Someone whispered, “How old are you?”
“In Earth years I am one-thousand two hundred seventy-nine years of age,” He responded. “Pretty young.”
∆∆∆
We eventually took another break, and while Captain Silva was giving a small team I had assembled a tour of the belowdecks portion of the ship that we’d never seen Iron Jaw, Julie, Dr. Spencer, Dr. Decker, and Dr. Spelini were gathered in my quarters.
I started with my usual ritual, “Comments?”
“I don’t know about the rest of you,” Dr. Decker immediately said. “But I’m pissed off. Apparently humanity has been manipulated and screwed with over and over by these Noridians and they’re trying to do it again.”
“Just to be clear,” I said. “Exactly what is it that we feel the Noridians are currently trying to pull over on us?”
I felt pretty clear on that issue myself but I wanted to not only make sure we were on the same page, I knew that if we didn’t perfectly pin down the Noridian motives we didn’t have any hope of understanding the Coridian motives.
“They want to own us,” Dr. Spencer said.
“It’s just ownership on a different level than what we’re used to thinking of. Maybe a better way of saying it is that they want to own our intellectual rights. If we’re under the Noridian flag then every invention, every innovation, every idea we have they will get credit for.”
“But what ideas are we realistically going to have that can benefit a society that is hundreds of thousands of years old?” said Julie.
“More like millions,” Dr. Spencer responded. “And I think that’s what’s been bothering me. Any society that old can’t be evolving much or it would tear itself apart. You heard what Silva said, Earthers are ‘dynamic’ – well, what’s the opposite of dynamic? It’s stagnant and I think that’s what we’re basically facing. They said that things happen slowly but from our perspective that means the galaxy is made up of stable, stagnant societies – at least on the Dynasty level. We really don’t know anything about the Houses of The Accord.”
“It still seems like it would take a long time for us to catch up with them even if they give us a push here and there,” Dr. Decker reflected.
“We’re forgetting what we just learned,” Dr. Spencer said. “Their lifetimes span thousands of years – what can Earth accomplish in just two of their generations? You heard Silva; our knowledge is growing exponentially, the total sum of Earther’s knowledge is doubling every few years - where might we be eight thousand years from now?”
“There’s another reason the Noridians would want to own or control us,” Dr. Anzio Spelini threw in. “Presumably if we are an official part of Noridia then we cannot complain about the genetic atrocities perpetrated on us in the past. Absorbing us could give the Noridian Dynasty a free pass on that account.”
Major Mike ‘Iron Jaw’ Reynolds had obviously been looking for a place to jump in and he now said, “I still don’t understand why they would remove our space platform if they really wanted our goodwill.”
“Uh major,” Julie said. “I think I’ve got that part figured out now. For some reason they want the Coridian Dynasty to look bad but more importantly they can’t afford for us to be a spacefaring society. A lot of the proscriptions laid down by The Accord seem to distinguish between civilizations with and without spaceflight. I’d be willing to bet that Noridia can’t claim Earth the way they want to if we’ve already got a space presence.”
“Julie, confirm that with Captain Silva the first chance you get but let him explain it to you; I don’t want him just agreeing to our speculation,” I said without even realizing I’d called her by her first name.
“Dr. Spencer,” I continued. “I want you and I to take the lead on tonight’s questioning. I think it’s imperative that we have an understanding of the Coridian Dynasty’s motives with us before we reach this planet of theirs. I want to know why the Coridians care what the Noridians do with Earth.
“Mike, I want you to concentrate on figuring out a way to control this ship if we need to. I don’t have any reason to believe it will be necessary but I’m tired of being at the mercy of old folks that look like grandkids.”
“Aye aye,” Major Reynolds said.
“Julie, are you still feeling good about Captain Silva’s sincerity; all this ‘living thousands of years’ stuff – can it possibly be true?”
“It’s incredibly hard to believe but I don’t get any body language that would cause me to doubt him. For what it’s worth I’ve been checking on my smartpad and The Bible lists Noah as almost 600 years old at the time of the flood. The Jewish Torah and the Islamic Qur'an also have stories of people like Methuselah, Shem, Ham and Japheth that lived up to a thousand years.
“What’s interesting though,” she continued. “Is that I found an article from a group that claims to debunk The Bible. They document that The Bible shows lifetimes getting shorter each generation after Noah. They say that’s an inconsistency that sheds doubt on its validity but it goes along perfectly with what Captain Silva is saying. If it took several generations for the human organism to adapt to its new genetic predisposition then we could expect declining lifespans over the transition period.”
I understand that the DNA modifications can affect our cell’s ability to reproduce,” I said. “But can that really affect our lifespan?”
“Definitely,” said Julie. “It is generally accepted in the scientific community that senescence, or biological aging, and the length of telomeres on chromosomal strands are closely related because it does exactly that; affects the replicating ability of all the cells in your body.
“As an MD and a scientist I find these ancient stories really hard to believe,” Julie picked back up. “And I don’t have the background in genetics to know if all of Silva’s claims are feasible but I can’t point to a single factual reason not to believe him.”
Julie was obviously still thinking so I let her thoughts catch up without interruption.
“You asked me to trust my instincts major,” she continued. “And I realize that I do believe him. As crazy as it might sound, I think he’s telling the truth.”
“Ok, noted Dr. Schein. By the way,” I continued. “Has anyone seen Dr. Andretti? I would have thought she would have joined us?”
Nobody responded.
“Julie, that’s on you too. Find her and make sure all this genetic gobbledygook is feasible. I don’t really have a lot of doubts at this point but I want to cross that off my list.”
“I’m on it Major,” replied Julie.
“Ok, and Dr. Spelini is he tripping himself up? Has he been consistent?”
“I think yes for the most part,” said Anzio. “There are questionable points that become clear with more explanation but so far everything is consistent. If I could though major, please suggest that since he has compatriots back on Earth might we not be able to establish communication with our governments?”
“Yes Dr. Spelini that is a great idea. Mark, let’s make it a priority to discuss this with Silva.
“Ok,” I said. “Everyone grab some chow and let’s get ready to knock everything out tonight. I want you all back in my quarters at 0700 tomorrow morning and I want our questions answered and a strategy in place before planetfall midmorning tomorrow.”
Chapter 28
Dr. Julie Schein
“So here you are,” Julie said as she walked into Dr. Toni Andretti’s quarters. She’d looked all around the platoon hub before returning to the squad hub; the last place she had expected to find a social person like Toni was alone in her room.
“Please Julie, come in and sit down,” Toni said from her seat around the small dining table. I had the processor make me some chamomile tea; would you like some?”
“I didn’t know it would do that but yes that sounds good.”
With a soft laugh Toni said, “Well, you just have to know how to do it.
“I’m glad it’s you,” Toni continued after
Julie sat down.
“You’re glad it’s me for what?”
“I knew that after Captain Silva started talking about the Noridian genetic experiments they would want to pull me in and yes I do have some thoughts that may or may not help you but first, for a few moments, let’s just talk, ok?”
“Toni, are you ok?” Julie said in a somewhat concerned voice.
Julie was starting to realize that Toni’s behavior was off her norm. Toni was one person that could always be counted on for a big smile, a supporting comment or a good joke but now she seemed almost wistful; almost resigned.
“I’ll be fine dear,” Toni said as she patted Julie’s hand. “But tell me what are you going to do about Mark?”
This was a surprising turn of conversation… “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“I think you know very well what I mean,” Toni continued.
“First Kamiko and now you; is it that obvious?”
“Why don’t you tell me about it?”
Julie sighed. Ok, maybe this was the Toni she’d come to expect. Julie had never enjoyed talking about her personal stuff with anyone, especially not her own mother who’d never had time for it anyway, but this was ‘Dr. Mom’ after all…
“I don’t know what to do about it. I enjoy being around Mark – no, that’s not accurate… I get almost giddy around him sometimes. He’s incredibly funny and I’m always having to stop myself from laughing at the silly things he does.”
Toni didn’t say anything and Julie found herself wanting to explain.
“But it’s more than that. He’s so smart and in his own lighthearted way he takes his responsibilities seriously. If anyone’s going to figure a way for Earth to come out of this mess on top it will be him.”
“So you feel safe with him?” Toni asked.
“No, not really,” Julie laughed. “Being around Mark is like living on the edge and never knowing what’s right around the next corner. It’s exciting but I wouldn’t call it safe.
“And I don’t know that I could ever feel secure with him. Let’s face it, women are attracted to him and he loves it; he’s a dog and it’s hard for me to think he’d change.
“Toni I go back and forth; one day I’m feeling like Mark and I are made to be together and the next I’m thinking I’d be miserable. To top it all off I don’t have time for any of this. We all have more responsibilities on our shoulders right now than we’ll probably ever have in our entire lifetimes. I just need to focus on my duty.”
“Have you told Mark how you feel?” Toni asked.
“Oh Hell no,” Julie quickly responded. “And you’re not going to say anything either. I mean that.”
Toni laughed and said, “You don’t need to worry about me Julie but I have a favor to ask. Two favors, actually.”
“Of course,” Julie said. “What can I do?”
“Firstly I want you to know that I’ve never been successful at putting a part of my life on hold. I’ve always found it best if we just face what comes up when it happens.”
“What else?” Julie said rather softly.
“No matter what happens or what anybody might think I want you to remember that I truly value your friendship and that I’m always on your side. Can you promise me you’ll remember that Julie?”
“Toni, you’re scaring me. What’s going on?”
“It’s just that I have something important to tell you dear, something that all of you need to know and unfortunately it’s probably going to change the nature of our relationship – I just hope it doesn’t end our friendship.”
“What are you talking about?” Julie said frantically.
“I wasn’t born on Earth Julie. I’m also a member of the Coridian Dynasty.”
∆∆∆
“Major, I can’t expect you to accept this but I am a loyal member of your team,” said Toni.
Julie watched as the major considered Toni’s words.
She’d immediately brought Toni to him and caught the major leaving his quarters to start the evening session with Captain Silva; an evening session that had now been put on hold.
“I’m glad you understand my position Dr. Andretti because I cannot afford to make that assumption right now. I am grateful that you’ve decided to come forward though.”
Julie had been very surprised with Major Reagan’s first two questions. Almost immediately after Toni’s confession he had asked if there were any other Coridians with the mission and if there was anyone not born on Earth that was with the mission.
Toni had responded ‘not to her knowledge’ to both of them.
Why she hadn’t thought to ask those questions herself or why no one had thought to ask them of Captain Silva was just another example of how fast everything was happening and how out of our own depth everyone on the team was – except possibly for Major Reagan. He might miss something here or there but he was focused and competent on a level Julie had rarely seen before. Mark might figure out the answers but it would be the major that kept them all together until then.
Just then Mark walked in the major’s door saying, “I got your message Major. We’re ready to…”
Mark’s voice trailed off when he saw the three of us sitting around Major Reagan’s dining table. Julie had always known that Mark was astute but this was a great example of it; he immediately sensed something and asked, “What’s wrong.”
“Dr. Spencer, Dr. Andretti has come forward to admit that she also is a member of the Coridian Dynasty.”
“Hello Mark,” Dr. Mom said with a smile.
“I think,” the Major continued. “That it’s best if you handle the questioning with Captain Silva while I continue talking with Dr. Andretti. Can I count on you to do that?”
“Of course,” Mark said.
“Good, and two things doctor… don’t give this away. I don’t want Captain Silva or anyone else knowing for the moment what we know about Dr. Andretti. Also, please don’t lose sight of the questions we decided we needed answers to.”
Mark stood there for a moment and then switched his gaze to Toni; perhaps looking for something to say.
Toni spoke first, “It’s ok Mark. The major needs to compare our stories before filling everyone in. Go interview the Captain.”
Nodding to himself Mark turned and left the cabin.
“So Dr. Andretti, how long have you been on Earth?” Major Reagan asked.
“Major, especially under the circumstances why don’t you just call me Toni?”
“Very well, how long Toni?”
“I’m one of the originals that came in 1749. Most of us are.”
“And Captain Silva?”
“Yes, him too.”
“Why are you on Earth Toni?”
“Captain Silva told you why we came and what amazed us about your people Major but I suspect you mean why did we stay? And that’s a little bit harder to answer.
“Speaking for myself,” Toni continued. “I fell in love with Earthers in general and then I fell in love with an Earther in particular. I pay the price for my sentimentality you know. I’ve outlived three husbands in my time here. It’s hard to watch someone you love waste away with age while you remain healthy.”
“What’s different about us Toni? I know what Silva said about shorter lifespans causing us to be frantic but on a personal level what distinguishes us?”
“What Captain Silva said is very true Major,” said Toni. “There is an energy about your people that vibrates. You don’t take anything for granted and you don’t sit still. Don’t underestimate how unique or potentially valuable that can be but I know you’re looking for more than that.
“The best I can do is to share some of our theories with you; speculations really. We think that because your gene stock comes from Homo erectus that perhaps you have a little more of the ‘wild animal’ in your DNA. I know that doesn’t sound very scientific but there is no denying that Homo sapiens are more aggressive by nature than any hominoid group in the galaxy. Your women
can be fiercely protective of their children and jealous of their man. Your men on the other hand reek of competitiveness. Even your physical frame is larger and much more muscular than other males across the galaxy. The competitive nature, the built-in aggressiveness, the animal physicality… to say that we were fascinated when we discovered you is the understatement of the century.”
“I’m a little confused,” said Major Reagan. “Captain Silva is a small man in stature but he doesn’t lack in physicality.”
Here Comes Earth: Emergence Page 19