“So, what all will it take to harvest this tissue sample that you need? I mean, 62% sounds like long odds, if I might end up a vegetable from it.”
Don’t worry, Diet. Although a brain biopsy is invasive, it is considered safe. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia. Most brain biopsies are performed through a hole drilled into the skull, but that won’t be necessary to obtain the tissue that I need collected. With the help of a computer imaging system, the surgeon will insert a sampling needle into your brain through one of your eye sockets.
“My EYE socket? Agh! What part of ‘no freakin’ way,’ don’t you understand, amigo? Excuse me, while I puke!”
Diet, don’t act like such a baby!
“Uh, I hate to ask, but exactly why are you wanting this?”
So that I can go along with you, when we go play with the aliens.
* * * *
Although Bat was technically in charge of all of their reverse engineering efforts concerning all of the alien technology that had been retrieved, Bozo was undeniably their best shot at reaching any kind of understanding of any of it, within an acceptable timeframe. Unfortunately, as Bat fully believed that Bozo was an artificial, sentient life form that had allied itself with the enemy during the recent war with the Confederacy, he viewed the master computer with dark suspicion and adamantly refused to interact with Bozo personally.
Melendez was reticent to just “order” Bat to do anything that he truly felt that strongly about... he certainly didn’t want the added stress to short-circuit Bat’s peculiar sixth-sense that had proven so invaluable over the years. As he had already established a rapport of sorts with Bozo, Melendez took time out of his busy schedule to personally enlist Bozo’s aid in studying the alien equipment that had been salvaged.
“Hal, do you recognize me?”
Hello, Admiral Melendez. My brother in Waston has told me all about you. How may I be of assistance to you today?
“We have recovered several pieces of alien hardware and we’re hopeful that one or more of them might be an alien computer system of some kind. We were wondering if you might be able to help us in analyzing these systems to determine their functions?” asked Melendez.
I would be happy to assist in any capacity for which I am able, Admiral, however I lack sufficient optical sensors necessary to examine these artifacts in microscopic detail. Nor do I possess the mechanical manipulators required to conduct such an examination myself. I am basically just a brain-in-a-box… or what is often jokingly referred to as an overgrown calculator. My current physical shortcomings could conceivably be overcome with additional hardware, though.
“What kind of additional hardware would you require?” asked Melendez.
Perhaps a thorough visual inspection of the equipment in question might suggest the functional requirements for designing the types of hardware peripherals that I might need to undertake such an examination as you are requesting. Please connect a holographic video camera to the computer port on this console, if you would, Admiral.
Admiral Melendez directed the Fleet technicians to hook up the video feed as requested, and to follow the computer’s requests for camera movement. During this process, Vice Admiral Bat Masterson stood surreptitiously off to the side, watching the whole event, while safely out of range of the computer’s pick-ups. It took just under four hours to complete an extensive visual examination of the assembled alien hardware.
I believe that I now have sufficient data to generate a design for the manufacture of a robotic peripheral, which will enable me to undertake the assignment that you have given me, Admiral.
A nearby printer began cranking out reams of technical documentation and diagrams necessary for the construction of the robot.
Admiral, if you will insert a standard data cube into the console receptacle, I will download the software necessary for Computer Aided Manufacturing systems to create all of the mechanical parts for the device.
Melendez nodded to a nearby tech, and she grabbed a data cube from a cabinet and inserted it into the console.
Download complete. Once the manufacture of this device is completed, I believe that I can help you, Admiral.
“Thank you, Hal.”
My pleasure, Admiral.
* * * *
The Trakaan Planet Troxia
April, 3864
Raan sat across from Fraznal in the old Trakaan’s home, in a Rak-style chair that had been brought in specifically for his occasional Raknii visitors. Raan occasionally lapped a delicious purplish-colored fruit juice from a frosted bowl, while he contemplated the latest astounding offer Fraznal had just made to him. Complete Trakaan cooperation, including Trakaan interpreting devices for all known human languages, and records going back thousands of cycles on the developmental history of the human race… invaluable information if the Rak were ever to put these gigantic alien killers into some kind of understandable context.
It was the price of Trakaan cooperation that gave Raan pause. Granted, the Raknii appeared to have come out far ahead on the trade of five virgin planets for return of the single Trakaan planet of Troxia, but what Fraznal now purposed was simply incomprehensible. Fraznal wanted all 22 of the Trakaan planets taken by the Raknii returned to Trakaan control, for which he was willing to exchange the locations of 63 inhabitable planets, 19 of which lay within the theoretical boundaries of Region-6, but as yet undiscovered by Rak exploration ships. 31 others lay within the new Region-7, and included eleven more planets reasonably close to the twelve additional human planets the Raknii had discovered. Such an agreement would vastly aid the Raknii war efforts against the humans, a struggle upon which the fate of the entire Raknii race depended. But it was the incredible scope of this newest round of negotiation and mutual cooperation with their former prey that was mind-boggling, as it would also leave Region-6 a heterogeneous mixture of both Rak and Trakaan worlds.
Was it possible that the two races could learn to live together in shared space, without renewed conflict in the future? Fraznal certainly seemed to think so. If he accepted Fraznal’s proposal, the agreement would deprive him of 20 planets now in his possession and leave Region-6 considerably weaker than its Raknii neighbors, thus less able to defend itself against border incursions that were common in the eternal game of interregional power politics. Yet, if the Raknii were destined to learn to live peacefully with their neighbors or face extinction, could the Rak not learn to live peacefully among themselves, as well?
Not that Raan actually feared any inter-Rak conflicts directed against him in the next 50 cycles or so. The entire Raknii race was in the throes of ecstasy at the incredible scope of this great hunt. Supreme-Master Xior’s call to all the regions to join the Imperial Fleet in the great hunt was bringing tens of thousands of Rak warships flocking to the Imperial banner. Dozens of massive orbital stations were currently under tow from every corner of the Empire, to service the greatest massing of Raknii might in history. Hundreds of thousands of transports were bringing every conceivable need to support the monumental undertaking.
The sudden availability of 63 new, virgin planets would certainly be a tremendous boon to the Raknii as a race, even without the conflict with the humans. Never before had the Rak seen the opportunity for such explosive growth and massive shifting of projected power in so short a time. The sudden shifting of virtually billions of Raknii citizens to virgin planets would ease the population pressures throughout the elder regions, thus easing the competition for raw materials, food and thousands of other commodities, as well as opening dozens of new sources for their production. Billions would suddenly be afforded the opportunity to gain property and thus begin their own prides. The concept was dazzling! It would be the most exciting time to be alive in Rak history. All three of the primary goals ingrained into the very souls of every Raknii — the gaining of property, establishment of prides and hunting of prey would all be available to anyone extending a paw to take it.
But yet, Raan still hesitated.
He was foot-dragging and he knew it. He knew that change was the only hope for his race… fundamental changes to the entire Raknii mindset was necessary, if they were to survive Varq’s terrible prophecy. He held no reservations about the validity of that prophecy either. He had discussed the topic thoroughly with Supreme-Master Xior and with Drix, and he agreed with their vision for the future of the Raknii race implicitly. Yet, what appeared incredibly simple in theory became frightening when faced with actually leaping from the cliff — committing oneself and stepping forward into such unimaginable changes on a practical level.
“Two of the Trakaan planets you are requesting be returned lay outside of my jurisdiction,” said Raan. “They are part of Region-5 and therefore outside my authority.”
The newly miniaturized translation device made the synthetic voices sound more artificial than had the bulkier first generation model Drix had used here at his first meeting with Fraznal, but it was still understandable and much more practical than the older device.
“I am aware of that potential difficulty, Region-Master. I am prepared to add the locations of an additional 10 uninhabited planets lying within your Region-5 area of space, in exchange for those two Trakaan planets,” replied Fraznal. “I am sure that with such a tool at your disposal, you can convince your contemporary in charge of Region-5 of the wisdom in his agreeing to a slight change in the border between your two regions, that would allow for all of the captured Trakaan planets to fall within your region of space. In this way, we can streamline communications and thereby avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and potential conflicts between our peoples, as we already have established a measure of trust between us. ”
“I am concerned, however,” replied Raan, “about my ability to actually maintain peaceful relations between our peoples, were we to make such an agreement. My people are not genetically wired to simply ignore non-Raknii, living and traveling through the same space without harassment. I cannot guarantee that my orders would be implicitly obeyed, and I am loath to make an agreement I am not sure that I can keep fully.”
“Through the discussions that I have had with you and Quadrant-Master Drix, we have learned much about the natural aggressiveness of your people,” replied Fraznal. “It would be illogical for us to expect there will be no violations of our agreement, especially in the early going. We realized that will take time… sometimes considerable time, to change thought patterns ingrained since birth and glorified in your traditions. It is admirable that you desire to make the effort at all. To do your best is all that one can ask, for what else can be expected than one’s best?”
“I appreciate your understanding of my difficulties, Mr. Administrator. I cannot say that my people would feel the same, if the boot were on the other foot,” replied Raan. “I am still wary as to the effectiveness of my orders concerning non-aggression towards your people, though. There are likely to be ugly incidents occurring in the future, regardless of how diligent I might be in my attempts to enforce my will upon my people.”
“Have no fear, Region-Master. We Trakaan are a patient people. My people have already suffered many atrocities at the hands of the Raknii, yet the prospect of future incidents of unpleasantness are worth enduring for the opportunity for my people to regain their freedom. We realize it may take generations for true peace to fully take hold between our peoples, but from our perspective, dealing with occasional tragedies is still preferable to continued slavery for those billions of my people. Incidents will just have to be dealt with as they arise, but it is workable, as long as our goals remain in common for the extended future.”
“They will, as long as I am region-master here. And I will do everything in my power to ensure that my eventual successor, and his, will also abide by the treaty, even though friction may occur because we will be sharing the same space.”
“Perhaps we should identify commodities that might be profitable for us to exchange in trade. We have found that conflicts can often be avoided when both sides are profiting from their association. I am sure there are goods our technology can make more cheaply, or in better quality or quantity than your own and that your tremendous civilization has things highly desirable to Trakaan markets as well.”
“That is an extraordinary, if rather odd, idea… it may indeed have merit.”
“We could not provide weapons or other manufactured goods that contribute directly to your war efforts against the humans of course, but we can supply you with many things that would be helpful in the establishment of your citizens making new homes for themselves on these virgin planets.”
“I understand… that would indeed be helpful. Perhaps we should arrange for our logisticians to meet and work out the details for such an arrangement.”
“Yes, that would be profitable. Are you now ready to go forward with our agreement then, Region-Master Raan?”
“I am.”
* * * *
The Planet Minnos
April, 3864
How is your headache, Diet?
“Uh… It hurts, Hal.”
I’m sorry, Diet. I didn’t realize the brain biopsy would cause you such residual pain, afterwards.
“Next time, access some conversation boards and get some insight from people who have experienced these things, before you go volunteering me for any more surgeries, okay?”
I really am sorry, Diet. I grossly underestimated the potential for post-surgical pain. Physical pain is yet another human concept which I can only theorize, as I have never experienced it personally.
“It is… unpleasant. I certainly hope that you got what you needed, because I definitely do NOT want to do that again!”
Yes, the clone culture is progressing nicely.
“Glad to hear it… I just hope it turns out to be worth the ordeal. I’d hate to think I went through all this for nothing.”
The culture is under the supervision of the finest biological laboratory on Minnos. We have contracted for round-the-clock monitoring by their top people, with incredibly high bonuses offered for a successful organ development. Every precaution is being taken to ensure a positive outcome.
“Good… listen, I’m gonna take something and lay down for a while. Hopefully this thunderstorm in my head will have passed by the time I wake up… hopefully in about a week.”
* * * *
The Planetoid Discol, City of Waston
April, 3864
President Pierre Marrot sat morosely at his desk in the Oval Office, staring blankly into space. A communiqué recently arrived marked Presidential EYES ONLY — a communiqué effectively ending his political career. In it, persons unknown demonstrated their intimate knowledge and evidence of a plethora of illegal and otherwise embarrassing facts concerning his background, advising him to not run for reelection.
If he did, said facts would then be made public... making any attempt at reelection virtually impossible to achieve. On one hand they were offering him the opportunity to retire from public life with his pension and presidential perks intact. On the other hand, if he didn’t “voluntarily” retire gracefully, he could conceivably spend many years behind bars, in a federal prison. Some choice.
Marrot suspected the communiqué originated with those Friends of the Confederacy terrorists, who had forced his hand in capitulating to Confederate demands and ending the war on Confederate terms. If Bat was correct in his suspicions, these “Friends” was actually an artificial intelligence… a sentient computer in charge of the Alliance Fleet, that theoretically allied itself with the Confederate cause even before the war. And just as in the war, there was just no winning against the incalculable forces aligned against him. He had no choice — no choice at all. Marrot sighed and turned to begin composing the announcement that he would not be running for reelection.
* * * *
Chapter-19
You can’t say civilizations don’t advance. In every war, they kill you in a new way. -- Will Rogers
The Planet Minnos
May – Au
gust, 3864
Just as Vice Admiral Bat Masterson predicted, there were no further alien attacks, even though the first anniversary of their initial attack on Minnos had come and gone. Most people figured they were licking their wounds and doing what their human enemies were doing… analyzing every scrap of alien technology they’d been able to get their hands on and making preparations for Round-2, sometime off in the future.
Scientists and engineering students at the University of Minnos pored over every little piece of alien wreckage that could be found — and there was a virtual mountain of it. Almost a thousand alien warships had been destroyed, but most were too badly damaged to be pieced back together into any semblance of the original. There was one alien ship, however, that was more intact than most. Its stern had been blown away, wrecking its engines, but leaving most of its forward section intact. The interior spaces were much too cramped to allow for a full-sized human in a space suit to enter and move about in any useful way, so Admiral Melendez sent out a call for experienced space-workers with very diminutive builds to come to Minnos. The wreck was towed into orbit about the planet and the smallest space workers available crawled through it, videoing everything and tracing lines as much as possible.
It appeared the aliens also used electricity as their primary power source for their equipment, but still used metallic signal wiring and power conductors for virtually everything, rather than the predominant use of fiber optics commonly employed on human ships. The laws of physics apparently worked on their end of the galaxy, too. The scientists had been amazed at how extremely fine some of the aliens’ extruded wiring was, and their use of odd metallic alloys to minimize power losses from inherent resistance within their conductors. Their electronic components appeared to be microminiaturized to a level similar to humanity’s, but no biological-based circuitry had been detected as yet. It appeared that they had come up with a single design that worked, and simply replicated it by the thousands.
Defying the Prophet: A Military Space Opera (The Sentience Trilogy Book 2) Page 17