Belson was silent for a long moment. “There are several council members in stasis down on the planet. I hope you can be as persuasive with them as you have been with me.”
Kathryn looked down into the large medical facility where the Eternals were being treated. A number of Altons and several Humans were assisting Cynthia with the Originators who had been removed from their stasis chambers and were lying on the treatment platforms. From what Belson had said these were all members of the station’s medical staff and once they recovered sufficiently they could aid in the treatment of the others. She also knew she needed to contact Fleet Admiral Strong soon and inform him of what was happening before he showed up with a large warfleet. Kathryn didn’t want to risk the rapport she was currently developing with Commander Belson. A large warfleet showing up might just do that.
-
The next day Zafron and Kathryn were standing in one of the spacedocks on the space station. Several Originator battlecruisers were inside for routine maintenance. Repair robots were going in and out through hatches and some of the hull plating was being replaced where it had become tarnished. Kathryn wondered if this flurry of maintenance was due to her fleet showing up.
“They have eleven hundred battlecruisers,” Zafron said as he watched the repair robots scurrying about. “There are also sixty massive passenger and cargo ships. It must have taken hundreds of trips between this star cluster and the dark matter Shrieel to bring everything and everyone here. I am amazed they managed to do this and keep it a secret. Kazak searched for hundreds of years for them and never discovered a clue other than that one cryptic message.”
Kathryn watched as two large repair robots set a piece of hull plating on the deck. A tractor beam then easily lifted it up and set it in place where other repair robots began welding it. “What do you think will happen when all of them have been awakened? What’s going to change?”
Kathryn knew this was going to take months. She would also like to see the star cluster better defended in case the Eternals showed up. She and Zafron had inspected some of the weapons the station was equipped with and had been impressed. The station was even equipped with the deadly blue energy spheres which the Dyson Spheres and the Dominator had. This was surprising since the Originators had a strict rule restricting the blue energy spheres to the Dyson Spheres only. The Dominator had been the only known exception and that was due to its mission to find a cure for the pathogen.
“Commander Belson has agreed to allow you to send a message back to Fleet Commander Strong and Bartoll as to what we’ve discovered here,” Zafron said. “Since there are two council members in stasis down on the planet, I would recommend you ask Councilor Bartoll to come to the star cluster to speak with them when they are awakened. It might make this much simpler with his presence. The two councilors in stasis are junior to Councilor Bartoll and his words will carry a lot of weight with them. I’m certain he can convince them to continue the alliance with your three races.”
“What about a fleet to help protect this system? It would be a disaster if the Eternals were to show up.”
“I will speak to Commander Belson. I don’t think he would object to a powerful escort for Councilor Bartoll, particularly with the Eternals on the loose. That escort could then remain to help protect the system.”
Kathryn nodded. The message she was going to send to Fleet Admiral Strong and Councilor Bartoll only mentioned the 50,000 Originators on the space station. Commander Belson had requested the presence of the millions of other Originators in stasis on the planet be kept a secret for now. Kathryn had agreed knowing there needed to be more trust developed between them before everything was revealed.
In the spacedock, the repair robots moved tirelessly as they worked on the battlecruisers. Kathryn wondered if they had been doing this since the Originators arrived in this star cluster over two million years ago. With that thought Kathryn grew aware of how old this station was. It was far beyond anything the Human race could build or even the Altons. She knew a stasis field was in operation when the station wasn’t active.
“Once Councilor Bartoll gets here we need to see about getting the Accelerator Ring built. It will make the transit time between here and the Communications and Transport Hub much faster.” Kathryn didn’t relish the thought of having to travel at galactic hyperspace speeds to Ornellia and having to use that Accelerator Ring. It would be much simpler if there was one here above the planet. Also, if the Eternals showed up reinforcements could be brought in from Ornellia very quickly using both rings.
“I spoke to Cynthia earlier,” Commander Zafron said, folding his arms over his chest as he watched the work in the spacedock. “The Originators she’s given the cure to are beginning to show signs of improvement. They should be gaining consciousness in the next day or two. She’s keeping them sedated until their systems are healthier.”
“I suppose she’s using organic nanites?”
“Yes,” replied Zafron. “They can work miracles when used properly unlike the mechanical ones the Eternals use. Most of the Originators in stasis were well along in the progress of the disease. The nanites help to restore their bodies and strength to a semblance of what it was before the disease struck.”
Kathryn nodded. Organic nanites had been used on her when the Distant Horizon had first reached the Communications and Transport Hub. If they hadn’t been used she would have most likely died from her injuries. “I wonder if the Eternals have attacked anywhere since we’ve been gone? It’s been nearly four weeks since we left the hub.”
Zafron’s brow creased in a frown. “It’s possible. I know Fleet Admiral Strong was expecting a second attack in Galaxy X-938 at any time.”
“Perhaps we’ll find out when we send our message. Rear Admiral Mann is still there and she’s already defeated the Eternals once.”
Zafron was silent for a moment. “The Anti-Life are not easy to defeat. We have no idea as to the extent of their empire or the number of warships they possess. I fear the force Fleet Admiral Strong and Rear Admiral Mann defeated in Galaxy X-938 was nothing more than a probe.”
“I wondered the same,” said Kathryn, her shoulders drooping slightly. “That’s why these negotiations with the lost Originators are so important. We need them to help in the war.”
“Councilor Bartoll can be quite persuasive,” replied Commander Zafron. “It is in his hands.”
Kathryn was gravely worried about what would happen once all twelve million Originators were awoken. There was a possibility they would order the Humans, Altons, and Carethians to leave the Dyson Sphere at the Communications and Transport Hub, then seal off all the megastructures and depend on their powerful defenses to deter the Eternals. Kathryn hoped this didn’t happen. With a deep sigh, she knew it was time to return to the Distant Horizon and send off her messages, one to Councilor Bartoll and the other to Fleet Admiral Strong. She did need to wait until Commander Zafron talked to Commander Belson to get permission for Jeremy to send a powerful escort fleet with the councilor.
-
At the Communications and Transport Hub, Jeremy was in his office speaking with Admiral Kalen. “I’m going to talk to Councilor Bartoll about establishing contact with the Federation. After this last battle, it’s becoming more apparent we’re going to need more crews for our heavy dreadnoughts. The Federation is the only place I know where we can get them.”
Admiral Kalen leaned back and frowned. “The Federation will want something out of this, most likely Originator technology. We’re talking about millions of crew personnel. They may even demand access to the Dyson Sphere in the home galaxy.”
Ariel suddenly popped in, appearing just to the right of Admiral Kalen. She had an apologetic look on her face. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Jeremy, but Angela just received two messages from Rear Admiral Barnes. They found the lost Originators!”
“What?” Jeremy said, his eyes widening in astonishment. He had expected the search to go on for much longer than this. He also wond
ered why Rear Admiral Barnes had waited so long before sending a message. “How many?”
“Fifty thousand,” Ariel answered promptly. “They’re in stasis on board a giant space station. They’ve already started giving some of them the cure for the pathogen.”
Jeremy blinked his eyes. This could change everything. Fifty thousand Originators! If some of them were scientists and technicians, it could make a huge difference in the war with the Eternals.
“This will thrill Councilor Bartoll,” said Admiral Kalen, his eyes lighting up. “There are hundreds of research projects they can be put to work on as soon as they’re brought back here.”
“If they’re willing,” said Jeremy, wondering how this was going to play out. “Remember, we don’t know a lot about these Originators.” Fifty thousand were a lot more than Jeremy had thought Kathryn would find. He had expected a few hundred to a maximum of a few thousand.
“Councilor Bartoll and Dazon Fells are on their way to your office,” added Ariel. “They should be here in a few minutes.”
“Did Councilor Bartoll receive a message as well?” asked Jeremy, suspecting that he had.
Ariel looked a little sheepish. “Yes. Rear Admiral Barnes is requesting Councilor Bartoll come to the star cluster to meet with representatives of the lost Originators.”
“What representatives?”
“It seems there are two Originator Councilors in stasis.”
Jeremy’s eyes widened in concern. He knew in the past a council of the leading scientists had governed the Dyson Spheres. He wasn’t sure how many were on the council but since there were over two hundred Dyson Spheres, he suspected it was a large number. Bartoll had been relatively easy to work with; now it seemed they might be adding two more councilors and that was going to be a very large unknown factor.
“What about contacting the Federation?” asked Admiral Kalen. “We can’t wait too long to do that. We’re building more heavy dreadnoughts every day.”
Jeremy shook his head. “I think we’d better wait until we meet these new Originators.”
“What about the trap to capture one of the AIs in our fake stasis facility?” asked Kalen, looking over at Ariel. “How is that going?”
“Nothing,” Ariel replied disappointedly. “I spoke to Reesa and Major Wilde earlier and they still have hopes one will take the bait.”
Jeremy looked thoughtful and then spoke. “Ariel, I want a communications blackout on the two messages we received from Rear Admiral Barnes. I don’t want to take a risk of the AIs under control of the Defenders of Zorn discovering what we’ve found.” Jeremy was still concerned there might be another hidden stasis facility on one of the Dyson Sphere with members from that group.
Ariel’s dark eyes narrowed as if she were concentrating. “I just informed Angela and she’s placing the messages in a secure file. No one will be able to access them except her.”
“You’ll need to tell Councilor Bartoll as well,” Admiral Kalen said. “I just hope he hasn’t told anyone else.”
“He hasn’t,” Ariel said. “Just Dazon.”
Jeremy leaned back in his chair. He had a suspicion this was going to be a long day.
-
Councilor Bartoll entered Jeremy’s office feeling elated at the message he had just received from Rear Admiral Barnes. Fifty thousand Originators! It was enough to restart the race! With the use of the birthing chambers, they could rapidly increase the number of Originators in the Shrieels in just a few centuries. He was already making plans on how many chambers should be activated for the first batch of children. Originators had long since stopped going through the natural birth process to have offspring. Birthing chambers could carry a fetus from conception to full term. Not only that but by using male and female donors numerous genetic combinations of children could be conceived. This was not the normal method preferred by the Originators. They normally raised their children in a family unit until their education was complete. Even after they left to assume their careers they kept in close contact. However, due to the low number of Originators, that option was not going to be feasible. Originator AIs could be programmed to act as host families if necessary, particularly with the very young. They needed to increase the Originator population and do it very quickly, even if it meant using some unorthodox methods.
“You heard?” asked Bartoll, still feeling the excitement.
“Yes,” Jeremy replied. “I understand Rear Admiral Barnes has requested your presence.”
Bartoll nodded. “I plan on leaving immediately. The sooner we can begin bringing the lost Originators back here to the Communications and Transport Hub the better I’ll feel.”
“We need to keep this discovery a secret,” said Jeremy, his eyes narrowing. “I don’t believe we want any of the AIs who are under control of the Defenders of Zorn to become aware of what’s been found.”
Bartoll felt taken aback by Jeremy’s words. He hadn’t thought about that danger. He didn’t really think there was any significant risk but he decided to go along with Jeremy’s suggestion.
“Very well, we can keep it a secret for a time. Only Dazon and I know what was in the message. Of course when we begin bringing back the lost Originators the secret will be out.”
“Rear Admiral Barnes also suggested I send a strong escort with you to the star cluster. I’ve decided I’ll be going along with a fleet of five hundred heavy dreadnoughts.”
“What if the Eternals attack while you’re gone? The trip to the star cluster will take over two weeks.”
“We’ll be gone for at least five,” Jeremy said. “After their defeat in Galaxy X-938 I don’t think we’ll have an attack for awhile. I believe we have time.”
“When do we leave?”
“Tomorrow,” answered Jeremy. “I want to get to that star cluster as soon as possible.”
This satisfied Bartoll. He would have left today if possible. “Very well, I’ll be ready. Dazon will run things in my place while I’m gone.”
“As Admiral Kalen will for me,” replied Jeremy.
-
Hours later Jeremy stepped through his front door to be met by an aggravated Kelsey.
“You’re leaving again?”
Jeremy sighed. He wondered if Ariel had told her.
“Angela called,” explained Kelsey, seeing the look on Jeremy’s face.
Sometimes Jeremy forgot how close Kelsey, Katie, and Angela were. They kept no secrets from one another.
“How long will you be gone?”
“Five to six weeks,” Jeremy replied uncomfortably. He knew with Kelsey being pregnant he should be spending more time with her. “I promise when I get back I’ll arrange to spend some time here at home.”
Kelsey walked over, placed her hands on her hips, and stared directly into Jeremy’s eyes. “You’d better. Katie’s not going to be very happy either when she finds out and she’s expecting twins.”
Jeremy felt like groaning. All three women were pregnant. Angela had only found out a few weeks back. He suspected in the next few months his life was going to become even more chaotic. He had already contacted Kevin and informed him the Avenger would be leaving on a new mission sometime in the next thirty hours.
Kelsey stepped back, folding her arms over her chest. “Supper will be ready in an hour. You have the rest of the night afterward to make up for leaving again so soon after getting back from Galaxy X-938.”
Jeremy didn’t reply; merely nodded. He knew what Kelsey had in mind for later or at least he hoped he did. Since becoming pregnant she looked so radiate and alluring whenever she was a little peeved. She had also become more unpredictable.
He watched as she turned and went into the kitchen. He had an hour to send a few messages. Going into the office he maintained in the house he activated the computer.
“I think you’re in trouble,” Ariel said from behind him. “I wouldn’t do anything else to make her mad tonight.”
“I believe you’re right,” Jeremy said as he sat do
wn in front of his computer terminal. “How are Katie and Kevin doing?”
“Last time I checked on the two of them Kevin was giving Katie a back massage. I am learning a lot about Human pregnancy from watching Katie, Kelsey, and Angela. All three react differently to being pregnant.”
“You and Clarissa wanted a new Special Five,” Jeremy reminded Ariel. He hated that name but had gotten used to it over the years.
Ariel nodded. “It’s going to be a lot more than five, especially with the bonding of Grayseth and Marille. You are aware you’re going to miss that.”
Jeremy felt his heart skip a beat. In all the excitement over finding the lost Originators he had forgotten about the bonding ceremony, which was going to be held in two more days. Grayseth had already delayed it once so Jeremy could attend. He leaned back in his chair trying to decide what to do. While Grayseth would understand Jeremy going on this mission he would be greatly disappointed in Jeremy’s absence. Did he dare delay this mission for three more days?
With a deep sigh, he knew what he had to do. He would send Councilor Bartoll on with a suitable escort and then would follow as soon as Grayseth’s bonding ceremony was over. That would give him and Kevin a few more days with their wives and they might just be able to soothe them enough so they wouldn’t be too aggravated about them rushing off on this new mission.
“Ariel, there’s been a change of plans.” Jeremy then proceeded to tell the friendly AI what he wanted done.
Ariel nodded. “I think that’s for the best. I’ll pop in and tell Kevin and Katie.” She vanished and almost immediately reappeared looking slightly embarrassed. “They’re busy; I’ll talk to them later.”
Jeremy had to grin. One of these days Ariel and Clarissa would learn they just couldn’t pop in and out whenever they wanted. Turning back to his computer terminal Jeremy had several messages that needed to be sent.
The Originator Wars: Search for the Lost: A Lost Fleet Novel Page 20