Exiled to the Stars

by Zellmann, William

  The possibility of 'natives', though, was a threat that not even the most timid colonist could ignore. Well, it seemed the 'natives' were likely not a threat, but their presence had been a trigger. The Planetborns, already chafing under their seniors' desire to maintain the comforting status quo, were beginning to be heard, and other factors were intruding on the Earthborns' comfortable little village. The growing materials shortage, for instance. The point was that the pendulum of public opinion was beginning to swing, and it was Ken's responsibility to get out front and lead the movement, before it took off on its own in a disorganized mess.

  Roberto's recognition of a commonality with the Planetborns was the most hopeful sign he'd seen in months. He suddenly realized that the recent activity was providing a chance to pull the colony back together, if he could manage it. He called Kerry to alert her to the development, and suggest that she might want to interview Roberto for the newsie. Then he called Vlad and Susan Renko, and after a few moments' thought, called Lee Jenson and FrankWong, inviting them to meet with him.

  "As most of you know," he began once they'd assembled, "I've been very concerned about the division of our people into Planetborn and Earthborn. The gulf between them has been widening, and attitudes are hardening on both sides. But we're starting to gain momentum, now, and I hope we can work together to unify us again.

  "Frank, how soon can you complete your analysis, and find us exploitable mineral resources?"

  Frank's eyes widened, and he shifted uncomfortably. "Uh, sire, surely you know that ours was only a preliminary scouting mission. I've , uh, found some indications that warrant additional exploration, but I can't just point a finger and say, 'There's a copper mine there, break out the mining machinery'."

  Ken smiled. "I understand. I'm asking about those 'indications' you mentioned. Are there any that seem to indicate possible exploitable deposits?"

  Frank frowned. "I've just about finished examining my cores," he said, "and yes, I've found several locations that warrant further examination. Iron seems plentiful, and copper. There may be zinc, as well. But I can't promise any productive mines at this point." An excited grin broke through his nervous reserve. "Once we get the R65C operational, though, I think you'll see some real progress, really quickly."

  Ken nodded. "Okay, how soon can you get back out there with some of the new exploration tools and get us some firm information? I know the, uh, R65C has to wait for its fuel, but we need to know whether we have metals nearby enough to be exploited. If not, we may have to go farther afield, which would mean that any mines would have to be outlying camps."

  His manner softened. "I'm sorry to put this kind of pressure on you, Frank, but the sooner we can get people working together on projects, the better our chances of holding the colony together."

  Frank's frown deepened. "I think I understand, sire. I'd like to have another week or so for a complete analysis, but…" He shrugged. "I have four likely sites, sire. I guess I have to admit that if I haven't found traces by now, the amounts found are not likely to be exploitable. Using an airship, we should be able to check them out in a week or so."

  Suddenly he brightened. "Of course, once we get the R65C operational, we'll be able to do general mineral surveys for klicks around. But there is some other equipment that can be used from an airship that would be very useful in the meantime, if you can authorize use of the medium airship."

  Ken grinned. "I think I can do that without needing the Council's OK. I didn't really mean to put you on the spot like this, Frank," he continued. "But the more exploration we can do, the more people we can involve in it, and the more of them will be Earthborns. For instance, I think your exploration team should definitely include people with mining experience, don't you?"

  Frank straightened and beamed. "Yes, sire, I certainly do. I'm an experimental scientist, not a mining expert. I think I understand."

  Ken nodded approvingly. "I thought you would. You might want to work with Vlad, here, on selecting your team members. He has access to more information on the computer." He turned to Susan. "Doctor Renko, how soon can you tell us anything about our neighbors?"

  Susan frowned. She'd seemed distracted since the meeting convened, and now she seemed impatient, almost irritated. "Well, like any scientist, I'd like more time, but we're already about 80% certain that the creatures are not intelligent. They are most likely aquatic or amphibious animals."

  Ken nodded. "Everyone from Roberto Gomez to you is almost positive they're only animals. I almost hate to have to send Explorers all the way down there."

  Lee shrugged. "Don't send a whole team. Just send a couple of them, like we did before. This time, though, we can drop them off by airship a few klicks upstream, they'll know what they're looking for, and they'll be prepared. You're going to need the rest of the Explorers to cover Frank and his mining team."

  Ken chuckled. "We'll probably need Chun's Scouts, too, to cover that big a team." He turned to Vlad. "Your daughter's one of the Explorers, and you've been around them more than most, Vlad. Who would you say should be appointed their leader? So far, the Explorers have been more like a club than a serious organization. But their training is over, now, and things are moving fast. I need a contact with the authority to deal with me."

  Vlad frowned. "I'd say Ron Creding. He's smart, level-headed, and the others listen when he talks, even Elaine." He paused and chuckled. "Maybe especially Elaine."

  Ken's eyebrows rose. "Ah? So it's like that?

  Vlad nodded. "About time, too." He grinned. "Those kids should have gotten married three years ago."

  Ken nodded and turned to Lee. "Lee, Do you agree that Ron Creding is a good candidate to lead the Explorers?"

  Lee nodded. "Ron or Tran Vanh. But Tran is a bit too extroverted, I think. Too much the clown to be taken seriously. Yes, I think Ron is a good choice."

  "Good. Okay, one of you please nominate him at the Council meeting tomorrow. We need someone in place before we send off the prospecting team."

  As the others filed out, Ken signaled Lee to stay. "I just wanted to thank you, Lee. That was good thinking with Roberto Gomez. I think we may even have a convert."

  Lee nodded. "I hope so. We're getting close to a majority on the Council." He paused. "You know, Ken, he affected me, too. It's really easy to begin thinking that people who don't agree with you are some kind of villains, plotting against you. But they're not. Gomez was as bothered by the split as we are. He just sees it from another perspective."

  Ken nodded. "That's what happens when people begin talking over each other, and past each other, and talking and thinking in slogans. The higher the emotional level and the volume, the less the chance that anyone will be convinced, or convinceable. I suspect that most of our job will be to lower the volume and the emotional content. If we can actually get people to talk instead of shouting at each other, I suspect we'll solve the problem in short order."

  He paused. "I'm sorry, Lee. I didn't mean to lecture you, especially about things you already know.

  Lee waved dismissively. "Forget it. I consider it training in effective politics from an expert. I've learned a lot from watching Cesar and you. Such differing styles, but both effective. It's fascinating."

  They chatted for a few more minutes before Lee left. Ken nodded. That young man is going to have my job some day, he told himself, and I suspect he'll do it well.

  He dragged his thoughts back to the long list of reports on his tablet. He was able to get several hours' work done before his tablet signaled a call. It was Kerry Alves. Ken sighed as he keyed the 'accept' button.

  "Good day, Kerry."

  Her image showed a bright smile. "Good day, sire," she replied in a tone that was too bright, too enthusiastic. Uh oh, he thought, fighting an overwhelming urge to put a hand on a nonexistent wallet.

  He suppressed a sigh. "And what can I do for you today?" he asked, responding to her smile with a professional one of his own.

  Her bright smile slipped slightl
y. "I want to go on the metals survey trip."

  He frowned. "Why? They're not going to be doing anything that would need coverage by a newsie or a blogger. Besides, the Explorers and Scouts will be quite busy just herding all the specialists that are already scheduled. I'm afraid this isn't a tourist jaunt."

  Her smile disappeared. "And I'm not a tourist." She retorted, anger flaring. She pushed it down quickly. "I don't expect them to find much that will be newsworthy, but that's not why I want to go.

  "I have completed all the academic requirements for an 'Explorer' certification. This kind of expedition will be perfect for me to complete the field experience requirement and get that designation."

  Ken was surprised. "An 'Explorer' designation? Why would you want that? The Council only authorized six positions in the Explorer Corps."

  She waved dismissively. "I don't want to be an Explorer. But now that we're actually doing something, there are going to be explorations that I should cover, and with the designation, it won't be as easy for the Council to tell me I can't go along."

  He paused. "Did you really complete all the comp classes and things?"

  Her smile showed pride this time. "I certainly did. And with top marks."

  Ken frowned. "I don't know, Kerry. You're obviously a very determined young woman, But I'm afraid you're not a person I would have selected for Explorer training, had you volunteered."

  She nodded. "I know. I wouldn't select me, either." A wide grin lit her face. "I believe the technical phrase is 'pain in the butt'. But, as I said, I don't want to be a real Explorer; I just want the Explorers and the Council to know that I wouldn't have to be babysat if I went along on an exploration. As a trainee, I do have the self-discipline to accept the authority of the Explorers and obey the orders they give me." She hesitated, and then continued in a serious tone, "I want them to know they can count on me, and can trust me not to shoot myself in the foot. Or them, either. By the way, I'm pretty good with a laser, now. I've been practicing."

  Ken frowned. "This isn't something I have the authority to do, Kerry. It will require Council approval, and to be honest, I wouldn't recommend they approve it without the approval of the Explorers."

  She nodded soberly. "I understand." Suddenly, the grin was back. "Maybe it's time for a girlfriendly call on Elaine Renko."

  Ken smiled. "I don't know that I'd recommend trying to run a game on Elaine. She's pretty sharp."

  The grin didn't fade. "Are you kidding? I wouldn't try to game Elaine. I've known her since before we discovered boys. Well, except for Ronnie Creding. He was always underfoot."

  "From what I've heard, he still is. Or is again." He straightened. "All right, Kerry. I'll check with the Explorers, and if they agree, I'll recommend it to the Council. But I'd expect a scene from Messer Peters."

  She rolled her eyes. "I think this is a good place for a 'No Comment'."

  Ken's smile was genuine, this time. "I thought that was my line."

  She nodded. "Handy, isn't it?"

  At the Council meeting the next day, Ron Creding was appointed Commander of the Explorer Corps. "But, since this metals trip will be a joint operation of the Explorers and the Scouts," Ken cautioned Ron, "And since Chun has much more experience, the Council is appointing him to lead the expedition. We will expect you to accept and support his leadership."

  Ron nodded, smiling. "Of course, sire. There will be no problem."

  "Good. Now, before we let you go, Commander Creding, I take it you've heard of Kerry Alves' request."

  Ron's smile faded. "Yes, sire. She approached all of us yesterday."

  "And what is your recommendation?"

  Ron sighed. "I've known Kerry since we were children, of course. She's stubborn, opinionated, irritating, has no respect for authority, and is a general pain in the backside. But she's also strong, mentally tough, honest, and her word is good. She says she'll obey orders and behave." He shrugged. "I'm sure she'll try. We've talked it over, and the Explorers are willing to give her a chance."

  Ken shook his head. "You are the Commander. What is your recommendation?"

  Ron shrugged again. "The decision was unanimous, sire." A sudden smile appeared. "I think it's going to be fun to watch her try to restrain her indignation and obey orders." He straightened. "As Commander of the Explorer Corps, I recommend that the Council approve her request to accompany the Explorers on the metals scouting expedition." He said in a formal tone.

  Ken nodded. "Thank you, Commander. And now, I'm sure you have much to do…"

  Ron nodded at the obvious dismissal, and left the Council chamber.

  Ken turned to the table. "Well, there it is, ladies and gentlemen. Kerry Alves has requested permission to accompany the metals scouting expedition, as a trainee Explorer. The Comp tells me that she has completed all academic requirements with honors, and that her marksmanship scores are acceptable with all weapons."

  James Peters jumped to his feet. "Nonsense! There's no place for a tourist on something like this. Besides, if she becomes certified, she'll be demanding to go on trips where she has no business going. This Council has approved six Explorers, and we have all six. Send her back to her vocoder. She's nothing but a troublemaker, anyway!"

  "I don't know," Helen Montero said. "I'm actually rather impressed. She realized that exploration means news, and that we would be reluctant to allow what Messer James calls a 'tourist'. So, she pursued the entire Explorer curriculum, and completed it with honors. She knows that we will realize that we will be gaining the presence of an additional qualified Explorer, for no additional investment on our part.

  "I agree with Messer Creding. She is stubborn, opinionated, and irritating. But she's also intelligent, articulate, and the editor of our only newsie. She can have a powerful effect on public opinion, for good or ill."

  "Hmph!" Peters grunted. "Don't forget that…that propaganda rag she posts."

  "Ah, yes," said Ken. "Her blog. I find it quite useful in gaining the Planetborn viewpoint on happenings. She's been keeping her word; she's maintained a strict separation between the newsie and the blog."

  Peters shook his head. "She's a liar and an agitator, and she, her newsie, and her so-called 'blog' should be banned from the 'net! She's always twisting things, and I see no reason why she should be given access to any more ammunition with which to attack good people!"

  It took over an hour, and several diatribes by some of the more conservative Earthborn Councilors, but finally, Kerry's request was approved, with conditions.

  Ken told her the news. "Conditions?" she asked doubtfully, beginning to cloud up.

  "Yes," Ken replied. "But I don't think you'll find them difficult, and most of them apply to future expeditions. There may be occasions when the expedition finds or does something that the expedition's Commander feels should not be published immediately. You must agree that if the Commander of the expedition orders it, you will hold publication until the Council approves release.

  "What kind of things?" Kerry asked suspiciously.

  "I don't know. Neither does the Council. But we feel that there may be occasions where we feel that it might be necessary to prepare the colony before release. Something that might cause a panic, for instance. Also," he continued, "The Council reserves the right to refuse you permission to accompany specific expeditions, if it decides it is in the colony's best interest.

  She looked stubborn, and Ken continued, "It's the best deal you're likely to get, Kerry. The majority that approved it wasn't all that large."

  Her lips tightened, but after a moment, she heaved a huge sigh. "Okay," she said in a reluctant tone. "Tell the Council I accept their conditions."

  Chapter 19

  Twelfthmonth 21, Year 23 A.L.

  The Explorers not only had to find all the exploration tools and equipment, they also had to learn to use and maintain it. Finally, Ron had to go to the Council and propose that the metals prospecting trip be delayed until after the 'native' investigation was complete.
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br />   The investigating team consisted of Ron, Denis Chu, and Vito Carelli. Each of the Explorers had small microphones implanted in their jaws, and mastoid-bone receiver implants, which provided communication between themselves. Raj Darpee would again control the flying bird-camera that would orbit overhead, again relaying pictures.

  Ron also had a small transmitter that would let him communicate with the colony via the bird-camera. Ron considered this a mixed blessing, but at least he had a button to turn it off, which he anticipated would be its normal state.

  They debated delaying until Vlad could finish examining the JZE-101 Contact Vehicle and Lars and Jana could fuel it, but they quickly decided against it. Continued observation had not changed the nearly unanimous verdict that the creatures were not sentient. They did not use tools, or build fires; their food was torn apart by pincers and devoured raw. But the question was too serious to decide based only on long-range observation.

  The creatures seemed to come in two sizes, one clearly larger than the other. One Councilor concluded that the smaller ones were females, but Ron objected.

  "We can't make that assumption," he said. "In fact, we can't assume they have two sexes."

  "Ron's right," Susan Renko added. "They may not have sexes at all. On Earth, only the simplest creatures use asexual reproduction, but this isn't Earth. On the other hand, this whole 'village' grouping may be a single sexual unit. We just don't know."

  "I would remind the Councilor," Ken added, "that this is the reason this trip has been approved as necessary. I admit, though, that I'm no longer very hopeful about their sentience, if 'hopeful' is the word."

  The smallest airship would be used, since it was quieter than any of the aircraft, and would be able to get to within a klick of the 'village' without entering its line-of-sight. At that point, it would drop off the Explorers, who would continue on foot. This time, the Explorers would be carrying stabilizer as well as the clearing spray; Denis and Vito would be equipped with shoulder lasers, and would stop at the edge of the inlet Ron had discovered before. Following Ron's previous trail, they would establish clear, stabilized firing positions on the marshy soil. Ron, meanwhile, would follow the riverbank and enter the 'village', covered by Denis and Vito's lasers. He wore his hand laser as well as his weapons belt. The belt also supported a cloth bag containing an assortment of gaudy objects the colonists hoped would appeal to primitive sentients.