Changing of the Guard (A Galaxy Unknown - Book 11)

by Thomas DePrima

  Byers and Nelligen were in hysterics, but Brenda was beside herself and about to go look for help when a worker with a propulsion pack came along and towed Vyx to the door he'd entered. Once he was safely back on the observation deck in the observation tunnel, the worker grinned and returned to his assigned area.

  "Well, that was definitely a different experience," Vyx said, as he pushed the door closed and locked it.

  "Are you nuts?" Brenda said after he'd closed the door. "You could've been stuck out there."

  "With the yard fully staffed and workers everywhere? Not a chance. And it wasn't like I didn't have all the air I needed to breathe. All I really needed was a means of propulsion. It was actually a lot of fun. But back to business. It looks like Al is right. It's not the lights. That panel is definitely a different color. Let's find the work supervisor."

  It took fifteen minutes to track down the supervisor, and then they had to wait thirty more until he completed a conference with some of his foremen.

  "Well, Trader," the work supervisor said, "I hear you went for a swim and one of our guys had to rescue you. That's why we lock the doors."

  "I knew I was in no real danger. The pressure gauge showed the work area was pressurized."

  "Unless we needed to open the outer doors."

  "Can you do that while the observation tunnel door is wide open?"

  "Uh, no. You're right. The safety interlocks would have prevented it. But you could have been stuck out there for a while."

  "It was fun being in zero gravity and not wearing an EVA suit. I knew that if I couldn't get back and no one showed up to help me, one of my associates would have gone for help."

  "What was so important you had to get out to your ship?"

  "We have a question about the hull. It was supposed to be sheathed with Dakinium."

  "It has been sheathed with Dakinium— every square nanometer. You're protected from everything except those damn acid warheads the Denubbewa use on their missiles. Our people still haven't found a realistic solution to those. Of course, if you're out of phase, even those don't present a danger."

  "I went out to look at the hull because one of my associates noticed a hull plate that hadn't been swapped out. It's one we had to replace after a freight container accident."

  "You're referring to the plate on the starboard side just ahead of the front freight hatch?"

  "That's the one."

  "That's a Dakinium plate. We made that one special so it appeared exactly like the one it replaced. Admiral Holt insisted that nobody be able to tell the difference between the before ship and the after ship. And they won't, unless you decide to jump to Marc-One while someone's chasing you. And I guess our work was successful if even you couldn't tell the difference."

  "I apologize. I'm amazed and extremely grateful that you went to such lengths."

  "Just part of the service. You people risk your lives to protect our asses and we want you to be safe and able to keep on doing whatever it is you do."

  "I always thought it was impossible to alter the color of Dakinium."

  "It was— until the scientists found a way to so it. We irradiate it very carefully and we can make any identification pattern now or make the Dakinium any color, including hot pink."

  "I can't imagine anyone in Space Command wanting hot pink. I think the bronze color of tritanium is perfect. You say you irradiate it? Uh, is it safe afterwards?"

  "Perfectly. Dakinium absorbs all energy that strikes it, so it absorbs the radiation. And it never reflects energy back. If the Dakinium has an abundance of energy, it safely disperses it, but we've learned how to collect and store it now, so we're actually charging storage cells when the ship's being bombarded by cosmic radiation in flight or solar radiation when a ship is parked anywhere near a star. We no longer have to use antimatter to generate electrical power for shipboard use."

  "I see. So there's no possible chance of radiation burns if we touch the hull while we're on the surface of a planet?"

  "Not from the Dakinium. But bring plenty of DNA lotion in case you're skin is exposed to a star's radiation."

  "Wonderful. So if we're all set, we'll get out of your hair."

  "Just about. Why don't you board your ship and I'll have some of my people come over and explain the modifications we made to the bridge and engineering areas."

  "Great. Thanks."

  "Just part of the service, Trader."

  ~

  "Everyone comfortable with the changes?" Vyx asked after the shipyard people had all vacated the Scorpion. Everyone seated at the kitchen table indicated that they were satisfied either by mumbling something unintelligible or nodding, so Vyx said, "Great. Then let's have dinner. The best time to leave the barn is in about four hours. At that time, there shouldn't be any freighters in or near the shipyard to see us leave. What's for dinner, Al?"

  "Wernallo cutlets, smashed bonque, gomort spears, sacolio buns and butter, and numeshi pie for desert. Plus coffee and ale, of course."

  "A meal fit for king," Brenda said. "It's so wonderful to have a man around who can cook. You're a real treasure, Al."

  "I'm happy to cook as long as you ladies do the dishes afterward."

  "I can push the button on the dishwasher as well anyone aboard this ship," Katherine joked. "But I can't seem to master the coffeemaker."

  "As long as you ladies can handle laser pistols and rifles like pros, we'll overlook all minor imperfections," Nelligen quipped.

  "Stop joking and bring the food," Vyx said. "There's a man starving over here."

  ~ ~

  For the first ten light-years after leaving the shipyard, Vyx held the Scorpion to single-envelope travel, although he pushed the ship to the maximum speed of Light-480. He wanted to make sure the ship still felt the same at the former maximum speed. When he was confident that all was well, he dispersed the single envelope and built a double envelope. As he engaged the drive, the stars became like streaks of color on the front viewscreen. Vyx smiled. It almost makes you feel like a god, he thought.

  ~ ~ ~

  "I've located a Jumaka for you, Miss Shanara," Aliana heard in her right ear when she activated her com connection. "The price is quite reasonable compared to what they were going for before Carver started this sentience nonsense. I convinced the owner that if he delays he'll soon have to free the beast and lose his investment, so he wants to move fast before the market bottoms out completely."

  "I want to see it."

  "It's part of his private zoo. I'm sure we can arrange a viewing."

  "Do it and let me know where and when."

  "I'll get back to you as soon as I can arrange it."

  ~

  Less than an hour later the exotic pets dealer called again.

  "You can see the animal tonight any time after eight, if you wish."

  "I wish."

  "Okay, I'll give you the address where we can meet and then head over to look at the animal."

  Aliana wrote the address and time down, then terminated the connection.

  ~

  At half past eight, Aliana and her bodyguards entered the home of the Jumaka owner. He then led them through the enormous house, passing through a number of rooms with large cages containing exotic animals, to the room where the Jumaka was kept. As soon as Aliana and her small entourage entered the room, the Jumaka began snarling. Aliana told the others to stay back, then turned to approach the Jumaka.

  "Don't put your hands anywhere near the cage," the owner called out, "or you might lose them."

  "I'll be careful," Aliana said as she walked to within four feet of the cage. Turning to look back at the others, she said, "Would everyone leave me alone? I'll be very careful."

  The owner and dealer didn't want to leave the room, but Aliana's bodyguards made a few motions with their hands and convinced the two men they should honor her request.

  Once she was alone with the animal, Aliana said in a very soft voice, "I'm certain you're a lot smarter than you let on. A
nd I'm pretty sure you can understand every word I'm saying, even if you can't respond in Amer. I'm in a position to take you home with me, and you'll never be kept in cage again. You'll have the complete run of my apartment and enjoy far more freedom than you've known in a long time, if ever. Does that interest you? If it does, stop snarling and sit down."

  The Jumaka stopped snarling and stared at Aliana but didn't sit down.

  "You're not sitting. Does that mean you're not interested in coming with me, becoming my companion, and being free?"

  The Jumaka abruptly sat down.

  "Good choice. I'm sure you and I are going to be great friends. Someone has invented a device that allows species other than Jumakas to understand what you're saying when you speak. To us it just sounds like growling, but we know now that your species is intelligent and has remarkable language skills. I might be able to get you one of those collars so we can converse, and you can also converse with everyone you meet. Would that be something you'd like? Nod your head if you would."

  The Jumaka stared at her for a few moments, then nodded its head up and down.

  "I thought that might appeal to you. I know someone at the company that manufactures the device. I'll start working on getting you one right away. It's a collar, but it's not like a pet collar. It's just a band that holds a tiny microphone against your throat and converts everything you say into Amer. Would you be willing to wear such a collar?"

  The Jumaka nodded again and Aliana smiled.

  "Yes, I think you and I are going to be friends— close friends— and companions."

  * * *

  Chapter Seven

  ~ July 9th, 2290 ~

  "There's a Commander Ashraf to see you, Admiral," Jenetta heard as she touched her viewpad in response to the chime sound that indicated her aide was attempting to contact her.

  "Send her in."

  Lori Ashraf entered the large office and walked to the desk where she braced to attention and said, "Commander Lori Ashraf to see the admiral on a personal matter."

  Jenetta smiled and stood, then walked around the desk to where Ashraf was standing. "At ease, Commander. It's wonderful to see you again. It's been such a long time since we worked together."

  As Ashraf opened her mouth to speak, Jenetta reached out and pulled her towards her as she took the final step closer to embrace her old friend. Ashraf just smiled and responded to the embrace in kind.

  "I've missed working with you, Lori."

  "And I've missed working with you, Admiral. I look back on those years as the happiest I've spent in Space Command. Not that I'm unhappy now, but those were special years as you worked to bring law and order to G.A. space."

  "As we worked to bring law and order to G.A. space."

  "I've wanted to thank you for recommending me for command of a squadron of CPS-16s."

  "Admiral Holt asked me whom I would appoint and I immediately thought of you."

  "I appreciate the recommendation. I've been working closely with your sister Christa, developing the protocol we'll employ once we've deployed. It's a monumental task."

  "Yes, it is. And the most important one we've ever faced. I now believe the Denubbewa don't simply want to take over the galaxy, they want to kill all sentient life in it and populate it with cyborgs like themselves. I'm confident that was the reason for the amputated Terran limbs we discovered when we sifted through the wreckage of the Denubbewa warship that attacked the GSC destroyer Salado. I believe they were studying our physiology so they could transplant our brains into cyborg bodies after wiping the Terran memories and implanting Denubbewa memories."

  "That's a gruesome thought."

  "It's the only one that makes sense. Among the wreckage, we found deceased cyborgs that had brains from a dozen different species, all of whom are unknown to us. The biological brain is the only non-artificial component we've found in the cyborgs."

  "And you believe they've decided that Terran brains are their next target of acquisition?"

  "Among the sentient species in G.A. space, there are only a dozen or so with brains as evolved as those of Terrans."

  "Does that include Jumakas?"

  Jenetta smiled before saying, "It may. The scientists testing them have yet to release their findings. I'm anxious to hear their evaluation regarding the Jumaka's ability to reason, how well they retain new information, and their capacity to live free among other sentient species. As far as I'm concerned, it was only the Jumaka vocal incompatibilities that prevented them from being accepted as a sentient species eons ago."

  "I watched your A.B. debut speech with great interest. Like you, I knew your Jumakas were highly intelligent, but I never suspected they were sentient. They just seemed like well-trained pets that could provide security when necessary."

  "I received a message from the Planetary Council on Taurentlus-Thur recently. They informed me that a law has been proposed that the Council declare Jumakas to be the second sentient species native to their planet. The proposal will have to be discussed at length before a final vote because there are innumerous derivative issues, such as native land property rights and such, but they've passed an interim measure that calls for anyone convicted of hunting Jumakas to be tried for either murder or attempted murder."

  "Wow. It sounds like they've already made up their minds and just have to determine how Jumakas can fit into Thurian society."

  "It does sound positive. At the very least, Jumakas will finally be safe in the jungles from big game hunters and slavers."

  "How did Cayla and Tayna take the news?"

  "They're very excited about this next step forward and the possibilities for additional advances."

  "Do you think they'll want to return home once the planet is safe for them?"

  "I— don't think so. I believe they consider Obotymot their home now. It's where they first mated and where their cubs were born. They're part of my family, and I'm part of theirs. I certainly hope they don't choose to live on Taurentlus-Thur, but if that's what they decide, I won't stand in their way— and I'll arrange for their transportation to the planet."

  "The others too? I'm talking about the males and the cubs."

  "Yes— for the males. Obotymot is the only planetary home the cubs have ever known, but yes for them as well. Although we should probably start referring to them as children or offspring. They've grown so big so fast, they've almost reached their full adult size."

  "Is there any chance I could get one?"

  "There's always a chance, but I won't distribute them like puppies. They have to make their own decision to bond with someone or not. And I'd guess my sisters and brothers have the inside track with this litter since they're members of the expanded Carver family that includes the Jumakas. Plus there's the fact that the offspring have already met several of my siblings and begun to establish bonds with them."

  "I see. I thought that might be the case. Well, perhaps a future litter."

  "Perhaps."

  "I remember you telling me what a comfort Cayla and Tayna were for you when you rose to a command position. I guess I hoped I might enjoy the company of a good friend like them now that I'll be in the top job aboard my ship."

  "It's often said that it's lonely at the top. I can verify that. But don't rush into anything. Whether you bond with a Jumaka or a less intelligent friend, make sure the relationship is solid and that you enjoy spending time together. I would probably avoid a relationship with a fish or amphibian. A companion you can hug and cuddle would be best."

  "Well, I guess getting a goldfish like the one I had when I was a little girl is out."

  "If it gave you pleasure, don't rule it out."

  "It was exciting at first, but the thrill wore off after a few weeks. As you said, we couldn't cuddle. And we certainly never shared quality time together."

  Jenetta grinned and then said, "I'll keep it in mind that you'd like to bond with a Jumaka, and if any opportunities open, I'll try to arrange an introductory meeting."

  "T
hank you, Admiral."

  "Christa has dinner at my home several times a week. Why don't you join her when you can?"

  "Thank you, Admiral. I will."

  "It's been wonderful having you visit me here. I look forward to getting together with you under less formal conditions."

  Commander Ashraf smiled and said, "I guess that's my cue to take my leave."

  "Too obvious? I didn't gesture towards the door."

  "I was your aide for a long time, Admiral. I guess I'm still attuned to the intimations."

  "I would love to sit and talk for the next hour, Lori, but I'm working on a very important briefing for the G.A. Council and I have to get it done today because they need time to review and discuss it among themselves. If the Council approves, it will be presented at the next full Senate meeting for discussion and a vote."

  "I understand, Admiral. I'll get out of your way. I look forward to joining you for dinner at your home when both our schedules permit it. Good-bye for now."

  "It has been wonderful talking with you and I look forward to our next meeting as well."

  Commander Ashraf braced to attention, smiled, and left the office.

  Jenetta's smile lasted only as long as it took to get back to her briefing notes, and she let out a sigh as she read over what she'd written. "Is this any way for an intelligent military officer to make a living?"

  ~ ~ ~

  "I understand Lori Ashraf dropped in to see you at your office," Christa said during dinner a day later. "She said you couldn't spare very much time for her then because you were working on something very important for the Senate. She said you invited her to come here for dinner with me when our schedules permit."