The Mendel Experiment

by Susan Kite

  The Head calmed himself. “Your people would like nothing better than to exterminate us. The irony is that all they would have to do is sit back and wait a while. Our sun will do the job for them. They don’t have to send younglings with dormant plague viruses.” He sat down and pulled the recording machine closer to him. “I wish all humans were like you, Corree-levret.”

  Corree blinked in surprise. She wanted to ask him why, but was afraid to say anything that might change his mood again.

  “I have been watching you; reading the reports. I am pleased with how well you have adapted.”

  “Thank you, Supreme Eminence,” she said, hesitated, and then continued. “I only wish all Ologrians were like you and Sha-Greelon.”

  Silence hung heavy and then The Head clacked laughter deep in his throat. He turned to Greelon. “Did you teach her your obstinacy or did she just watch you speak your mind to everyone?”

  Corree relaxed.

  “No, Eminence. She is very intelligent and has a great deal of integrity. Corree-levret has never hesitated to tell me what she thinks or to ask what she doesn’t understand.”

  “I assumed as much.” The Head studied her.

  She felt as though he was trying to see into her mind.

  “I know of your mutating abilities, but why have you chosen to partially change into the form of a lorgal?”

  Corree could see by the flicker that flashed across Greelon’s face that he had hoped for this question. “I had problems with my environmental suit, Eminence. I thought that if the lizard could live out in the desert winds, I could, too—if I had the same skin.”

  The Head looked startled. “I didn’t know she could do this. Did you?” he asked Greelon.

  The scientist gave the Ologrian equivalent of a shrug. “I suspected, but wasn’t sure until now.”

  “So you were misleading us when it took you almost two Ologrian days to mutate after your capture?”

  She shook her head, a gesture that was lost on the Ologrian leader. “No, Supreme Eminence,” she answered and then paused. How much information should she give him? She decided it was time for the truth. “I have learned to mutate faster with practice.” That was the truth, just not all of it.

  The Head didn’t miss a beat. “And to mutate at will?”

  Corree was beginning to see why he had been chosen to lead the Ologrian government. “Yes.”

  “A very wonderful ability,” he murmured. “And these problems that led to your latest mutation is why you brought the suit, Greelon?”

  “Yes,” Greelon said, showing the places where the seals had not been replaced. “This one here and here. It is very apparent that these seals were tampered with. The rest were replaced before I got the suit back.”

  “Why didn’t you just tell Greelon you were having difficulties?” The Head asked.

  “I was afraid if we went back to the ship, we wouldn’t be able to go out again. The formations were…fascinating.”

  “Could you change back for me now?”

  “Yes, Eminence. I believe so.” She was pleased that he had asked her, as opposed to commanding. Corree closed her eyes, concentrating on putting everything out of her mind except the change back to an Ologrian form. She could feel the tugging sensations that told her she was changing. When she opened her eyes, she noticed The Head had moved close enough to touch her. His deep-set eyes showed intense curiosity.

  “Can you change to your previous form?”

  “I haven’t tried my rain forest form for quite a while.” She felt the fatigue of making two mutations in such a short time.

  “You look tired, Corree-levret,” Greelon said.

  The Head didn’t insist. “Have you wondered why our scientists have not done tests or experiments on you or your companion?” The Head asked.

  “Sha-Greelon wouldn’t let them?” she ventured.

  Both Ologrians chuckled.

  “We got the samples we needed while you were in quarantine, but we realized very quickly that knowing how to mutate would not help us. No matter how we adapt to our changing conditions here on Alogol, in the end we will all still be dead.” He smiled. “Although small mutations would help us endure the humidity on Mendel.”

  “But your soldiers were wearing environmental suits on Mendel,” Corree protested.

  “No, they were wearing military suits. Protective and body enhancing breathing apparatus.”

  “Oh, so that means your people do have difficulty living on Mendel.”

  “We can only live in the equatorial desert zone.”

  Corree considered his statement. “And there were no humans living there? Or evidence that there ever had been any?”

  “Didn’t Greelon tell you that?” The Head queried.

  “Well, yes.” She glanced at Greelon, but he remained impassive. “I just didn’t know, well, if he knew everything or was telling me everything.”

  The two Ologrians gazed at each other and Corree knew immediately they were able to mentally communicate with each other. Had Greelon been able to read her mind all along? But then he hadn’t known about her suit.

  There was a slight rustling on the couch. Riss was waking.

  “We knew you were coming before you were out of the mountains,” Greelon reminded her. “So we surely would have known if there had been humans living there during the short time humans have been on Mendel.”

  “Yes, you had orders to capture us if we got too close to your base.”

  “Then for some reason mutants were not placed at the equator of Mendel,” Corree mused aloud.

  “No valuable minerals or resources the Federation can use,” Greelon commented disdainfully.

  The scientists had wanted them there and had wanted them captured. Could our capture be meant to provoke the Federation to war against the Ologrians if the virus didn’t work? Are warships coming even as I stand here thinking? Has the colony been destroyed already?

  “Your colony,” Riss began, his words slightly slurred from the drug. “Could be in danger.” He sat up with a groan, rubbing his eyes.

  Corree stared at him in shock. He could read her mind that easily now.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “The colony personnel have been evacuated. They are waiting in a ship just outside the Mendel system,” The Head replied. “Why do you worry about us and fight us at the same time?”

  “Corree told me she carried some kind of virus, but did not feel any urges to fight you. I did not carry a virus, but I could not be in the presence of any of you without having the urge to kill you. Somehow it was given to me to do this.” He glanced from Corree to The Head to Greelon. “Maybe it was when we had our teaching?”

  “You are very wise, Riss-levren,” The Head replied. “Perhaps we have not heard from your Federation for that very reason.”

  “We were put on Mendel to colonize, because normal humans cannot live on Mendel for even the shortest time. We are supposed to serve the Federation. That part is very clear. I guess carrying the virus was another form of service. When we started…our recent training, I thought the scientists had a ship close to Mendel system. I realize that’s not true.”

  “We were sent in drone pods,” Riss added. “It must have been a long journey, but I don’t remember.”

  “Do you still have desires to kill Ologrians?” The Head asked, his voice soothing.

  “No. Sometimes the urge to hit someone comes on me, but I am able to control it.”

  “Then why did you attack the Captain of your excursion ship?”

  Riss made a gesture that Corree recognized. She repressed a desire to giggle.

  “I did not attack him, he attacked me.”

  “That is a serious accusation. Explain,” The Head told him.

  “I admit, I tried to take over the ship,” Riss began. “But only because I want to go home.” He hesitated, waiting for someone to say something. When they didn’t, he continued. “I thought I understood what all the buttons and levers were on the control
panel. I was going to seal the captain and the co-pilot into their cabins until Corree got back and then we would try to get home.”

  “Admirable, but doomed to failure. The ship is not equipped for a flight such as that,” The Head explained.

  “I was willing to risk it,” Riss stated.

  “You desire your adopted planet that much?” The Head asked.

  “Until our recent education, Mendel was the only home I knew,” Riss retorted. “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I miss my mountains.”

  Corree studied The Head to see if he had taken offense. She could tell nothing from his demeanor or his thoughts.

  “But neither of you are native to the planet,” Greelon pointed out.

  Corree knew he was “playing opposite” for the sake of debate. She had had similar discussions with him before. “I don’t know why our two races couldn’t live on Mendel together,” she said. “We are each suited to different habitats so we won’t be getting in one another’s territory. And there’s not that many of us.”

  “And you believe the Federation will sit idly by and let that happen?” The Head asked, condescending.

  “A normal human can’t live on Mendel. That’s why we were created. They can’t even survive in environmental suits like you can. What could they do to us?” Corree asked with a laugh.

  “How do you think the rest of your people will feel about a colony of Ologrians?” The Head persisted.

  “I can meet with some of the different groups and ask them.”

  “You sound very sure of yourself.”

  Corree chose her words carefully. Was she sure? She had been worried about the Ologrian colony being destroyed by warships. Why was she now sure they could colonize safely? “I’m very sure of most of my fellow mutants. I don’t really know what the Federation will do,” she admitted.

  “We have little choice, Eminence,” Greelon interjected. “The sun’s diameter has increased by 3.4 frilis in the past two day’s periods.”

  The Head was silent. Corree couldn’t remember how much a frilis was, but she didn’t think it was that much. It was evident the amount was significant to the two Ologrians, though.

  “What means do we have to protect ourselves?” The Head asked.

  “Protect ourselves from what?” a new voice bellowed from the entranceway.

  Corree jerked around and stared at the newcomer. This must be The Claw, she figured. He was tall even for an Ologrian. His body was covered in red armor, criss-crossed by a harness that held more weapons than she could count. Long and short swords lay in rows next to thick tubular weapons. Very small tubes were lined up around his waist like palace guards. Bumps on his leg and tail armor suggested weapons of a different type. Corree wondered how he could even move, but as he strode into the room, she could see the hardware didn’t affect him at all. Unless it was to give him increased arrogance.

  “Why are the human vermin still polluting our air?” he demanded, glowering at Corree.

  “Because they are younglings,” The Head began.

  “I don’t care if they are spawn; they need to be exterminated. That was my recommendation from the beginning.”

  “No.” The Head’s voice was soft, calm, but determined.

  The Claw gaped at him for a few seconds. “You cannot make that decision!”

  “Neither can you make yours,” pointed out The Head.

  “It seems we are at a stalemate. But when the council convenes…”

  “The more pressing issue…”

  “Do you realize the human warships could swoop down on us at any time because of these two?” The Claw shouted.

  “The younglings have been here for almost half a pass. The Federation knew of their capture.”

  “They expected the virus to kill us all. The humans should have been destroyed then!”

  Corree glanced at Riss. Her eyes willed him to not say anything. He nodded his understanding.

  “Maybe,” The Head replied. “But I think Greelon was wise to defer their execution.”

  “Why?”

  “If all else fails, they make better hostages than dead martyrs.” The Head had a benign smile on his face. “We still have more important issues to face.”

  The Claw snorted. “If you are talking about the imminent demise of our world, the scientists are talking thousands of years, not tomorrow.”

  Greelon spoke up. “Eminence, the readings have changed. The sun is expanding much faster than previous readings showed.”

  “Ten thousand rather than a hundred thousand?” The Claw asked sarcastically.

  “I believe any kind of unknown factor could trigger an explosion, Eminence. And I am not speaking of thousands of years, I am talking about any time.”

  “You and what other scientist? Your theories are sometimes ridiculous.”

  Greelon tensed, but didn’t respond.

  “It is not just Greelon’s studies; it is happening,” The Head answered.

  “And your solution?” The Claw smirked. “How do you stop a sun from expanding?”

  “You don’t,” The Head shot back. “You work on evacuation. Colonization.”

  “To a system claimed by the enemy!”

  “To a system that will allow our people to survive until we can find a more viable world.” As though expecting the same argument he had given Corree, The Head continued. “I believe it’s critical to open a dialogue. That is why I am authorizing a colonization and diplomatic mission to the world the humans call Mendel.”

  Corree was pleased, but she saw The Claw’s skin ripple across his face. Only intense anger could cause that to an Ologrian.

  “I didn’t authorize anything of the sort!” The Claw exploded.

  “You authorized the army of the auxiliaries. I authorized a diplomatic mission,” The Head responded mildly. “I believe we, as leaders of the people, should negotiate directly with the humans.”

  “I will negotiate their surrender when we have revenged the deaths they have caused.”

  “As regrettable as that first contact was, it’s time to communicate.” The Head’s voice was barely audible. “I intend to lead the journey to Mendel.”

  “You are even calling it by the human name,” The Claw snapped.

  “It doesn’t matter what it’s called. It is our only chance.”

  “If you leave Alogol, you will give up your position.”

  The Head made the clicking laughter sound. “You mean you’ll take over the government here, which you have wanted to do since you ascended to your position.”

  The Claw half-heartedly protested, but Corree knew he didn’t mean it.

  “I need to be alone to think,” The Head said in dismissal.

  Greelon motioned to Corree and Riss, and they followed him out of the large room.

  “Are we going back home?” Riss asked. He was cradling his arm, but seemed to be okay otherwise.

  “Yes, eventually you will go home.”

  “When will The Head tell us?” Corree queried.

  Greelon motioned them into his transport without answering either question. He didn’t say anything all the way back his compound. Corree fidgeted, aware something was going on that she didn’t understand.

  Several times Riss opened his mouth to say something, but Greelon motioned him to wait. Only after they were in the scientist’s room did he speak.

  “We are leaving before first light,” he told them.

  Corree was almost stunned speechless. Riss’s red eyes sparkled with joy. “To-tonight?” Corree stammered.

  “Yes, Corree-levret. The Head has planned for this even before you were brought here. He has known for some time that The Claw was trying to consolidate power to himself.”

  “But why tonight?” Corree asked.

  “It is very possible The Claw will try to stop the diplomatic mission to your planet.”

  “How could The Head have made these kind of preparations in secret?” Riss asked.

  “The Claw isn’t the
only one with loyal followers at his command.”

  “What do you want us to do?” Corree asked, elation supplanting shock.

  “We will take very little with us. The ship is already stocked with the necessary items to support a long-term colony.” Greelon smiled at them; a human-like smile. “You are going home.”

  Riss laughed. “About time!” He pranced around the room on his double-jointed legs. Then he moaned and held his arm closer to his chest.

  “We need to immobilize that arm; at least until we see the ship’s doctor. Sit down. I will be right back,” Greelon said.

  “Do we have time?” Riss asked, fidgeting in his seat.

  “We will make time, Riss-levron.” Greelon wasn’t gone long and when he came back with medical supplies, he quickly took care of Riss. “Now let’s gather what we need.”

  “I have a couple of things I want to bring. They’re small,” Corree said.

  “Of course, I also have a few things to gather. When you are finished, my children, meet me in my study. We will leave for the spaceport very soon.”

  Corree ran to her room, Riss at her heels.

  “What do you have that’s so important?”

  “I just wanted to get my reader and the disks I have been studying.” They were right inside the door and she scooped them up without breaking stride. She also gathered the coverlet. “That’s it.” She glanced around the room. “Do you have anything?

  “No. I haven’t been here that long. Everything I want is back on Mendel.”

  Corree thought of the blue stone she had found. “I wish I could have kept the specimen I found in the Crystal Forest. I guess The Head or The Claw has them now.”

  “You can find all kinds of rocks back home,” Riss replied.

  “Not like those,” she murmured. The thought of leaving the strange and powerful stones behind made her queasy. There was nothing she could do about it, though.

  “You ready?” Riss queried.

  “Yes.” The satchel that bumped lightly against her thigh was unnecessary in her forest, but she had learned to read and wanted to learn more, even if it was only on the trip back home.

  They were soon in Greelon’s study. The scientist had several cases. Corree was glad she had brought just a few things. It would take all three of them to carry Greelon’s things. He noted the look on their faces and clacked deep in his throat. “All of the servants and their families are coming with us.”