by S. H. Jucha
Darse and Lawrence rose in protest. Darse’s face contoured in a snarl, and he pointed angrily at Gino. That’s as far as he got. Alex had stepped beside Gino, and the Omnian leader’s eyes dared Darse to open his mouth.
Lawrence reached out and pulled his companion’s arm down. In a huff, the two men marched out of the salon. Escorted by House security, they were led below to the transport tunnel.
Bartosz took the opportunity to continue the discussion. He remarked, “So, Alex, the expedition found humans. That’s a third Earth colony ship that managed to make planetfall. We seem to be a hardy species.”
“I’d like to know what you make of the message, Alex,” Gino asked, as he resumed his seat. He’d experienced an emotional rush, when he found Alex at his side, as he confronted the two Leaders. The faces of his other guests said they’d taken note too.
“I think the concept of traveling between the stars by way of Q-gates housed in domes is fascinating,” Alex said. “I’m sure Mickey and the SADEs will be anxious to figure out how they work. That’s technology that our colonies and Earth could use.”
“Actually, Alex, I was referring to the aggressive species that Olawale mentioned,” Gino said.
“The Colony is just another adversary,” Alex said, in a tired voice. “The galaxy appears to have its share of them. In this case, I’m sure we can help the alliance races regain their lost territory.”
As the evening wore on, the Omnians deliberately migrated to a corner of the salon, seemingly to chat quietly among themselves. In truth, it was an invitation to Shannon Brixton to speak privately with them. Whether or not she recognized the ploy, she did accept.
“Greetings, Sers,” Shannon said, when she joined the Omnians.
The conversation was casual until Shannon chose to end the pleasantries. “Miranda,” she said, “I find it perplexing that we’ve no record of that name in our databases. What was your given name?”
“Dear woman, do you expect a female to reveal her secrets?” Miranda retorted. “Why, we hardly know each other, and certainly, we share the desire to remain mysterious.”
Shannon eyed the SADE. Miranda had deflected her question, and, simultaneously, obliquely referred to House Brixton’s secrets. Unwilling to be deterred, Shannon pressed. “Another item of interest to me, Miranda, is that your voiceprint isn’t on file. Have you changed that too?”
“One of the wonderful attributes of being a SADE, Ser Brixton, is the delightful ability to appear and speak in any manner I wish,” Miranda replied. Her voice had been a perfect imitation of Shannon’s.
“Clever,” Shannon commented. Realizing her curiosity wasn’t going to be satisfied, she made to leave.
“Leader Brixton,” Alex said quickly, “I’d like to call on you tomorrow.”
“Social or business?” Shannon inquired, doubting it was the former.
“Neither,” Alex replied. “Where and when would you like to meet?”
“I’ll have my staff set aside some time for you,” Shannon said, by way of dismissal. She spun around and ran into Julien. Just a moment ago, her implant had registered the space behind her as clear.
“I must get my hearing checked, Leader Brixton,” Julien said politely. “I failed to hear the time of our meeting. However, I took the liberty of querying one of your associates. You’ve a two-hour slot after your midday meal with several friends. Would that time be convenient?”
Shannon would have stepped around Julien, but the circle of Omnians had closed. She was about to laugh off the absurd attempt at intimidation, but the hard eyes that met her glances stilled the reaction. Even Renée de Guirnon, a Méridien, stared at her in a manner that was unforgiving.
“Fine,” Shannon relented. “Fourteen hours at House Brixton tomorrow.”
Immediately, the Omnian circle widened, and Shannon made her escape.
After having witnessed the interaction with Shannon, Gino joined the Omnians. “Alex, you didn’t really come here to update us on Sol and the alliance, did you?”
“No, it wasn’t our prime reason, Gino,” Alex admitted, “but you and I must discuss the role of Sol in our futures.”
“Shannon won’t be inclined to share her House secrets,” Gino warned.
“I didn’t think she would,” Alex said, laughing quietly at the thought that Shannon Brixton would be that generous. Then his eyes narrowed, and he said, “But we don’t intend to leave Méridien without them. We’ll accept nearly any conditions she wishes to stipulate.”
“I hope you know that I can’t interfere in your negotiations, Alex,” Gino said. “This is between you and House Brixton.”
“We wouldn’t ask you to, Leader Diamanté,” Renée said. “However, we understand you’ve a role as House Leader, but then you’re the Council Leader too.”
Gino understood the difference Renée was pointing out. If necessary, the Omnians intended to involve the Council if Shannon Brixton proved uncooperative. He regarded Alex, then Renée, and then Julien. “Who knew the Confederation’s future would diverge so greatly from its steady, if not plodding, path when the three of you met,” he said and left his guests to speak among themselves.
4: House Brixton
“A slightly different reception than last night,” Tatia remarked. She stood with balled fists on hips and stared at the closed gates of House Brixton.
The Rêveur’s traveler had landed in a street outside the Brixton compound. When the Omnians had disembarked, they found no one to greet them.
Julien connected to a mobile House SADE, Pericles, who rushed out of the house to open the gate.
“Apologies, Alex and friends, for our poor greeting,” Pericles said. “There’s no appointment on Ser Brixton’s schedule.”
“We made it with Leader Brixton yesterday evening,” Renée said. “She isn’t here, is she?”
“Apologies again, Ser de Guirnon, I wasn’t informed of your meeting,” Pericles said. “A quarter hour ago, Ser Brixton told me that she’d received an urgent message, and she left immediately afterward.”
Julien regarded Pericles, who displayed his disappointment. Every Omnian, human and SADE, knew that Pericles would have been aware of every one of Shannon’s communications. By his expression, it was obvious that she hadn’t received the message that she’d mentioned to him.
Julien excused Pericles, who apologized again, before he closed the gate.
“What now?” Tatia asked.
“Julien, connect me to Shannon,” Alex requested.
“Leader Brixton has refused my request for a link,” Julien reported.
Alex stared at the Brixton house, which was visible through the barred metal gate. He’d hoped to at least start a dialog with Shannon, before she threw up blocks. He considered that she’d anticipated the reason for their meeting, and this was her answer to any future discussions.
“Julien, connect me to Winston,” Alex requested.
Winston considered the request unusual, but it was a simple thing to do for Alex. He attempted a link. Of the many outcomes he’d calculated, the one he experienced wasn’t among them. Leader Brixton refused his link.
Winston had
accessed multiple SADEs to reach Shannon Brixton. Every one of those SADEs was aware of the Leader’s refusal to accept his link. Combined with their estimation as to the reason that Alex requested to meet with Ser Brixton, they were concerned for the lack of cooperation on the Leader’s part.
“Shannon definitely knows why we want to meet with her,” Alex commented quietly. “Julien, is the Council in session?”
“Negative, Alex, but they do convene tomorrow,” Julien replied.
“Which is where all the parties we need will be present,” Renée remarked.
“Board,” Alex directed.
Seated next to Renée and across from Tatia and Julien, Alex sat in thought. Shannon Brixton’s adamancy was unexpected, and it made him wonder. In actual fact, it made him suspicious. He’d been prepared to bargain for the technological expertise. Shannon could have requested credits per SADE, required production limits, and demanded a noncompetition clause, where it concerned the Confederation.
“Her reaction doesn’t make sense,” Alex muttered.
“The SADEs doubt the Leader’s reaction is due to business concerns,” Julien said.
“Do you mean the fleet’s SADEs or the SADEs in this system?” Tatia asked.
“The broader group,” Alex answered. “Every SADE has a stake in the outcome of our negotiations.”
“Then they should boycott the Confederation until Shannon Brixton agrees to deal openly and fairly with us,” Tatia retorted. She was irked that Méridien SADEs had been involved without her knowledge, although she noted that it hadn’t bothered Alex.
“Méridien SADEs don’t wish to be overtly involved, Admiral,” Julien explained. “They don’t wish to harm their relationships with the Confederation. They’ll willingly share their opinions, but they don’t wish front-row seats to the confrontation.”
“What would Méridien SADEs think if after unsuccessful attempts to engage Shannon we’re forced to return to Omnia empty-handed?” Renée asked.
Julien’s head tilted to the side, as if he was listening to the system’s SADEs. It was an affectation to appear more acceptable to humans and aliens.
“They would be content to wait,” Julien reported. “Their relationships are their priority. In due course, all of them will be freed from their boxes, thanks to us. For now, that’s sufficient for them.”
“Then its Omnian SADEs who are pressing this request,” Tatia said, realization striking home. “Why the difference in attitude?”
The cabin’s aisle filled with the approach of Z and Miranda, who had, as usual, locked their avatars, while they stood against the rear bulkhead.
“Omnian SADEs, especially those in the fleets, have glimpsed our kind’s future,” Z said. “The likes of Faustus, Artifice, and the Chistorlans’ creations are deeply troubling.”
“We’ve observed nothing but AI failures, where it concerns mature integration with biologicals,” Miranda added. “Where are those who are similar to us? Why are we unique as self-aware digital entities?”
“If the Confederation’s SADEs are willing to wait ...?” Tatia asked, leaving the question hanging.
“Wait for how long?” Miranda replied tartly. “Wait for the human race to fail? Wait for a great adversary to arrive and exterminate the colonies?”
“Why not ask, Admiral, why we should have to wait, even if Confederation SADEs choose to do so?” Z interjected.
Tatia regarded Alex, expecting a response, but he stared quietly at Julien, who was also watching him. For Tatia, it was hard to tell if the two were engaged in conversation or simply trying to intuit what the other was thinking.
“What if Shannon is frightened to divulge the House secret?” Renée posited. “We acknowledge that the Houses and their Leaders are about business. If a deal is successful, Omnia Ships and the SADEs’ private funds represent a huge credit windfall for House Brixton. I think Alex and the SADEs are right. Shannon’s reactions are unnatural, because this isn’t about a business opportunity. It’s about fear.”
“Well?” Alex queried Julien.
“Conjectures are more numerous than the number of SADEs,” Julien replied apologetically. “I can’t lend many of them credence.”
“If the dear woman fears revealing her House secrets to us, it might be because she suspects the information will find its way to the general public, resulting in damage to her House,” Miranda reasoned.
“Why stop there?” Renée added. “It might prove upsetting to the Confederation.”
“Precisely,” Z said.
“That eliminates our attendance at tomorrow’s Council meeting,” Alex said. “I’d intended to use the Council to pressure Shannon, but if we’re right, she might take extraordinary steps to protect her House secrets.”
“Julien, are the SADEs sure that there are no hidden codes within their kernels?” Renée asked.
“You’re thinking of Artifice and the federacy,” Julien replied. “I can admit that I’ve never examined every bit of my code, but I know someone who has done that.” He glanced over his shoulder at Miranda.
“There’s nothing like that,” Miranda said simply.
“Méridien SADEs are completing checks now,” Julien said. “They aren’t finding anything either.”
“So, House Brixton doesn’t have an ultimate hold over the SADEs,” Tatia mused. “Could Shannon be concealing atrocities concerning the SADEs’ creation?”
“According to Julien’s records, Leader Brixton reported the early failures of her House, admitting to the termination of those experiments,” Z reminded Tatia. “She exhibited confidence in her House’s present accomplishments.”
“Then I’m stumped,” Tatia complained.
“As we all are,” Renée admitted.
“Then we must approach Shannon gently. Think Ollassa,” Alex said.
* * * * *
After refusing every call the first day, Shannon instructed Pericles to filter her comms. Her standing order was for him to deny any Omnian connection, no matter how remote the link.
Finishing morning meal and accompanied by three House associates, Shannon rode a lift three levels below the main floor. She and her people exited the lift and entered a tunnel, which led to the Méridien underground transport system.
As Shannon expected, the car she’d ordered waited for her. She stepped inside, and immediately the doors slid closed behind her. Trapped on the outside, her associates hurried to the car’s other entrance, only to see those doors close before they’d taken several steps.
Shannon watched the car’s individuals, who’d had their backs to her, turn around.
“You couldn’t take a hint, could you?” Shannon accused in a strident voice.
“Actually, we did,” Alex replied. “You didn’t accept our calls, but you failed to mention that we couldn’t meet with you.”
Alex had tried for a touch of humor, but Shannon’s scowl said she wasn’t amused. He realized Renée was right. There was a touch of panic in Shannon’s eyes.
The underground car accelerated, achieving tremendous speed. Its grav system allowed passengers to stand or move about while it was underway.
“Look at us, Shannon,” Alex coaxed. “These three SADEs possess an absolute capability to maintain secrecy. That leaves Renée and me. The five of us have repeatedly risked our lives to protect the Confederation, Méridien, House Brixton, and you. What more must we do to deserve your consideration?”
“I’ve never doubted your courage or your efforts on our behalf,” Shannon acknowledged.
“Your evasiveness is a sure sign that you know what we’ve come to ask you,” Renée said. “It’s also evident that you harbor something more than simple technological processes.”
Shannon briefly glanced out a viewport at the blur of t
he passing tunnel and the cars flashing by in the opposite direction.
“Shannon, offer us conditions that will make you feel safe,” Alex encouraged. “We can meet and talk until we reach an amicable agreement. If we can accomplish that, it’ll be necessary for us to observe the actual process of creation.”
Shannon regarded the earnest faces of Alex and Renée. She knew if there were any two humans she might trust to abide by her conditions, it would be these two. Still, she couldn’t will herself to accept Alex’s proposal. Her father had warned her since childhood that she had to protect House Brixton. Other than her, only a few associates knew its secrets, and they were highly compensated.
“I’ll think about what you’ve said,” Shannon replied. “By the way, is this car headed for Confederation Hall?”
“Yes, it is,” Renée replied. “We wouldn’t want to be accused of kidnapping. It was a remarkable coincidence that we happened to occupy the same car.” She ended her response with a bright smile.
Shannon glanced at the three SADEs, whose expressions were conveniently neutral. “Amazing coincidence,” she muttered.
The car swiftly decelerated, and Alex knew he had only moments to ensure the tenuous thread that he’d established would hold. “Will you call me when you’re ready, Shannon?” he asked.
Shannon heaved a sigh. “Yes,” she said, “but not today. I need time to consider.”
The car came to a halt under Confederation Hall. Traffic was heavy. Cars were arriving in numbers. The Council was meeting today.
Shannon exited the car without a backward glance.
Julien signaled the car to return to the station, which was located below where they’d left the traveler on the street above. He sent a quick thank you to Pericles, who’d been complicit in setting up their interception of Leader Brixton.
* * * * *
Alex and Renée waited each day, hoping to hear from Shannon. Patience slowly turned into frustration.
