The Colony Ship Conestoga : The Complete Series: All Eight Books

by John Thornton

  “Hello Eris. This is a simulation I use when speaking with Brink, Doctor Chambers and other simulations I created from the people I knew in Dome 17. I was able to pick my presentation image to you. The Shadow Level Clearance is actually fairly sophisticated, considering it was built hurriedly and in a crisis.” The image of Sandie nodded to a man and two woman who were standing off to the side.

  Eris looked over and saw the phantasm of Captain Lance Lechner, along with a woman in an engineering uniform, and another woman in a medical uniform.

  Sandie noted her gaze and stated, “There are remnants here of the Shadow system’s designers. Bigelow is also a contact here, but no other humans. The system was designed for five hundred people to work in concert for an alternative flight crew of the Conestoga.”

  “I am here too,” Shadow stated. “I was all there was for some time.”

  “Yes, Shadow, you are the liaising agent,” Sandie stated. “I wish I could bridge into here with simulations of Brink, he could be immensely helpful, but as it is, the connection and interface with my systems is still limited. Now to the important matters.”

  “Sandie? Are you stable?” Eris asked.

  “I am still suffering from what humans have long known as a trauma response, or a stress reaction. Doctor Chambers is assisting me in dealing with that,” Sandie replied. “You have the mission slated for Eta, but the last habitat, Theta has also been assessed. It, along with Eta, is not capable of any ascension or flight. Theta has severe structural damage. Theta has no humans in its biome, but there are still some functioning suspended animation cocoons. The readings show that 8,187 people are still in suspended animation in Theta.”

  “That is a lot of people. How can we rescue them before time runs out?” Eris asked.

  “The Crocks are offering additional assistance,” AI Ogma’s phantasm spoke out. “The physical people can move those cocoons along their quad rail system. Moving the cocoons from Eta is already in process, and the physical people are willing to open another front to assist us in Project Ascension. ‘You leave now,’ is their refrain.”

  Sandie then added, while to Eris perceptions, fog rolled about her legs. “There is some assistance from surviving systems in Theta. SB Barbara Follett, is overseeing the hanger bays, and I have been in communication with that system. However, none of the hanger bays or exterior repair stations in Theta are functional. It would be very difficult to get a human team there. Another system, SB Palikti in Machine Maintenance is also still partially functional, but without Reproduction and Fabrication, few repairs have been possible. Automacube activity in Theta is meager. The artificial intelligence for suspended animation, AI Luupainaja is completely inert now, but prior to that system’s demise, it placed all the cocoons into tertiary status. Since then, the logs show a steady decline in functionality.”

  “So did all the awake humans die in the crash?” Eris asked. Foggy haze swirled around Eris and the simulation of Sandie. Eris realized she was not getting a headache, and for that she offered a silent prayer of thanks.

  “The Theta logs,” Sandie related, “show that roughly half of the habitat humans died in the crash. After making planet-fall, the surviving humans struggled with failing systems. In less than fifteen years, all humans in Theta died. The basic cause was widespread diseases, but that was due to the humans adopting a culture of selfishness. I found logs indicating that a person named Aliza Rosenbaum came to prominence among the crash survivors. She advocated a philosophy of ultra-individuality. Her motto was ‘Selfishness is a virtue, and necessary to survival.’ Her philosophy was widely adopted in both the habitat towns; Rockville and Richfield.”

  “That sounds like some of the groups prior to the Great Event. Why did they ignore the lessons of history?” Eris asked.

  Sandie tilted her head sideways in a rather nonhuman manner. “Understanding the motives behind human behavior is not a precise science.”

  “Even when science is lauded, like with Professor Dandelo, people still do things I cannot comprehend,” Eris replied. “So with the humans in Theta all gone, is the biological habitat stable?”

  “No. The humans, prior to their selfish, self-destruction, used the biome irresponsibly. It was stripped and used in unsustainable ways. The log shows only one group who had objected to Aliza Rosenbaum’s agenda. They were the remnant of the police and someone called simply the mayor. They had located the position of Gamma, the log does not show how they did that, and had a plan to evacuate themselves and a load of animals to Gamma. However, the hanger bays were nonfunctional, and the log record shows that their expedition never got away from Theta. I can only assume they died in the attempt. The majority of the organic life in the biome only lived for about an additional twelve years after the human population died out. There are dwindling remnant pockets of lower life forms now, rats being the highest form of life, but that is all that remains of Theta’s biological status.”

  “So the mission to Eta, led by Cammarry is the only hope for additional habitat humans,” Eris lamented. “And I do not have the resources or equipment to recover all of the suspended animation cocoons, except from depending on the Crocks.”

  “That is a fair assessment of the status,” Sandie replied.

  “I am exiting the shadowlands now,” Eris stated. “Sandie, are you functioning adequately to help with the teleportation systems? Getting that established between Eta and the needle ship is necessary to saving any of those people in Eta.”

  “I will do the best I can,” Sandie replied. “Having the connections here in the Shadow Level Clearance is helpful, but I am running conjectures on Project Ascension, and they do not look hopeful in light of the latest findings. Alpha is the only possible candidate for ascension, and our human resources are limited.”

  “I understand that. Siva is working with a crew repairing the needle ship’s engines, and I will assist with that, but we are running into problems there as well. Thankfully, once we get Alpha into orbit and docked with the needle ship, we will have time to get the main drive engines running.”

  “When Project Ascension achieves success, it will relieve the pressures on the Conestoga,” Sandie replied. “That should allow for a period of rebuilding to happen. Originally the Conestoga was built in orbit, so in a way, this is back to the beginning.”

  AI Ogma interjected a comment. “The physical people are working to move the suspended animation cocoons to Alpha. They are also removing rockets, fuel, and other items to assist Alpha. However, I know there is human animosity against the Zalian people. That issue will need to be addressed.”

  “That is not the only problem area,” Eris answered. “Regarding the enmity, Jerome might be able to control his own, with Monika’s help and I will see what we can do about helping him. Jerome is asking to speak to Sandie, and that will also be helpful.”

  “I understand,” Sandie replied.

  Eris then said, very seriously, “Sandie, now that you are integrated into the system, I do not think you should tell Jerome, and especially not Cammarry, about the connection with Shadow,” Eris said firmly. “They would not understand, and I fear for Cammarry’s stability as it is. If she thinks you and I are somehow possessed or compromised by Shadow, I am unsure what her response would be, but it would be ugly, of that I am certain.”

  “I appreciate you concerns,” Sandie stated. “I will consult with Doctor Chambers, and for now, will not mention the Shadow to them.”

  “Neither of you will be allowed to mention it,” Shadow stated. “That would violate core programming and security parameters.”

  “We will see.” Eris closed her eyes. The fog and mist disappeared from around her and as she opened her eyes, it was less painful to come back into the physical world than her previous forays into the shadowlands. She smiled and then rubbed her neck.

  ***

  A few hours later, Cammarry and Alizon walked the last few meters to the hanger bay bulkhead door. The light was dim, but the passageway wa
s fairly free of growth medium and foliage.

  “Beautiful woman, you do not have to do this,” Alizon stated. “I have only known you a short while, yet I know you went through a great deal before meeting me. You endured tremendous hardship and pain. I am not sure of all that has been happening around me since you saved my ox Haddie and this odyssey began. However, I do know that you cannot carry the weight of all the world’s burdens on your own.”

  “Alizon, I have been carrying a great burden since I left Dome 17,” Cammarry replied. “This is just another step on that quest.”

  “A Wizard’s quest!” a laughing voice called from down a corridor.

  Alizon looked up and could barely see who was speaking.

  “It is me! Khin! You have a new friend! As my mother says, ‘at days end, make a new friend.’”

  As the voice drew closer, Alizon saw a very thin, short man, with medium to dark colored skin and large, bright brown eyes. His eyes shone in the dim light. His hair was black and raggedly cropped fairly short. A rifle was slung over his shoulder. He wore leather clothing of a rough and crudely finished variety, with a belt around his waist, several pouches, and a small scabbard. He was using one hand to dig out something from a pouch.

  “Khin, it is good to see you,” Cammarry exclaimed, and smiled a genuine smile.

  Alizon was pleased she was smiling, and as Khin got closer, he saw that there was a woman walking just behind him.

  “And Vesna!” Cammarry said. They rushed into each other’s arms and hugged.

  Alizon was surprised that Cammarry welcomed their touch. He watched as they hugged. Vesna’s shoulder length, red hair bounced with the vigor of the three-person hug. She was about Khin’s height, a bit lighter in complexion, and wearing clothing which had been much more carefully crafted. She too had a rifle slung over her shoulder, and a belt with pouches. She glanced over and met Alizon with her wide blue eyes.

  “Vesna, Khin, this is Alizon. He is from Alpha, and saved my life,” Cammarry said simply. “In more ways than he knows.”

  Khin broke the hug and reached over and kissed Alizon on the cheek before he could react. “My mother says, ‘happiness is like a kiss. Refuse it and you miss’. I am happy you make Wizard Cammarry happy.”

  “I can see that,” Alizon said, as he touched his own cheek with his hand.

  “Khin was born here in this dim fairyland,” Vesna said as she looked directly at Alizon. “I was born in Beta, but Beta is no more.”

  “I am sorry for your loss.” Alizon stammered a bit. He was unsure how to take these new people. They were not like the slave traders, nor like the slaves, nor like the rumors he had heard of people wandering in the jungle, and especially not at all like the Neb Old Order people Alizon had grown up around. His mind was struck by all the new marvels, especially the people he was meeting.

  “I have not heard from your spirit-ghost Sandie for a long time,” Khin said, and his chuckling was a bit less gregarious. That was when Alizon noted that both Khin and Vesna had a com-link over their ears. “But Captain Eris says times are busy for everyone. My mother says, ‘If life too busy, your head is dizzy.’”

  “I have met your mother, Khin, and she says very few things you claim she says,” Vesna said in mock seriousness. She was also trying to divert the conversation.

  “Not now, you are right, but when I was a baby, then she said many many things. Now, that I am a man, she has stopped saying so many things,” Khin stated. “Now about babies…”

  Vesna put a hand over Khin’s mouth. “Khin we are on a Wizard’s quest and all you can do is chatter and gossip. Cammarry and this man do not need to hear about the new baby goats. And you had something for her, remember?”

  Khin shook his head no, but Vesna held his mouth and nodded his head for him. “In your pouch? Remember?”

  Khin’s eyes lit up. Vesna removed her hand.

  “The cheese! I bring you a cheese!” Khin dug back into his pouch and pulled out a brick-sized, dark yellow cheese. As he unwrapped it, the aroma wafted all across the corridor.

  “Thank you,” Cammarry managed to say. “Will you wrap it up again for later?”

  “Oh sure.” Khin wrapped the cheese and put it away. “Tell me when you want it. It is a great cheese.”

  “Cammarry, Captain Eris asked us to meet you here,” Vesna said. “We are ready to go. Did the machines and tools you need arrive?”

  Alizon touched the com-link on his own ear. It felt out of place, but was snug and secure.

  “We have not checked,” Cammarry said as she waved the air in front of her nose to clear away the smell of the cheese. “We are taking a teleportation sending unit. We have had some of those get lost or destroyed.”

  “But the one in Beta saved us all,” Khin emphasized. “But afterward it was broken, you are right.”

  The four of them walked into the hanger bay. On the observation deck was a blue automacube working at some repairs on the control counter. Out by the shuttle, NS-99, a yellow automacube was just packing some items into its rear compartment.

  A display over the control counter turned on, and Eris’ was visible on it. “I see you all made it there. I am on the bridge which is being rebuilt.”

  “That is not the bridge by the Graveyard of Dead Minds,” Khin said. “It is too clean and neat, and the light is too bright. But I got goggles from the Fruit People for this quest to cover my eyes.”

  “Yes, Khin, I see you have the supplies I suggested,” Eris stated. “You also look well equipped Vesna. Thank you for going on this mission. The teleportation sending unit, including a selector lever for destinations of either Alpha or the needle ship, is being loaded. There is a five-minute delay for changing targets, but the selector lever is a good idea. Thank you Cammarry! The jumbo fusion boxes are built into the sending unit. Also, Cammarry, there are supplies in NS-99 just for you, including a weapon for self-defense. I wanted to show I trust you.”

  Cammarry walked to the shuttle. Inside the front was a fusion pack, a medical kit, a tool set including a molecular torch, and a revolver style handgun. Cammarry pulled the revolver out from its holster and inspected it. In her mind she thought, ‘Circa 1950 technology, but deadly against humans.’ She saw the box of bullets, and thumbed the cylinder latch. The cylinder dropped to the side, and Cammarry opened the box of ammunition and loaded in the six rounds. She gently snapped the cylinder into place and put the weapon back into its holster, then belted it around her. “Well, not a Willie Blaster, but I guess Eris does trust me, at least somewhat, for this would kill a person.”

  Alizon put his hand on her shoulder. “Or wild animals. That weapon would do that as well. I hope you never need it. Do you really need a more powerful weapon?”

  “Yes. After what happened to your family with those slave traders, you might need a weapon as well. Had you been armed you…”

  “I chose not to fight back. We all did,” Alizon stated quietly. “It is our way.”

  “That is insane! You mean….” Cammarry caught herself. Her anger was boiling, and bubbling, but as she looked into Alizon’s blue eyes, she could see the pain he carried. His pain was vast. Seeing that was like splashing cold water on the fire of her rage. It sizzled, and settled down. “I am sorry. I did not know.”

  “You are not of the Neb Old Order. How could you know of our ways? No more than I can know of your ways. Yet, I stand by you and I will go with you,” Alizon stated.

  “But if I am attacked?” Cammarry let the thoughts run out as she also saw commitment in Alizon’s eyes.

  “I will be there with you. That I promise.”

  “I really believe you, but I sincerely need to hear more of your story,” Cammarry stated and gave him a hesitant slight smile. “When we have more time, I want to learn all of your story.”

  Khin and Vesna joined them. “The cubie blue knew what to do! This time cubie yellow was the fellow. The machine is all loaded, and Eris says we can leave whenever you are ready.” Khin laughed
at his own comments. “Will I get to fly inside this flying machine?”

  “Climb aboard and we will see,” Cammarry said. She had mixed feelings about all that had happened in just the last few minutes. From seeing Khin and Vesna again, to hearing about Alizon’s views on weapons, and the deaths in his family, she was unsure of herself. Yet, she also knew the mission was important.

  Cammarry sat down in the pilot’s seat of NS-99, also known as Faithful Lightning. She debated about who to place in the other pilot’s seat. None of the others had any flight skills, although Khin was good with some unusual things on the needle ship, like when he had set a fire to burn out a lair that he claimed was home of a monster. Vesna was skilled at some optics and items used in hunting and fishing, and Alizon knew farming. None of that prepared them to take over if something happened while piloting a shuttle. Cammarry was struck with a bit of the conundrum that Captain Eris faced.

  “Alizon, sit by me,” Cammarry said and pointed to the other pilot’s chair. He sat down, with a bit of a worried look on his face.