MEEK

by Richard Johnson

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  May 2048

  Lough was to give an address at the official naming of the city named after him. He had no idea what he was going to say. Ireland was everything he had hoped it would be. The city of Lough was bustling in the spring sunshine. The populace was gathered in a large grassy amphitheatre. He had noticed while waiting to be introduced that there were four or five natives in the audience. They were obviously treated and had returned to their country of origin. The last of the bunkers were being closed down next year and the remnants shipped to Mars. He looked at their faces and saw despair, perhaps also resentment and envy. They stood silently waiting for him to speak.

  The atmosphere was festive. Garlands of flowers hung from posts, food vendors were selling their specialities from small, brightly coloured carts. There had been parades and dances, entertainment of all kinds. When his time came, he had intended giving a joyous acclamation of the success of the return of Tuath, but the faces of the natives had taken the power from his heart and replaced it with sadness. His address did not come out the way he had originally intended.

  “I officially open this beautiful city and name it Lough. I am deeply honoured and am proud beyond words that I am standing here in this city of the future you have named after me. Yet we should remember that, just as we were once the hidden people of this land who could not walk freely here, there now are others among us bearing a similar burden.” Lough looked directly at the small group of natives and others turned to follow his gaze. They looked back at him silently with eyes he would have difficulty forgetting in the days to come.

  “I call upon you all to show compassion to these people, to love them as they were your own family. There are to be no outcasts or fringe dwellers in this city. One day, Tuathans and natives will walk these streets both with a long and glorious future that they can share. This is my fervent hope and will be the measure of our true success. Again, thank you to all here for naming this place after me. May those that reside here find fulfilment and may the stars smile on them.”

  That evening, he received a urgent summons from Hawk who still was stationed at the Australian original settlement. He left at daybreak as he felt in need of rest and promised he would return to Ireland as quickly as he could. On arrival, Hawk wasted no time taking him to his own private home where Clover was waiting with their two children.

  “There may have been a breakthrough in curing the Plague. It is early days yet, but it is very promising.”

  This was the last thing Lough had expected to hear, he found his initial reaction disturbing as it wasn’t one of pleasure.

  “Give me a brief report, cut out any technical jargon.”

  “It’s the rodents in our trial samples. They appear to be developing a partial immunity. We have observed that some of them took longer than normal after receiving the treatment to die. We allowed these to breed and observed their progeny carefully. This selective breeding has resulted in the latest batch being still alive after three years of constant exposure. Rabbits also are proving successful but larger mammals that are slow breeding seem to be unable to cope with the virus. That is until yesterday when data on released deer and kangaroos suggest immunity is developing in them also.”

  Hawk paused for a reaction. Lough’s face was expressionless, there was no enthusiastic light in the eyes and no verbal expression of congratulations. Instead, he turned his back on Hawk and walked to the window, passed his hand over it to clear the tint and reveal the ocean beyond. He stood for a full minute, then turned to face Hawk.

  “How many people are involved in this research? I want it kept top secret for now as the implications need my undivided analysis. You understand that don’t you, Hawk?”

  “There are only seven people involved in the direct research. The results have not been allowed to be announced. I understand that if a cure is imminent the whole situation on Earth and Tuath would change.”

  “Correct! Without careful planning chaos could be our future. I want you to stop this line of research, put it on hold just until I can do my own analysis.”

  “Mr President, we can do this but it would be at the possible cost of excluding the natives from Earth for a longer period than needed.”

  “I realise that. Put it on hold for one month. I will have a directive for you by then. Nothing can save the natives still left in the bunkers now. The cramped conditions on Mars can be endured and life for the natives on Tuath is pleasant enough. Help me prepare this in such a way that integration of our races is achieved without violence being done to our people. If word of this reaches the natives now they could become unstable. Even the ones on Tuath will not be integrated for some time.”

  “Yes sir, I will swear the team to secrecy. Work will be put on hold until I hear from you.”

  “Good. Now let me see your beautiful wife and babies”

  Clover sensed the tension that was flowing from both Lough and Hawk as soon as they entered the play room. She said nothing and although Lough stayed the night, the subject of research was avoided.

  After a week, Lough returned to his beloved Ireland and spent time fishing and contemplating. He had put the scenarios through to his AI couched in careful language. “How long will it take natives on Tuath to be integrated to a point where they are no longer a violent threat to us?” The answers were unhelpful. Without genetic manipulation, unknown: not enough data. With genetic manipulation, still unknown, as countless variables apply in both cases. Those on Mars would always be loose cannons. The only positive in the whole equation, was that the AI believed it highly likely that from now on the ones on Tuath would not revert to their previous psychological state but would follow their own unique evolutionary path. Lough saw time was the big problem. The natives on Tuath needed as much as he could give them in order to assimilate. The Tuathans on Earth needed time to set their culture firmly upon the planet of their birth. As for the Consortium, that was a bridge that would have to be crossed one step at a time. Lough kept seeing the faces of the dispossessed natives receiving treatment. It made him feel ill and his conscience troubled him as he could offer them no hope. Lough had made up his mind and returned to the disc ship. He turned up for a final meeting with Hawk after postponing it on two occasions. It was December, when Ireland was freezing but Australia was hot. It would only be six weeks before he would be facing the elders again.

  Hawk had placed himself in Lough’s position and was glad he didn’t have to face the responsibility. He sat quietly. Clover was by his side.

  “Your directive is as follows. You will resume your research. No progress announcements are to be made at any stage or under any circumstances. Once it appears that humans could be made or had developed immunity, you are to inform me. Mammals are not to be released into the wild until I give the order as this would lead to all sorts of speculation.”

  “I will follow your directive, sir. The team expressed their opinion that a serum could be developed to enhance the immune response now that nature has shown the way. This could lead to a treatment being developed in a matter of months, a year at most. There is a faint possibility that research on Tuath could also develop a response. This would be harder for them as they do not have our advantage of being in the real environment.”

  Lough let out a deep sigh. “This is proving difficult. Do not resume research until I am on Tuath next February. I will be saying nothing about this to the elders. It will be a year before news of your possible success reaches me. I will be physically waiting at the Portal at that time. If you indeed report success I will come to Earth on an emergency mission to assess the situation.”

  Lough knew this would look somewhat strange, he would need an excuse to be in the vicinity of Gateway when the news came through. He decided to go on a business trip to Gateway, where he would invent something that would need his personal attention. His intention had been to stall what was now becoming the inevitable. He justified it to himself by saying that the only harm he wa
s doing was the possible delay of the return of natives to Earth. This was to be offset by the chance of natives to integrate properly on Tuath. Lough was aware on a level that his prime motivation was the Tuathan ascendancy of Earth. Tuathans were never to be subordinate to natives again on this planet. He had not bothered to visit Mars and had only had a brief communication with them, he was playing politics showing them that he did not regard them as highly as they hoped.

  He returned to Tuath on schedule and checked on the progress in the laboratories there. To his relief there had been no real progress. His report to The elders was routine and all good news. No mention of a cure was made. He waited out the year and was pleased to see the native children learning quickly the ways of Tuathan society. In a few more years only their physical appearance would set them apart. On Mars the breakthrough to light speed had still not happened which, from Lough’s perspective, was even more good news. The elders were definitely nervous due to the non-appearance of the Friend. The majority of the populace now felt they had transgressed and the relationship was damaged. This was being reflected in their increasing negativity towards the native presence.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  JANUARY 2050

  Lough was in a small interplanetary disc ship awaiting the opening of the portal. As soon as it did, the ship’s AI transmitted the following message “To the President of Tuath: your presence is urgently requested. Please proceed immediately to Earth. There is no need for alarm, all is well. We need advice on a matter of political importance which requires your personal observation.” Lough gave instructions to depart into the Portal. Hawk’s message and a supplementary from him would be enough to justify the hasty departure.

  Lough arrived and landed his ship next to Hawk’s home.

  “We have a serum that is successful in small mammals and is being used on larger ones now. I need your permission to allow animals such as cows and sheep to be reintroduced as they would be invaluable in the production of food.”

  “Have you experimented with natives?” asked Lough anxiously.

  “No, I was not prepared to do that until we had discussed the ramifications.”

  “That was wise. Let’s take one very slow step at a time. We will release the news that we have had some success with smaller mammals and will be releasing them into the wild to see if they indeed survive and procreate. I will go to the embassy reservation and announce this. I will also be letting them know that all the bunkers will be destroyed as they are deserted and may pose a health risk. Next year, you will announce the success of the small mammal program and that you will be working on releasing larger mammals in 2052. You will announce your intention to begin efficacy trials for humans in 2053. These trials will be intentionally stalled until I feel secure that the political state of Earth, Tuath and Mars are stable enough.”

  “That is all feasible sir. I should also inform you that a communiqué from the Consortium has informed us that they have developed the fast as light drive.”

  “I will visit the native embassy and talk to the Consortium representative there. It looks like I am going to be busy.”

  Lough left for the embassy and after three days Hawk and Clover went with him. Hawk needed to pay his respects and make sure the natives were comfortable. Clover was to act as advisory empath to Lough.

  The embassy was on the banks of the Torrens River in the now-deserted city of Adelaide. It consisted of ten large semi-transparent domes each enclosing three hectares. These were set out in a circle, in the centre was a larger dome encompassing five hectares. Connecting tunnels ran from one to another. This was all a product of Tuathan engineering and housed 1500 natives. They were largely self-sufficient with the aid of replicators and Tuathan donations. The central dome was the hub of government on Earth for the native population. This was the destination for the Tuathans.

  Lough was given a very formal welcome upon exiting the decontamination room. Noticeably a line of military-style guards with ceremonial swords lined the way. Clover later remarked that they either had a lot still to learn about Tuathan culture or it was done on purpose to intimidate them. She was not able to discern which motive was true. They were shown to the council chambers where the three administrators sat together with Kana and Richard, whose private disc ship was parked outside. Lough had been aware that Hawk had given them a small ship much like his own as a gesture of goodwill, also it would speed up transit times.

  The head of council spoke first, a small fat woman plainly in need of exercise. “Welcome Mr President, this is an honour we did not expect.”

  “Thank you, I am pleased to see you are well established here. I am very pleased to see the representatives from the Consortium whose reputations are well known on Tuath.” He bowed to Kana and Richard. Clover was picking up antagonism from the three councillors and indicated it to Lough and Hawk with a small hand gesture.

  “Tell me, when do you think I can expect a visit from Mars on Tuath?” No good beating around the bush, thought Lough. Richard smiled at the directness.

  “We hope to enjoy your hospitality when the Portal opens in 2051, next year. You are welcome to be our guest for your return home.” Richard did not really expect Lough to accept this offer.

  The Consortium had been working on the ship design for a long time and it was already close to completion when the drive was discovered. Richard could not help enjoying a sense of pride in this achievement even though he knew the news would not be welcomed by the Tuathans. Lough was definitely not happy with the news. Mars was becoming a source of concern for him and could threaten his plans for the future. He may as well check out their technology seeing as they have made the offer.

  “I will gladly accept that offer. I will personally introduce you to the elders.”

  The native council expressed its desire to build another dome, to which Lough agreed. In recent years, a few births had taken place and transition facilities were also needed for the Consortium people who were reaching an age where they wished to take the treatment and spend their last two years on the outside. It was decided to build homes for these people a short distance from the domes. All of this was agreed upon and Lough returned to Ireland to await the opening of the Portal.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  AUGUST 2050

  Conor had celebrated his thirteenth birthday and had started attending boarding school in the capital. His IQ was well above native norm and even better than Tuathan norm. He had also been diagnosed as an empath with some unusual attributes. The elders were keeping a close eye on his progress. He was a happy and well-adjusted boy. Although aware of his unique status he was content in the knowledge that others were being born to mixed parentage. They also seemed to be inheriting the best features of both parents. Apart from slightly larger than normal eyes his physical shape was typically native. His education was pure Tuathan and he admired intensely all things Tuathan. Jade spent most of the school year with him in the capital. Mark was now a full-time diplomat representing native interests to the Tuathan government and the elders. He was particularly fascinated by the Friend and hoped to see it one day, soon. The entire population was also anxious for a friendly visit. Adolescent youths of Conor’s age were beginning to doubt the veracity of all the stories they had been told. Conor was a true believer as he had studied Tuathan history in minute detail. Conor was full of questions he hoped one day he would be able to ask the Friend in person.

  The ship-building program had ground to a halt as the demands placed on the fleet by the evacuation of the natives had come to a conclusion. Much of the work had been carried out on Gateway and many of the manufacturing complexes there were now silent.

  Early in the new year, the Portal opened and a strange-looking vessel appeared. It was not built for a planetary landing and looked as if it was constructed from three long tubes joined by a propulsion unit at the rear and an observation bubble at the front. The Consortium ship looked untidy compared to the sleek, compact disc ships that accompa
nied it. It caused tremendous excitement on Tuath. Mark for his part was not sure if he was happy to see it or not. Connie One as it had been named had a small landing craft, a copy of a disc ship. The captain was not anxious to try it out and was happy to accept the offer of a lift to the surface on a disc ship. Everybody, including Mark, was in capital city to meet them.

  Richard and Kana were the main delegates as usual. They were both dressed formally as envoys. It was obvious they were making a statement. They were representatives of the rulers of Mars seeking audience with the rulers of Tuath. It was also obvious to Mark that they would be reiterating their clam to joint sovereignty over Earth. Lough had noticed how the council on Earth was little more than a Consortium puppet government dependent largely on the good auspices of Hawk.

  They all met in the hall of the elders. Mark headed a small contingent from the native colony, Paul and Barry were among his advisors. Mark was aware he would be voted President of the small native republic in another six months and this was his first semi-official assignment. He was determined that the Consortium was not seen to be annexing the colony. They wished to remain independent of Earth, Mars and the politics of the old solar system. They saw the future as living in harmony and mutual respect with the Tuathans.

  The meeting went largely as expected. Richard made it clear he wished to inspect the colony and the space facility there as he wanted a landing pad built for Consortium ships.

  “I’m sure the elders and President Lough would be happy to avail you of facilities here in the capital city. It would be far more convenient for you than having to commute from our more basic facilities to here.” Mark knew the empaths would be picking up on his attitude and transmitting it with body language among themselves. He saw them whispering to their bosses and inwardly smiled.