by Rashid Ahmed
Sven asked aloud, “Did everyone catch that? What’s the last part mean?”
Ásta replied, “They seem to have passed along bio modification information.” Stefán added, “Yes, its information on how to create and add bits of genetic code to existing DNA. It’s mainly switches. On and off triggers, for human DNA. The modification instructions are to be introduced through a viral vector. They’ve suggested a few. Result being, we should be immune to the framandi microbiome.”
Gogh instructed, “Restrict this information to space-based vessels, for the time being. This isn’t to become available on Earth until we can prove it safe. Kei run simulations on how the genetic code modifications would affect a human. Appraise us once done. See if the processing unit from AL-I can be used to hasten results.”
“We had better figure out our course of action on the rest of the communication; as one sided as it was.” Jón said.
Sven replied, “For the ‘masking’ part, we may need the help of our hosts.” Eiji cut in, “I’ve been going through vessel modification data. It involves covering Átt with an outer layer. From afar, it will end up looking like a random asteroid. Oh! And the specifications include the bio module as well as Suður. I’m not entirely sure if it allows for our shuttles to undock from our SSEVs. Will study this further. Meanwhile, let’s find out if they’ve located Norður, the bio module.”
Lei said, “This means Suður SSEV would need to transit the wormhole and enter the framandi system.”
Gogh advised, “Yes, that’s right. Sven, ask your hosts how we might coordinate Suður’s passage.”
Isla reminded Sven, “Don’t forget to ask the framandi what they call themselves.”
Pulling information on the bio module and Suður SSEV, Sven crafted a question, on how to proceed. He also asked what the framandi called themselves. Sven passed these on to ‘Advisor of the Masked’.
The response barely took a minute. Again, a combination of thoughts and data. “We call ourselves ‘us’.” A bundle of information on the framandi followed to define what the framandi meant. “Your vessels will be enclosed separately, and then joined.” Further data for the bio-module and for Suður. Then ‘Advisor of the Masked’ communicated, “Let us begin.” A last set of ordered instructions for implementation of actions.
Sven said, “There seems to be a countdown associated with objects in various planetary systems. They’re not the solar system or the framandi system. This must be the build-up of possibly hostile forces, mentioned in the previous communication. Looks like we’re up against the clock. Kei, process the information and have the countdown available to everyone.”
Kei replied, “The navigational charts have a dedicated gaupa channel, courtesy the framandi. The charts are being updated with real-time astronomical data. I’m coding this in with our situational awareness feed.” Sven considered this for a moment and said, “Good. Have the feed available for reference alongside the countdown clock.”
“I’ve conferred with Lýsi leadership,” Gogh stated over the common channel. He instructed, “The data storage, communication and information processing units given to us by AL-I, are to be left behind in the solar system. An autonomous SSEV will be sent to the solar system side of the wormhole, with Kei operating it. Place the units given to us by AL-I inside a crew evacuation capsule. The capsule is to be ejected and left at Suður’s present location. Suður’s can then proceed towards the wormhole.”
Eiji said, “There won’t be enough power in the capsule to run the framandi data storage, communication and information processing units.” Gogh replied, “Understood. Please proceed as instructed. Without people aboard, the autonomous SSEV will push itself to upper limit acceleration. Perhaps beyond. It’ll arrive at your present location by the time you exit the wormhole into the framandi system.”
Isla cut in, “We need to go through all the information the framandi have shared. My understanding is that Norður, our bio module, was enveloped by one of their asteroid-like vessels, just like we were. Also, there’s a framandi hanger-asteroid heading into the wormhole to bring Suður in. Eiji, all you need to do is head into the wormhole and the framandi will do the rest.”
Moving quickly, Eiji and Lei used a couple of drones to assist them in placing the data storage and information processing units presented by AL-I, into a crew evacuation capsule. An hour later, they were done. They advised their colleagues, “We’re ready to jettison the capsule.” Rafael responded, “Gogh is locked in a conference. Please proceed. An SSEV from our platform at the L1 Sun-Earth Lagrange point has already departed to your location. Kei will pass on the capsule’s telemetry data to Nál, that’s what the SSEV is called. Be safe.” Eiji initiated the capsule jettison procedure and then began accelerating Suður towards the wormhole.
On Vestur, Kei was updating Átt’s crew, by simulating the DNA modification process. The AI explained, “The bio modifications occur simultaneously and affect all cells. The simulation shows it would take a full day to complete, once introduced into a person. Except in the case of Jón and Ásta. They already have many regulatory DNA switches modified. I’ve taken the liberty to simulate the effect of these modifications on the human microbiome and for some other species on Earth. So far, my results show that all Earth species will cope well, once the modifications are introduced.”
Stefán interjected, “We’re preparing a viral vector to deliver the modifications to the crew, using a stable modified virus that won’t mutate.”
Kei continued, “The virus would need to be injected to crew members as shifts begin. Nausea may occur. This can be countered with medication. Injected crew who go off-shift, would need to sleep for up to eight hours. Dehydration will take place, so an IV would need to be administered.”
Looking around, Sven asked, “Any objections?” No one reacted negatively. He said, “I guess we’re all in! Stefán will oversee the DNA modification procedure.”
A jolt vibrated across the vessel. Sven spoke to the AI, “Kei, what was that?” An exterior view appeared on Sven’s mission pad. Kei spoke sounding unconcerned, “The framandi seem to have initiated their upgrade to our vessel. Modification of Átt has begun. You’ll see on your pad that a large blob of material has been deposited on top of both Austur and Vestur. The details shared by the framandi show the steps they are about to take.
They begin by depositing smart material around our hull which will gradually become denser. Processing units like the one provided by AL-I will be transferred to us via our forward airlocks. This will be followed by transfer of data storage units for each SSEV. Smaller data storage and information processing modules will be made available for our shuttles. All our evacuation capsules too, will receive compact, low power versions of these units, with accompanying compact gaupas. The smart material being deposited on our hull is controllable. The framandi have provided system interfacing and control capabilities, accessible through each of your diadems. In case of diadem failure, I’m transacting with the framandi computing systems to develop a suitable human user-interface, operable through the mission pads. Simultaneously, I’m developing a separate protocol, with which I’ll be able to program the smart material directly.”
“I see mechanical arms extending to the forward airlocks of both SSEVs. Must be the additional equipment the framandi are providing us,” Sven said looking at the exterior feed on his mission pad. “What about our sensors and other external systems? Would those still be available to us?” he asked Kei.
Kei answered, “The vessel modification plan provided by the framandi, considers external sensor feeds. Theirs will integrate with ours. The framandi light detecting sensors are exceptionally sensitive. In addition, the entire external hull would be able to accurately detect gravity and various forms of radiation. The combination of feeds will enhance our situational awareness and navigation. All our docking ports will be accessible. However, an additional software instruction layer is required, to modify the newly added smart material, for acce
ss to the hull exterior.”
Jón and Isla came in for their shift. The crew had maintained their rotation as best as they could, after their initial encounter with AL-I.
Isla said to Sven, “You look like you need some rest. We’re here now.” Sven smiled and replied, “You’re the ones who’ll need rest. Stefán’s just cooked up some DNA modifying concoction using the framandi’s recipe. He’s waiting for you in the rear medical compartment on Austur.” Jón glanced at Isla. Her face had lost some colour. Obviously, she was nervous about the procedure. He said to her, “Come on guinea pig! Let’s do this.” She glared at him.
Stefán was focussed on his pad. He’d been educated within the Lýsi ecosystem which far surpassed conventional study. He was proficient in human biology and had hands-on experience with synthetic biotechnology. He had taken over as the principal developer for an artificial nervous system and brain-machine interface project, that Lýsi had initiated a decade ago. Primarily a brain surgeon, he even had experience performing intricate ventricular restoration and spinal osteomyelitis operations. However, his personal interests, were xenology and botany.
Jón called out, “Hey Stefán, what’s so engrossing?” He knew his sister Ásta liked Stefán, the only other Icelandic aboard, beside the twins. Jón enjoyed the sometimes stubborn but exceptionally resourceful Scorpio’s company.
“I’m studying the information on framandi biology,” Stefán replied. “There’s enough information on them to occupy every xenologist on Earth for years. You’ll find this bit informative. The framandi were nearly wiped out as a result of collateral damage from conflict between opposing species across our galaxies. Once hostilities died down, in part due to covert action by the framandi, they took it on themselves to gather as much knowledge as they could. Some of the initial bio-modification knowledge they gained, was gleaned from wrecked hardware, discarded by one of the dominating species of their own galaxy.” Stefán stood and moved over towards a medical capsule used for patient surgery and recovery. He picked up a pair of syringes from a wall table next to it.
“Please sit,” Stefán said. He continued speaking about the framandi while he disinfected Isla’s left arm triceps, “They began modifying their own DNA, to enhance knowledge, thinking and information processing abilities. On Earth, we call this directed evolution. The framandi then enhanced their physical structures using the same technology. Compared to other races fighting it out in their system, the framandi considered themselves backward. So, they adapted by learning. They got to a point where they were able to self-modify genetic material within their own bodies. They do the same while developing genetic code for their offspring.”
Having injected Isla, he repeated the procedure with Jón. At the same time, Stefán continued speaking, “They’ve accumulated information, from each species that left behind vessel wrecks or debris in the framandi system. Over the last fifty thousand years or so, they’ve grown technologically and socially. Their biology is suitably adaptable for Earth, you know!” He injected Jón with the virus, while saying, “I’ve identified human genetic code strings in portions of their complex DNA. At some level, a tiny portion, they’re a bit like us.”
Isla looked at Jón and rolled her eyes. They thanked Stefán who called after them, “Stay hydrated!”
Back in the central mission area of Vestur which the crew had designated as Átt’s command and control centre, they relieved Sven and Crystal. Jón worked at the large interactive table while Isla sat with a mission pad. She said to him, “There’s been plenty of activity outside. The hull’s been completely enclosed with gooey smart material. We need to bring in the data and processing modules provided by the framandi. I’ll assign drones to bring in the equipment from the airlocks, once decontamination is completed. We’ll need to install the units together.” Isla was already perspiring. The DNA modifying process was beginning to affect her. Jón too felt uneasy. Not a feeling he’d encountered before. He reminded her, “Sip on your water.”
While the two of them grappled with new equipment installation, Norður, the bio module, was brought into the cavernous interior of the framandi asteroid-like vessel. Norður was already enveloped in the gooey material the framandi were applying to Átt. Gradually Norður was lowered until it touched the material covering the top of Átt.
Kei said to Isla and Jón, “I’ve just reconnected with Norður. The bio module’s mission control AI, shut down systems when the vessel became highly unstable. The asteroid attached to the front dislodged itself. Fortunately, there doesn’t seem to be much exterior damage to Norður. All the agricultural material, which was being grown inside, is destroyed. Two drones remain. These have been tasked to clean and repair the interior. Once Norður’s universal docking ports are aligned with ours, I’ll engage them to make the module accessible.”
Jón was attaching a small gaupa into an evacuation capsule, with Isla holding it in place. Their cheeks were beside each other’s in the restricted space. Both had shared the same shift since leaving the solar system and had grown comfortable with each other’s presence. Without thinking about it, Isla turned her head and gave Jón a peck on his cheek.
He froze, but only for a moment. Turning to her he grinned saying, “I’ve been wanting to do that myself. For a while actually.” Isla said unabashedly, “I know. I’ve sensed it.” This time she kissed his lips and held it for a moment. Looking into his eyes, she asked, “Think we have something here?” “Without a doubt,” Jón replied. Since they’d finished installing the compact gaupa, they extricated themselves from the capsule.
Kei spoke to them, “Norður bio module is now reattached to Átt. Clean-up and repairs are still ongoing.”
Jón gave Isla another quick peck on her lips. “To be continued,” he said. She winked at him.
“Suður SSEV has entered the framandi system. It’s just shown up on the navigation chart. Plotting its progress via a framandi feed. Its two days away from rendezvous with us,” Kei updated.
Jón and Isla were well into their shift. They had completed the installation of all the gaupas, data and processing units provided by the framandi. The two were exhausted. The effect of the DNA modifying injection administered by Stefán had taken full effect. Jón looked at the countdown clock showing when the mobilized extra-terrestrials were expected to enter the framandi system. It showed a little over four days. The crew needed to prepare for whatever was coming their way, and coordinate with their hosts in the system. They needed to figure out their course of action.
Jón recollected his mother telling him a story when he was quite little, of elves being hunted in the night. He remembered feeling a chill then, like he felt now. Jón thought about his parents and instructed the AI, “Kei, schedule calls between the crew and family members. We don’t know what we’re going to face. It would be good for everyone to have conversations with family.” Isla turned to him and smiled. Jón said to her, “Nearly time to take a break.”
Kei announced, “Jón, I have confirmation from Shun, my counterpart on Earth, that both your parents are available for a call.” Jón replied, “Ásta is coming in on the next shift. Please connect once she’s here. We’ll speak with our folks together.”
Isla reached out and held Jón’s hand. She said, “I’m going to take a shower and sleep now. I’ll update Stefán on our status. See you soon.”
Recovery
Marion Island, sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean.
Gylfi Hallgrímsson and Katrín Magnusdóttir were seated in the operations centre on Marion Island. Gogh excused himself to go meet with Dr. Popov, who had taken over island operations.
Shun announced, “I’m opening a private channel with Átt. Jón and Ásta are online.” A screen lit up in front of Katrín and Gylfi.
Ásta waved and said, “Hi mum, dad. Hope you’re both recovering well from your misadventure at sea.” Jón added, “We’ve been very concerned once we heard about what happened at Kuril”
“We were fortunate. Our a
ircraft went down after being attacked and damaged. Our evacuation procedure is similar to what you have out in space; for SSEVs and platforms I mean. Everyone was individually secured in a capsule,” Katrín replied. Gylfi spoke after her, “We’re anxious for your safety. You’re about to interact with extra-terrestrials. And, your vessels are being modified by them. We’ve been informed that there may be hostile forces headed your way. Also, you’re undergoing DNA modification. It’s all a bit much together. Jón, you’re looking under the weather.”
Jón replied, “The effects of ongoing genetic modification. I took the first of the shots along with Isla at the beginning of our shift. Ásta and Stefán have just been injected as well. Sis will look a lot like me in a while,” he said grinning.