by S. H. Jucha
“The alliance has studied the domes for several millennia,” Jaktook explained. “At the present time, member-to-member connections represent only about two-thirds of the entire gates possessed by the alliance.”
“I don’t get it,” Pete said. “Wouldn’t the gates always be built in entangled pairs? That would mean they all lead somewhere.”
“This is politics, not science, Pete,” Jessie said. “Alliance members wait for a new race on the other end of a gate to become versed in the Messinants console before contacting them.”
When Pete frowned, Harbour intercepted his question. “Yes, Pete, we were an exception, thanks to Her Highness.” She swung a hand toward Jaktook to indicate he should continue.
“The alliance has no way of knowing the number of domes that extend beyond the third of member gates that haven’t established links,” Jaktook said. “We knew the Colony dome had five gates, and we’ve just discovered one of those gates leads to a dome with three gates. You can ask yourself how many domes and gates are yet to be identified.”
“Jaktook, you’re saying that a member race might visit a dome,” Tracy posited, “and find no one home. And, if they discovered the dome had other gates, they wouldn’t explore those connections?”
“There isn’t much reason,” Tacticnok interjected. “The Messinants chose to locate the gates offsite from a planet. For trade to take place, each race must be able to travel from their planet to their dome.”
“Except, in this case, the Colony isn’t waiting for those circumstances to occur, Your Highness,” Mangoth pointed out.
“Did you finish your point, Jaktook?” Harbour asked.
“Thank you, no, Envoy,” Jaktook replied. “It’s this: We suspect there are many unidentified domes and gates. I believe that we will find a means of reaching a member race by exploring one or the other of the two gates at the unknown dome. It will only be a matter of time.”
“How much time?” Dillon asked.
“I’d think it would be a matter of numbers,” Jessie said. “The more people who explore the gates, the sooner a connection might be found.”
“Not what I’d call a specific answer,” Dillon mumbled.
“You’ll have to excuse my brother,” Tracy said in exasperation. “He doesn’t realize that the exploration party is about volunteers, and with his attitude, there isn’t much chance of him being invited.”
Dillon glared at his sister, and the laughter circling the table only added to his pique.
“Speaking of which,” Harbour said, “this is about volunteers. I seriously suggest that those of you with dependents return to Pyre.”
“Is the original team going to make another try?” Olivia asked. She looked at each explorer, who either nodded or stared quietly back at her. “Hmm,” she said. Then, looking around at her fellow engineers and the eighteen, she added, “They’ve faced the Colony, and they’re going back.”
“Let’s discuss the specifics of what we’ll encounter,” Devon said. “Jaktook, how many levels can be accessed in a dome?”
“To my knowledge, only the deck and two levels below have been accessed,” Jaktook replied.
“Why did you qualify it?” Jessie asked.
“The Colony has already exhibited an understanding of the consoles that exceeds our knowledge,” Kractik interjected. “It’s possible that they’ve discovered the means to penetrate below a dome’s third level.”
“Earlier, Jaktook made a good point about the passage through the Colony dome,” Devon continued. “The complication is that we’ve got to take enough individuals to secure the construction dome, and that means multiple transfers through the Colony’s dome.”
“True, Devon,” Kractik said. “It would require defending the console, while I made as many transfers as we had explorers and equipment.”
“And those arriving first in the construction dome would have to defend that platform while the reinforcements arrived,” Jessie concluded. “By the way, I’m tired of calling this place the unknown or construction dome. Every dome we visit after this one will be unknown.”
“Our target will be alpha dome,” Devon said. “From the Colony dome, we’ll arrive at gate alpha-three.”
“Works for me,” Jessie replied.
“For the newcomers,” Harbour said, “it must be stressed that deadly force can’t be applied against the sentients in the Colony dome, but that doesn’t hold true for those in the alpha dome.”
“Wait,” Pete called out. “We can’t kill them until we catch them outside their own dome? Who made up this stupid rule?”
“The Tsargit,” Mangoth replied, “and as their delegate, I’m required to report any infractions of this rule.”
“Oh,” Pete said quietly.
-24-
Once More
After the meeting with all parties, Harbour spoke to Tacticnok, who passed on the envoy’s request to Jaktook. He made arrangements for the entire group to be housed together in one of the better-appointed facilities within Rissness Station.
When a guide ushered the individuals into the spacious room, the Pyreans halted in their steps. In contrast, Jaktook and Kractik quietly accepted the amenities. However, it was Mangoth, who swaggered into the space and declared, “Now this befits a Tsargit delegate.”
“This is to make us feel good before we get killed,” Dillon grumped.
Tracy rounded on him, and the heat in her face made her brother hold up his hands in apology.
“What part of ‘you don’t have to go’ don’t you get, newbie?” Pete growled. He’d delivered his message from behind Dillon into the spacer’s ear. It caused the young man to flinch.
Tracy grinned at Pete, who winked in return.
“She’s too young for you, Pete,” Olivia admonished, having caught the exchange.
“I know that,” Pete said. “Now that I’m repaired, I need to get back into practice. Besides, Dillon’s right about one thing. There’s a good chance that some, maybe many, of us are going to die during this exploration.”
“Then you’re going?” Olivia asked.
“Yes, aren’t you?” Pete returned.
Bryan joined his fellow engineers. He’d heard the last part of the conversation. “She’s going,” he said.
Pete looked at Olivia, who flicked her eyebrows up.
“Why not say so?” Pete asked.
“I might want to go, but we’ve got an obstacle to clear,” Olivia replied.
“What?” Pete asked.
“Not what, who … Envoy Harbour,” Bryan interjected.
“Why wouldn’t she want us to go?” Pete objected.
“The intravertors,” Olivia replied. “The Jatouche will send parts with the first Pyreans to return to Triton.”
“Then we need a plan,” Pete said, and the others agreed with him.
Once the group was settled into their new space, which was ringed with private sleeping quarters, Jaktook led a series of discussions about the type of equipment they needed and any changes to the suits.
In the initial meeting, Kractik was the first to pipe up. “I want Jatouche suits to have armor on the top of the hands but the palms must allow the nails to protrude.”
Jaktook agreed, which is why Olivia wondered about the request. Jaktook eased her mind by saying, “There’s no need for this change on Pyrean suits. More than once, Kractik and I were either carried or rode on the backs of our companions.”
“And I, for one, prefer to ride than be carried,” Kractik added.
“What am I missing here?” Dillon asked.
“Think of facing adversaries, who are ten times your length, young human, and you’ll understand,” Mangoth said. “The view becomes more harrowing the closer you are to the deck. We’re not journeying anywhere if we lose our console operator. And, lest you forget, we must protect the one advisor who gives the Jatouche credit for the exploration. So, I admonish all of you who travel with us to do your utmost to protect these two key individuals.”<
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Kractik’s small hand patted Mangoth’s thick, scaled forearm, “I did enjoy the view from your shoulders. It was a novel experience,” she said. In reply, Mangoth loosed a deep rumble of satisfaction.
“That reminds me,” Jaktook said. “I’m adding hand and foot straps to the back of every non-Jatouche suit.” He eyed the group and added, “Be prepared to feel our impact on your backs for safety’s sake.”
“Who do we jump on to?” a spacer asked. It was meant in jest, but he wore a worried expression.
“My advice is to keep your wits about you, move quickly, and use your weapons and equipment wisely,” Devon said.
“Well said,” Mangoth added.
“We need to be able to trigger a shift in the visor’s tint,” Aurelia said. “In our last outing, there was a need in the alpha’s tunnel and dome to lighten it. We must be able to manipulate it without using our hands.”
“I was looking at your defensive weapons list,” Henry said. “Did you deploy the gas at any time?”
“No,” Jaktook replied. “And in retrospect, there wouldn’t have been time. It was in an equipment bag, and we were too busy defending ourselves.”
“This makes a great argument for more individuals in the exploration party,” Henry continued. “You need specialized individuals, who are dedicated to deploying one or two pieces of equipment or weaponry. Carrying critical items in your bags won’t work. That’s like sailing in space and leaving your vac suit packed in a bay.”
“Jaktook, consider attaching smaller weapons or tools to our thighs and forearms,” Devon said. “Heavier items can be slung over the shoulder where they can be easily accessed.”
“And no bags or duffels,” Aurelia added. “Whatever else we need has to be carried in a backpack like Mangoth uses. And Envoy Harbour’s and my packs need to carry the makings of greens. We’re employing our full power for considerable periods of time. If we don’t replenish ourselves, we’ll be useless.”
“And I’ll need multiple mesh nets,” Mangoth supplied. “They’re light. If we vacuum pack them instead of rolling, I can carry twenty or more.”
Later, Harbour, Jessie, and Tacticnok joined the group, and Jaktook updated them on the discussions.
When Jaktook finished, Jessie said, “I didn’t hear anyone mention energy weapons, such as the ones the Jatouche soldiers use.”
Tacticnok delicately cleared her throat before she said, “It is against Tsargit policy to supply non-alliance sentients with advanced weaponry.”
“Putting aside the question of whether we have access to these types of weapons or not,” Harbour said. “We’re limited as to who can use them. We can’t have a newcomer, Pyrean or Jatouche, carry that type of weapon. The first time they encounter a pincer-clacking red-black, they’ll be spraying the entire dome’s deck in fire.”
A brief argument broke out among the group arguing the merits of taking an energy weapon and deploying it. The veteran explorers recalled their reactions to the onslaught of the Colony species, and they knew Harbour’s concern about the weapon in the hands of a newbie explorer was correct.
“All arguments aside,” Harbour added into the noise, “there’s still a case to be made for taking an energy weapon.”
“The Tsargit is aware of our actions at alpha dome after receiving Mangoth’s cube,” Devon said. He eyed Mangoth, who tipped his long muzzle in assent. “Then if the Tsargit was to single out anyone for remonstration, or worse, it might as well be me who carries the energy weapon. After Mangoth, I killed more of the Colony sentients than anyone. Therefore, if it’s decided to allow us this type of weapon, I suggest you let me carry it. Adding a few more Colony dead to my total to save our butts can’t make my situation any worse.”
“You don’t fool me, Devon,” Mangoth said, baring his massive rows of teeth. “You wish the energy weapon because your count of the dead was less than mine, and that’s the only way you can compete with my magnificent attributes.”
“Yes, you found me out, Mangoth,” Devon replied, pretending sadness. “Your beauty, strength, and natural gifts are too much for me.”
Mangoth bellowed his pleasure at Devon’s response. He couldn’t remember when he’d enjoyed the company of two species, as much as he had this team of Pyreans and Jatouche, and he would never have considered the latter race if it weren’t for the humans.
“I can easily solve this argument,” Mangoth said. “The Jatouche can’t give Pyreans an energy weapon. They don’t have the authorization. However, as a Tsargit delegate, I do. I’m officially requesting you, Your Highness, to supply Pyrean Devon Higgins with an energy weapon and train him in its operation.”
“I hear Delegate Mangoth’s request, and I’m pleased to fulfill it,” Tacticnok replied.
“Just don’t shoot me, Devon,” Mangoth said, his rumbling hinting at his mirth.
Harbour gently rapped the table to draw everyone’s attention. “There is a greater question to settle before we go much further,” she said. “I wish to hear from the newcomers. Who wishes to return to Pyre and who wishes to go with the team?”
“I’m going,” Tracy piped up.
“No, you’re not,” Dillon growled under his breath.
“And, Envoy Harbour, may I request that you refuse my brother’s offer to join the team if he makes one?” Tracy added.
Harbour took note of the emotion roiling off Dillon. It was a mix of anger, embarrassment, and deep concern, probably for his sister.
“What do you say, Dillon?” Harbour asked.
“I’d rather go home, but my sister is dead set on going,” Dillon replied, “which means I’m going too. If nothing else, I’m going to see if I can keep her from being eaten.”
“There’s no indication that the Colony species eat sentients, Dillon,” Mangoth interjected. “They appear to bite and let the victims die from their venom.”
“Wonderful,” Dillon grumbled.
After the initial rush of Tracy and Dillon, the room was quiet. The veteran explorers regarded one another, surprised that there weren’t more volunteers. Harbour took it upon herself to ask the Pyreans to raise their hands if they were returning to Pyre. Slowly every Pyrean, who’d been recently repaired, except for Tracy and Dillon, raised their hands. Harbour detected waves of self-recrimination.
“There is no need for embarrassment,” Harbour said gently. “I know many of you have partners and children to support, and I wish you well in your endeavors after you return.”
Harbour’s words hadn’t lessened the intensity of the returnees’ shame. In addition, she detected the veterans’ discomfort. They felt abandoned by the abdication of so many fellow humans. Forgive me, Rictook, for not heeding your admonishment, she thought before she sent her support across the company.
Aurelia felt Harbour’s power, and she added hers. Both empaths attempted to direct their emotional waves away from the Jatouche. They were partially successful.
While on Pyre, none of the newly repaired ever had a reason or the coin to visit an empath. Since completing their repairs at Rissness Station, they’d multiple opportunities to receive the ministrations of empaths.
Eyes closed and minds relaxed into the sending. The Jatouche slouched in their seats, and soft sounds escaped their short muzzles.
“Delightful,” Mangoth said, as he luxuriated in the sensation.
Harbour signed to Aurelia, and the empaths eased off their power.
“Without doubt, I broke a promise to His Excellency Rictook,” Harbour said to Tacticnok. “For that, I apologize.”
“For what?” Tacticnok asked, recovering from the pleasant feeling. “Didn’t you specify, Envoy, that you wouldn’t withhold your power when there was a critical situation? From the expressions on this group’s faces, I believe I witnessed a dire need. In my opinion, there’s no reason to report this incident.”
A round of quiet laughter accompanied Tacticnok’s words. For many years afterwards, the returnees would suffer bouts of guilt and
regret, but for now their pain had been eased.
Harbour was surprised that the engineers hadn’t raised their hands, expressing their intention to return to Pyre. Bryan was seated near her, and she opened her senses to detect his mood. Disconcertingly, she received little sensation from him. Then it dawned on her. The engineers were intimately aware of her powers, and they’d chosen to hide their emotions. You’re probably solving intricate math or engineering problems in your heads, she thought.
When the meeting concluded, Harbour requested to speak to the engineers, and the foursome adjourned to a small conference room.
“You don’t think you’re needed on the YIPS?” Harbour asked, without preamble.
Bryan and Pete glanced quickly at Olivia. She’d been right on two counts. Harbour would object to their joining the exploration team, and her primary concern would be for the intravertors.
“The purpose of engineers is to design, fabricate, and test to ensure the results meet design specifications,” Olivia lectured. “The purpose of techs is to carry out the engineer’s prototype instructions and document their steps. The purpose of the documentation is to enable engineers to examine where errors were introduced when results don’t meet specifications. Having finally achieved the desired results, the techs are able to repeat the process ad infinitum.”
Harbour laughed and held up her hands in surrender. “Point taken,” she said. “The first intravertor was a success, and the YIPS has the engineers, techs, and documentation to manufacture and assemble the others.”
“Several problems remain,” Bryan said, “which have nothing to do with us. The Jatouche are going to be sending intravertor parts as fast as we consume them, right?”
“Correct,” Harbour replied.
“If you’re here, who’s going to drive the fundraising?” Olivia asked.
“My delegates, although they don’t know that yet,” Harbour replied, holding a finger to her lips and requesting their secrecy.
“Another point, Envoy,” Pete said. “The Belle’s shuttle isn’t made to launch the intravertor. Yes, it was overhauled nicely after the first launch, but successive deployments will wreak incremental havoc on its systems. One day, there’ll be a catastrophic failure, and we’ll lose an intravertor, a shuttle, and two fine people.”