Alien intrigue, p.21
Alien Intrigue, page 21
Peña extended a hand toward Lisa.
“It’s become apparent that our region of space will experience a difficult transition from Axis-ships to those of conclave design,” Lisa began. “I chose to approach Captain Hergis Samis for several reasons, none of which are relevant, at this time. The discussion was thorny, to say the least, but the captain promised to discuss the issues with the other captains.”
“During a meeting about traveler production and pilot training, we proposed an idea about another enterprise,” Peña continued. “The idea was that the sisters could support a slow transition of passenger and freight transfer between worlds.”
“Define slowly,” David Yewall requested.
“We would service the needs of Beta One and Two,” Peña replied.
“Then you would manage all travelers and goods to and from those two rim worlds,” David surmised.
“That’s correct,” Peña replied.
Samuel added the next part. He said, “The proposal was complicated by the suggestions to add Delhart and Kilmer. To which Cremsylon noted that covering five rim planets would require two carriers, at a minimum.”
“That’s when the request was made to Julien, without informing the Axis Crossing union,” Fillery Partus stated accusingly.
“Not accurate, Councilor,” Samuel corrected. “Lisa and I believed we had a logical and valuable means of helping with the monumental task of transitioning interworld transport. We’d set a meeting with Captain Hergis, and we were prepared to introduce the concept to him.”
Lisa lay a hand on Samuel’s forearm. She didn’t want him to have to admit to his ransacking of the Axis-ship’s computers for information. Although, she imagined it would become abundantly apparent to the SADEs and the sisters.
“During our meeting with the captain,” Lisa said, “we came into possession of alarming information. Councilors, did you know of the union’s financial peril?”
The councilors regarded one another, searching for an admission or a guilty face.
“Apparently not,” Claudia replied. “How bad is it?”
“The union is nearly broke,” Lisa replied.
“That can’t be,” Ramiro Ferraro objected. “The union makes a fortune. It runs a monopoly.”
“And that’s the problem,” Samuel responded. “The union has never had competition. Therefore, the captains were happy to maintain the status quo. They spend almost every credit they make on Axis-ship maintenance, which means they’re falling behind on repairing and replacing shuttles and bay equipment.”
Before other councilors could object or ask questions, Claudia held up a hand. “Let’s step back and see what the council has missed,” she requested.
David nodded, perceiving what Claudia was asking. “When was the last Axis-ship built?” he inquired of the other councilors.
It was immediately obvious that none of them knew.
“Is anyone privy to the union’s financial statements?” James Soisson asked the council.
Again, the councilors admitted they were clueless.
Claudia shook her head in disgust. “We were heading for an apocalypse of our making, and we never knew it,” she remarked. She scanned the faces of Lisa, Samuel, and Peña. “Are we in time to prevent a catastrophe?” she inquired.
“Depends on the answer Cremsylon received from Julien,” Samuel said, which caused all eyes to turn toward the eldest SADE.
“Assuredly,” Cremsylon said. “Although, Julien did not answer the query directly. He chose to appoint an individual to manage conclave operations in this area of space.”
The SADEs erupted in a cacophony of noise. Sisters suspected the reason for the SADEs’ reactions and joined the celebrations. However, human reactions varied.
Gat’r wore a big grin. As the noise died down, he said, “Congratulations, Cremsylon. We’ll all do well in your hands.”
“Is Gat’r correct?” Claudia asked.
“After Gat’r’s repairs, he’s become most astute,” Cremsylon replied.
“Then congratulations are in order,” Claudia said. “What does this mean for us?”
“First, it means humans will be stuck with the conclave for a long time,” Cremsylon said, smiling brightly.
“I can handle that,” Claudia replied, returning the smile.
“It’s time to stop developing this area of space in a piecemeal fashion,” Cremsylon said. “This is the reason that I invited all of you here.”
“Yes,” Shoya rejoiced. “Geneva, here we come.”
The laughter around the table was genuine.
“It’ll be a priority, Shoya,” Cremsylon assured her. “The first steps are to organize, determine priorities, and execute from the top down. Let it be understood that the council must be informed on a regular basis.”
“We appreciate that,” David said, “but I see one problem with that.”
“You’re slow,” Knut murmured.
“I wouldn’t have phrased it that way,” David replied, laughing. “But you’re not wrong.”
James added, “The council can’t lead the transition to conclave tech, if we’re not adopting it ourselves.”
“Are you two talking about implants?” Fillery asked, with a horrified expression.
“They are,” Claudia replied. “I want one too.”
“Count me in,” Ramiro said.
Eyes turned toward Fillery, and she exclaimed, “Not on your life!”
“We’ll see to those after midday meal,” Cremsylon said. “Peña, while I approve the return of the other carriers to the sisters, that won’t happen until we’ve a detailed operational plan, a defined enterprise, and a meeting with the Axis-ship union.”
“Understood and appreciated,” Peña responded.
“Cremsylon, we’ll need someone to teach us to use the implant,” James pointed out.
“You’ve got the best right here,” Shoya said, placing a possessive hand on Gat’r’s shoulder.
“Shoya might be biased, but she’s not wrong,” Knut interjected before anyone could speak. “You can ask the flight program’s cadets. They’ve nothing but good things to say about his training regimen.”
“I can’t take the credit,” Gat’r said. “The concept to accelerate implant adoption was invented a long time ago aboard the Rêveur.”
“I don’t think we’ve heard that name,” Ramiro said.
“It’s the derelict starship that Alex Racine rescued,” Cremsylon explained. “Julien was the SADE aboard the ship’s bridge.”
“That was when SADEs were still in boxes,” Violet said flatly.
“It’s not where we start. It’s what we do to make our circumstances better. Look at us,” Peña said, spreading her arms to indicate the entire table.
“I find Gat’r an acceptable instructor,” Claudia said. “Any objection from those receiving an implant?” She deliberately did not glance Fillery’s way.
“I must warn you,” Gat’r said, eyeing the four councilors. “Training sessions are mandatory. They take place in the late evening. When you’ve gotten some basic control, you’ll find yourselves on cadet teams.”
“Gat’r, you’ll have to make some accommodations for our busy schedules,” James objected. “Often, some of us will be unable to attend your sessions.”
Gat’r shrugged. “Then you don’t want me as the instructor,” he said. “Choose someone else.”
The four councilors gazed around the table. Impassive faces stared back.
“Apparently, skipping school isn’t an option,” Claudia said, eyeing James.
“I stand corrected,” James said. “Gat’r, I look forward to attending your training program.”
“I’ll collect you after the devices are installed,” Gat’r said. “We’ll have a one-hour orientation. Be good students, and don’t attempt to use the implants until I’m present.”
“Try them without instruction at your peril,” Shoya warned.
“Today, I want to set our organization,” Cremsylon said. “These individuals will be responsible for the direction of specific programs. Peña, Xena, Fatima, Shane, Merlie, and Yma will run the transport enterprise.”
“What of Juno?” Peña inquired.
Cremsylon smiled. “Tocknicka is the commander of Outpost Thirteen: Union,” he said. “I would suggest the sisters investigate this link. You’ll find his title exists outside the fleet. The commander is responsible to the conclave. As such, he must be equitable in his treatment of every individual who services the station and the system that he’s required to protect.”
“Then Juno and her sisters are already receiving some sort of compensation,” Fatima surmised.
“I find it highly likely,” Cremsylon replied. “If the enterprise leaders wish to set aside compensatory stipends for the Helgart sisters, then I suggest you put that in your business plan for Commodore mya Jaknas, who must approve it.”
“Good choice,” Shane commented, patting Dorsa’s hand.
Dorsa received a blast of clanging bells from Shane, and her lips quirked in a wry smile.
“Lisa and Samuel, your performance at Geneva was superb,” Cremsylon remarked. “I need you to do the same thing at Transit One. This region of space can’t afford to let a mining planet exist outside our uplift. Work through me to gain the resources you need to land. The entire council’s attendance might not be necessary, but that will be Councilor Hoffing’s choice.”
“What about Geneva?” Shoya asked.
Gat’r chose not to inform Shoya that she shouldn’t interrupt Cremsylon, but he didn’t have to bother.
Shoya received Cremsylon’s quiet stare. As the silence dragged on, she said, “Apologies, Cremsylon.”
“Apology accepted,” Cremsylon said kindly. “As I was about to say, this brings us to Geneva.”
Shoya ducked her head and glanced toward Gat’r, who raised his eyebrows, as if to say, “I could have told you so.”
“I wish our enterprise leaders to choose who will manage the resources on Geneva,” Cremsylon said. “A portion of the sisters from Beta One and Beta Two must be allotted to initiate the program. Up to one hundred more sisters can be created to drive the uplift.”
“Support?” Peña inquired.
“I’ve requested Captain Yerli sail the Norloth to Geneva,” Cremsylon said. “The captain will pass on my second message to Commander Tocknicka. I’ve informed him of my decision to return the sisters’ carriers. The Emergence will be made available to the Geneva uplift manager. When the transport enterprise is initiated, the carrier will be part of the service.”
“We need more ships, Cremsylon,” Dorsa said.
“Undoubtedly,” Cremsylon replied. “For the near future, the Alexander will have multiple duties. If necessary, we’ll borrow a Trident from the forces who guard the Krackus anomaly. However, I’ve news to share from the conclave. The organization’s president has approved Commander Tocknicka’s request for funds to build an orbital construction station.”
“Where is our order in the line of ships to be built?” Dorsa inquired.
“First,” Cremsylon replied with a broad smile.
Dorsa’s rapid high-pitched barks startled the council.
“Something’s funny,” David remarked. “Can you share, Commodore?”
“Assuredly, Councilor Yewall,” Dorsa replied. “The fleet has sailed deeper into Krackus space. Therefore, Tocknicka would ensure the station received the first one or two ships that the platform produced. The only way that we could receive one of the first ships, which I’m assuming will be a Quadrant, is Tocknicka is building a hub.”
“A hub?” Claudia queried.
Dorsa activated her palm holo-vid. Floating in the air was an image of an existing hub. A ship was emerging from one of the construction arms.
“That ship looks like the Alexander,” Ramiro said, looking for an affirmation from Cremsylon.
“It’s a Quadrant, Councilor,” Cremsylon affirmed.
Around the table, other private conversations took place.
Fatima sent to Peña,
“Well, I’m suitably impressed,” Knut said, indicating the holo-vid’s display with a finger. “However, I’d like to know why I’m here.”
“Knut,” Peña said quietly and kindly. “You’ve taught me more than I can say about human-sister relationships, and I thank you for that.”
“This sounds like goodbye,” Knut said. His face was tensely set.
“Never goodbye, Knut,” Peña replied. “However, your services have become critical to the entire region of human space.”
“You’ve heard what we’ve discussed this morning, Knut,” Fatima continued. “What aspect of our efforts is missing?”
“I’m not good at guessing games,” Knut grumbled.
“It’s the pilot training, Knut,” Samuel supplied. “The sisters’ enterprise will need travelers and pilots. It’s the council’s preference that these are to be human pilots.”
“That’ll require more than a hundred pilots. No offense, Councilors, but I’m not looking forward to being stuck on Naiad for that long,” Knut stated flatly.
“You wouldn’t be on Naiad,” Cremsylon interjected.
Knut regarded Cremsylon. “Okay, I give. Where would the training director be posted?” he asked.
“On Outpost Thirteen,” Cremsylon replied.
“Interesting location, but I still don’t want the position,” Knut responded.
“It was thought that you might not be impressed with that aspect of the job,” Cremsylon said.
Gat’r grinned at Cremsylon’s phrasing.
Knut caught Gat’r’s expression out of the corner of his eye, and he replayed Cremsylon’s words. “What would have been the other part of the job?” he inquired cautiously.
“Commander Tocknicka specifically requested you direct the human flight training program, which in time would be expanded to include other races,” Cremsylon replied. “As you review the cadets’ performances, you’d select the most qualified for the fighter academy.”
Knut’s grin was wide. “And the fighter academy would be under my purview?” he asked.
“Your skills have been demonstrated many times,” Cremsylon replied. “It’s my understanding that you’ve never been beaten in space or on the game consoles.”
“That’s true,” Shoya chimed in.
“Then you’d be the best qualified candidate to direct the academy,” Cremsylon said.
“You could have started with that and saved a lot of discussion,” Knut declared.
“As humans are fond of saying, where’s the fun in that?” Cremsylon returned.
Knut’s mouth gaped open. He hadn’t expected the SADE to take such an obviously human approach to tempting him with the position. Dimly, he heard the laughter and noise made by the conference participants. He did feel Shoya’s hug and kiss on his temple. Then he relented and grinned good-naturedly at Cremsylon. “Good one,” he admitted. Gesturing toward Shoya with a thumb, he added, “I’ll need to take my best cadet with me.”
“That was expected,” Cremsylon replied.
“And, naturally, the program will need an implant instructor,” Knut continued, which made Gat’r happy.
Shoya reached out and squeezed Gat’r’s hand.
“Of course,” Cremsylon said. “Anything else you require?”
“My own traveler?” Knut queried with an arch of an eyebrow.
“How long are you willing to work, Knut?” Cremsylon inquired.
“Perhaps, not that long,” Knut said, shrugging off the idea.
“If there’s no pressing business, the midday meal approaches, and our human guests might need our refreshers,” Cremsylon said.
Lisa pointed a finger at Emory. “You owe us,” she said definitively.
“That I do,” Emory replied. “If you’ll give me a few minutes, Violet will escort you to a bay.” Then he hurried out.
“What’s going on?” David whispered to Samuel.
“Emory has promised to show Lisa his Crocian avatar,” Samuel explained.
“Can I follow you, Lisa?” David asked.
In the end, Violet escorted every human and sister to the bay.
Emory was already ensconced in his Crocian avatar, and he waited behind a stack of crates. It wouldn’t fool anyone with an implant, but Violet had alerted him that the council accompanied her.
When Emory’s location app signaled every comm or implant was in the bay, he waddled from behind the crates and loosed a great bellow.
Unfortunately, it was too much for Fillery. She stared at the monstrous entity, passed out, and headed for a hard hit with the deck. However, Violet caught Fillery before the councilor could be injured.
As Fillery was at the rear of the group, the other humans, who were busy applauding Emory, hadn’t seen her faint.
“Oops,” Emory said through his maw of blunt teeth, and he pointed.
That’s when sisters and humans turned around to see Violet carrying a comatose Fillery out of the bay.
Lisa shrugged off Fillery’s reaction. “That’s an impressive avatar,” she said admiringly. “Is it indicative of your patriarch’s race?”
“It’s average size,” Emory replied, waddling in a circle to give his audience a full view. “There are individuals who mass thirty percent more and average another two-thirds of a meter higher.”
“And your race tends to be engineers?” Gat’r queried.
“Almost exclusively,” Emory replied. “We often seek to get off our planet. No one likes to visit our home world, and we don’t enjoy living there ourselves.”
When the group assembled for midday meal, Violet announced, “Councilor Fillery Partus has chosen to wait in the traveler for the council’s return to Naiad.”
