Nova screwed up her face and dribbled, poking her tongue out at the taste.
Almost immediately, the walls came alive with a flood of data, and the observers spread out, examining it.
‘This section analyses cell integrity. This one examines organ function. Endocrine. Vascular. Musculoskeletal. Neurological.’ Dolin pointed to different displays.
Mira watched the interplay of information and felt more comfortable. It was similar to being in the Autonomy function on Insignia. She rocked Nova. The baby settled in her arms, eyes closing, and she relaxed with it, tiredness creeping up.
But an increase in the level of murmuring brought her sharply alert.
‘There!’ said Dolin with excitement, pointing. ‘I was right.’
Mira concentrated on a single screen that showed a complex diagram she recognised as genome markers. Even from her most basic understanding, they seemed wrong.
‘That is not possible. Not for a humanesque,’ said one of the clinicians.
‘There have been instances of humanesques being born with dual sex organs, but your baby has neither.’
‘It is a neuter?’
‘Not a neuter exactly,’ he said. ‘Something else...’
‘Dolin!’ one of his colleagues cried. ‘Look at the EM scan!’
Dolin’s eyes slid to another screen, and Mira followed his gaze.
Mira?
Si, Insignia?
There is important news that impacts our safety.
But Mira was distracted. My baby... they say that sh-she is n-neither male nor female.
Arbitrary and unimportant. Nova is healthy; that is all that matters.
But you’re not humanesque. You don’t understand what that means.
I do.
How could you? Your own species is different.
I know because Nova has explained it to me.
Mira stiffened. You’ve spoken to Nova.
Of course. Our communication began while she was still in your womb, but Nova’s thoughts were quite unformed then. They become clearer by the moment. And she is in agreement with me that we should leave this planet.
She? But they say she has no gender.
‘She’ is a pronoun you seem comfortable with, and I’m happy to accommodate your need.
Need! Mira didn’t know whether that angered or amused her. Why must we leave? She glanced down at Nova’s face. The baby’s eyes were open again, and staring steadily at her as if trying to convey a thought.
‘... The baby has a pronounced electromagnetic field around it,’ said Dolin finally.
Mira took a moment to react to his statement. Electromagnetic field? She stared at the baby’s translucent skin, so thin that she almost seemed blue from the glow of her myriad tiny veins. ‘I’m not—’
But the wall screens suddenly blanked, causing her to pause. Then a loud chiming claimed everyone’s attention.
The wall reactivated, showing the head and shoulders of a middle-aged humanesque in some type of ceremonial robe. He spoke without preamble.
‘You will all know me as Sophos Kantos. For some time there has been rumour about a Post-Species threat to OLOSS territories. We have been sceptical of such stories, believing them to be the propaganda of extremist groups who are opposed to our philosophies and ideals.’ Sophos Kantos cleared his throat and blinked several times, as if trying to clear his vision. ‘This morning, however, we have farcast evidence that the threats are neither terrorists nor a hoax. In a moment I will broadcast shocking—unbelievable—images from the Mintaka system, captured by a biozoon. I urge you not to panic but to absorb this information. Mintaka is far, far from Scolar, and the Sophos has already dispatched our full politic guard to protect our shift station.’
Cries of surprise broke out in the lab, only to silence again as new images flickered across the screen. At first they were difficult to understand: exterior views of space interspersed with streaming light signatures, and blurred holo-diagrammatics of the Mintaka system. A commentary started, the biozoon’s translated version of what was happening.
Mira recognised the Extro Geni-carriers before anyone else did, knew immediately what they meant. But she stayed quiet, listening to the back-and-forth between the scientists as they proffered their theories.
Then the narrator translator began to list details.
More theories bounced between the scientists. What was a Geni-carrier doing in Mintaka? Exploration, thought some. No! Barter? No! An Envoy?
Dolin was less optimistic. ‘Geni-carriers do only one thing: transport intelligent sentient incendiaries.’
Mira wanted to leave the room, to get as far away from the farcast feed as she could, but her feet remained fixed to the spot, and the tightness in her throat wouldn’t ease enough for her to speak. She hugged Nova, waiting, forcing herself to watch.
The images cut to show incendiaries spraying from the Geni-carriers and plunging straight into the atmosphere of one of the outer worlds. A wave swept across the planet, as if the rocky surface was suddenly composed of water. The wave buckled, and it erupted across the equator like a horizontal volcano. Dust and smoke spewed from the sides, and an instant later the planet blew apart.
The biozoon narrator listed the losses in clipped tones: ‘5 billion sentient inhabitants, 3,313 industries, 2,025 service providers, all lost, including an advanced genotyping facility.’
‘Mount Kent,’ said Dolin in shocked tones. He closed his eyes, and the colour drained from his face, leaving him almost as pale as Nova. ‘Our companion lab. We have a mirror facility. We... had a failsafe...’
An ‘esque next to him buckled over and fell to his knees, moaning. Some went to give comfort.
But Dolin opened his eyes and looked at Mira. ‘My colleague’s wife,’ he said. ‘She was on transfer there.’
Sophos Kantos reappeared on the screen. ‘This is an attack but, as I said at the beginning of the ‘cast, we are not in any immediate danger. Our entire space contingent has been sent to Scolar station as a precautionary measure. It is vital that our ‘casts stay operational, so that we may advise the OLOSS forces.’ He cleared his throat again. ‘Many of you will have loved ones, friends and family, on other worlds. I cannot guarantee their safety other than to say that we will be advising their governments.’ He stopped and took a deep breath. ‘There will be regular ‘casts from the Sophos over the next few days, to keep you informed.’
Mira. You must leave and bring Nova back to me. I’ve been in contact with the Pod. They are convinced that Scolar will be the next target for the Post-Species invasion force. The Sophos are deluded, believing themselves immune. Our best option is to leave there soon.
Many others will think the same, Insignia. It will be chaotic.
A good reason to be decisive.
How do I get to you from here? They will try to stop me.
There will be much distraction in the wake of this announcement. Use it to your advantage.
As Insignia finished its thought, ‘esques began entering the room. And leaving. Someone helped the stricken scientist to his feet. Dolin then activated a com-sole and began talking.
Mira slipped across to the back of the room, near Linnea. The galley supervisor’s lips were pursed, her forehead creased with concern.
‘I need to get back to my ship,’ Mira said.
‘You need to rest.’
Mira shook her head. ‘Terrible things are going to happen to the OLOSS worlds. I might be able to do something to stop it. Please...’
Linnea’s eyes darted around the room. No one was watching them; Dolin was surrounded by anxious colleagues. ‘Quick, she said. ‘My transport is on the roof.’
‘You have your own?’ Mira remembered Thales telling her that Scolar restricted ownership of private transport.
‘I’m considered essential services,’ she said. ‘Nuthin’ more essential than getting your baked breakfast on time, or a late supper if you’ve been workin’ through the night. This way!’ She jerked
her head and walked straight out the door without looking back.
Mira followed her, holding her breath, waiting for Dolin to shout out, or for a hand to close around her arm. But no one noticed, and she joined the stream of traffic hurrying along the corridor. She turned her body against the jostling to protect Nova. Her baby was squirming, eyes bright and alert.
‘In here,’ said Linnea after they’d descended two levels. She pulled Mira into a room where the floor was streaked with grease marks and half-full of crates. ‘Utilities and storage,’ she said. ‘Most of our food and disposables sit here before they get unpacked. I park outside here. Much quicker to the kitchens this way.’ She gave a sly grin. ‘Can nip in and out easily, as well.’
She led Mira across the storage room and out onto a large square of plascrete. A bulky rectangular object took up one whole side of the slab, while a little AiV perched alone in the opposite corner.
Linnea glanced into the sky, then ran across to her flyer and threw the hatch-wings open. ‘Quick,’ she called. “Fore the next lunkey lands.’
Mira climbed in beside her, but more slowly, careful not to fall with Nova in her arms. She strapped herself in as Linnea brought life to the AiV. They lifted straight up and forward, almost clipping the edge of the Mount Clement building.
‘Sorry ‘bout that,’ Linnea barked. ‘Needed to keep out of the lunkey’s way.’
As she spoke, a shadow fell across the cabin. A large transporter vehicle descended past them and onto the pad. It hovered, sprouted pads and landed heavily. The shape of it made Mira glance back at the object sitting on the other side of the plascrete. ‘That’s a lunkey as well?’
Linnea nodded. ‘Best food storage containers around. Fly themselves in and out and keep the produce cool and dry. When they’re stationary, they fold down into a big box, more or less. Means you can store them as well.’ She slipped an audio piece over her ear and listened intently for a moment.
‘Where’s your ship?’ she asked.
‘Central landing port,’ said Mira.
‘There’s a helluva traffic jam down there. Sounds like a lot of people are panicking. And those that wanta get in can’t get a clearance to land. I’m gonna have to put down on one of the outer pads. You’ll have to walk.’ She glanced sideways at Nova. ‘You up to that?’
Mira set her jaw and nodded. She’d have to be.
‘Info booths will tell you which way to go,’ Linnea added.
‘My symbiote will help me.’
The galley supervisor’s eyes widened. ‘You mean you talk to it? Thought only men could do that.’
‘That’s what makes me different,’ said Mira honestly. ‘It’s why I am still alive, and why I am... pursued.’
Linnea pursed her lips and didn’t say any more. Mira wondered if the woman thought her crazy—a mother who had not even thought of a name for her child, nor knew how to feed it, and yet had been hunted across worlds.
She set Mira down on a pad that looked to be several mesurs from the main port. Even so, it was crowded and chaotic.
Mira unbuckled her harness and twisted in the seat, ready to step down. Their eyes met and held.
‘You want some advice? Service corridors run alongside the main buildings. Use them to get to the central port. Be quicker than fighting the crowds in the public areas.’
‘Where do I find them? How do I get access?’
‘They’re not hard to find. Look for blind corners. Find unmarked doors. Getting in, though...’ She scratched her head. ‘You’ll have to use your imagination. You’ve been through a lot, so it seems. You’ll think of something.’
Mira nodded. ‘How can I—’
‘Swestrs don’t need thanks. Like the great Villon says, “Unto the universe.” There’re plenty of us here that have got no time for the way the Sophos are running the place. Used to be that they were smart and fair, but lately it’s been different. Sophos don’t care for the people any more. Just themselves. Now they’re telling us we’re safe when we’re not. I wish Villon was still here. Rumours say they had him killed.’
Mira’s heartbeat quickened. ‘You heard that?’
Linnea nodded and pushed Mira gently. ‘I’ll look for you in the stars, Mira Fedor. Do what you can to help us!’
Mira leaned across and pressed a kiss onto the woman’s cheek. They knew nothing of each other, and yet much. Linnea was Pensare, like Faja, like Alba Galiotto, who had helped her escape the carabinere. ‘May Villon protect you, Linnea.’
Mira half-slid down to the ground and, clutching Nova, hurried quickly away from the AiV towards the entry of the sprawling port.
JO-JO RASTEROVICH
The next night they went out again. Abandoning Randall’s plan of a methodical search pattern, they spent the day using the ‘scope to scour the mountain for the smaller villas. Rast identified one on the east side of their building, on a direct line with the studium.
Mira Fedor had spoken of the Araldis studium many times. From overhearing bits of her conversation with Randall and Thales Berniere, Jo-Jo had learned how she had studied geneering and astrography at the same time as her degree in alien genera and literature. Only a determined individual would pursue such a workload. And despite her apparent physical fragility, Mira Fedor was definitely that.
He remembered her frequent stoushes with Randall, and understood her frustration. The mercenary could be so pragmatic and capable, and then with the curl of her lip turn moody and stubborn.
‘Shouldn’t take too long, there and back,’ said Randall, craning to get the ‘scope around the edge of the door.
‘Me too, this time, Capo?’ asked Catchut.
She shook her head. ‘Not till you stop getting the sweats, Cat. You’ll dehydrate too quick.’
Catchut made a frustrated noise and smacked his palm against the wall. The mere hadn’t taken well to being an invalid.
‘What if we run into Saqr?’ asked Jo-Jo, ignoring Catchut’s tantrum.
‘Been thinkin’ ‘bout that. Need something to even the odds a bit if we do. Normal weapons don’t work so well, their exoskel is too tough,’ said Randall.
‘What did you have in mind?’
‘Need to get into the studium. Fedor said she studied alien genera there. Gotta be info about the Saqr in their data films. Something we can use on them. If the data sys in this place was workin’, we could access the studium sys from here. But it ain’t, so we gotta get up there.’ She pointed to the impressive expanse of architecture up near the crest of the mountain.
‘Which first, then?’
‘We split it. You go to the studium, I look for an AiV.’
Jo-Jo stared at her, not sure what to make of her plan. What did Randall really have in mind? Was she planning to find some transport and fly out to the islands, leaving him behind?
‘Get that paranoid look off your face.’ She slapped him on the back. ‘If I wanted to get rid of you, I would have done it long before this. We need an edge on the Saqr. Think about it. If we find the survivors, what we gonna do? Hide out with them until we all get old and die? We want to get the hell outta here or, failing that, we try and take the place back.’
She handed the ‘scope over to Catchut. He was using his leg more, but a fever beset him every evening, as though something foreign from the Extro ship had entered his body, through the broken skin on his ankle. ‘And I’m thinkin’ that there won’t be any help coming for us. OLOSS looks like it’s got too many of its own damned problems.’
‘What about Farr?’
Randall rubbed her eyes with yellow-stained fingers. Their skin was still carrying the taint of the Extro fluid they’d been trapped in. ‘Carnage will do what suits him. And that can change quicker than you and I can spit.’
Jo-Jo grunted. Randall was right on that score. Farr could be counted on not to be counted on, especially if Mira Fedor had disappeared. He’d no longer be tied to their agreement—if Farr could be tied to anything.
Randall was also right ab
out the Saqr. If they managed to find any survivors, then they needed to have a plan. Like the mercenary, Jo-Jo had no intention of seeing out his days on this lonely scorching dust bowl.
‘Agreed,’ he said.
She almost grinned. Her mouth moved in that configuration, but he hadn’t seen any real humour in Randall since they’d escaped the Medium. The Extro experience had changed something in her, hardened even her sense of humour.
‘You’re not too stupid, for a mappie,’ she said.
Jo-Jo made a throaty noise at the derogatory term for astro-surveyors. ‘Mineral scout,’ he corrected. ‘We get our hands dirty.’
The tension eased between them a little, and they were back in a place of understanding. Jo-Jo knew it could—would—change at any moment, but he let himself relax. Crux, they’d been through enough together, and Randall owed him. He didn’t exactly trust her, but he knew she wouldn’t forget what he’d done.
The three walked back to the galley and ate the last of some rehydrated butter beans. Then, by unspoken consensus, they took up seats at the back of one of the bigger offices that faced out onto the plains, to watch the sun go down.
‘For a merciless lump of rock and sand, it’s a shittin’ pretty sunset,’ Catchut proffered.
Jo-Jo and Randall stared at him. For Catchut, that was close to poetry.
‘Yeah. It also means we should be heading out,’ said Randall. She stood up and stretched, overly lean but still taut. Her hair had grown and had begun to curl around her shoulders. In the weeks that Jo-Jo had known her, he’d never once thought of her as a woman. He didn’t know what that meant. It just was.
‘Keep the home fires burning, Cat,’ said Randall.
‘Don’t think so, Capo. Less you want to trash the whole mountainside.’
She nodded. ‘Damn good place to breathe decent air. Damn terrible place for fires.’ She hooked a water bottle onto her belt and beckoned Jo-Jo. ‘Remember that.’
* * *
He crawled behind Randall until they reached the rocky scree they’d seen through the ‘scope. From there, she split off from him and headed down, towards a modest villa that appeared only partly damaged by fire.
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