by S. H. Jucha
For a second, Patrice faltered. She couldn’t detect where the hatch would appear, but a slender outline soon cut the smooth shell and then the hatch lowered. Patrice crossed the bay’s deck in quick steps and pounded up the steps. The pilot, Jerry, stepped quickly out of her way.
“Welcome aboard, Colonel. Sit anywhere you like,” Jerry said, gesturing toward the rows of empty seats.
“Is their room upfront?”
“Absolutely, Colonel.”
Jerry led the way forward, took one seat, and offered the other to Patrice. He handed her a helmet and signaled the controller to provide a forward view in the helmet faceplate. Usually, an Omnian would take the controller’s views through the implant where data apps could more quickly respond compared to a human’s visual system.
“Ready, Colonel?” Jerry asked.
“Absolutely,” Patrice replied, echoing Jerry. Her faceplate displayed a crystal sharp image of the bay. Rather than the high-contrast visual usually seen in person, due to the bay’s harsh lighting, she received a beautifully moderated image that made the bay look better than it ever had.
Patrice waited with impatience for the enhanced thrum of the engines, as they readied for takeoff, and the powerful thrust that must surely accompany the fighter’s launch into open space. Instead, the ship lifted, turned into the opening, and exited the bay in a silent, smooth rush.
Patrice glanced at Jerry. Their launch was the eeriest thing she’d ever felt, and her pilot was adding to the weirdness of it all. He sat with his hands folded together, quiet, no movement, as the traveler twisted this way and that way around asteroids, accelerating at a tremendous rate, judging by the enormous rocks that sped past.
“Who’s flying this machine?” Patrice asked, not without a little trepidation.
“I’m in charge, Colonel, but the controller is flying the shuttle. I requested coordinates for Idona, confirmed them against my telemetry data, and requested the controller deliver us there.”
“How did the controller know the coordinates, if this ship has never been there?”
“Oh, I see what you’re asking. Anywhere that Alex, Julien, and the Méridiens have ever been is embedded in this controller’s memory.”
“Everywhere?” Patrice asked, seeking confirmation.
“As you know, memory crystal banks can hold an enormous amount of data.” Silence followed Jerry’s statement, and he thought that perhaps he’d made a faux pas. “Doesn’t your civilization employ crystal for memory and power?” he asked.
“No,” Patrice replied flatly. The expectation of seeing Olawale again and experiencing the world of the Omnians was blunted. She was reminded of the huge technological gulf between their societies and lamented the time lost by Earth and its satellites, during the long period of stagnation and the hard-governing hand of United Earth’s Tribunal.
“My apologies, Colonel, I meant nothing by my question.”
“No problem, Jerry,” Patrice replied. But that exchange effectively ended their conversation. Much sooner than Patrice expected, the image of the Rêveur appeared in her faceplate.
“We’re headed to your ship,” Patrice remarked.
“Yes, Colonel. Those were my orders. Do you need to speak with Envoy Olawale to discuss alternative arrangements?”
“No, but I must inform Rim Governor Fowler of the change.”
“The governor is aboard the Rêveur now, Colonel.”
“Very efficient of the envoy,” Patrice remarked.
Jerry wisely chose not to reply to the comment. He had the feeling that he’d mishandled the conversation with the colonel and failed to develop a rapport. But, Jerry needn’t have worried. If anything, Patrice Morris had an irrepressible personality. When she exited the traveler, and saw Olawale waiting to greet her, she cried out in joy and gave him a fierce hug.
“The man who started it all,” Patrice said in Olawale’s ear.
“I wasn’t alone,” Olawale reminded her.
“You led,” Patrice reminded him. She glanced at Olawale’s left and exclaimed, “Captain Lumley,” giving him a hug too. “Why don’t you two look like you’re aging?” Patrice challenged them.
“That’s what I asked,” Nikki said, stepping from the rear of the group. “I think it’s more technological magic. Remember how the Harakens helped our people recover. But, putting that aside, Colonel, here are two people who I’ve been wanting you to meet.”
Nikki’s arm gesture directed Patrice to focus on the tall, young man and the young woman leaning on his arm, both of them smiling at her.
When a frown formed on Patrice’s face, Edmas, using the tone and slang of an Idona teenage rebel, asked, “You still a milt, Colonel?”
“Edmas?” Patrice asked, and the young man beamed at her. “Jodlyne?” she asked, looking at the woman, who nodded. “Incredible,” Patrice replied in a hush. “You two look wonderful.” She threw her arms around the young couple who she last knew as scrawny rebel rats that crawled through air vents to attack the militia and steal their equipment.
“And may I present our SADE?” Olawale said, stepping aside.
“Greetings, Ser. I’m Esteban.”
“Is that face paint, Esteban?” Patrice asked. She stared at the subtle blues, greens, and occasional white peaks. It reminded her of waves approaching the beaches of Sol.
“It’s a pattern embedded in my synth-kin, Colonel. There’s a long story behind what you see. Perhaps it’s a discussion best saved for later,” Esteban replied, diplomatically.
Olawale had been careful to impress on the Omnians the culture shock Patrice and Nikki would experience, saying, “They briefly knew the Harakens, and, while time crawled for the people of Sol, it leapt for the Omnians. We have to focus on the mission Alex sent us out to accomplish. Our goal is to communicate with the government about the probe and get permission to destroy it.”
After the greetings were finished, Olawale said, “It’s mealtime, Sers. If you’ll follow me?”
Patrice and Nikki expected the usual Earther treatment aboard ship of a private dinner served in the captain’s quarters. Instead, they walked into a dining room, busy with people taking trays to seats, already eating, and everyone chatting. However, the moment the Earthers entered, everyone stopped, and nodded heads, with hands to heart, in a coordinated motion.
“I forgot about those … the implants,” Nikki said, as Patrice and she returned the greeting.
When they sat at the head table, servers brought food and drink. Patrice looked at the dishes in front of her. Tears clouded her eyes. They were the favorite foods that she’d enjoyed from the meal dispensers the Harakens had installed on board Idona to help the rebels recover their health, and that later everyone enjoyed until the Harakens left.
Patrice stood up and looked around the dining room. She located Jerry, who was staring at her. Yes, implants, she thought, recognizing the message had been passed silently through the diners that she was seeking someone. Patrice crooked a finger at him, and the pilot quickly crossed the room to her.
“I’m sorry, Jerry. Crystal does hold a tremendous amount of data. Even minutiae, such as the food a foolish militia officer enjoyed. My apologies for my attitude,” Patrice said, laying a comradely hand on the pilot’s shoulder.
“None needed, Colonel. We’re pleased to be of service,” Jerry replied, and returned to his seat.
“Nanites chair,” Nikki said, smiling, having felt the chair adjust to her bottom. “I still have mine.”
“Yes, and you take it to whatever new quarters that you’re assigned. I hear there’s a pool that’s betting on who might get that chair someday. Word is that amount is getting enormous.”
“I’m taking it with me when I die,” Nikki remarked, and the table enjoyed the joke.
“Oh, how I remember this food,” Patrice said around a mouthful. “Pardon my manners, everyone, but I’m going to wallow.”
Olawale smiled genially and let his guests enjoy their food. The crew wa
s hoping for a story, but Olawale warned them off with the excuse that the Earthers had experienced a long day and crossed into another world’s technology.
After meal, the group retired to Olawale’s cabin, which was used by Alex and Renée when they were aboard. Olawale had tried to relocate his bags when he found them deposited there by the crew, but Francis had ended that attempt when he said, “Renée’s orders.”
“Sers, we need your help,” Olawale said, settling into his chair. People were enjoying a cup of thé or a cup of caf, which had been hastily programmed by Esteban. “We can discuss the events that have taken place throughout the years that have brought us to the reason for this trip to Sol, during the next few days —”
“Days?” Nikki asked with concern.
“This will take days, Governor, but the safety of your entire system depends on you helping us, immediately. More than two decades ago, Alex helped an alien species called the Swei Swee escape their prison and destroy it. It was a giant sphere operated by a race known as the Nua’ll. It was thought, by most, to be the end of things, but not for Alex. He sensed there was always more, and it turns out he was right. A second sphere has been located, and a squadron of Tridents are chasing it.”
“Tridents?” Patrice asked. When Olawale held up his hand, Patrice replied, “Right, later.”
“During the preparations for this operation, it was questioned as to how the spheres were locating potential targets,” Olawale continued. “We discovered that the alien race has been sending a probe to every system to monitor it and report back as to the nature of the system, civilizations, ship movement, and potential resources.”
“How many probes have you found?” Nikki asked, setting her cup of caf on the small table beside her.
“One in every system investigated to date,” Olawale replied. “Based on the social progress that you’ve made here, Alex has authorized me to tell you that, where we come from, humans have settled more than fifteen worlds and are regaining other worlds that the Nua’ll sphere devastated.
“Does this mean that you think you’ll find one of these probes here?” Patrice asked.
“The apt word, Colonel, is found. We located your probe soon after transiting into your space. The signal is quite distinctive,” Esteban said.
“Why all the hush-hush, Olawale?” Patrice asked. “Give us the coordinates, and an admiral will order a destroyer to take it out.”
“The probe has a ship destruction radius of 10 million kilometers or more, depending on the circumstances, Colonel,” Esteban explained.
The Earthers stared at Esteban and then Olawale.
“I’m not the expert on these things,” Olawale apologized, “which is why Esteban is along. He carries the data about the probe and will manage the launch of a special tool, our inimitable engineer, Mickey Brandon, calls a banisher.”
Nikki glanced over at Edmas and Jodlyne. “Why are you two here?” she asked.
“Esteban is our business partner,” Edmas replied, which didn’t really answer Nikki’s question, and it showed on her face.
“And we wanted to see the two of you,” Jodlyne added brightly, which caused both Earthers to frown.
“And Alex requested it,” Edmas confessed, which cleared up the confusion.
“Essentially, you made this trip back to Sol,” Patrice said, focusing on Olawale, “to check on us, and it turns out you were right to be concerned. We do have one of these dangerous probes, and you know how to remove it. Is that about right?”
“Yes,” Olawale replied.
“You’re a good man, Olawale,” Patrice said.
“Echo that,” Nikki added.
“Now we need to inform your government and ask permission to proceed,” Olawale said. “Which leads me to ask who and where?”
“President Elbert Munford, who is located on Earth,” Nikki replied.
“And do you know him personally?” Olawale asked Nikki.
“A good friend, yes,” Nikki replied.
“Excellent,” Olawale said, clapping his hands. “Esteban, the president, please.”
“A call would be more appropriate in about nine hours, Ser,” Esteban replied.
“Then let’s turn in and get some sleep, while we can,” Olawale suggested.
Francis lowered his head and his eyebrows furrowed, as he focused on Olawale.
“Yes, well, Francis reminds me that I should inform you that we’re on our way to the probe’s location. We should be there within another day and a half,” Olawale said, wincing slightly.
“Now you tell us this?” Nikki asked. “If it wasn’t for the fact that you’re doing us a huge favor, Olawale, you’d be in deep trouble with me. We call this kidnapping in our system. But, as it is, big man, I’m going to sit back, enjoy the ride, consume your food, and take great pleasure in twisting your tail every chance I get,” Nikki replied.
“Echo that,” Patrice replied, adding her fierce grin to that of Nikki’s.
-20-
New Model
Nikki and Patrice shared a cabin, enjoying a night of deep sleep in the nanites beds, which adjusted so nicely under them. Jodlyne had shown them how to work the refresher, and Esteban had installed a brewing device to make them caf in the morning.
“If you need anything at all, use your readers. Esteban has added a link for you that connects directly to him,” Jodlyne had said.
“Yes, our secure and impenetrable readers,” Nikki had replied, eyeing Patrice.
“SADEs,” Jodlyne had replied offhand, shrugging a shoulder before she let herself out.
“SADEs,” Patrice had repeated to Nikki after the cabin door closed behind Jodlyne, as if Nikki hadn’t understood Jodlyne’s response. Nikki had swatted Patrice’s shoulder, as she said, “Impudent colonel.”
On waking in the morning, the women spent a luxurious amount of time in the refresher. Now, they were seated in the cabin’s main salon, cups of caf in their hands, and their bare feet resting on small padded stools.
“These are what pass for Omnian robes?” Patrice asked.
“We do look a little ridiculous with our underwear showing through these sheer things,” Nikki agreed.
“I think Jodlyne said they were donated from Renée’s wardrobe.”
“Quite the adventuresome woman,” Nikki commented.
“You’d have to be if you were Alex Racine’s partner.”
A knock at the cabin door interrupted their banter, and Nikki called out, “We’re indecent. Come back tomorrow.”
“Is that an actual command, Ser, or is it meant to twist my tail?” Esteban asked.
“Oops,” Patrice whispered, grinning.
“Sorry, Esteban. I thought you were Olawale,” Nikki replied.
“I believe the envoy might have lacked the courage to face you first thing, Sers, but he wishes your attendance in his quarters for the call to the president.”
“Okay, Esteban. Give us five,” Patrice called out.
“I’m at your disposal, Sers,” Esteban replied, taking up a post outside the cabin door to wait for the women. He accessed Patrice’s readers and checked its chronometer timing against that of the ship’s. He presumed Patrice had referred to five minutes instead of the next increment, which would be five hours.
Within minutes, the women joined Esteban, who led them to the ship’s owner suite.
“I was thinking about this suite last night,” Patrice commented, gazing around the well-decorated salon. “It’s luxurious, don’t you think, Governor?”
“Probably much too nice for an envoy,” Nikki added.
“Truce,” Olawale pleaded. “At least, until after the call to your president.”
Nikki and Patrice eyed each other, as if deciding Olawale’s fate. When Patrice nodded, Nikki said, “Truce … for the length of the call.”
Olawale groaned and Edmas and Jodlyne snickered.
“Esteban, if you’ll begin,” Francis requested, while Olawale fetched another cup of thé for himself.<
br />
“Do you need our assistance?” Nikki asked, moments before the speaker on the central table’s console issued a woman’s voice, saying, “President Munford’s offices, how may I direct your call?”
Olawale locked eyes with Nikki and gestured at the comm console.
“Hello, Selena, this Nikki Fowler. I need a moment of Elbert’s time,” Nikki said, taking a seat at the table.
“Let me check his schedule, Governor,” Selena replied.
“No, Selena, this is a comm call from the rim.”
The cabin’s occupants heard nothing from the president’s aide, which led Nikki to prompt, “You still there, Selena?”
“Pardon, Governor, had to take a sip of water. I thought I was hearing things for a moment.”
“You aren’t, Selena. Our faraway friends are back, and their comm system is active.”
“Oh, I see,” Selena said, excitedly. “Let me get you the president.”
Elbert Munford was listening patiently to his guests explain their problem, when his aide rushed into the office.
“Sorry, Mr. President, but you have an urgent call from Rim Governor Fowler,” Selena announced.
“Thank you, Selena,” Elbert said, rising from behind his desk. “Everyone, I’m sorry to cut our time short, but I promise to look into your issue.” He nodded at Selena, who knew she had been cued to add this committee’s report to his agenda to study.
When Elbert’s guests left, he said, “Nicely done, Selena. Send Nikki’s message to my queue.”
“Begging your pardon, President Munford, but Governor Fowler is on the comm.”
“Oh,” Elbert replied, leaping behind his desk and tapping the call button, without waiting for Selena to explain. “Nikki, how are you? When did you get back to Earth?” he asked, waving his fingers at Selena, who closed the office door, shaking her head.
“Greetings, Mr. President, as my friends would say,” Nikki replied. “You’re on speaker with a group of Omnians, whom we once called Harakens. Colonel Morris and I are aboard the passenger liner Rêveur that once brought Alex Racine to our space.”
“President Munford?” Nikki asked, after a few seconds of silence.
