by R. J. Leahy
"And you know what that was, don't you?” Mordachi asked.
Samson smiled. “Actually, it was David who gave me the answer."
David looked startled “Me? I can't imagine how."
"You told me once that Ararat's magnetic field was very strange. You said it resembled a brainwave pattern."
"Well, yes ... at least it did to me. But, Samson, I was only talking in generalities."
"Samson, I have studied the planet's magnetic field for many years,” said a scientist. “They do have a cursory resemblance to neuro-fields, but they really aren't the same."
"Not the same as a human's, you mean. I'd be surprised if they were, considering man is not telepathic on Ararat. But tell me, have you ever recorded a tigra's neuro pattern?"
The room fell silent. Mordachi slapped the table.
"Of course! How stupid of us not to see it before. But is that possible?"
Samson shrugged. “You tell me. What are brainwaves but electromagnetic impulses? Is it possible to use one energy wave as a carrier for another?"
A scientist nodded. “Theoretically, yes, if they are in phase."
"That's what I thought. I think that if you look, you will find that tigras generate a neuro field virtually identical to Ararat's magnetic field, and in phase. I believe something caused a major disturbance in Ararat's magnetic field some five thousand years ago. I think that towards the end the tigras must have come to the same conclusion. This mountain, Pyros, must have been a last, desperate attempt to shield what was left of their unaffected population from the field's influence. Of course, in the end, it made no difference."
The table was silent. Mordachi looked at the faces of the astounded scientists, a slow smile appearing on his face.
"Samson, I think you've done it. You've solved the riddle."
The table exploded in a din of voices as each scientist began to propose experiments to verify Samson's theory.
He raised his paw. “You are all welcome to proceed with any experiments you see fit as long as they don't injure or endanger the tigras. For myself, I am satisfied that this is the answer. I did not come here to prove anything. What I am interested in is something a bit more tangible. I want nothing less than to find a way to eliminate the cause and bring the tigras back to sentience."
"You want to change Ararat's magnetic field?” asked one scientist in disbelief.
"Yes. The pattern is probably changing subtly over time anyway, but the process could take centuries to complete, and I can't wait that long. I am proof that once the mental connection is broken my species can regain what they have lost. My question, then, is a simple one—Can it be done?"
One of the senior scientists scratched his head.
"Planetary fields are always changing and evolving, but they do so in response to changes in the planet's core and solar forces. To deliberately alter one...” He whistled. “It would be an enormous undertaking."
Samson nodded. “I understand, but that is the project I intend to pursue. I don't expect miracles. I understand that to accomplish this—if it's possible at all—could take years."
"At least,” the scientist mumbled, but he was already scratching out equations on a tablet.
Chapter 30
Carborillium: Metal synthesized in a complex process involving massive pressure and neutrino bombardment of osmium. Its main use is as a protective coating in the singularity cells of hyperdrives. It is not found in nature.
Encyclopedic History of the Union, 22nd ed.
The preparations for David and Sarah's wedding proceeded, with all of Pyros anxiously awaiting the day. Jeena had become the unofficial coordinator of events and even threw Sarah's bachelorette party, the details of which David had the good sense not to inquire about. There were rumors she had instructed Sarah and several others in a few exotic temple pleasure secrets, but this was never proven.
Samson was equally mum concerning David's bachelor party, but was ill with a hangover for two days after.
The day of the ceremony broke bright and warm. Selanja and a phalanx of the Babylonian army in full battle dress led Sarah from the city gates to the top of a hill just beyond the mountain. There, among the wildflowers and in the presence of all the city, the two exchanged vows.
As the wedding ceremony ended, Mordachi pulled David aside.
"Congratulations, David, the two of you will be very happy, I know. I wonder, though, have you given any thought to your future? With the defeat of the Rosh-dan, the need for a fulltime military is questionable. There has been talk that Parliament may disband the army."
"Yes, so I've heard."
"Now that you're married, I imagine children will be coming soon?"
David smiled. “Sarah and I have discussed it, yes."
"And children don't exactly raise themselves, do they?"
"No, they don't. But what are you getting at?"
"Just this. I want to retire. Oh, I'll still work on Samson's project—I owe it to him, and besides, I love the challenge. It's the prime ministry I'm vacating, and I can't think of anyone I'd rather support to take my place, or who is more qualified for the job."
David thanked the old man many times. With his popularity among the people and Mordachi's support, he had an excellent chance of being elected.
Jeena was thrilled to hear of it.
"David, that's wonderful! Pyros couldn't have a better man leading it."
"Well, I haven't won yet, but with Mordachi's support it does look promising."
* * * *
Work continued in earnest on the Tigra Project, as it was now called, with only minimal gains. The problem proved to be every bit as difficult as anticipated.
Like all planets, Ararat's magnetic field was a product of its spinning molten core. Ararat's field was so odd it had to imply an extremely unusual core composition, but what that might be, let alone how to change it, was beyond their knowledge and their science.
The only option that remained was to attempt an alteration of the existing magnetic field. As several of the scientists had pointed out, they needn't change it significantly, only enough to disrupt the wave pattern.
However, even this proved to be a daunting task. The field was enormous, encircling the planet and extending outward for thousands of miles. It was also immensely powerful. Little progress was made for many weeks; then one day Mordachi called Samson to meet with the project team.
Mordachi stood at the head of the table, looking tired. A holo-projector displayed a floating image of Ararat with a graphic depiction of its strangely oscillating magnetic field projecting from it like a web of thin, spidery hairs.
"The difficulty has always been the problem's magnitude,” he began. “Attempting to change the configuration of a planet-wide phenomenon like a magnetic field requires thinking on a gigantic scale.” He pointed to the image of Ararat. “Ideally, we'd like to attack it at its source, the molten core, but that is beyond our abilities at present. However, we think we've come up with a plan of altering it from space that would work."
Samson listened intently.
"What we propose is to place orbiting field generators around the planet, synchronized to generate a wave one hundred and eighty degrees out of phase with Ararat's present pattern.” Mordachi worked the projector, and a multitude of tiny black dots appeared above the planet's surface.
"Excellent! And how long would it take to place enough generators to affect a change?” Samson asked excitedly.
Mordachi looked at the faces of the team but was offered no help. He looked down sadly.
"Well, that remains a problem. Even assuming we could get state-of-the-art generators at the power level we need, and assuming we could place them in orbit at the rate of one a week...” He spread his hands in a sign of futility. “Samson, we would need over fifteen hundred machines to effect any real change in the field."
* * * *
Samson made a quick calculation. At one a week, it would take thirty years. And that was a
ssuming not only an uninterrupted supply—difficult to guarantee against the backdrop of a civil war—but also the funds to pay for them. The cost would be astronomical.
He stood and addressed the table. “I want to thank you all for all the hard work you've put toward the project. It was a difficult problem, and your finding a solution was more than I dared hope for.” He looked at Mordachi. “You've calculated the cost, of course."
The old man nodded. “As a percentage of Pyros's economy, it would require roughly seventy percent over the next thirty years."
"I thought it might be something like that."
The scientists around the table looked away, averting their eyes.
"Please, gentlemen, don't look so sad. You've solved a difficult problem elegantly; it is just beyond our means at present. The tigras have waited forty thousand years for their resurrection; they can wait a bit longer. From my heart, I give you my eternal gratitude for what you tried to do for them, and for me."
* * * *
Jeena found him sitting in the high grass near the western entrance of the city. The sun was sinking low, and his face was radiant in its rays. She sat next to him and ran her hand through the fur on his head.
His eyes shone as he spoke.
"They were wonderful, Jeena. They worked so hard, and all for a species that isn't even aware of their efforts. Of all the qualities I admire in man, it is that gift of empathy you feel toward others less fortunate that is the most remarkable."
"They worked so hard because of you,” she said, “because they respect and admire you and all that you've done. I take it they didn't find an answer to your problem?"
"Oh, they found an answer. To help the tigras, all I have to do is ask them to give up two-thirds of all they have for the next thirty years."
At her insistence, he explained the details of the plan.
"Four generators a month—the equivalent of the cost of your transport ship every month—for thirty years,” he concluded sadly.
"Or one a day for the next five years."
"Huh? Yeah, well, I guess the math almost works. Why are you grinning like that?"
She unhooked the impe from around her neck and handed it to him.
"Here is payment for your first four generators, my love."
* * * *
"Say that again,” Paul said. He stood behind his desk, his hands balled in fists.
"Paul, you've been getting robbed by the smugglers,” Jeena repeated. “It's why they risk their lives cutting across battle lines to get here. You're trading carborillium for trinkets. Carborillium, Paul! A metal so rare a rock the size of my fist could outfit a frontline star fighter."
He continued to glow crimson. “But they said carborillium was only semi-precious. Barely worth the trip, they said. Just stopping by on the way to more profitable planets, they said."
"Paul, there is no more profitable planet. These space pirates would hyperdrive through an exploding nova to get their hands on these stones, and for a few hundred kilos they'll sell us as many field generators as we need and set them in orbit.” She tossed her impe on the desk. “When can you contact them?"
"Pretty much any time I want. They left a narrow-band transmitter set to their frequency. We send a signal when we have stones to trade. But, Jeena, outside of yours, we have no other stones."
She smiled down on Samson sitting at her side. “Ah, but the gods are with us."
* * * *
"Are you sure we're not taking advantage of them?” Samson asked as they made their way to the Intawa village.
Jeena led her kytar over the thick green grass of the pass.
"Samson, David and Mordachi have agreed to give the Intawa anything they want for the stones, and if they are anywhere near as plentiful as they seem to be, then the Intawa will still have the wealth of whole systems left. Besides, you know they would be happy to help Shahaiya in any way they can."
"And my semata,” he added.
She puffed out her chest. “Hey, that's right. After all, I am Nanor's favorite."
"Uh-huh. So, you better have a good explanation for the old man as to why you still haven't produced a tigra-child for the tribe."
She groaned.
As they approached the village they were met by a cheering group of blond-haired children, laughing and singing. Soon the noise attracted the adults, who began pouring out from the j'led. On seeing Jeena and Samson, they joined the happy chorus of voices.
Ewar met them in the clearing, embracing Jeena and bowing to Samson.
"We have joke on mountain people, yes?” he asked, his blue eyes still dancing at the humor of it.
"Yes,” Samson agreed. “A very good joke."
"Shahaiya come back to live with Intawa now, keep tigra brothers from hunting grounds?"
"Don't worry, Ewar,” Jeena answered. “The tigras will not bother you anymore. Shahaiya will keep them in their own land in the north."
"Ah, this very good. You live with them?"
"Not right away,” Samson said, “but I would like to help them, if the Intawa will assist me."
"Intawa always help Shahaiya,” he replied. “You come in j'led. We talk."
They sat around the fire with Ewar and the other tribal leaders, including Nanor. He immediately wanted to know how progress on the tigra-child was coming, and was disappointed to learn Jeena was not yet pregnant.
"Shahaiya need Intawa help for tigra brothers,” Ewar explained to the group.
"What Shahaiya need?” Anok asked.
Jeena removed her impe, handing it to Ewar. “We need more stones like these, more p'toc. The people of the mountain will give the Intawa anything they want for them."
There were confused looks on the faces of the men. Anok spoke for them.
"P'toc for mountain people, not for Shahaiya?"
Samson realized a more detailed explanation would be necessary.
"The mountain people can help me, but they must have the stones to do it."
"Then we give p'toc to Shahaiya,” Anok replied.
The others nodded in agreement.
"But they are very valuable, Anok. The Intawa shouldn't just give them away. You should trade them for things you need."
The Intawa shook their heads. It was one thing to trade with the mountain people for the few metal tools and pots they needed, but they could not bring themselves to barter for something Shahaiya obviously wanted.
* * * *
As the discussion continued, Jeena watched Nanor rise and go to a shadowy corner of the j'led. Following him, she saw a small child in a crib, sallow of skin and coughing . Nanor spoke to the child gently, rubbing a bird feather across her brow and reciting a prayer.
"Is she ill?” Jeena asked.
The blue-eyed girl regarded her listlessly.
The old man nodded. “Roots no help. Spirits of plants no listen to old Nanor,” he said sadly.
"And that is why you want a new kho'pan so badly, isn't it?"
He looked up at her with tired eyes. “Nanor old. Intawa get sick. No get well. Maybe soon, no more Intawa."
She understood that he felt the health of the tribe was entirely his responsibility. If they were sick, it meant his power was fading, and that put the people in dire danger. Such was the precarious nature of their existence that even a minor increase in the death rate or a drop in the birthrate could prove disastrous.
She touched the old man gently and returned to the fire.
* * * *
Samson was frustrated. He had gained no ground in getting the chiefs to accept payment for the stones, even from a third party like Pyros.
"Shahaiya need stones, Shahaiya take stones,” Ewar insisted indignantly. “Intawa need nothing from mountain people."
Samson sighed as Jeena sat at his side.
"It's hopeless,” he muttered.
"Just follow my lead,” she whispered back, then focused on Ewar. “So, the chiefs need nothing from the mountain people?” she asked. “Then I guess th
e chiefs don't care about their people. The chiefs don't care if the Intawa die."
The chiefs exchanged shocked expressions.
Ewar spoke defiantly. “Why semata say this?"
"Because the Intawa people need a kho'pan. Nanor is old; he will not live forever. Why not use the stones to bring a kho'pan from the mountain?"
"What the hell are you doing?” Samson whispered.
Anok looked suspicious. “Mountain people have kho'pan? This is true?"
Jeena stood and addressed the men. “The mountain people have many powerful healers. They do not know the ways of the spirits, but Nanor can teach them, and then they will be kho'pan. But if the chiefs wait too long, then who will be left to teach?"
Nanor had overheard the conversation and came nearer the fire.
"Mountain healer come to village?” he asked excitedly. “Be student to old Nanor?"
"Well, I don't know,” Jeena answered vaguely. “A powerful kho'pan is very valuable, yes?"
Ewar and the other chiefs nodded. A kho'pan who could wield his magic and keep the tribe healthy was invaluable.
"Maybe one come to village, maybe for many p'toc? If Shahaiya ask?” Anok ventured. He seemed skeptical that such a worthy could be had for nothing but stones.
"Quite possibly,” Jeena answered. “Can you get more like these?” she asked, pointing to her necklace.
Ewar and the others studied them. “These good stones. Not many. Maybe some,” Ewar said.
* * * *
Jeena felt her hopes fall. Maybe carborillium wasn't as plentiful as she had been led to believe. If finding them turned out to be a lengthy process, it could set Samson's plan back many years.
There was more discussion. It was finally decided that Ewar would lead Samson and Jeena to the area known to have the most stones to see what the potential was.
Lying on their bed of carpets and furs later that night, she expressed her concerns.
"I'm worried. It's possible David and the others misunderstood the Intawa traders. Maybe carborillium isn't plentiful here. It may be extremely rare and hard to find."