They laughed once again, and it was satisfying to fall back into their easy relationship.
“There is a small contingent scheduled to arrive from Pacifica in the next day or two, including Chancellor Tascio, Admiral Perry and General Moreland. There are a number of issues we need to discuss with them, so the visit is a timely one. I’m looking forward to meeting them in person.”
Morales nodded in agreement.
“As am I, Sam, though I wish it could wait for just a bit. I feel like a juggler who still has several items in the air which haven’t come down yet. They say there is no time like the present, so they will just have to make do with a slightly rumpled and distracted head of state. Actually, it’s your job to make me look good, so I really have nothing to worry about. Has there been any word from Pacifica regarding our requests for extra assistance?”
Flynn sat further back in his chair, hoping it would help him remain upright for just a little longer.
“Yes. We don’t have much in the way of specifics, but they promised a substantial increase in all levels of aid. I think they were waiting to see how the whole issue with the Rxyl would resolve itself. By the time they get here, we will be in a better position to discuss the details with them.”
“There is one more thing I want to mention before we call it a night. The skeletal remains of a bridge officer from Odyssey was recovered from a Rxyl tunnel. It seems Thea Chilton’s story about First Officer Justus Kirkwood was true. They also recovered a large heavy pack which Kirkwood was carrying – it contained the computer core everyone thought destroyed. Our historians and computer experts are trying to figure out a way to access it. If the information is intact, we may finally get the answers we have been waiting for.”
Morales gaped at him in astonishment.
“My God, Sam. I can’t believe it. In some ways I think we would be better off not knowing what really happened, but I’m not about to get in the way of history. Perhaps General Moreland would be willing to help us access it while he is here.”
Sam gave her a puzzled look.
“What would a Pacifican general know about a five hundred year old AI computer core?”
Morales made no effort to hide a wicked grin and shook her finger at him.
“Why Samuel Flynn! Someone is apparently guilty of skimming over the download on Pacifica’s VIP’s. Had you done your homework, you would already know General Moreland’s previous name was Mosis.”
Recognition dawned on Flynn’s tired face, and it was his turn to gape at Morales.
“Now you’re getting it. Expedition’s AI achieved sentience on their journey, and his holographic body was a gift from the Vingah. If anyone in the Universe might know how to coax the information out of the computer core, he will. I want you to float the idea past Ambassador Swanson when he returns in the morning. If he thinks it’s a good idea, I will put in a formal request. If Moreland declines, we are no worse off than we are now.”
Flynn opened his mouth to reply, but was overcome with a yawn which Morales copied seconds later. They both laughed, rose from their comfortable chairs, and walked towards the door. Sam opened it and followed her across the short hallway to the lift. On the way up, the pair made plans to reconvene in the morning. Morales gave him a withering look.
“Unless something else happens we aren’t expecting, I will see you here at nine o’clock, and not one minute earlier. Vice Admiral Arlington gave me a small stash of real coffee, and If I’m in a good mood I may even share it with you. Remind me to ask the Ambassador if coffee beans may be added to our wish list. If he says ‘no’, we’ll hold him hostage until they relent.”
The two were still smiling when they reached the main floor, where they were met by security and escorted safely home.
####
The full Senate adjourned for the day, having been brought up to date on the myriad events which were literally re-shaping the simple world they had been living in. Morales and Flynn were greeted by a standing ovation, and spent hours explaining in detail the machinations of the late Worden Roux, the confirmation of the Rxyl’s prior claim to the planet, and the alterations to their known history as revealed by Thea Chilton and the discovery of Odyssey’s computer core.
With the imminent arrival of the Pacifica delegation, there was also much discussion as to what their next steps would be. President Morales carefully laid out the agenda she planned for the interplanetary negotiations, including membership in the Alliance. Following a lengthy and vigorous discussion, the Senate approved of her plans with an overwhelming majority. There were still a few who wanted to posture and stir the pot, but they were quickly shut down by their peers.
With Roux, Jenks, Poulter, Beade and Hartog either dead or in prison, there were five Senate seats which needed to be filled. Some of the early candidates intended to run on pro-Rxyl platforms which embraced the sweeping changes ahead for Deviri. Both Morales and Flynn underwent the process to establish a link with Sh’zul, and they brought the Rxyl’s needs and desires to the Senate’s attention. Some were quick to downplay any influence they might have in governing the affairs of the humans, but those ideas were squashed in a hurry.
The planet of Deviri belonged to the Rxyl, and the human element living on it were there by sufferance. Any politician who chose to ignore such a fact would be immediately and publicly corrected. The Rxyl wanted two things outright – the planet restored and a reasonable measure of privacy. In return, they allowed the colony to remain, and in fact embraced the idea of in-depth interaction with the human population. No one knew how this new relationship would pan out, but it seemed clear monumental changes lay ahead.
####
As the chief medical officer aboard Expedition, Dr. Oren Mayfield held a privileged position, years in the making. As an original colonist, his training and experience during their long journey were remarkable, especially after meeting the Vingah. The changes introduced by the Rxyl constituted another leap forward which could have enormous ramifications for all of mankind, and he was right there in the thick of things.
Only three days passed since Ensign Perry’s initial injury, but he was already overwhelmed by their discoveries. His team was doing round the clock research, and he invited senior physicians from Reno to share in the informational gold mine. Their level of medical knowledge was quite limited compared to his own, but since their people would be directly affected by the changes, Mayfield believed they should be involved in the application of any new discoveries made.
He was less than pleased to learn of Andre Swanson’s decision to link with Sh’zul without a physician present. He understood why he thought it necessary, but the potential dangers or side effects had not yet been determined. He was grateful Swanson thought to engage the help of one of his best technicians in recording the event. After completing Ensign Perry’s surgical repairs, and he been both startled and angry when he found Pacifica’s Ambassador lying unconscious in a cot next to Sh’zul.
His annoyance was quickly forgotten, however, when he realized having a Rxyl present in his sickbay was the opportunity he needed. Mayfield cautiously approached Sh’zul, and through the use of simple images and gestures, explained the tests he wanted to perform. The Rxyl remained still and calm throughout while Mayfield and his team extracted samples of blood, saliva, and the waxy substance on his thorns. Next came a thorough scan and examination of his entire body which Sh’zul endured without complaint.
It was only after Andre awoke that the good doctor realized Swanson and Sh’zul were in communicating the entire time. Andre explained to Sh’zul what the doctor wanted to do and assured him he would not be harmed. They had also been monitoring Kiren, who was resting in a room nearby. When she awoke, the request to join her companions was granted, and she was wheeled back into the main sickbay.
Mayfield continued to perform scans as they ‘talked’ among themselves, monitoring the brain activity of each of them. It wasn’t long before Kiren’s exhausted body demanded more sle
ep, and Sh’zul made it known he wished to return home. Through Swanson, Mayfield asked if he would be allowed to examine a female and a hatchling, as well as get samples of the Rxyl’s food and water supply. Sh’zul agreed, as long as the Doctor was accompanied by Kiren or Andre.
The speed at which Perry’s body repaired itself was astonishing, even given the medical advances Pacifica currently enjoyed. She slept heavily, punctuated by an hour or two at a time of painless lucidity, during which her ravenous appetite demanded to be fed. Her recovery was being closely monitored and recorded for future analysis, while the laboratory analyzed the substances from Sh’zul’s body. If it could be synthesized, the practical applications would change the medical field beyond recognition. Painless procedures would become commonplace, almost instantaneous repairs might also be possible with a simple injection, and surgery would become obsolete, or at least extremely rare. Fantastic!
The substance covering Rxyl thorns was no doubt a very potent defense mechanism, as well as an effective way to incapacitate prey. In the human body, at least in small amounts, it resulted in deep sleep and introduced a cascade of chemical changes in the brain. As far as the medical teams could tell, this alone was not enough to establish a direct mind-to-mind link. When combined with the affects of Rxyl saliva, however, the ability to receive and transmit thought and emotions began to develop almost immediately.
There were still questions, of course, as there were so few subjects to study. Would humans only be able to communicate with the Rxyl they initially linked with, or would it eventually include any Rxyl? Was the reverse also true? Was there a way to isolate and replicate the substances needed to establish the link without directly involving a Rxyl? Would humans be able to read the minds of other humans without a Rxyl present? What kinds of changes would this mean for the colony here on Deviri? For other colonies? Were there any dangerous side effects they knew nothing about?
Mayfield and his collogues had, at present, many questions but few answers. It was imperative they learned quickly, though, before too many people were affected. Their research was progressing well, but he wanted more time before the delegation from home arrived. They would require answers and information which the medical teams did not yet have, and he was uncertain how long Expedition would be stationed here.
The thought of having to leave Deviri without seeing his research through to the end was more than uncomfortable. He sighed in resignation. If this post turned out to be short term, he would simply have to accomplish as much as possible in the time given to him. Meanwhile, there was an enormous amount of data to sift through, and worrying about the future wasn’t going to help him get anything done.
####
Four days of waiting had the normally unflappable Admiral Christopher Perry ready to climb the walls. He would not, however, allow anyone see his discomfiture, preferring to uphold his reputation. Jet and Moreland were aware of it, unfortunately, since they were not only close associates but his friends as well. The day he became a father for the fist time changed Perry in ways which still surprised him, for when he was informed of her grievous injuries and brush with death, his stoic self-control was badly shaken. Every moment from then on, every meeting, each report, every delay which kept him from his daughter’s side was another tear in the fabric of his composure.
They arrived only a few minutes ago, and were in the midst of polite introductions, followed by a summary of the agenda for their visit, but his mind was elsewhere. He wanted to see Kiren, make sure she really was all right, and not rely on clinical reports transmitted from halfway across the galaxy. Just as they were to embark on a tour of Reno, President Morales paused and looked directly at him.
“As interesting as our city may be, I am quite sure you would like to see your daughter, Admiral Perry. It is my understanding she is to be released from care very shortly. We owe her a debt of gratitude for her service and sacrifice, and I am almost as proud of her achievements as you yourself. I believe Ambassador Swanson would enjoy escorting you back to the ship, if I’m not mistaken. Perhaps he can give you a tour when your schedule allows it.”
Perry almost sagged with relief.
“Thank you, Madam President. I must admit her condition has been uppermost in my mind these past few days. If you would all excuse me, please. I look forward to our deliberations later in the day.”
The rest of the entourage continued on, leaving Perry and Swanson behind. Swanson took out his comm unit and keyed in a request for transport, and seconds later they appeared in the hallway outside of sickbay. The hatch opened at their approach, and Perry followed Swanson to Kirens’ private room. Andre knocked, and then opened the door. She was fully dressed and seated in a comfortable side chair.
“Daddy!”
Kiren jumped into the waiting arms of her father, tears freely falling as she clutched at him. Swanson caught her eye for a moment, nodded, and then left the room.
Perry sighed in relief as he hugged her, careful not to squeeze too hard and hurt her. He pulled back to look her in the face, brushing away the remainder of her tears.
“Little one” he whispered, and stroked her soft hair. “You look good, Kiren. We were very worried about you when we heard, and I’m sorry I couldn’t come sooner. Your mother wanted to be here, but she is planning to come after I get back. Are you all right?”
She nodded her head and stepped back to gather her things from the floor next to bed.
“I’m fine, really. Dr. Mayfield has released me, but I am supposed to take it easy for the next few days before reporting for duty. There is so much I want to tell you! The Rxyl are incredible, Daddy, and I can’t wait to spend more time with them. I heard from Thriss yesterday, and she shared a few stories about their first encounters with humans.”
He raised an eyebrow inquisitively at her.
“She is a good friend and a fine counselor. I’m sure any advice she has can be put to good use, as long as I am not the focus of her stories.”
They laughed together, but Kiren stopped him as he moved towards the door.
“Daddy, Andre and I are seeing each other, but I suppose you already know. Is it...I mean, do you have any objections?”
He took her hand and looked her straight in the eye.
“No, Kiren. I have known Andre for a very long time, and he is a good man. Your mother agrees with me, by the way. You’re a grown woman now, and certainly don’t need my permission to live your life the way you see fit. Have the two of you made any future plans?”
She shook her head.
“Not really - it’s too soon. We both want to work with the Rxyl during the restoration, though I’m not sure in what capacity. As an ensign, I really don’t get much choice in my assignments.”
He looked grave for a moment, and then smiled warmly.
“No need to concern yourself, Kiren. One of my duties on this trip is to announce your promotion to Lieutenant, and your assignment to Deviri for the foreseeable future. Andre will be staying on as our official Ambassador, and will need a staff of his own, so perhaps he can find something for you to do. Congratulations.”
She hugged her father once more before they left the room and made their way out of sickbay. Kiren spoke just as he was about to ask where they were going.
“Andre has arranged a nice lunch for the three of us, if you don’t mind. He’s very excited about the permanent Ambassador post, by the way.”
The senior Perry looked confused.
“No one but you knows about that yet. How could he possibly...”
She simply looked at him and tapped an index finger against her temple. Perry’s eyebrows rose to new heights as he understood what she was telling him. Things were about to get even more interesting on Deviri, and his beloved daughter was right in the middle of it.
Chapter 11
With the signing of the treaty, Deviri joined Pacifica and Khrusallis as full members of the Alliance, setting off swift and previously unimagined changes. The last ten months
were filled with an incredible influx of resources, personnel, and building projects, designed to bring Deviri up to speed with her treaty partners. Two additional fighter squadrons arrived within hours of the agreement to form the core of Deviri’s security. With no space presence, the colony lacked the ships and trained personnel to protect themselves, therefore, Pacifica would be providing the hardware and staff to secure the system.
For the time being, all of the officers and crew of the fledgling Deviri Space Fleet would actually belong to the PSF, who were on long-term loan. All new navy recruits were either being sent to the Academy on Pacifica for training, or attending the PSF satellite campus now operating on Deviri. The need for new ships, Sentinels, and buoys demanded two additional orbital smelters, which were being assembled near the asteroid fields on the edge of the system. At the same time, a new orbital shipyard was taking shape closer to the planet, with plans to add a space station to house and service the fleet.
While the space around Deviri was fairly bursting with activity, the surface of the planet was no longer a quiet, dusty wasteland. Ambitious plans were being implemented which would benefit both human and Rxyl alike, and everywhere one looked was evidence of Deviri’s radical makeover. The ambitious water project quadrupled in size and scope, returning the precious life sustaining liquid to the planet in enormous quantities at breakneck speed. The inland sea was nearing capacity, and with it, the underground aquifer used by the Rxyl.
A dry lakebed located north of the alpha site was enlarged, deepened and filled. The lake emptied into a narrow river which wound its way to the inland sea, but was now rerouted slightly to flow through the alpha site and the new boundaries of Reno. Unfortunately, Deviri could still not sustain plant life, and since no one knew exactly how long it would take for the planet to be fully restored, the plans called for pockets of green space, capped by domes, which could sustain the inhabitants until the rest of the planet caught up.
Odyssey (Galactic Neighborhood Book 2) Page 15
