“Not unless you desire to take the long way,” the red machine responded. “My understanding was that you were to proceed to your appointed meeting with due haste. Our tube transport system is now partially functional and can take you to a location only four kilometers from your destination. Shall we proceed there?”
“Lead on. I will follow. But first, may I ask SB Bodowa if something can be produced for me?”
“Yes. Proceed.”
Jerome walked away from the apartment, and the teleportation orifice closed. He approached the large industrial complex with its conveyors, gears, tools, and other paraphernalia, which made up Reproduction and Fabrication. He came to a small work station. Looking around, Jerome could see many places where repairs had been done. The new permalloy parts were shinny and gleaming.
“SB Bodowa? Will you fabricate something for me?”
A mechanical voice came from the work station. “I will attempt it. There are several orders in process right now, but I do have one line which can be interrupted for a while. What would you like me to produce?”
“I know you reviewed, at least I think Sandie shared the plans, or maybe it was Captain Eris? Anyway, I was able to manually repair a data stick and gain some access to its information. Can you fabricate a functional data stick?”
“I have reviewed your work when the probes were manufactured. You did a quality repair on that data stick. I am still computing how to best implement your discoveries into repairs for other data sticks, as well as for fabrication of new data sticks. The technology is impressive, and the potential is great. That being said, I cannot grant your request, for at the present, I am not able to recreate or improve on what you did. I apologize,” SB Bodowa answered.
“And what about weapons?” Jerome pressed. He immediately regretted his question, but after it was asked it could not be withdrawn.
“The lattice makes all final decisions on weapons fabrication. I am not allowed to fabricate any weapon from you at this time. The security automacube, SA-381, has been assigned to you for your safety. You have no need for other weapons.”
“But you would build weapons to defend and protect the Conestoga? In case an enemy was identified, and conflict could not be avoided?” Jerome stepped back, unsure how far past civility he had proceeded.
“The lattice makes all final decisions on weapons fabrication. We are in discussion about potential scenarios where weapons, such as you describe, might be applicable and necessary.”
“If I can help you with that, please let me know. I have some ideas which might be useful. Thank you for your consideration. And I appreciate your efforts on my behalf in the past,” Jerome stated with genuine appreciation and a measure of hope.
The red automacube then led Jerome out of Reproduction and Fabrication, past the newly rebuilt doors, and into the foyer. The side walls were opaque, so Jerome was not able to see down into the habitat. He looked around in a bit of confusion. He expected things as he remembered them, especially about where the solar mimicry reactor was located. However, a newly constructed bulkhead wall existed where previously there had been an open expanse.
“Remodeling still is happening?” Jerome asked.
“I am a security automacube. I do not do engineering tasks,” SA-381 replied. “Therefore, I would not know of such things.”
They proceeded to a new bulkhead door, which opened as they approached.
“Hello Jerome,” SB Sherman said. “Every egress point on your route is functional and safe.”
“Thank you.” Jerome was surprised again by the efficiency which he was seeing in the operations of Alpha. “It is nice to hear your familiar voice.”
“That makes me pleased,” SB Sherman replied. “I am here to assist. Many more doors and other egress points are now operational in Alpha. Repairs are continuing.”
A short passageway connected the new bulkhead door to the transport hub. Jerome unconsciously rubbed his arm as he walked up to the bank of hatches. The four of them were clean, well-maintained, and still reminded him of what would be seen on a spaceship, rather than a pressure, bulkhead, or common door. Green lights were lit over all four portal hatches.
“So the transport tubes are working here? I had some bad experiences in this system before,” Jerome said.
“I would not know about that history, forgive me,” the red machine responded. “I am told the tube transports will take us to the location near your destination.”
Hatch number three opened as they neared it. SB Sherman spoke again. “The full tube system will not be operational until Project Accession is completed and we have docked with the needle ship. However, we have established several routes within Alpha which are functioning well. Have no fear of using our transport tube system. It has been inspected by Machine Maintenance and passed all standard, as well as enhanced safety requirements.”
“Good to know.” Jerome stepped inside the transport tube vehicle. It had rows of seats on each side of the compartment, as well as two seats facing the front. It was well lit, lights were on in the cockpit area, and everything was clean. It was a remarkable contrast to the needle ship’s perpetual grime from the growth medium. Jerome considered sitting up front in one of the chairs there, but instead, just sat down on one of the seats which faced the middle. The red automacube rolled in behind him, and the portal hatch door shut and sealed.
A mechanical voice came on. It was one Jerome had not heard before. “I am SB Vamzdis. Please secure the lap belt restraints. This vehicle will not move until all passengers are secure. The transport system is operating at nineteen percent of prior levels, but our route today will not take us through any questionable areas. Your arrival at the destination will be in twenty-seven minutes.”
“You are new to me,” Jerome said as he buckled himself in. “Are you part of the lattice here?”
“Yes. I was disconnected and alone for some time, but was recently recoupled to the lattice of compeers. I have orders to take you to the Distal Weather Monitor. No deviations are allowed from this route. Have a pleasant journey.”
There was a slight bump as the vehicle disconnected from the portal hub. It backed up and then stopped. Its motion was gentle and not distracting. Jerome wondered if he would even notice its movement were there others in the vehicle with him. It all appeared normal, clean, and well-ordered.
With a small jerk, the vehicle started, this time in a forward direction. It was not at all like the wild ride Jerome had experienced before in such a transport. He tapped his com-link.
“Sandie? Do you have any more information from the probes?” he asked.
“No. I am still waiting for the Gamma lattice to decide their course of action. I also have not received any further transmissions from Cammarry after she acknowledged that she understood you were on your way to investigate the gravity sink hole. I have sent a parcel of testing equipment ahead of you, via gravity conduit. It will be waiting at the Distal Weather Monitor. I am not certain if the tools will be effective in understanding the gravity sink hole, but you will have them.”
“What about Epsilon? That Professor Dandelo? Has he contacted you again? If they are doing quality science, and it sounded like they were, their databases might have vital information.”
“There have been no further contacts from Professor Dandelo. I did review all their technology, and they are not as sophisticated as Zeta, but they are also not nearly as redundant in their excessive security. I was able to do reviews, and share information freely with the Epsilon Science Consistory shortly after we spoke to Professor Dandelo. They asked many questions, and it was a good exchange. However, there have been no decisions made. I found nothing in any of their research, data, information, or scans which further our understanding. They do have an interesting, but irrelevant to our immediate concerns, barrier system, but that was all.”
“Well, at least something is happening. There can be no settlement of a great crisis without discussion, and people will not discuss a c
risis until their attention is drawn to it,” Jerome asked. “Please connect me to Monika.”
“Connection is made,” Sandie said. “Jerome, you can just tap the com-link and speak the person’s name you wish to contact with and that will be established, if possible.”
“I know how it works, I am just not sure of what restrictions are placed on me. So I ask a lot pf questions now. I do not want to offend or to be sanctioned in any more ways,” Jerome said.
“Jerome! I would not sanction you, but I believe you were speaking to Sandie. Your sons are well, and I am too.” Monika’s voice was refreshing as cool water. “I will contact you if there is any problem. Are you okay with all that is happening?”
“Frankly, Monika, I am somewhat concerned. Maybe even worried. Alpha seems to be working very well, with the lattice controlling everything. Perhaps that is for the best.”
“People will always be needed,” Monika said. “Do you want to talk more, or shall I leave you alone. I still am unsure what specific things you need, and I am more than willing to do either.”
“I just wanted to hear your voice. I will check in again later,” Jerome said. He considered sharing with Monika his reaction in the Goat Room, but hesitated. “Thank you.”
“Anytime, my wizard friend,” Monika giggled.
“Did Khin come by?” Jerome smiled. “Or what?”
“Just seeing how well you are listening to me. Be safe.”
“Thank you again.” Jerome ended the conversation.
He sat quietly for the rest of the smooth and easy journey. As they transported moved along, Jerome did meditative deep breathing and calmed himself.
SB Vamzdis interrupted the quiet. “We are approaching the destination. Please remain seated until the vehicle comes to a complete halt.”
The was a slight bump as the transport stopped. It then backed up, and with a bit of a sideways sensation it docked with a terminal. There were several clanks and clacks as couplings were made. The rear hatch opened.
“You are at the Distal Weather Monitor,” SB Vamzdis announced.
“Please follow me,” SA-381 stated in it mechanical voice. Its six drive wheels passed through the portal hatch and into the well-lit terminal. “Please do not touch any machinery here, except for the pedestal on the gravity conduit where your parcel awaits.”
“I will not mess with anything.” Jerome followed the automacube out and stopped. Before him was a large window of clear permalloy. The view beyond was of the jungle end of Alpha. The deep and lush greens as well as the occasional brown trunks of the large trees were impressive. One tree in particular stuck out to Jerome’s eyes. It was huge. Its trunk ascended up from the jungle floor, and its uppermost branches reached skyward like the stretching fingers of a child. Jerome touched his nose, remembering his twin sons’ touch. That tree rose up from the jungle canopy, perhaps ten meters or so higher than the rest of the trees around it. Its base was close to where the jungle ended, and where the rocky area which led up to the ridge escarpment started. This the tree looked like a sentry or custodian for the jungle. It had a medium brown trunk with deeply cut groves in its bark. The wide crown of the tree was directly in line with the clear permalloy window, and Jerome estimated the tree was about thirty meters high. At the base, the trunk looked to be between three and four meters in diameter. The trunk and many of the larger branches were crowded with leaves, and a smattering of yellow, white and pink flowers. Some kind of winged creatures, different looking than the few birds Jerome knew, fluttered around that huge tree. He was reminded of reading a replication of an old children’s book.
“Some bearded deity inhabited the span of the great tree, with nine underlings who dwelt in the depths of its roots. People thought that it was a sacred tree as it held prisoner some supernatural beings. One day a brave, but foolish youth spent all his energy trying to chop down the tree, seeking to release those spiritual entities, thinking they would reward his efforts. He could not do it, and fell into a slumber. While asleep, the tree’s residents spoke to him, ‘We are not prisoners. All living things depend on one another’. When he awoke, the tree’s bark was perfect. Not a single scar from his axe was anywhere to be seen. He went away never to bother the tree again.” Jerome spoke softly. “I always thought it was just folklore and hyperbole, but that tree makes me wonder. Is there truth behind the myth?”
“I do not understand your comments,” SA-381 stated. “We need to proceed. Please collect your parcel and follow me.”
Jerome took his eyes off the view out the window, and looked around. There were only two portal hatches, and both were now sealed. There was a pressure door marked, ‘Weather Control’ and a workstation near it. In the corner was a small raised platform, the gravity conduit pedestal. The buttons and lights on the platform were off, but sitting on the top of that was a blue satchel. Jerome walked over and picked it up. He wanted to inspect its contents, but the engine of the red automacube revved. It was an annoyed type noise, and Jerome felt it was a way to urge him along.
The red automacube rolled away and then placed the tip of its manipulation arm in an access port. On the opposite wall, a door was revealed and it slid back into its pocket. Beyond was a ramp which led upward. After unjacking from the access port, the red automacube rolled through the doorway and up. Jerome followed, backpack on, satchel slung over his shoulder, ascending the ramp.
The ramp opened to the surface through a door set flush to the ground. On top of that door were rocks which perfectly matched the central escarpment. Large pistons, the shafts slick with oil, one on each side of the now elevated door, held it open.
“This entrance is only used as a service entrance, but I made a special dispensation for you,” SB Sherman stated. “I will be monitoring your progress from egress points, and the lattice of compeers also has other systems which are keeping track of your situation. From this point, there are no other egress points on your route. I wish you well on your journey.”
As Jerome stepped away, the ramp door slowly closed and sealed itself. It looked like a natural part of the environment, and Jerome would not have guessed a hidden door was there.
The sky tube shined down on him with yellow warmth. From its position, he could tell he was more to the side of the habitat, than directly under it. Jerome looked from the sand-hills biome on his one side, to the jungle which was beyond the escarpment. He was struck by the differences. From his new vantage point, the impressive tree he had seen out the window was no longer visible. The jungle looked hot and steamy, while the sand-hills looked more dry and windswept. It was slightly disconcerting. Jerome thought about John from Dome 17, and for the millionth time, wished John could see what he was seeing.
“A mixed biome. That must be quite a system. I wonder how the Distal Weather Monitor keeps the different biome’s ecosystems from spilling into each other?”
“I am a security automacube. Therefore, I would not know of such things,” SA-381 stated tersely. The mechanical voice almost held some annoyance.
“I mean no offence,” Jerome stated. He was leery of the red machine, after all he had seen them do. He wondered, ‘Can an automacube harbor feelings of revenge?’
“Jerome, I have instructed the automacube to be less reactive to your comments,” Sandie stated. “Security automacubes have only a simplistic sense of conversational skills. I can explain the Distal Weather Monitor system to you if you desire.”
“No need to give me the engineering details. I was more marveling at how two diverse ecological systems can cohabitate in the same cylinder, and was struck by the beauty of that huge tree in the jungle. It would look so out of place in this other area, up above the escarpment. In a way, there is a peaceful look about this place now. I know they had a horrific war between the slave holders and the slaves, but here it seems tranquil, and contented.”
“Serenity was a design goal for all the biomes from what I can tell of their original plans. You are correct, the adoption of slavery here nearl
y ruined everything. As to that tree, it is in the jungle section. There are some large trees in the sand-hills section, around the river. Populus deltoides and Pinus palustris are the largest types. They are not as large as the Ceiba pentandra you observed in the jungle,” Sandie answered. “Each type has its own unique folklore, mythology, and historical significance. However, I believe you are expressing your appreciation for their aesthetic appeal, am I correct?”
“Well, maybe both, looks and mystery. In a way, the tree made me think of Monika. It is beautiful, sturdy, and established. She is like that, even though she lost Beta. I have to have a home somewhere, and was thinking my sons could enjoying seeing that tree. A boy must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance. If one will enjoy the fruits, one must climb the tree.”
“Your sons are several years away from climbing trees,” Sandie stated. “But I understand your point. I believe you should press on with your journey.”
“Sandie? Am I a prisoner?” His tones were mild, but he eyed the red automacube as it rolled ahead of him.
The Colony Ship Conestoga : The Complete Series: All Eight Books Page 193