Transcend

by Sandra R Neeley

  “Yes. I can.”

  “Do it. Make it identify as nothing more than a simple transport. Disarm the weapons as far as anyone else is concerned. How you make it identify as though its weapons are no longer functional, I do not care and I don’t want to know. Just make sure that it does identify as such. I’ll have it registered as a diplomatic transport.”

  “I will take care of it this night,” Kol answered. “I am most thankful for your assistance, Bart.”

  “After this is taken care of, are you going to start my audit of Base 28?” Bart snapped.

  “I am. I have, actually. I am already aware that certain food deliveries are never distributed to the local population, yet disappear. I have been told that citizens are detained without cause and if not for the interference of Viceroy Buchanan and Patroon Zhuxi they most likely would not be released.”

  “I knew there was a problem at that Base,” Bart said. “I’m going to speak to my peers concerning supplying you with additional personnel. Then I’ll speak to Zha Quin.”

  “When you do, ask him why he thought three years was an acceptable amount of time!” Kol snapped.

  Bart chuckled. “Zha Quin had nothing to do with the time span. It’s the standard length of assignment for an ambassador on Earth. You were on your way and it was the only way to save your ass,” Bart answered. “Now, as I was saying, I need you to look more deeply into the allegations you’ve learned of.”

  “I will continue to investigate it. I will begin in earnest after I return from my excursion with my Ehlealah tomorrow. You can trust that I will not let you down, Bart,” Kol promised.

  “Thank you, Kol. I appreciate that. Let me get going, I have a lot to do before morning and not a lot of time to do it in,” Bart answered.

  “I will contact you tomorrow when I am near the repatriation center,” Kol said.

  “I’ll be waiting,” Bart answered, then ended the vidcom.

  Kol ended the com on his end, then walked over to the small table between his two sofas. He swiped the screen waking it up, then pressed 333.

  “I am here, sir,” Elisher answered.

  “I must visit my transport this night. Is there a procedure?” Kol asked.

  “No, sir. You have access to your transport at will. It is a property of yourself and your people. You will not be barred from it.”

  “Excellent. Thank you.”

  “I was ready to come escort you to dinner, sir,” Elisher said.

  “I will not have time to eat. I have work to do aboard my transport.”

  “Please let me know if you have need of me, sir,” Elisher said.

  “I will. Thank you, Elisher,” Kol answered before ending the com and striding toward his door. He snarled at the old fashioned door when he paused waiting for it to open until he realized it didn’t function that way. He unlocked the door, exited it and pulled it closed behind himself. He used the key he still had in his pocket from earlier that afternoon, and locked the door before moving toward the docking bay and his battle cruiser. He had to make it a believable diplomatic transport.

  <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

  Ada Jane finished her shower and dried off before stepping from the tub. She opened the bathroom door leaving it slightly ajar so the steaminess of the room would dissipate more quickly. She walked over toward the small sink and mirror and used the edge of her towel to wipe away some of the condensation to better see herself. Ada looked critically at the woman looking back at her in the mirror. While the face was somewhat familiar, she didn’t know this person anymore. The woman she’d been, or girl she’d been, had been lost and scattered to the winds of time.

  She smiled at herself experimentally, and held that smile in place. There were small lines and creases at all the standard places that a woman would normally age on her face. She creased her brows and leaned closer to the mirror. Ada dropped her smile and peered more closely as she slowly lifted her lips in a smile. She prodded first one side of her mouth, then the other. They weren’t there. Ada made several different faces, contorting her facial muscles into different silly expressions. They still weren’t there.

  She looked deeply into her own eyes. “You have no laugh lines, Ada Jane,” she said to herself aloud. “Not a single laugh line.” Ada turned away from the mirror and without looking, reached out and turned off the bathroom light as she left the small room. Quietly, she crawled into bed, and pulled the sheets up over her body. She placed her head on the pillow and lay there, thinking of all she’d been through, all the years she’d been alive, and all the scars, creases and marks left on her body. Not a single one of them was a history of happiness. She needed happiness. She deserved happiness.

  She still couldn’t be in complete darkness, her psyche just couldn’t handle it, so there was always some type of light on, just a little glow to let her know when she first opened her eyes that she was where she was supposed to be. She focused on the glow of the night-light plugged into the socket across the room. Then yawned and allowed her eyes to drift closed. “What’s going to make you smile?” she whispered to herself.

  Immediately she saw Kol in her mind’s eye. He was standing before her telling her he’d kill to protect her. Telling her she wasn’t alone. Telling her that he was hers and she was his. She saw him smile and light up as she entered the commissary on the warship they’d been on. She saw him snarling at any other male, even his commander when he was too close to Ada for Kol to be comfortable with. She saw him tucking her in after he thought she’d fallen asleep in his bed, then quietly closing the door behind himself as he went out to sleep on the couch because she couldn’t be that close to any male.

  Gradually she drifted off to sleep, with thoughts of Kol in her mind, and a smile finally on her face.

  <<<<<<<>>>>>>>

  Kol knelt between the pilot and copilot seats of his battle cruiser. “Is there anything else, Missy?” he asked.

  “No, Kol. I think we’ve gotten it all tidied up,” Missy answered.

  “Weapons?” Kol asked.

  “Addressed,” Missy answered.

  “Offensive and defensive cloaking?”

  “Addressed.”

  “Subversive monitoring of all locally active communications?”

  “Addressed.”

  “Have you completed your assessment of the guideline for an allowable transport ship by the Unified Consortium Defense?” he asked.

  “I have. We have technically met all criteria,” Missy answered.

  “And I have access to reinstall all the areas of operations to my cruiser that we just addressed with just one word or touch?” Kol asked.

  “No, Kol. They will not be ‘re’installed. They remain installed at this moment. They are simply not accessible unless you give the word for them to become reactivated.”

  Kol rolled his eyes, a habit he’d picked up from Vivi and from Quin since he’d begun to do it, too.

  “I am aware of your ocular rolling response.”

  “How can you possibly know I’m rolling my eyes at your technical jargon?” Kol asked, a surprised tone in his voice.

  “In cabin monitors, Kol. And, I detected the movement of your facial muscles. The motion is much like Sirena Vivi’s, only not as exaggerated.”

  Kol shook his head, then he waited to see if there would be a comment from Missy. He chuckled to himself as he finished tightening the cover plate he’d accessed the wiring harness through to adjust his cruiser to make it transport compliant while Missy instructed him.

  “What is comical?” Missy asked.

  “Funny,” Kol replied.

  “Funny is comical?” Missy asked.

  “No. The question properly phrased is, ‘What is funny?’” Kol explained.

  Missy was silent for a moment while she searched her memory banks and confirming what he’d told her, added it to her speech patterns. “What is funny?” Missy asked.

  “I missed you. I actually missed this banter with our ship’s computer,” Kol answered. “I th
ink Vivi was right to give you a name. You are more alive than some I’ve met in my life.”

  “Thank you, Kol.”

  “You’re welcome. Now. If that’s it, I’m going to get some rest. I must be as alert and on point as possible tomorrow.”

  “If I may, is there a reason I was told to refer to you as Kol? I much prefer Elite Commander Kol Ra’ Don Tol.”

  “The default computer insisted on using my complete name each time it addressed me. It was very irritating. I told it I needed to have you loaded into my cruiser and to address me as Kol only. I’m guessing since it’s a part of you, your data was updated,” Kol explained.

  “I will refer to your previous title,” Missy answered.

  “Please don’t. Can’t we meet in the middle somewhere?” Kol asked.

  “Please give me suggestions,” Missy asked.

  “Kol,” Kol said.

  “It is not enough. Even Vivian who requests that I use Vivi must be addressed in a way that signifies her status.”

  “Very well, how about, Elite Commander Kol? But only when you feel the need. If you can just call me Kol most of the time, I’ll learn to live with it when you don’t,” Kol said.

  “I will try it,” Missy answered. “In the meantime, one individual has stepped onto the docking platform. You are being approached by one individual.”

  Chapter 7

  “Knock, knock!” a voice called out.

  Kol finished putting away his tools in the holding bin behind his chair, then stepped toward his opened door to see who was calling for his attention.

  “Elisher?” Kol said, surprised that his assistant had sought him out after he’d bid him goodnight.

  “Ambassador Kol. I thought you might be hungry despite your request to skip the dinner meal, so, I made two plates, one for you, one for me, and brought them out here so we could eat together,” Elisher explained.

  Kol looked at the plates in Elisher’s hands. They looked delicious. “Please. Come aboard.”

  Elisher glanced down as he began his ascent up the mobile aluminum staircase still resting against Kol’s battle cruiser. Kol stepped aside to allow him to enter, then waved his hand toward the interior of the small ship. “Welcome to my transport.”

  “Thank you, Ambassador Kol.”

  “I have decided. I shall greet you as Ambassador Kol,” Missy said.

  Kol dropped his head, his chin almost resting on his chest, his hands on his hips as he slowly shook his head.

  “Who was that?” Elisher asked, looking around.

  “My computer,” Kol answered. “And you do not have to greet me as anything other than Kol,” he said, raising his voice to Missy. “And I instructed you to become silent whenever anyone else was around.”

  “No, you did not. You instructed the mainframe system present in all battle cruisers to become silent. You have since interacted with me personally, and have not repeated that order to me.”

  “Remain silent if I am accompanied unless I address you directly!” Kol insisted.

  “Very well, Ambassador Kol.”

  Kol sighed heavily and shook his head again.

  “I heard you having a conversation with someone when I was just outside. In fact, I wondered if I should go make another plate,” Elisher said.

  “Not necessary. The voice you heard is Missy’s. Missy is our ship’s computer. She is technically artificial intelligence and learns as she experiences, so some question the term ‘artificial’ in relation to her.”

  Elisher stood there, mouth agape as he listened to Kol explain who Missy was. Finally he recovered enough to speak. “That’s fascinating,” he said, still holding the dinner plates.

  “Here, let me take those from you,” Kol said, reaching out for the heavily laden plates.

  “Thank you, sir. I hope you don’t mind the intrusion,” Elisher said.

  “Not at all. I’ve completed the work I need to get finished.” Kol looked at the plates before he motioned to the copilot’s seat with his chin. “Sit,” he said to Elisher.

  Elisher glanced toward the seat Kol indicated and eagerly stepped toward it. Once he was seated, Kol handed him his plate, then took his own seat still holding his own dinner. “What is this food?” Kol asked, inhaling the aroma appreciatively.

  “It’s fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans,” Elisher answered.

  “We have fried chicken aboard our ship for Vivi, but it doesn’t smell like this. This smells much, much better,” Kol said. He picked up a piece of the chicken and took a bite. He chewed it a couple of times then looked up at Elisher. “It is much, much better. I may never go back. The food here is wonderful!”

  “We do have a very talented cook,” Elisher commented. “So, does your computer network through all your ships? Does it keep you connected at all times no matter where you are — an extension of itself to speak in every transport, or facility it’s built into?” Elisher asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

  Kol glanced up at Elisher’s questions and eyed him suspiciously. Kol didn’t answer at first, just regarded Elisher.

  “My apologies if I’ve asked too much. I’m afraid I’m a bit of an IT geek,” Elisher said.

  “IT?” Kol asked.

  “Someone who deals with computer technology and all that it entails. I’ve always been fascinated by it. Unfortunately out here, I don’t get much opportunity to do more than repair an errant tablet or a simple communication system.”

  “My friend Ba Re’ is in charge of our Artificial Intelligence. I’m afraid that’s all I can tell you for now,” Kol replied.

  “I understand. Security and the like,” Elisher said, trying not to appear disappointed.

  “Perhaps one day, I’ll be in a position to share more about it,” Kol offered.

  Elisher immediately perked up again. “That’d be great! I just know there is so much more capability out there than Earth knows of and here I am stuck at Base 28 in the middle of nowhere Texas,” Elisher said. Suddenly he seemed to realize he was speaking to his new boss. “Oh! Ambassador Kol… I in no way meant that I wasn’t happy in my position as your assistant. I just meant…”

  “There is no explanation necessary. I fully understand you dream of more than you currently have. It is, after all, the only way to achieve the next level of any path. First you must dream it, then you must plan it, then you must achieve it.”

  Elisher smiled, realizing there was more to this very large, very intimidating male than met the eye. “Thank you, sir. Now, speaking of paths and plans, what is our plan for tomorrow?”

  Kol realized he hadn’t advised Elisher that he’d be away from the base tomorrow. “I should have advised you sooner, Elisher. I will not be on base tomorrow. I have responsibilities to see to.”

  “Oh. Alright. Is there anything I can do to assist you off base?” Elisher asked.

  “No, it is something I wish to see to on my own,” Kol answered. He just wanted time alone with Ada Jane.

  “Well, is there anything I can see to here for you while you’re out?” Elisher persisted.

  Kol thought about it. He sat up straighter and looked at Elisher with a purpose clear in his eyes. “How much access do you have exactly to the files and records of this base?” Kol asked.

  “That depends,” Elisher confessed. “If the Consul finds out I’ve asked for something he feels I have no need of, my request is refused. But with you here now, I may be able to access more than I have in the past. Why? What is it that you want me to search for?”

  “Everything,” Kol answered.

  “Everything?” Elisher repeated in the form of a question.

  “Yes. Food and supply shipments gone missing. People taken into custody, even those who may have been justly arrested. I want every record of every recorded event since the current Consul took over this base. Anything that seems out of order or somehow just doesn’t fit standard procedures, I want brought to my attention,” Kol answered.

  Elisher
sat there taking in all Kol was saying. Slowly he began to smile, more of a smirk actually. “You’re not here just to audit the females that have been returned to Earth, are you?” he asked.

  “No. I’m here to audit the entire base and everyone on it. I’ve been advised that you are trustworthy. Are you Elisher? Can I trust you? Can the Consortium trust you?”

  Elisher’s eyes grew large and he seemed to puff up his small chest. “Yes! Yes, sir! You can trust me. And I’m honored to be able to help you and the Consortium. I just don’t know how much resistance I’ll get. My quarters are public domain, so, they can access my room any time they want. There isn’t much privacy to research or investigate…” he said, staring off into space and speaking aloud as he thought his way through the best way to approach what was asked of him.

  “Move into the spare room in my quarters. You are my attache’ after all, are you not?” Kol asked.

  “I am. But, that wasn’t what I meant. I wasn’t hinting that I should…”

  “You didn’t. It is simply the best situation for you to research the information I’ve requested. My quarters are private and I have the room. I will advise the Consul tonight. Go, start moving your things in so that you may begin working early tomorrow morning. If anyone interferes in your work, let me know.”

  Elisher got to his feet with a wide smile on his face. “I will. Thank you, Ambassador. I won’t let you down.”

  “Excellent. Now, how do I get in touch with you, or you me while I’m off base?” Kol asked.

  “I’ll get you a tablet to take with you. You should have one assigned to you already. I requested it as soon as we knew you were coming. It’s just that you coming was something of a surprise.”

  “Security…” Kol said, inferring that they were given no notice because they didn’t want the base to have time to hide anything away.

  “Of course, of course. I understand,” Elisher said.

  “With security in mind, you are aware you cannot speak of our true assignment to anyone,” Kol said.