Sentience 1: Storm Clouds Gathering

by Gibson Michaels

  Diet had already been surprised, and amused on several occasions, by some of Hal’s shrewd observations about many incongruities within human society — an unbiased view from the outside-looking-in, so to speak.

  The Planet Raku, Rak Imperial Palace

  It was a long trip from Troxia Station to reach the Imperial planet of Raku. It took another 23 turns for even a quadrant-master like Raan, to finally arrange a private audience with Supreme-Master Xior. Drik was startled when he first laid eyes of the supreme-master. Raan had somehow neglected to mention that Supreme-Master Xior’s pelt was as white as driven snow. He was not a true albino however, as his eyes were not the normal telltale red, but a brilliant blue — a very rare eye color that Drik had only seen on one other Rak face… in a mirror.

  Drik stood silently as Raan presented the supreme-master with a recording of the full inquiry, showing an exceedingly detailed and thorough report on the loss of Imperial Warfleet #28 and the two follow-up fleets. It also revealed the change in Trakaan strategy, and the particulars of how Drik’s squadron had escaped to bring the vital information back. Drik noticed that Supreme-Master Xior’s blue eyes flicked towards him periodically during Raan’s presentation, but he could read nothing from his controlled, neutral expression.

  Surprisingly, Raan even went on to reveal Varq’s grim prophecy. Drik recognized pain registering in Supreme-Master Xior’s face when the details of the prophecy were fully revealed. When Raan’s lengthy report was concluded, Supreme-Master Xior closed his eyes, absorbing all that he’d heard. Suddenly, Xior’s eyes snapped open and bored in on the young squadron-master.

  “Squadron-Master Drik,” said Supreme-Master Xior, speaking directly to Drik for the first time. “In regard to the charges brought against you, for your having broken the 500-cycle-old injunction against modification of Rak warships from the accepted standard — and of your contention that the restriction is appropriately applicable to inter-Rak warfare, but should not be applicable in the hunt of intelligent non-Rak prey, I have only one question. Knowing what you now know of our current Trakaan situation, would you do the same again?”

  Without hesitation, Drik replied, “Yes, Supreme-Master... more so now, than before. Had I not done exactly as I did, the ships and crews of my entire squadron would have also been lost, and our people no wiser as to the cause of the disaster. If I must pay the ultimate penalty for having broken imperial injunction, so be it. The lives of my crews and the countless lives of other Rak warriors that may be saved from a repeat of the disaster because of what knowledge we now possess is fair enough exchange for the life of a single warrior. I die gladly in the knowledge that my life has served and saved others of my people. Right or wrong, it was needful.”

  Supreme-Master Xior studied the young Rak warrior before him, obviously in deep thought. Drik waited stoically for the pronouncement of his condemnation, firm in his resolve that what he had done, was both necessary and right. It mattered not what the records said of him. What mattered was that he had been true to himself and to his people. He had been taught all of his life to honor the ancient ways and the ancient god. Regardless of what Xior or anyone else said, or thought, Drik felt no prick of conscience that would indicate the Dol was displeased with him.

  After an indeterminable wait, Supreme-Master Xior finally nodded and said, “I agree. I will clarify the written injunction to formalize this exception. “I am curious, though… Drik, if it were up to you, how would you handle the Trakaan situation going forward?”

  Drik frowned in concentration before answering. “It would depend on my authority and what instructions were laid upon me by my superiors. If I were instructed to obliterate the Trakaan fleet and subdue what appears to be their home planet, I would first assemble at least five full fleets, so that we were at no worse than a 2:1 disadvantage in numbers to keep our casualties minimal. Then I’d scout the system thoroughly before attacking, so we knew exactly the what and where of Trakaan defenses. Attack would then come from multiple random angles at non-standard distances to avoid their self-homing missile swarm.

  “However, had I the authority to do so, I would choose to leave the Trakaan alone completely.”

  Surprise registered on the supreme-master’s face at that last remark. “After that disastrous defeat, you would allow the appearance to flourish that our defeat has made us too timid to attack there again?”

  “Supreme-Master, we have never cared what prey thought of us or didn’t, so I assume from your question that this ‘appearance’ refers to the image formed in the minds of Raknii. Our people are obsessed with appearances, but appearances are not fact, nor are Raknii opinions evenhanded. We scorn the Trakaan for not fighting well, but then we become incensed against them when they do? How can it be both ways? Has hypocrisy now mated with our arrogance?

  “The ancient ways taught us to reverence our prey… not exterminate them. Our problem lies less with Trakaan combat strategy, than with Raknii absurdity. Wisdom dictates that we should allow over-harvested prey to replenish its numbers, lest there be no prey left when we truly need to hunt again for nourishment.”

  Supreme-Master Xior smiled. “Varq has done well by you.”

  Drik and Raan were both astonished that the supreme-master not only knew of Drik’s body servant by name, but that he also broke tradition by referring to an untouchable, a stoneless one, openly.

  “Raan, you have done well in your handling of this matter... and in bringing Drik before me,” Xior continued. “You have earned mastery over Region-6. Prepare yourself this evening for your ascension ceremony on the morrow. I name you, Region-Master Raan. Govern my people well, in all wisdom and honor.”

  Raan bowed deeply to Supreme-Master Xior and spoke the traditional words, “I live but to serve you, Supreme-Master.”

  “When you return to Troxia, I will keep Drik here with me for a bit,” Xior continued. “But have no fear, I will return him to you at a more suitable rank. I have use for a young master who honors the old ways, is capable of employing cold logic and forethought in pursuit of wisdom, and who places the welfare of his people above his own.”

  Raan completed his ascension ceremony and was awarded his new diamond sunburst and ruby rank-stone, as the new region-master of Region-6. It was a solemn affair, attended only by the supreme-master and a cadre of imperial Dolrak who conducted the hypnotic reconditioning required for assumption of his new rank. Actual application of rank hypnotics were always a closed event, as it involved some of the Raknii’s most closely guarded secrets — the entire foundation upon which Rak civilization depended. Afterward, Raan was then dispatched back to Troxia with imperial instructions from Supreme-Master Xior to suspend offensive operations against the Trakaan, according to Drik’s logic. The decision would not be popular with the masses, but few would dare openly criticize orders issued directly by the Supreme-Master.

  Xior generally issued few imperial edicts, generally preferring to delegate responsibility for most issues to the region-masters most closely involved. There had always been sound, logical reasons for doing so, but now Varq’s sinister prophecy had him rethinking that policy, as much of the decadence that had infected the Rak people, and so incurred Dol’s wrath, had occurred under his lax imperial paw. Xior realized that his “paws-off” approach had acerbated an already insidious problem growing within Rak society, and he now deeply regretted his blasé approach to governance. While not specifically contributing to the problem, Xior realized that he certainly hadn’t done anything to eradicate the disease either — a disease that he now realized infected virtually all of Raknii civilization.

  Xior instructed Drik to bring Varq to him in closed audience, so that he might hear the prophecy directly and question the old Raknii oracle personally. From past experience with Region-Master Glan, Drik had half-expected Varq to refuse to acknowledge even the supreme-master, but Varq was surprisingly cooperative and conversant with Supreme-Master Xior… almost pleasant, in fact.

  Towards
the end of the audience, Xior asked Varq, “Is Drik the one?”

  “He is,” answered Varq.

  “The one” what? wondered Drik.

  “I thought he might be,” answered Xior. “Your task is complete, Varq, and you have performed it with your usual excellence. Are you ready for your restoration?”

  “I live to serve, Master,” said Varq. “If it is your wish, I will return to my former duties… but I will admit that I will miss Drik considerably.” That comment startled Drik, as Varq had rarely expressed affection of any kind... and certainly never an actual attachment.

  “No need, for as much as I desire to have your wisdom close at hand, you shall be accompanying Drik on his next assignment. He will need you in your full authority to... ah, smooth his way, so to speak.”

  “Understood, Master,” answered Varq.

  “After your renewal, consult with your brethren and have them begin the winnowing process — save for the youngest, who still shows minor potential warranting further survival consideration.”

  “As you command, Master.”

  At that, Varq bowed to Xior and, with the barest glance of acknowledgement towards Drik, turned and left the audience room. Xior turned from Varq’s retreating back and studied the young squadron-master seated across from him. Drik had never been alone in the presence of the supreme-master before and found being the sole target of his intense scrutiny, more than a bit disconcerting.

  “You want to ask, but dare not,” chuckled the supreme-master. Drik nodded guiltily. “I’d imagine after hearing my last exchange with Varq,” Xior continued, “you’re probably quite confused by what we didn’t say. Rest easy, Squadron-Master. All will be made clear in time. Now, tell me of your childhood in Glan’s household.”

  Drik couldn’t begin to imagine the supreme ruler of the Raknii race being interested in the childhood memories of an insignificant squadron-master, but Drik did as he was bid… never realizing that only moments before, that except for the youngest, Supreme-Master Xior had just ordered the execution of all of his own male offspring.

  The next time that Drik saw Varq, he was no longer stoneless. Between Varq’s eyes was the diamond sunburst of the High-Rak, surrounding a large black onyx stone, very like the singular stones worn by the Dolrak. Varq also wore a black silk blouse, with black leggings — a uniform unlike any Drik had ever seen on a male, for those were the colors specifically reserved for Dolrak females.

  Dol… Varq really is an OverMaster. They’re not just legends to frighten cubs with. They’re real, and one of them raised me from a newborn! Drik shuddered at the thought.

  Xior had summoned Drik once again to his private chambers, as he’d been wont to do for several turns now. Strangely, the supreme-master routinely questioned Drik pertaining to even the most mundane particulars of Drik’s life — delving into virtually every aspect of it, as though he was truly interested in every insignificant detail. Drik wondered if somehow Xior might have selected him as a representative of the average Raknii, and might be trying to get better acquainted with them through becoming familiar with Drik’s background. Growing up in a region-master’s household, he didn’t see how he could be considered “average.” Confusing.

  “Ah, I see that your restoration is completed, Varq,” said Xior. “Join us, please.”

  Varq entered and bowed to Xior, and then the dour OverMaster turned to Drik and winked at him. Drik’s eyes bulged. He was as startled and shocked as he’d ever been in his entire life. Varq never winked… never. He had no sense of humor, whatsoever. At least, the surly old Rak he’d grown up with had never shown any hint of one.

  “Well, how does it feel, to no longer be stoneless, old friend?” asked the supreme-master.

  “It feels a bit odd to be invisible again,” said Varq. “But not extremely. The stoneless are almost as invisible within Rak society.”

  Invisible? The legends tell that OverMasters are invisible, but then I was always told that they didn’t really exist, too. How is it then, that I can see him? Drik was always pragmatic.

  Drik must have had a puzzled expression on his face, for Xior turned to him and said, “Are you ready for your ascension, Drik?”

  “Ascension, Master?” asked Drik. “I have been told nothing of my being selected for promotion, so I have not performed the ritual purification necessary for receiving the hypnotics of ascension.”

  “I think that Varq can see to that little detail.” Xior nodded to Varq.

  Varq reached into a hidden pocket and brought out a small vial, which he handed to Drik. “Drink and then recline. Quiet yourself and enter into Dol trance, as I have taught you.”

  Taught strict obedience to Varq’s commands from a tiny cub, Drik didn’t hesitate to do exactly as instructed. Soon, Drik lay virtually unconscious.

  “That’s not the standard sedative, is it?” inquired Xior.

  “No, this is the one I used when his fur required coloring.”

  “He never suspected?”

  “Not for a moment. He was raised to be very devout to Dol and the ancient ways, but he also displayed a natural affinity towards the old truths. He accepted all, as necessary parts of his devotions. Had he not been the one, I would have recommended him to join the ranks of my brethren.”

  “That unto itself is the absolute highest compliment that you could have ever possibly given him, Varq. It tells me much of his nature and wisdom and convinces me that he is, indeed, ‘the one,’ and that I am doing the right thing.”

  “He is. You are. There is no doubt.”

  “What of the decadent miscreants?”

  Varq thought it odd, that Xior could appear so cold towards his own get, but then Xior always had seen more clearly than most. Yes, he’d been lax in regards to the degeneration of Rak society, but that hardly mattered, for there was really little that he could have done to have stopped it anyway. Xior was not “the one.”

  Only Dol’s chastisement… the aliens, could humble the Rak people enough that they might see past their own arrogance, far enough to comprehend and follow the message of “the one.” At least Xior saw clearly enough to recognize that his legitimate heirs were apostate — grown vile and therefore had to be eliminated, so “the one” would not have his holy mission endangered by their mere existence. Too bad he had hesitated with the youngest, but Varq and his brethren would deal with that issue, if it became necessary.

  “All but the eldest, have been excised. We await only verification on the last. Have no fear, my brethren shall not fail in their duty.”

  “Time to reveal his heritage then, do you think?” asked Xior.

  “No need to give his enemies advance warning by a public proclamation as yet, but revelation of his true coloring would be unsettling and set tongues to wagging. Some might become particularly uneasy, perhaps revealing themselves before my brethren’s watchful eyes. That much at least, I would advise.”

  “See to it then,” said Supreme-Master Xior. “Here is Raan’s old rank-stone. I think they both will be honored by it. Inform me, just before he awakens fully... I would see his reaction.”

  Drik opened his eyes groggily, not quite comprehending that he was waking yet. These are not my quarters. The thought swam foggily through his head. Raising himself up onto his elbows, Drik was surprised to see Supreme-Master Xior sitting across from him, with Varq at his side. Both appeared to have expectant looks on their faces. Odd to see Varq wearing a rank-stone… and what an incredible rank-stone! Drik vaguely remembered something about ascension, and Varq giving him the preparation drug.

  “Ah, he’s finally waking,” said the supreme-master. “Welcome back, Drix. Your ascension is complete.”

  Drix? Drik looked around and noticed that he was dressed all in imperial white. Even his paws were imperial white.

  “A mirror,” shouted Xior. “Bring Drix a mirror!”

  Movement from the corner of the room, as Drik saw two other figures clad all in black, struggling with a heavy, full-length m
irror between them. Too big for Dolrak. Drik’s eyes widened as they came close enough he could make out their rank-stones... onyx and sunburst. Two more OverMasters were bringing him a mirror. Drik’s brain was still too fog-enshrouded for the shock of being in the same room with the Supreme-Master and three OverMasters to fully register. He merely looked at them in wonder until they managed to wrestle the heavy mirror before him. Then, his eyes strayed to the mirror standing between them. There in the mirror, Drik saw a snow-white Rak wearing imperial whites… a larger, younger version of Supreme-Master Xior, sitting before him. A white Rak wearing the sunburst and emerald of a quadrant-master between his eyes.

  “The stone is Raan’s old one,” said Supreme-Master Xior. “He thinks highly of you Drix, so I thought it appropriate.”

  “You keep saying that, Master. Who is Drix?” Did I just say that out loud?

  “You are… my son.”

  Chapter-9

  Corruption is worse than prostitution. The latter might endanger the morals of an individual; the former invariably endangers the morals of the entire country.-- Karl Kraus

  The Planetoid Discol, City of Waston

  April, 3858

  Diet reached for an the egg-salad sandwich from the tray a maintenance robot had set next to his “command chair,” as he’d come to think of it. Hal could have just as easily had the robots in the kitchen turn out another steamed lobster with drawn butter, or another filet mignon, if Diet had so desired. But after few months of indulging his taste-buds, even such extravagant eating habits had become rather boring and Diet scaled his diet back to more mundane fare... after noticing his belt was becoming uncomfortably tight.

  Diet found his ongoing “lessons” in assisting Hal to understand more about humanity to be just as interesting and informative for him. From constant practice during their discussions, Diet noticed that Hal’s verbal patterns were becoming less “stiff” and formal... and more flowing, the way a real human being might speak.