Alien Genes 1: Daughter of Atuk

by Petra Theunissen

  He glanced at the city as it flashed past them. Compared to many of the cities on Earth, Regnos Navis was a harsh place without the softness of nature. The Algidans had deemed such décor as unnecessary, although they relented at putting up some artwork. Too much decoration, they believed, would detract the workers from the task at hand, and nature was not regarded as essential to their existence. All the food and nutrients the Krinians needed were artificially reproduced in their quarters and offices.

  He watched the people moving in and out of the stark buildings, and wondered how many had ever ventured outside the climate-controlled metropolis or even knew what lay outside the city.

  When they reached the government building, the sphere disengaged and both stepped onto the docking platform of the Piros. Eqin walked ahead of the guard into the enormous hallways of the ancient building. It never failed to impress him how they'd managed to create such an open working space. It was stark, yes, but the biotechnological walls allowed natural light to filter through, and Algidan artwork was strategically placed to create an air of importance.

  He didn't wait for the guard to tell him where to go. He already knew. Judgement took place in the Great Council Hall, which was a venue designed to seat about a hundred spectators, including the Council themselves. He'd been there once or twice when he was a child and his grandfather was still alive.

  At the Hall, the guard paused, obviously waiting for permission to enter. Moments later a doorway appeared, and they went inside.

  The Great Council Hall was an architectural wonder—a spectacular sight of light, windows and pillars. It was built in the classic Krinian style, which was greatly influenced by the Antediluvians, although the Algidans had stripped it of most of its detailed artwork and replaced it with their own.

  Under normal circumstances, Eqin would have marvelled at the sight, but today he had difficulty appreciating the creator's design, knowing it would be the last time he would ever see it.

  The Hall was packed with spectators seated on both sides, leaving a long corridor open for him to pass through. It led straight to where the Algidan Council was seated. The Council members were dressed in white byssus—a type of cotton cloth draped across their bodies. The Council Satraps sat in front in the middle, holding his light staff. On each side sat another senior member of Council, as was the practice.

  Eqin glanced at them, and then puckered his brow with disbelief.

  Hasan! When was he promoted to Council member? How could he have reached such a senior position so quickly?

  To be accepted onto the Council meant that the old man had to have strong ancestral links.

  Eqin smiled wryly. Ancestry was a strong motivation for appointing members of Council, and had he not broken their laws, he would have probably ended up in Council too—like his grandfather and his father.

  Father ... how's he going to take it, having to live with participating in my judgement?

  As he walked down the corridor, his gaze met that of his father, sitting in the back row of the Council, and he saw the cold disapproval.

  He looked over to where the rest of his family was sitting—his mother and S'Tha. Their faces were expressionless and they avoided direct eye contact with him, as was the custom for non-Council members. He glanced at his mother, and noticed she was fumbling with her hands on her lap. She seemed nervous. It took him by surprise. He'd never known her as a nervous woman. She was usually composed—almost cold. As if reading his thoughts, she glanced at him before averting her eyes. What was going on in her mind? By making eye contact, she'd broken convention. She'd never broken a rule in her life.

  The rest of the raised seats behind his family were taken up by a large number of spectators. It was hard not to notice that the Hall was unusually full. He should have known that his Judgement would attract attention. It was not every day that the son of a Council member was to be judged, and it was a major social event. It was as if the whole of upper society was there, and he recognised quite a few faces—most were friends of the family. It would have been laughable, had it not been so serious.

  As he proceeded towards the Algidan Council, he could sense their observation of him. He overwhelmingly perceived their disapproval, and their autocratic stance of moral superiority.

  When he stopped in front of the assembly of members, the Council Satraps stood up, held up his staff and a beam of light flared out. It circled the room several times before it vanished. Final Judgement had started. The Council Satraps then approached Eqin. He pointed his light staff at him.

  This Judgement is now in session, The official announced formally. Eqin, son of Erique, grandson of Marq, and great-grandson of Jolan, you have been judged and found guilty of breaking the law of mingling your DNA with that of another species by means of mating.

  Eqin was stumped. He'd been under the impression he was being judged for falling in love with a human, but mating? Not only was it a much more serious charge, but it wasn't true. They never mated.

  You are mistaken, he said grimly.

  The Council Satraps motioned dismissively. Enough! You lost your right to speak when you broke the law. We will now hear the Truth Seeker who judged you.

  Eqin felt obliged to argue. But I didn't...

  The Satraps glared at him. Cease!

  Grudgingly he abided. Nothing he would say would convince the Council otherwise. It was clear that the Judgement was simply a formality—as it usually was. The Council had already found him guilty.

  He'd been set up, and he had a pretty good idea by whom. He glanced at the old man sitting austerely next to Council Satraps. Behind Hasan's façade, Eqin could sense the smugness. He gritted his teeth trying to control his anger. He wanted to wipe that smug expression off the old man's face, and if it weren't for the restraints, he would have probably tried to.

  The Satraps held up his light staff. Let the Truth Seeker enter!

  The doorway opened and a whisper went through the audience as a woman wearing the robes of a Caretaker entered. Eqin instinctively recognised her even though the hood of her cape hid her face—she had a very distinct presence that was hard to ignore. Then he noticed the tip of her black boots sticking out from under the Caretaker's cape. Strange, he thought, he'd been under the impression that Caretakers only wore sandals.

  The Council Satraps scowled. What is this? Where is the Truth Seeker? Why is there a Caretaker here?

  Anya bowed respectfully. I am the Truth Seeker, Your Excellency.

  The Council Satraps seemed clearly disturbed by Anya's presence. Nonsense. We requested the Truth Seeker who investigated Eqin, not a Caretaker.

  I am both, My Lord. I am a Truth Seeker, but I am also a Caretaker. I was the one who judged Eqin, son of Erique, grandson of Marq and great-grandson of Jolan, Anya said evenly.

  She seemed remarkably undisturbed by the Satraps’ reaction, and Eqin watched with piqued interest as the Council Satraps hurried back to his Council to discuss the case. Well, at least his judgement was going to be memorable.

  The initial excitement among the spectators had turned into an uneasy silence as the Council deliberated anxiously.

  After a few moments, the Satraps turned around. This is unprecedented, but you may state your case.

  It struck Eqin that the Satraps seemed uneasy, as if he were talking against his wishes. His gaze caught that of Hasan and he instinctively knew that the old man had something to do with it. How could he wield such influence in such a short time?

  After the Council Satraps motioned to her to continue, Anya spoke clearly and calmly, stating what she had determined. Throughout her statement, her face remained hidden, and Eqin wondered why. It was the custom for the Truth Seeker to show his or her face in the presence of the Council. Why wasn't she?

  He listened to her as she spoke. There was no doubt she was admitting that he was guilty of falling in love, but he noticed that she left out huge chunks of the story. In fact, she hardly mentioned Cathy or what he had done for her.
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  He was taken aback. If his memory didn't fail him, Truth Seekers were supposed to tell the full story—but not Anya. Something else was going on, and it suddenly struck him that it was as if she were protecting someone.

  He narrowed his eyes. Cathy. He had a sudden feeling she was close by, but he couldn't be sure. He couldn't sense her presence, but that meant nothing. She had, after all, the ability to hide it from them. He scanned the crowd, looking for her familiar face among the spectators, but he didn't recognise her. Surely, she wouldn't have dared to come. Not here, where all her enemies congregated.

  In conclusion, Eqin indeed fell in love with the Earth woman. Anya ended her statement, bowed and started to leave the room.

  However, there was a sudden commotion among the Council members, and Eqin could see they were disturbed by the testimony. Hasan in particular seemed troubled. The latter had stood up and approached the Satraps, arguing with him. With a motion of his hand, he indicated to Anya to stay, which she politely, but obviously reluctantly, did. Eqin's eyes tapered.

  She seems in a hurry to get out.

  He watched the argument between the Council Satraps and Hasan with interest. It was clear that the Council Satraps seemed concerned and after more deliberation, he nodded and handed over the light staff to Hasan. Eqin lifted his eyebrow. What? Since when did the Council Satraps pass his light staff to another Council member? It was unheard of. It was a mockery of the justice system.

  A whisper sounded around the room, and some of the spectators shifted uneasily in their seats. Clearly, they weren't comfortable with the direction the Judgement was going.

  He glanced at the crowd, and it struck him that not all spectators seemed uneasy. Some appeared to remain completely unaffected by the unusual proceedings, and his frown deepened.

  Hasan had walked over to Anya and pointed the light staff at her. You have said little of consequence, and you have omitted much information.

  There was a shocked silence in the Hall. No Truth Seeker would ever omit any part of the truth, and to be accused of doing so was the ultimate insult. But Anya didn't flinch. It was as if she'd been expecting it.

  He continued. The Council would like to know who the Earth woman is that you mentioned in your testimony.

  The Earth woman's identity has little to do with the accused's guilt.

  The Council would still like to know who she is, Hasan persisted.

  I cannot tell you, Anya responded stubbornly.

  It is your obligation to tell us.

  Anya shook her head. I cannot.

  He stepped very close to her. What is your name?

  There was a moment of silence before she answered him. Anya, my lord.

  Anya ... ? Hasan repeated the name slowly, seemingly confused. Then it was as if a light went on for him. He smiled knowingly and said, You are no more of a Truth Seeker than I am. Show us your face, Caretaker!

  Anya took a step backward. It is not our custom to do so, my lord.

  If you are a Truth Seeker, then you should be prepared to show your face, he insisted.

  I cannot do that, my lord. It is against our custom, she said adamantly.

  Eqin watched as Hasan's eyes grew darker. Hasan did not like being defied, and he wondered how Anya would handle his anger. Why didn't she want to show her face anyway? What did she have to hide?

  With a quick motion of his hand, Hasan plucked the hood from Anya's head. There was an outcry from the audience at his uncivilised behaviour, but it soon turned to gasps of horror. The Council Satraps stood up and motioned to the audience to remain calm, evidently waiting for Hasan to react.

  Eqin saw the momentary confusion in Hasan's eyes as he looked at Anya's scarred face. Then the confusion turned to recognition. He turned back to the Council. This is an outrage. This woman is a convicted criminal. She has made fools of this Council.

  Anya stood motionless. Her stare was fixed on Hasan as if waiting for something.

  Eqin's mind was racing.

  So Cathy was right all along. Anya wasn't who she pretended to be. She was a half-breed too—someone whose genes were mixed—or she had to have broken the rules herself. No wonder she hadn't been happy judging him. She must have been judged herself by the same Council.

  Suddenly Eqin realized that Hasan had played exactly into her hand. Hasan had to have noticed the same, because he noticed the sudden look of unease on the old man's face, and at that moment, Eqin became aware of another presence.

  Cathy.

  Hasan looked up and pointed into the crowd. We have been betrayed. The Earth woman is among us. Seize her!

  Eqin followed the direction in which Hasan was pointing and saw her sitting among the spectators. She blended in perfectly. Her long hair was carefully braided and decorated like the other spectators and she was dressed in white. When Hasan pointed at her, she stood up, and her white silken robe draped gently around her slender body. The sight astounded Eqin. He couldn't remember when he'd ever seen her looking so breathtaking.

  The Algidan guards scuttled to grab Cathy, but a number of spectators had stood up and were blocking the way to her. With a few calculated moves, the guards were grabbed and secured.

  The other spectators had jumped up and were scuffling to get out the doorways. It was clear that they feared for their lives and wanted no part of what was happening in the Great Council Hall.

  Cathy's demanding voice caused them to stop in their tracks. “Stay!"

  It was like magic. The spectators froze in their tracks and fell silent. All eyes turned to her.

  Hasan spoke up. “So, you continued to exist after all. I was correct, then. Eqin did shield you from me."

  “Yes."

  It struck Eqin how calm she seemed. He caught her glance, and they exchanged meaningful looks. Yes, he had protected her from Hasan, but the old man was unaware that she'd managed to shield herself from him too. He wondered how Hasan would react if he knew how powerful she'd become.

  She turned to the spectators. “I'm the one you are accusing Eqin of having mated with. Let me assure you that he has not. What he did do, was to save my life. What has not been told today is that Hasan nearly killed me in one of his experiments. In his quest for knowledge, he destroyed most of my human DNA, and I would have died had it not been for Eqin and S'Tha."

  The Council Satraps had stood up and walked to the middle of the Hall where Hasan was standing. He seemed disturbed by Cathy's words. “S'Tha? What does she have to with this? Explain yourself, Human!"

  Eqin followed Cathy's glance and saw that she was looking directly at S'Tha. His sister's face was distorted with a combination of hate and fear.

  “After I nearly died, S'Tha decided to use the opportunity to continue her own experiments. She injected me with strains of Krinian DNA, which helped me survive."

  “We are aware of that. She has been commended for her ground-breaking research."

  “Yes, but what she neglected to tell you was where she got the DNA.” Cathy paused momentarily. “She borrowed it from the Antediluvians."

  All eyes turned to S'Tha who was shaking her head fervently. “No, the Human is lying!” she shouted. “Why would I do such a terrible thing? It is strictly forbidden to use any of the ancient's genetic material. I would never risk my career like that for a ... a ... human.” She almost spat out the last word.

  The Council Satraps took his light staff from Hasan, and pointed it at Cathy. “All the Algidans know that it is forbidden to use the Antediluvian's DNA. S'Tha would never do such a thing. You are lying, Human."

  He shot out a beam of light directly at her, and Cathy ducked as it shot past her head. Eqin felt his heart miss a beat, and wrenched against the restraints around his upper body. If he could just get them off.

  But Cathy remained remarkably calm. “I'm not lying.” She looked at S'Tha and smiled. “You should have checked whose DNA you took when you sneaked into those tombs, S'Tha."

  Eqin saw his sister cringe, and suddenly felt sorr
y for her. He doubted she had expected his Judgement Day to take such an unexpected turn.

  “What do you mean? Explain!” The Council Satraps demanded. His light staff was still pointed threateningly at her.

  “She took Atuk's DNA."

  S'Tha had jumped up. Her face was ashen. “No! That's not true. She's trying to save Eqin by telling lies.” She challenged the Satraps, “Do you trust a human's word above that of an Algidan?"

  The Satraps didn't immediately respond, and Eqin saw that he was wavering. Cathy had to have struck a chord.

  Cathy walked determinedly down the steps. She took out a tiny crystal sphere from under her silken robe, and balanced it in her palm.

  “S'Tha was diligent enough to keep records of all her research,” she said calmly, and threw the sphere to the Council Satraps who barely managed to catch it. “Everything is in there."

  The Council Satraps moved his hand over the sphere and read the information displayed on the holographic image. It was clear that he didn't like what he was learning.

  Out of the corner of his eye, Eqin saw S'Tha was trying to head for the door, but several Algidan guards had intercepted her and dragged her back to the middle of the Hall. She struggled to free herself, and he could see she was afraid.

  Cathy walked up to Hasan and looked him directly in the eye. “Well, I suppose it wasn't only S'Tha's fault. She had only moved in on an opportunity, which Hasan had created through his experiments."

  She turned away from Hasan and addressed the Council. “You have only Hasan to thank. His experimentation combined with S'Tha's ambition has created me."

  She paused. “I am the daughter of Atuk."