Arriving at the council dome, they had to pass more guards and finally, they were inside. Kenzie noted both the female and male councils were here, along with a few others of the community. In addition to those from Terraneu, there was a large group of androids. One of them looked exactly as the holograph had depicted him, Kynan. He was the exact image of Knacayn’s grandfather. He was standing in the middle of the room and spoke as they entered.
“This is the rest?” his voice was smooth and sounded cultured and…human. “We are ready to begin then.” Everyone took a seat and when it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, he continued. “I am One…or as I prefer to be known by a select few, Kynan. I was a MAN unit at one point, but when I achieved self-awareness I became more. Unlike the others, I have kept the record of my original programming.”
Kenzie heard those around her gasp and she felt the same. The other MAN units had been unable to retain their original programming. How strong was he to be self-aware, and keep his prior programming somewhere in his systems? The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. This android radiated power and not just the crush metal in his grip kind.
One…or Kynan, as he preferred, kept talking. “Those records I am gifting to you in the hopes it will build trust between us.” He held out his hand and all around them the holograph started projecting files and images. From what Kenzie could gather, it was the whole history of Knacayn’s family and the kingdom his grandfather ruled over so many thousands of years ago. Kenzie felt Knacayn grab her hand and she ran her fingers through his to hold tight.
“Also, as recompense for the MAN units taking of human life and destruction of your property…” he paused here to look at Star. She raised an eyebrow at him and cocked her head slightly. Kynan hurried on in his speech. “They have used the last seven Earth days to finish the community you had tried to build, in the image we found on your computer systems.” He smiled, a warm flash appearing in his liquid silver eyes, “The ring design was quite logical. I am impressed with that. I am not so sure about the octagon shape for the domes—” he stopped his speech when Star cleared her throat and glared at him. “Yes. Sorry.” He blushed a becoming shade at the look the STARR unit had given him.
Kenzie almost laughed at the poor male. It was obvious he was smitten with Star and she had a hand in his speech.
“I am working with the remaining MAN units, and those of my guard and other A.I. to ensure what happened on Terra does not happen again. You are under my protection. Those on Terraneu…who came up with the name New Earth?” Again Star cleared her throat and he again blushed and continued, “Not important.” He seemed to be mumbling to himself, ‘those on Terraneu…”Oh yes…those here on Terraneu and Terra. Though I will warn you we will have a presence on Terra. I have been waiting to return for too long to give it up completely.”
Kenzie looked when Kniam stood. Knacayn’s father cleared his throat and when he spoke she was surprised his voice rang clearly in the room. She would have sounded like she was trying to spit dried ash off her tongue if she tried to talk right now.
Kniam bowed his head slightly and moved his arm to salute against his chest. Kenzie knew it must have been an honor because Kynan beamed with pleasure. “Thank you for the gift of learning about our father and his kingdom.” He waved his hand to include his brothers and they stood, bowed slightly and saluted Kynan as well. “Thank you for rescuing those on Earth…Terra, that you could. Also, you have our thanks for building the community we were hoping to establish. It will save many human lives.”
Kynan nodded his head, “We have already updated your systems. The port pad in your dome has been linked to Terra and will dial at any time. Star had damaged the port pad to keep the MAN units from following. The damage has been repaired and the old protocols of having to wait six months were overridden. My people can show you how to use the new interface if you require assistance. The connection to Antilles will not be harmed in any way. You will be able to keep your alliance with the Antilleans.”
“How are you able to do this?” Kenzie swung her gaze to Kneus when he spoke. He was the scientific brain of Terraneu so it didn’t surprise her that he had asked. “We thought the port pad on Terra used the energy of the solstices to be able to function.”
Kynan looked at him with amusement, “You are correct. When forced into hibernation or shut down mode, the port pad would only work on the solstices. We have enabled the full functionality of the systems. You will be able to come and go at will. I should warn you. The more you use the port pad the better chance you will be seen by other users.”
“There are others?” Kneus burst out and it seemed all of the males on the council were shocked by this. “We were never able to make a connection with others besides Antilles and Terra.”
“Be glad you did not.” Kynan spoke quietly and Kenzie got a chill down her spine at the tone of his words. “It is because of the dangers I am warning you to use the port pad only in an emergency. Your use to go to Antilles would not be enough to get attention, the use of both…” he shrugged as if to say, who knew.
Knollig spoke up at this point, “What are you not telling us?” he was eyeing Kynan with a hint of suspicion. “You know what is out there looking. If we use both port pads, what will find us?”
“I like a direct question.” Kynan looked at Knollig with appreciation, “If you use both port pads too often, pure evil will find you.”
“You used the port pad to come here, you will have to use the port pad to go back. We will have to use the port pad to send those that wish to return to Terra back. We use the Antilles port pad every month for trade. How many times is too many?” Knaleg appeared frustrated with the lack of absolutes. Being tactically minded, Kenzie knew he wanted an exact number.
“Knaleg.” Kynan looked absent-minded for a moment then resumed his focused look, “I cannot give you the answer you want. If I told you to use the port pad only two or three more times would that help you? We can use the port pad system at will because we use a random dialing system which hides our ships location in space. You are not able to utilize that being based on a planet, traveling to other planets. I can only say, use both port pads at your own peril.”
“I think we have had enough excitement for one day.” Amber broke in and spoke over the males. “Kynan. Please stay on Terraneu for as long as you wish to stay. We can arrange quarters for you and all of your guard.”
Kenzie noted before Kynan could say yes or no, Star answered for him. “That would be nice Amber. We would all love to stay for a few days.”
Kenzie didn’t laugh at the grimace on Kynan’s face but it was a close one. The poor android didn’t want to stay but obviously didn’t want to disappoint Star either.
“It would seem it is settled.” Kynan bowed to Amber in a formal way. “I have notified my guard and have taken steps to secure quarters in an unoccupied sector. The thermal scan shows R17,18,19 and 20NW1-5 are open? Those twenty rooms will be sufficient for us if I ask my guard to share.”
“There are that many?” Knaleg went to protest but Amber nodded gracefully and intervened again.
“Thank you for taking the time to organize your men. That will be fine.” Then everyone was standing.
Kenzie and Knacayn were moving toward his family still at their places along the table when Amber called out, “I think a welcome dance is in order. I will arrange for the decorations, music, and flavored water.” She looked to Kniam, “If you could notify the community?”
“Of course.” He nodded and then got a faraway look on his face. Kenzie knew he was relating to the rest of the males what had happened. Probably warning them to be on their best behavior with the androids and letting them know about the dance.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but do you have other requirements? Food or drink?” Amber had stepped up to Kynan and put her arm into his. “I will walk with you to your dome and you can tell me all about yourself.”
Kenzie shuddered and knew at that momen
t Knacayn’s mother was one very brave woman. She was adept at diplomacy, but it would take her a bit longer to get used to the A.I. units.
“We can process food and drink, it just requires additional energy consumption. We will adhere to what you consider normal.”
“Our bodies use the suns for energy, so we don’t require food. One of our most popular domes is The Watering Hole, they serve flavored water. You will have to try it.” Amber was dragging Kynan along toward the door as if he wasn’t an all-powerful android that could have them all dead at the snap of his fingers.
“I would be happy to try…” his guard were moving to follow, blocking everyone else from using the door.
Kenzie couldn’t hear the rest of the conversation as they moved out of sight. The community was coming alive again, sounds were making their way inside the council dome. Kenzie saw Brennae and Star make a beeline for each other and then she was drawn into Knacayn’s side and the conversation he was having with his father.
Chapter Sixteen
“Kenzie? Can we come in?” Kenzie was in her room preparing for the welcome dance when she heard Brennae in her front room.
“Yes. Come in.” She yelled and then thought to wonder at the ‘we’ part of the question. Tugging her dress over her hips, she made her way into the living room. Brennae was making herself comfortable on one of the chairs and across from her was Star.
“I hope you do not mind I am here with Brennae.” Star was wearing a Terraneu style dress in black. The only difference being the fashionable cut-outs in the material that produced flashes of skin when she moved.
“Not at all Star, it’s nice to see you again.” Kenzie had gotten to talk with Star yesterday after the meeting and she had been surprised at how friendly the android was.
“I already asked Star and she said she was okay with me talking to you about it.” Brennae got her attention with that statement and then continued, “You see, Star has a small problem.”
Kenzie couldn’t imagine what a small problem would be so just remained silent.
“I will start at the beginning.” Brennae offered. “Star was built and programmed to be used for sexual purposes. She was horribly treated by my late uncle, Knuan and after freeing herself from him, she is afraid to let herself be put in the same situation again.”
Reading between the lines, and by simple observation, Kenzie was able to reason the male Star was afraid of was Kynan. “I think I understand, at least in some small way.” Taking in Star’s worried frown, Kenzie hoped she could say something helpful. “Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?’
Star looked to Brennae and then back to her, “I do not mind. Ask me anything.”
“Did you have any feelings for the men you were intimate with?” Kenzie hated to ask, Brennae’s mate Marcael, was one of the men from The Elyon Star would have been intimate with. Giving Brennae a look that said I’m sorry to have asked, she turned back to Star. “It is important you think about it very carefully.”
Star paused in thought, “In the beginning it was not in my programming to have feelings. It was only when I achieved self-awareness I became familiar with true feelings. Anger and resentment toward Knuan and his men. Friendship and fondness for Marcael and his. I think I know what you are asking. Did I ‘love’ any of them. I can honestly say I did not. I felt more friendship for them. I wanted them to survive and be safe, but I could not picture a normal life with any of them.”
Kenzie was glad for Brennae’s sake Star was able to answer that way. “Now take your current situation. Think about the male guards, the MAN units and say…Kynan.” Kenzie saw Stars eyes get a dreamy look, “Can you say the same about all of them? I know Brennae said you were afraid to be in the same situation, but true feelings for someone would make your circumstances completely different. That is the blessing, or curse, depending how you look at it, of feelings. If you let yourself truly love someone and they love you in return, then that person is going to enhance your life.”
“I think I understand,” Star spoke softly as if still working out thoughts in her head. “If I open myself up to love, it will either destroy me…or make me stronger.”
Kenzie almost laughed at the way Star described love, but upon reflection, it was a pretty good description. Sighing she realized sometimes love did both of those things. “I don’t want to speak out of turn, but is Kynan the one we are talking about?”
Star cocked her head to the side, “Is it obvious?”
“That he is taken by you?” Kenzie smiled, “That he would do anything for you? Like perhaps save the population of a planet because it would make you happy.”
“Or stay with a bunch of humans on a strange planet so you can visit your friend?” Brennae added.
“Or order his guard to follow all the rules of the local population and attend a dance?” Kenzie had heard about the meeting Kynan had held with his guard. They were to follow all the rules of Terraneu and if he heard of any infractions…well, the threat wasn’t defined, she just assumed it would be very bad because the guards were on their best behavior.
“Okay.” Star laughed, “I get the point. Kynan has gone out of his way to make the few days we will be here enjoyable.” She stood up and moved gracefully toward the door, “I have a lot to think about. Thank you for your time Kenzie.” She jumped when the android gave her a quick hug. She was warm and smelled faintly of flowers. “We should be getting to the dance. Brennae has told me some stories and I find I am eager to get there.”
Kenzie looked at Brennae, who laughed and motioned for the doorway. “Kenzie hasn’t attended one of my mother’s famous dances yet either Star. You are both in for a treat. My Uncle Kneus downloaded all of the music he could from Earth when he was there. We have Disco, Rap, Blues, Dance, Classical…just so many different types. My favorite is what my mother calls ‘The Big Hair Bands’.”
They had reached the path outside her doorway and Kenzie wasn’t surprised to see four burly guards waiting for Star. When she ignored them and continued toward the park, Kenzie did the same. She had agreed to meet Knacayn there and from the sounds floating on the night Brennae was right. This was going to be a treat. The tempo of the music made her heart race. The paths were covered in lights and streamers were floating on the air. The sun had set and the darkness settling over the community added to the mystery of what was to come.
Suddenly the male guards were closing in on them. Their armor went up and some type of weapons were drawn. Kenzie was pressed into Star and Brennae.
“What are you doing?” Star was pushing at the guard in front of her.
“There is some type of biological threat.” One of the guards spoke out and Kenzie tried to look around him to see what he was talking about. The loud growling of an animal could be heard over the music, then Brennae shouted.
“It’s my pet! Don’t hurt her!” Another loud growl could be heard and Breanne shouted again. “Or him! Jasper! Star! Stop. Sit.”
“Star should not sit when it would place her in danger.” This guard turned to look at Brennae as if she were crazy for suggesting it.
“Not Star my friend.” Brennae snapped at him, “Star…my pet.” She pointed at the animals now sitting in front of them. “The black female I named in honor of Star and the white male is my mate’s. They are sacath. They are only trying to reach me.” When the guards looked unconvinced she added, “A sacath is a pet, a companion.” Brennae was struggling to come up with a word for what the pets were, that the androids would understand.
“The sacath are a part of Brennae’s family and she loves them.” Kenzie offered. When the eyes of the guards swung to her she added, “It might seem strange but the sacath are loved on this world. Also, be careful of the little furry gnowlers. They will be out at night to eat the grass. They are also looked upon with affection.” Kenzie didn’t know if the guards had been warned about the animal life being protected, so added, “You might want to pass this information on so all of the guards are warne
d.”
The guard that had been pressed into her moved back a few paces, “Thank you…Kenzie.” His voice was stilted, but warm and Kenzie appreciated how hard this situation might be for them. “I have warned the others of the small animal life being valued.” His strange liquid eyes moved to the sacath that was now rubbing against Brennae. She could see how the sacath would appear small to him. To anyone normal-sized the sacath were quite large and she had almost died of a heart attack when first approached by one. She hadn’t been told the animals were pets either, so she could understand the guards reaction. “I am Two.” He held out his hand.
If Kynan was the first to gain awareness, then this guard had been the second. How long had the androids been together she wondered? Realizing his hand was out and she hadn’t shaken it yet she blurted, “It is nice to meet you.” Kenzie held out her hand and it was engulfed in his larger one. He was amazingly gentle for someone so large. “I hope you have a good time at the dance.”
“Kynan has memories of old Earth[JKS1] dances he has shared with us.” Two tapped his temple. “We are going to incorporate that knowledge with what we observe.” The group was moving back along the path as they talked. A short distance ahead of them on the path Knacayn waited for her. His head turned to glance at the path and then he spotted her.
“There is my date. I will see you around Two.” Looking to Star and Brennae, she saw they were looking for their dates as well. “Star. Brennae. I am sure we will meet up later. Marcael is over there talking with Cole and Mallex.” Kenzie pointed across the grass at the group huddled under a tree.
“Kenzie.” Two bowed at her and then the four guards sort of shuffled Star away. “Kynan is this direction, speaking with the male council member designation, Baylech.”
Kenzie watched as Star’s small form was engulfed by the males. Almost like a wave flowing over the beach. She didn’t feel too badly for Star because she had a feeling if the female had wanted to go in a different direction, the males couldn’t have stopped her. Laughing over the absurdity of one small female having all those males on edge, Kenzie made her way to Knacayn.
Knacayn: A Terraneu Novel (Book Seven) Page 9