by Drew Wagar
The woman paused, somebody was distracting her. They heard yells and screams.
‘Something is … I can’t describe it … the sunspots … they’re expanding, I can see them moving. They’re covering the surface … it’s going dark!’
The crew of the Mobilis could see the gloom descending.
‘Run,’ Zoella whispered, tears still streaking her cheeks. ‘You’ve got to run …’
‘They don’t know …’ Kiri said, from beside her.
‘It’s hard to describe what I’m seeing,’ Su-Lin continued. ‘Lacaille’s light is fading away, the sunspots are converging. It’s like the old-Earth records of dusk and sunset … only here it’s … wait … something is …
The image brightened. It became impossible to see for a few moments. Then they could make out a bright orange glare flickering behind the clouds.
‘Streamers of light, reaching out …it’s beautiful, but it’s definitely a flare … it will be here in …I can already feel the heat …
The hills beyond the Obelisk tower were covered in a bright red glow, moving, expanding, topped with smoke.
‘There’s fire! Coming down from the hills! Oh my …’
A rolling wave of burning incandescence could be seen moving towards the vantage point. People were running, looking over their shoulders at the menacing fire-filled clouds, boiling towards them. The flying machine lifted off as the flames touched the complex. It moved forward for a moment before the clouds engulfed it, its outline visible for a few moments as an indistinct shape.
Then it exploded violently, spinning pieces of debris and bodies flung in all directions, burning and cascading downwards. It hit the ground, a twisted flaming piece of wreckage.
Kiri looked at Meru.
‘That flying machine we found, all burnt and broken …’
‘So old,’ Meru said, with a nod. ‘It crashed in this flare …’
Su-Lin’s panicked voice interrupted their whispered conversation.
‘It’s awful … those people … If you’re hearing this you must take cover, the flare is …’
The flames swept up to the position of the recording. The crew watched in horror as Su-Lin’s form was incinerated by the heat. Her clothing and her body consumed in brief moments. She fell, arms and legs jolting spasmodically. A lingering scream was caught off camera and the image faded.
The crew were silent for a long moment. Ira’s voice broke the stillness.
‘The flare event of round three four one was the last recorded usage of the Obelisk facility,’ she said. ‘The current flare event is the fifth on record.’
‘It hit all across Esurio,’ Coran said. ‘Sandra Morino was caught in it at the same time, but she was in Caesar’s hangar. It’s amazing anyone survived.’
‘Counts are imprecise,’ Ira replied. ‘But indications are that 92% of all colonists perished in the first flare event. There were an estimated three hundred and fifty survivors.’
‘So then what happened?’ Mel asked. ‘Our histories only go back to the exile from Nireus …’
‘The ones in Scallia went back further,’ Zoella said, wiping the tears from her eyes and cheeks. ‘They talked of the fall of the Voren Empire, hundreds of rounds ago.’
‘But that still means we’ve lost everything in between,’ Coran said.
‘No colonists visited the Obelisk in the intervening rounds,’ Ira confirmed. ‘However, satellite imagery indicated that cultivation of the landmasses around the cities Daine, Viresia, Dynesia and Airea resumed in around round 520. There were several more flares, which resulted in further destruction, but significant growth in population was noted in satellite imagery from round 1820 onwards.’
‘That fits in with the Voren Empire,’ Zoella said. ‘By which time all of this had been forgotten. But they knew of Lacaille and what it could do then. I read a book in the library of Viresia that said they knew about the flares and how to use the gift. I can remember it so clearly, it was dated 1898.’
‘Height of our civilisation,’ Coran said. ‘All our histories start from the fall of the Voren Empire.’
‘What about the priestesses?’ Meru asked, looking at Kiri. ‘They must have had some history too. What did they teach you?’
Kiri shrugged. ‘Not much. The priestesses were founded when the Voren Empire collapsed. The first priestess was called Elena. She lived at the end of the empire. It was she who wrote all the laws and books … they’re called the Elements. Then it all collapsed, that’s when the rules about tithing women to Drayden began, the war against Nireus and …’
‘Amar was founded,’ Coran finished. ‘But by then everything was just myth and legend …’
‘So hang on a minute …’ Fitch said. ‘Flares I get, strange technology from the ancients all abandoned because of some long ago calamity kind of makes sense. But where did these gifts come from? The powers you lot have to mess around with minds and what not?’
Kiri shook her head and shrugged.
‘They knew about them in the Voren Empire,’ Zoella said. ‘It was all strictly organised … that’s where the word administrator came from … I think.’
‘Incorrect,’ Ira said.
‘You know?’ Zoella asked, turning around.
‘The augmented capabilities you refer to as “the gift’,’ Ira said, ‘were introduced in round 196 to allow administrative control of the growing population.’
‘Why?’ Kiri asked.
‘Long range radio communication was found to be problematic on Esurio due to strong electromagnetic interference from the magnetic field interactions with the stellar wind,’ Ira said. ‘It became impractical to manage communication between cultural centres without constant and tedious travel. “The gift,” more accurately referred to as nanoenhancement, provided communications between individuals to promote better communication amongst other capabilities.’
‘You could talk to people without being there,’ Coran said.
Kiri and Zoella nodded.
‘Nano …’ Meru said. ‘This word … what does it mean?’
‘Nano refers to microscopic self-replicating machines that live within biological tissue,’ Ira said. ‘These miniature machines live within the host and provide them with the additional capabilities, by interfacing with nerves and connective tissue. The process of receiving the machines is termed nano-infusion.’
‘That’s what Caesar said,’ Meru noted.
‘Machines?’ Kiri said, her mouth twisted in distaste. ‘Inside us? How many machines?’
‘Billions,’ Ira replied.
Kiri looked at Zoella in horror.
‘They are invisibly small,’ Ira replied. ‘They were initially programmed to provide communication capabilities, along with systems diagnostics. They were found to be efficacious in treating injuries as the machines were able to repair tissue at the microscopic level.’
‘Healing …’ Kiri whispered.
‘And if you can heal,’ Zoella said, looking at her. ‘You can hurt.’
Kiri nodded. ‘So … you can hurt people using the gift because these machines are in everyone and respond to our wishes.’
‘Simplistic,’ Ira said. ‘But essentially correct. The nano-technology can influence pain receptors and muscle tissue remotely at administrative request.’
‘So it’s not magic,’ Meru said. ‘It’s machines. More of our ancestors’ technology. You can inflict pain and paralyse people because of these tiny machines!’
‘Nano-technology is present in all humans on Esurio,’ Ira said. ‘It has also spread to most animal and plant forms over the last two thousand rounds. Usage protocols were designed to only allow it to be administered by selected members of the colony quorum as it existed in round 196. Selected administrators were female and it was decided that all subsequent administrators would also be female. Particular traits were selected as advantageous, and only those qualities, once established, would allow the capability to be used by the individual.’
‘So why just women?’ Coran asked.
‘The colony founders considered that the history of Earth indicated that patriarchal societies always resulted in war, conquest and ultimate destruction of self and environment. It was deemed that all significant decisions would be taken by solely female administrators. Thus a matriarchy was established for the governance of Esurio.’
‘Women in charge,’ Mel said, with a chuckle.’ What a good idea. Better hand over the ship to me, Captain.’ She gave Coran a push. ‘You’re demoted to cabin boy.’
Coran gave her a look.
‘Exactly what Sandra told us,’ Meru said, looking at Kiri. She nodded.
‘And women in charge works just fine and dandy,’ Fitch muttered. ‘I mean … look at those snuttin’ priestesses going about murdering anyone who doesn’t agree with them. All very peaceful and understanding.’ He looked at Kiri. ‘No offence.’
‘But that’s it,’ Coran said. ‘The priestesses have been cultivating the gift for rounds and rounds. They were right … but also so wrong. Women were supposed to run things, and those with the gift were supposed to look after all Esurio. Instead they’ve turned the gift into a weapon to support their rule.’
Kiri was nodding. ‘They always taught me that we were privileged and deserved to rule. That we were special and superior to everyone else …’
‘Based on analysis,’ Ira said. ‘Both Kiri and Zoella have excessive levels of nano-infusion when compared with the original design criteria for the nano-enhancement project. It is likely that all the priestesses also have elevated levels. There is no information on what the effects of these excessive levels of nano-enhancement might be.’
‘Yes there is,’ Kiri said, looking at Zoella. ‘We’ve both felt it. The more of this power you have, the more angry it makes you. There’s a rage that builds up and can’t be explained, a greed that makes you want more and more.’
Zoella was nodding. ‘It takes over. Having the gift and gaining more of it becomes all that matters, you become single-minded, angry, always wanting to fight and kill, to dominate …’
‘That’s definitely the way the priestesses behave,’ Coran said.
‘Based on this testimony,’ Ira said. ‘It is conceivable that the nanotechnology is causing the release of excess stress hormones in those with high levels of infusion. Adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol levels may be dangerously high, along with elevated blood pressure, body temperature, breathing and heart rate.’
‘I definitely felt my heart pounding each time it happened,’ Zoella agreed.
‘Can the nano-tech be switched off somehow?’ Meru asked. ‘Stop the priestesses having the power at all?’
Coran and Mel looked up hopefully, but Ira’s words dashed that hope.
‘Unfortunately nano-technology is diffuse across Esurio,’ Ira said. ‘There is no central mechanism with which to manage it or disable it.’
The crew exchanged downcast looks with each other.
‘Elena told the priestesses that the flares were because of the people not doing what the priestesses told them to,’ Kiri said. ‘That’s how it started. Lacaille is a goddess to them.’
‘Or a convenient story to keep them all motivated,’ Coran said.
‘And they want more power,’ Fitch said. ‘And anyone who disagrees or gets in their way is cut down and killed.’
‘Except us,’ Meru said. ‘We managed to defy them.’
‘Once,’ Fitch said. ‘And the chances of us managing that again?’
A silence fell on the group.
Ira’s voice broke it.
‘I said you had another role to play, Zoella,’ Ira said.
‘What do you mean?’
‘You and Kiri are princesses of Scallia,’ Ira said. ‘You have sufficient strength of nano-infusion to combat the priestesses. Only you can restore Esurio to the state that our ancestors desired. They wished for a peaceful, agrarian society without conflict, with rules reinforced by the power of the gift, not dominated by it. Such a society does exist now, it is yours. The original colonists’ wishes are best represented by you two, the crew of the Mobilis and by the people of Amar.’
‘Then …’ Zoella began.
‘The priestesses are misusing the power entrusted to them,’ Ira said. ‘They must be advised as to their proper role and function.’
‘Yeah,’ Fitch chuckled. ‘Like they’re just going to change their minds based on a good speech.’
Coran nodded. ‘We’ve got to stop them.’
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Nadir, Coordinates Zero, Zero
Round 2307, Ninth pass
Coran and Mel stood at the doors of the Obelisk complex, looking out over the grounds beyond. The vegetation before them was dry and scorched, but the flare had been and gone, its effects deflected by the Obelisk now that Ira had subsumed the functions of the AMS.
It was here that the images they had seen had been taken all those rounds ago. Admiral Drayden addressing the first ever colonists and the death of Su-Lin, who had seen the first flare.
‘Amazing that we’re standing in the same spot,’ Coran said. ‘All that history, what we all thought was myth … it happened right here.’
‘All those rounds ago,’ Mel said.
The air was still hot and humid, but Lacaille was once more the glowing golden orb, hanging over them in the sky.
‘I hope Daf and Creg are alright,’ Mel said.
‘They’ll be fine,’ Coran said. ‘They knew to shelter in the ship during the flare.’
Below them they could see Meru and Zoella sitting on the scorched greening, talking to each other. Kiri was a little further away, sitting on the steps that led down towards the wall that surrounded the area, towards the quays where the Mobilis was moored.
Fitch came up behind them.
‘Well, that was strangest scorchin’ thing I’ve ever seen,’ he said. ‘And I’ve seen some pretty strange stuff.’
‘You’re not wrong,’ Mel said.
Coran nodded. ‘Can’t help thinking I’m glad that Ira did that for Zoella … to lose her …’
Mel held his arm. ‘I know what you mean. I feel guilty for thinking that too.’
‘Ira knew what she was doing,’ Fitch said. ‘Seems happy enough about it as far as I can see. Better her than Zoella, especially if this business with the priestesses stays unfinished. We’ll need both of them to deal with that problem.’ He pointed at Zoella and Kiri.
‘Looks like your right,’ Coran agreed.
‘Speaking of which,’ Fitch said, looking over to Kiri. ‘Unfinished business of my own.’
He walked off towards her.
‘What’s he going to do?’ Mel asked.
‘Not sure,’ Coran said. ‘Let’s keep an eye on him.’
Kiri heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Fitch approaching. She twisted around and got to her feet, eyeing the man and his strange wide-brimmed hat.
Fitch stood, hands on hips, regarding her.
‘What do you want?’ Kiri asked.
‘Just got a few words for you,’ Fitch replied.
‘And?’ Kiri said, her fists clenching.
Fitch grinned at her reaction. ‘Listen witch-girl, it’s unlikely you and I will ever be close buddies …’
‘Hardly,’ Kiri snapped. ‘You tried to kill me with your rifle. I haven’t forgotten.’
‘That I did,’ Fitch returned with a chuckle. ‘Should’ve blown your head clean off. Then you broke my arm …’
‘What did you expect me to do?’ Kiri glared.
‘Exactly what you did,’ Fitch said. ‘We were enemies. We fought. I just wanted to say that …’ He stopped for a moment before continuing. ‘I won’t be holding a grudge. What you did in there, volunteering to take Zoella’s place. I respect that. That’s all.’
Kiri nodded, but didn’t reply.
‘One thing you should know about this crew,’ Fitch said. ‘Once you’re a part of it, folks will stick by you, th
ey won’t let you down. It’s not for me to welcome you aboard, that’s up to the Captain. But if he gives the word, you’ll have nothing to fear from me. We clear?’
‘Very,’ Kiri said.
‘Right then, as you were,’ Fitch said, with a brief incline of his hat. He turned around and walked away from her, leaving her nonplussed.
Coran and Mel watched from above.
‘Looks like Fitch just buried the hatchet too,’ Coran said.
‘Kiri was serious in there,’ Mel said. ‘About taking Zoella’s place, I mean. She’s terrified of going back to Amar, knowing Meru is torn between her and his family and home. Maybe she thought that would be an honourable sacrifice … now she’s stuck with that choice again.’
‘Yeah, that’s a tough one,’ Coran said.
‘It’s not,’ Mel said, giving him a look. ‘You could make it right for her.’
‘Me?’
‘Come on Coran,’ Mel said. ‘Amar looks to you, the senators all follow your lead …’
‘I’m just the Captain of–’
‘Rubbish!’ Mel said. ‘Drop the fake humility. Your leadership saved Amar. If you hadn’t found out what was going to happen, insisted we discover Dynesia, Nireus … got those flying machines and convinced the senate to prepare … Amar would have been destroyed.’
‘So?’
‘Amar owes you.’
‘So?’ Coran repeated.
‘Snuts! You’re obtuse sometimes!’ Mel snapped. ‘If you give Kiri a pardon for her crimes against Amar it will stick. You could be her advocate. Tell everyone at home how she helped save the whole snuttin’ planet. Show everyone you have confidence in her, show them you trust her.’
‘How?’
‘Make her part of the crew.’ Mel said and gestured to where Kiri had sat, shoulders hunched, away from everyone else. ‘She’s bereft, alone. Right now, staying with Meru means prison as far as she knows. You’ve heard her whole story, it wasn’t her fault she was indoctrinated by the priestesses. She would have stepped in to save Zoella. We all saw that.’
Coran thought about it for a moment and then nodded.