When it was explained to the Rxyl what the humans proposed to do, they enthusiastically agreed to the plan. Sh’zul’s generational memories included snippets of what past life on Deviri looked like, and were used as a guideline in designing their new living space. The dome began rising from the desiccated ground on the former alpha site, and encompassed most, but not all, of the tunnel entrances. It would include a lush well-watered habitat, adapted plants and animals, and a watering pool, fed by the newly re-routed river.
The Rxyl would soon be able to enjoy life on the surface, plentiful food and water, and as many hatchlings as they desired. The dome would also enable them to resume normal activity during the day, while resting after dark. Sh’zul, accompanied by several scouts, spent a great deal of time observing the construction and made numerous suggestions to improve on the plans. The humans, while leaning heavily towards aesthetic beauty, gave way to the more functional ideas put forth by Sh’zul. It was, after all, a Rxyl living environment, and they had little use for human notions of manicured green spaces. In the end, it would be influenced by both peoples, and still give the Rxyl what they wanted and needed.
A second dome under construction would enclose the entire city of Reno, as well as additional area for future growth and recreational greenspace. The same river which wound through the Rxyl dome would also meander through Reno’s new parkland, and serve as part of the water supply. As the population grew, extensions of the dome could be added as required. Most buildings in the city only reached three or four stories above ground, and were packed closely together.
It made doming the city much easier, but it was crowded and left little elbow room for the colonists living in it. Plans were in place to add new single family homes and high rise apartments, as well as an enormous business park catering to all the new commercial enterprises who wished to do business on Deviri. Some of the original city was to be demolished in favor of open green space, something every single colonist was eager to see.
The existing farming domes, which were nearby but separate from the city, would become an entire cluster of domes dedicated to agricultural and animal husbandry pursuits. Some were designated specifically for Rxyl compatible food crops and life forms, requiring a fair bit of genetic manipulation to meet their specific nutritional needs. With the influx of military personnel and immigrants, there was a pressing need to provide additional food stuffs, as well as add much needed variety to the colonist’s diet. The demand would only increase in the future, since large families were being encouraged, and experts were now preparing to open the cradle permanently.
Other changes were afoot, though perhaps not as obvious to the casual observer. Regular transport was now available between the Alliance planets, and with it the exchange of ideas, the forging of new relationships and increased commercial activity. For the first time, the colonists of Deviri were freed from their isolation and fear of the future. New possibilities presented themselves with startling regularity, and the colonists were enthralled by the choices available to them. Though emigration was allowed, President Morales was forced to set strict limits to maintain a viable population base.
On the other hand, scores of entrepreneurs, researchers, and educators sought opportunities on Deviri which could not be found elsewhere. Restoring an entire planet’s ecosystem, for instance, had never before been attempted, and experts in many fields were drawn to Deviri to lend a hand. The Rxyl also caused a significant surge of outside interest, but those allowed direct access were carefully vetted and few in number. Their relationship with humanity, for now, was limited to the colony and a select group from Pacifica. The Rxyl were not opposed to meeting others, but they were not in favor of being endlessly studied by strangers.
One of the calls for assistance which drew a large response was in medicine. The life extension technology which was routine on Pacifica and Khrusallis was unheard of on Deviri. With its availability, there was a need for careful counseling regarding the process and how it would change their lives. Some chose not to take advantage of it, believing it was unnatural to live so long. As was done for the Vingah, research began on extending the life of the Rxyl, though it remained to be seen whether or not they would embrace it.
Educators and specialists in all medical fields were needed desperately to bring the physicians and students up to speed on all the newest advances, as well as provide routine medical care to the populace. Dr. Oren Mayfield, as the current and only expert on Deviri’s native species, was hastily reassigned from Expedition to lead the Rxyl Institute, charged with understanding human applications of Rxyl based discoveries. The extraordinary properties found in Rxyl saliva and thorns opened up entirely new fields of research, and everyone, it seemed, wanted to get their foot in the door.
Eclipsing even these opportunities, was the desire to study the telepathic abilities recently introduced to the human race. Unsurprisingly, psychology and sociology issues became important topics of interest, since it remained to be seen how telepathy would impact humankind. Laws and restrictions were quickly put into place to keep the phenomenon limited to Deviri, and even then, made available only on an as-needed basis until the effects were better understood.
Nothing, it seemed, was immune from change following recent events and the new treaty partnership - including politics. President Morales’ popularity remained very high, even as the colony was undergoing transformational changes. Special elections were called to replace the disgraced Senators who deeply shamed Deviri’s people. While those wounds were now healing, there wasn’t a single member of the Senate who could return to business as usual and possibly hope to keep their seat. The populace demanded more of their elected officials and were prepared to make themselves heard.
As promised, the government building and destroyed homes were rebuilt quickly and efficiently. Morales, Flynn, and their staffs were more than happy to leave the cramped and depressing confines of the emergency offices in the constabulary, and loved their new offices. The President was especially thrilled to see the bird’s nest rebuilt, although in a grander style. She now enjoyed a 360 degree view, which included the former alpha site, enabling her to watch the Rxyl dome rise into the sky.
On a personal level, her family was grateful to move into the brand new Presidential quarters, though they were not quite what the family was used to. For one thing, the location was changed for safety reasons and included new security measures. It also gave the President faster and easier access to government offices and the senate chamber. Nothing could be done to replace the family’s belongings, but the design incorporated all the comfort and convenience anyone might wish for. It proved to be somewhat overwhelming at first, but she and her family publicly expressed their gratitude for the generosity of her people and their Pacifican friends.
####
The number of humans now mind linked to the Rxyl was very small, which was not only a reasonable precaution, but was a way of preventing the isolated telepathic race from being overwhelmed. Representing the colony were Morales and Flynn, as well as Dr.’s Luftis and Wells from the First Contact team, while Swanson and Perry represented Pacifica.
There was a growing list of others who wished to experience the phenomenon for themselves, including a number of average citizens. The discussion was ongoing regarding how many more telepaths might be allowed, if any at all. There were simply too many unanswered questions at this time, so the decision was made to keep the number very small and continue observations.
Both Luftis and Wells underwent the life extension and regeneration treatments before linking with two of Sh’zul’s most trusted scouts; a female for Luftis and a male for Wells. They were enjoying their new lease on life, as well as their new abilities, and took extended leaves of absence from their teaching duties at the University. Not only were they learning from the Rxyl, but they were teaching and observing at the same time.
There were many facets of human behavior, thinking, and language which the Rxyl did not understa
nd. The reverse was also true, which made every interaction an opportunity to learn. The Rxyl, for instance, were a calm and practical people who did not experience the wide variety of emotions which afflicted humans. It was already apparent Rxyl thinking patterns were affecting the small group of mind-linked humans, though it remained to be seen if the reverse were true. It was, perhaps, inevitable each would change the other, yet no one knew if such change would ultimately be beneficial.
The first person added to Ambassador Swanson’s staff was, unsurprisingly, Kiren Perry, who now served as Special Envoy to the Rxyl. While always on their best professional behavior in public, it was widely known the two were a couple. Sh’zul and Sh’tar seemed inordinately pleased for them, and continued to inquire when they would start producing hatchlings of their own. Andre tended to spend most of his time on the surface, sending reports, answering questions, and implementing various directives from his superiors. Thankfully, he was given a great deal of latitude and had a growing but dedicated staff to assist him.
Kiren, conversely, was usually found crawling around after Sh’zul or Sh’tar in the caverns below ground. There was much to learn, and she enjoyed spending time with her Rxyl companions, despite having to spend so much time on her hands and knees. Many times, she simply slept in the caverns instead of returning to her quarters in the city. Fortunately, each of the mind linked humans was given a sleeping room of their own, equipped with comfortable cots, battery operated lights, shelving for their equipment and clothing, and limited food and water supplies. As yet, the Rxyl showed no particular interest in spending extended time in the city, except for brief tours through the streets or visits with Dr. Mayfield and his team at the Institute. As always, their wishes and needs were paramount, though they were generally very cooperative and curious.
It quickly became apparent some reliable method of communication and travel was needed which would allow the Rxyl to summon their human friends when needed, as well as transport said humans to and from the underground caverns. Because of the unique mineral makeup of the rock layers, neither a communications signal nor a transport beam could be used very far beneath the surface. When presented with the challenge, Expedition’s engineers immediately consulted with their Vingah counterparts to come up with a solution to both problems.
Since the technology for both buoy’s and Sentinels originated with the Vingah, it only made sense they might have some valuable insights and advice. Once the parameters and difficulties were understood, the teams cooperated to create a portable, self-contained unit which could be placed underground. Its purpose was to serve as a signal booster and receiver which would negate the dampening affects of the rock strata. The booster created a small column of non-interference, roughly fifteen feet in all directions, and worked for both comm signals and buoy transport beams.
A very simple comm device was created for Rxyl use, and was placed near the base of each booster unit. It consisted of a pressure sensitive pad, large enough for a Rxyl paw, which would light up when activated. The dedicated signal would alert Swanson’s staff a Rxyl needed to speak with one of the mind linked humans. The nearest buoy would then transport the first available person to the same location where the signal originated. Several boosters were placed in strategic positions throughout the caverns, including one outside Sh’zul’s sleeping chamber. Teaching the Rxyl how and when to use the device was something of a challenge, but once the purpose was clearly understood, it became a helpful, routine way to initiate contact and speed up transport to and from the surface.
####
With her days and nights mixed up, Kiren often lacked adequate sleep. After a particularly rough patch, Andre ordered her to take a few days off to rest. Though it irked her to be away from her thorny friends for any length of time, it was obvious her body reached the limit of sleep deprivation it could handle. Of course, being home every night meant she and Andre got to spend quality time together. As she awoke, she could feel his hard, muscular form spooned up behind her, chest hair tickling the sensitive skin of her back. The man loved to snuggle, and she had absolutely no complaints about waking up cocooned by her lover’s body.
Being mind linked as they were, they almost always fell asleep and awoke at the same time. Sure enough, just as she was getting ready to move, the arm which was draped across her stomach tightened its grip to hold her in place. She could feel his warm lips on the back of her neck, and by the time she broke out in goose bumps, his hand slid upwards to gently cup her breast. Arousal flared, but was quickly forgotten as the special comm signal chimed loudly from the other room. Groaning in frustration, Andre gave her one last kiss and got up to answer it. She could hear him speaking, but the link told her what he was going to say...just about now.
“It’s you or me, babe. No one else is available, and I have a comm conference this morning with Chancellor Tascio’s staff. If you go, I want you back here as soon as possible, and no spending the night! You still have two more days of leave.”
Kiren got up out of bed and began getting dressed. One of the frustrating parts of the new signal system was there was no way to tell which Rxyl was requesting communication until you actually appeared in the cavern. Sometimes the location of the booster gave an idea who might be calling, but it wasn’t always reliable. Andre read her thoughts and responded quickly.
“The signal came from the birthing tunnel booster, which I find very unusual. And by the way, I agree we should add optical pickups to the comm units down there. If we were able to read their thoughts from a distance none of this would be necessary.”
Kiren nodded in agreement.
“I know, but I haven’t been able to do it since the first day. Sh’zul seems to think it will happen in time, though maybe we need to see if we are missing something. I’ll ask him about it while I’m down there.”
She drank down her liquid protein breakfast, kissed Andre thoroughly, and then signaled the buoy she was ready for transport. Waiting for her outside the birthing chamber was Sh’ren. The young Rxyl was growing up quickly, measuring almost three feet long, and Kiren spent a considerable amount of time with her.
“What is it, Sh’ren? Is there an emergency? Are you all right?”
You have been gone. I wanted to see you.
Kiren dropped to one knee and carefully rubbed a fingertip over a small patch of scales on her throat which were free of spines. The youngster closed her eyes, and the end of her tail began a slow beat against the cavern floor.
“I’m sorry, Sh’ren, but I have been in the city, resting. I’m not used to staying up all night as you do! You must be careful not to use the comm unit unless it’s very important. Next time, tell Sh’tar or Sh’zul what you need, and let them decide if we should come down. Will you do that for me?”
Yes. Can you stay now?
Kiren stopped her stroking and stood up.
“All right, but only for a little while. It’s time for you to rest. Are you still sleeping here in the birthing tunnels?
No. I have my own chamber now. Come.
Sh’ren took off down one of the tunnels at a pace Kiren could never manage, and she was forced to ask her to slow down more than once. Eventually, they arrived at one of the large caverns which was divided up into multiple sleeping chambers. Sh’ren stopped outside a freshly carved one and slipped through the entrance. The glowing moss hadn’t had time to grow yet, so it was very dark inside. Kiren put on her night vision goggles and crawled in after the little one.
Kiren moved carefully, so as not to brush against Sh’ren’s sharp spines. If she were fully grown, Kiren would never have been able to fit comfortably, or safely, inside the cramped space. Sh’ren knew this, and tucked herself next to the chamber wall, giving Kiren more room to maneuver. As was her habit from birth, she lay mostly on her back, exposing her smooth underbelly. Kiren got as comfortable as possible, and let her fingers glide over the Rxyl’s interlocking scales. Sh’ren relaxed her body, but her mind was a jumble of conflicting thoug
hts.
I like this place. Why must we go to the surface?
“Your people used to live on the surface all the time. We are creating a place for you which will have food, water, and plants, but be protected from the heat and wind. Someday, all of Deviri will be green and cool like it used to be. When it happens, your people won’t have to live underground any more. Wouldn’t you like that?”
Perhaps. Will you live on the surface with us?
“Yes. We live inside buildings most of the time, but we like to be outside too.
Show me.
Kiren called up mental images of the city buildings, streets, and of her quarters. Then she showed Sh’ren older memories of walking through the parks on Pacifica, enjoying the sun, sharing a picnic, kicking a ball. Kiren could sense Sh’ren’s intense curiosity, and something gave way in her mind. Suddenly, Sh’ren was pulling image after image from her thoughts, even things Kiren was not purposely trying to show her. Her confusion turned to fear and she scrabbled for control of herself.
“Stop! Sh’ren, you must stop!”
She began to feel as though she were floating above her own body, now slumped against the chamber wall, her mind filled with the thoughts of scores of Rxyl. It was too much, but she couldn’t stop it. Kiren’s heart raced, mind spinning out of control, breathing in ragged gasps. She had no idea how much time passed or what was happening around her, only the weight of the thoughts entering her mind which threatened to drive her mad.
As suddenly as it began, she felt the gentle caress of Sh’zul’s mind overpowering everything else. It was like a door closing, bringing calm and peace at last. She sensed two minds gently speaking, prodding, coaxing her to respond. One was Sh’zul of course, and the other was Andre. She opened her eyes to find Andre holding her on the cavern floor outside Sh’ren’s chamber. Sh’zul was nearby watching carefully, his tail twitching nervously from side to side. She tried to sit up and Andre supported her upper body, placing a hand on the back of her neck. He whispered quietly into her ear.
Odyssey (Galactic Neighborhood Book 2) Page 16
