by S. H. Jucha
“The alliance representatives want a proof of concept,” Jess continued. “The outpost is willing to provide the wherewithal to demonstrate that relocating a dome outside of alliance space can be accomplished.”
Suddenly, the audience was alive with speculation.
Reporters searched their historical data to communicate details about the outpost commander and the admiral, who sat close to him.
“As such, we’re willing to relocate the Re-Gen dome and attempt to connect the gates,” Jess continued.
“Connect to where?” a male Veklock called out.
“That’s to be discussed, isn’t it?” Jess replied calmly.
“Where will you move the dome?” Hardomia added.
“Let’s take these questions one at a time,” Jess replied.
Nikki was loath to interrupt the critical exchange. She had to admit that the commander was handling the back and forth well.
“First,” Jess said, touching a left forefinger with the right one, “we must choose a new location.”
Alex and Jess had discussed this exact issue. They’d worked through the various options, and only one seemed acceptable.
“We propose Sol,” Jess said.
Nikki could have been knocked over by a feather. She couldn’t believe what she’d heard. If the dome installation was successful, there was no possibility of Sol backsliding into some egregious form of United Earth. She focused intently on the delegates to gauge the acceptance of Jess’s suggestion.
The triumvirate’s heads were together, beaks forming a wedge. Hardomia had joined them.
In an aisle, the Resistance delegates had gathered and were earnestly discussing the same subject.
To Nikki’s eyes, the delegates in the aisle must have come to a conclusion. They sent Daktora to speak with the Veklocks and the Hyronzy.
Daktora waited in the aisle nearest the foursome, forcing them to rise and come to him.
Nikki swiped at her mouth to disguise her smile. The politics of Sol paled to the maneuverings between worlds. She could only imagine how complicated the negotiations between territories had become. She glanced toward Alex, who was watching Daktora.
You should be proud, Alex, Nikki thought. The conclave appears to have produced results. If your engineering teams can pull off this feat, the agreements are assured, and the galaxy will receive a tremendous boost toward stability.
Daktora nodded his great jaw, and the Veklocks and Hardomia returned to their seats.
“Madam President,” Daktora said, projecting his powerful voice, “the combined voices of the alliance delegates find Commander Jess Cinders’s relocation site to be acceptable.”
The audience exploded into applause, cheering, and roaring.
Nearly as loud were the reporters, who were yelling updates to their viewers that Sol had been chosen for this momentous test. They were speculating at the top of their voices about what this could mean for the original cradle of humans.
Jess had remained standing during the conferencing, while patiently waiting for a decision. This was another part of the Alex-Jess discussion.
“If we’re right about the sticking point,” Alex had said, “it’s critical that you resolve every question. To do that, you have to hold the floor after you’re recognized.”
Then Alex, Renée, Jess, Lucia, and Julien had discussed the questions that might arise and the preferred solutions.
In the conference hall, Nikki held her hands high to restore order. When the audience was quiet, she nodded toward Jess. “Please continue, Commander. You seem to be doing a fine job.”
The audience chuckled, chittered, barked, and rumbled at the president’s comment.
“The next question is a bit trickier,” Jess said, “and it bears some serious thought. Obviously, we will attempt to connect Re-Gen’s gates to their entangled locations, but who wants to journey to a terminal line of systems?”
“What are you suggesting, Commander?” a male Veklock inquired.
“At the present time, a dome can contain six gates,” Jess replied. “The Re-Gen dome has three existing gates. Suppose we’re successful at connecting the original pairings, we’ve three possible new gate connections. Where should they go?”
This time, it wasn’t just the alliance delegates who pooled their thoughts. The delegates of the human colonies and Sol met in another section of the aisles, where Suntred joined them to hear their discussion.
Nikki needn’t any clarification about the commander’s final remark. More than two annuals ago, she’d received the favorite images of the fleet, depicting Jess, Lucia, Sam, Tacnock, and others combating reds and grays. Then she shuddered at the thought of confronting one of the monstrous alien sentients, who would be intent on destroying her.
Jess stood respectfully, while one group would come to a conclusion and send a rep to another group to share ideas. The back and forth among groups continued for more than an hour, and Jess occasionally shifted his legs to prevent them stiffening.
Finally, the delegates returned to their seats, and they left Talsoma standing.
“Madam President,” the Sylian monarch said, “we’re unable to reach a final conclusion. However, we’ve six agreeable contenders for the three gates. In no particular order, the worlds are Pyre, Hyronzy, Veklock, Jatouche, Méridien, and Omnia. As the latter two suggestions don’t have domes, we’d have to wait until the experiment is successful to revisit this discussion.”
“Is this solution acceptable to you, Commander?” Nikki asked.
“Madam President, we find this answer unacceptable,” Jess said. He waited for the ensuing outbreak, but it never came.
The quiet surprised Nikki too. “What alternative do you offer the delegates, Commander?”
“Madam President, I’ve been advised by a superb futurist by the name of Julien that we shouldn’t focus on this question within the confines of the next annual or so. Rather, we should examine it within a far greater time frame,” Jess said. “In that light, it’s our suggestion that we attempt to connect one new gate. That would leave two gates for future discussions. We find one suggestion to be worthy of the first attempt. Sol’s new gate should connect to Pyre.”
Leslie was stunned that her system had been offered, and she yearned to rise, rush to the gallery, and kiss Jess. Now, she waited to see if his suggestion was approved.
Some groups reformed. The Resistance delegates merely eyed one another and nodded. One by one, a member of each group rose and approved the suggestion.
“Congratulations, President Finian,” Nikki said. “Your system will be part of a great experiment.”
Leslie rose and slowly turned in a circle. “Thank you all for the privilege,” she said. “Know that we might be a human world, but we are now and forever will be an alliance race.”
Leslie’s comment pleased Hardomia, who had argued with the Veklocks for the commander’s choice. The triumvirate had posited that the connection would draw Pyreans out of the Tsargit, which they found unacceptable.
“Commander, your turn,” Nikki said.
“Let’s consider the credits necessary to pay for this experiment,” Jess said. “I’ve been told that Omnia Ships is willing to pay the entire price, but I don’t think that’s fair.”
Alex frowned. It wasn’t what he’d proposed Jess should say, but he refrained from contacting Jess.
“Omnia Ships would benefit only indirectly from the success at Sol,” Jess explained. “Taken in the context of the single new gate, if we’re successful, you might suggest that Sol and Pyre are responsible for the costs. That’s also too narrow a view. So, who benefits?”
Jess left the question hanging. Slowly, the delegates realized he was waiting for an answer from them.
Gino stood about the same time as the Resistance and other colonist delegates. Hardomia and the Veklocks kept their seats.
Nikki quickly polled the delegates. “Commander, you seem to have your choice of worlds willing to offer you the credits you need.”
Jess crooked his neck to one side and then the other.
Lucia covered her smile. She’d seen that gesture many times. Jess sought to remove cricks in his neck before he set out to encounter the insectoids.
“It’s good to know that most delegates recognize the value of a successful dome installation,” Jess replied, and the vid cams focused on the Hyronzy and the Veklocks, who appeared decidedly uncomfortable. “However, I had a different solution in mind. We think every world should contribute.”
“But you don’t know the final costs,” the female Veklock objected.
“You’re correct,” Jess replied congenially, “which is why I propose annual payments from each world to supplement the hosting of the conclave and this first installation. That way the costs are distributed, possibly by population.”
A strangled squawk was heard from the female Veklock, which expressed the sentiments of the triumvirate. The Veklocks realized that the alliance was the most populous area of space and would be required to contribute the most funds.
“We object to the suggestion,” a male Veklock announced loudly.
A few moments later, Nikki said, “Commander, rather than be bogged down in an argument on the topic of credits, I’ve a suggestion that was worked out with President Finian. The dome will directly benefit Sol. We will pay for the moving of the Re-Gen dome. If the gate connection to Triton is successful, Pyre will pay a fourth of the costs. Whoever gets the other two gates will pay a quarter each.”
Alex sent to Jess.
“We find that to be an excellent solution, Madam President,” Jess said, tipping his head to Nikki. “In fact, I think it’s a perfect model for future dome relocations and new gate installations.”
“Are there any more questions to resolve for this proof-of-concept experiment?” Nikki asked.
Hardomia rose, and Nikki nodded at him.
The Hyronzy turned to Jess and asked, “Who will be employed to manage Re-Gen’s relocation? The Hyronzy have a vested interest in seeing how the processes work.”
“I’m sure that Mickey Brandon won’t mind a limited number of observers,” Jess replied. “As for the actual work, I would ask him to reply to the question.”
Jess turned to the side and extended a hand to Mickey.
“If you want to try a great experiment, then you must control the variables,” Mickey expounded. “We know we can move a dome three hundred meters and successfully reconnect the gates. More important, we know who was employed to do the work. It makes engineering sense to repeat the exercise with the same individuals.”
Mickey was about to regain his seat when he heard, “We also find that unacceptable,” the other male Veklock called out. He straightened, eyed the triumvirate, shrugged, and said, “Fine. I’ll hire Veklocks to dig the pit for the dome placement.” He’d delivered his offer with a deadpan face, and he was tickled to watch the beaks of the Veklocks drop open.
“Trenching holes in regolith isn’t our specialty,” the female Veklock retorted.
“I thought not,” Mickey retorted, “which is why I suggest that you leave engineering project management to individuals who know what they’re doing.”
As Mickey resumed his seat, the Crocians roared their approval of his response.
“You’ve heard the opinion of the senior engineer who will head this project,” Jess said. “We will manage the Re-Gen relocation to Sol in the same way that it was moved along the ridge. Races who wish to send an observer may speak to Mickey. Positions will be limited, and the observers must be environment suit qualified.”
“Any other questions?” Nikki asked. When none were forthcoming, she sent privately,
38: Proof of Concept
Nikki extracted promises from the delegates to return to Sol following a successful implementation of the dome. “At that time, you’ll have the opportunity to conclude your agreements,” she said. She turned her gaze toward Mickey and Jess, who wore confident expressions, even though they felt nothing of the sort.
The vid cams focused on the pair, as the reporters commented on the daunting challenge that faced the duo.
One reporter went so far as to say, “If this inventive collection of individuals succeeds, Sol and Pyre will represent the beginning of a transformative period for a vast area of space.”
With no other business to conduct, Nikki closed the conclave.
Immediately, the reporters stood and rushed to interview the delegates, the admirals, and the SADEs. Of great interest were any comments from Nikki, Alex, Renée, Julien, Mickey, and Jess.
Several fashion reporters surrounded Myseth to learn who created her outfits, which had varied daily.
“These were my designs,” Myseth had replied to the first question. “Why the interest?”
Myseth heard an earful about Earther interest in fashion design, and she began plotting a course for her family business, which would eventually make the Jaknas label a premier name in Sol fashion.
The Resistance delegates led by the Crocians made their way through the throng of reporters to reach Mickey and Jess.
“Whatever the two of you need for your project, you need only ask,” Tockitak said. “I speak for the Resistance races.”
“We need good fortune,” Jess replied, with a grin.
“Admittedly, we’ve not learned to request that on demand,” Talsoma replied, with a soft snarl.
“We can’t wait to get started,” Bortoth said. “How will we transport the dome?”
“I was thinking about that,” Mickey replied, “and I need to talk to some key people. Excuse me.”
Jess and Lucia received Mickey’s signal, and the trio made for Nikki, who had remained on the dais.
Nikki excused herself, gathered Portia, and led the way to a private conference room.
“Admiral, what’s the status of carrier six?” Mickey asked.
“Just days before we launched for here, the carrier received its complement of Resistance forces, and it sailed for a series of planets and moons on the edge of alliance space,” Lucia replied.
“There goes that idea,” Mickey grumped.
“You need a ship?” Nikki asked.
“I need the right kind of vessel, Madam President,” Mickey replied. “A freighter, of which we have plenty, won’t work, and I don’t want to tie up a city-ship unless we must.”
“How about a carrier?” Portia inquired.
Mickey quirked his eyebrows at the executive assistance, who grinned.
“We’re building carriers for the transport of citizens between Sol and the colonies,” Portia explained.
“When’s the first one due to be launched?” Nikki asked.
“Three days,” Portia replied. “With an intrasystem flight, transit test, and crew training. It’ll be ready two weeks after launch.
”
Nikki and Portia grinned at Mickey, who mirrored their expressions.
“I’d like to buy your carrier,” Mickey said happily.
“Negative, my superlative engineer,” Nikki said, which doused Mickey’s grin. “However, you may lease it for the time period of your engineering project.”
When Nikki saw Mickey frown, she added, “It’ll be at the reasonable rate of one credit per Sol day. The true lease price will be part of the installation cost, which will eventually be shared with the worlds at the other ends of the three new gates.”
“The price is right for me,” Mickey replied, shaking hands with Nikki to seal the deal.
Of course, Julien stored the transaction’s communications.
“One question, Mickey,” Nikki said. Then she hesitated, thinking how to frame her question.
“I don’t know, Madam President,” Mickey said. “What I told your audience was true. We can manage the engineering side of the project. That’s as far as we go.”
“Then it’s up to the dome whisperers,” Lucia interjected.
When Nikki asked for an explanation, Jess described the means by which many of the recent dome secrets had been revealed.
“A Pyrean empath, a medical officer, two human engineers, a comm system SADE, and a SADE who calls himself Minimalist,” Nikki summarized, shaking her head in surprise.
“That collection of individuals has made incredible strides,” Mickey said. “We hope they’ll be able to solve the new riddles.”
The outpost trio excused themselves and sought some privacy.
“The Pyrean spacers will have launched their vessels for the belt,” Lucia pointed out.
“I want the same crews,” Mickey replied. “We had no accidents, and we know how to rotate them. I’m adamant about this.”
“They’ll come back for the same offer, even if it means they return with a partial load,” Jess said.
“When would we need them?” Lucia asked.
Mickey connected to Hector and requested calculations on the data that he had accumulated. “Hector says that we should be able to collect the spacers from Pyre in about thirty-one Sol cycles.”
