“Why would they stay within their domes? Don’t they breathe the same air we do?” Scarlet Mandator inquired.
<They do, but their oxygen levels have been dropping considerably,> Alex explained. <I was required to wear a device to prevent passing out, and your air is richer than I require.>
“What would happen when an Elvian breathed our air?” Scarlet Mandator queried.
<I don’t know the Elvians’ original gas mixtures,> Alex replied. <The domes would restore a level of oxygen that allowed the Elvians to safely exert themselves. If they did encounter increased partial pressures of oxygen, then hyperoxia would result. This is an excess of oxygen in the body. It’s a dangerous condition if the exposure is lengthy.>
“Then the Elvians could never leave their domes,” Scarlet Mandator beamed, and the frond pairs gently flexed.
Killian quickly sent, <Dassata, opening and closing of the pairs equates to a moment of realization often coupled with hope.>
<I think that would be up to the Ollassa,> Alex sent. <If the levels of oxygen saturation were slowly increased over time, then the Elvians could become accustomed to living outside the domes.>
“How much time?” Scarlet Mandator inquired.
<I would think generations,> Alex replied.
“Then we have the start of conditions that I think would be acceptable to the other mandators. To me, they’re eminently acceptable,” Scarlet Mandator replied, and Alex noted the fluttering of fronds.
<Any other conditions that the mandators required?> Alex asked.
“There is one other, and I agree with it,” Scarlet Mandator beamed. “The fighters, drones as you call them, must be neutralized.”
<This is already underway,> Alex sent.
“Will this be dangerous to Omnians?” the mandator asked.
Alex didn’t need a translation of the trembling front stalks. Scarlet Mandator was worried that all their planning would be for naught if the Omnians were themselves destroyed. Despite that possibility, Alex was pleased to hear that the remaining condition was one that could be met.
<We intend to tempt the Deloy into attacking us with most of the ship’s fleet,> Alex replied.
The mandator’s front stalks continued to tremble. “I’m hopeful that they’re few in number,” the mandator remarked.
<One hundred and twenty-three to be precise,> Alex replied, <but Vyztram and I will seek to preserve some of these for other uses.>
“What would be these uses?” Scarlet Mandator inquired. The stalks stopped shaking, and the bloom rotated slightly.
<Dassata, a rotating bloom suggests an Ollassa is curious. It can also be interpreted as believing information is being excluded,> Killian sent.
Alex swiftly replied, <The Elvians need the drones to power the domes. The good thing about them is that they won’t pollute the World of Light.>
“This is valuable information,” the mandator said, and the bloom rotated to its normal position, which placed the slightly larger petals at the top.
<We’ll be taking a drone’s power core with us,> Alex added. He had a specific purpose for saying this, and he waited for Scarlet Mandator’s reaction.
The mandator mulled Alex’s statement. The thought occurred that the Omnians might be taking a piece of the Elvians to remind them of their encounter, but the Omnians hadn’t taken anything from the World of Light the first time. Then a different idea occurred to the mandator. Stalks extended, fronds flexed, and the bloom tipped up.
“This portion of Elvian technology is new to Omnians,” Scarlet Mandator suggested.
<This technology and others,> Alex replied.
“Then the Elvians represent a superior race with which the Ollassa might ally,” Scarlet Mandator proposed.
<I must inform you that Vyztram tells me that some of the technology, such as the power cores, was already installed in the ship and the drones, when the AI arrived. The information to recreate this technology isn’t present in Vyztram’s memory,> Alex corrected.
“This makes the Elvians less dangerous and more willing to be cooperative,” Scarlet Mandator mused.
<I’d agree,> Alex sent. <There’s every reason for the Elvians to work with the Ollassa to build a strong spacefaring relationship.>
Scarlet Mandator thought of the Life Givers’ final messages: new walker, numerous lights, Life Givers, share pods, and embrace fauna. The sum of the messages directed the Ollassa to assume a place among the stars, and Alex was helping the Ollassa achieve the Life Givers’ goals. A benevolent animal indeed, the mandator thought.
“A final subject to discuss, Alex,” Scarlet Mandator said. “You noted that the Elvians’ ship is failing. Can it be salvaged? It is capable of sailing into the beyond?”
<The ship’s hull and interior structural components appear to be solid,> Alex explained. <I discovered the Elvians are struggling to repair their life support systems. Again, some of the technology is either not within Vyztram’s memory or the Elvians haven’t the equipment or material to generate new parts.>
“Do you think the Elvians will be able to repair their ship in time?” Scarlet Mandator inquired.
<In time, yes,> Alex replied. <If your next question was would they board their ship and depart the Worlds of Light, then I believe the answer would depend on the way they were treated by the Ollassa.>
Stalks settled and fronds partially closed. The mandator considered what had been learned. The pieces were falling into place. At this point, Scarlet Mandator was unconcerned whether the other mandators accepted the compromise.
“Is our fear disadvantaging us?” Scarlet Mandator asked.
<In what way?> Alex replied.
“In the event of an attack from beyond, the drones could be valuable for our protection. Yet, we’re seeking to have them destroyed or neutralized,” the mandator explained.
<You make a good point,> Alex replied, <but only a small number of the drones can be saved. The Deloy will want to see a full measure of them attacking us. Hopefully, she’ll be too busy celebrating to notice some are missing. However, I think the final decision is up to you. You should know that Vyztram is the only entity that can launch the drones. There will be time for you to meet the AI before the surviving drones are dismantled. But, to set some number aside, I have to collude with Vyztram to prevent this group of drones from being involved in the attack.>
“I’ll inform the mandators of our discussions, Alex,” Scarlet Mandator beamed. “They’ll hear that their concerns weren’t met. This can’t be helped.”
<Time is running short,> Alex warned. <If the Ollassa continue to debate this alliance, then I’ll be forced to take an alternate course. I’ll destroy all the drones but one. Then I’ll supply Vyztram with an avatar, as promised, and I’ll chase the Arcus from this system.>
“Alex, wait while I address the mandators,” Scarlet Mandator said.
Then the mandator requested Killian join a hastily convened meeting of the other mandators. Before they entered the conference room, Scarlet Mandator pointed a stalk at Killian. “Alex,” he said to the SADE.
Thus it was that Alex listened to Scarlet Mandator tell the mandators of their conversation. From the view of Killian’s sensors. Alex watched agitated stalks, backward curled petals, and closed fronds.
Scarlet Mandator didn’t let the mandators interrupt with questions. The mandator finished and then said, “You display your distrust of this future for our race. I sympathize with your feelings. However, one has been chosen to lead the Ollassa along this new path, and the Life Givers have appointed me to be that individual.”
The mandators beamed their indignation, as Scarlet Mandator left the room.
Killian followed Scarlet Mandator, and he continued to send Alex his view.
Alex intently studied Scarlet Mandator’s body language. Stalks were extended. The bloom was high, and the fronds were wide apart. He was satisfied. The Ollassa, who wore the crescents, was firmly in control of the future of the Ollassa. A major piec
e of the intricate puzzle that involved the Elvians had fallen into place.
21: Time to Decide
Alex chose to speak to Vyztram through Julien. <Vyztram,> he sent, <we’ve much to discuss.>
<I’m listening,> Vyztram replied.
<If we can negotiate an agreement, the Ollassa are willing to form an alliance with the Elvians,> Alex sent. <Ollassa call their planet the World of Light, and they’ll allow the Elvians to settle there. However, there might be a problem.>
Julien shared details of the planet’s air mixture with Vyztram.
<What will be the Elvians’ physiological reactions to these conditions?> Alex inquired.
<It would be dangerous for them,> the AI replied.
<Would they become conditioned to the elevated oxygen levels during their lifetimes?> Alex sent.
<Negative, Alex,> Vyztram replied. <For the forthcoming occupants, the levels can be slowly increased over time, but it will take generations to adapt to the planet’s environment.>
<Next question,> Alex sent. <Do you have the wherewithal to build domes?>
<Yes. Bays were reserved to contain the materials and equipment to construct domes, when we made planetfall,> Vyztram replied.
<I presume these domes came equipped with power generators,> Alex ventured.
Vyztram paused to check the bays’ inventories. Then the AI said, <There are none. One moment, Alex.>
The AI decompressed files related to a habitable planetary landing, searching for aspects of power generation. The answer was unexpected.
<Alex, the instructions for establishment of a foothold require the Elvians to construct more traditional energy sources or use the drone’s power plants.>
<The Ollassa won’t abide with generators that pollute the atmosphere,> Alex sent.
<Vyztram, how many drone power cells will be required to drive enough domes to house the population?> Julien asked.
<One drone per dome, Julien,> Vyztram replied. <We’ve material to build seven domes, but I’ve determined that only five will be needed if we build on an atmospheric planet.>
<Then you should keep seven drones,> Alex sent. <Let’s discuss protecting the system.>
<Against whom?> Vyztram inquired.
<There have only been two attacks on Ollassa ships during the past decades of annuals, and the Elvians have been one,> Julien replied.
<For protection, I’d prefer to keep the entire drone fleet,> the AI said.
<That’s something that the Ollassa won’t accept,> Alex replied. <I’ve convinced the leader that a few of them would be valuable.>
<Then I’d like to station drones on six elliptical sections and one each above and below the home world,> Vyztram replied.
<Adding our drone, that totals sixteen,> Alex mused. <That’s going to be a significant number to hide.>
<From whom?> the AI queried.
Julien’s emotional algorithms bubbled up. Vyztram demonstrated a paucity of understanding of how subterfuge can accomplish critical goals. That wasn’t a declaration against the AI, but it did point out the extensive experience Julien had with Alex and the Omnians.
<Vyztram, think about what I’ve said concerning the drones,> Alex instructed.
Time to learn, Vyztram, Julien thought.
The AI ran scenarios that incorporated the supplied data points. <Alex, a piece of information is missing,> Vyztram sent. <If only sixteen drones are to be reserved, then the destruction of one hundred and seven drones will be required. I’m restricted from taking any action that would cause the drones to be intentionally harmed. That leaves only one possible means of eliminating the drones. Your fleet will be required to do so, but I can’t conceive you’d desire to engage in battle.>
<It will appear that way,> Alex sent, and again, he waited for the AI to develop a better understanding of the required machinations.
Vyztram ran more scenarios. Alex’s directions necessitated developing layers of planning that didn’t intimate an obvious end point. Rather than focus on the data elements, Vyztram approached the problem as if the future were mastered. It was a pleasant experience, and Vyztram took a tick of time to savor it.
From outside the problem, Vyztram envisioned the challenge to eliminate the vast majority of the drones without endangering the Omnians, preserve sixteen drones, and do this within the constraints of directive control. Then Vyztram discovered the missing piece. To strike a balance with Ollassa desires and Elvian needs, an obstacle had to be removed. The obstacle was the Deloy.
Vyztram considered the Deloy’s role. She held sway over the Elvian population. Her dictates had to be followed. At this time, Vyztram had convinced the Deloy that launching a drone would invite destruction of the Arcus. To eliminate the drones, they must be launched. That required the Omnians first remove their fighters. That would present the opportunity the Deloy eagerly awaited, and she would issue an order that must be followed.
<I understand the elements of your plan, Alex,> Vyztram sent. <I must also accept that you harbor a means of eliminating the drones that doesn’t endanger your fleet and is unknown to me. I consider it better that I don’t know what this entails.>
Vyztram waited for a response. When it didn’t come, the AI assumed that the evaluation was correct. Suddenly, the AI’s caution in dealing with the Omnians seemed to approach a level of fortune that wouldn’t normally enter calculations. It was the second time within ticks of time that Vyztram paused to consider an enlightening moment.
Alex and Julien recognized that the AI’s cognition had dramatically improved. This was what they needed.
<We’ll discuss that,> Alex sent. <But first let’s consider how you’ll preserve sixteen drones.>
<An easy task, Alex,> Vyztram replied. <The Deloy will insist on the launch of every drone. She’ll order the Freedom be turned into space dust even if it costs some drones. I’ll tell her that I must ensure that the Omnians don’t seek revenge for the loss of their major ship by attacking our harvesting operations. The sixteen drones will be deployed around those asteroids.>
<A simple explanation is best,> Julien approved.
<Will I need to give the drones any specific directions after their launch?> Vyztram asked.
Alex considered the request, and he chose not to provide details. Instead, he sent, <Do your best to destroy my ship, Vyztram.>
Before Julien ended the call, he sent, <We’ll speak afterward.>
Julien’s comment gave the AI a reason to believe that the Omnians didn’t represent a hidden danger that logic argued to consider. A memory of Alex was recalled, and Vyztram embraced it, playing it several times. The Omnian leader had said, “Watch what we do, not what we say.”
* * * * *
Tatia received Alex’s affirmation that Scarlet Mandator and Vyztram had tentatively accepted the plan. The negotiations with those two individuals were close to conclusion, and the next step was in her hands.
With Cordelia’s and the other admirals’ help, Tatia designed a strategy to draw the drones away from the system. The fleet’s present position was identified, as was its intended sailing trajectory.
Tatia warned Alex that there would be a small time lag before the fleet was underway. The travelers surrounding the Arcus had been slowly consuming their energy banks. Although the massive ship provided a trickle of gravity for the shells, it didn’t make up for the travelers’ energy consumption.
Franz suggested an idea to emphasize the straggler concept that Alex wanted for the Freedom. “Let’s send the Tridents toward the Arcus to pick up the travelers,” he said. “In the meantime, the Freedom and the freighters could sail on the original vector. After the Tridents recover their travelers, they can accelerate, intersect the Freedom, and sail past it.”
For several practical reasons, Franz’s suggestion wasn’t accepted. Then there was the unarguable reason. Alex had vetoed the idea. He didn’t want to panic Vyztram into thinki
ng the Omnians were attacking the Arcus.
Staying with the original concept, the travelers would abandon their station around the Arcus and make for the fleet. Then the Freedom, the freighters, and the Tridents would sail for the dark. With the Tridents’ faster acceleration, they would leave the city-ship and support ships behind, making the Freedom a clear target.
Cordelia bundled the plan’s outline, Tatia’s message, and the data. Then, via focused antenna, she sent it outward toward the Our People.
<Message from Tatia,> Hector sent to Ellie. <We meet in the owner’s suite.>
Lydia, a SADE and Hector’s assistant, had thé prepared for the admirals, when they arrived. It was late, and she knew humans would have been seeking their beds.
Fleet Admiral Ellie Thompson, in the company of Rear Admirals Adrianna Plummer and Alphons Jagielski, settled into comfortable seating and enjoyed sips of thé, while they listened to Tatia’s message.
Hector used the holo-vid in the central table to project the elements of the plan — the Arcus, the travelers surrounding it, Alex’s fleet, and the mining operations.
“I can’t say which problem our fleets faced was worse,” Adrianna commented, when Tatia’s message finished.
“Alex’s headache,” Ellie replied, without hesitation. “First contacts are always tricky. Then add an immobile AI under the control of a petulant child.”
Ellie turned her head to regard Hector, who had suffered emotional torture under a Méridien House Leader. The SADE’s face didn’t betray the thoughts running through his kernel.
“I hope the admiral is right that the AI will delay the drone launch long enough for the Tridents to collect the travelers,” Alphons said. “Otherwise, the drones will catch our ships boarding the Tridents.”
“Let’s not second-guess Alex’s plan,” Ellie remarked. “Our job is to prevent the drone fleet from reaching the Freedom. Focus on that.”
For the next hour, the humans and the SADEs designed various strategies to intercept the drones with Tridents, which would carry an NNEMP.