In the wan glow of the overhead service lights, they could make out that it was indeed Arepno that had rescued them. “As you have by now surmised, we are in part of the septic system of the human dome."
"No shit!” said Manuel.
"Actually, quite a lot of shit,” said Fire, who giggled in spite of herself.
Unfazed by the human's attempt at humor, Arepno pointed to a small circular airlock a few feet away in the wall. “Though the station is equipped with waste reclamation and recycling facilities, there is an emergency port in case there a problem and the sewage must be removed."
"Oh,” said Laura, mostly oblivious to the sewage around her hips. “In case all the toilets in the dome back up at once and they've got to clean out the septic tank in a hurry."
"Precisely,” said Arepno. “That door leads outside where I have a rover waiting. We can then go to my ship and meet your vessel at Alpha Coma."
"That sounds like a great plan, Arepno,” said Fire, holding up her hands. “The only problem is ... isn't it cold enough outside that hatch for methane to become liquid?"
Arepno bent down and retrieved something from underneath the muck. As the brown slime dripped off of it, they realized it was a space suit built for humans.
Manuel's nose wrinkled and he shook his head. “I don't know if freedom's worth that."
"I can always carry you back to your cell,” said Arepno. “There's still another hour on the program that I installed on the prison block computers. By the time the power comes back on, they will see you safely ensconced in your cell. You do not have to go with me."
Manuel looked up at the cell, then looked at the suit, his face a mask of disgust. “Okay, I'll go with you, but there better be showers on that ship of yours!"
* * * *
John Mark Ellis stood at the wheel of his boat. The holo display on the console next to the wheel showed the place where his mother and Manuel had found Richard out in the open ocean. G'Liat stood rigid in the bow, his massive six-fingered hands to his side. Mark couldn't shake the image of those massive hands around the body of Clyde McClintlock, literally squeezing the life out of him. In spite of those memories, Mark wondered what the warrior was thinking about, standing in the front of the boat, the wet salt air rushing past his hairless head. The moisture was almost certainly welcome to the Rd'dyggian warrior. His planet was a good deal more humid than Earth. Though the air was chill, it was not as cold as the warrior's own world. There was no sign that G'Liat was sweating. Mark found himself wondering whether or not Rd'dyggians even had sweat glands when the boat's teleholo signal sounded.
He activated the unit and saw a hologram of Kirsten sitting in his home on Nantucket. She looked at him through red, swollen eyes. Mark felt his throat go dry and somehow knew that Samuel Coffin had died before she told him.
"How ... How did it happen?” he asked quietly, in response to the news.
Kirsten told him how Coffin had regained consciousness and what he'd said about the Cluster and the importance of evolved creatures. As she spoke, she gained composure. “I know how close you and he were,” she said at last. “He struggled to stay alive long enough to give us that information. He knew you'd need it."
Mark felt his knees go weak and threaten to give way. Somehow, G'Liat was there, supporting him with a hand under the elbow. Mark wondered how long the warrior had been there, listening. He hadn't seen G'Liat move out of the bow nor had he heard him step up behind. G'Liat's hand on Mark's elbow was gentle and reassuring.
"I wish I could be there for you,” said Kirsten after Mark was silent for a time.
"I'm glad you were able to be there for him,” said Mark. “We'll be back as soon as we can.” He reached down to turn off the teleholo link, but stopped. “I love you,” he said.
She blinked at him and her breath caught in her throat. “I love you, too,” she said then terminated the connection from her end.
G'Liat stepped back and Mark took the wheel again. The warrior watched him for a time, but didn't say a word. At last, he stepped forward and resumed his place in the bow. Mark slowly increased the boat's throttle, hoping to get to Richard's position as soon as possible. Suddenly Ellis felt very alone in the world. His father was dead, his teacher was dead, and his mother was on Titan. At that moment, he wanted advice and comfort from an old friend or a relative, but it seemed none were around. He would have even settled for his grandfather—Ellison Firebrandt—even though he spent much of his life disapproving of the old privateer.
After an hour spent in uncomfortable silence, they finally came to the place where Fire and Manuel had found Richard. Mark bent down and retrieved a pair of translator boxes. He attached one to his belt, then stepped into the bow and offered one to G'Liat. The warrior shook his head. “Thank you, no,” he said. “I speak the language of the Sperm Whale as fluently as I speak your own."
Mark nodded, simply accepting the statement for the time being. He retrieved a pair of binoculars from his belt and began scanning the horizon for whale spouts. The boat tipped suddenly and Ellis had to grab onto G'Liat's arm to keep from being dropped over the side into the water. The gray-black form of Richard rose near the boat and the spray from his spout washed over the deck, soaking both G'Liat and Mark.
"The cycle continues,” said Richard.
Before Mark could speak, a series of clicks almost like static issued from G'Liat's mouth. The words were translated through the unit on Mark's belt. “The cycle continues,” said the warrior, solemnly.
Ellis echoed the statement, then said, “It is good to see you, though I'm surprised to find you right where my mother and Manuel Raton said they'd found you."
"I have been waiting for you,” said the whale. “Besides, there is good hunting here.” The whale rolled toward one side so it looked up at G'Liat. “I am intrigued by this Cluster that the humans tell me about. Over the last week, I've felt something prickling at my consciousness. It is like the contentment of a full belly or the sense of satisfaction that comes after mating, but it is there even when my belly is not full and I have not mated for many years."
"That sounds like the Cluster,” said Mark, stepping a little closer to the boat's edge and kneeling down. “I've experienced similar sensations myself."
"The Cluster is a lifeform like me?” asked the whale. “It is a creature that hunts the dark of space, but does not build tools?"
G'Liat knelt down next to Ellis. “It is similar to whales, yes. It is large and it hunts. It is also dissimilar to whales. It is extremely ancient life. It does not mate. It does not change unless it merges with other lifeforms."
"The only way any lifeform changes is by merging with others,” mused the whale. “Whether it is by mating and creating a life that is a combination of the two or by simply interacting and exchanging thoughts as we are now.” The whale swam away from the boat a short distance and dove under the water, but surfaced a short time later.
"The Cluster is dying,” said Mark. “It wants to leave a legacy so that other life forms like itself can learn what it has learned."
Richard swam close to the boat. “I, too, am dying,” he said.
Mark grabbed onto the low railing that surrounded the bow. “You can't die,” he said as his eyes grew moist.
"All creatures die,” said the whale. “However, I do not understand the word, ‘legacy.’”
"It is something that humans leave for their children or for generations to come,” explained Mark. He looked over at G'Liat who simply stared off at the horizon. “Sometimes it's a physical object such as this boat. My father left it for me. Sometimes it's a book or songs. I suppose you could say that the songs of the humpbacks are a legacy that they leave for their children."
G'Liat said something in Rd'dyggian and then repeated it in Richard's language. Mark heard both translations: “The Cluster must learn to build a living legacy.” He continued in the whale's language. “The humpbacks’ legacy lives and evolves with time. Parents do pass on their s
ongs, but the children change them. You, Richard, passed on your DNA to your children. Their mothers taught them how to hunt—how to live. Your children will live long after your death."
"I understand,” said the whale. “The cycle resumes.” With that, the whale dove below the water to resume hunting for a time and ponder what he'd learned from G'Liat and Ellis.
Mark stood, his thoughts divided. Part of his mind was stunned by the revelation that his old friend Richard was dying. He knew the time would come before long. After all, both Coffin and Richard were friends of his father; unless there was an accident, he would outlive them both. However, it seemed too soon. Another part of Mark's brain was processing what the Rd'dyggian warrior had just told the whale. “What are you trying to do?” he asked at last.
G'Liat stood and looked down at Ellis with black, unblinking eyes. “You humans are so obsessed with physical things.” He pointed to the boat. “Your father's legacy was this boat. Your ancestors’ legacy to you was Nantucket Island and the houses that sit upon it. You speak of books before you speak of living songs.” The warrior let out a laugh and the sound of it chilled Ellis to the bone. He'd never heard a Rd'dyggian laugh before. “There is no reason that the Cluster must die. The Cluster can be convinced it can go on living, that it can build a living legacy rather than some object at the center of the galaxy.
"The whales are stagnant and so is the Cluster. However, the whales have evolved and can aid the Cluster. The Cluster can travel the stars and aid the whales."
Mark Ellis felt a chill run down his spine. “That means subjecting the whales to the same servitude that humans are under now ... to the same servitude that the Titans fought to escape. I can't condone that."
"Symbiosis is only servitude when one of the life forms is unwilling,” said G'Liat. “This is out of your hands."
"Not if I can help it,” said Mark.
Richard rose out of the water. “The cycle continues,” he said.
"The cycle continues,” repeated G'Liat solemnly.
"Tell me more of the Cluster,” said the whale. “The more I hear, the more it fascinates me. I believe my kind have something to offer them."
Mark knelt down again. “Richard,” he pleaded. “The Cluster is dangerous, it enslaves the beings it interacts with."
"Young one,” said Richard sternly. “You do not want to see me die. Perhaps G'Liat gives me a reason to live just a little longer."
Ellis fell back into a sitting position, took a deep breath and listened to the conversation between the whale and the Rd'dyggian warrior, trying to find a flaw in G'Liat's cold logic or the whale's desire to see the stars. Sadly, Ellis couldn't find one and was forced to admit that G'Liat had perhaps found the solution they sought, though he didn't like it at all. He hoped his mother was having better luck on Titan.
[Back to Table of Contents]
ARMAGEDDON
Manuel Raton's nose was still twitching when Arepno's ship came out of jump in the Alpha Coma Bereneces system. “Will you give it a rest,” said Fire. “You've been through the sanitizer three times. You don't smell like sewage any more."
Manuel rolled his eyes. “I didn't think I did, but then I kept seeing it—or was it hearing it during that jump.” He paced the small octagonal room and shook his head. “Was it just me or did that jump take a long time."
"Arepno's ship must be equipped to do mapping jumps, like the Sanson does,” said Laura Peters. When she saw the confused expression on Manuel's face, she explained further. “The jump did take longer, because it was carefully tracing the gravitational currents.” She wrung her hands. “The Cluster's moving stars at the center of the galaxy. It must be playing havoc with jump points throughout the galaxy."
The door to the tiny cabin opened, and Arepno stepped in. Without a word, he waved his hand next to one wall and a hologram of Alpha Coma appeared. “We are in orbit,” he explained. “It would appear that the Nicholas Sanson has preceded us here."
"Why would they be here?” asked Laura, her brow furrowed. “I thought they'd still be at Titan waiting for us."
"They're here because they took my advice and fled the Titan system,” explained the warrior. “It is good to see that they are here. As we departed orbit without the Titans’ permission, we were fired upon. I'm sure the Sanson was as well."
"But the Titans are peaceful,” said Laura as though a paradigm had just shifted. “Why would they fire on our ships?"
"For the same reason we were arrested,” said Fire with a sigh. “Someone—or several someones, more likely—is afraid of what will happen if the Cluster is confronted."
"But how did the Titans get missiles?” she persisted. “They've never shown signs of arming themselves before."
"They didn't use them very well,” interjected Arepno matter-of-factly. “Sanson's presence here is testimony of that as is the ease of our escape. The missiles were a recent acquisition.” He turned toward Fire. “Your uncle has summoned us to the surface. In spite of several people's desire, there are plans to confront the Cluster."
"That's what I wanted to hear,” sneered Manuel. “Let's get going."
"Aren't you afraid you're going to smell the place up?” asked Fire.
Arepno's prehensile mustache groped around as the warrior sniffed the air. After a moment, he made a gesture a little like a shrug and then said, “We will be landing on the surface in a few minutes.” He left, closing the door behind him—however, he left the holo display on so they could watch the ship's progress toward the planet. Even though they saw flames shooting around the ship as they entered the atmosphere, the ride was smooth. The ship dropped rapidly toward one of the large continents. Soon, grid-like patterns appeared on the ground below them as farms, cities and roads appeared. They continued to descend and after a couple of minutes, they could make out low-lying buildings—houses in the suburbs around a large urban area. In the distance were taller buildings. Though she had only been there once before, Fire thought she recognized the city as Shangri La, capital of Alpha Coma Bereneces.
The ship settled to the ground at a spaceport. Soon after, Arepno appeared in the doorway again and led the three through the command center of the craft to a gangway that extended, almost like a living appendage, to the tarmac outside. The four stepped down through the gangway and were met by a group of armed personnel in the uniform of Alpha Coma Bereneces. A woman with a gold star on her collar stepped forward and saluted Arepno. “I've been ordered to escort you to Senator Firebrandt's office,” she said.
"A little better reception than we had on Titan,” muttered Manuel.
"So it seems,” said Fire.
Laura shushed them into silence.
They were led to a hover bus that took them through the city. The buildings were like fragile crystal palaces. Between them were vast, open areas that had fountains or sculptures. Fluffy white clouds stood out in stark contrast to a deep azure sky. “It's no wonder they call this place Shangri La,” mused Laura.
"Give me the Andes any day,” said Fire, looking skeptical. “Or, the Nuevo Rio Grande valley back on Sufiro.” When she saw Laura's incredulous look, she smiled lopsidedly. “Oh, this is a beautiful city, but I prefer natural beauty to something that's been sculpted."
"It'd be a shame to see either destroyed by the Cluster,” growled Manuel, bringing them back to the danger at hand.
At last the hover bus arrived in front of the government complex. The soldiers escorted them out and led the way to Herbert Firebrandt's office. The leader opened the door, stepped through, and then stepped sideways, executing a salute as Arepno, Fire, Manuel and Laura entered the office.
Simon Yermakov stood next to Herbert Firebrandt's desk; his head was bent down. He, the senator, and two ship captains were deep in conversation. Even so, Firebrandt looked up and acknowledged the new arrivals. As he did, Simon looked up and smiled openly. He ran around the desk and wrapped Laura in a hug. “I thought you were lost!” he said.
"There was no
reason to think that,” said Arepno. “I said we'd meet you here."
At a loss, Laura's arms hung limply to her side until Simon released her and stepped back, a too-big smile on his face. “It's good to see you, sir,” she said, offering her hand.
Senator Firebrandt stood up and escorted Fire, and Manuel to the center of the room and introduced them to several captains and two admirals. “What's going on?” asked Fire.
"We're assembling a strike force,” explained the Senator. “From what Mr. Yermakov tells us, the galaxy is in jeopardy. We have to stop the Cluster now. What distresses me even more is that the Sanson was fired upon bringing us this information—so we can't even count on the Titans to help us."
"I don't think you can count on Earth ships either,” said Fire. “We were taken prisoner by the Admiralty on Titan. I think they're all under the influence of the Cluster.” The Senator looked at his feet in a way that reminded Fire very much of her father.
"How the hell are you going to attack the Cluster?” asked Manuel. “Every ship that's attacked one has been vaporized."
Senator Firebrandt nodded somberly. “We know. The problem before is that we never knew where to find the Cluster so we could never attack in force. So far the Cluster has never faced more than one or two ships. We have over thirty ships ready to assault the Cluster and we know right where to find it."
"You know it's at Earth,” corrected Fire. “The problem is that the jump points are changing."
"True,” said the Senator. “That's where the Sanson comes in. Yermakov's crew has been working with staff here to realign the jump engines on the ship. By this evening, they should be calibrated well enough to lead the fleet back to Earth.” He put his arms around Manuel and Fire. “Your service has been invaluable, but if you want to stay here on Alpha Coma, I'm sure we can find quarters."
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