by Doug Farren
Kauffman smiled and chuckled to himself. “Do you know what a prodigy is?” he asked.
Bomarta and Shoomut exchanged a look that Kauffman could not interpret. Bomarta replied, “We do not have a word in our language to describe such an individual. The translation software we are using, however, is aware of the concept but the translation does not offer us much of an explanation.”
Kauffman made a mental note of this fact and filed it away for future reference. He then said, “There are documented instances of individuals who have mental faculties that defy explanation. For example, one such person was able to provide the square root of any number given to him in seconds. Others can recall with one hundred percent accuracy the contents of every book they have ever read. We have six-year-old kids who can play a piano like a master. Still others, like myself, possess an uncanny ability to manipulate mathematical equations in their minds. What started off as an idea in my mind several years ago, quickly blossomed into an entirely new branch of mathematics which I have named continuum calculus.”
“And you developed this entirely new branch of mathematics on your own?” Shoomut asked.
“I did cheat a little bit,” Kauffman answered, smiling. He then related to the Tholtaran’s how Anita had learned of his project and how she had given him the time and the computing resources to work on it. CAIN, however, was never mentioned.
“Amazing!” Bormarta exclaimed. “There are many brilliant people in the scientific community of the Consortium. But, to my knowledge, none have ever managed to accomplish what you have done. It does tend explain why your race has been able to create a stardrive far sooner than anticipated. It also explains the mismatch between your level of technological achievement and your current sociological development.”
“Meaning?”
Shoomut was silent for a moment as if he was debating whether or not to explain. Then, “Historically, virtually every race that is now a member of the Consortium has developed both sociologically and technologically at about an equal pace. As the technological advances occurred, the sociological development of the society kept pace. The end result has always been a planet that has become unified by the time the race was advanced enough to create a working stardrive. Earth seems to be an exception.
“Your world is fragmented into multiple countries, each with it’s own set of laws and beliefs. Each country seems willing to go to war with any of the others if any of those beliefs are threatened. You also go to war over natural resources instead of sharing those resources. At other times you go to war for no apparent reason at all. As a general rule, you do not apply your technological advances toward the betterment of your own species. Your rate of technological advancement has far outpaced your rate of sociological development. To put it bluntly, there are some who see Humans as a socially undeveloped society playing with atomic weapons.”
Kauffman sat up straight in his chair. The air in the room had suddenly become even hotter. “I’m not sure I like what I’ve just heard. We’ve made great strides in overcoming our differences. What exactly is the Consortium worried about?”
Shoomut’s eyes took on an intensity that caused Jay to want to cringe in his seat. “There are members of the Consortium who believe that Humans, despite the fact that they now possess a working stardrive, are not yet sociologically ready to join the Consortium.”
Jay normally shied away from political discussions, and this was quickly turning into a very sensitive one. But Shoomut’s statement had struck a nerve inside him. At first, Jay was angry at having the Human race referred to as socially undeveloped. He was, after all, a member of that race. But the captain’s statement also had a solid core of truth behind it. Jay’s anger was replaced with fear. Fear that the Consortium would ban Humanity from space until the race could develop socially.
“We may be a divided planet,” he finally admitted. “But, we are all Human and Humans will stick together when threatened or when circumstances show us that it is in our best interest to put our differences aside and work together. Instead of fearing us because we are, as you say, socially undeveloped, the Consortium should consider guiding us towards becoming a sociologically responsible member of the galaxy. Shunning us will only cause resentment and eventually hatred toward the Consortium.”
“You make a strong argument for your culture,” Shoomut replied in a subdued tone. “Let us get off this subject for now and get back to you and your stardrive. How did you manage to convert your mathematics into a physical stardrive? You are a mathematician, not an engineer.”
This was the question Kauffman had dreaded. CAIN was the entity that had understood the mathematics and also had the engineering expertise needed to convert the equations into a working stardrive. “I do have a significant engineering background,” Jay launched into his prepared response. “I may not be an engineer, but I do understand many of the basic principles necessary to move from a purely mathematical description of a process to the physical machine necessary to generate the desired end result. I did have help from a small engineering team but none of them knew what it was they were building.”
Bomarta leaned forward and replied, “So you are telling us that you and you alone developed the theory, the mathematics, the equations, and ultimately the design of your stardrive?”
“In essence, yes.” Kauffman carefully observed the two aliens sitting across from him. He knew very little of Tholtaran facial expressions (what Human would) but his gut reaction told him they still had doubts about the truth of his answer. Jay, however, stood firm in his belief that the existence of CAIN should remain a secret.
“Amazing,” Bomarta finally replied. “You have accomplished single-handedly what it has taken teams of researchers to accomplish on other worlds. Please, I would like to discuss some of your equations.”
For the next hour and a half, Kauffman and Bomarta talked about the equations Jay had developed. Because Tholtaran and Human mathematical symbols were different the discussion took place at a fairly abstract level. During the discussion, Jay shared the story of how he had come to create the stardrive. He even included the thunderstorm and how it had triggered the discovery of the matrix field. He never once mentioned CAIN. As they talked, Bomarta became convinced of Jay's claim to be the drive's sole creator, mostly because Jay demonstrated his uncanny ability to work with the equations from memory.
During the discussion, Kauffman learned that, for security reasons, the equations dealing with advanced stardrive technology (drives typically employed by the military) were very closely guarded secrets among the members of the Consortium. The theory behind the technology, however, was readily available. This fact became readily apparent when Bomarta showed Jay how to solve his control problems and how to even improve on the efficiency of his drive.
“There is one more item we must discuss before we conclude this meeting,” Shoomut said after it became apparent that the stardrive discussion was winding down. “When Earth signs the Consortium treaties it will be allowed access to the vast amount of scientific data which is common knowledge throughout the Consortium. The introduction of this information into your society should be coordinated. It has been suggested that you be designated as the scientific liaison for your planet.”
Jay was speechless. To be at the forefront of the wave of advanced knowledge that Earth would have access to was the dream of a lifetime. It was something he simply could not turn down. He sat in shock and thought the offer over, he started to have conflicting thoughts. It would mean leaving AST and perhaps even Earth itself for long periods of time. It would mean time away from someone who had started to mean something more to him than he had realized until this very moment. But, the offer was just too tempting and eventually it won out.
“I would very much like to be the scientific liaison between Earth and the Consortium,” he finally answered. “But, it’s not my decision to make. The World government, when it is formed, will have to appoint me and they may not see me as the best person fo
r the job. I’m not very politically oriented.”
“I understand your concerns,” Shoomut replied. “The Consortium will make a strong recommendation in your favor when the time is right. We wanted to hear your opinion concerning the opportunity first.” Shoomut slid his chair back and stood up. “And now, we must return you to Earth. Allow me to accompany you back to the shuttle.”
On the way back, Jay found a chance to ask the question he had filed away earlier. “Captain. Do Tholtarans always go by a single name? We Humans have two and often times three or more parts to our name.”
“We were once quite like you Humans,” Shoomut replied. “We were warriors and our society was based on a clan structure. Loyalty to the clan was paramount and fighting between clans was often the preferred method of settling disputes. A warrior’s name indicated not only who he was, but also his standing within the clan and the name of the clan itself. Names were often quite long and changed often.
“Although many of the original clans still exist, the practice of using the clan name as part of a person’s personal name has become less popular. Most Tholtarans these days tend to identify themselves with a single name for every day use but will also include the place of their birth on official documents. Many people who have made the military a career attach a qualifier signifying their warrior status. Many traditions from our warrior past are still maintained. It’s hard to abandon thousands of years of tradition.”
The return trip to Earth was just as uneventful and as exciting as the trip up had been. Jay stood on the tarmac of his home world and watched as the alien ship silently ascended back into space. Turning around, he looked up into the second story window where he and Anita had stood several hours before and was surprised to see her still standing there. He quickened his steps and practically ran toward the building. She met him at the first floor door and before either of them fully realized what was happening they embraced and were kissing each other like two lovers who had been apart for weeks.
They reluctantly separated and looked into each other’s eyes, neither one wanting to say anything. Finally, Jay took a deep breath and said in a shaky voice; almost as if saying anything would ruin the moment, “I’m glad you waited for me. I…”
Anita softly placed her index finger on his lips. “Ssshhh—No more talk,” she whispered. The edges of her eyes were wet. “I miss you when you’re not around. I worry about you when you’re away. I don’t know when it happened Jay, but I love you.”
She took his hand into hers and together they walked in silence to her waiting limousine. The chauffeur smiled at the couple as he opened the door for them, being careful not to make any inappropriate comments. A moment later, the limo pulled away and took them directly to Anita’s mansion. No words were spoken during the ride or for a long time afterward—none were needed.
16
History in the making
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===== November 11, 2051 (Terran calendar) =====
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“Right this way Mr. Kauffman,” the police office said as soon as Jay stepped out of the limo. The officer had not bothered to examine the invitation that Jay held in his hand.
Kauffman followed the officer into the building past lines of cheering people and camera-waving press from all over world. Bright camera flashes assaulted his eyes and he could hear his name being yelled over and over. A couple of hover cameras belonging to the larger networks buzzed a few meters overhead jockeying with each other to obtain the best camera angle. Ever since the world had learned of the creation of the Kauffman stardrive, Jay’s life had become more complicated. He had become the biggest celebrity in Earth’s history. It seemed as if everyone on the planet knew him and he could no longer appear in public without being recognized.
He had become even more famous when the Starfire II had made its historic round trip flight to Alpha Centauri. Not only did his stardrive work as promised but the safe arrival of the ship at its destination had been reported back to Earth via the new faster than light transceiver. The press had already started calling it the subspace radio (from the famous Star Trek television series) even though Jay did not prefer the name.
Another officer stopped them inside. This time the identification protocol was followed to the letter. Jay's invitation was checked, his ID card was scanned, and his fingerprints were validated against the central database. “It is an honor to meet you sir,” the second officer said after Jay's identity had been verified. “If you will please follow me.”
They proceeded down a long corridor until they arrived at the fifty yard line of the football field. No game had been scheduled for today. Instead, the stadium was packed with officials and dignitaries from virtually every level of government from virtually every country on Earth. Jay and his escort continued across the field toward a raised stage that had been erected in center field. Jay heard the continuous rumble of a thousand separate conversations from the tens of thousands of people who were seated in the viewing stands.
The left side of the stage had seating for fifty. Most of the seats were occupied. There were two podiums in the center of the stage, one slightly small than the other. The right side of the stage contained a large circular table surrounded by twelve empty seats.
A marine in full dress uniform complete with a ceremonial sword waited at the short set of stairs leading up to the stage. He carefully checked Jay’s invitation again and made a notation on a clipboard. “First row, second seat Mr. Kauffman. Your wife is already here.”
“Thank you,” Jay muttered and started up the steps. As his feet hit the stage he looked to his right and saw an arm waving in the air. Kauffman walked over and gave his wife a hug and a kiss before taking his seat. After settling in, he looked up into the crowd and an icy chill ran down the back of his neck. He had always disliked public speeches.
Sensing his discomfort, Anita reached over and squeezed his left hand with her right. She leaned over a bit and said, “You’ll be fine honey. You’ve done hundreds of television interviews that have been watched by millions. This is no different.”
“A camera is a box of electronics with a single lens,” he replied. “There are fifty thousand pairs of eyes in that crowd and untold millions watching on TV right now. This is the single biggest event in the history of the Human race and I would rather be sitting at home watching this on TV rather than sitting here.”
“Would you like me to tell the President that you’ve decided not to speak? I’m sure I could get his attention when he arrives.”
Jay knew his wife was only joking but it had the intended effect. He smiled and replied, “I don’t think he would appreciate it one bit. He might order one of the marines to hog tie me to the microphone.”
“I don’t think he would go quite that far,” Anita replied. Her face turned serious and she asked, “Are the Tholtaran’s satisfied that the area is secure?”
Jay had been late because he had been working very closely with the captain of a Tholtaran cruiser in low Earth orbit to ensure that the treaty signing would not be interrupted as the Army of Humanity had promised. The Army of Humanity was a terrorist organization that had sprung into existence soon after the announcement had been made that the United Nations was working toward the changes needed to allow Earth to join the Consortium. This organization had used violence in the past in an attempt to disrupt the process. They were of the opinion that humanity should isolate itself from all contact with non-Human cultures.
With the permission of the United States, the Tholtaran cruiser had used its vast array of scanners to ensure that there were no weapons capable of firing on a shuttle or delivering a warhead within fifty kilometers of the open-air stadium where the treaty signing was to take place. This scan had revealed three hidden missile launchers. Jay had contacted the army and the launchers along with the people manning them had been neutralized.
“We are secure,” Jay rep
lied to his wife. Patting his pocket that contained a Tholtaran short-range transceiver he continued, “Captain Kuranti's ship is in a forced synchronous orbit 200 kilometers above us. He is confident that he can neutralize virtually any attack against the statium. He will contact me if he finds anything that might interfere with the ceremony.”
They made idle talk for another ten minutes until the President appeared from the back of the stage and approached the podium. He tapped on the mike and within a couple of minutes the crowd—all sixty three thousand of them—quieted down.
“January twelfth, 2049 is a date that all humanity will remember for generations. It is the date that the crew of the Starfire made contact with an alien culture after testing humanity’s first faster than light drive. As each and every one of you know, ever since that historic date, the governments of Earth have been working together through the United Nations to form the beginnings of a world government. We have not abolished the rights of individual countries nor have we dictated to them how they write their laws governing the conduct of their own citizens. The world's nations have united and come to a unanimous agreement on a unified set of laws that will apply to all visitors to Earth no matter which nation they happen to be visiting.
“Last month, the Security Council of the United Nations became the official governing body to represent our planet in all dealings with non-Human cultures. The Security Council has now officially changed its name to The World Council of Earth. The World Court has been empowered to enforce the laws of the World Council as they apply to our alien visitors. The World Bank has been tasked with creating a single currency to be recognized anywhere on the planet. These steps we have taken will now allow Earth to formally become a member of the Consortium.”
There was a thunderous applause that took nearly two minutes to end. The reason for this applause was obvious. As soon as Earth became a member of the Consortium it would unlock the floodgates to untold technological wonders.