Allied enemies, p.10
Allied Enemies, page 10
the SADE sent before she left the cabin.
At Erastal, a large group boarded a traveler for the construction platform. When they exited the shuttle, an even larger group consisting of the director and many engineers and techs waited for them.
“Welcome,” the director said enthusiastically. Then he faltered. He didn’t recognize any of the conclave visitors.
“New guests,” Queslert, the senior engineer, said, stepping forward to shake hands. “We’re ready to have you review our work.” Then he noticed Iltaft rubbing her temple. “Are you well, Director Iltaft?” Queslert asked solicitously.
“With rest, I’ll be my usual self,” Iltaft replied.
“According to Iltaft’s trainer, she overextended herself with her new implant,” Lemtaca said.
Queslert and many of the engineers and techs surged forward.
“You have an implant?” Queslert queried in surprise.
“Yes,” Iltaft said proudly, pulling her hand away from her temple.
“Does the implant hurt you?” an engineer asked suspiciously.
“It’s my fault,” Iltaft replied. “I’ve been told to take it slowly, but there’s so much to learn from the conclave. Apparently, overuse leads to temporary headaches. They recede when you shut down the apps and rest.”
The engineers and techs laughed in relief. Pushing the limits of knowledge consumption was something they understood.
Mila inquired of Iltaft through the implants.
Iltaft replied. Her thought sounded like a student who had run afoul of the professor.
Mila sent. When Iltaft gave her a stricken look, she laughed.
It was obvious to the Queller audience that Iltaft had already achieved enough control of her implant to have a mental discussion with a human.
Queslert felt a prod in his back. In response, he focused on the junior elders and inquired, “Is there any reason that we can’t request one?”
“Wymron has given his permission that Quellers may inquire. However, it is up to the conclave to approve them,” Ergatisa replied.
“How many wish an implant?” Kelley asked.
Every engineer and tech in attendance raised a hand. Slowly, the director and the junior elders did too.
Juno sent privately to Kelley.
Kelley replied.
Juno replied.
the senior-ranked Trident captain sent.
Kelley requested that the Trident crews inspect the ships, and Queslert happily led the way.
the other captain requested of Kelley.
Kelley returned.
Mila requested to be connected to a SADE when she loaded a controller in a traveler.
Afterward, the SADE inquired,
Mila gushed.
the SADE replied.
Mila grinned at the SADE and punched her lightly on the arm. she retorted, which had the SADE laughing aloud.
This time, the Quellers were witness to an exchange between human and SADE that had taken place privately and had resulted in an enjoyable moment for both.
After the controllers ran the ships’ tests, the Tridents and six of the travelers were pronounced as error free. The two other travelers needed a total of seven minor adjustments.
Still, the Queller engineers and techs were crestfallen.
“By the time you’re accomplished with your implants, you’ll be able to install controllers and test the ships for yourself,” Kelley said, which mollified the Quellers.
When the traveler corrections were made, the Trident captains said farewell. They and the crews boarded their ships, sailed near the Liberation, and loaded supplies. Afterward, they launched for the Imperium-Queller boundary to patrol the area.
Then the platform director met with the Queller representatives and the conclave members.
“We’ve received instructions from Wymron that the platform is to direct every resource to conclave ship production,” Ergatisa announced.
“But what of the QASAP ships?” the director exclaimed.
“As much as I had looked forward to programming the ships with my new implant and a controller, I’ve come to realize that QASAP ships might be obsolete,” Iltaft said. She appeared dismayed, and Mila patted her forearm.
“Krackus expansion has brought the Imperium to our frontier,” Lemtaca explained. “The conclave warships are the only things preventing the Krackus from finding our worlds, and the admiral’s fleet needs as many ships as it can get.”
“Now there’s a new player,” Juno said. “An enormous alien warship has been seen at the boundary. It’s thought to be a colony ship that might have become a raider.”
“We do have a second hall that can be converted to conclave ship production,” Queslert volunteered. “It would take us some time to install the new line. Unless ...” As his voice trailed off, he bared his broad teeth in a conspiratorial grin.
“I’ve requested SADEs support your engineers,” Kelley said, sharing a smile.
“Excellent,” Queslert replied. “And what about the implants?”
“That’ll be accomplished aboard the Liberation,” Kelley said.
“How many will be implanted?” Juno inquired.
The director interrupted and said, “There’s a limit that we should observe.”
“I insist that only those who have an implant and have been conclave trained will work in the two halls,” Queslert responded determinedly.
The director regarded Queslert. If he expected the senior engineer to back down, it didn’t happen. Finally, the director grunted his assent.
“At what rate should the eligible transfer to your ship?” Queslert asked Kelley.
“Organize everyone. We’ll load one or two travelers, and you can enjoy the Liberation while we take care of them,” Kelley replied.
“I can’t have engineers and techs out for an extended amount of time,” the director declared.
Iltaft grunted humorously. “You could take a long nap, and the conclave will be done with your workers by then,” she said.
The director eyed Kelley and Juno hopefully.
Juno chuckled, and said, “Perhaps not in that amount of time, Director, but closer to that than what you fear.”
For the Queller engineers and techs who would work in the two halls and the Liberation crew, the following weeks were busy.
Many of the platform workers enjoyed spending off time aboard the conclave ship. The races often dined together, and their communication was facilitated by the controller and was punctuated by energetic pantomiming. As such, the dining rooms were filled with laughter, whistles, grunts, and shrieks.
For reasons yet to be understood, the Queller engineers and techs were quick to adopt their implants. Only Lemtaca and Ergatisa seemed to need more time and more rest between lessons.
The SADEs installed a controller on the platform to facilitate communications. As well, they created a private folder for Queslert. It contained a copy of the ship controller that would be installed when the vessels were ready.
Nearly a month from the date of the Liberation’s arrival, every worker was requested to return to the platform, and the conclave foursome bid goodbye to the director and Queslert. Then the Liberation set sail for Helgart with the Queller representatives.
∞
Iltaft sent. She’d conferenced Lemtaca and Ergatisa before she linked with Kelley.
Kelley replied.
Lemtaca inquired.
Kelley replied.
Iltaft pressed.
Kelley replied.
Ergatisa asked.
Kelley responded. When he didn’t hear anything from the Quellers, he added,
Iltaft surmised.
Kelley queried.
Again, there was a distinct pause, which Kelley took to mean yes. he said to ease their anxiety.
Iltaft replied.
Kelley thought that Iltaft had spoken to her companions, as if to say they would do what’s necessary.
Tocknicka heard from the Trident senior captain, whose squadron was stationed on the rim in the direction of the Juno anomaly, that the Liberation had returned. He paused for ticks of time to consider the possibilities. Having generated too many ideas, he chose to return to his duties until facts could be obtained.
On the hub, Morgoth, Minimalist, and Luther received the same announcement.
Morgoth quipped, which had the SADEs creating vids of Mila’s wanton destruction.
When the Liberation transited from the anomaly’s mouth to exit the dark above Helgart, Kelley linked to Tocknicka.
Kelley sent.
When Tocknicka heard Kelley’s formal tones, he replied,
Across the Helgart system, deep satisfaction was felt. The Queller first contact was only possible because of Samuel’s diligence while on Naiad. Then Julien had laid the groundwork for an alliance that had culminated in the senior elder sending representatives to the outpost.
Tocknicka and other senior outpost officers were in the corridor to meet the Quellers when they exited their ship. Immediately, they detected the bio IDs of the three Queller implants.
a Hyronzy security major sent privately to Tocknicka.
Tocknicka returned.
When the traveler passengers entered the corridor, Kelley made formal introductions.
Tocknicka sent.
The Liberation group was led to a conference room.
In the room, Lemtaca made the request that the Queller race wished to join the conclave.
Then the Quellers received a link to a data folder on the station’s controller.
Tocknicka sent.
Ergatisa replied.
Then Juno led the Quellers to their cabins.
Iltaft sent.
Juno replied.
The Quellers received a link to the station’s personnel list with their titles and their backgrounds.
Iltaft grunted in satisfaction. she sent.
The Quellers spent many cycles in virtual conferences with SADEs to understand the conclave relationship. The financial exchange intrigued them, as did the possibility of a dome with multiple gates. However, the responsibility to protect other conclave races frightened them.
Lemtaca sent on the latter subject.
Tocknicka responded.
When the Quellers were ready, they called Tocknicka and told him they were prepared to take their first journey through the gates. Their trepidation eased when they realized that Kelley, Juno, Gaylene, and Mila would accompany them.
The journeyers to Earth ascended a platform, which was a quantum-linked gate.
Iltaft wasn’t too proud to reach for Mila’s hand just before blue light emanated from the platform and speared the dome. She’d just been about to ask if she’d feel anything. Then, suddenly, she was on another platform in the midst of a busy dome. Aliens of all sorts walked, crawled, fluttered, or were moved in liquid tanks.
The outpost foursome urged the Quellers off the platform to make way for the next journeyers.
The veteran conclave members recognized a new race, and they touched hearts and tipped their heads to the Quellers.
Ergatisa remarked to his companions.
Kelley directed a traveler pilot to take Earth’s new guests to a few places on the planet’s surface.
This was no longer the Earthers’ home world that the Harakens had seen under Alex Racine. Centuries of rehabilitation had transformed the world. Oceans, lakes, rivers, and wetlands had been reclaimed. Forests had been replanted, and lost species were cultivated with the help of Méridien geneticists.
Juno asked Kelley, as they stood on the shore and watched waves roll toward a stretch of sand.
Kelley replied.
The group walked among giant redwoods and observed brown bears from a safe distance.
Lemtaca had asked nervously, as he eyed a massive male bear.
Kelley responded.
Kelley took the group to several other restored sites that demonstrated the work that Earthers had done to reclaim their planet’s beauty.
When the appointment time drew near, a traveler flew them to the conclave hall, where the Queller representatives met with the president.
After introductions, the president sent,
Iltaft quipped.
The Norsitchian president barked his laughter.
The Quellers heard a sound similar to those made by a few of the residents, and they grinned.
the president continued.
Lemtaca interjected.
the president sent.
Ergatisa inquired.
the president replied.
It was as Kelley said. The conclave had strict entry rules. Although, they didn’t doubt him. They had to hear it from the president.
the president asked.
Iltaft quickly volunteered. However, the president’s eyes had glanced left and right of her. Turning quickly to eye Lemtaca and then Ergatisa, she saw them looking at her. Suddenly, she was stricken with fear.
The president’s barking laughter was muted. he sent.
Iltaft protested.
Ergatisa sent gently,
Lemtaca added and placed a companionly hand on Iltaft’s shoulder.
the president sent,
The president had a midday meal with the visitors. Then he left them to attend to his duties. Most of the group clamored to see more of Earth, and they spent three full cycles visiting some of the more unusual sights.
Gaylene and Mila elected to go diving on a reef, and they were wide-eyed when they surfaced.
Mila sent.
Too soon for humans and Quellers, the group stood on a gate platform. This time, Iltaft squeezed Mila’s hand and sent,
At Erastal, a large group boarded a traveler for the construction platform. When they exited the shuttle, an even larger group consisting of the director and many engineers and techs waited for them.
“Welcome,” the director said enthusiastically. Then he faltered. He didn’t recognize any of the conclave visitors.
“New guests,” Queslert, the senior engineer, said, stepping forward to shake hands. “We’re ready to have you review our work.” Then he noticed Iltaft rubbing her temple. “Are you well, Director Iltaft?” Queslert asked solicitously.
“With rest, I’ll be my usual self,” Iltaft replied.
“According to Iltaft’s trainer, she overextended herself with her new implant,” Lemtaca said.
Queslert and many of the engineers and techs surged forward.
“You have an implant?” Queslert queried in surprise.
“Yes,” Iltaft said proudly, pulling her hand away from her temple.
“Does the implant hurt you?” an engineer asked suspiciously.
“It’s my fault,” Iltaft replied. “I’ve been told to take it slowly, but there’s so much to learn from the conclave. Apparently, overuse leads to temporary headaches. They recede when you shut down the apps and rest.”
The engineers and techs laughed in relief. Pushing the limits of knowledge consumption was something they understood.
It was obvious to the Queller audience that Iltaft had already achieved enough control of her implant to have a mental discussion with a human.
Queslert felt a prod in his back. In response, he focused on the junior elders and inquired, “Is there any reason that we can’t request one?”
“Wymron has given his permission that Quellers may inquire. However, it is up to the conclave to approve them,” Ergatisa replied.
“How many wish an implant?” Kelley asked.
Every engineer and tech in attendance raised a hand. Slowly, the director and the junior elders did too.
Kelley requested that the Trident crews inspect the ships, and Queslert happily led the way.
Mila requested to be connected to a SADE when she loaded a controller in a traveler.
Afterward, the SADE inquired,
Mila grinned at the SADE and punched her lightly on the arm.
This time, the Quellers were witness to an exchange between human and SADE that had taken place privately and had resulted in an enjoyable moment for both.
After the controllers ran the ships’ tests, the Tridents and six of the travelers were pronounced as error free. The two other travelers needed a total of seven minor adjustments.
Still, the Queller engineers and techs were crestfallen.
“By the time you’re accomplished with your implants, you’ll be able to install controllers and test the ships for yourself,” Kelley said, which mollified the Quellers.
When the traveler corrections were made, the Trident captains said farewell. They and the crews boarded their ships, sailed near the Liberation, and loaded supplies. Afterward, they launched for the Imperium-Queller boundary to patrol the area.
Then the platform director met with the Queller representatives and the conclave members.
“We’ve received instructions from Wymron that the platform is to direct every resource to conclave ship production,” Ergatisa announced.
“But what of the QASAP ships?” the director exclaimed.
“As much as I had looked forward to programming the ships with my new implant and a controller, I’ve come to realize that QASAP ships might be obsolete,” Iltaft said. She appeared dismayed, and Mila patted her forearm.
“Krackus expansion has brought the Imperium to our frontier,” Lemtaca explained. “The conclave warships are the only things preventing the Krackus from finding our worlds, and the admiral’s fleet needs as many ships as it can get.”
“Now there’s a new player,” Juno said. “An enormous alien warship has been seen at the boundary. It’s thought to be a colony ship that might have become a raider.”
“We do have a second hall that can be converted to conclave ship production,” Queslert volunteered. “It would take us some time to install the new line. Unless ...” As his voice trailed off, he bared his broad teeth in a conspiratorial grin.
“I’ve requested SADEs support your engineers,” Kelley said, sharing a smile.
“Excellent,” Queslert replied. “And what about the implants?”
“That’ll be accomplished aboard the Liberation,” Kelley said.
“How many will be implanted?” Juno inquired.
The director interrupted and said, “There’s a limit that we should observe.”
“I insist that only those who have an implant and have been conclave trained will work in the two halls,” Queslert responded determinedly.
The director regarded Queslert. If he expected the senior engineer to back down, it didn’t happen. Finally, the director grunted his assent.
“At what rate should the eligible transfer to your ship?” Queslert asked Kelley.
“Organize everyone. We’ll load one or two travelers, and you can enjoy the Liberation while we take care of them,” Kelley replied.
“I can’t have engineers and techs out for an extended amount of time,” the director declared.
Iltaft grunted humorously. “You could take a long nap, and the conclave will be done with your workers by then,” she said.
The director eyed Kelley and Juno hopefully.
Juno chuckled, and said, “Perhaps not in that amount of time, Director, but closer to that than what you fear.”
For the Queller engineers and techs who would work in the two halls and the Liberation crew, the following weeks were busy.
Many of the platform workers enjoyed spending off time aboard the conclave ship. The races often dined together, and their communication was facilitated by the controller and was punctuated by energetic pantomiming. As such, the dining rooms were filled with laughter, whistles, grunts, and shrieks.
For reasons yet to be understood, the Queller engineers and techs were quick to adopt their implants. Only Lemtaca and Ergatisa seemed to need more time and more rest between lessons.
The SADEs installed a controller on the platform to facilitate communications. As well, they created a private folder for Queslert. It contained a copy of the ship controller that would be installed when the vessels were ready.
Nearly a month from the date of the Liberation’s arrival, every worker was requested to return to the platform, and the conclave foursome bid goodbye to the director and Queslert. Then the Liberation set sail for Helgart with the Queller representatives.
∞
Again, there was a distinct pause, which Kelley took to mean yes.
Kelley thought that Iltaft had spoken to her companions, as if to say they would do what’s necessary.
Tocknicka heard from the Trident senior captain, whose squadron was stationed on the rim in the direction of the Juno anomaly, that the Liberation had returned. He paused for ticks of time to consider the possibilities. Having generated too many ideas, he chose to return to his duties until facts could be obtained.
On the hub, Morgoth, Minimalist, and Luther received the same announcement.
When the Liberation transited from the anomaly’s mouth to exit the dark above Helgart, Kelley linked to Tocknicka.
When Tocknicka heard Kelley’s formal tones, he replied,
Across the Helgart system, deep satisfaction was felt. The Queller first contact was only possible because of Samuel’s diligence while on Naiad. Then Julien had laid the groundwork for an alliance that had culminated in the senior elder sending representatives to the outpost.
Tocknicka and other senior outpost officers were in the corridor to meet the Quellers when they exited their ship. Immediately, they detected the bio IDs of the three Queller implants.
When the traveler passengers entered the corridor, Kelley made formal introductions.
The Liberation group was led to a conference room.
In the room, Lemtaca made the request that the Queller race wished to join the conclave.
Then the Quellers received a link to a data folder on the station’s controller.
Tocknicka sent.
Then Juno led the Quellers to their cabins.
The Quellers received a link to the station’s personnel list with their titles and their backgrounds.
Iltaft grunted in satisfaction. she sent.
The Quellers spent many cycles in virtual conferences with SADEs to understand the conclave relationship. The financial exchange intrigued them, as did the possibility of a dome with multiple gates. However, the responsibility to protect other conclave races frightened them.
When the Quellers were ready, they called Tocknicka and told him they were prepared to take their first journey through the gates. Their trepidation eased when they realized that Kelley, Juno, Gaylene, and Mila would accompany them.
The journeyers to Earth ascended a platform, which was a quantum-linked gate.
Iltaft wasn’t too proud to reach for Mila’s hand just before blue light emanated from the platform and speared the dome. She’d just been about to ask if she’d feel anything. Then, suddenly, she was on another platform in the midst of a busy dome. Aliens of all sorts walked, crawled, fluttered, or were moved in liquid tanks.
The outpost foursome urged the Quellers off the platform to make way for the next journeyers.
The veteran conclave members recognized a new race, and they touched hearts and tipped their heads to the Quellers.
Kelley directed a traveler pilot to take Earth’s new guests to a few places on the planet’s surface.
This was no longer the Earthers’ home world that the Harakens had seen under Alex Racine. Centuries of rehabilitation had transformed the world. Oceans, lakes, rivers, and wetlands had been reclaimed. Forests had been replanted, and lost species were cultivated with the help of Méridien geneticists.
The group walked among giant redwoods and observed brown bears from a safe distance.
Kelley took the group to several other restored sites that demonstrated the work that Earthers had done to reclaim their planet’s beauty.
When the appointment time drew near, a traveler flew them to the conclave hall, where the Queller representatives met with the president.
After introductions, the president sent,
The Norsitchian president barked his laughter.
The Quellers heard a sound similar to those made by a few of the residents, and they grinned.
It was as Kelley said. The conclave had strict entry rules. Although, they didn’t doubt him. They had to hear it from the president.
The president’s barking laughter was muted.
The president had a midday meal with the visitors. Then he left them to attend to his duties. Most of the group clamored to see more of Earth, and they spent three full cycles visiting some of the more unusual sights.
Gaylene and Mila elected to go diving on a reef, and they were wide-eyed when they surfaced.
Too soon for humans and Quellers, the group stood on a gate platform. This time, Iltaft squeezed Mila’s hand and sent,
