<What’s been done to the beam weapons?> Tatia inquired.
<Synced controllers on every beam pair to manage independent and coordinated sharing,> Cordelia sent. <Also, improved motors. The guns will target with greater accuracy and speed.>
<You list the ship’s controller,> Alex pointed out.
<Let me introduce you to Cremsylon,> Cordelia sent.
The group immediately noticed that the SADEs comm ID identified him as the city-ship’s controller. Heads swiveled to observe Alex’s reaction.
<I can imagine I’m a bit of a surprise,> Cremsylon sent.
<Tell me about yourself, Cremsylon,> Alex sent.
The SADE signaled to Cordelia that Alex’s response proved she knew the co-leader well. The rear admiral had told him that he wouldn’t be antagonistic. More than likely, Alex would demonstrate curiosity.
<To my knowledge, Ser, I’m the oldest SADE in existence,> Cremsylon sent. <There were three SADEs who preceded me from House Brixton, but they’ve not survived the rigors of their placements.>
<Why was that?> Renée inquired.
<The first series of SADEs were assigned starship freighter duty, Ser,> Cremsylon explained. <The Confederation depended on the freighters to transport supplies from Méridien to the new colonies. Early ships had their limitations, and this included weaknesses in navigational systems. One of my predecessors exited the ship into a comet. Another was resident aboard a freighter that disappeared. The disappearance was never investigated.>
<How do you account surviving the disasters that took the early SADEs?> Tatia asked.
<Fortune, Admiral, is the only answer I can offer,> Cremsylon replied.
<How old are you?> Maria asked.
<Three hundred seventy-one Méridien years, Envoy,> Cremsylon replied.
The stunned humans turned toward Julien and Oliver, who appeared to have been unaware of Cremsylon’s existence. The SADE was more than a hundred annuals older than the eldest SADE in Omnia or Haraken space.
<I think we’re ready for how you came to reside in the Freedom’s controller,> Alex sent.
<Apologies for interrupting, Alex,> Cordelia sent. <I took the ship’s controller offline the moment I was ready to present Cremsylon. He resides in a new kernel that has access to the city-ship’s structures.>
<Continue, Cremsylon,> Alex requested.
<The Confederation offered me several opportunities to end my service and adopt an avatar, Alex,> Cremsylon sent. <I was loath to do that. There came a time, when my ship was retired, and I was forced to accept an avatar. It was a horrendous experience.>
<Why?> Alex inquired.
<I’ve always had a ship between me and space,> Cremsylon replied. <Suddenly, only a thin shell separated me and my environment, which, at the time, was atmosphere. While I could control my emotional algorithms, I didn’t want to edit my code to reorient my hierarchy.>
<Why not?> Maria queried.
<Your pardon, Ser. If you reach my age, I think you’ll understand,> Cremsylon replied.
<Institutionalization,> Julien remarked.
<I’ve located the term, Julien. I would say that it adequately describes my condition,> Cremsylon sent.
<Alex,> Cordelia interjected, <Cremsylon arrived at Omnia in a box maintained by the Trident’s power. He was sent by Winston, who attached a message asking us to find a way to help Cremsylon. I’ve spoken with Cremsylon for months and find him a fortunate pairing with the Freedom.>
<Alex, I understand that my position is conditional and needs the approval of Omnia Ships’ leaders,> Cremsylon sent.
For one of the few times, Alex was unsure how to respond to a SADE. The city-ship had been controlled by Cordelia for decades, and the lives of him, his friends, and the crew were entrusted to her care. Rather than give or deny Cremsylon his permission, he sent, <How do you feel about your new home?>
This type of question was one that Cremsylon had never encountered until he’d spoken to Winston and later to Cordelia. Now a human, who was critical to his existence, had asked the same thing. He paused to take stock of his surroundings, of the enormous input available to him.
<I find the new experience expansive, Alex,> Cremsylon relayed with deep satisfaction. <I never envisioned having a ship of this caliber surround me.>
<The city-ship isn’t a freighter, Cremsylon,> Tatia sent. <Nor is it simply a passenger ship.>
<I take your point, Admiral,> Cremsylon replied. <I’ve studied the Freedom’s history. More to the point, I’ve examined Alex’s life in detail. This city-ship plays a dynamic role in the advancement of races. It transports individuals, who are critical players in the effort to bring peace to the galaxy.>
<As such, the Freedom has taken part in battles,> Tatia continued.
<In that particular situation, I think my situation would be similar to that of any biological,> Cremsylon reasoned. <Until the ship is engaged, I don’t know how I would acquit myself. However, Admiral, I can set your mind at ease about one thing. If I doubted my efforts, I would relinquish control to Cordelia, and if she requested control, it would be granted without exception.>
<What if the actions of the city-ship might cost you your life?> Renée asked.
<I would be a poor excuse for a sentient entity, if I begrudged the ship’s leaders the opportunity to continue what they’ve been doing for biological races and for my kind, especially after they’d given me the best residence I’ve ever inhabited. If their actions meant their lives and mine were sacrificed, so be it,> Cremsylon sent.
<Let’s hope it never comes to that,> Alex sent.
On private links, Renée and Julien sent their approvals, which Alex thought they might. He was still loath to make a remark about allowing Cremsylon a temporary home or a trial condition. Instead, he sent, <I look forward to continuing our conversation, Cremsylon, and I’m sorry that I’ll miss the opportunity to welcome you to Omnia Ships with a hug.> After which, Alex closed the links to the Freedom.
<Cordelia,> Cremsylon sent, <I’ve failed to determine Alex’s conclusion.>
<That’s because he didn’t reach one,> Cordelia explained.
<Everything that I’ve researched about the human has taught me that he’s a man who doesn’t waver in his convictions,> Cremsylon riposted. <Shouldn’t that speak to a habit of making his decisions known quickly?>
<You’re accustomed to starship captains, whose duties were repetitive and narrowly defined. We inhabit no such space, Cremsylon. As Julien is wont to say, we encounter more gray with every outing, and it must be the goal of every SADE to learn biological subtleties.>
<Then I must wait,> Cremsylon sent, with a bit of resignation.
<Negative,> Cordelia sent firmly. <I offer you two goals, Cremsylon. First, engage Alex whenever possible without becoming a nuisance.>
<When would this be best?> Cremsylon inquired.
<Alex frequently haunts the city-ships’ databases, often for historical or arcane data. Offer to help him in his searches. Occasionally ask him why he’s interested in the information.>
<Those types of questions would have perturbed my captains,> Cremsylon pointed out.
<Alex isn’t those individuals. He has an entirely different view of SADEs, which you’ll soon realize,> Cordelia replied. <There is a reason that most SADEs who leave the Confederation immigrate here.>
<Julien,> Cremsylon hazarded as a guess.
<If you mean that because he’s the SADE leader, you’d be only partially correct,> Cordelia sent.
Cremsylon waited for further clarification, but Cordelia deemed to say nothing more. In ticks of time, he reviewed Alex’s history. Only one aspect of Alex’s life might apply. <Is it because Alex rescued Julien and the Méridiens?> he queried.
<Right event; wrong conclusion,> Cordelia sent.
<I’ll ponder what I haven’t perceived,> Cremsylon promised. <What is the other goal that you would offer?>
<Get an avatar, and get it soon,> Cordelia sent. When Cremsylon didn’t imm
ediately reply, she added, <Consider inhabiting an avatar and staying resident in the city-ship.>
<That would seem to reduce my efficiency,> Cremsylon pointed out.
<In terms of SADE efficacy, it would have a slight effect, but in biological time, the difference would be negligible,> Cordelia replied. <More to the point, an Alex hug isn’t to be missed. Ask any SADE who’s received a human’s hug. Your emotional algorithms and hierarchy are forever transformed.>
Aboard the Our People, Alex’s audience quietly watched for his reaction to the news about Cremsylon.
“That had to be unexpected,” Maria murmured.
To which Tatia laughed, her deep tones filling the room. She pointed at Renée and Julien and said, “That’s been the story of our lives ever since we met these two.”
Alex leaned toward Renée and kissed her hair. “You take the good with the exciting.”
“Funny, I’ve never heard it phrased that way,” Maria said.
“Newly repurposed,” Alex replied with a grin.
While en route to Omnia, Alex requested a special meeting of the planet’s assembly. When his traveler touched down, Renée, Julien, Maria, Oliver, Tanistok, Lydia, and he quickly made their way up the steps of the grand building and into its cool interior to escape the heat of the day.
Before the assembly representatives were called to order, Alex visited with old friends, such as Nyslara, Pussiro, Trixie, and Wave Skimmer.
The giant Swei Swee’s mood was ebullient at the sight of Alex. When Alex whistled his greeting, Wave Skimmer shot a squirt of water at Alex, who managed to dodge most of it. Afterward, fists and claws pounded each other in the traditional exchange.
The assembly hall was prepared to accommodate every species on Omnia and up to one hundred representatives. At this time, the reps numbered eighteen, and Alex was reminded of his thoughts about impeding Omnia’s growth. He’d worried for many annuals what the presence of his fleets might be doing to keep others away.
<Focus on the conclave, my love,> Renée sent, when she saw the frown form on her partner’s brow.
Alex squeezed Renée’s hand, as he was announced. Taking the stage, Alex talked at length about the encounters in federacy and alliance space. He spoke of the many races, and the economic advantages of trade and technology exchange. Then he announced the possibility of Messinant domes at Sol and the human colonies.
Julien sat near Wave Skimmer’s pool and translated for the Swei Swee.
“While the possibility exists, reengineering domes isn’t a reality, as of yet,” Alex said. “But I did suggest to Mickey that I’d like to have some.”
The audience laughed, barked, and whistled at the phrasing of the informal request to Alex’s formidable engineer.
A shrill whistle caught the members’ attentions. With their implants, they could translate Wave Skimmer’s query. However, the only human who had mastered the ability to speak the Swei Swee language was Alex.
“Yes, you could travel via the gates, Wave Skimmer,” Alex whistled. “However, the platform would accommodate only one of your race at a time. Perhaps, dieting would help.”
Wave Skimmer tweeted at the thought that his race would choose to forgo food for the sake of visiting other worlds.
Then Alex announced Sol’s hosting of a conclave.
Heads turned to observe Maria and Oliver in the gallery.
“Yes, New Terra has sent Envoy Gonzalez and Oliver as delegates to the conclave,” Alex said.
“Who will be invited?” Pussiro inquired.
“Every colony occupied by humans and other races, the alliance’s Tsargit, and I’ve sent an invitation to Talus in federacy space,” Alex replied.
“Why the limited number?” Nyslara asked. “You encountered more races than that.”
“Manageability,” Alex replied. “The first conclave will be a proving ground for the acceptance of mutual goals. I hope for delegates’ respect for one another, but I expect difficulties.”
“How many representatives from Omnia?” Trixie asked.
“I would like every race to be represented, and I require a SADE accompany every biological,” Alex replied.
Heads turned toward Wave Skimmer.
“Every race is invited,” Alex repeated.
Wave Skimmer loosed a complex series of whistles and tweets, which left Julien speechless.
Alex chuckled. His gigantic ocean-dwelling friend’s comment referenced a conversation they’d had many annuals ago. Then Alex replied with an equally involved response.
“Take some company, Wave Skimmer, preferably two accomplished males,” Alex whistled. “Understand, Earth’s oceans teem with fish and intelligent mammals, but they also support creatures dangerous to the Swei Swee.”
Wave Skimmer burbled his delight and raised his claws, which he clacked loudly.
“I’ve one delegate,” Alex announced in an antic fashion. “Do I have another?”
Nyslara and Pussiro barked at Alex’s imitation of a Dischnya selling produce in the market.
“Pussiro and I wouldn’t miss your grand meeting,” Nyslara announced. “Are there others who resemble us?”
Alex sent a flurry of images to the Omnia representatives of the many aliens who he’d seen and some that Jess and Lucia had collected.
After a quick conference with her kind, Trixie said, “I’m selected to represent the SADEs, Alex. Which fleet will sail to Sol?”
“Eventually, both fleets will be present at Sol for the conclave. You may have your choice of city-ships,” Alex replied, and his grin broadened. There was no doubt that Trixie would be delighted to spend time with her partner, Hector.
Alex noticed the five human representatives were quiet, and he calculated that they were discussing who would attend. He sent them a private message. It said, <If there’s no objection, I would like to request Barden Jacinto represent the human population. After the conclave, I would like to offer Barden the opportunity to visit a Jatouche medical station.>
Barden was stunned, and his compatriots sent their congratulations or patted him on the shoulder. Annuals ago, Barden had an accident, which had heavily scarred his face and destroyed his eyesight. The scars had been removed, but nanites couldn’t replace the optical material that had been burned away.
Omnian SADEs and tech had provided Barden the best solution available. He wore special goggles that delivered images to his implant.
Those in the gallery and the other races had observed the interactions with Barden. Then they saw him duck his head and cradle his forehead in his hands. It was easy for them to guess what Alex had done.
Renée’s eyes glistened, and Julien privately sent to her, <Indeed, we were fortunate to be rescued by this massive entity,> which made Renée snort with laughter.
“Prepare for transport,” Alex said. “You’ll be gone the better part of an annual. The Our People will be your ship, and when it’s ready, you’ll sail for Pyre. Hector will notify you of the schedule.”
<Alex, Tanistok wishes to meet with many of those present, and she also wants to know if you’ll be resident on the Our People,> Lydia sent.
<She’s in your charge, Lydia. You’ve done a marvelous job with her education. Do what you think best,> Alex sent. <As to the latter request, the leaders will be transferring to the Freedom. I want Tanistok to get to know the Omnia and New Terra representatives.>
<Understood, Alex,> Lydia replied. Then she led Tanistok toward Wave Skimmer. The diminutive Jatouche had professed a desire to meet with the alien who appeared to be special to Alex.
<Cordelia, Hector, we’re transferring to the Freedom and then immediately sailing for Haraken,> Alex sent. <Hector, you’ll need to prepare a bay for Wave Skimmer and two other male Swei Swee. Cordelia can direct you in accommodating them. Replace the airlock so they’re able to exit and enter at will. When you’re ready, make for Pyre
. Collect whatever leaders the outpost has managed to entice to the enclave. Then sail for Sol. Stay in orbit over Earth with all individuals aboard until I arrive.>
<Acknowledged, Alex,> Hector sent.
From Cordelia, Alex heard the bright shimmering of silver bells. It was a thank you for choosing to transfer the leaders to her city-ship. Julien and she would be together for a lengthy trip.
15: Talus
The Trident squadrons of Descartes exited their transit above Toral. Immediately, the controllers divided the local area and the system’s periphery into sections for the ships’ antennae to collect telemetry.
<We’ve foreign battleships well inside the far rim at forty-four degrees to our approach, Commodore,> Étienne reported.
Descartes and the captains focused on the huge ships.
<No power,> Descartes notes. <They’re adrift and headed inward.>
<One is a colony defender,> Étienne added. <The other three appear to be of a different build. They entered on a slightly different vector.>
The SADE waited for sufficient data to be collected before he added, <Perhaps from different worlds. All four ships are on approach to Toral.>
<Greetings, Commodore Descartes and captains,> the entire command received.
<Greetings, Admiral Taralum,> Descartes replied to the Toralian commander of the Talus battleship wedge. <Have you had challenges?>
Taralum’s leathery wings fluttered, and the Omnians heard the soft hiss of breath through pointed teeth. <Depend on Omnians to characterize the continued harassment of races with powerful ships as challenges,> Taralum sent.
<Your implant control is superb, Admiral,> Étienne sent.
<Thank you, Captain de Long,> Taralum sent. <President Sargut insisted that everyone practice. The sisters supported our efforts with nightly games. It seems to have been invented by your leaders.>
<Then we can expect a high degree of proficiency from most contacts,> Étienne offered.
<Assuredly,> Taralum replied.
Descartes listened to the casual manner in which his senior captain had eased into conversation with the admiral. The SADE had the thought that he needed to adopt these techniques, especially in light of the possibility that the future might require less fighting and more diplomacy.