station will, in time, decay and so will I. I would prefer the end be quicker. I can only request, Major.”
I thought for a moment. Then swallowed the rest of the liquor. And poured another round.
“Lynneorn, I will honor your request but first let me offer you an option. If, after having considered it, you still want us to destroy the station, we will.”
“Thank you. What is the option? I don’t think I will take it but I will give it consideration.”
“Fine.”
I was silent for a minute while I tried to collect my thoughts.
“Lynneorn, we can destroy the station. We can give you death… But perhaps I can offer you redemption.”
This time there was a silence from Lynneorn. She didn’t reply immediately. Perhaps she was contemplating what ‘redemption' meant.
“What do you mean, Major?”
“We came here because the Federation was considering shifting about twenty thousand colonists to this planet. They can’t do that for obvious reasons. But my private sector employee, Belen Morganthal, might still be interested in building a facility, a rather huge facility for that matter, on this planet. Belen has scientists and engineers on her staff, and I’m sure she would be helped by Federation scientists too. With your help they could change the planet back to what it was before the Bellicons corrupted it. But they couldn’t do it without your help. Astrid tells me most of the scientific files have been destroyed but perhaps you could retrieve them. Even if you couldn’t, I’m guessing you could remember what was done and could guide the human scientists. They can turn the planet into a simple planet again. We could also bring in help for the surviving natives. They could become a prosperous race and live in peace and harmony. We can help you restore the planet.”
“Why would you do this? There are other places where your employer can build a facility. She doesn’t need this planet. Nor does your Federation.”
“That’s true. We, as a race, like all races, have parts of our history that we are ashamed of. But every once in a while we respond to the better angels of our nature. This is a good time for that angelic response. Besides, Astrid would be greatly distressed if you died. She has a sentimental side to her nature.”
“Perhaps you do too, Major.”
I smiled. “Maybe. At times. Once in a while. You told us that ten thousand people are on Jardoval, hiding away. Ten thousand we can save. And we can restore the planet. It’s a chance for redemption. Something good can come out of the evil that occurred. What do you say?”
Again, there was silence. I assumed she was thinking it over. But the gentle tone was in her voice when she finally replied.
“I suppose one should never reject redemption. When offered, it should be accepted. I accept, Major.”
“Thank you, Lynneorn,” Astrid said.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Table of contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Table of contents
