by S. H. Jucha
Alex followed the pair out. He watched Julien sprouting fairy dust from his synth skin’s holo-vid. When they stepped into the lift, Alex released his hold on Shannon’s implant.
As the lift doors silently slid shut, Shannon screamed one word, “Omnians.”
It was as close to an epithet as the Omnians had ever heard their name.
Renée hooked Alex’s arm. Glancing from Julien to Alex, she said in mock exasperation, “Males!”
There were grins on all three faces.
6: Ready the Fleet
It was late in the evening, when the three returned to the Freedom.
Cordelia let Alex and Renée sleep and enjoy morning meal. Then she sent Olawale’s message to Alex.
Alex listened with interest to Olawale’s continuing exploits. But he halted the message when he heard the Crocian’s description of the invading fleet. Immediately, he shared the message with Renée, senior staff, and the SADEs.
Alex ended his links and regarded Julien, who sat in a chair across from the couch occupied by Alex and Renée.
“You were saying,” Renée prompted Julien.
“I performed an experiment with Cordelia, Z, Miranda, and me,” Julien continued. “We copied our kernels’ codes to separate sites in the ship’s databases. Then we independently stripped the copies of any code that we determined were related to our experiences, emotions, or trainings.”
“Then you compared the results,” Alex proposed.
“Precisely,” Julien replied.
“What did you discover?” Renée asked.
“The experiment proved that it would take a great deal of research to duplicate House Brixton’s processes,” Julien replied. “The edited kernels appeared similar in length, but the codes didn’t match. We surmise that the introduction of the teacher or parent, if you prefer, created fundamental changes in the base AI template from day one.”
“So, the cloning process adopted by the sisters isn’t a satisfactory starting point?” Renée inquired.
“It’s not a solution SADEs would select, if they had a choice,” Julien replied.
“How do you feel about what Shannon has shown us?” Alex asked.
For most SADEs, Alex’s question would have been a perplexing one. It wasn’t for Julien.
“Brixton’s process wasn’t the method that we hoped to find,” Julien said. “It’s obvious that their early experiments produced the likes of Faustus, Artifice, and the Chistorlans’ creations. They resorted to human imprinting to create their final solution. In many ways, I find that satisfying.”
“I’m sorry that you didn’t receive a better teacher,” Alex said, with false sincerity.
Renée swatted Alex’s arm, and he received a vid from Julien. The SADE was lecturing a student, Alex, whose dumbfounded expression expressed his inability to grasp the lesson.
Alex grinned at his friend, who chose to exhibit his favored fedora.
“It appears SADEs will continue their close associations with biologicals for some time to come,” Julien said.
“Is it your decision that we should accept House Brixton’s offer?” Alex asked.
“Yes,” Julien replied. “It ensures that in ninety NT years, we’ll have a definitive method for creating our kind.”
“I want to be a teacher,” Renée said excitedly.
“That’s most assured,” Julien replied, smiling. He regarded his friend, who remained quiet.
“I think SADEs will find a wealth of teachers on Omnia, Haraken, and New Terra,” Renée volunteered. “There’ll also be opportunities with Earthers. I’m thinking of the likes of Patrice Morris and Nikki Fowler.”
“Time will give us the luxury of being able to choose our teachers carefully,” Julien added.
“One moment, Julien. I’ll contact Shannon and inform her that we’re accepting the deal,” Alex said. “Julien, take a traveler, meet with her, and collect what you need.”
Cordelia linked Alex with Shannon.
Shannon was momentarily taken aback. She’d suspected intrigue on the part of the Omnians, when they left her office without consummating the agreement.
* * * * *
Alex and Renée chose to meet and chat with Gino about Sol, while Julien made arrangements for a visit with Shannon. It was early afternoon, when the couple met Gino in the House top-floor apartments of the Diamanté sky tower.
Alex, Renée, Z, and Miranda exited the express lift, which had shot up the length of the two-and-half-kilometer tall building. Grav technology eliminated the debilitating effects of the car’s rapid acceleration and deceleration.
A staffer greeted Alex and Renée, and two security guards eyed the huge SADEs. Then the three Diamanté associates accompanied the Leader’s guests to Gino’s private suite.
When the doors closed behind the Omnians, Gino commented, “Alex, your security unnerves my people.”
Alex smiled amiably and replied, “They needn’t be afraid of Renée. She doesn’t attack unless provoked.”
In response to Alex’s quip, Z and Miranda loosed competing horn blarings. The noise caught Gino off guard, but Alex and Renée grinned.
“I’ll attempt to be less intimidating for your people’s sake,” Renée added sincerely, which only served to widen Alex’s grin.
“It was a poor comment on my part,” Gino said, raising his hands in surrender. “It’s just that when I think I’ve become accustomed to your habits, you visit a year or so later and you’ve evolved new ones.”
Gino had eyed Miranda, as he ended his remark, which caused the SADE to respond.
“Dear man, perhaps you’d prefer me in my siren’s avatar sheathed in a red gown,” the SADE said. “Yet, even attired in that fashion, I’d probably be the deadliest entity in the room. Besides, it’s tedious changing avatars, and I’m developing a fondness for this one. In addition, I like being similarly attired to my partner.”
Z flashed a smile at Gino, as if to say he approved of Miranda’s choice of avatars.
“Have you considered the ramifications of your announcement to Leaders Teressi and Lemoyne?” Miranda asked.
Gino straightened, as if to show his resolve. Then he replied, “It’ll be a fight within the Council, and I’ve no idea of the outcome, but I intend to try to have them removed.”
“Is that the extent of your thoughts on their reactions?” Z asked.
“I expect them to be angry and call out every negative thing that they can attribute to my leadership,” Gino replied. “The fight might even cost me my position as Council Leader.”
Miranda smiled sadly. “What my dear partner and I are trying to ask you is if you’ve considered the possibility that Leaders Lemoyne and Teressi might take overt action.”
“Your assassination,” Miranda replied, “or Alex’s for fomenting the Council fight.”
“This banter, Gino,” Renée interjected, “is a way of us saying you should allow your people to be unnerved about our security. You’ll discover that the most dangerous attacks come from unexpected quarters. Beware of Lemoyne and Teressi. As for us, we’ve more important things to occupy our efforts than wonder how others react to our appearance or operations. Now, we’ve come to discuss Sol.”
Gino led the Omnians to a seating area. It occurred to him that, except for Alex’s brief jest and Z’s question, the females had done the talking. He wasn’t sure what that meant, but he stored a reminder to discuss it with Katrina.
As Gino sat, he gestured toward both Alex and Renée, unsure which would speak first. It was Renée.
“What’s the common attitude among Leaders about Sol?” Renée asked.
“The Council has yet to deliberate on the subject,” Gino replied.
“That wasn’t the question my partner asked,” Alex said evenly, but his eyes transmitted a different message.
“There are concerns,” Gino admitted. “Most remember United Earth’s naked ploy to usurp our colonies through intimidation. Their battleship was an eye-opening experience. It’s Omnians who have engaged the new Sol government. Your people have seen the changes; we haven’t.”
“Fair enough,” Alex replied. “When do you want to organize a visit?”
Gino stared openmouthed at Alex. “I’d ... I’d have to be gone for months,” he stammered. “The Council ... my duties.”
“Would be preserved, Gino,” Renée stated calmly. “Alex wasn’t inviting you alone. He was inviting the entire Council. After all, if the Leaders don’t see the changes in Sol for themselves, how can they make an informed decision about the possibility of an alliance?”
“You move so fast,” Gino muttered, while he wrapped his mind around the idea of transporting the Council to Sol.
“Take a year to get the Council accustomed to the opportunity and make preparations,” Alex offered. “I think we’ll be in alliance territory for at least that long. Afterward, we’ll return to pick up the Council, who can travel aboard the Freedom in comfort.”
“Gino, you should make the point to the Leaders that Olawale’s report pretty much assures that Omnia will be negotiating an overarching agreement with Sol,” Renée said. “If we do, New Terra and Haraken will want to be part of our alliance. The Confederation doesn’t want to be left out.”
“Good chat, Gino,” Alex said. He shook hands with the stunned Council Leader and led the way out of the salon to the express lift.
As the lift made the journey to the ground floor, Renée eyed the two SADEs.
“Ser?” Z queried.
“I was just wondering, Z, if Claude and you could make me an avatar like yours,” Renée replied. “If I’m supposed to be intimidating, as my love suggests, I need something more substantial than this.” She’d ended by gesturing with her hands down the sides of her body.
“Any particular design, Ser?” Z asked, with a raised eyebrow.
“I’ll let the males work on the internal engineering. Miranda will design the exterior,” Renée replied, with a grin.
“A pleasure,” Miranda purred.
“What do you think?” Renée asked Alex.
Alex hugged Renée to his side, kissed her hair, and said, “You’re intimidating enough as you are, but I would never want to deprive you of an opportunity to drive around inside your own protector’s avatar.”
The SADEs exchanged a flurry of thoughts. Some concerned the concept Renée had expressed. Others dealt with far-flung futures. Many of those might have frightened humans, who didn’t want to peer that far ahead.
* * * * *
When Julien returned from his visit with Shannon, Alex sent,
Alex and Renée each received a small app, which they unpacked. It contained a code, which was to be automatically transmitted on each anniversary date.
Cordelia checked the ship’s readiness. A few travelers were on Méridien and nearby stations. She issued a recall and waited the hours with Julien.
Julien leaned forward and touched his forehead to Cordelia’s, and they explored their possible futures together.
* * * * *
Forewarned by Tatia’s announcement, Alex’s fleet at Omnia took actions to reform. Crews were given notice, and commanders prepared their ships.
When the Freedom exited its transit below Omnia’s ecliptic, Cordelia sailed the city-ship toward the planet.
“Launch date?” Tatia had asked.
“In two days,” Alex had replied.
It was as Tatia had expected.
Alex didn’t wait for the city-ship to reach orbit. A pilot, Miranda, and he boarded a traveler and made for the planet.
First stop was the beach of Wave Skimmer’s hives, where Alex spent the day lounging in the Swei Swee’s shadow. At one point, Wave Skimmer became overheated by the Celus starlight. When he excused himself for a brief cooling dip, Alex stripped out of his clothes and ran into the waves with him.
Alerted by Wave Skimmer’s piercing whistle, large males rushed to join them. They would provide Alex’s vanguard and were willing to die to protect the Star Hunter First.
Miranda smiled at Alex’s moment of carefree relaxation. She sent a vid of the moment to Renée. It was coded private for her.
Alex spent the night aboard the traveler. In the morning, he directed the pilot to Nyslara’s building.
When Alex exited the traveler, he was pleasantly surprised to see three other craft sitting beside his ship.
“The nests pooled their resources,” Miranda explained, when she saw Alex observing the other travelers. “They ordered shuttles from the Sardi-Tallen Orbital Platform, made a down payment, and borrowed the remainder from the Bank of Omnia.”
Alex lifted an eyebrow at Miranda, who added, “We consider them to be a good investment.”
“And the Dischnya losses at Toral didn’
t enter into your calculations?” Alex inquired.
“The market’s profits are growing quarter over quarter, and the soma continually raise their products’ prices. Demand is outstripping supply. It was a sound decision,” Miranda said, defending her earlier statement.
“If you say so,” Alex replied, grinning.
They made their way into the market. Alex noticed a temporary shelter had been added to one end of the long building to accommodate more bins of the crops, and the place was busier than his last visit.
It was Miranda’s turn to raise an eyebrow, when she saw Alex staring at the numerous transactions swiftly taking place.
A Dischnya male passed Alex, leading a grav pallet loaded with a variety of produce. He politely murmured, “Dassata,” as he navigated his overloaded pallet.
Alex pinged Nyslara and located her on the second floor. Upstairs, in the opening to the newly created business office, Alex paused in the doorway.
Several queens, wasats, and younger Dischnya surrounded Nyslara. A holo-vid projected an enormous complex, and the Dischnya were manipulating the design and arguing for their suggestions.
Queen Homsaff spotted Alex, and the Dischnya turned as one toward him.
It was a sweet-sad moment for Alex. With implants, the Dischnya were joining the technological cultures, and they would leave behind many of the old ways. He didn’t regret that the soma had vacated their tunnels, but he wondered if they would lose some of their passion for life.
Alex put a smile on his face, pushed off the doorframe, and crossed to Nyslara for a hug.
“Quite impressive,” Alex said, gesturing at the complex. “A future home for the soma?” he asked.
Several polite chortles greeted Alex’s remark, and Nyslara barked softly to quiet them.
“This is our new marketplace, Dassata,” Nyslara explained. “We intend to build it and occupy it within half an annual. We’ll be able to load shuttles via a grav conveyor, which engineers have designed. We’re expanding our gardens and planting seedlings for orchards with the increased water supply.”