“Enhance twofold.”
The familiar object took shape on the screen.
The wigwam is still there.
“Scan for heat signatures.”
A solitary, glowing red dot emanated from the center of the wigwam.
“Initiate landscape comparison to all prior readings,” said Tariq. “Highlight any differences outside three percent statistical margin of error.”
He waited until the grid comparisons were concluded before heaving a sigh of relief.
A soft voice calling his name made him jump. It was J’Vor. Next to him stood Emanui.
“I didn’t hear you come in,” said Tariq.
J’Vor looked at the computer screen. “Is Pocatello still alive after all this time?”
“Very much so,” said Tariq.
“She would be well into her eighties, surely,” said Emanui.
“That doesn’t make her any less a threat,” said Tariq. “If she wanted to, she could kill the strongest of the Rescued.”
Thirty years ago, Pocatello had attacked one of their comrades by cutting herself and forcing the blood into his mouth. His cerebral implant swelled as soon as it was detected in his system, resulting in his immediate death.
“She’s still waiting for her Aztec god to speak to her,” said Tariq. “The device behind her ear is still functional.”
“It’s ironic,” said J’Vor.
“What is?” asked Emanui.
“It was Jirza and Tolum who told us about the communication devices that were implanted in Kwetz and Pocatello while they were hiding in their stasis pods on the lake bed just outside the monastery. You were right to suspect them, Emanui, despite the fact that they were ‘helping’ us — they were entirely too well-versed in cloaking and tracker technology,” said J’Vor.
“Why does Pocatello expect Kwetz to return?” asked Emanui. “She witnessed the launch of the Newisla and knew the journey to Vambiri would take thousands of years.”
“If the siblings acquired wormhole technology—” began Tariq.
“They didn’t,” said Emanui. “Not one single command stroke entered on the lifeboat terminals they used had anything to do with particle accelerators, and the same was true for the three Newlunder traitors and the rogue Vambir.”
“Tolum was genetically engineered to manipulate large amounts of data,” said J’Vor. “He would have considered every possible scenario and outcome.”
“So Pocatello was a ‘Plan B’ if they were somehow able to return to Earth with Kwetz during her lifetime?” asked Tariq.
“Not a ‘Plan B,’ per se,” said J’Vor with a shrug, “but more like a ‘Plan B Ten Thousand.’”
“If Tolum was designed with the ability to evaluate big chunks of data, what was Jirza’s purpose?” asked Tariq.
“The part of us that is Vambir has the enhanced ability to detect a person’s vital signs without the use of equipment,” said Emanui. “The readings from the rogue Vambir’s pod in which the siblings gestated showed that they were concentrating on those traits for Jirza.”
“One sibling is a walking computer, and the other can read people like a psychic?” asked J’Vor.
“That would be a lethal combination if they were up to no good,” said Tariq.
PERSUASION
Planet Vambiri
Earth Year 2044 AD
“What do the females believe?” asked Tolum.
“They’re divided in opinion,” said Jirza. “The majority have accepted Ikato’s explanation that Kevak’s Iam and their Creator are the same.”
“Ratio?” asked Tolum.
“Approximately a quarter have expressed doubts,” said Jirza. “And the males?”
“Twenty-seven point three percent dissension,” answered Tolum.
“The parallels between the two beliefs are interesting — a promise of a mighty deliverer who will emerge from the lowest ranks of society,” said Jirza.
“No specifics on time and place, I assume,” said Tolum.
“Faith flourishes in the absence of specifics,” said Jirza. “That is the way of it.”
“I can’t make accurate projections without proper information,” said Tolum.
“The lack of detail means their handed-down rituals are open to an interpretation that suits our purposes,” said Jirza.
“Such as replacing their Creator with Quetzalcoatl?” asked Tolum.
Jirza shook her head. “The Aztecs were polytheists. Acolytes of the Creator would never accept Kwetz.”
“Then why do we need him?” asked Tolum.
“The device behind his ear links him to his human follower,” said Jirza.
“Why would we need her?” asked Tolum.
“Their link will enhance the telemetry,” explained Jirza. “We need to arrive during the evening in a remote place among friendly company.”
Tolum leaned his head forward and stared at the ground. His eyes blinked randomly, and after several seconds of silence he faced Jirza. “Probability that she is still alive is less than five percent.”
“Source of data?” asked Jirza.
“Average nutritional consumption and life expectancy for central region of North America in the twenty-first century,” he said.
“Recalculate using average nutritional consumption of devout members of religious institutions,” said Jirza.
“Specify,” said Tolum.
“Zealots who practice ritual fasting and reject Western food and culture,” she said.
There was another long pause as Tolum considered the new parameters. “Probability still below minimum threshold.”
“She would be an isolationist,” said Jirza. “Disregard traffic fatality statistics.”
“Refining,” said Tolum. “Probability below minimum threshold.”
“Disregard morbidity statistics,” said Jirza.
“Explain,” said Tolum.
“Her blood is teeming with antibodies — she’s immune to infection,” said Jirza.
“Refining,” said Tolum as he took a deep breath. “Probability surpasses minimum threshold.”
*******
“Take it,” said Jirza to Arkani.
For weeks Jirza had eavesdropped on the conversions in the dormitory while pretending to be asleep. Arkani and the others had no way of knowing that both Jirza and Tolum possessed genetically enhanced hearing designed specifically for that purpose.
Arkani looked at the lasgun in Jirza’s hand, and neither spoke nor moved. Her eyes betrayed no emotion, but Jirza sensed her elevated pulse.
“Your enslavement,” said Jirza, touching her forehead, “was ended when this sacred object was deployed in the Passenger Lottery revolt.” Jirza then touched her shoulder.
One of Arkani’s eyes twitched. “You’re Highcaste.”
Jirza gravely shook her head. “My genetic make-up came from Highcaste donors, but my brother and I were bred as slaves — elaborate experiments in a test tube. We rose up and broke free of our chains.”
Arkani could not hide her shock at this revelation. A Highcaste who is no Highcaste!
“You are still under the thumb of the Primus,” said Arkani, struggling to keep her composure.
“Our former captors are dead,” said Jirza, “and we killed them by feigning ignorance of any technology beyond what they taught us. D’Hal believes she rescued a pair of innocent, abused children. We can use that to our advantage.”
Jirza could tell her words were having the desired effect on Arkani.
“You would refuse the means by which you would obtain the exodus?” asked Jirza as she touched her chest and then completed the sacred circle ritual with the remaining hand gestures.
Arkani held out her hands to receive the gift. “What would you have us do?”
“Us?” asked Jirza.
“There are others,” began Arkani.
Jirza shook her head. “You are unique in your dedication.”
“But I could convince them,” said Arkani.
“As you wish,” said Arkani. “What would you have me do?”
“I want to know about Ikato’s wormhole research,” said Jirza. “Were you permitted to operate the machinery?”
“No,” said Arkani, “but we assisted in constructing the components, and he kept a log of his progress.”
“There is no such log in Lun’s mainframe.” said Jirza.
“He has a device grafted underneath his palm,” said Arkani. “He was always putting his hand over his mouth and muttering into it.”
“Smart,” said Jirza.
“You’d have to cut it out of him to access the data,” said Arkani.
“Maybe not,” said Jirza. “The device is obviously voice-activated, and any voice can be duplicated using a sound spectrogram — we only need a recording of one of his long, rambling speeches.”
“Why does the wormhole interest you?” asked Arkani.
“It will facilitate the completion of the five stages,” said Jirza.
Arkani’s eyes widened in excitement. Enslavement. Revolt. Exodus. Transmutation. Rule.
“The next stage is—” began Arkani.
“Exodus,” finished Jirza.
INFILTRATION
Planet Vambiri
Earth Year 2045 AD
D’Hal felt more fatigued than usual. As she reviewed Miboj’s schedule for the revival of Ikato’s children and their placement into Newlunder households, she experienced blurred vision.
I’ve been working too hard.
She took a short nap but felt no better upon awakening. After taking a long look in the mirror, she detected visible changes: her skin seemed to hang loosely from her face. This was not vanity. Something was amiss.
Walking out of her unit into the common area, she closely observed her fellow Newlunders and noticed that they also looked unusually haggard.
“Kevak,” she said into her palmcom.
“Yes, Primus?”
“We need to convene a Council meeting at once,” she said.
*******
“It’s advanced cell degeneration, Primus,” said Ikato. “Everyone has been affected to varying degrees with a few exceptions — Kevak, Jirza, and Tolum show no signs of it.”
“Kevak never ingested blood, so that stands to reason,” said D’Hal, “but what explains Jirza and Tolum’s immunity?” asked D’Hal.
“The fact that Kevak is not exhibiting symptoms suggests your condition must have something to do with the trace human markers in your system that remained after the reverse metamorphosis,” said Ikato. “As for Jirza and Tolum, their systems were altered genetically to specifically target and destroy any residual human markers that could compromise them after undergoing the reverse metamorphosis. Other Newlunders don’t have that ability.”
“What about the Newlunder embryos?” asked Miboj.
“They will probably be alright,” said Ikato, “since every care was taken to remove the remnants of any human markers.”
“How are we to proceed?” asked D’Hal.
“I believe Jirza and Tolum’s immunity is derived from mutations introduced during their gestation,” said Ikato. “It might be possible to synthesize a serum from their bone marrow and use nanobots for maximum deployment.”
“Will they agree to this?” asked Kevak.
“I have already spoken to them about it, and they are most anxious not only to help, but also to take an active part in the production of the nanobots,” said Ikato. “They are highly intelligent, and their assistance would quicken the process immensely.”
“We have to consider the worst-case scenario,” said D’Hal, addressing everyone present. “If it proves impossible to halt our decline, there will soon come a time where Kevak, Ikato, Jirza, and Tolum will be the only able-bodied ones remaining to look after the children and oversee the maturation of the embryos. The medical training of the oldest of the children must begin immediately, and Miboj’s schedule of revival will have to be altered — we can’t be adding any more to our numbers at this point in time. It may even become necessary to return the youngest to stasis.”
“All scheduled revivals should be suspended,” said Miboj. “That will suffice until we have more information.”
“Agreed,” said D’Hal.
*******
“Your nanobot blueprint is functional, but the construction algorithm is inefficient,” said Tolum to Ikato. “I’ve made adjustments to some of the commands, and production levels should increase threefold.”
“Have a look at the serum cultures, Ikato,” said Jirza.
“How ever did you grow such an abundance?” asked Ikato.
“Our makers used enzymes as catalysts when we and our siblings were gestating,” said Jirza.
“Siblings?” asked Ikato.
“There were several failed experiments,” replied Jirza casually, “but Tolum memorized every procedure our makers attempted after we accessed their databank. DNA polymerases are superior synthesizers.”
“My original nanobot design will have to be tweaked in order to match the serum receptors,” said Ikato.
“Already done,” said Tolum.
Ikato was taken aback at the extraordinary intelligence of the two adolescents. “Then treatments can commence once the nanobots are introduced to the serum. Injection into the brainstem is the most efficient—”
“The Newlunders’ cerebral implants make that impossible,” said Jirza.
“Then we must devise another delivery system,” said Ikato.
“Perhaps skin absorption?” wondered Tolum.
“That would work,” said Jirza.
“A cream for topical application?” asked Ikato.
“Not a cream,” said Jirza. “We need a host.”
Ikato struggled to hide his building panic. They have hacked into my palm implant!
“Look at this nanobot slide under the microscope,” said Jirza to Ikato.
“I don’t see anything unusual,” said Ikato.
“Now watch,” she said as she waved her finger close to it.
Tiny sparkles of light appeared.
“If I could somehow host these nanobots,” said Jirza, “they would bind to my atoms and live along with me. It might then be possible for me to transfer them to the afflicted through the epidermis.”
“Yes,” said Tolum, “that is how we should proceed.”
Ikato nodded his agreement with a fake smile.
*******
Ikato hurried to the privacy of his own unit. He began to place his palm on the sensor crystal of the computer but then suddenly pulled it back.
If I download the information, it will be vulnerable…
He needed to run a complete diagnostic immediately.
I’ll have to play the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ game…
“Voice recognition — Ikato,” he said into his palm. “Acknowledge.”
A single flash could be seen coming from underneath the skin.
“Retrieve all requests for nanobot research,” he commanded. “Acknowledge.”
Again, a single flash.
“Have any requests been made in the last month?” he asked.
Two flashes.
“In the last year?”
Two flashes.
He heaved a sigh of relief — it was just a coincidence. He knew that the siblings were genetically designed geniuses, and from that perspective, it was entirely possible that they would have independently thought of hosting nanobots for “touch-healing” as he had done.
It was just a coincidence…
*******
Jirza placed the two transparent sheets on the table for the Council to inspect. Tolum stood silently by her side with a bandaged hand.
“What are they?” asked D’Hal.
“The culmination of our research work with Ikato, Primus,” said Jirza. “We c
all it ‘second skin.’”
“What is its purpose?” asked Kevak.
“Second skin will assist healers with making diagnoses and administering treatment,” she explained. “It is activated as soon as it makes contact.”
She picked up one of the sheets and pressed it against her inner forearm. The Council looked on in astonishment as it was absorbed into her skin. She did the same with the second sheet to her other arm.
“What is it doing to you?” asked Miboj.
“Nanobots are forming a chain of tendrils to my fingertips,” she explained, “which are now the sensors for the second skin. If a Vambir is injured, all I need to do is to wave my hand over the wound, and the second skin will make a diagnosis and administer treatment.”
“This is how the treatment will be delivered to the Newlunders,” said Ikato.
“Tolum and I have organized a demonstration, Primus,” said Jirza.
Tolum removed his bandage and displayed his hand. There was a deep laser burn, but his face betrayed no pain.
“Great Iam in Heaven!” exclaimed D’Hal.
Ikato’s face registered alarm. “I had no knowledge of this, Primus!”
“It’s quite alright,” Jirza assured them. “Tolum was genetically designed with a high tolerance to pain. The neurotransmitter signals in his spinal cord were dampened during his gestation.”
Jirza gently placed her fingertips directly onto Tolum’s wound. “The nanobots are taking readings of the damaged tissue and will report soon,” she said.
Lights flashed from underneath the second skin and formed into words.
THIRD-DEGREE BURN.
NANOBOT SKIN REGENERATION INITIATED.
A visible ray of light passed from Jirza’s fingertips into Tolum’s wound.
“The nanobots are too small to see,” said Jirza. “In their excited state they emit light as they flow from me into Tolum’s wound.”
Within minutes, a thin layer of new skin blended seamlessly into Tolum’s own flesh.
“Amazing!” murmured D’Hal.
“Are you able to remove the second skin?” Kevak asked Jirza.
“Yes, but if worn through a sleep cycle, it will become permanent,” said Jirza, rubbing her arm to demonstrate how the second skin was being reconstituted through her pores.
The Nosferatu Chronicles: Return to Vambiri Page 10
