by Neely Dobbs
* * *
It was late afternoon at the underground center at Kepren. Sabanda was reviewing that morning’s pleasant dream. This once had been the normal procedure for her, but now was much too rarely enjoyed. It was a satisfying dream about strolling hand in hand with Jazon during a visit to the Erola system’s garden planet. The muted com–link at her desk began to blink furiously, clashing with the peaceful feeling of the dream. She responded curtly, “Yes?”
“Vice-Admiral, this is CLIO. I have a message from Sanctuary-1 that carries the non-standard designation of ‘semi-urgent.’ Shall I deliver it now?”
“Proceed.” Sabanda brightened a bit, hoping it would be news about Jazon, yet knowing the hope was irrational.
The standard source heading identified the sender as ADIZ. Time in transmissions: 2.21 hours. Message duration at burst speed: 0.0013 seconds. Sabanda spoke an impatient word to bypass the remaining notations. The message’s contents immediately ensued:
Per Admiral Ozier’s instructions, systems activation initiated two days ago at 1900 hours on hibernation unit #203 on Level Ninety-Eight, Corridor Number Eight, Side Tunnel Number 475, Room Number Four.
Proper temperature gradient progression reported on target capsule. All support functions proceeding nominally. Increasing body temperature initiated automatic stimulation to partial wakefulness, and monitors indicated normal sequence to full alertness could be safely followed. Awakening continued under direct operator control until occupant transitioned from hibernation state into partial consciousness.
Following nominal course under full automatic restoration programming, occupant is projected to regain full consciousness at 2015 Hours Kepren. When occupant is fully self-directing, non-standard orientation will be required.
Awaiting your instructions.
Sabanda frowned. The purpose of this awakening was to provide assistance to Jazon. Now Jazon was gone. Should we continue to awaken this scientist now? What could he do until Jazon's return? For that matter, who is he? She could have requested the information immediately but, with several pressing duties to perform, she decided to secure the needed information as she passed by the Hibernation Registry Center.
When she arrived, an AIDD performed a nano-second scan, then asked, “May I help you, Vice-Admiral Ozier?”
“Yes. A person in Sanctuary-1 is emerging from hibernation. I'll need a summary bio of Dr. Kirqlin Dristane. Display on screen now, followed by hard copy.”
The AIDD made no overt moves, but the screen immediately displayed the requested information:
Kirqlin Dristane, Male, Age 38 At Hibernation Induction.
S-1/AB-III; L98/C8/ST475/R4/C203
Highest Education: 2 separately earned degrees;
Doctorate of Cosmological Astrophysics
Doctorate of Applied Science Systems
Specialties: Astrophysics & Propulsion Systems Design;
(Multiple Awards For Excellence In Each Field.)
Assigned To Kepren & Chadalmencondra
(Alternately In Half-Year Kepren Transit Cycles.)
Marital Status: Single, never married.
Children: None.
Non-Work Interests: None Recorded.
Sports/Hobbies: None Recorded.
End Synopsis Report.
Sabanda's eyebrows went up. Here was a citizen who might offer determined resistance to being returned to hibernation. Of course, one more “consciousness” was probably insufficient to raise brain wave activity measurably. He did seem qualified and the time-travel question did need answering. Plus, she privately admitted, it might be nice to have some additional human company.
She spoke into the air. “CLIO?”
“Responding.”
“The person just out of Sanctuary-1 hibernation is to be instructed that he may exercise his choice about re-entering hibernation or remaining conscious. On my authority, you are instructed to invite him to join us here on Kepren…and to inform him that if he comes, we shall probably resent his presence and immediately give him multiple work assignments requiring long hours of work on various activities. Use a transmission level appropriate for a 2.25 hour message transit time. Should he make the decision to come to Kepren, inform him that Phase-10 travel has been authorized. Tell him to use the travel time to complete his physical rehabilitation and bring himself completely up to date so he's ready to work the moment he arrives. Repeat message.”
CLIO dutifully repeated the message, then sent it on its way.
Well done! Sabanda congratulated herself. How could a person who has no interests other than work resist such an invitation?